FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 34
OCTOBER 13, 2018
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Civil rights groups to join suit against Brian Kemp’s office, alleging voter suppression
A Developer Vaughn Irons
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
Atlanta Sports Connection defaults on loan for sports complex Developer Vaughn Irons: Project still on track
A
tlanta Sports Connection, Inc. has defaulted on its $2.25 million loan for the former Kohl’s building, located at 8010 Mall Parkway, but developer Vaughn Irons said the project is still moving forward. The Atlanta Sports City Complex at the Mall at Stonecrest, known as “Tournament Central,” was scheduled to be sold on the DeKalb County courthouse steps on Oct. 2, according to a notice of sale under power, which was announced in the county’s legal organ. The owners of the building could not be reached to discuss the details. However, developer Vaughn Irons said the foreclosure did not go through because of the terms of the loan between Bay Point Capital Partners (Kohl’s) and Atlanta Sports Connection, Inc., which stated that ownership would go back to The
SEE SPORTS COMPLEX page 4
Founder Joe Eifred stands at the site of the Rockdale Art Farm, which will offer woodworking, metalworking, jewelry making, painting, sculpting, pottery and other pursuits. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
Rockdale BOC approves special use permit for Rockdale Art Farm
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By Valerie J. Morgan
he Rockdale County Board of Commissioners gave its approval on Oct. 9 to grant a Special Use Permit (SUP) to Joe Eifred, paving the way for his nonprofit, the Rockdale Art Farm (RAF), to take root. RAF plans to offer a wide range of art programs on a former dairy farm located at 4420 Flat Bridge Road in south Rockdale near Union Church Road. While proponents had expressed their excitement about having a place to enjoy arts education while connecting with nature, critics said they believed the project would bring noise and traffic, and dramatically change the character of the quiet area. The proposed project
was caught in limbo for months as supporters and opponents expressed their viewpoints. “It’s been a long road. I started last November talking to the planning commission and I ran into opposition with some members of the community who didn’t really understand what I was trying to do,” said Eifred. “I’m glad that it passed. I was surprised we didn’t get a unanimous decision, but I’m just thankful that it passed.” BOC Chairman Oz Nesbitt cast the dissenting vote on the three-member board. He did not state his reason for doing so. Commissioner Sherri Washington
SEE ART FARM page 6
s Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced that Georgia has shattered its alltime voter registration record with more than 6,915,000 voters on the rolls, several civil rights groups have united to demand his resignation. The groups say Kemp’s office reportedly purged more half a million legitimate voters from the rolls over a two-year period. They have joined investigative journalist Greg Palast, who said he discovered through an open records request that Kemp’s office used a racially-biased methodology for removing as many as 700,000 legitimate voters from the state’s voter rolls since 2017. Palast said Kemp’s office used a “Crosscheck Program,” an interstate check list, provided by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach to determine if people from Georgia had moved to other states as a way of purging them from voter rolls. Kemp, who is the Republican nominee for governor running against Democrat Stacey Abrams in the Nov. 6 general election, has denied the accusations. “Despite what you hear or read, the numbers are clear. While outside agitators disparage this office and falsely attack us, we have kept our heads down and remained focused on ensuring secure, accessible, and fair elections for all voters. The fact is that it has never been easier to register to vote and get engaged in the electoral process in Georgia, and we are incredibly proud to report this new record,” Kemp said in a news release. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda and the new Georgia Project pledged to join Palast in filing a federal lawsuit against Kemp’s office, alleging voter suppression. Palast published a database containing the names of the voters removed since 2017 so that anyone on the list could re-register before the Oct. 9 voter registration deadline. “…This particular issue really motivates me to stand up for these types of acts because many people have died and made a supreme sacrifice for people to have a right to vote,” Dr. Charles Steel, Jr., president of the SCLC, said during a recent press conference. “It’s an insult for all of the work and accomplishments that
we have done throughout this country. Georgia is a state that needs to stand up and say ‘We’re not going to take it anymore.’” Joe Beasley, former Southern Regional Director of the national Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, blasted Kemp. “Here we are in 2018 and this mean person that’s sitting in the Secretary of State’s office, namely Brian Kemp, who aspires to be the governor of this state would use racist intentions to remove more than half a million people from the rolls, the majority of them African Americans is damnable. We’re not going to accept it. We’re not going to take it,” said Beasley. Attorney Gerald Griggs, vice president of the state NAACP, said the organization is calling for Kemp’s resignation. Griggs said Kemp should step down from overseeing the November election as secretary of state while he is running for office. “We are calling on Mr. Kemp to step aside as overseeing this election. We believe it is the right thing to do. Two secretary of states have done it before while they were running for governor. We want to make sure that all Georgians can have trust in this election…” Griggs said. Griggs said 1.5 million Georgians have been purged from the rolls: 300,000 African-Americans; 30,000 in Fulton County; 28,000 in Clayton County; and 40,000 in DeKalb County. “We are standing together with Mr. Palast to call for free and transparent elections,” Griggs said. The general election is Nov. 6. Absentee by mail voting is now underway. Early in-person voting will be held Oct. 15 through Nov. 2. The polls will be open in all of Georgia’s 159 counties on Saturday, Oct. 27.
Clarkston Police want to honor Good Samaritan who foiled purse snatching of elderly woman Clarkston Police want to honor the Good Samaritan who chased a man who snatched a purse from an elderly woman at the Exxon gas station at 1051 Montreal Road. The purse snatcher slammed the woman to the ground and took off running. A man who witnessed the incident ran after him, got the purse back and returned it to the woman. The incident occurred on Oct. 3 at 6 p.m., Clarkston officials said. "I just want to shake his hand," said Clarkston Police Detective J. McKinney. "This day and age no one puts themselves at risk to do anything for anybody. This shows justice and kindness.” The “Good Samaritan” is asked to contact: Sergeant Jasond E. Elliott at 404-391-4235 .
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Beyond Dreaming Nearly 100 people attended the Beyond Dreaming Entrepreneurship and Leadership Seminar,which was held Oct. 8-9 at the Atlanta Evergreen Conference Resort in Stone Mountain. Businessman and philanthropist Gregory B. Levett, Sr. shared how he turned a second mortgage into a multi-million dollar business during the two-day event. Levett, his family and others strategists discussed team building, how to create success and wealth, marketing and other tips. Levett said he presented the conference to inspire others who have dreams of starting or growing their business. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
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OCTOBER 13, 2018 • PAGE 3
Jesse Jackson visits DeKalb’s Cedar Grove High, discusses the importance of voting
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
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On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers.
After Jackson’s contribution to the homecoming rally and the rally’s conclusion, students had the opportunity to register to vote if they were of legal voting age. Volunteers set up at the school gymnasium. Photos by DeKalb County School District
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“I am somebody. Respect me. Protect me. Don’t neglect me. Keep hope alive.” These words echoed through the halls and classrooms of Cedar Grove High School as civil rights icon Jesse Jackson spoke to students during an assembly at the school on Oct. 10. Jackson spoke to students about the importance of having one’s voice heard. Specifically, Jackson challenged students to use their voices at the polls come November 2018. “An African-American woman is running for governor for the first time in Georgia,” Jackson said. “Not long ago, when Dr. King was alive, we didn’t have the right to vote. Those of you who are old enough to vote, you can register today. For those of you who aren’t old enough, talk to your parents and friends about voting. We have to do something to make it happen.” Jackson completed his talk by challenging students to be, act on, and put in action the change they want to see in their own communities and the world at large. Jackson had students hear and repeat mantras for empowerment: “Strong minds make strong change. I will not let this go. I am a man. I am a woman. I must be respected. I must do my best.” “Reverend Jackson is here for a very special reason,” said Cedar Grove principal Shelton Bernard. Jackson’s visit was part of Cedar Grove High’s homecoming celebration, which also included recognition of the school’s fall 2018 sports teams, homecoming court, and a school spirit celebration. Throughout the week of Oct. 1, students celebrated a “Fashion Flare” day, a “Bohemian Free 2 Be Me” day, as well as a “Blue on Blue Pride” spirit day. Cedar Grove High School’s homecoming football game took place on Oct. 5 against Towers High School.
Stonecrest Citizens’ Coalition receives United Barksdale Elementary to celebrate 40th Anniversary Way grant to combat littering Barksdale Elementary School is calling on all Barksdale Buccaneers, past and The Stonecrest Citizens Coalition has received a grant from United Way of Greater Atlanta to combat littering in the city of Stonecrest. The coalition plans to use the $500 grant to create anti-littering educational materials and lawn signs advocating for a clean, litter-free community. In addition, through the Adopta-Road program, the coalition has adopted a section of Mall Parkway (between Evans Mill and Klondike Roads) and will host a cleanup day on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 9:30 a.m. Participants are asked to meet at the parking lot of Dudley’s Sports Bar on Evans Mill Road. Refreshments for volunteers will be sponsored by The Henderson Group insurance agency. The grant was awarded as part of the first-ever South DeKalb Community Building Institute, sponsored by United Way of Greater Atlanta. Beginning in August, several leaders of the Stonecrest Citizens’ Coalition, along with members of communities throughout South DeKalb, received training on topics such as leadership, influencing change, goalsetting, public policy and project management. The institute concluded in September, and participants were invited to submit proposals for a community improvement project. The Stonecrest Citizens’ Coalition chose to focus on litter prevention and cleanup, and its project was accepted and funded by the United Way. The Stonecrest Citizens’ Coalition is partnering with homeowners’ associations, businesses and groups in the vicinity of Mall Parkway for cleanup. Interested businesses and organizations may contact the coalition for sponsorship information or to participate in the cleanup. Email: sccga0118@gmail.com.
present. The Rockdale County school will celebrate its 40th Anniversary (19782018) with a community open house on Oct. 18, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., at the school, 596 Oglesby Bridge Road, Conyers. All former and current students, teachers, staff, families and community members are invited to take a walk down memory lane and to celebrate 40 years of educational success. Artifacts, photos, articles, scrapbooks and more will be on display at the 40th Anniversary celebration. For more information, contact 770-483-9514 or visit https://bes. rockdaleschools.org .
CITY OF STONECREST BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16TH 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 The following Variance Petition located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
V-18-004 Mera Cardenas / Flat Rock Archives 3956 Crossvale Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District Request for encroachment into 10’ setback for ground sign.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER:
V-18-005 Dekalb Realty Holdings, LLC c/o Battle Law 7218 Covington Hwy M (Light Industrial) District Request to eliminate 75’ transitional buffer.
LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
V-18-006 Joseph Lowery 3869 E. Saddleridge Drive R-100 Zoning Request to encroachment into the 10’ side yard.
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RCA awarded $10K Bosch grant Rockdale Career Academy (RCA) was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the Bosch Community Fund for an "Innovation Station" mobile makerspace. The mobile makerspace, which will be created by Manufacturing Career Pathway and Construction Career Pathway students at RCA, will provide opportunities for students in all grades, K-12, to understand and implement design thinking, project-based learning, problem-solving and 21st century skills that will help to prepare students for life outside of the classroom. This space will introduce students to STEM concepts and provide opportunities for collaboration and creativity. “Students need to graduate with the skills of creativity and innovation,” said RCA CEO Ben McCumber. “There are essential elements of educating young people to become innovators. This includes hands-on projects where students have to solve a real-world problem and demonstrate mastery, the opportunity to draw upon academic content from multiple disciplines to solve a problem, and learning to work in teams. This allows students to get engaged in new and exciting ways.” The Bosch Community Fund strives to ensure that creative and practical science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning opportunities are accessible to students through project-based experiences. (Pictured) Left to right: RCA Construction Teacher Brett Creel, Rockdale County Public Schools CTAE Director Dionne Johnigan, RCA Manufacturing Teacher Jesse Smith, RCA CEO Bennett McCumber, Steve Dyar of Bosch.
DeKalb to host fall household hazardous waste event The DeKalb County Sanitation Division will host a household hazardous waste recycling event Saturday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m. – noon, at the Sanitation Division’s Central Transfer Station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur. The event offers county residents an opportunity to properly dispose of dangerous household items that are no longer in use. Hazardous materials such as aerosols, batteries, adhesives, flammables, lawn care products, fluorescent light bulbs, photo chemicals, paint, paint-related products and artist supplies will be accepted. Agricultural waste, ammunition, radioactive materials, pharmaceuticals, and biohazardous and biomedical waste will not be accepted. Paint will be limited to 10 gallons per vehicle. Participation is free and only open to DeKalb County residents. Proper identification to prove DeKalb residency may be requested. For more information, contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404-294-2900 or sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov, or visit www. dekalbsanitation.gov.
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Cultural Exchange Breakfast set Oct. 13 The Cultural Exchange Breakfast, hosted by Stonecrest City Councilmember Rob Turner and DeKalb School Board member Vicki Turner, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13, 9 a.m., on the campus of The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church/House of Hope, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. The focus of the October meeting will be the final push to get people to the polls for the general election on Nov. 6. Erica Hamilton, supervisor of elections for DeKalb County, Vicki and Rob Turner will be on hand to help familiarize voters with the voting equipment and provide any new information concerning voting. Fred Swann, candidate for Agriculture Commissioner, will provide information and answer questions. There also will be updates from state legislators, DeKalb County School District and the City of Stonecrest.
City of Decatur to host housing summit The City of Decatur is hosting a summit that will focus on affordable housing. The daylong summit is set for Saturday, Nov. 10, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., at the Manuel J. Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. A community discussion will be held to define “affordability” as it relates to Decatur, explore viable approaches and strategies, and conclude with ways for all participants to be a part of local solutions. “Through the Housing Summit, we want to define Decatur-driven strategies that reflect community expectations about affordable and inclusive housing,” Mayor Patti Garrett said. The summit will include round-table, small group community conversations; and interactive components inviting consideration, collaboration, and collective action moving forward. Residents, business owners, and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend. The summit is free and includes lunch, but participants must register to attend so there is an accurate head-count for planning purposes. Interested participants may register at eventbrite.com/e/decatur-ga-housing-summit-tickets-50695254872.
Rep. Doreen Carter launches 21-day veggie challenge State Rep., Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) recently launched a 21-day veggie challenge to encourage citizens to eat healthier by eating more vegetables. “I am excited to launch this 21-day challenge to promote healthy eating within our communities,” said Rep. Carter. “This challenge is also important to bring more awareness to food insecurities in my district.” During the 21-day challenge, participants are State Rep. Doreen Carter encouraged to go 100 percent vegan for 21 days, go 100 percent vegetarian for 21 days or eat more vegetables during lunch or dinner for 21 days. For more information about the initiative, visit https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/21-day-veggie-challenge-tickets-50856113003
Rockdale sets installation ceremony for newly-elected county officials Rockdale County invites the public to the 2018 Installation Ceremony of four of its newly-elected officials on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m., in Superior Court Judge Robert Mumford’s courtroom at the Rockdale County Courthouse, 922 Court St., Conyers. The following four positions elected during the 2018 primary and general elections will be celebrated at the event: • County Commissioner, Post 2 • District Attorney of Rockdale County • Board of Education, Post 1 • Board of Education, Post 2 The ceremony is open to the public. No RSVPs are needed. A reception will immediately follow the ceremony in the courthouse rotunda.
SPORTS COMPLEX continued from page 1 Mall at Stonecrest’s owners, Urban Retail Properties, LLC, if the loan went into default. “It would never be sold on the courthouse steps because Stonecrest Mall put a guarantee in the contract that if anything happened, they would take back the (Kohl’s)building,” said Irons. “There’s no way we were ever going to lose the building.” According to Irons, Urban Retail Properties, LLC is one of four primary partners that now comprise the newly-formed Stonecrest Resorts, which has taken over the sports/entertainment project. He said the other three partners are himself (Ironside); the Chicago-based Cogent Management Group, and Foreign Partners, a British firm. Irons said the new group expects to announce details of its plans soon. He said in order to proceed with the new vision, Stonecrest Resorts decided to buy out the former partners, which is underway. “We’ve been working on streamlining the ownership group,” said Irons, who said certain details could not be made public just yet. Irons said his goal is to save The Mall at Stonecrest. “Nobody is fighting for Stonecrest harder than me,” said Irons.
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OCTOBER 13, 2018 • PAGE 5
SNAPSHOTS OF STONECREST FEST 2018
he second annual Stonecrest Fest offered residents and visitors a chance to savor the city during a weeklong lineup featuring some of the city’s best in food, entertainment, business and natural beauty. The event kicked off on Oct. 1 at one of Stonecrest’s newest restaurants, the Pizza Bar, 7301 Stonecrest Concourse. Former Lithonia Mayor Darold Honore is pictured enjoying a pizza with his family. A spoken word artist entertains a crowd at the Stonecrest Live open mic held on Oct. 3 at the Stonecrest Library. Attendees enjoyed a postcard sunset and acoustic performances by Unknown Lyric and Few Miles South for the Oct. 5 sunset stroll and concert atop DavidsonArabia Mountain. Hikers of all ages ascended Arabia for the mountaintop concert including a woman who used a walking stick to help her make the trek. The festival, organized by Charlotte Cain, concluded on Oct. 6 with an all-day festival in the parking lot at The Mall at Stonecrest with a special performance by jazz violinist Ken Ford. Mayor Jason Lary (seated at table, wearing white shirt) was among those who attended the outdoor concert.
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9TH 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, OCTOBER 15TH 2018 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 The following text amendment within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-18-003 LDG Development 6554 & 6560 Chupp Rd / 2616 & 2601 Macedonia Road / 7247 &7257 Covington Hwy C-1 (Local Commercial) / R-100 (Residential Medium Lot) / O-I (Office-Instutional) Request to change the conditions of zoning to construct a mixed use development with residential (240 townhome units) and commercial components
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-18-005 *Administratively held Lavonne Lee 7056 Maddox Road RE (Residential Estate) District Request to rezone subject property from RE to M (Light Industrial)
LAND USE PETITION:
AX 18-0001 * Will be heard at the October 15TH City Council Meeting Only. Halpern Enterprises 6024 Covington Highway MU-5 (Mixed Use) / C-1 (Local Commercial) Request to annex the western portion of this parcel into the City of Stonecrest and change the zoning of the subject property from C-1 w/ conditions and MU-5 to MR-2 to build a 160 townhomes subdivision.
PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED:
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OP/ED
MARTA: Is DeKalb’s penny worth the same as Gwinnett and Clayton?
D
By Ed Williams
eKalb County was instrumental in forming MARTA in1964 and the 1971 contract which funded MARTA was fueled by support of DeKalb voters. It was a DeKalb legislator who sponsored the bill in the state General Assembly to begin MARTA in the early sixties. There are four DeKalb MARTA board members- one of them is supposedto be a resident of South DeKalb that lives south of the boundary of City of Decatur. However, none Ed Williams of the current DeKalb MARTA board members meet that criteria. We are suffering for the lack of representation. Indeed, the MARTA Act is being violated. Public transportation and accommodations is a civil right and we, as citizens of the state of Georgia, and residents of DeKalb County should expect our tax money and agreements to be equitable and fair. We demand that we be treated equally. There is no separation of the MARTA funds a s the moniesarecomingled with other projects. We are not even sure what the total amount of MARTA debt is. The More MARTA project, which was just approved by the MARTA board,included the Atlanta Beltline and Streetcar, which were neither part of the MARTA projects and were not mentioned in the City of Atlanta half penny referendum. Nevertheless, the Beltline and Streetcar projects were added to the MARTA project list ahead of projects that have been on the list for decades including those slated for DeKalb. MARTA needs more accountability and
transparency of the revenue collected and spent on each and every project. The amount of revenue collected and debt of MARTA should be known to all the stakeholders. The quality of buses, number of bus shelters, bus stop signs restrooms, tunnel ventilation and other services are not equal. The contract that DeKalb,Fultonand the City of Atlanta signed with MARTA in September 1971 was for 50 years. The RTCAA contract will expire in 2021. The DeKalb agreement included a 1 penny sales tax for 11 years. And it was supposedto be reduced to a half penny the remainder of the 39 years. The penny sales tax has been extended more than five times since 1971 by the General Assembly without voter referendum. In 2007, the sales tax was extended to 2047, and also a bill was passed by the General Assembly in 2015 HB213. Again, the sales tax was extended in 2015 HB213, even though the MARTA agreement ends in 2021. The original 1971 MARTA contract required a voter referendum. However, without any referendum by the voters of DeKalb, the General Assembly extended the 1 penny. Our state delegation should be prepared to roll back that extension and to seek voter approval for any sales tax extension. There are 38 rapid rail train stations in the MARTA system, and only 10 of them are in DeKalb. Two of those 10 are in the city of Atlanta. The last one in South DeKalb was completed in 1993 w hich is Indian Creek station. Only 25 percent of stations are in DeKalb, while we make up at least 40% of the population whohas paid into the system for almost 50 years. Moving forward, we need DeKalb BOC members to support a 100M capital budget amendment by MARTAprior to December 15 for restricted funding of Right of Way and other construction costsfor I-20 East instead of the purchase of new heavy rail cars which is outlined in the FY2019 Proposed Capital Budget.
The citizens of DeKalb should be prepared to demand that our Board of Commissioners be prepared to fight for a comparable new contract with MARTA similar to Gwinnett’s 30-70% control of its 1 penny Marta sales tax. It is not fair for DeKalb citizens who helpedbuild MARTA‘sfoundation be required to pay more than counties like Clayton and Gwinnett. Fulton County and Atlanta have most of the assets, and DeKalb is getting screwed. We have been part of the MARTA system from day one and yet we are being treated like dropouts and second class citizens. We need County Commissioners and DeKalb MARTA board members who will support South and North DeKalb rail expansion first over any other projects with the current 1 penny sales tax per the 1971 RTCAA. We should have public hearings in DeKalb County prior to Dec 31 in regards to the impact of new LRT and Street Car construction debt payments from the current 1 penny sales tax that already has $ 3 b illion in principal and interest payments. In order to have trains going down I-20, we should support restricted Right of Way acquisition funding for I-20 West rail expansion. We want published time lines and public hearings in Atlanta and DeKalb prior to Dec 15 to reopen restrooms and to have discussion on limited 24-7 hr rail service to the airport and other job centers. Both MARTA and DeKalb master plans should provide written verification of the costs and options of heavy rail and light rail. We do not need any more studies. There should be public hearings that provide real data. It is MARTA‘sjob to provide the data to support the route and the type of rail for us to make a sound decision. Ed Williams heads Concerned Citizens For Effective Government.
Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
Duties and responsibilities of a Fiduciary
By Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr.
F
iduciary responsibility refers to the obligation that one party (“the fiduciary”) has to another (“the principal”) to act in his or her best interest. The various laws created to reduce abuse by fiduciaries provide
assurance to principals that they will be protected from unscrupulous individuals pretending to act in their best interest. Guardians and conservators serve as fiduciaries for incapacitated adults. Serving as guardian requires the fiduciary to manage the ward’s healthcare, general well-being, place of residency, care and support needs, and at all times, act in the ward's best interest. Conservators must manage the inventory and assets of the ward, and maintain the necessary documents to support any and all expenditures. There are specific laws governing the duties and responsibilities of guardians and conservators in this State. Failing to satisfy their obligations will result in the guardian and/or conservator being
ART FARM continued from page 1
said she approved the SUP because she believes the project would be an asset to the community. “It received community support and support from Arabia Mountain, Panola Mountain, the school district, and a variety of others,” said Washington. “I think that it’s an excellent way to preserve the land while providing some wonderful programs for the community and artists as a whole.” Commissioner Doreen Williams agreed. “I have always been a strong supporter of the arts and I am excited about this new opportunity for Rockdale County. The benefits of arts and culture are varied, including economic, social intellectual and personal,” said Williams. “The Rockdale Art Farm will provide all of these. The location is beautiful and serene,” Williams said. The SUP was approved with several conditions recommended by the county’s
planning staff including all restricting lodging at the camp for artists and those enrolled in arts programs for no longer than seven consecutive nights; outdoor activities ending by 8 p.m. and no fire pits. The camp will not be available for use as a public event facility. Planning and Zoning Director Kc KrzicKrzic said no changes can be made to the plans submitted. A new SUP would be required to change the plans. Eifred said although construction of the facilities won’t be completed until late 2019, the Rockdale Art Farm plans to begin initial programming in early 2019. Rockdale Art Farm, he said, will be open to the public through memberships, which would run about $35 to $65 per month, and will include providing tools, equipment, space and guidance for the creation of hand-made pieces that are functional and artistic. “Think of RAF like a membership gym, but instead of having a bench-press,
removed by the Court. Administrators and executors are also fiduciaries. They are required to act in the best interest of a deceased person’s estate to ensure that the assets are distributed according to their wishes, or in accordance with the law. The person(s) appointed to each of these positions are closely scrutinized to ensure that they meet their fiduciary responsibilities. Fiduciaries may access and manage the principal’s digital assets as well. However, the fiduciary cannot use their authority to impersonate the principal. A fiduciary with the authority over the tangible personal property of a decedent, protected person, principal, or settlor (a person who makes a settlement, especially of
a property), have the right to access the principal’s property and any digital asset stored in it, and obtain information from the custodian of an account for the purpose of terminating the account. The information included herein is only intended to address some of the duties and responsibilities of a fiduciary and provide a basic understanding of the same. This information is not all inclusive, and should not be used as or considered to be legal advice.
we have a drill-press,” said Eifrid, a nature enthusiast and entrepreneur who has several artists in his family and circle of friends. . A long-time resident of the area, Eifrid said he spent many years as co-owner of the popular Intown Ace Hardware in Decatur. He said he designed RAF to bring together his passions for art and nature with the community in mind. RAF plans to serve people of all ages, skill levels, economic means and physical abilities. The organization plans to partner with professionals to provide physical, occupational and wellness therapies and veterans support through art and creative tinkering. The range of activities offered by RAF will be determined by demand, but early plans include opportunities for members to explore woodworking, metal-working, jewelrymaking, painting, sculpting, drawing, bookbinding, pottery, photography
and other pursuits. Opportunities for volunteers and community engagement will also be announced in the coming months, Eifrid said. The 27-acre property will remain largely forested with a small construction footprint, including a central facility and cabins for program participants. The south end of the property provides access to the Arabia Mountain PATH, a 33-mile paved trail that starts in Lithonia and passes through several state and county parks. Along the entrance road, a large pollination garden is already being installed. Although located in Rockdale County, RAF is also convenient to nearby counties of Henry and DeKalb. “I see [RAF] as a place to instill the art of good living – being connected to nature, being creative and productive, eating healthy, staying active and building a sense of community and connection with other people,” Eifrid said.
Throughout each month, the clerk of courts, tax commissioner, sheriff and probate judge—Rockdale’s elected constitutional officers—discuss topics relevant to their respective roles.
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OCTOBER 13, 2018 • PAGE 7
New Heart Christian Foundation held its ribbon cutting on Aug. 2. They are located at 1021 Rosser St NW, Conyers. (678) 487-9643 www.newheartga.org.
Rock City Cycles, Inc. held its ribbon cutting on June 7. They are located at 1018 Iris Dr. SW, Conyers. 770-918-9885 www.rockcitycycles.com
Tractor Supply held its ribbon cutting on Aug. 8. They are located at 4461 Highway 20 SE, Conyers. 770-760-7667,www.tractorsupply.com
High Achievers Education Center held its ribbon cutting on July 18. 939 Bank Street NE, Conyers. 678-806-5578 www.HighAchieversEC.org
Storage Time Conyers held its ribbon cutting on July 26. They are located at 1050 Flat Shoals Rd SE, Conyers. 770-679-1573 www.storagetimeconyers.com.
CHAMBER PACESETTERS 2018 PLATINUM Evans Tool & Die Georgia Power Company High Priority Plumbing and Services, Inc. Kaiser Permanente Piedmont Rockdale Hospital Snapping Shoals EMC
GOLD Corner Market LioChem, Inc. S&A Recycling Shurett Dental Group SYNOVUS THP Creative Group
SILVER
4D Printing, Inc. About Conyers Magazine Acuity Brands Lighting BB&T Colonial Heating & Air, Inc. Covington Family Chiropractic Georgia Piedmont Technical College Gas South
COMMERCE CLUB 2018
Hedrick & Dodson Family Dentistry Monastery of the Holy Spirit Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles Omega Builders Peachtree Academy Private School Pratt Industries Premier Medical Careers Premier Platforms Pro Cutters Lawnscapes, Inc.
Raymond Engineering-Georgia Inc. Rehorn Professional Group Risk Management Associates of Georgia Scot Ward Funeral Services Talley & Associates, PC United Community Bank
THANK YOU
ARC Homes Realty Group, LLC Awake Coffee Community Consolidated Copier Services Conyers Animal Hospital Conyers Flower Shop Copy Central, Inc. Farmers & Merchants Bank Georgia United Credit Union
Infinity Network Solutions LaRitz Spa & Salon Lueder, Larkin & Hunter, LLC Massey Law Firm, LLC MAU Workforce Solutions National EMS Randy’s Carpet Plus Retirement Wealth
Management Strategies Right at Home Rueping Associates PC, CPA Sleep Number The Tabb Insurance Agency, Inc.
THANK YOU
Contact us at 770-483-7049
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Kelly’s Fusion Express held its ribbon cutting on Aug. 9. They are located at 1820 Hwy 20 SE, Suite 168, Conyers. 470-353-9899 www.kellysfusion.com
We are located at 936 Green St SW, Conyers, GA 30012
NOW HIRING Kenley’s Catering and Restaurant is hiring cooks and cashiers. For more information, call 404-217-2455.
LAWN CARE
ROOM FOR RENT Newly furnished, in DeKalb County, $525 monthly. All utilities + Cable + W & D. On MARTA. 1 person room only. 404-401-9767.
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PAGE 8 • OCTOBER 13, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
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900 N. Hairston Rd. Suite B Stone Mountain, GA 30083 404-294-8500 Spalding Gentle Dentistry 6460 Spalding Drive Norcross, GA 30092 770-849-0006