Our community has received 50 trees from DeKalb County to plant along S. Hairston Road from Hairston Park south.  We invite you to come and help dig!  There are also light-duty volunteer opportunities.  All volunteers are welcome! Bring your partner! Bring a team!

Nov. 13, 9:00 a.m.
Meet at Antioch A.M.E. Church  
765 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Thank you, Antioch!

Trees Atlanta is bringing the trees and leading our efforts. With 50 volunteers, we will be done in three hours. 

Please register by clicking this link:  Hairston Trees Volunteers

Bring gloves and a mask.  We’ll have tools, but we encourage you to bring your own shovel and/or mattock.  Bring a water bottle. You can refill it (and get snacks!) at the church.

This is a great community service project. We’ll have fun playing in the dirt. We will make our community lovelier for generations to come. 

You can be part of this wonderful effort. Every time you drive down Hairston Road, you can say, “I helped plant those trees!”

Contact GHHCDC@gmail.com for more information.

Slaughterhouses Have No Business in a Residential Neighborhood

We continue to be appalled by the lawless behavior of Rudolph Bradford who slaughters animals for profit at 1676 Rice Road, a residential property.  Last month, he slaughtered 161 animals. Since he was order to cease-and-desist on  March 1, 2019, he has slaughtered 3,420 cows, pigs, goats, and sheep.  The statistics come from the Georgia Department of Agriculture in response to open records requests.

It’s time to turn up the heat.  His first court date was in June 2019, and it has been one postponement after another since then. 

We ask you to join as at the Animal Advisory Board meeting Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m.  Click the link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81123099875?fbclid=IwAR1JHZtNeplRLpdyAfv80M_WRAD_olpKriweuv4cSMipOWEcIh6M-lUXkfA#success

This board has been appointed by the CEO and Commissioners and can help to make our voices heard. Public comments will be taken at the end of the meeting.    

• The Board has forwarded our questions to DeKalb Animal Control and to Code Enforcement. We want to know if there are any other complaints. In addition, we want to know if the animals are treated humanely before slaughter and if their pain is minimized as they are killed.

• In addition, we have asked the DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office why no date has yet been set for a trial. On Sept. 27, Superior Court Judge Wayne Purdom said he would arrange a call among the attorneys and set a date.

• We have asked the DeKalb Office of the County Attorney why is the cease-and-desist order not enforced? We asked for public records pertaining to this case since the cease-and desist order was issued March 1, 2019.

• We have gone 32 months without action being taken.  If laws are not enforced, what’s the good of the law? 

This could happen in any neighborhood.  Join us at the meeting. Write to your commissioners.  Make your voices heard. 

If you are available to pass out fliers in the immediate neighborhood, write to GHHCDC@gmail.com

Write to County Officials
Michael Thurmond, CEO
MichaelThurmond@dekalbcountyga.gov

Lorraine Cochran-Johnson,  Commissioner District 7
LCJohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov

Mereda Davis Johnson, Commissioner District 5
mdjohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov

Hidden Hills Neighbors-Special Alert

Please vote right now to support the drive to raise money for security cameras and neighborhood improvements. It’s only $50 a year, bringing our annual dues to $200, far less than what many homeowners pay per month. Half of all members must vote in order for the election to count. Please click on this link and vote:

https://www.wearehiddenhills.com/

The Planning Commission approved – with conditions – the rezoning request for the property at 1744/1762 Panola Road (across from Berean).  The request was to change it from residential (R-100) to commercial (C-1). The conditions are the same as those for the adjacent Tier Two of the Overlay District which prohibits such businesses as liquor stores, dollar stores, gas stations, auto parts stores, tattoo parlors, etc. The conditions also include that a special permit be sought if a drive-through is needed and that the lighting be properly shielded and directed away from adjacent properties.  On Sept. 30, 5:30 p.m., the Board of Commissioners will vote on the rezoning request. (It is the 4^th item on the agenda, but the first two are likely to be deferred, and the 3^rd one should go quickly.)

You may attend and show support at this Zoom link Sept. 30, 5:30 p.m.:

https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/94883110323

 Or Telephone: 602 333 0032

Conference code: 217687

Community Meeting on Proposed Development in 4900 Block of Rockbridge Rd

You are invited to a second community meeting on a potential single-family development Rockbridge Road, just west of Hairston. The site is 42 undeveloped acres along Rockbridge Road west of the intersection of Rockbridge Road and Hairston Road near the Ingles Shopping Center, Rockbridge, Elementary, and Hickory Hill community. 

The developer would like to hear your comments and suggestions.  

The property is currently zoned R-100 with a classification as Suburban Land Use. The developer is evaluating developing it under the existing R-100 entitlement, which would result in 71 single-family lots. The developer is also considering rezoning to RSM to allow for smaller more affordable single-family homes, which would result in 156 single-family lots. However, the total number is not firm.

Kyle Williams, who represents the developer, has sent us the revised site plan that incorporates additional greenspace, elevations and floor plans, and conceptual community drawings. I’ve attached those files and the original proposal (named 2021.6.16 – Rockbridge II Presentation); click here.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WzF-QkS7c-hYJCDs6d10Va942Ok09Wui/view?usp=sharing

The meeting is on Zoom:

Wed., Oct 6, 2021, 6:30pm – 7:30pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89610224810?pwd=UFdiVGE2QlI5aklQWDd0T2dDeTdoQT09

Meeting ID: 896 1022 4810
Passcode: 093272
Phone: 646 558 8656

Slaughterhouse – Still No Trial Date

Bradford Continues to Violate County Law

The slaughtering continues at 1676 Rice Road, Lithonia (near Redan Elementary School) as we wait for the case to go to trial. Rudolph Bradford, owner of Bradford Home & Grounds, has been cited for operating a business without a license–a business NOT allowed in a residential zone–and for violating a cease-and-desist order issued March 1, 2019.  Bradford is countersuing. 

According to Georgia Department of Agriculture records, he has slaughtered more than 5,389 cows, pigs, goats, and sheep since he went into business in January 2016.   He has slaughtered 3,259 animals since the cease-and-desist order was issued March 1, 2019.

He was supposed to appear in Superior Court Sept. 27, but his attorney had a conflict, so nothing happened.  Judge Wayne Purdom says he will talk to Assistant Solicitor General Karen Scott and the attorney to set a date. We’ll keep you posted.

County Shuts Down a Desirable Business Option in Tier Two

Despite our best efforts, the Board of Commission voted to prevent any late-night establishment within 500 feet of a residential property line in Tier Two on Sept. 28.  This effectively prohibits such establishments in any part of Tier Two. We had hoped to have the opportunity to attract decent restaurants such as Applebee’s that might want to stay open after 12:30 a.m.  This all came about due to one bad actor at 1273 S. Hairston. We supported the Sherrington neighborhood’s effort to get that business shut down. 

We know that good operators exist, and they should be welcome in this community.  We wanted to have the option of going to a restaurant that serves alcohol after 12:30 a.m.   Many communities co-exist with such establishments, and we wanted the opportunity to attract such businesses. We worked out a compromise that requires special permit and noise controls before a late-night establishment would be allowed. It is unfortunate that the compromise was not enough.

This news was sent out to our email subscribers. Write to ghhcdc@gmail.com to subscribe.

https://mailchi.mp/b8c7e803563e/upcoming-meetings-about-your-community

The Aug. 25, Planning Commission hearing to review the Hidden Hills townhome/apartment development will be deferred to Sept. 22, 6 p.m. The meeting was postponed due to insufficient public notice.

The GHHCDC and Hidden Hills Civic Association are working to get the developers’ commitments in writing and to get renderings. We will keep you posted.

We want to work with the developers to explain their intention to convert the office building to assisted living or elder care; define what will happen to the greenspace; and add details about the amenities.

Once the Planning Commission makes a decision, there is no more review. It does not go to the Board of Commissioners.

We will provide the Zoom link for the meeting once we get it.

We’re meeting Aug. 21, 10 – 11 a.m.

At Saturday’s meeting, we will have an update on the public hearing on the proposed townhome/apartment development on the center of the closed Hidden Hills golf course. We will also discuss proposed developments on Panola Road and Rockbridge/Hairston.

Join GHHCDC Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82529894562?pwd=Z2ZZeHI2YkJXazhFcnVad2NKOVNmUT09

Meeting ID: 825 2989 4562

Passcode: 099974

Phone: 646 558 8656 

The Planning Commission is reviewing the Hidden Hills sketch plat on  Aug. 25, 6 p.m.  The Commission can vote to approve, deny, or defer for a one-time revision.  We are asking for the item to be put on the next meeting date because this one did not meet the publication notice deadlines. 

We want to work with the developer to explain their intention to convert the office building to assisted living or elder care; define what will happen to the greenspace; add details about the amenities.

Once the Planning Commission  makes a decision, there are no more review. It does not go to the Board of Commissioners.

You can attend the Planning Commission meeting Aug. 25, 6 p.m.  at: 

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

Dial: 888 270 9936 (US Toll Free) Conference code: 934462

The sketch plat that the Planning Commission  will review is available at:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z9QCzrAKhLepy9rH01XVjAkjkrOhsM_6/view?usp=sharing

Late-Night Establishments in Tier Two Modified Sensibly

The Board of Commissioners approved a sensible amendment to the late-night establishments in Tier Two of the Hidden Hills overlay district.  It will allow them as long as the establishment meets stringent noise control requirements – basically there can be no noise, including bass tones and vibrations, that one can hear outside the building.

This was a compromise worked out over many meetings during the past months. However, the Sherrington group is not satisfied and has asked for another hearing to prevent any late-night establishment from being within 500 feet of a residential boundary line. The problem with that tactic is that it will cut out the opportunity for a late-night establishment in most parts of Tier Two.

This link will show you a map of the overlay district.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t4MyNPbX_HuzcDVt3pprxSrWuuushjAe/view?usp=sharing

What is a late-night establishment? “Any establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises where such establishment is open for use by patrons beyond 12:30 a.m.  A late-night establishment must be 1,500 feet away from the line of property zoned residential.” 

Please write to our commissioners to tell them thank you for the amendment. The extra protection with noise controls is a good idea. No other change is needed.   

Cochran-Johnson, Lorraine, Commissioner District 7
LCJohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov

Johnson, Mereda D., Commissioner District 5
mdjohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov

Steve Bradshaw, Commissioner District 4
 srbradshaw@dekalbcountyga.gov

Last chance! Survey closes Aug. 22!

What is your vision for DeKalb County? Please take a few minutes to share your opinion.  Take the online survey at www.dekalb2050unifiedplan.com/

Stay safe everybody!

Keeping Up Appearances

The median on Hairston Road received a lot of mowing attention recently, due in large part to Walter Kimp’s advocacy.  He and Erica Weaver have also been asking DeKalb County to do more than mow.  As Erica wrote, “edging and curb clean-up should be a part of the county maintenance crews as well as any future contracts awarded.  When traveling through many of our local cities and counties, the maintenance of their public right of ways is far superior to what we see in DeKalb County.” Well-maintained streetscapes send a message that the community cares and it encourages development. 

Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson responded to the emails and promises to work on including edging and curb clean-up in future contracts.

Learn about Developments at Wesley Chapel/I-20

Construction is underway at Snapfinger and Wesley Chapel. How does this fit into the comprehensive plan for the area? What are other commercial property owners planning?  Walter Kimp and other interested residents have put together this meeting for the community. It will feature the Planning Department, several Commissioners, property developers and the East Metro CID.  The community may ask questions via chat.  It is both an information meeting and an opportunity to press for the realization of the vision the community has for the area.

Join the Wesley Chapel Business Update meeting at 6:30 p.m., July 21, at this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81935276065?pwd=eGdPVGw1eW1xN2g0VEJ1bTUxTE51Zz09

Meeting ID: 819 3527 6065

Passcode: 083258

646-558-8656

The next GHHCDC meeting is July 24, 10 a.m.

We’ll discuss business developments in the area. You may join at this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81125177861?pwd=eXUwMlZRRnBxN0Z2ZHQ1dkF3Q2FmZz09

Meeting ID: 811 2517 7861

Passcode: 396844

Telephone: 646 558 8656

Greenspace – once it’s paved over, who benefits?

Learn about the plans to destroy 150 – 300 acres of forest for a police training center operated by the city of Atlanta. Make your voice hear by attending a virtual meeting July 29, 6 p.m.

Click here for the meeting link. As of this email, the details had not been made public.

https://citycouncil.atlantaga.gov/council-members/advanced-components/covid-19

The situation is unusual.  The land is in DeKalb County, but the City of Atlanta has the lease.  The City wants to clear-cut the land and build a training center.  You can learn more about the plans at these links:

http://www.savetheoldatlantaprisonfarm.org/

https://saportareport.com/opposition-grows-to-police-training-center-at-atlanta-prison-farm/columnists/maria_saporta/

https://streetsofatlanta.blog/2021/05/27/save-southeast-atlantas-forests-from-developers/

Late-night establishments under review

The text amendment to prohibit late-night establishments in Tier Two of the Great Hidden Hills overlay zone went through more changes before being considered by the Planning Commission July 8.  The Planning Department decided that the amendment should apply only to Tier 2 and that any request go through the Special Land Use Permit process.  Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation (GHHCDC) recommended that the amendment also require an late-night establishment be located 2,000 feet from the boundary of residential property (currently the distance is 1,500 feet.) We asked for traffic and noise controls.   GHHCDC does not want a complete prohibition because there are decent late-night establishments, and we would like some in our neighborhood.

The Planning Commission did not like any of the options, and deferred the matter to the Board of Commissioners.  The BOC will hear the case July 29; the meeting starts at 5:30. 

https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/94883110323#success

888-270-9936 (US Toll Free)

Conference code: 217687

There are many items on the agenda, and this one was second to last, which meant we were on the call four hours before our item was heard.  Awful! Thank you Phyllis Frierson for sticking it out and making wise and useful comments. Billy Ray Jones and Dawn Foster stayed involved, too, lending moral support.  Thank you!

Thank you for your attention.

Jan Costello
President

We will discuss the proposed text amendment to prohibit late-night establishments, tree-planting initiative on Hairston Road, the upcoming meeting on the Panola/Young development, and Hairston Park.

Join the Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85133355523?pwd=NlRETTBLRENwNGRxNjRQdElxNVh0Zz09

Meeting ID: 851 3335 5523

Passcode: 177619

Phone: 646-558-8656

Click here to access background on the text amendment.

Click here to access the May 15 meeting minutes.

Meeting on New Plans for Panola Road/Young Road   

CityView Design Build has digested the results of our survey, and now they are ready to get feedback on a new proposal for 1744 and 1762 Panola Road.  This address is next to Family Dollar, catty-corner from Berean Christian Church.

This a pre-submittal community meeting, and will be followed with the regular Planning review.   

The request is to rezone the existing parcels from R-100 (residential) to C-1 (commercial) to construct a neighborhood retail center.

Please join the meeting on  Zoom on Wednesday, June 30, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., at the link below. Plans will be presented and comments heard.

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73818287867?pwd=MTNlZ0IyZmNUb29pSG5heFlQaDdxQT09

Meeting ID: 738 1828 7867

Passcode: 501WCD

Background: In March, after hearing from the community, the developers withdrew their proposal to put a gas station there. 

Note: If you would like, you can see the results of the survey of the community about their preferences at this link:

https://greaterhiddenhillscdc.org/2021/04/

Get involved in deciding future transportation and land use needs in DeKalb County. Take the online survey. Your opinion matters.

Zig Ziglar, the inspirational business leader, said, “A goal properly set is halfway reached.” 

You can help DeKalb County set goals and head in your preferred direction. Just take the survey. Share your opinion! Influence the future!

Go to this site for information:

https://dekalb2050unifiedplan.com/

Click the link to take our survey https://engagekh.com/dekalbup#/sidebar/tab/about

Police on Patrol at Troubled Intersection

The DeKalb County Police Department has been responsive to calls for more patrols near Redan and S. Hairston following a deadly shooting late on May 16. More than two dozen shots were fired into a crowd of people outside a smoke shop next to the Chevron station. In addition to more patrols, the Tucker Police Precinct held its roll call on the site on May 19, and many police cars have been visible in the area. 

Police Chief Mirtha Ramos held a public Zoom meeting on May 18.  Assistant Chief Gregory Padrick says that the business licenses are being checked.  Major Hughes and Major Medlin says that cameras are effective, and they have encouraged the store owners to get cameras.   Just a week before this tragic crime, Major Hughes was on a Zoom call with the community talking about crime and how the police are targeting hotspots.

The police urge you to call 911 if you see suspected criminal activity.

If the call is not urgent, call 404 294-7911 or 678 406 7932. Those numbers were provided by Major Hughes.

Several people in the community have asked the chief to put a precinct in the area, and she said that she would give it some thought.

The DeKalb Police Department urges you to follow them on social media:

Twitter:   #WeAreDKPD

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/DeKalbCountyPD/

Golf and Tennis Tournament at Sugar Creek

On June 11 – 12, Sugar Creek is holding its first annual golf and tennis tournament.  It’s part of the grand celebration of the reopening of the golf and tennis facility in South DeKalb County. 

Friday, June 11

6:00pm-9:00pm – Tennis Tournament and Meet & Greet

Saturday, June 12

8:00am – 1:00pm – Golf Tournament

** Tennis Registration includes: Friday night Meet & Greet.

** Golf Registration includes: Friday night Meet & Greet, breakfast and lunch on Saturday.

For more information and to register, go to https://www.sugarcreekgt.com/

Get involved in deciding future transportation and land use needs in DeKalb County.

Several public meetings have been held about the direction we would like to go in the next 30 years. You can still take the online survey.  Share your opinion! Influence the future!

Go to this site for information and to take the survey:

https://dekalb2050unifiedplan.com/

Lidl is opening June 9 on Covington Highway, just west of Panola. 

We’ve been waiting for this store for a long time.  The first public hearing we had on it was Dec. 16, 2016.

Update on Pep Boys at S. Hairston/Covington

It’s not closing, but is transitioning to a “dedicated service center,” according to the staff.  There will not be parts and retail sales beginning July 11. It will still offer auto repairs.

Judge Delays Decision on Controversial Stonecrest Recycling Plant

On April 28, for about six hours, the case was made for and against Metro Green Recycling’s controversial cement plant on 50 acres near Miller Middle School (on Snapfinger Woods Drive and Miller Road).  The case has languished for months.  A citizen activist group and various elected officials contend that the company was improperly authorized by the Environmental Protection Division (EPD).  Metro Green disputes the claim and points out that the city of Stonecrest wrote a letter of approval to the EPD. DeKalb Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie says she must consider the arguments before she makes a ruling.  To read the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s article on the hearing, click here.

Slaughterhouse Continues to Violate County Law

The slaughtering continues at 1676 Rice Road, Lithonia (near Redan Elementary School) as we wait for the case to go to trial. Rudolph Bradford, owner of Bradford Home & Grounds, has been cited for operating a business without a license, a business NOT allowed in a residential zone, and for violating a cease-and-desist order issued March 1, 2019.  He is countersuing. 

According to GA Department of Agriculture records, he has slaughtered more than 500 cows, pigs, goats, and sheep this year.  Since the department first started keeping records on him, he has slaughtered 4,816 animals at this residential property since Jan. 31, 2016.

The pandemic kept Superior Court from holding trials. Hopefully, this case will be on the docket soon.   

Our next Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Meeting is June 26, 10 a.m. 

Join us at this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85133355523?pwd=NlRETTBLRENwNGRxNjRQdElxNVh0Zz09

Meeting ID: 851 3335 5523

Passcode: 177619

Thank you for reading the update.  Stay safe and continue building our great community.

Jan Costello
GHHCDC President

May Update in the Greater Hidden Hills Community

We are happy to welcome The Villas to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC.

They join our other neighborhood associations: Carriage Woods, Carriage Cluster, The Highlands, Hidden Hills, Mainstreet, and Kingsgate. Thank you, neighbors! Together, we are making our voices heard as we work to improve our commercial corridors and our quality of life. If you would like to join as an individual, it is $20. Neighborhoods and business memberships are $100.  The membership link is on our website. Go to Donate Here at the top bar.

Ground has been broken for the new community & senior center on the north end of Hairston Park,

at 4885 Elam Road. DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw hosted the much anticipated ceremony 4885 Elam Road April 15, 2021.  Many heartfelt speeches were given, including one by Commissioner Bradshaw who initiated and nurtured the development of this center, and one by Friends of Hairston Park president Gwendolyn Stegall. 
You can watch the video at the link below.  All of the speeches are inspiring, but if you are short of time, jump to 16:15 to see Commissioner’s Bradshaw’s remarks and to 55:15 to see Gwendolyn’s.  

We continue to follow the proposed development for the center of the closed Hidden Hills golf course.

We will provide an update at our May 15, 10 a.m. meeting. We will also discuss initiatives to improve the overlay district code,  beautify the median on Hairston, and fight crime at some commercial corners.  

Please join us for our next meeting, May 15, 10 a.m.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82339020755?pwd=V0FWbFRreWhHcFJaUUFsbXMzMW0yZz09

Meeting ID: 823 3902 0755
Passcode: 049090
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kb2CkQGV8H

Now is the time to get involved in deciding future transportation and land use needs in DeKalb County.

Discussions about the 2050 comprehensive plan are underway.  There are two ways to get involved in the public process. 

1. Attend a virtual public meeting
2. Take the online survey

The meetings are offered

• May 17, 6-7:30 p.m.
• May 19, 2:30-4 p.m.
• May 20, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

You may register for the meeting and get the link at http://www.dekalb2050unifiedplan.com

or email 2050unifiedplan@dekalbcountyga.gov

Thank you for reading this update.

May you be healthy and committed to making progress in our community.

Jan Costello
President, GHHCDC