More than 100 residents carried placards and marched on April 30, calling on businesses in the area to step up their game. What is a better business? That’s simple: it’s a business that
- ensures a safe, clean, welcoming environment for shoppers.
- provides goods and services that we want (so we don’t have to spend our money outside the community).
- hires our residents.
- invests in our community with sponsorships and goodwill activities.
The Rockbridge Coalition, the NAACP, and Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson co-sponsored the event. House District 87 Representative Viola Davis attended. The event was covered by several news organizations. Hidden Hills and other neighborhoods were active participants. Stay tuned. There will be more developments as the organizers move from protest to demands that businesses pledge themselves to better operation.
Thanks to James Johnson and Tanniel Robertson for the great photos. Many more can be seen at
https://www.jpsphotographs.com/Hidden-Hills/Stop-the-madness-rally/
No Slaughterhouses in Our Backyard
Sounds like a repeat headline? That’s because it is. For 38 months, we’ve been trying to get DeKalb County to enforce its cease-and-desist order against Bradford Homes and Gardens, a business operating out of the residence at 1676 Rice Road, just down the street from Redan Elementary school. The County is waiting for the courts to act. There are cases before State Court and Superior Court. There have been numerous delays and appeals (see the County’s synopsis below*).
Is it truly the case that nothing else can be done? Since Bradford has been in operation, 6,351 cows, pigs, goats, and sheep have been slaughtered in his backyard, the meat sold, and the leftovers going where? His septic system? The ground? What is the environmental impact? What are the health hazards? Most of that slaughtering happened AFTER he was given the order to stop.
If you’re tired of your government standing by while our laws are ignored, then you should speak up. APEX Advocacy makes it easy. Christopher Eubanks has all the information you need to write targeted emails to the elected officials who can and should make a difference. He has organized protests, passed out hundreds of fliers, and recruited hundreds of people to write the County.
Please visit the following site to take action
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-dekalb-county-to-take-immediate-action-to-shutdown-unauthorized-slaughterhouse?source=direct_link&
*Synopsis provided by the CEO’s office May 11:
The Office of the Solicitor General is handling the criminal citations issued by the DeKalb County Code Compliance Administration concerning Bradford’s Livestock. The defendant, Rudolph Bradford, was arraigned in State Court on Sept. 27, 2021. The defendant has requested a jury trial, which has yet to be scheduled by the court.
Additionally, Mr. Bradford filed a lawsuit in January 2020 against DeKalb County, seven district Commissioners, and two code compliance officers. The county filed a motion to dismiss on June 23, 2020, which, after delays due to COVID-19, was granted on December 1, 2021, by the Superior Court. Mr. Bradford appealed to the Supreme Court of Georgia seeking a discretionary review. However, the Supreme Court determined that it did not have proper jurisdiction and transferred the appeal to the Georgia Court of Appeals on January 27, 2022. On March 4, 2022, the Court of Appeals denied Mr. Bradford’s application for appeal. Mr. Bradford asked the Court of Appeals to reconsider his appeal and the Court of Appeals denied his request on May 5, 2022. Mr. Rudolph may now pursue an appeal of the Court of Appeals’ ruling to the Supreme Court of Georgia. If he does not appeal or if that further attempted appeal is denied, the case will be sent back to the trial court for action on the County defendants’ counterclaims.
As you can see from this summary, the county is working diligently through the legal process to address the quality-of-life concerns regarding Bradford’s Livestock.
We appreciate your patience.
Enjoy a Morning in the Park
On May 21, 9 a.m., we ask all volunteers to come to Hairston Park and help prepare the grounds for the Serenity Gardens. There are a variety of jobs, and everyone’s efforts will make a difference. Bring your work gloves and water. We recommend that you wear pants and long sleeves. We hope you will take part. This area will soon showcase native plants and offer awesome, tranquil spaces.
Address: 889 S. Hairston Road. Stone Mountain
Share Your Thoughts on DeKalb’s Future
There are two meeting left to talk about your expectations for land use and transportation in DeKalb County. The County would like your input. You may join the conversation on Thursday May 12, 6:00 – 7:30 pm or Saturday, May 14, 11:00-12:30 p.m.
To get the link for the meeting and more information, go to www.dekalb2050unifiedplan.com/
The next GHHCDC meeting is May 14, 10 a.m., and we’re meeting in person! Please wear a mask.
Join us at Mainstreet Community Center, 5001 Mainstreet Park, Stone Mountain, 30088. You can listen by Zoom at the following link.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87819930081?pwd=S2NXaWhBWkdQd080V0R5NFFTVTBwdz09
Phone: 1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 878 1993 0081
Passcode: 767205
We always appreciate your support.
Membership is $20 for individuals and $100 for neighborhood associations and businesses.
or go directly to PayPal:
Thank you for reading. We encourage you to do what you can today to make improvements in our community.
Jan Costello
President
Greater Hidden Hills 