zoning

Stonecrest asks developer to make improvements

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The Stonecrest City Council heard our voices at the meeting Monday night. We asked that more of the Greater Hidden Hills Overlay District zoning code be applied to the property the city plans to annex. This property is at 6024 Covington Highway, to the west of LA Fitness.  The council voted unanimously to defer the matter and asked the attorney to convey to Rocklyn Homes that some improvements were needed.

If the property had stayed under the GHH overlay, it would have been required to set aside 20% for public open space, have 30-foot buffers next to the Scarbrough neighborhood. We also asked for more trees and that the stormwater drainage system be environmentally sensitive and attractive.  For example,  the site could include permeable pavers, rain gardens, and vegetative swales. The stormwater retention pond could be an aesthetic and recreational feature, with a walking path and benches around it.

The next step is up to Rocklyn Homes.  We’ll keep you posted.

Thank you to all the people who came to the meeting. Your presence made a difference. We only had 10 minutes to speak; we appreciate the comments made by Jan Costello, president of the Greater Hidden Hills CDC; Kenneth Saunders III, president of the South DeKalb Improvement Association; and Rod Frierson, president of Hidden Hills Civic Association. Bernard Knight, general counsel of the Stonecrest Business Alliance, provided a factual reminder that the area was part of the GHH overlay district and that the city forgot to include the zoning when it incorporated part of the district.

Also, a word about the property owner, Halpern Enterprises. The firm did meet with us and accept the conditions we asked for that apply to commercial development. We appreciate the firm’s accommodation.

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

 

 

 

Join the Celebration – Thursday 4 p.m.

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The first annual Wow! Winning First Impressions contest winner will be announced Thursday, March 17, 4 p.m.!

Join the Greater Hidden Hills community for the celebration. Meet at Crowe’s Crossing, at Redan and S. Hairston, near Kroger (on the right as you face the store).

We’ll have music and cake, and we’ll present the grand prize – a beautiful, tall planter filled with attractive perennials. Two businesses will receive honorable mention awards.

This evcontest container-1ent is designed to encourage all businesses in the Greater Hidden Hills community to improve their storefronts.
Curb appeal matters!   

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

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.

 

 

 

 

Let’s Create Parklets at Shopping Centers

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Los Angeles has a great idea for turning streets into pedestrian-friendly environments, and I believe we can do the same thing with our strip malls.

The strip malls are uninviting to consumers and businesses because they are tucked far behind large parking lots. We would love to create new development that brings the shops closer to the street, but in the meantime, let’s do something attractive and productive now.

Let’s borrow LA’s parklet idea and apply it to the strip malls.

Imagine how appealing it would be to have a seating area outside the shops! You could sit there and eat and visit with friends! LA has shared its manual, parklet kit, and technical drawings. You are going to be hearing more about this idea. Look below to see some of the neat concepts.

Update on Community Improvements, Upholding the Overlay Code, and Economic Development

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Biffle Park Blooms with Generous Support

On Saturday, a group of volunteers planted dozens of perennials in three planters at Biffle Park. We planted drawf gardenias, Coral Bells, Japanese surge, Coral Bell, Carpet bugleweed (ajuga), black-eyed Susan,  variegated vinca, paperwhite narcissus, and crocus.  The plants will bloom in different seasons and provide greenery all year long.  We moved a butterfly bush to a better location.

Lowe’s Home Improvement on Fairington Road donated $125 to the effort, a contribution made possible because of a grant request by the Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corp., (GHHCDC), a 501(c)(3). We were able to buy the plants half-price, as a sale was going on when we shopped. Thank you Lowe’s Manager Michael Pitchford and Assistant Manager John Perkins for giving our community the plants.

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And thanks to several people who helped with this effort:

  • Wayne Scaturro for helping repair tIMG_4464he pot that wouldn’t drain
  • Sherrie Walker and Karen Smiley-Speas for helping select the plants, transport them, and plant them.
  • Lois Dunlap and Fred Plummer for helping with the planting
  • Leroy Sampson for letting us use water from his spigot

 

Biffle Park is a wonderful amenity in our community. I’ve spent many hours walking my dog there, visiting with neighbors, and enjoying the happy sounds of kids on the playground. It was a pleasure to give back to this beautiful spot.

 

 

Gas Station/Alcohol Retail Proposal – Public Hearing – Nov. 11, 7 p.m, Karma Bistro, 1179 S. Hairston

One of the primary purposes of the Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation is to make sure our overlay code is enforced. You can help.  On Nov. 11, 7 p.m, the community is invited to hear from a
businessman who wants to build a gas station with an alcohol retail component at 4736 Redan Road, one lot west of the Boston Market. This meeting will take place at Karma Bistro, 1179 S. Hairston (the shopping center behind Los Arcos). New gas stations are prohibited in the commercial tiers of the Greater Hidden Hills District because we have enough of them. If you are able, please join us at this hearing. The GHHCDC will be speaking out against the development.

 

Code Enforcement Aske to Stop Illegal Street Corner Vendors

The gas stations at Covington and S. Hairston and Redan and S. Hairston have become micro flea markets, and such activity is prohibited in the commercial tiers of the overlay. We have joined other neighbors in asking DeKalb County Code Enforcement to crack down on this illegal activity. Interim CEO Lee May answered an email and stated that he would pursue swift action.  If you see vendors conducting business on the corners, please take a picture and send it to GHHCDC@gmail.com.  Let us know where the picture was taken, the date, and time.

 

Dress for Success – a Better Business Model

Another key purpose of the GHHCDC is to encourage better business development. We are working on an initiative to reward business owners that beautify the exterior of their establishments. The initiative will include information on how to dress a business for success and a contest.  If you would like to help with this effort, contact GHHCDC@gmial.com

 

Investigation of Discriminatory Home Appraisals and Lending Practices

The Hidden Hills community and surrounding neighborhoods are still suffering from the discriminatory and unethical practices of mortgage lenders and appraisers, activity that sent the market into a tailspin in 2008. The SDIA is working with a Washington Post reporter to cover the impact of the low property values as determined by appraisers.  Wayne Early, the Chair of the SDIA Housing Committee, would like to hear from those who “have been unable to sell or refinance their homes dues to being “under-water.” This also includes people who may have been denied a mortgage modification, were forced into a short-sale or lost their home due to foreclosure because of low property values.”

If you think you have been affected by discriminatory practices, please contact Wayne Early, 404 643-5082, or wayne@early-economics.com   .

 

Next Meeting

Our next meeting is Nov. 21, 10:30 a.m., at Mainstreet Community Center, 5001 Mainstreet Park, Stone Mountain. Please join us.

 

Submitted by Jan Costello, GHHCDC@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public hearings on gas station and recreation center; Get ready for Battle of the Bands

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 Please make a note of the following events:

 

Wednesday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m. – Review of recreation center proposal

The Tropical Sports Club will present to the community a concept for a neighborhood recreation center. This meeting will be at the proposed site, a single-family house at 1943 South Hairston Road. There is limited parking. Please carpool.

 

Thursday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m. – Review of gas station proposal at Lou Walker Center

Murphy Oil USA is proposing to build a Murphy’s gas station in front of LA Fitness on Covington Hwy. The community is invited to hear about the plans on Aug. 13, 7 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center. The site plan and rendering are attached. Murphy Gas Rendering     Murphy Gas Site Plan

 

 Saturday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. The next GHHCDC meeting, which will be devoted to ensuring the Aug. 22 Battle of the Bands’ success. Join us at the Mainstreet Community Center, 5001 Martin Road, 30088. All are welcome. We’ll be discussing the Aug. 22 Battle of the Bands event, the streetscape improvement plans, and grant applications.

 

 Saturday, August 22, Battle of the Bands, a community celebration

11:15 – volunteers begin setting up.

Event runs from noon to 3 p.m.

 

Where: Redan Village: NE corner of S. Hairston & Redan, in front of Jay’s Place

This community event will showcase creative students and local businesses. Join us!

* Celebrate the creativity of local high school bands (Including the Redan Raiders!)

* Compete for top honors in the Little Caesar’s Shaker Board contest

* Vote on the best haircut by the skilled barbers from Nick’s

* Watch local deejays battle it out for best in class

* Enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers

* Win prizes, just by coming out!

* See what local businesses have to offer

 

Contributing sponsors include Jay’s Place, Zaxby’s, Kroger, and Bruster’s.

We’ll be raffling off great prizes – tickets are free but we encourage tax deductible donations to our community development corporation.

Local businesses and entrepreneurs may reserve tables for $25: contact GHHCDC@gmail.com for information. Or, call 508-591-3526.

 

All proceeds benefit The Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit 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.

A flyer is attached. Please share. Flyer-Battle of Bands

 

Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. The next GHHCDC meeting. All are welcome. Join us at the Mainstreet Community Center, 5001 Martin Road, 30088.

Public Safety and Economic Development

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What is on the minds of residents and business owners alike? Safety and code enforcement. The Greater Hidden Hills CDC is committed to economic development, but progress is dependent upon effective law enforcement. When we met with the owner of Redan Village shopping center and the owner of Jay’s Place, these concerns were uppermost on their minds.

That is why we are telling you about these two meetings:

Public Safety Meeting at Mainstreet Community Center May 19, 6:30 pm

Address: 5001 Mainstreet Park Dr, Stone Mountain, GA 30088

The May 19 public safety meeting will include key DeKalb county officials who will address questions on public safety, criminal activity, and code enforcement.

 

GHHCDC monthly meeting May 23, 10 a.m. at Mainstreet Community Center

Address: 5001 Mainstreet Park Dr, Stone Mountain, GA 30088

We will continue planning our next event – the Battle of the Bands, August 22 (noon to 2 pm) at Redan Village. We welcome your ideas.

 

Update from last meeting

At the GHHCDC April 25 meeting, we heard about the expansion plans for Antioch Manor Estates Senior Community at S. Hairston and Woodway/Bishop Ming. Housing Authority of DeKalb County Vice President of Real Estate Sharon D. Guest presented plans for the third phase of the senior community at S. Hairston and Bishop Ming Roads. If DeKalb wins a Georgia Department of Community Affairs grant (to be decided in the fall), the third phase will be built. The $17 million development would have 124 units.

Currently, there are 125 units in phase one and about 260 in phase two.

There is a huge need for affordable senior housing; Antioch already has 300 people on the waiting list.

Other details: The project cannot provide assisted living because of the nature of the tax credits. It would meet EarthCraft standards for environmental standards.

Business seminar
Entrepreneurs in the Greater Hidden Hills area appreciated the tips and resources provided by John Ernst, business consultant with the UGA Small Business Development Center. The event was put on by the Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation April 21. Special thanks to White Oak Hills Baptist church for hosting the event.

Touch-a-Truck – Great Results and Photos

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The Greater Hidden Hills Touch-a-Truck was a success. Lots of people stopped by to see the sanitation trucks, natural gas powered vehicles, ambulance, and police car on March 21 at Redan/Hairston. Thanks to all of the county workers, volunteers, and businesses that supported the effort. We especially appreciate the DeKalb County Sanitation Department for bringing so many vehicles.

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You can see a slide show of the event at http://youtu.be/fVYkbGHG-DQ

We appreciate these businesses that bought tables:

  • Herbert Love, LegalShield Independent Associate (www.hlove.legalshieldassociate.com or hlove1223@aol.com)
  • MedPost, the new urgent care facility near Kroger
  • Taryn Lawrence State Farm Insurance Agency, at 1230 S. Hairston
  • Cassandra Sutton, HealthCare, csutton227@yahoo.com

We received additional support from these businesses:

  • Jay’s Place provided a DJ for the event, and the team rocked the parking lot! DJ T-Nice with TMD Production announced raffle winners and urged people to come over.
  • Zaxby’s enthusiastically supported our efforts. They offered the parking lot, but we moved right behind the restaurant because we had so many vehicles.
  • Redan Village Plaza owner, Mr. Vaswani, was opened the parking lot to us.

All proceeds benefit The Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit 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.

 

Don’t forget the upcoming business seminar. Please share this announcement with all small business owners and White Oak Church Mapentrepreneurs.

Take Advantage of Technology   April 21, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Where: White Oak Hills Baptist Church, 5171 Redan Rd, Stone Mountain, GA, 30088

This seminar will help businesses grow and prosper. Experienced business consultant John Ernst with the Georgia Small Business Development Corporation will discuss strategies and answer your questions. He owned and operated businesses for more than 25 years, and he has expertise in finance, marketing, family business management, and customer service.

 

There is no charge. The Greater Hidden Hills CDC is putting on this event to help area businesses.

 

 

 

Mark Your Calendars–Touch-a-Truck and Business Seminar are Coming

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Touch-a-Truck

Touch-a-Truck March 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Corner of S. Hairston & Redan next to Zaxby’s

 

Touch and explore emergency, construction, and service vehicles. Enjoy live entertainment and meet local business owners. This fun family event is for kids of all ages, and it is free! March 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Participants include the DeKalb County Police Department, Fire Department, Watershed Management, andRedan-Hairston Map Sanitation Department.

Local businesses and entrepreneurs may set up tables for a small fee: contact GHHCDC@gmail.com or call 508-591-3526.

All proceeds benefit The Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit 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.

(Rain date: March 28, 11- 2 p.m.)

 

Take Advantage of Technology   April 21, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Where: White Oak Hills Baptist Church, 5171 Redan Rd, Stone Mountain, GA, 30088

This seminar will help businesses grow and prosper. Experienced business consultant John Ernst with the Georgia Small Business Development Corporation will discuss strategies and answer your questions. He owned and operated businesses for more than 25 years, and he has expertise in finance, marketing, family business management, and customer service.

There is no charge. The Greater Hidden Hills CDC is putting on this event to help area businesses.

 

Next meeting of the Greater Hidden Hills CDC is March 28, 10.a.m. However, if the Touch-a-Truck event is postponed because of rain, then our meeting will by March 21.   Mainstreet Community Center, 5001 Mainstreet Park Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30088. All are welcome.

 

Non-profit Status, Upcoming Events, Panola Slopes’ Response

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Now a 501(c)(3)

The Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation is officially a 501(c)(3), giving us tax-exempt status. This is wonderful news! Thanks to Board member Joyce Russell who completed and filed the paperwork, and to Jerome Chavis, Chief Operating Officer, NTRC, who gave us excellent advice to get us started.

This designation is a significant accomplishment. It allows contributors to deduct their donations. It allows the GHHCDC to apply for a variety of grants.

 

Community and Business Events are Scheduled

As part of our effort to promote economic development in the Greater Hidden Hills area, we will have two events this spring.

Saturday, March 21, we invite the community to a Touch-a-Truck event. This is an opportunity to bring the family to see emergency vehicles, such as a fire truck, police car, and ambulance. Zaxby’s on S. Hairston has graciously agreed to let us use the parking lot.

We plan to have entertainment, share information about the GHHCDC, and give local businesses a chance to promote themselves.

Tuesday, April 21, 6:30 p.m., we will have a 90-minute business seminar on Taking Advantage of Technology, with a key component on Building and Maintaining the Customer Base. More details to come!

These activities will be much more successful if we have a few more volunteers to help. Please join us for our next monthly meeting, Feb. 21, 10 a.m., at Mainstreet Community Center, 5001 Mainstreet Park Drive, 30088

 

APD Solutions Responds to Panola Slopes Media Coverage

The entertainment complex proposed for Covington Highway near Young Road received negative media attention this week. APD Solutions owns the property and has met frequently with the community. The GHHCDC supports this development. It received approval from the DeKalb Board of Commissioners Dec. 16, after months of delays.

APD Solutions CEO Vaughn Irons sent a letter addressing the concerns. A portion is quoted below:

I see a means of changing the economic outlook of South/Central DeKalb with what we have envisioned for Panola Slope. The project is planned to be a resort for visitors and entertainment district for locals. We are bringing the finest amenities, unique experiences and safety to that corridor.

 This new project will bring a total of $28 million of new investment to the area. We are providing 3 new upscale restaurants, a one-of-a-kind Barcade, 4 retail boutiques, lodging of 72 sleeping rooms, swimming pool, outdoor performance pavilion and finally a top notch full service 10,000 SF conference center.

But attempts to lift up our community are never without controversy. Some media outlets are trying to suggest that because one of my investors owns casinos out of state, that this is a “backdoor” attempt to bring casino gambling to Georgia.

 These allegations are ludicrous. Casino gambling is illegal in Georgia. Our Barcade at Panola Resort will include amusement games for adult patrons that are legal and allowable under Georgia law. Any suggestion to the contrary is an intentional misrepresentation of the facts.

Click on this link to read Mr. Vaughn’s full letter: Irons Letter to DeKalb

 

Jan Costello
President, Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation