Update on Gas Station/Convenience Store on Panola near Young Road 

There was an unexpected development at the Planning Commission hearing on March 4 when the gas station/convenience store came up for review.  The developer said he no longer wants to put a gas station at 1762 Panola Road, across from Berean Christian Church.  Instead, he wants to put in a strip mall with businesses as yet undetermined. What are the types of business you would like to see? Take the survey and let us know.

His application cannot be amended once the process has begun.  He will have to submit a new application. The Planning Commission had to vote on what was before them, and they unanimously recommended denial. 

Several people in the community attended the call and spoke out. I thanked the developer for the withdrawal of the gas station and added that we needed to see the new proposal and have hearings on it.  Others spoke up, too, including Laura Ellis, Lois Dunlap, Phyllis Frierson, and Barbara McClendon.

The Board of Commissioners votes on the case Thursday, March 25, 5:30 p.m.  You may give your opinion at the meeting. 

Zoom   https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/94883110323

Or dial: 602 333 0032

Conference code: 217687

If you want to review the application, go to https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/planning-and-sustainability/public-hearing-agendas-info    and click on N15, N16, and N17.

The issue of allowing a renter to run a transitional home for teenaged boys was deferred to the Board of Commissioners.  The home is at 4552 Dorset Circle, Decatur, just off of Hairston Road, one mile from Wesley Chapel. According to the GA Department of Community Health, there are 13 “personal care-type” homes within one mile of this address. This issue will also be considered March 25 by the Board of Commissioners.

If you want to review the application, it is https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/planning-and-sustainability/public-hearing-agendas-info  and click on N19.

Calling All Friends of Hairston Park

We look forward to seeing you on March 27th, 10 – noon!

This is our first workday of the year with additional safety protocols. Please be mindful of the following:

• All volunteers must sign in
• Liability waiver required
• Masks MUST be worn at ALL times
• Working spaces will be marked 6-12 feet to ensure social distancing
• To reduce waste, bring your own refillable water bottle. (As an exception this year, we will have some extra water bottles on hand).
• Bring sunscreen and/or bug spray. Long sleeves and denim pants are recommended.
• If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to anyone with COVID-19, please stay at home! There will be other opportunities.

Yellow Rose Award Given to Gwendolyn Stegall

The State of Georgia recognized Gwendolyn Stegall, the president of Friends of Hairston Park, for her service to the community. On March 8, 2021, Gwen received the Yellow Rose Nikki T. Randall Servant Leadership Award. 

She was nominated by District 87 State Representative Viola Davis.  “Gwendolyn Stegall has a long history of serving our community with dedication, diligence and a heartfelt commitment,” said Rep. Davis. “I commend Gwendolyn for working extremely hard for many years to renovate the Hairston Park in DeKalb County and her efforts to acquire a $50,000 park grant from Park Pride. I also commend her for envisioning neighborhoods in this area coming together as a community to promote beautification, encourage commercial growth and cultivate business relationships.”

Gwen serves on the GHHCDC as treasurer and is president of the Carriage Cluster Neighborhood Association.  She and her husband Jonathan have lived in their home for 29 years, raising three children and doting on the grandchildren.

The Yellow Rose award was created in honor of former State Representative Nikki T. Randall, the first African American female elected to the Georgia General Assembly. Former Rep. Randall served as chair of the Georgia Legislative Women’s Caucus, and every year during Women’s History Month, this caucus recognizes outstanding women in Georgia who exemplify the leadership and inspiration embodied by former Rep. Randall.

We are all so proud of Gwendolyn Stegall and thrilled that she received recognition for her tireless efforts on behalf of the community. 

Please join us for the next GHHCDC meeting, 10-11 a.m. March 20. 

We will discuss the proposed developments on the closed golf course, business developments in the area, and other initiatives.

Click the Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86981684060

Meeting ID: 869 8168 4060

1-646-558-8656

Stay involved and stay safe!

Jan Costello
President, GHHCDC