Planning Commission Recommends Wendy’s on Redan Road

Wendy’s lease for the restaurant on S. Hairston Road is about to expire. It wants to move to the empty lot in front of Brusters on Redan Road and build its own restaurant to better meet the needs of its patrons. It needed special permission to add a drive-through. It will still have indoor seating, and it will add streetscape improvements.

The request was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission with 12 conditions.   To see the case, click on this link and scroll down to Planning Commission/N2-2024-0891.

It was supposed to be reviewed by the Board of Commission Sept. 26, but Hurricane Helene caused the meeting to be cancelled. At this time, it has not been rescheduled. Click here for the latest news on the new date.

A Clearer Look: PathLink Update

DeKalb County is investing in new signs and safety improvements to help people just north of Memorial Drive make better use of the Stone Mountain Trail. On Oct. 2, 6 p.m., the County will hold a virtual meeting to provide updates and to take feedback and questions. If you would like to attend, please register for the webinar at https://tinyurl.com/pathlink2

This is the first Wayfinding project for trails. It will serve as the baseline for improving signage for other DeKalb trails.

You can learn more about this project at the Engage DeKalb page here.  The recording of the meeting will also be posted shortly following the meeting.

If you have questions or comments about the project, please contact Tricia Prevost, AICP, tcprevost@dekalbcountyga.gov

Let’s Come together and enhance Biffle Park!

This 10-acre park is located between Hidden Hills and Kelley’s Place, and it is a jewel of the greater community.  With your support, Friends of Biffle Park will add mileage markers, rejuvenate three large planters with vibrant paint and colorful plants, and protect the beauty of our native flora. Will you give $5 to $10 so that we can purchase supplies?

Your contribution isn’t just a donation—it’s an investment in a greener, more inviting Biffle Park for everyone to enjoy! Please donate by clicking this link. 

Did you know:

• Within a 20-minute walk of the park, there are approximately 8,370 people, with 22% under the age of 19.
• Within a 15-minute drive, the park is accessible to around 230,200 people, with 24% under the age of 19.

If you prefer, you may send a check to Friends’ sponsoring non-profit Greater Hidden Hills CDC
P.O. Box 1811
Stone Mountain, GA 30087
(501c3) Let us know it is for Biffle Park.

Join Us for Fitness & Fun

Saturday, Oct. 12, 8:00 a.m.,at the Biffle Park Gazebo.

This is a great time to meet neighbors while enjoying a light workout. Hope to see you there!

You are Invited to Grow Your Own Food in the Redan Community Garden

It’s time to start your fall vegetable garden, and our neighbors welcome you to join the Redan Community Garden.  It is at 5338 Redan Road, just down the street from Redan High School.  Garden fees are reasonable, $15.00 for fall, and $15.00 for spring, and that gives you plenty of space and water.  See the attached vegetable planting guide for ideas on what to grow now.

You may contact Calvin E. Sims, Sr., 706-572-1425 (cell) or cesims@bellsouth.net for more information.

Coming Soon – Envisioning Greater Hidden Hills

The Planning Department is going to conduct a study of how we would like the Greater Hidden Hills area to develop in coming years. This is the first stage of a re-write of the overlay code which went into effect in 2011.  It was designed to promote better business development and to protect greenspace. The overlay district runs from Covington Hwy to Redan Road, S. Hairston to Panola.  Dozens of neighborhoods within and around this area are affected by the code.

The code promoted mixed-use development in the commercial corridors which sadly has not come to pass. It prohibited certain types of businesses in commercial areas such as liquor stores and gas stations.  It encouraged the development of restaurants, medical and professional offices, banks, educational facilities, child care, fitness centers, retail shops, and many other businesses.  One of the goals of the rewrite is to embed incentives to attract the new businesses.  Some of us who helped work on that code are still around, but there are many new neighbors, and we want to hear from you. Stay tuned for details on the first meeting which is expected to be near the end of October.

Teenagers, Mark Your Calendars – Apply for Trees Atlanta PAID Summer Program

On November 15, applications will be accepted for the Youth Tree Team, a paid summer job training program. Explore green jobs with hands-on experience while working alongside Trees Atlanta staff. Participate in weekly development programs, including building job seeking skills and establishing financial literacy.

This program is open to applicants currently enrolled in high school or matriculating into high school. Must be 14 years of age or older as of May 1 to be eligible.

Please click here for more information. The page also provides information on a 10-week urban forestry career program for young adults ages 18-30. 

Which side of the tree has the most leaves? 
The outside!

Just a Little Fun Before We Dig In!

In December, we’re planting 65 trees in the Hidden Hills area, and we’d love to have your help. Please save Saturday morning, Dec. 7, to spend time with tree friends. With all the development in this part of the County and the loss of trees in front yards, we have lost a significant portion of the tree canopy.  The young trees will grow up and provide shade – cooling the environment – and help clean the air and water.

Please join us and bring your friends!  

Slaughterhouse Saga – National News

I want to share with you an article about the slaughterhouse saga.  Remember how long it took us to get that shut down –4.5 years!

https://sentientmedia.org/community-members-backyard-slaughterhouse/

It’s published by Sentient Media, a  “nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that publishes stories and solutions to explain factory farms and their effect on climate, animals, public health, politics and more.”  They had reached out to Christopher Eubanks, and he provided my name.

Still Waiting to Make Improvements on S. Hairston/Redan

We are still waiting for the contribution from Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson to spruce up the median on S. Hairston across from Kroger. The request has been winding its way through the procurement process since May 21. We’ll keep you posted.

We would like to thank those of you who have contributed to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC this year.

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. 

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