March Update on Protest, New Restaurant, Trees, Red Hot Mess at Redan Village, and More

GHHCDC

Protest! Shut Down the Slaughterhouse in the Residential Neighborhood

Since March 2019, Rudolf Bradford, owner of the slaughterhouse at 1676 Rice Road (near Redan Elementary School) has killed 4,019 cows, pigs, goats and sheep and sold the carcasses to individuals even though there is a cease-and-desist order from DeKalb County went into effect that month. Slaughterhouses are not allowed in residential areas.   We have been trying for 36 months to get the law enforced. There have been Covid delays, backlogs in the courts, and delay tactics from Rudolf Bradford, but how long can the excuses last?

Ryan Brown finally got the County to respond to his questions, and now the County has finally decided to seek injunctive relief. 

Christopher Eubanks, founder of APEX Advocacy, has enlisted his network and has prompted 350 people to write to the CEO and ask for action.  The campaign now enters the protest phase. On April 4, noon, opponents of the neighborhood slaughterhouse will gather outside the DeKalb County government building at 1300 Commerce Drive.  Please go to one of the links below to RSVP.

Feel free to bring your own signs. There will be a limited number of signs provided.  

Date: Monday, April 4th, 2022, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Location: 1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur, GA 30030-3222, Dekalb County Government Building

Meeting Point: We will meet on the sidewalk beside the visitors entrance sign and the sign with CEO Michael Thurmond’s name.

Travel: Take MARTA to Decatur Station and the DeKalb County government building is an 8-minute walk.

Parking: There is street parking available or you can park in the DeKalb County Courthouse Parking Deck at 125 W Trinity Pl, Decatur, GA 30030. Parking is typically $6.

Facebook: https://fb.me/e/67agu3aTb

Meet Up: https://www.meetup.com/atlanta-animal-rights/events/284742992/

ActionNetwork: https://actionnetwork.org/events/protest-illegal-slaughterhouse-in-dekalb-county/

Rezoning Request Approved for New Restaurant/Club

The Rockstone Café received approval March 24 for the rezoning request at 1726 Panola Road (across from Berean Church). The approval came with the conditions that are attached to all Tier Two zoning, plus noise restrictions.  We asked for these conditions, and we are pleased that the owner, Adian Prince, accepted them without reservation.  The restaurant will have a West Indian theme. It will close at 12:30 on Fridays and Saturdays We look forward to having a wonderful restaurant in the community. 

More Trees in the Fall

Trees Atlanta and the DeKalb Arborist have committed to planting more trees on S. Hairston, this time on both sides of the Woodway/Bishop Ming intersection.  These trees are part of the ReLeaf DeKalb program, and at last count, there are 67 available.  

Trees Atlanta was too busy this spring to get them planted, but they committed to a planting next fall. By the way, the 50 trees we planted last November (on S. Hairston, near Antioch A.M.E. Church).  Stay tuned for more ways to increase tree cover and beautify our community!

Redan Village – Illegal Truck Parking and Homeless Encampment

DeKalb County is aware of the homeless encampment on the vacant Wells Fargo property at 4798 Redan Road, in Redan Village (corner of Redan and S. Hairston).  It is aware of the many tractor-trailers and truck cabs illegally parked at the shopping center.  Commissioner Bradshaw told us that DeKalb Code Compliance has cited the property owner for “accumulation of open storage, illegal parking of tractor trailers, and repair of parking & walking surfaces.” He notes the Family Dollar has prior citations. 

The commissioner sent the Community Development Street Outreach Team to offer assistance to the homeless individuals, but they refused services. Commissioner Bradshaw promised to contact Wells Fargo and urge them to handle the homeless camp on their property.  Wells Fargo needs to evict the squatters and erect a fence around its property. 

So, we’re still in a holding pattern.  I reached out to Wells Fargo’s property manager, and I was told they are pricing fencing and considering what action to take. We’ll keep you posted

We always appreciate your support.

Membership is $20 for individuals and $100 for neighborhood associations and businesses. 

https://greaterhiddenhillscdc.org/you-can-make-a-difference/

or go directly to PayPal:

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

The next GHHCDC meeting is April 9, 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

Thank you for reading. We encourage you to do what you can today to make improvements in our community.

Jan Costello
President

February Updates

GHHCDC

Tour of Tiny Houses

There is an effort in DeKalb County to create zoning that allows the development of “cottage housing” communities. These homes are typically on 770-1800 square feet, on small lots, with a public greenspace in the center. It’s a cool concept and would allow more types of housing choices. Did you know that 80% of American households are not traditional nuclear families, yet 72% of the housing units cater to traditional nuclear families? There is a mismatch of need and supply.

The public is invited to see the concept. Clarkston has a community that will be on tour

Feb.  19, 11:30-12:30 p.m.   

1182 Vaughan Street, Clarkston

If you would like to go, please RSVP at this link:

Register on Eventbrite

If you would like to learn more about Cottage Housing, please visit https://www.microlifeinstitute.org/

Note: No parking will be available on site.
Free parking throughout Clarkston:

  1. Vaughan St, between Montreal Rd and Market St
  2. Market St, between E Ponce de Leon Ave and N Indian Creek Dr
  3. E Ponce de Leon Ave, between Hill St and Market St
  4. Clarkston Woman’s Club, 3913 Church St
  5. Clarkston United Methodist Church, 1019 Rogers St (Rogers St entrance only, just west of Market St.)

Short walk to the Cottages on Vaughan at 1182 Vaughan St, Clarkston, GA 30021

State Shenanigans

State Senator Emanuel Jones is busy trying to remove the two super districts in DeKalb County.  This means that each resident would have half as much representation. The plan cannot go through without a public referendum, as State Representative Viola Davis pointed out and had lawyers confirm.

You may read more at:

https://www.ajc.com/neighborhoods/dekalb/contentious-dekalb-redistricting-proposal-would-require-a-referendum/UVOP6GS63RHTPPZJ6CUZXYFJ3Q/?fbclid=IwAR2Mn6XiIb0MJo2L8SCc0ar4_48DWYvCaVkRLhofTm9YMXjO0niSpTP5IYw

If you would like to express your views on this matter, please write to our state delegation.

DeKalb Delegation Members:

More Slaughterhouses?

On another matter, some state representatives are trying to take away zoning rights of property owners who live near farms and agricultural operations.  We appreciate Rep. Viola Davis for pointing out this proposed power grab.  Zoning decisions belong at the local level.  Look how hard we are fighting to close a slaughterhouse in a residential neighborhood near Redan Elementary School (close to 4,000 animals slaughtered there since the County ordered it to cease and desist.  We are completely appalled by the lack of County enforcement protocol, and we continue asking for action.

Here is the link to a news story about the proposed bill that could led to more slaughterhouses.

https://www.ajc.com/politics/georgia-farm-legislative-bill-takes-aim-at-property-rights-disputes/3GJRRIHIZNCIXJ26NQNTYKL2B4/

You may speak out against the slaughterhouse and the lack of action at the DeKalb County Animal Services Citizens Advisory Board meeting Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m.  Public comments usually begin about 7:15.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81123099875?fbclid=IwAR0fg4mG7bPM-5dvuu1hpjynT5w4VnbTJMcnLitOIi9ZwROakRAn1e1awN0#success

Rezoning Request for New Restaurant/Club

Adian Prince announced plans to build the Rockstone Café at 1726 Panola Road (across from Berean Church). It sounds appealing, but we want any zoning change to include conditions that will make the site conform to the Hidden Hills Overlay standards. Once the zoning is changed from residential to commercial, anything could happen. The conditions are critical.

We’ve reached out to Mr. Prince, but we have not heard back.  We shared our concerns at the District Five Community Council meeting on Feb. 7. 

Next up—the Planning Commission hears the case.  You may join us in expressing your concerns. 

March 3, 5:30 p.m.

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

The item is fourth on the agenda.

The effort to make the Great Hidden Hills community attractive to high-quality businesses continues. 

We met with the new property manager at Crowe’s Plaza, and they cleaned up the parking lot after we showed them pictures of the trash that had piled up during their first two weeks of management.  We hope to meet with other shopping center managers soon. We continue to make streetscape improvements.

We would appreciate your continued support. Membership is $20 for individuals and $100 for neighborhood associations and businesses.  Click the Donate Here button at the top of the screen.

The next GHHCDC meeting is Feb. 26, 10 a.m.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88497600782?pwd=SzNWTFBaSGY0cjMwOFRsYW11QVdVUT09

Meeting ID: 884 9760 0782

Passcode: 922956

312-626-6799

Happy New Year 2022!

GHHCDC

Environment Service Opportunity

The  DeKalb Soil and Water Conservation District is actively seeking a volunteer in your area! Position can either be elected or appointed. Must have flexible schedule and able to attend 2nd friday (virtual for now) monthly meetings that begin at 10am.

https://gaswcc.georgia.gov/soil-water-conservation-districts/how-do-i-become-swcd-supervisor

Georgia has 40 soil and water conservation districts and 370 Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors. District supervisors are either elected for a four-year term or are appointed to a two-year term.

Please contact Victoria Webb to ask questions or express interest.
vic@furiousdreams.com

Marta is Improving Indian Creek

Ten million dollars is being invested in the Indian Creek MARTA station. The project improvements include a new lighted walkway from the parking to lot into the station, replacing all signage and damaged concrete, new public restrooms, tile cladding on the concourse level, and new landscaping. We are excited about the investment.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held Nov. 22, and Rod Frierson, a Hidden Hills resident for 30+ years and member of the MARTA Board of Directors, is pictured 2nd from the left.

There’s a short video about the project featuring DeKalb’s own Charles David Moody, founder and president of CD Moody Construction, which will do lots of the work.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

GHHCDC

The GHHCDC will meet Dec. 11, 10-11 a.m. We will have an update on the progress (slow) being made on the golf course housing development, and other developments in the community. Please join us at:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84991898091?pwd=QlBTQUpnR2lrd2t6MEdKT3VKS28wZz09

Meeting ID: 849 9189 8091
Passcode: 818713
Phone: 301 715 8592

District 5 Community Council meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13.  It appears there is an application for a personal care home at 2038 Mallard, Lithonia.  However, currently, we do not have the agenda.   

The Zoom link is
https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/81438083587

The Rockbridge housing development rezoning case goes before District 4 Community Council 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 14.  The proposal affects several parcels near Rockbridge/Hairston Road. It is to build 161 single-family, owner-occupied homes. There would be 4.2 units/acre on 39.7 acres. The houses include 2-car garages and are 3-bedroom, 3 bath. At the last meeting, a tentative price was stated as $400,000 – $500,000.

The Zoom link is

https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/86827815092

If for some reason these links don’t work, click on the County website to find the most current information.

https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/planning-and-sustainability/public-hearing-agendas-info

Remembering an Inspirational Leader
A champion for mixed-income and senior housing, Noel Khalil passes away at 70

Seven years ago, Noel Khalil, a well-respected business owner, gave us insight on developing senior housing on the closed Hidden Hills golf course. He even gave us a tour of one of his stellar properties, Columbia Heritage Senior Center on Perry Blvd. in Atlanta.  He passed away Oct. 25. I just want to acknowledge how kind he was to us.  He affirmed the benefits of our idea, and he encouraged us. Few people would have taken the time. He accomplished great things, ensuring that hundreds of people of modest income had decent places to live.

The following link is an excellent story about him.

https://atlantaciviccircle.org/2021/10/28/a-champion-for-housing-affordability-noel-khalil-passes-away-at-70/

GIVING BACK OPPORTUNITIES

Join the effort to make our community prosperous, attractive, and green!

Thank you to all neighborhood associations and individuals who have joined GHHCDC.  We thank all our hard-working volunteers who enable us to run on a bare-bones budget. There are no salaries.

To all readers, as we approach the end of the year, please donate to the Greater Hidden Hills CDC.   Your donation directly benefits this community.  Because we know that beautiful streetscapes grow good business, we continue to pay for the maintenance of the median at Redan/S. Hairston, and we pay for the basic costs of running a nonprofit.

We have not been able to have our annual fundraiser for two years due to Covid concerns.  Our financial resources are dwindling. Your contribution will help, and it is tax deductible. We are a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit.
 You can donate online at this link.

Or, send a check to
Greater Hidden Hills CDC

P.O. Box 1811

Stone Mountain, GA 30083

If your company matches donations, please apply. It will maximize your gift!

Buy a brick for the holidays! $25 discount ends soon.

Leave Your Mark at Hairston Park!

You can support Hairston Park by buying an engraved brick that will be used in a lovely border around our new information kiosk. It will be seen by hundreds of people who come to Hairston Park every month. Click here to learn more and to receive a $25 discount.

https://bricksrus.com/DONORSITE/FRIENDSOFHAIRSTONPARK

Thank you for reading this update. Stay safe and healthy.

Jan Costello

President, GHHCDC

Excellent Day of Service

GHHCDC

We planted 50 trees Nov. 13 with the tremendous help of Trees Atlanta. More than 50 volunteers planted trees — coming from the local neighborhoods and as far away as Johns Creek and Morrow, Ga. Thank you to all volunteers.

We are thrilled that DeKalb County is supporting the effort to beautify the median on Hairston Road. This is a terrific investment in the beauty of the area. In addition, it cuts down on mowing costs and, according to Radarsigns, trees slow down driving speeds by 10-20 percent (see link below).

We especially thank Antioch A.M.E. Church which let us use the parking lot for a staging area and provided many volunteers. Here are some photos of our great event.

Street Trees Promote Traffic Calming

Countdown: Almost time to plant our trees

GHHCDC

Lasting Benefits for our Community!

Saturday, Nov. 13, is the big day! We’re planting 50 trees on S. Hairston, on the stretch of road from Hairston Park to Martins Crossing.  Trees Atlanta is our partner, and they will lead our efforts.

We invite you to come and help dig!  There are also light-duty volunteer opportunities.  All volunteers are welcome!

Nov. 13, 9:00 a.m.

Meet at Antioch A.M.E. Church (parking available)

765 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Many hands make light work.  Please join us.  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.

We’re planting Nuttall Oak, Shumard Oak, and Bald Cypress.  They are little now, but they will grow into beautiful, majestic trees, and will be a stunning site on S. Hairston. 

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 great project. Every time you drive down Hairston Road, you can say, “I helped plant those trees!”



Meet and greet the Police Commander at Hairston Park, Oct. 26, 5 p.m.

GHHCDC

You are invited to hear an update from Major C.D. Medlin, Tucker Precinct Commander, on Oct. 26, 5 – 6 p.m. , at Hairston Park.  911 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain.   This is part of the Major’s Night Out series, a time when the entire community can address concerns.  Please join us. 

Help Us Pave the Way
Leave Your Mark at Hairston Park!

You can support Hairston Park by buying an engraved brick that will be used in a lovely border around our new information kiosk. It will be seen by hundreds of people who come to Hairston Park every month. Click here to learn more and to receive a $25 discount.

https://bricksrus.com/DONORSITE/FRIENDSOFHAIRSTONPARK

Help Create a Tree-Lined Boulevard on S. Hairston

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.

Help Create a Tree-Lined Boulevard on S. Hairston

GHHCDC

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/

Support Changes to Development Panola/Young

GHHCDC

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 4th item on the agenda, but the first two are likely to be deferred, and the 3rd 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.