Our next GHHCDC meeting is Sept. 16, 10 a.m. on Zoom.

You are welcome to join us. We’ll be talking about business developments in the area and other community business.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9743140681?pwd=bXd0MEJWRGw0OEs2ZVAvMjB2TXpGQT09

Meeting ID: 974 314 0681

Passcode: 8SsoK0

Phone: 1-929-436-2866

Productive Meeting with Young Road/Covington Hwy Developer

More than 40 people joined the Zoom call to offer suggestions to the developer of the proposed shopping center/convenience store at the corner of Young Road and Covington Hwy.  (5646 Covington Hwy.)  The community had grave concerns about the increase in traffic and the type of businesses that would be in the center.  The developer explained that a DeKalb County traffic study would be conducted and shared with the public.  As for types of businesses, the developer said they planned an upscale convenience store, similar to Savi Provisions in Decatur, but no contract has been signed.

The community asked that the development not sell alcohol in the convenience store, and that it consider businesses that we don’t have in the area such as a vegan restaurant, coffee shop/bakery, and ethnic restaurants that are not already in the neighborhood.

The representative said that they would consider conditions on the zoning. The discussion continues. The matter will not come up again in public hearings until December.  We’ll keep you posted.

The DeKalb County Charter Review Commission Invites You Sept. 14

The Commission is considering if changes should be made to DeKalb County’s Organization Act. The 17-member citizen body is considering issues such as compensation for the chief executive officer and board of commissioners, the powers and duties of the commission, and county audits. In particular, at this meeting, they would like to hear your thoughts on the following:

1. DeKalb County has a CEO (Executive branch) and a Board of Commissioners (Legislative branch) form of government. Do you have thoughts on this structure of County Government?
2. With the growth in population, do we need additional commissioners? Do you like having two commissioners with the Super District and Single District commissioners?
3. Do you think more funding should be provided to an enhanced or new neighborhood-based citizen participation structure, supported with county resources? Do you believe this would help citizens communicate more directly with County departments and provide a better way to have added input in our county government decisions?
4. Do you have any thoughts or input on the roles or duties of the CEO or County Commissioners that could be changed in the Charter to make them more effective?
5. The County budget is approximately $1.7 Billion. Do you have any thoughts or suggestions on the Budget process to ensure public input and to ensure the most important Budget priorities are addressed?
6. Do you feel that County Government responded adequately to the recent pandemic and issues that arose from that health crisis?
7. Do you have any input concerning citizen boards which are established by the Commission or in the Charter? How they are appointed, managed, and supported by County government?

Remarks are welcomed from citizens who are residents of DeKalb County. Each speaker will have three minutes to speak and written remarks are also welcomed.

The meeting will be held at the Lou Walker Senior Center located at 2538 Panola Road, Stonecrest, GA 30058. Free parking is available at the site. The hearing will also be livestreamed and can be viewed at this link: https://video.ibm.com/channel/dctvchannel-23

For more information on the Commission’s work and members, click here.

Advocate for More Trails on Sept. 18

DeKalb County is developing a network of multi-use trails for both pedestrians and bicyclists. Existing trails include the Stone Mountain Trail, Arabia Mountain Trail, South River Trail, and South Fork Peachtree Creek Trail. Give your opinion about where trails are needed at the next DeKalb Trails Master Plan Meeting, Sept. 18, 6 – 8 p.m.  Redan Recreation Center, 1839 Phillips Rd, Lithonia, GA 30058

Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson spearheaded the initiative to update the trail master plan. She stated, “Trails and greenspaces are an integral part of DeKalb’s future. They are of the utmost importance for enhancing the quality of life for DeKalb County citizens by improving health, promoting clean air, protecting the environment, providing an alternative transportation system, stimulating economic development and creating a renewed sense of community. It is time we have a firm plan and commitment through dedicated, set-aside funds to complete our trails.”

Free and Safe Disposal of Hazardous Waste

DeKalb citizens may take advantage of the opportunity to get rid of hazardous waste on Oct. 21, 8 a.m. to noon.  3720 Leroy Scott Dr., Decatur, Ga 30032.

Please click here for the flyer on what will be accepted, or contact the Sanitation Division at 404 294-2900.

We always appreciate your support.

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

You can make a difference!

or donate directly through PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=RC6HZUCJTGPVY

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