Month: February 2022

February Updates

GHHCDC

Tour of Tiny Houses

There is an effort in DeKalb County to create zoning that allows the development of “cottage housing” communities. These homes are typically on 770-1800 square feet, on small lots, with a public greenspace in the center. It’s a cool concept and would allow more types of housing choices. Did you know that 80% of American households are not traditional nuclear families, yet 72% of the housing units cater to traditional nuclear families? There is a mismatch of need and supply.

The public is invited to see the concept. Clarkston has a community that will be on tour

Feb.  19, 11:30-12:30 p.m.   

1182 Vaughan Street, Clarkston

If you would like to go, please RSVP at this link:

Register on Eventbrite

If you would like to learn more about Cottage Housing, please visit https://www.microlifeinstitute.org/

Note: No parking will be available on site.
Free parking throughout Clarkston:

  1. Vaughan St, between Montreal Rd and Market St
  2. Market St, between E Ponce de Leon Ave and N Indian Creek Dr
  3. E Ponce de Leon Ave, between Hill St and Market St
  4. Clarkston Woman’s Club, 3913 Church St
  5. Clarkston United Methodist Church, 1019 Rogers St (Rogers St entrance only, just west of Market St.)

Short walk to the Cottages on Vaughan at 1182 Vaughan St, Clarkston, GA 30021

State Shenanigans

State Senator Emanuel Jones is busy trying to remove the two super districts in DeKalb County.  This means that each resident would have half as much representation. The plan cannot go through without a public referendum, as State Representative Viola Davis pointed out and had lawyers confirm.

You may read more at:

https://www.ajc.com/neighborhoods/dekalb/contentious-dekalb-redistricting-proposal-would-require-a-referendum/UVOP6GS63RHTPPZJ6CUZXYFJ3Q/?fbclid=IwAR2Mn6XiIb0MJo2L8SCc0ar4_48DWYvCaVkRLhofTm9YMXjO0niSpTP5IYw

If you would like to express your views on this matter, please write to our state delegation.

DeKalb Delegation Members:

More Slaughterhouses?

On another matter, some state representatives are trying to take away zoning rights of property owners who live near farms and agricultural operations.  We appreciate Rep. Viola Davis for pointing out this proposed power grab.  Zoning decisions belong at the local level.  Look how hard we are fighting to close a slaughterhouse in a residential neighborhood near Redan Elementary School (close to 4,000 animals slaughtered there since the County ordered it to cease and desist.  We are completely appalled by the lack of County enforcement protocol, and we continue asking for action.

Here is the link to a news story about the proposed bill that could led to more slaughterhouses.

https://www.ajc.com/politics/georgia-farm-legislative-bill-takes-aim-at-property-rights-disputes/3GJRRIHIZNCIXJ26NQNTYKL2B4/

You may speak out against the slaughterhouse and the lack of action at the DeKalb County Animal Services Citizens Advisory Board meeting Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m.  Public comments usually begin about 7:15.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81123099875?fbclid=IwAR0fg4mG7bPM-5dvuu1hpjynT5w4VnbTJMcnLitOIi9ZwROakRAn1e1awN0#success

Rezoning Request for New Restaurant/Club

Adian Prince announced plans to build the Rockstone Café at 1726 Panola Road (across from Berean Church). It sounds appealing, but we want any zoning change to include conditions that will make the site conform to the Hidden Hills Overlay standards. Once the zoning is changed from residential to commercial, anything could happen. The conditions are critical.

We’ve reached out to Mr. Prince, but we have not heard back.  We shared our concerns at the District Five Community Council meeting on Feb. 7. 

Next up—the Planning Commission hears the case.  You may join us in expressing your concerns. 

March 3, 5:30 p.m.

https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/94261560575#success

The item is fourth on the agenda.

The effort to make the Great Hidden Hills community attractive to high-quality businesses continues. 

We met with the new property manager at Crowe’s Plaza, and they cleaned up the parking lot after we showed them pictures of the trash that had piled up during their first two weeks of management.  We hope to meet with other shopping center managers soon. We continue to make streetscape improvements.

We would appreciate your continued support. Membership is $20 for individuals and $100 for neighborhood associations and businesses.  Click the Donate Here button at the top of the screen.

The next GHHCDC meeting is Feb. 26, 10 a.m.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88497600782?pwd=SzNWTFBaSGY0cjMwOFRsYW11QVdVUT09

Meeting ID: 884 9760 0782

Passcode: 922956

312-626-6799