Fantastic 4th Guide Page 6
Volume 17 Number 6
Serving DeKalb & Metro Atlanta www.ocgnews.com
JUNE 15, 2011
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DeKalb approves renewable energy plant
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Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk made a dashing appearance at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark, one of three parks opening this summer as part of the Atlanta BeltLine redevelopment project.
Atlanta’s first skateboard park opens with thrilling action ATLANTA—Undaunted by the 90-degree heat, hundreds flocked to celebrate the opening of the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark, the city’s first park dedicated to skate boards. The June 11 celebration was marked with a visit from pro skater Tony Hawk and his skate team, who came from California, along with the Nike skate team, who all dazzled the crowd with some spectacular demonstrations. The new park, which includes a multi-use field, a
playground and sustainable water and energy features, is the culmination of a multiyear partnership between the community, city government, the Atlanta BeltLine and private and nonprofit sectors. “This is a great addition to the City of Atlanta parks system, and another jewel in the green ring around the City that is the Atlanta BeltLine,” said Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Commissioner George
Dusenbury. The Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark is one of three new parks opening as part of the Atlanta BeltLine “District 2 is proud to be home to this beautiful new facility, which will serve a wide range of users, from young children and skateboarders to families who want a great place to picnic and toss a frisbee,” said District 2 City Councilmember Kwanza Hall. “This is another milestone in the greening of the
Old Fourth Ward.” Funding for the park came from City of Atlanta Park Improvement Bonds, the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership Capital Campaign, the Atlanta BeltLine TAD and a $25,000 grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation. “The Atlanta BeltLine has developed this incredible park with an eye towards sustainability and resourcefulness,” said Brian See Many, page 5
By Valerie J. Morgan
n a tense showdown, DeKalb County commissioners unanimously approved Green Energy Partners’ application to build a $60 million biomass gasification plant just outside of the city of Lithonia. The approval came after protestors battled the project for months, saying they believed the plant would be harmful to residents’ health, exposing them to carcinogenic emissions. They packed the board’s meeting to show their opposition. So did proponents who said the biomass green energy plant represents the future— and jobs in DeKalb. They turned out in large numbers dressed in green T-shirts to show their support. Neville A. Anderson, managing director of Green Energy Partners, said construction on the 79,710-square-foot plant is expected to start in September. The facility will be built in Southeast DeKalb County on Rogers Lake Road, just See Opponents, page 5
Gwinnett seeks public’s help with illegal dumping Gwinnett County is asking for help from the public to catch people who are prying up sewer system manhole covers to dump various kinds of waste. “People have been dumping everything from grease and chemicals to septic tank pumping,” said Acting Director of Water Resources Lynn Smarr. “It’s not only illegal but it’s also dangerous for the perpetrators and our employees. We’re asking anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it immediately.” Residents can call Gwinnett Police at 770-513.5100 or Water Resources at 678-376-7000. Both lines are staffed 24 hours a day. County vehicles are clearly marked and Water Resources employees wear uniforms. “Tough economic times lead people to do things they wouldn’t normally do,” said Deputy Director Tyler Richards. “We all need to be vigilant to protect public health and safety.” “As environmental regulations get tighter, we’ve got to be strict about enforcing illegal dumping laws,” added Smarr. INSIDE
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Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
Monks open new Heritage Center in Rockdale By Joshua Smith
CONYERS—Where in the world can you buy coffee from Venezuela, enjoy a bonsai nursery and travel through history dating back to 100 CE, all while enjoying some homemade fudge and biscotti? Answer: The Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Rockdale County. The monastery, located off of rural Highway 212, not only offers such unique products to sustain the monks who live there, but some of the most serene, breathtaking views in Georgia. The monks are rolling out the welcome mat for people near and far to visit this summer and try their products and learn about their way of life. On July 9-11, the monastery will
host a “Grand Open House” to celebrate completion of a 17,000-square-foot Heritage Center and to commemorate the Feast of St. Benedict. An Italian Saint, Benedict was the founder of 12 monastic communities in the mountains of Southern Italy and is often considered the founder of Western Christian monasticism. “Make plans to attend with your family. We are sure people will enjoy the exhibits and our beautiful monastery grounds. Monks and volunteers will be on hand to offer you a warm welcome,” said Brother Callistus Crichlow, who serves as a spokesperson for the monastery. For years, the 66-year-old monastery has been Rockdale’s top tourist’s
attraction, drawing 80,000 visitors annually from all walks of life. Now, with plenty of bathroom facilities, informational displays, and more free parking at its Heritage Center, the monastery hopes to boost its revenues. The monks say that more revenues than ever before are needed to meet today’s rising cost of living to sustain the monastery’s 40 monks, many of whom are now aging. “We are looking for people to help us help ourselves,” said Brother Crichlow. “We are striving to renew not only our small industries, but renew our commitment to a cloistered, See Monastery, page 15