The Henry County Update - June 27th, 2013

June 27, 2013

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Ground is Broken on Two Projects Set to Transform the Fairview Area

Regular Meetings July 16th at 6:30 p.m.

Canceled Meetings July 2nd at 9:00 a.m.

Meetings held at: Administration Building Community Room 140 Henry Parkway McDonough, GA 30253 Commission meetings will air Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays on Henry TV Channel 14 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, at 9 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Participating in the groundbreaking for Nidus Development’s Fairview Medical Center were (from left to right) Tim Carlo and Claire Jones, both with Nidus Development; David Gill, incoming President of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce ; Eddie Ausband, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; District 3 Commissioner Gary Barham; District 2 Commissioner Brian Preston; District 5 Commissioner Bruce Holmes; Mildred Smelz; Dr. Greg Daniel, CEO of Nidus Development; Rev. Bill Herndon, Chairman of the Development Authority Board of Directors; Charles Smith, District 5 Development Authority Board Member; Steve Cash, Exec. Director of the Henry County Council for Quality Growth; Chandra Harris, District Director for Representative David Scott; and Kay Pippin, President of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, who retiring at the end of the month. Not pictured is Jonathan Gill with Nidus Development.

On June 26, more than 200 people came out to join the Henry County Board of Commissioners, District V Commissioner Bruce Holmes, Nidus Development and the SPLOST Department for a groundbreaking ceremony on two transformative projects that will change the face of the Fairview area, serving to improve access to

healthcare, stimulate commerce in the area, and improve commute times for citizens.

Project 1: Fairview Medical Center Northern Henry County has been historically underserved by the medical community.

This facility by Nidus Development answers that need, and Continued on Page 2 the henry county update

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FAIRVIEW From Page 1 provides a mechanism to jumpstart a new level of commerce and industry in this crossroads for Clayton, Dekalb, Rockdale and Henry Counties. It will be the first phase of a major mixed use campus planned for the area to include an upscale, village concept retail component. Preliminary plans call for approximately 88,000 square feet of medical office space and 80,000 square feet of retail/hospitality space, with opportunity for additional development. The campus will feature a park-like setting with splash fountains, green spaces, and walking trails. Planning and site development is expected to be completed by the end of first quarter 2014.

“As hospitals have begun to move away from centralized care to ambulatory settings, the Fairview concept will be at the forefront of that trend,” explained Dr. Greg Daniel, CEO of Nidus Development. “We’ll provide vital healthcare services to a medically underserved community recognizing that there are over 400 fewer physicians than needed in the Henry County region. And we will work diligently to alleviate this shortage which will benefit the residents of the community.”

Upon completion, the Fairview Medical Center is projected to employ over 1,300 persons directly and

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indirectly, with an estimated economic impact of $185 million.

Project 2: Fairview Road The Fairview area is expected to be one of the fastest growing areas in the County over the next few years. In addition, Fairview Road serves as a major thoroughfare for those traveling to and from Fulton, Dekalb, Rockdale and Clayton Counties on a daily basis.

With this demand in mind, Commissioner Bruce Holmes has remained steadfast in moving forward with progress on Fairview Road, which is unquestionably one of the biggest transportation projects remaining on Henry County’s SPLOST III project list. It consists of widening to four lanes 1.85 miles of roadway from Anvil Block Road to just beyond the intersection of Panola and Fairview roads.

Four signalized intersections will feature decorative stamped concrete crosswalks, mast arm signal poles and lighted street names. In addition, decorative light posts and enhanced landscaping will add to the curb appeal in the commercial area.

As part of Commissioner Holmes’ vision to transform

Henry County’s District 5 into a “health and wellness community,” this road will also be the first in the County to include the installation of eight foot wide, multi-use paths on both sides of the road.

The Fairview Road Widening Project was designed by Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. and is being constructed by Construction Management Engineering Services (CMES).

The total cost of the project is $13,291,079.61. It is expected to take approximately two years to complete.

“The two projects together signify a new economic era in Henry County and the southern region of Atlanta,” said Commissioner Holmes. “The combined projects will rebrand the Fairview community and stimulate positive growth in this part of the southern crescent. Providing capital investment, job creation, beautification, walking/ bike trails, and quality of life improvements is just the start of my long range goal to establish a ‘Health and Wellness Community’ in North Henry. The community, both private and business, has shown great support and pride and, to that point, I simply say, ‘the best is yet to come.’”

“That is a vision worth pursuing. Nidus, along with our partners at Piedmont Hospital System and Henry County

we worked to create a worldclass state of the art outpatient medical facility along with a commercial desination for residents, visitors and businesses In order to foster quality development that will meet this burgeoning area’s anticipated needs, Henry County has contracted with The Collaborative Firm to develop an Overlay District for the community. The Overlay District is intended to encourage improvements through the use of development and design standards while conserving the integrity of the cultural resources and property values within the corridor.

Commissioner Holmes, together with the Board of Commissioners, the SPLOST Department and the Planning & Development Services Division, have worked diligently to see these projects to fruition and Commissioner Holmes in particular is encouraged by what these projects will mean for the community.

“This overlay district is meant to create standards for the Fairview area, to prevent unwanted types of businesses from coming into the area. It’s also going to help brand the area, and create an inviting appeal as you enter Henry County, so people can see how beautiful Henry County really is,” said Commissioner Holmes.

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Henry County Police Seeking Public Comment for “Specialized Traffic Accident Reconstruction” or “S.T.A.R.” grant application The Henry County Police Department’s project entitled “Specialized Traffic Accident Reconstruction” or “S.T.A.R.” is applying for a grant of $24,771.00 under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Formula Program: Local Solicitation, CFDA 16.738, funding opportunity number BJA-2013-3599.

The Henry County Traffic Unit, part of the Uniform Patrol Division, is tasked with investigating all fatal motor vehicle crashes; responding to serious injury crashes; and investigating/reviewing all hit and run accidents. Sgt. David Gagnon supervises 5 officers in the Unit and maintains certification through the Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Reconstruction Team as a Forensic Mapping Specialist.

The “S.T.A.R.” grant will request funds to purchase a replacement GPS mapping station, laptop computers and software updates, which are used extensively with all investigations. When producing a forensic map, a GPS mapping station aids the prosecution in criminal cases and the victim’s family if a civil case should arise following a motor vehicle accident. The current system is outdated and has suffered several major errors on the data collector which

have in turn required assistance from the Georgia State Patrol to complete the investigation. The new GPS mapping station will require significantly less time and eliminate the need for outside agencies on most investigations. Henry County has suffered 10 fatalities thus far in 2013, compared to just 6 this time last year.

Submission deadline for this grant application is July 9, 2013. A public comment period, as required in the official solicitation, allows citizens to inquire about the proposed program, and to voice comments. The Henry County Police Department’s grant administrator, Kimberly Monast, is available for questions or comments at 770-288-8133 or at kmonast@co.henry.ga.us.

After July 9, a copy of the application can be viewed in-house by scheduling an appointment with Ms. Monast during regular business hours, or by requesting a copy be provided to you via email, postal mail, or direct pick-up. The Henry County Police Department and Henry County Board of Commissioners maintain strict financial stewardship of federal and state grant award dollars and welcome your inquiry.

Black And White Domestic Short Hair Cat www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25978433 It is kitty season once again and because no one thought to get my mom and dad sterilized, I am here at the shelter (Spayed on 6-18-13), lonely, and without a home. I am one of the many kitties here at the shelter in need of a lifetime companion that will give me the love that I so deserve. If you would like to meet me, you can visit me here at the shelter or call my friends at (770) 288-PETS. My ID# is 4/1-0754 and I hope to see you soon. Lost and stray animals are held at the Henry County Animal Care and Control Shelter for four (4) calendar days (excluding Sundays and county holidays) in order to give their owners a chance to reclaim them. After that time period, adoptable animals are held as long as space allows.

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Commissioner Bruce Holmes to Host Town Hall Meeting Focus will be on education District V Commissioner Bruce Holmes will hold his monthly Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 9 a.m. at Crossroad Christian Church in Stockbridge.

The July Town Hall will focus on the future of Henry County Public Schools and Henry County School Superintendent Ethan Hildreth will be the featured guest speaker.

The Town Hall Meeting is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.

Crossroad Christian Church is located at 5365 North Henry Blvd. in Stockbridge, across from the Quik Trip.

OFFICE CLOSING Henry County Government offices will be closed Thursday, July 4th, 2013 in observance of Independence Day.

HENRY COUNTY D.O.T ROAD RESURFACING SCHEDULE For the week of July 1st, 2013 Upchurch Road will be resurfaced Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.* *Weather permitting.

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SPLOST IV Committee Announces Project Recommendations For Proposed SPLOST IV Program The SPLOST Committee wrapped up its 14-week Equipment $100,000 series of meetings Thursday night, and announced the list of • Replacement Police Patrol Vehicles $1.4 million projects they recommend the Henry County Board of • Replacement Fire Stations (Stations 2 and 8) Commissioners include on an upcoming November $4.5 million referendum for a potential SPLOST IV program for • New Interchange on I-75 South of SR 155 Henry County. $5.5 million Over the course of the last 14 weeks, the SPLOST IV • SPLOST Management $4.75 million Committee has taken public input and worked The committee then recommended that the closely with County staff to formulate the list balance of $106.6 million be divided equally of recommended projects. Though it is among the five commission districts, subject to change by the Board of providing each one $21.3 million to Commissioners, the list is allocate for either capital or currently based on projected transportation projects revenues of $190 million and according to their district’s a 75/25 split between the needs and priorities. To County and its four view a list of all the municipalities.

That SPLOST IV projects leaves $142.5 million for recommended by the the County’s share.

Committee, including Using that figure as a details about the district guide, committee projects, please visit members first established www.henrycountya list of county-wide ga.org/SPLOSTIV/. projects to recommend to The Henry County the Commissioners as Board of Commissioners high priorities. These will consider these county wide projects recommendations and totaled nearly $36 million, make any changes to the or about 25 percent of the estimated revenues and County’s portion, and include the following: corresponding project list on or before August 2, 2013. The • 911 Radio Communications System for the proposed SPLOST IV referendum will then be submitted to County and Cities $6 million the Secretary of State’s office for approval to be placed on • Ambulances $380,000 the November general election ballot. If approved by voters • 2nd Building of Southern Crescent Technical at that time, the SPLOST IV program would continue the College $5 million penny sales tax for another six years.

• DOT Construction Equipment Replacement $2.2 million • Jail Expansion $5 million • Airport FOB $1 million • Animal Control Facility Improvements and w w w. h e n r y c o u n t y - g a . o r g

Henry County Firefighters Make a Great Stop on Afternoon Fire

On June 21st in McDonough, a large plume of dark smoke could be seen from the parking lot of the Target Store on Jonesboro Road as firefighters battled a house fire just one exit north. At just before twelve-thirty this afternoon, Henry County Firefighters responded to a house fire at 315 Meadowbrook Drive, in McDonough. First arriving units were faced with a heavily engulfed structure fire. Although the firefighters were confronted with heavy fire conditions, entry was made into the structure in an aggressive attack to save the home. Fortunately, crews were able to quickly knock the fire down containing it to the area of origin and saving the remainder of the home.

On arrival there was heavy smoke showing from the garage area of a one story residential structure. During initial walk around, heavy smoke and flames were reported.

Despite the amount of fire present in this one-alarm fire and

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due to an aggressive interior attack, fire spread and extensive fire damage was prevented. "Fortunately, there was no one home at the time of the fire and there were no injuries.

We would like to encourage homeowners to practice fire safety in their home and with their families. If you do not have a fire escape plan, take time to make one, review with all persons residing in home, and then practice it regularly.

Also, we would like to remind citizens of the importance of not only having a smoke alarms, but checking them monthly to ensure they are working properly. Prepare today to possibly save you from devastation later!� stated Captain Sabrina Puckett.

Origin and cause of the fire are unknown at this time.

Fire investigation is underway by Henry County Fire Investigators. Fortunately, no injuries reported.

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