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.
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.
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
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 Stores
22
Gas Stations and Convenience Stores
63
Grocery Stores
44
Total
129
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
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!
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 radius
two-mile radius
four-mile radius
Liquor Stores
5
8
20
Gas Stations and Convenience Stores
7
15
20
Grocery Stores
3
5
7
Total
15
28
47
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.govAnd 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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’re Invited to Celebrate This Saturday, 11 a.m.
A New Playground for the Community!
We are thrilled with the newly upgraded playground at Biffle Park! Thanks to a generous $50,000 grant from Park Pride, this space includes exciting new features:
Shade-covered swings (including ADA-compliant)
Safe artificial turf
Puppet theater, lemonade stand, musical instruments, and interactive panels
The playground upgrades are made possible by Park Pride, with generous support from The Home Depot Foundation. SPLOST I provided the rest of the funding.
We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you!
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 11:00 a.m. Biffle Park 5221 Biffle Road Stone Mountain, GA 30088
Return at Sundown Free Movie Night
We’ll be showing Wicked in Biffle Park at sundown. Bring your picnics, chairs, and blankets. We’ll have popcorn and treats. Brought to you by the Hidden Hills Civic Association. All are welcome!
Sprucing Up Hairston Park
It’s almost time for our annual friends of Hairston Park Fall cleanup, and we would love your helping hands.
Be on the lookout for the official November date, but plan to join us for a couple of hours for a morning of mulching, garden care and preparing the park for the winter season. It’s a great way to connect with nature, meet new people, get outdoors and show your community Park some love!
Hairston Park is located at 889 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain.
What Do You Think About Data Centers in DeKalb?
There’s a moratorium on new data centers in DeKalb County through Dec. 2025. The County is working on zoning regulations to mitigate the impact of this type of business. CEO Cochran Johnson held a forum (standing room only) Oct. 15 to present the case for data centers, along with Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson (District 5) and Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton (Super District 7).
Data centers could have a huge impact on the county – in terms of both tax revenue and quality of life for residents. Inform yourself about this proposal. You can watch the full recording and presentation here: dekalbcountyga.gov/chief-executive-officer/data-center-town-hall
You can read the proposed legislation AND provide comments at this website.
Scroll down to Data Center Tax Amendment.
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.
We’d love for you to be part of our annual 5K Run/Walk/Bike Race this Saturday, June 14th at 8:30 AM!
Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or just looking for a fun way to enjoy the morning with friends and family, this 3.1-mile event is for everyone. Bring your energy, bring your bike, bring your kids—and let’s make it a great day together.
Official race timing is available for those working toward personal goals or qualifying for other races.
Come out, connect with the community, and help keep this local tradition going strong—we can’t wait to cheer you on!
Meet at Biffle Park, 5221 Biffle Road, Stone Mountain.
Or register on the day of the race at the park: $30.00 the day of the race
Save the Date: Great American Campout & Environmental Career Day
June 28, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Hairston Park, 889 S. Hairston Road A Day of Fun and Adventure: Get ready for a fun-filled day of camping tips and career opportunities in environmental and green occupations. There will be games, crafts, guest speakers, trail walks, birding, food, and more! This exciting event is perfect for families and friends of all ages.
Closed Golf Course Development Starts SLUP Process June 9
McKinley Homes is asking for a special land use permit to include senior housing in its development of 230 residences on 54 acres in the center of the closed Hidden Hills golf course. This level of density is allowed under the Hidden Hills Overlay as long as the rest of the golf course (130 acres of fairways) remain as greenspace. The company must receive approval for a special land use permit to include senior housing on the site.
In this Planning Review cycle, the short-term rental regulations will come up again. These are the new rules affecting AirBnB and other type rentals. There are several requests to allow personal care homes and childcare facilities in District 5. In District 4, there is a request to allow an alcohol outlet at 1101 N. Hairston Road (just south of Central). The District 4 Community Council hears the case on June 17, 5:30 p.m., on Zoom.
Save the Date for the Great American Campout and Environmental Career Day
June 28 10 am – 2 pm Hairston Park 889 S. Hairston, Stone Mountain
There will be fishing, birdwatching, trail walks, camping tips and many hands-on activities. Join the Fun! Tell your friends! Join us for a fun day of exploring basic camping skills & green careers! Volunteers needed for setup, activity support & breakdown. Enjoy nature & give back! If you can help, please sign up at this link: https://x.gldn.io/e/4KmKOEhnITb
Envisioning the Future and Changing Codes to Make it Real
We continue to make progress on the vision for development in the Greater Hidden Hills area. The impetus is to create more desirable development in our community by changing parts of the overlay code. The Planning Department is reviewing recommendations and hopes to present them to the public by July. We’ll keep you posted.
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. 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. https://greaterhiddenhillscdc.org/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
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.
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!
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.
Thank you to those who have contributed to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC.
The playground upgrades are made possible by Park Pride, with generous support from The Home Depot Foundation. SPLOST I provided the rest of the funding.
We’ll be showing Wicked in Biffle Park at sundown. Bring your picnics, chairs, and blankets. We’ll have popcorn and treats. Brought to you by the Hidden Hills Civic Association. All are welcome!
Data centers could have a huge impact on the county – in terms of both tax revenue and quality of life for residents. Inform yourself about this proposal. You can watch the full recording and presentation here: 
Greater Hidden Hills 