Author: GHHCDC

Too Cold to Plant Trees

GHHCDC

Trees Atlanta has cancelled the tree planting project on Hairston for Jan. 31 because of the Arctic cold front. We appreciate everyone who signed up! On the bright side, students with the Trees Atlanta workforce development program focused on forestry will plant about half the trees on Feb. 11.  The rest of the trees will be put on the fall calendar. We’ll keep you posted. 

Deferred: Proposed Data Center Regulation

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners deferred consideration of the data center regulations until May 12.  The latest draft of the zoning regulations regarding data centers is available by clicking here.   

Keep up with all planning and zoning projects at Engage DeKalb.  This site has valuable information and links to dig deeper if desired.

Thank you to those who have contributed to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC.

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

Support the effort by clicking here.

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

Action Items for Last Week of January

GHHCDC , , , ,

Jan. 31, 2026, 9am to noon
Join the Tree-Planting Team

Volunteers continue to beautify Hairston Road.  We invite you to join us as we plant dozens of trees along Hairston Road between Central Avenue and E. Ponce. This is part of the streetscape improvement in which Trees Atlanta and our community have planted close to 300 trees.. 

We look forward to our community showing up in force. Bring your friends! It is empowering to do something this simple that has such tremendous benefit. Trees provide cooler air and shade, help to clean and capture water, and improve habitat for wildlife and humans. In addition, attractive streetscapes stimulate investment.  

Trees Atlanta provides the tools. Please bring gloves and water. You may park at Change Church at 1170 N. Hairston. We are meeting shortly before 9 am on Jan. 31.

Please register at this link.  

Keep Up with the Proposed Data Center Regulation

The latest draft of the zoning regulations regarding data centers is available by clicking here.  The next public hearing is being rescheduled due to weather closures.

Jan. 27, 6 p.m., on Zoom
Let’s plan DeKalb’s future, together!

DeKalb County is updating the Zoning Ordinance for the first time in a decade — and the Sign Ordinance for the first time in 20 years!

As change and growth continue in the County, it’s important to revisit our priorities and ensure our ordinances support the needs and desires of the community. This update aims to align the Zoning Ordinance more closely with the 2050 Unified Plan and existing development patterns so that it better reflects the values and priorities of DeKalb’s residents and businesses.

Check out the Zone Dekalb FAQs to review commonly asked questions about the project. You can also download the project fact sheet.

Click here to register for the Virtual Open House Kickoff event (via Zoom) on Tuesday, January 27th at 6:00 – 7:30 pm!

You can also go to this website:learn more and provide your online input.

Keep up with all planning and zoning projects at Engage DeKalb.  This site has valuable information and links to dig deeper if desired.


Thank you to those who have contributed to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC.

Your support helps us maintain our 501c3 status as a nonprofit, pay for our website and email notices, and other operational expenses (The PO Box, for example, was $70 eight years ago and now is $188!) 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. 

Support the effort by clicking here.

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

Your Participation Will Make a Difference

GHHCDC , , , ,

May your new year be off to a great start. This month, we would like to tell you about several community events that directly impact our area.

Jan. 20, 6-8 pm.
Last Chance to Give Your Input on improving the Redan area

The Planning Department asks you to attend the last public meeting for the Redan area and provide input. Community feedback guides the planning efforts and future improvements.

The meeting is IN-PERSON at
Fairfield Baptist Church
6133 Redan Road, Lithonia. 
Jan. 20, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

We hope you can attend! In the meantime, please complete the community survey.

Your voice is only heard when you participate! 

Jan. 27, 6 p.m., on Zoom
Let’s plan DeKalb’s future, together!

DeKalb County is updating the Zoning Ordinance for the first time in a decade — and the Sign Ordinance for the first time in 20 years!

As change and growth continue in the County, it’s important to revisit our priorities and ensure our ordinances support the needs and desires of the community. This update aims to align the Zoning Ordinance more closely with the 2050 Unified Plan and existing development patterns so that it better reflects the values and priorities of DeKalb’s residents and businesses.

Check out the Zone Dekalb FAQs to review commonly asked questions about the project. You can also download the project fact sheet.

Click here to register for the Virtual Open House Kickoff event (via Zoom) on Tuesday, January 27th at 6:00 – 7:30 pm!

You can also go to this website: learn more and provide your online input.

Jan. 31, 2026, 9am to noon
Join the Tree-Planting Team

Volunteers are planting 64 trees along Hairston Road between Rockbridge Road and E. Ponce. This is part of the streetscape improvement in which Trees Atlanta and our community has planted close to 300 trees on Hairston Road. 

We’re motivated by knowing that attractive streetscapes attract more investment. In addition, trees provide cooler air and shade, help to clean and capture water, and improve habitat for wildlife and humans.

Volunteers for the tree-planting projects come from all over the metro area, and we encourage our community to come out in force. Talk to your church members and youth groups.  Bring a group! It is empowering to do something this simple that has such tremendous benefit.

Trees Atlanta provides the tools. Please bring gloves and water. We are meeting shortly before 9 am on Jan. 31 near Change Church at 1170 N. Hairston.
Please register at this link.  

Keep up with all planning and zoning projects at

Engage DeKalb.  This site has valuable information and links to dig deeper if desired.

Thank you to those who have contributed to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC.

Your support helps us maintain our 501c3 status as a nonprofit, pay for our website and email notices, and other operational expenses (The PO Box, for example, was $70 eight years ago and now is $188!) 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. 

Support the effort by clicking here.

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

Ways to Enjoy and Support Your Community

GHHCDC ,

Join the Fun and Enjoy Nature. You are invited to enjoy 3 hours in Hairston Park Saturday, Nov. 15, and help with various beautification projects. The Friends group is clearing trails, removing invasive plants from the Serenity Garden, and cleaning signs and equipment.  It is FUN and a great way to be inspired by people willing to give back to make this community better.

Please click here and let the Friends of Hairston Park know you are coming so that they will have enough tools for all. You only need to bring water and gloves. We suggest wearing durable pants and long sleeves. 

Would you share this invitation with your friends and community groups, please.

Hairston Park is at 889 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain. Parking is available there or next door.

We Celebrated the New Playground

The community came out to thank Park Pride, the Parks Department, and all SPLOST I contributors for the new playground in Biffle Park Oct. 25.  District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson praised Park Pride for its $50,000 grant and Friends of Biffle Park for their work in securing the grant.

(ribbon cutting: Commissioner Davis Johnson, Friends member Jan Costello, and Park Pride President Michael Halicki joined the happy group to cut the ribbon on the new playground. )

The Park Pride $50,000 grant allowed us to make the playground more inclusive –with an ADA-accessible swing, toddler play area, musical instruments and the glorious shade. We thank the Home Depot Foundation for its support of Park Pride,” said Jan Costello, on behalf of the Friends group.  She also thanked the Parks Department for sprucing up the grounds prior to the celebration and for helping with the event. 

And she recognized PlayWorx which worked with the Friends group to design the playground. Special thanks went to Jason Dziczkowski who handled the construction.

A special volunteer was recognized during the celebration. Roederick Vines painted murals on three large planters in the park.  We are so grateful to him for sharing his talents with the community. 

Visit Biffle Park at 5221 Biffle Road, Stone Mountain.

Keep Up with News in the Community

There are several good sources for you to learn about events in the community.  We suggest:

Decaturish – This online news source can be sent directly to your email. Don’t let the name fool you. Its coverage include Stone Mountain, Clarkston, Stonecrest, Tucker and unincorporated DeKalb County.

SDIA – The South DeKalb Coalition offers useful information monthly or as needed. See the most recent newsletter at this link.  You can sign up to have it delivered to your email.

Engage DeKalb  – Keep up with all planning and zoning projects at Engage DeKalb.  This site has valuable information and links to dig deeper if desired.

Don’t forget World Planning Day 2025, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This annual festival is put on by the Planning Department. Location: Rainbow Drive Amphitheatre (3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, GA 30034). There will be lots of exhibitors, food trucks, giveaways, and resources.  It’s free but please reserve your spot by clicking this link.

Thank you to those who have contributed to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC.

Your support helps us maintain our 501c3 status as a nonprofit, pay for our website and email notices, and other operational expenses (The PO Box, for example, was $70 eight years ago and now is $188!) 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

Join the Biffle Park Celebration and other Community News

GHHCDC , , , , , ,

You’re Invited to Celebrate This Saturday, 11 a.m.

A New Playground for the Community!

We are thrilled with the newly upgraded playground at Biffle Park! Thanks to a generous $50,000 grant from Park Pride, this space includes exciting new features:

  • Shade-covered swings (including ADA-compliant)
  • Safe artificial turf
  • Puppet theater, lemonade stand, musical instruments, and interactive panels

The playground upgrades are made possible by Park Pride, with generous support from The Home Depot Foundation. SPLOST I provided the rest of the funding.

We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you!

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
11:00 a.m.
Biffle Park
5221 Biffle Road
Stone Mountain, GA 30088

Return at Sundown Free Movie Night

We’ll be showing Wicked in Biffle Park at sundown. Bring your picnics, chairs, and blankets. We’ll have popcorn and treats.  Brought to you by the Hidden Hills Civic Association. All are welcome!

Sprucing Up Hairston Park

It’s almost time for our annual friends of Hairston Park Fall cleanup, and we would love your helping hands.

Be on the lookout for the official November date, but plan to join us for a couple of hours for a morning of mulching, garden care and preparing the park for the winter season. It’s a great way to connect with nature, meet new people, get outdoors and show your community Park some love!

For volunteer opportunities or to join our mailing list email us at:  friendsofhairstonpark@gmail.com

And visit the website: https://friendsofhairstonpark.org/

Hairston Park is located at 889 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain.

What Do You Think About Data Centers in DeKalb?

There’s a moratorium on new data centers in DeKalb County through Dec. 2025. The County is working on zoning regulations to mitigate the impact of this type of business. CEO Cochran Johnson held a forum (standing room only) Oct. 15 to present the case for data centers, along with Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson (District 5) and Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton (Super District 7).

Data centers could have a huge impact on the county – in terms of both tax revenue and quality of life for residents. Inform yourself about this proposal. You can watch the full recording and presentation here: dekalbcountyga.gov/chief-executive-officer/data-center-town-hall

You can read the proposed legislation AND provide comments at this website.

Scroll down to Data Center Tax Amendment.

Thank you to those who have contributed to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC.

Your support helps us maintain our 501c3 status as a nonprofit, pay for our website and email notices, and other operational expenses (The PO Box, for example, was $70 eight years ago and now is $188!). 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

Join Your Neighbors June 14 for a Fun & Friendly 5K!

GHHCDC

We’d love for you to be part of our annual 5K Run/Walk/Bike Race this Saturday, June 14th at 8:30 AM!

Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or just looking for a fun way to enjoy the morning with friends and family, this 3.1-mile event is for everyone. Bring your energy, bring your bike, bring your kids—and let’s make it a great day together.

Official race timing is available for those working toward personal goals or qualifying for other races.

Come out, connect with the community, and help keep this local tradition going strong—we can’t wait to cheer you on!

Meet at Biffle Park, 5221 Biffle Road, Stone Mountain.

Click here to register now.
$25.00 per runner, children 12 and under free.

Or register on the day of the race at the park:  $30.00 the day of the race

Save the Date: Great American Campout & Environmental Career Day

June 28, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hairston Park, 889 S. Hairston Road
A Day of Fun and Adventure: Get ready for a fun-filled day of camping tips and career opportunities in environmental and green occupations. There will  be games, crafts, guest speakers, trail walks, birding, food, and more! This exciting event is perfect for families and friends of all ages.

Click here to see how you can help out!

Golf Course Development Hearings, Great American Campout, and More News about Your Community

GHHCDC

Closed Golf Course Development Starts SLUP Process June 9 

McKinley Homes is asking for a special land use permit to include senior housing in its development of 230 residences on 54 acres in the center of the closed Hidden Hills golf course.  This level of density is allowed under the Hidden Hills Overlay as long as the rest of the golf course (130 acres of fairways) remain as greenspace.  The company must receive approval for a special land use permit to include senior housing on the site. 

Click here to see the slides presented at the public meeting April 14. 

The plan shows three types of housing units: 

  • 131 single-story units for seniors; 28’x 64’, some will include a loft, priced in the mid- to high-$300,000s. 
  • 55 two-story, front entry townhomes, priced in the mid $300,000s. 
  • 44 two-story units on single-family lots, priced between $400,000 to $450,000. 

Click here to see the sketch plat. 

Click here to see renderings and samples of the kind of homes McKinley would build. 

  • On July 8, 6 p.m., the Planning Commission will hear the case. 
  • On July 24, 5:30 p.m. the Board of Commissioners will hear the case, in person, at 178 Sams Street, Decatur. 

You can read all about this case and upcoming cases at this website:  https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/planning-and-sustainability/public-hearing-agendas-info 

In this Planning Review cycle, the short-term rental regulations will come up again. These are the new rules affecting AirBnB and other type rentals. There are several requests to allow personal care homes and childcare facilities in District 5. In District 4, there is a request to allow an alcohol outlet at 1101 N. Hairston Road (just south of Central).  The District 4 Community Council hears the case on June 17, 5:30 p.m., on Zoom. 

Save the Date for the Great American Campout and Environmental Career Day 

June 28 
10 am – 2 pm 
Hairston Park 
889 S. Hairston, Stone Mountain 

There will be fishing, birdwatching, trail walks, camping tips and many hands-on activities. Join the Fun! Tell your friends!
Join us for a fun day of exploring basic camping skills & green careers! Volunteers needed for setup, activity support & breakdown. Enjoy nature & give back! If you can help, please sign up at this link: https://x.gldn.io/e/4KmKOEhnITb 

Envisioning the Future and Changing Codes to Make it Real 

We continue to make progress on the vision for development in the Greater Hidden Hills area. The impetus is to create more desirable development in our community by changing parts of the overlay code. The Planning Department is reviewing recommendations and hopes to present them to the public by July.  We’ll keep you posted. 

Thank you to those who have contributed to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC. 
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.  
https://greaterhiddenhillscdc.org/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 

Biffle Park Yoga, New Homes, New Vision

GHHCDC

This Saturday: Fitness & Yoga in Biffle Park

Start your morning with movement, mindfulness, and fresh air in a beautiful outdoor setting. All levels welcome!

📅 Date: Saturday, May 3
🕗 Time: 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
📍 Location: Biffle Park, 5221 Biffle Road, Stone Mountain

✨ Bring water and a friend!

Public Learns More about Proposed Development in Center of Closed Golf Course  
On April 14, McKinley Homes held a standing-room-only meeting to discuss plans to build 230 residences on 54 acres in the center of the closed golf course.  This level of density is allowed under the Hidden Hills Overlay as long as the rest of the golf course (130 acres of fairways) remain as greenspace.  The company must receive approval for a special land use permit to include senior housing on the site.

Click here to see the slides presented at the public meeting April 14.

In this latest version of the development plan, McKinley Homes would place 230 residences on the 54 acres. All residences would have garages. The development includes a 3,000 square-foot community facility/clubhouse.

The plan shows three types of housing units:

  • 131 single-story units for seniors; 28’x 64’, some will include a loft, priced in the mid- to high-$300,000s.
  • 55 two-story, front entry townhomes, priced in the mid $300,000s.
  • 44 two-story units on single-family lots, priced between $400,000 to $450,000.

Click here to see the sketch plat.

Click here to see renderings and samples of the kind of homes McKinley would build.   

Community Involved in Shaping the Future
We had a great meeting on the future of the greater Hidden Hills community April 16.  It was the first, but there will be more. The Long-Range Planning Department is taking our opinion and drafting a revised overlay code for the community. As soon as the draft is ready, we’ll have another meeting. Stay tuned!

If you have not taken the survey, please do so (click here). We want to know what kind of development you want all the area surrounding Hidden Hills.

 We look forward to your continued interest in this project.

Updates on Hairston Park
More than 17 people enjoyed a guided nature walk led by a local expert on April 26.  They also picked up litter while learning about native plants, wildlife, and ways to care for our planet.

Great American Campout & Environmental Career Day
June 28, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hairston Park, 889 S. Hairston Road
A Day of Fun and Adventure

Get ready for a fun-filled day of camping tips and career opportunities in environmental and green occupations. There will  be games, crafts, guest speakers, trail walks, birding, food, and more! This exciting event is perfect for families and friends of all ages.

Give Your Opinion on Stone Mountain Trail
This trail aims to enhance connectivity and trail access, provide affordable housing options, foster people-focused spaces, and drive economic development along the trail corridor. This project is funded with support from ARC’s Community Development Assistance Program.
* May 21, 3 – 7 pm: Design Charrette: Mark your calendars and be sure to drop by this event between 3 – 7pm on Wednesday, May 21 at
Clarkston Women’s Center
3913 Church St.
Clarkston, GA  30021
Come share feedback through interactive activities – all ages are welcome!
*Project Survey: Click here to take the survey and share your perspectives on the future of the Stone Mountain Trail. Be sure to participate before the survey closes in mid-May.
*Visit the project webpage to learn more, catch up on past events, and review upcoming project events!
https://engagedekalb.dekalbcountyga.gov/stone-mountain-trail

Thank you to those who have contributed to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC.
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

New Link for the Meeting on Shaping the Future

GHHCDC

Zoom is having a worldwide meltdown, so the Greater Hidden Hills visioning meeting has been switched to Microsoft Teams.  Please click on the link below for the 6:30 p.m. meeting tonight. Please join early because you will need to sign in.  Planning staff will review the history and purpose of the overlay, present the results of the preliminary study, discuss the visioning process, and answer any questions with regards to the study. Please join us to learn more and provide your input for the direction of this study!
 
https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/16351493-0f04-4b72-affd-67f8ea9bdbf8@292d5527-abff-45ff-bc92-b1db1037607b
 
This meeting will be recorded, so if you register and cannot attend, you will still receive the recording. 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.

New Development Plans for Closed Golf Course

GHHCDC

There is a new sketch plat for the development of the central part of the closed golf course. The developer – McKinley Homes – is asking to place 230 residences on the 54 acres. These are designated as:

  • 131 single-story units for seniors   (about 1,072 sq feet each)
  • 44 2-story units on single-family lots  (about 2,000 sq feet each)
  • 55 2-story, front entry townhomes    (about 1,750 sq feet each)

It includes a 3,000 square foot community facility/clubhouse.

 We will learn more details at a meeting with the developers on April 14, 6 pm at Hairston Crossing Library, 4911 Redan Road.  The developer will need a Special Land Use Permit to go forward with this proposal.  The date for that meeting has not been set.

You can review the sketch plat at this link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GJXPfk6ecl-prt3UDut5-eK1qe_LUL8S/view?usp=sharing

Help shape the future of Greater Hidden Hills! Share your feedback in a brief survey.

What do we want this community to look like in 10 years? What kind of businesses do we want to attract? How dense should the development be? In partnership with the Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation, DeKalb County is conducting a study to update the Hidden Hills Overlay District. This overlay was established in 2009 to provide customized zoning requirements to best meet the development goals of the community and to protect greenspace. With this study, the County will update these standards to meet current development trends and better promote the community’s vision. Join us by sharing your input!

Click here to take the survey.


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. View the map, take the survey, and learn more about the project by clicking the link below:

https://engagedekalb.dekalbcountyga.gov/greater-hidden-hills-overlay-study

Share this message with your friends and neighbors. The vision will reflect our community, and we want everyone’s input!

Calling on Biffle Park Friends

Work together to take care of our greenspace in Biffle Park. This Saturday, April 5, we’re mulching around eight young trees and pulling out invasive plants that are killing trees.  We had a great turnout a month ago and we hope to get a lot done Saturday before the spring growing season takes hold.

We’ll also have teams removing litter and graffiti.

We hope you can be of service. Please bring work gloves and water. We will provide the tools.

Join us Saturday,
April 5, 2025
9:00 a.m. – noon

Biffle Park, 5221 Biffle Road, Stone Mountain

Click her to register, please.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Please share this opportunity with your neighbors and on social media.