DeKalb County

Inspired by Music on Main

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What a wonderful evening!

Thank you to our special guests Theresa Hightower and Moses Davis for their spectacular performance Aug. 18.

Thank you to our elected representatives – DeKalb Commissioner Steve Bradshaw, DeKalb Commissioner Gregory Adams, and GA Senator Steve Henson – for celebrating with us.

Theresa Hightower at Music on Main in August 2018

Thank you to our wonderful supporters and volunteers who know that together we can make a positive and lasting impact on our community.

Team

And thank you to all of our sponsors.

 

sponsors

We will use the funds raised to continue making our commercial areas look better, to advocate for high quality businesses, and to enhance greenspace.

Just Say No!

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It’s time to restate your opposition to unwanted businesses in the community.  We are facing the prospect of three more liquor stores and one gas station. In all cases, the applicants have asked for a special land use permit to operate. Our overlay code put that restriction in place. This email shows you several ways that you can keep them from getting the permit.

1)   Show your opposition by showing up at meetings.

Oct. 16, 7 p.m. – Meet with owner of proposed liquor store at Publix Shopping Center. 2079 S. Hairston Road, Suite E

Oct. 17, 6:30 p.m. – Ask the Community Council to deny a request for a gas station and liquor outlet at the old tire shop at 4736 Redan Road, Stone Mountain. The meeting is at Sue Kellogg Library, 952 Leon Street, Stone Mountain. (Does this look familiar? It is! We fought the same battle last year and won!)

Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m. – Ask the Board of Commissioners to deny the request for a liquor store at 1026 Holcombe Road, Decatur.  The meeting is at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur.

Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m. – Ask the Planning Commission to deny request for a gas station and liquor outlet at the old tire shop at 4736 Redan Road, Stone Mountain.  The meeting is at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur.

 

2)   Sign the online petition the states your opposition. It will be shared with DeKalb County.

Click here for the petition.

3)  Write our county commissioners.
Email to:  GregoryAdams@dekalbcountyga.gov, srbradshaw@dekalbcountyga.gov, mdjohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov, kgannon@dekalbcountyga.gov, larryjohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov, jrader@dekalbcountyga.gov, nancy@nancyjester.com
Dear DeKalb Commissioners,
Please support our community in its efforts to attract businesses that we need and to keep out undesirable operations. In particular, we ask you to deny the special land use request for these three applicants:
1026 Holcombe Road, Decatur, GA – Request to operate a retail liquor store.
4736 Redan Road, Stone Mountain, GA – Request to build a gas station and request to build a convenience store/alcohol outlet.
2079 S. Hairston Road, Suite E., Decatur, GA – Request to operate a retail liquor store.

4)   Share this message with your email list.

 

If you want to write individual letters, here is the complete email list.

Gregory Adams GregoryAdams@dekalbcountyga.gov
Steve Bradshaw srbradshaw@dekalbcountyga.gov
Mereda Davis-Johnson mdjohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov
Kathie Gannon kgannon@dekalbcountyga.gov
Larry Johnson larryjohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov
Jeff Radar jrader@dekalbcountyga.gov
Nancy Jester nancy@nancyjester.com

 

 

 

Hairston Park News and May 20 Elections

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Hairston Park Friends Achieve Key Recommendation

Hairston Park, a 33-acre park in the Greater Hidden Hills community, is one step closer to getting an upgrade. The GHHCDC recommended specific improvements to District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw – in particular, a pavilion, new playground facilities, additional seating and picnic tables, a water fountain, and landscaping.

The DeKalb County Parks and Recreation Department supports the plan and so does Commissioner Bradshaw! He told the Friends of Hairston Park, a group reinvigorated by GHHCDC treasure Gwendolyn Stegall, that he will ask the Board of Commissioners to use park funds for the improvements. The vote will occur May 23.  We will keep you posted.

The recommendation is to complete much of the project in Fall 2017.

 

Public Meeting & Elections May 20, 10 am

Please join us for the next Greater Hidden Hills CDC meeting on May 20, 10 a.m. , at Mainstreet Community Center, 5001 Mainstreet Park.

We will elect members to the Board of Directors. We will also discuss:

  • Streetscape improvements on Redan Road
  • The Waffle House development
  • The Music on Main fundraiser
  • Hairston Park
  • Code Enforcement

 

 

 

Happy New Year! Award! and Lidl Grocery Meeting

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We accomplished a lot in 2016. We staged a storefront improvement contest, the second annual Battle and festival, and a beautiful installation of trees and shrubs in the median near S. Hairston and Redan. All of these things were made possible by the volunteer efforts and contributions of many residents and business owners.

The year ended on a particularly happy note for me when I received a Community Hero award, given by CEO Burrell Ellis.  Thank you Nadiaward-edit-bne Rivers-Johnson and Pauline Dailey for nominating me.  Several friends attended the Dec. 27 awards ceremony, and it was a pleasure to be there with them.

We wilaward-nadine-edit-bl continue working to make this area one that attracts high quality businesses. I look forward to 2017, and I encourage readers to get involved with our community.

The next meeting of the Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation is Jan. 21, 10 a.m., at Mainstreet Community Center, 5001 Mainstreet Park, Stone Mountain, 30088. Join us to discuss our next streetscape beautification plans and zoning requests in the area.

Public Meeting on a New Lidl Grocery Store

A grocery store called Lidl is asking for a zoning change on 5.4 acres at 6038 Covington Highway (near LA Fitness; currently Wings of a Dove Christian Academy). The developers are holding a public meeting January 4, 6:30 p.m., at the Redan-Trotti Library (1569 Wellborn, Lithonia), to discuss the proposal.  Please join us for this public meeting.

The developer provided the following information:

“Lidl US regarding its proposal to develop a grocery store on property located at 6038 Covington Highway in DeKalb County.   Lidl currently operates nearly 10,000 stores in 26 countries throughout Europe. It is part of the Schwarz Group, which is the largest retailer in Europe and one of the largest in the world. Lidl has a simple philosophy – focusing on offering customers top quality fresh goods and grocery products at the most competitive pricing in convenient locations. While customers receive amazing savings by choosing Lidl’s own great quality brands, they can still shop for their favorite branded goods, available at competitive prices.”

Right now, the property is zoned commercial and mixed use. The developers want to change it to commercial.

We did it! S.Hairston Median Beautification a Success!

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Dozens of people contributed money and time. Keep DeKalb Beautiful provided expert assistance, heavy equipment, and volunteers. Local business donated money and in-kind support. We worked together and beautified the median on S.Hairston, just south of Redan.

It is planted with 10 crepe myrtle and 58 bushes — burning bush, ornamental grass, and gold mop cypress.

Our volunteers also picked up trash for close to one mile in each direction of the intersection.  DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis-Johnson came, and she helped pick up trash and dig!  Steve Bradshaw, Democratic nominee for Commissioner District 4 also attended and helped. Keep DeKalb Beautiful Director Gordon Burkette and his crew (all volunteering their time on Saturday) pitched in all day long.

Thank you, everybody, for the wonderful community spirit.  This project demonstrates our commitment to each other, high standards, and revitalized business districts.

I’ve put some pictures below.  We’ll put a slide show together soon and share it.

After the Planting-S.Hairston median
After the Planting-S.Hairston median
Before Shot S.Hairston median
Some of our many volunteers.
Jan Costello, Commissioner Johnson, and Keep DeKalb Beautiful Director Gordon Burkette
Herb Love organizes the workers.
Nadine Rivers-Johnson cheers on the crowd.
Jan plants with Steve Bradshaw, Democratic nominee for District 4 County Commission
Commissioner Mereda Davis-Johnson pitches in!
GHHCDC volunteers made and served lunch to all
GHHCDC volunteers made and served lunch to all

October 29, 9 am – 1 pm — We’re Planting the Way to Better Business!

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Thank you to our generous supporters! We have raised $2,500 dollars by check, cash, and GoFundMe as of Oct. 21. We’re planting 10 trees and 71 bushes on the S. Hairston median just south of Redan on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 9 – 1 pm.

Come dig in the dirt with us!  We will gather near the Wendy’s on S. Hairston.

We also have received a $3000 pledge from State Farm and a $500 pledge from Hackney Real Estate Services. We are so grateful for their support.

You can still contribute to the effort. We have other phases of beautification in the works. Your tax-deductible contribution will make a difference. Thousands of people drive through this intersection every day, taking their business elsewhere. Improving the streetscape will encourage people to take a second look at local businesses and will attract new development.
Send check to:   Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corp.
P.O. Box 1811
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Or you can contribute through GoFundMe. Follow this link:
https://www.gofundme.com/Plants-Streetscape

Businesses’ and Residents’ Donations Growing! Planting Day Oct. 29

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We are pleased to announce that the national business community is supporting our efforts to beautify the streetscape at S. Hairston and Redan Road. We have received a $3,000 pledge from State Farm Insurance and a $500 pledge from Hackney Real Estate Services (owner of Crowe’s Plaza on the SE corner). 

Many local businesses have contributed to the Phase One campaign – landscape improvements to the S. Hairston median just south of Redan Road.  We thank Bruster’s, Frierson Design,  Taryn Lawrence State Farm, Wells Fargo, Redan Package Store, and Jiffy Lube. We also thank the Hidden Hills Civic Association and more than three dozen individuals who have contributed. The fundraising continues as we prepare for our first installation.

crapemyrtletuscarora2We are planting Phase One October 29!  The median will be transformed with 71 bushes and 10 crape myrtle trees. 

Join us on planting day from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Please let us know if we can count on you. Send us an email at GHHCDC@gmail.com

There are two ways to contribute. Note, we are already planning Phase Two for Spring 2017. Every penny will be spent on plants. Your donation is tax-deductible!

Send check to:   Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corp.
P.O. Box 1811
Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Or you can contribute through GoFundMe. Follow this link:    https://www.gofundme.com/Plants-Streetscape

 

The Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is committed to helping the community prosper and thrive. This volunteer organization represents the area on zoning matters and advocates for attractive business development that meets our residents’ needs.

 

 

 

We’re Planting the Way to Better Business!

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This fall and early winter, in conjunction with Keep DeKalb Beautiful and DeKalb Planning & Sustainability, the Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation is inspiring business redevelopment. With your help, we will be planting trees and shrubbery at the S. Hairston/Redan intersection. Thousands of people drive through this intersection every day, taking their business elsewhere. Improving the streetscape will encourage people to take a second look at local businesses and will attract new development.

GoFundMe-1

Studies show that natural beauty pays off. When commercial areas have more trees and attractive landscaping, they get more customers and up to 12% more spending! *

You can:
Make a lasting impact
Make your drive more enjoyable
Make a contribution, by Sept. 15!

Let’s Get Planting

Your contribution to the Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corp., a 501(c)(3), is 100% tax deductible.

Every penny goes towards plants.

Send your check to:
Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corp.
P.O. Box 1811
Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Or, use GoFundMe. Follow this link:
https://www.gofundme.com/Plants-Streetscape

Volunteers — Help Plant the Way!

Send us your email, and we’ll let you know when Planting Day is. Even though the County is providing heavy equipment, we’ll need lots of help. Individuals and groups are welcome.  Write to:  GHHCDC@gmail.com

 

Please click here to download a flyer and contribution form: Fundraiser

Look out! The Tire Store on Redan wants to become a gas station and liquor store. 

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This property is at 4736 Redan Road, one lot west of Boston Market. We ask you to join us in opposing this request. We have too many gas stations, auto parts stores, and alcohol retail outlets in the Greater Hidden Hills community. We don’t need any more!

Please click on petition and sign it to show your opposition. Pass the link to everyone who cares about this community.

Tire Store-4736-RedanSince the overlay district zoning forces the owner to get a special land use permit, we can make our voices heard.  The first public hearing is April 19, Sue Kellogg Library, 6:30 p.m.  (952 Leon St, Stone Mountain, GA 30083) We will ask the Community Council to deny the request.

This hearing is followed by two more: Planning Commission, May 4, 6:30 p.m., and Board of Commissioners, May 19, 6:30 p.m.

You may recall we met with Siasim Redan on Nov, 11, 2015, and let him know quite clearly that we did not want another gas station and alcohol outlet in the community. We must speak out again and insist that the county follow our much more positive plans for economic development.

T-Mobile has the Winning First Impression

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T-Mobile won the first annual Wow! Winning First Impression Award, given by the Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation. This is the T-Mobile next to Kroger, at Redan and S. Hairston.

T-Mobile won a beautiful planter for its storefront. Potted plants and attractive window displays attract customers.

Nadine (2)Nadine (6)-captionNadine (4)Nadine-2 (3captioni)Fred (4)-captionRainbow and WholeCare Pharmacy were finalists in the contest.

The contest is part of Greater Hidden Hill CDC’s effort to encourage all businesses in the community to improve their storefronts. Curb appeal matters!

Curb appeal is simple and inexpensive. It will

  • increase customer traffic
  • boost revenue
  • attract residents and visitors

GHHCDC thanks Kroger for donating a cake and balloons for the ceremony.

“We ask all businesses to remember that it only takes a second to form a first impression,” says GHHCDC President Jan Costello. “Now is the time to dress up storefronts with planters, window displays, and benches. These improvements will encourage people to shop in the community.”

The Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3), is committed to improving economic development and quality of life.

This contest was made possible by a grant from the Neighborhood Fund. The Neighborhood Fund, an initiative of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, empowers community members to positively impact neighborhoods at the local level. Building upon grassroots ideas and energy, Neighborhood Fund provides grants and support to community groups to build relationships, develop leadership and change communities within the 23-county region.