Speak Up For Better Development

GHHCDC

Our community faces another challenge to our vision of economic diversity and prosperity. We have many liquor stores, beauty shops, dollar stores, and auto-related businesses. A developer wants to put in a liquor store in the closed Walgreens at Covington and Hairston, 5395 Covington Highway, Stone Mountain, Ga., and needs a Special Land Use Permit. We deserve a diversity of businesses that cater to a wider array of interests and necessities. Please note the following important dates:

  • June 6, 3 – 6 pm. United Neighbors for a Strong Community is staging its second protest. Meet on the public sidewalks of all 4 corners of Hairston/Covington Hwy.  For more information, contact John McMillion at mcmillionj2@outlook.com
  • June 8, 6:30 pm, via Zoom – the first public meeting. There are only five minutes for the opposition to speak, but the Council will note how many are in opposition. 
    Zoom link: https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/85393294400 or Telephone Dial: USA 888-270-9936 (US Toll Free) Conference code: 691303

  • July 7, 6 pm, the Planning Commission hears the case. The Zoom link will be provided.

  • July 23, 5:30 pm The Board of Commissioners hears the case, in person, at  178 Sams Street, Decatur.

You can also make your opinion matter in this way:

Sign this petition to say “No” to another liquor store and “Yes” to a more diverse and vibrant future. Together, we can influence the change we want to see.

https://www.change.org/no_more_liquor_stores

Send your comments to plansustain@dekalbcountyga.gov   The Planning Department will forward the emails to the commissioners.

Write to your county commissioners.

Commissioner Mereda Davis-Johnson, District 5, mdjohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov

Commissioner LaDena Bolton, District 7, labolton@dekalbcountyga.gov

There are 22 liquor stores within five miles of this location, shown below.  (Data from ESRI Business Analyst, May 2026)

Click here for a list that names each one, with addresses. 

This isn’t a fight against existing businesses, but a plea for balance. We welcome many types of new businesses. In the spring, the community responded to a Planning Department survey and overwhelmingly asked for more cafes and restaurants (no fast food), high quality grocery stores, a variety of retail options, entertainment venues, and professional services. We encourage developers to consider the demand for higher-end businesses in our area. They could capture the dollars we spend in Decatur, Avondale Estates, Tucker, and north DeKalb.

The Hidden Hills Overlay is Being Updated

We are updating the Hidden Hills overlay to attract mixed-use development along the main commercial corridors as well as bring it up-to-date with County zoning code changes. 

The original code was approved in 2011. It did not bring about the redevelopment and businesses we had hoped for.  Areas like the underused shopping centers at Hairston/Redan are ripe for redevelopment. 

The main change is to allow 80% residential in the mixed-use projects rather than the current 70%. Additional density will be given for including restaurants or cafes, grocery stores, medical offices, retail, and/or more public space (all things the public asked for in the spring survey). 

The amended code goes before the June 8 Community Council meeting, and then onto the Planning Commission on July 7 and Board of Commissioners on July 23.

Hurry and Sign Up: Annual Hidden Hills 5k Walk/Run/or Bike

Fun for all ages!

June 13, 8:30 a.m., at Biffle Park.

5221 Biffle Rd, Stone Mountain, GA
Stone Mountain, GA US 30088

The registration fee is still only $25/adult, children 12 and under are free! Group discounts are available for 3 or more. Click here to register now.   Prices go up in June.

Sponsors, please reach out for partnership info!  Write to:  hhcamail@yahoo.com

June 12, 9 – 10 a.m. Join park lovers from the metro area on a walking tour of Hairston Park

We will show off the recently cleared path from the park to the Senior/Community Center!  We’ll walk through the Serenity Garden, explore other paths, and bring people up-to-date on the lake improvements.

889 S Hairston Road, Stone Mountain

Click here for more info.

June 27, 10 am – 2 pm: for The Great American Campout and Environmental Day.  It’s a day of outdoor fun, learning and adventure.  There will be camping demonstrations, nature activities, birding, wildlife exploration, and environmental exhibits.  It’s free and open to all.  (Click here to download the flyer and share with friends!)

For more info, write to FriendsofHairstonPark@gmail.com

Please volunteer to help set up or tear down. Click here to sign up.    

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGntDebi7uocODgNdQAIhfPhq0iBKmKxCpHAhYUeaO6v7IiA/viewform

Keep up with all planning and zoning projects at Engage DeKalb.  This site has valuable information and links to dig deeper if desired.

Thank you to those who have contributed to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC.

Membership is $25 for individuals and $125 for neighborhood associations and businesses each year. 

Support the effort by clicking here.

Or donate directly through PayPal

Thank you for reading.  Let’s keep working together to leave our community better than we found it!

Written and prepared by Jan Costello.

Comments? Questions? Our email is GHHCDC@gmail.com

Enjoy Our Parks

GHHCDC , ,

Exciting things are happening in our community’s parks, and we invite you to participate in the events.

Annual Hidden Hills 5k Walk/Run/or Bike

Fun for all ages!

June 13, 8:30 a.m., at Biffle Park

5221 Biffle Rd, Stone Mountain, GA
Stone Mountain, GA US 30088

The registration fee is still only $25/adult, children 12 and under are free! Group discounts are available for 3 or more. Click here to register now.   Prices go up in June.

Sponsors, please reach out for partnership info! RSVP Now!

Updates and Events at Hairston Park

A heartfelt thanks to Nicole Jones, Realtor, and to all of Keller Williams Realty for choosing Hairston Park for a large community service project May 14. Volunteers spread mulch, planted flowers, and painted benches.  RED Day, an annual tradition of Renew, Energize, and Donate, is a marvelous example of business supporting community.

Keller Williams Realty Spreads the Love at Hairston Park 

June 12, 9 – 10 a.m. Join park lovers from the metro area on a walking tour of Hairston Park

We will show off the recently cleared path from the park to the Senior/Community Center!  We’ll walk through the Serenity Garden, explore other paths, and bring people up-to-date on the lake improvements.

889 S Hairston Road, Stone Mountain

Click here for more info.

Update:  The lake at Hairston Park is being restored.  The Parks Department is installing a new siphon system and making improvements to the dam and lake. The area will be closed until the work is complete in September/October 2026. 

The water quality of the lake has been poor for years. Parks Department Assistant Director Paige Singer says that these improvements “will enhance water quality, circulation, and overall ecological health. These upgrades are expected to create a more sustainable and supportive environment for fish, turtles, aquatic vegetation, and other wildlife, ultimately improving habitat conditions throughout the park for years to come.”

Ms. Singer notes that there will be an impact on the aquatic life – many species will relocate on their own during the disruption, but it will be temporary.  “Our approach is to avoid disturbing or handling wildlife whenever possible, as direct removal can often create additional stress and harm to the animals.”

The rehabilitation project is designed to significantly improve long-term environmental conditions within the lake. It is the Parks Department’s third large dam rehabilitation project.

The Parks Department intends to put up informational signs soon and to have a community walkthrough at the midpoint of the project.   

Great American Campout and Environmental Day

Mark your calendar for June 27, 10 am – 2 pm.  It’s a day of outdoor fun, learning and adventure.  There will be camping demonstrations, nature activities, birding, wildlife exploration, and environmental exhibits.  It’s free and open to all.

For more info, write to FriendsofHairstonPark@gmail.com

Please volunteer to help set up or tear down. Click here to sign up.    

Focus on Liquor Stores

GHHCDC , , , ,

Our community faces another challenge to our vision of economic diversity and prosperity. We have many liquor stores, beauty shops, dollar stores, and auto-related businesses. Now, a developer wants to put in a liquor store in the closed Walgreens at Covington and Hairston, 5395 Covington Highway, Stone Mountain, Ga. We deserve a diversity of businesses that cater to a wider array of interests and necessities.

There are 22 liquor stores within five miles of this location, shown below.  (Data from ESRI Business Analyst, May 2026)

Click here for a list that names each one, with addresses. 


Studies, such as one by the Georgia State University Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, show that communities with a high density of liquor stores often experience increased crime rates and suffer from lower residential property values.  This is not the vision for our community we aspire to; we want a neighborhood that fosters safety, prosperity, and variety.

This isn’t a fight against existing businesses, but a plea for balance. We welcome many types of new businesses. In the spring, the community responded to a Planning Department survey and overwhelmingly asked for more cafes and restaurants (no fast food), high quality grocery stores, a variety of retail options, entertainment venues, and professional services. We encourage developers to consider the demand for higher-end businesses in our area. They could capture the dollars we spend in Decatur, Avondale Estates, Tucker, and north DeKalb.

The developer needs approval from County officials. Read the Special Land Use Permit application by clicking here.

There are many ways to let elected officials know your opinion.

1.  Sign this petition to say “No” to another liquor store and “Yes” to a more diverse and vibrant future. Together, we can influence the change we want to see.

https://www.change.org/no_more_liquor_stores

2.  Send your comments to the Planning Department, and they will be forwarded to the case manager and Planning Commissioners:   plansustain@dekalbcountyga.gov

It’s also important to let our commissioners know your opinion. Write to:

Commissioner Mereda Davis-Johnson, District 5, mdjohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov

Commissioner LaDena Bolton, District 7, labolton@dekalbcountyga.gov

3. Attend the Protests May 30 and June 6, 3 – 6 pm.

A group called United Neighbors for a Strong Community is organizing the protests. Meet on the public sidewalks of all 4 corners of Hairston/Covington Hwy. 

For more information, contact Dawn Foster at dawfoste90@yahoo.com and John McMillion at mcmillionj2@outlook.com.

4. Attend the public meetings. The District 5 Community Council meeting is June 8, 6:30 pm via Zoom.  The Planning Commission hears the case on Zoom July 7, 6 p.m. Links will be provided closer to the date. The Board of Commissioners  hears it in person July 23, 5:30 pm at 178 Sams Street, Decatur..

Sign the Petition! Say No to Another Liquor Store

GHHCDC

Our community has too many liquor stores, beauty shops, dollar stores, and auto-related businesses. And now, a developer wants to put in a liquor store in the closed Walgreens at Covington and Hairston, 5395 Covington Highway, Stone Mountain, Ga. We deserve a diversity of businesses that cater to a wider array of interests and necessities. This isn’t a fight against existing businesses, but a plea for balance.

Studies, such as one by the Georgia State University Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, show that communities with a high density of liquor stores often experience increased crime rates and suffer from lower residential property values. We already have more than 120 places where you can buy alcohol within a five-mile radius of the Walgreens site. This is not the vision for our community we aspire to; we want a neighborhood that fosters safety, prosperity, and variety.

Please sign this petition, and share the link with your networks.

https://www.change.org/no_more_liquor_stores

We’re not just resisting another liquor store; we are advocating for new and innovative businesses—cafés, high-quality grocery stores, sit-down restaurants, bookstores, family-friendly entertainment venues, and local artisan shops—that can transform our community into a vibrant, safe, and inviting environment.

By opposing yet another liquor store, we are advocating for a future where our neighborhood flourishes through diverse businesses. These businesses can enrich our daily lives and strengthen our community’s sense of identity and belonging.

If you agree that our community deserves better, sign this petition to say “No” to another liquor store and “Yes” to a more diverse and vibrant future. Together, we can influence the change we want to see.

Important Events in Our Community

GHHCDC

Youth Job Fair May 2

To keep our kids engaged and productive, the first ever Mainstreet Community Youth Job Fair will take place on
May 2nd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
5001 Mainstreet Park Dr, Stone Mountain, GA 30088
(the clubhouse)

Summer is the perfect time for young people to build work ethics and learn about responsibility, earning an income, and managing their time. We’ve invited businesses who are looking for seasonal help. If you have summer projects that young people can help with, please contact the Darryl Irvin (404-421-6815) or the Mainstreet office.

Let’s work together to make this summer a win for our young people and our community. See you at the clubhouse.

Say No to Another Liquor Store

The application for a liquor store at the closed Walgreens at Covington and Hairston, 5395 Covington Highway, was filed and will be on the July zoning cycle.  Now is the time to make your voice heard. You may send your comments to the Planning Department, and they will be forwarded to the case manager and Planning Commissioners:   plansustain@dekalbcountyga.gov

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

It’s also important to let our commissioners know how you feel. Send letters to

Commissioner Mereda Davis-Johnson, District 5, mdjohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov

Commissioner LaDena Bolton, District 7, labolton@dekalbcountyga.gov

Make an effort to attend the Public Hearings. Your presence matters. The meetings are:

Community Council: June 8, 2026 @ 6:30 p.m., via Zoom

Planning Commission: July 7, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m., via Zoom

Board of Commissioners: August 13, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m., in-person at 178 Sams Street, Decatur, GA 30030. (Date change from July 23, 2026)

In May, the case itself will be on the county website. Public Hearings Agendas & Minutes | DeKalb County GA 

LIQUOR STORES HURT OUR COMMUNITY

Manny Singh proposes to open a liquor store in the closed Walgreens at Covington Hwy and Hairston Road.  The Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation urges you to join us in opposing this plan.

The developer needs a Special Land Use Permit to open a liquor store, as required by the Hidden Hills Overlay Code.  The community advocated for this requirement along with other codes to improve the diversity of businesses in this area. 

Alcohol is sold in package stores, gasoline stations, and convenience stores. Mr. Singh only counted liquor stores and only counted five within 3.5 miles. We ran the numbers again, using ESRI Business Analyst. There are AT LEAST 129 places to buy alcohol within five miles of the closed Walgreens.  Use this link to see a list of the alcohol outlets.  Note, the report includes some businesses that share an address, but even if you merge the addresses, there are still well over 100 places to buy alcohol in our community.  If you see an error, please write back.

 five-mile radius
Liquor Stores22
Gas Stations and Convenience Stores63
Grocery Stores44
Total129

Our community deserves a DIVERSITY of businesses. We have too many liquor stores, beauty shops, dollar stores, and vehicle-related businesses.

  • DeKalb County commissioned a study in 2016 that found that areas with a high density of liquor stores experienced a 50.5% increase in violent crime. (from GSU Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology).  A surplus of gas stations/convenience stores was associated with a 13.2% increase in violent crime.
  • Adverse Economic Impact:  Areas with high density of liquor stores, gas stations/convenience stores, check-cashing outlets, pawn shops, fast-food restaurants, and auto repair shops was linked to decreased residential property values in surrounding areas.

We welcome many types of new businesses. IN the spring, the community responded to a Planning Department survey and overwhelmingly asked for more cafes and restaurants (no fast food), high quality grocery stores, a variety of retail options, entertainment venues, and professional services. We encourage Mr. Singh and other developers to consider the demand for higher-end businesses in our area. They could capture the dollars we spend in Decatur, Avondale Estates, Tucker, and north DeKalb.

Proposed Data Center Regulations—Public Hearing May 12

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners continues to review data center regulations. You may attend a public hearing 9 a.m., May 12, 178 Sams Street, Decatur.  You may read draft 4 by  clicking here.  

Neighborhood registry

If you represent your neighborhood or know the person who does, please check this link to see if they are on DeKalb County’s Neighborhood Registry List.  This list is used to notify neighborhoods of important zoning issues that affect them directly.  Send corrections to

Nicole Marchant
nvmarchant@dekalbcountyga.gov
Copy plansustain@dekalbcountyga.gov  

Great American Campout and Environmental Day

June 27, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Hairston Park, 889 S. Hairston Road
A Day of Fun and Adventure

Get ready for a day of outdoor fun and learning for the entire family. It’s a great day of camping demonstrations, fishing, birding and wildlife exploration, and environmental exhibits. Visit with professionals in environmental and green occupations. Please, tell your friends.  See you there!

Keep up with all planning and zoning projects at Engage DeKalb.  This site has valuable information and links to dig deeper if desired.

Thank you to those who have contributed to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC.

Membership is $25 for individuals and $125 for neighborhood associations and businesses each year. 

Support the effort by clicking here.

Or donate directly through PayPal

Thank you for reading.  Let’s keep working together to leave our community better than we found it!

Written and prepared by Jan Costello.

Comments? Questions? Our email is GHHCDC@gmail.com

Say No to Another Liquor Store

GHHCDC

A developer proposes to open a liquor store in the closed Walgreens at Covington Hwy and Hairston Road.  The Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation urges you to join us in opposing this plan.

The developer needs a Special Land Use Permit to open a liquor store, as required by the Hidden Hills Overlay Code.  The community advocated for this requirement along with other codes to improve the diversity of businesses in this area.  Within four miles of this location, 5395 Covington Highway, there are at least 47 stores where one can buy liquor. We do not need another liquor store

This table provides details of the quantity of liquor stores, based on 2026 Yelp data.

 one-mile radiustwo-mile radiusfour-mile radius
Liquor Stores5820
Gas Stations and Convenience Stores71520
Grocery Stores357
Total152847

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

Please attend the Zoom meeting with the developer on April 2, 6 p.m., to express your concerns. 

You may also send an email to the Planning Department, which will be forwarded to representatives on the Planning Commission.  plansustain@dekalbcountyga.gov   And email District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson,mdjohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov

After that, the SLUP petition review process begins. It goes to Community Council, probably on April 13, 6:30, on Zoom. Then, the Planning Commission will make a recommendation on May 5 (again on Zoom). Finally, the Board of Commissioners votes on May 28 (in-person meeting).  More information will be provided when the agenda is posted.

April 2, 6 pm,  Zoom Details

Topic: Special Land Use Permit for Package/Liquor Store
Time: Apr 2, 2026 06:00 PM  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89972899180?pwd=7bI3pzSOqkAJNlm7a66hg91mgqQCng.1

Meeting ID: 899 7289 9180
Passcode: 265142
— One tap mobile
+1 309 205 3325

Trees Continue to Enhance Hairston Road

Students in Trees Atlanta’s forestry program planted 31 trees between Central Dr.  and East Ponce de Leon Avenue March 11 (near Change Church). The March planting had been delayed due to weather.  We appreciate Trees Atlanta’s workforce development team for planting these trees.   We also want to thank Change Church for allowing the crew to park in their lot during the effort.

This project is a continuation of the effort to beautify our community. We have planted 327 trees since November 2021.  This fall, we’ll plant more!

We’re motivated by knowing that attractive streetscapes attract more investment. In addition, trees provide cooler air and shade, help to clean and capture water, and improve habitat for wildlife and humans.

Deferred: Proposed Data Center Regulation

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners deferred consideration of the data center regulations until May 12.  The latest draft of the zoning regulations regarding data centers is available by clicking here.   

Keep up with all planning and zoning projects at

Engage DeKalb.  This site has valuable information and links to dig deeper if desired.

Thank you to those who have contributed to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC.

Membership is $25 for individuals and $125 for neighborhood associations and businesses each year. 

Support the effort by clicking here.

Or donate directly through PayPal

Thank you for reading.  Let’s keep working together to leave our community better than we found it!

Written and prepared by Jan Costello.

Comments? Questions? Our email is GHHCDC@gmail.com

Too Cold to Plant Trees

GHHCDC

Trees Atlanta has cancelled the tree planting project on Hairston for Jan. 31 because of the Arctic cold front. We appreciate everyone who signed up! On the bright side, students with the Trees Atlanta workforce development program focused on forestry will plant about half the trees on Feb. 11.  The rest of the trees will be put on the fall calendar. We’ll keep you posted. 

Deferred: Proposed Data Center Regulation

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners deferred consideration of the data center regulations until May 12.  The latest draft of the zoning regulations regarding data centers is available by clicking here.   

Keep up with all planning and zoning projects at Engage DeKalb.  This site has valuable information and links to dig deeper if desired.

Thank you to those who have contributed to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC.

Membership is $25 for individuals and $125 for neighborhood associations and businesses each year. 

Support the effort by clicking here.

Or donate directly through PayPal

Thank you for reading.  Let’s keep working together to leave our community better than we found it!

Written and prepared by Jan Costello.

Comments? Questions? Our email is GHHCDC@gmail.com

Action Items for Last Week of January

GHHCDC , , , ,

Jan. 31, 2026, 9am to noon
Join the Tree-Planting Team

Volunteers continue to beautify Hairston Road.  We invite you to join us as we plant dozens of trees along Hairston Road between Central Avenue and E. Ponce. This is part of the streetscape improvement in which Trees Atlanta and our community have planted close to 300 trees.. 

We look forward to our community showing up in force. Bring your friends! It is empowering to do something this simple that has such tremendous benefit. Trees provide cooler air and shade, help to clean and capture water, and improve habitat for wildlife and humans. In addition, attractive streetscapes stimulate investment.  

Trees Atlanta provides the tools. Please bring gloves and water. You may park at Change Church at 1170 N. Hairston. We are meeting shortly before 9 am on Jan. 31.

Please register at this link.  

Keep Up with the Proposed Data Center Regulation

The latest draft of the zoning regulations regarding data centers is available by clicking here.  The next public hearing is being rescheduled due to weather closures.

Jan. 27, 6 p.m., on Zoom
Let’s plan DeKalb’s future, together!

DeKalb County is updating the Zoning Ordinance for the first time in a decade — and the Sign Ordinance for the first time in 20 years!

As change and growth continue in the County, it’s important to revisit our priorities and ensure our ordinances support the needs and desires of the community. This update aims to align the Zoning Ordinance more closely with the 2050 Unified Plan and existing development patterns so that it better reflects the values and priorities of DeKalb’s residents and businesses.

Check out the Zone Dekalb FAQs to review commonly asked questions about the project. You can also download the project fact sheet.

Click here to register for the Virtual Open House Kickoff event (via Zoom) on Tuesday, January 27th at 6:00 – 7:30 pm!

You can also go to this website:learn more and provide your online input.

Keep up with all planning and zoning projects at Engage DeKalb.  This site has valuable information and links to dig deeper if desired.


Thank you to those who have contributed to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC.

Your support helps us maintain our 501c3 status as a nonprofit, pay for our website and email notices, and other operational expenses (The PO Box, for example, was $70 eight years ago and now is $188!) We work on behalf of all communities in and adjacent to the Hidden Hills overlay district. We would appreciate your financial donation.  

Membership is $25 for individuals and $125 for neighborhood associations and businesses each year. 

Support the effort by clicking here.

Or donate directly through PayPal

Thank you for reading.  Let’s keep working together to leave our community better than we found it!

Written and prepared by Jan Costello.

Comments? Questions? Our email is GHHCDC@gmail.com

Your Participation Will Make a Difference

GHHCDC , , , ,

May your new year be off to a great start. This month, we would like to tell you about several community events that directly impact our area.

Jan. 20, 6-8 pm.
Last Chance to Give Your Input on improving the Redan area

The Planning Department asks you to attend the last public meeting for the Redan area and provide input. Community feedback guides the planning efforts and future improvements.

The meeting is IN-PERSON at
Fairfield Baptist Church
6133 Redan Road, Lithonia. 
Jan. 20, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

We hope you can attend! In the meantime, please complete the community survey.

Your voice is only heard when you participate! 

Jan. 27, 6 p.m., on Zoom
Let’s plan DeKalb’s future, together!

DeKalb County is updating the Zoning Ordinance for the first time in a decade — and the Sign Ordinance for the first time in 20 years!

As change and growth continue in the County, it’s important to revisit our priorities and ensure our ordinances support the needs and desires of the community. This update aims to align the Zoning Ordinance more closely with the 2050 Unified Plan and existing development patterns so that it better reflects the values and priorities of DeKalb’s residents and businesses.

Check out the Zone Dekalb FAQs to review commonly asked questions about the project. You can also download the project fact sheet.

Click here to register for the Virtual Open House Kickoff event (via Zoom) on Tuesday, January 27th at 6:00 – 7:30 pm!

You can also go to this website: learn more and provide your online input.

Jan. 31, 2026, 9am to noon
Join the Tree-Planting Team

Volunteers are planting 64 trees along Hairston Road between Rockbridge Road and E. Ponce. This is part of the streetscape improvement in which Trees Atlanta and our community has planted close to 300 trees on Hairston Road. 

We’re motivated by knowing that attractive streetscapes attract more investment. In addition, trees provide cooler air and shade, help to clean and capture water, and improve habitat for wildlife and humans.

Volunteers for the tree-planting projects come from all over the metro area, and we encourage our community to come out in force. Talk to your church members and youth groups.  Bring a group! It is empowering to do something this simple that has such tremendous benefit.

Trees Atlanta provides the tools. Please bring gloves and water. We are meeting shortly before 9 am on Jan. 31 near Change Church at 1170 N. Hairston.
Please register at this link.  

Keep up with all planning and zoning projects at

Engage DeKalb.  This site has valuable information and links to dig deeper if desired.

Thank you to those who have contributed to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC.

Your support helps us maintain our 501c3 status as a nonprofit, pay for our website and email notices, and other operational expenses (The PO Box, for example, was $70 eight years ago and now is $188!) We work on behalf of all communities in and adjacent to the Hidden Hills overlay district. We would appreciate your financial donation.  

Membership is $25 for individuals and $125 for neighborhood associations and businesses each year. 

Support the effort by clicking here.

Or donate directly through PayPal

Thank you for reading.  Let’s keep working together to leave our community better than we found it!

Written and prepared by Jan Costello.

Comments? Questions? Our email is GHHCDC@gmail.com

Ways to Enjoy and Support Your Community

GHHCDC ,

Join the Fun and Enjoy Nature. You are invited to enjoy 3 hours in Hairston Park Saturday, Nov. 15, and help with various beautification projects. The Friends group is clearing trails, removing invasive plants from the Serenity Garden, and cleaning signs and equipment.  It is FUN and a great way to be inspired by people willing to give back to make this community better.

Please click here and let the Friends of Hairston Park know you are coming so that they will have enough tools for all. You only need to bring water and gloves. We suggest wearing durable pants and long sleeves. 

Would you share this invitation with your friends and community groups, please.

Hairston Park is at 889 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain. Parking is available there or next door.

We Celebrated the New Playground

The community came out to thank Park Pride, the Parks Department, and all SPLOST I contributors for the new playground in Biffle Park Oct. 25.  District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson praised Park Pride for its $50,000 grant and Friends of Biffle Park for their work in securing the grant.

(ribbon cutting: Commissioner Davis Johnson, Friends member Jan Costello, and Park Pride President Michael Halicki joined the happy group to cut the ribbon on the new playground. )

The Park Pride $50,000 grant allowed us to make the playground more inclusive –with an ADA-accessible swing, toddler play area, musical instruments and the glorious shade. We thank the Home Depot Foundation for its support of Park Pride,” said Jan Costello, on behalf of the Friends group.  She also thanked the Parks Department for sprucing up the grounds prior to the celebration and for helping with the event. 

And she recognized PlayWorx which worked with the Friends group to design the playground. Special thanks went to Jason Dziczkowski who handled the construction.

A special volunteer was recognized during the celebration. Roederick Vines painted murals on three large planters in the park.  We are so grateful to him for sharing his talents with the community. 

Visit Biffle Park at 5221 Biffle Road, Stone Mountain.

Keep Up with News in the Community

There are several good sources for you to learn about events in the community.  We suggest:

Decaturish – This online news source can be sent directly to your email. Don’t let the name fool you. Its coverage include Stone Mountain, Clarkston, Stonecrest, Tucker and unincorporated DeKalb County.

SDIA – The South DeKalb Coalition offers useful information monthly or as needed. See the most recent newsletter at this link.  You can sign up to have it delivered to your email.

Engage DeKalb  – Keep up with all planning and zoning projects at Engage DeKalb.  This site has valuable information and links to dig deeper if desired.

Don’t forget World Planning Day 2025, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This annual festival is put on by the Planning Department. Location: Rainbow Drive Amphitheatre (3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, GA 30034). There will be lots of exhibitors, food trucks, giveaways, and resources.  It’s free but please reserve your spot by clicking this link.

Thank you to those who have contributed to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC.

Your support helps us maintain our 501c3 status as a nonprofit, pay for our website and email notices, and other operational expenses (The PO Box, for example, was $70 eight years ago and now is $188!) We work on behalf of all communities in and adjacent to the Hidden Hills overlay district. We would appreciate your financial donation.  

Membership is $25 for individuals and $125 for neighborhood associations and businesses each year. 

You can make a difference!

Or donate directly through PayPal

Thank you for reading.  Let’s keep working together to leave our community better than we found it!

Written and prepared by Jan Costello.

Comments? Questions? Our email is GHHCDC@gmail.com