FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 46
FEBRUARY 15, 2019
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DeKalb Judge Latisha Dear-Jackson to oversee trial of ex-cop charged with murdering Anthony Hill
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eKalb Superior Court Judge Latisha DearJackson has been named to oversee the high profile Anthony Hill case, after three other judges recused themselves less than two weeks before the trial was scheduled to begin. The case has drawn national attention. Former DeKalb Police Office Robert Olsen has been charged with the fatal shooting of Hill, an Afghanistan war veteran who had stopped taking his meds and was roaming naked when Olsen, dispatched to the apartment complex, found him. Olsen was charged with murder after fatally shooting Hill, who was unarmed. The shooting took place on March 9, 2015. Olsen said he fired in self-defense. Judge J.P. Boulee removed himself from overseeing the trial without
Judge Latisha Dear-Jackson
Judge J.P. Boulee
an explanation, District Attorney Sherry Boston said in a Feb. 11 news release. Boulee, who has been nominated for a federal judicial vacancy, stepped down from the case after questions arose about his contribution to a charity walk sponsored by Boston. Boston issued the following statement in the release: “Late this afternoon, the Office of the DeKalb
County District Attorney received notice of an Order of Recusal from Judge J.P. Boulee in the matter of State vs. Robert Olsen. The Order provided no specific basis for recusal. We have spoken with the victim’s family notifying them of this development. They are understandably devastated. And while we, too, are dismayed by this action, we are not deterred. We plan to file a motion
DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston
seeking a hearing detailing the specific reasoning for this recusal and clarification as to whether such recusal extends to ALL cases assigned to this Judge. In the interim, once the case has been reassigned to a different Judge, we will ask that it be immediately set for trial on its previously scheduled date of February 25, 2019. The State stands ready to proceed in the interest of
justice for this family who has waited four long years for their day in Court.” Boulee was initially replaced by Judge Asha Jackson, who recused herself. The case was then assigned to Courtney Johnson, who also recused herself. Jackson and Johnson did not say why they did not wish to take on the case. Dear-Jackson agreed to take on the case but her staff said the trial scheduled Feb. 25 would be delayed because she already has a murder trial scheduled for that day. Dear-Jackson was elected to the 4th Superior Court District of Georgia Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit last year. There was no immediate word at OCG News deadline on when the Olsen trial would be rescheduled.
Stonecrest City Council votes 4 to 2 to award SPLOST Management Contract to Grice Consulting By Valerie J. Morgan
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fter more than a year of infighting and negotiations, the Stonecrest City Council voted 4 to 2 to award a $3.3 million contract to Grice Consulting Group, LLC to manage the city’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) project. The vote marked yet another round in the contentious tug-of-war over Stonecrest’s SPLOST management program, which has been in limbo for over a year and a half. Road paving and other infrastructure improvement projects have stalled because of the continuing battle with Grice. Councilmembers George Turner, Jazzmin Cobble, Diane Adoma and Rob Turner supported the most recent vote for Grice, while Mayor Jason Lary and Councilman Jimmy Clanton opposed the measure. Lary said the council made the decision to approve the contract, despite the citizens’ oversight committee and staff’s recommendation to move forward with staff members’ oversight. The committee urged the City Council to let staff manage for now until the city receives bids in order to take advantage of the warm weather expected in the next couple of months. “We’re doing this the wrong way and you all know it,” Lary said at the City Council meeting. “…You’re going to have to answer to the people that know for sure that we could be paving roads with money that you all are trying to give to a vendor that can’t even do SPLOST. Period. We don’t owe him a contract. We don’t owe him
any business… I’m disappointed in how we’re handling the people’s money.” With the Feb. 11 approval, the council asked the city’s attorneys to draft an enforceable SPLOST service contract that will not exceed $38,878 per month for not more than 72 months. Councilman George Turner made the motion, which also included an additional contract for
Grice to manage the city’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan for $480,000. The council asked that the drafts are ready by Feb. 17. Councilmember George Turner said he made the motion to award the contracts to Grice in part because he believes the city’s dealings with Grice were muddied after the firm invoiced the city for pre-SPLOST work performed in the fall
SEE STONECREST page 7
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Arrest made in double DeKalb murder The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office has arrested a suspect in the murder of two men in unincorporated DeKalb County last December. Arrest warrants for Russell Rijon McNeal, 26, of Atlanta, received on Feb. 7, allege that McNeal shot Michael Varnell Wigfall, Jr., and Robert Sean Collier, causing their deaths. According to the warrants charging Mr. McNeal with felony murder, the incidents took place at a residence on Old Lake Drive in DeKalb between Dec. Russell Rijon McNeal 9 and Dec. 10. No motive was given for the shootings. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Unit, working with the U.S. Marshal's Office, located McNeal at an apartment complex off Panola Road in Lithonia. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the DeKalb County Jail.
Two suspects arrested for dumping hazardous waste Rhondell Metoyer, 23, of New Orleans and Trailveontay Pickens, 23, of Riverdale, Georgia, were taken into custody by the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office on charges of dumping biomedical or hazardous waste. The two suspects were arrested after the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office, Conyers Police Department and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office worked together to locate the two men. According to Rockdale Sheriff’s Office Corporal Clifford Rhondell Metoyer Garrett a black male was standing on the side of the roadway on Feb. 10 around 4:48 a.m. as Garrett was traveling on GA 20 North near the Walton County Line. Garrett turned his vehicle around to check on the subject, but the man disappeared into the woods. The law enforcement agencies set up a perimeter and started searching the woods after locating a U-Haul truck filled with tires at 5181 GA Hwy 20N. The agencies worked together to locate the suspects. Trailveontay Pickens Agencies determined that Metoyer, was wanted out of Union City, GA) and Pickens, was wanted out of Clayton County. In addition to being charged with dumping biomedical or hazardous waste for commercial purpose, both were charged with criminal trespass, loitering and prowling. Rockdale Sheriff Eric J. Levett praised the work of the team.
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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. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.
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City of Stonecrest receives $536,511 to begin improving roads
he city of Stonecrest has received a $536,511 check from the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin repairing some of the city’s worst roads. The funds are part of a Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG). The LMIG is given to cities and counties based on population. Stonecrest, which has about 54,000 residents, must contribute matching funds of at least 30 percent. The LMIG funds are awarded annually through the DOT. Mayor Jason Lary said he plans to continue to make repairing the city’s streets a top priority. “As I promised in my last Straight Talk meeting, we are going to make our roads safe. We have the money. Now we will begin serving our citizens and keeping my promise,” Lary said. Lary said he expects the road repairs to get under way as soon as a digital road analysis is completed and the weather warms up. “Initially, we are looking to pave
Pictured from left: Lewis Brooker, GDOT District Engineer Kathy Zahul and Stoncrest Mayor Jason Lary.
18 neighborhood streets including Turner Hill Road,” Lary said. “The 18 streets were chosen as the worst streets in the city, according to a DeKalb County Road analysis. City officials say the road analysis will be updated using a digital system that will provide more detailed information. We will work in collaboration with DeKalb County to get the remaining city streets
Stonecrest Mayor Lary honors the first city attorney, Thompson Kurrie
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t the Feb. 11 City Council meeting, Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary honored Attorney Thompson “Tom” Kurrie, Jr., who served as Stonecrest’s first city attorney. Kurrie, who stepped down in December, helped form the city and was hired as city attorney following voter approval of the referendum to
create the city in 2016. Lary thanked Kurrie for working with him and the Stonecrest Cityhood Alliance and his time as city attorney. “He (Kurrie) started with us from Day 1. He guided us through the process—legislatively and legally,” said Lary, adding that Kurrie put in hundreds of hours to “make sure we were on the right track.”
Rockdale to repair aging, smelly wastewater facility
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repaired.” DeKalb County Roads and Drainage continues to do repair and patchwork on city streets such as Mall Parkway. Citizens may report and even take photos of potholes using the new Pothole Reporter app on the city’s website by visiting www.stonecrestga. gov.
ockdale Water Resources (RWR) plans to make repairs to the wastewater treatment facility in north Rockdale County to address the odors that are plaguing Keswick Village, Queenie Woods, Mountain Valley, Windridge and surrounding neighborhoods. The unit has weathered years of aging, causing cracks in the facility. Officials say the cracks are releasing smelly gases from the pretreatment facility. RWR has identified where the cracks are and will begin repairing them, as well as immediately moving into plans to construct a new pretreatment facility to replace the current facility. Weather permitting, the short-term solution repairs will begin in two to four weeks, officials said. The long-term solution is to have a new facility completed by early 2020. Both solutions should begin to significantly reduce the odors. For more information, residents should contact Jorge Diez, Rockdale County Public Relations Director, at 770-278-7056 or jorge.diez@rockdalecountyga.gov.
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DeKalb History Center to host reception for “Flat Rock: Deep Roots in DeKalb” exhibit
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he DeKalb History Center will host a reception for the opening exhibit, “Deep Roots in DeKalb: The Flat Rock Story of Resilience,” on Thursday, Feb. 28, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur. Believed to be one of the oldest African American communities in Georgia, Flat Rock, located in the city of Stonecrest, was founded by African Americans following the aftermath of the Civil War. Historians say the Flat Rock community thrived for more than 100 years in part because of the immense communal bond of its Pictured is Thomas Jefferson Hardy, born citizens as well as the selflessness in 1922 in the rural Flat Rock area. Photo of its leaders. Theodore A. Bryant, provided by the Flat Rock Archives. Sr. ensured the development of Flat Rock by purchasing nearby land and distributing it to families in the area. The “Deep Roots” exhibit explores the story of Flat Rock and the people who called it home, offering a look at artifacts and photos collected and preserved by the Flat Rock Archives. The community is invited to the opening reception, which is free, to learn more about the historic Flat Rock community and the Flat Rock Archives. The exhibit is expected to run for about two years and officials hope to bolster support for the Flat Rock Archives.
DeKalb Magistrate Court to host Community Education Day
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he DeKalb County Magistrate Court will host its annual Magistrate Court 101: Community Education Day on Saturday, March 2, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the DeKalb County Courthouse, 556 N. McDonough St. Chief Magistrate Judge Berryl A. Anderson created the program in 2013 to provide an opportunity for school-aged children to learn about the court system. The current program is designed for middle/high school-aged students and adults. Activities include interactive sessions on the Georgia court system with a focus on the DeKalb County Magistrate Court, a court tour, and a mock-trial exercise, and is held in the courtroom to provide a realistic experience for attendees. The event is free to the community. Due to limited space, registration is required for each participant on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is open until Friday, Feb. 22 or until space is filled. To register, visit www.ticketleap.com and enter “Magistrate Court 101” in the event search box. For more information, contact dekalbmagcourt101@gmail.com or 404-371-2821.
Online Services Open House! March 25 and April 29 4-6 pm at City Hall THE CITY OF STONCREST NOW OFFERS ONLINE SERVICES FOR BUILDING PERMITS, BUSNESS LICENSES, CODE COMPLIANCE, PLANNING, ZONING and MORE!
Click ‘Online Services’ from our website STONECRESTGA.GOV to access current information regarding outstanding code violations, building permit submittals, planning and zoning requests or business licensing. Submit your applications including drawings (via PDF) and code enforcement complaints. Also, get status updates and make online payments! There’s more … we have access to city (zoning) maps, and pothole reporting! All available online and at your finger tips! City staff will be available to provide training on using the system. Simplify your tasks by learning how to use our online services. SAVE THE DATE AND BE THERE!
“Martin and Music” Black History Program Feb. 21 DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson announces “Martin and Music” on Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m., Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The program features Shakespearian-trained actor Gerald C. Rivers and Broadway performer Charles Holt. The performance sets ablaze the words, the authentic tone, and the life of one of the world’s greatest civil rights leaders and orators, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The program will feature a riveting blend of powerful spoken words and speeches with delicate and reflective and inspiring thread of music and narrative. “This event is free and open to the public. We welcome everyone to come out and experience this dynamic program,” Johnson said. Groups of 10 or more should contact Commissioner Davis Johnson’s office at 404-371-2159 to reserve group seating. For more information, you may visit: www.commissionermeredajohnson. com.
Rockdale BOC to honor Coach Geoff Collins Feb. 19 Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) will hold the first evening meeting in its “On the Road Meetings” series in 2019 Feb. 19, 7 p.m., at J.H. House Elementary, 2930 Highway 20, Conyers. The guest of honor at the meeting will be Georgia Tech head football Coach and Conyers Geoff Collins native Geoff Collins. Collins is a 1988 graduate of Rockdale County High School and graduate of Wester Carolina University. On Dec. 7, 2018, he was announced as the head football coach at Georgia Tech. He was previously the head coach at Temple University and served in the past as defensive coordinator for the University of Florida and Mississippi State University. During the meeting, the BOC will present Collins with a proclamation honoring his accomplishments. Following the meeting, Collins will be available to take pictures and sign autographs.
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Cochran-Johnson launches community empowerment series with nationally-acclaimed business owners
uper District DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine CochranJohnson is launching a series of events designed to foster economic development within the county. The series will begin with a panel discussion, “The Conversation: Wealth & Empowerment,” on Saturday, Feb. 23,10 a.m. to noon, at the AEI Startup Factory, 7310 Stonecrest Concourse, Stonecrest. “I’m excited to begin the implementation of my platform. I’d like to encourage DeKalb residents to become business owners as a way to change the landscape of our communities,” said Cochran-Johnson. “It is my intent to bridge people with resources, education, and information that empowers them to change their lives. My network gives me access to great people who have been successful in business. It is rare you are given access to such dynamic business minds, so I hope the community will come out and take advantage of the opportunity to learn from business legends.” Featured speakers for the
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Lorraine Cochran-Johnson
panel discussion include veteran business people, who will share their expertise: • Mack Wilbourn, owner and President of Mack II, Inc., a fast-food management company with franchises including Popeye’s Chicken & Biscuits, Checkers Hamburger and Edy’s Ice Cream, all located at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. • Sterling Coleman, president and CEO of SJAC Food Groups d.b.a. Zaxby’s. Coleman also is a JV partner with SSP America at the RaleighDurham International Airport. SJAC manages several national fast casual concepts along with three international brands
boasting annual revenues over $7 million. Sterling manages alongside his son, Sterling Coleman Jr. • Yolanda Owens, president and CEO of Iwi Fresh, a nationally acclaimed Atlanta-based day spa catering to everyone from celebrities to working women. Iwi Fresh features gourmet skincare products and hand-crafted body recipes. The event also will provide financial resources to those who are interested in starting their own businesses. Following the panel discussion, attendees will complete business interest forms that disclose their needs. Operation Hope representatives will
be onsite to pull credit profiles. Information also will be provided on franchise opportunities and credit repair. Attendees will be paired with the appropriate entity to receive the help they need to move forward as citizens and entrepreneurs. Developed as a precursor to the main event, the panel discussion will be followed on April 6 with DeKalb’s largest franchise expo at Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center. “I have worked alongside franchise and business experts to assemble franchise and business opportunities requiring investments as little as $10,000 up to $2 million,”
said Cochran-Johnson “I will have an opportunity for everyone, all you have to do is come with an open mind and a desire to become a business owner and we will help you. I am convinced the lack of development within south and unincorporated DeKalb is not by chance—it is by design. Businesses have chosen consciously not to locate within certain areas of DeKalb, so if we want to change the landscape of the businesses within our communities, we will need to own more serviceoriented businesses and franchises.” Due to limited space, attendees must RSVP at amslocum@dekalbcountyga. gov.
DeKalb officials set annual food drive
everal DeKalb County elected officials have teamed up with Super District Commissioner Kathie Gannon in an annual food drive to benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank. This is the tenth year Commissioner Gannon has sponsored the food drive, which runs from Feb. 12 through March 8. Joining Gannon are District Attorney Sherry Boston, Solicitor-General Donna ColemanStribling, Clerk of Superior Court Debra DeBerry and Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson. The DeKalb County libraries and senior centers also
are partnering with the effort. Citizens can bring donations to any of the following locations: • Maloof Administrative Building, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030 • Tax Commissioner’s office, 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032 •Any DeKalb County library • Any DeKalb County senior center Additionally, employees in the DeKalb County court tower can make donations through any of the participating co-sponsors offices. Citizens are encouraged to make online
Construction begins on mountain bike trail in Rockdale
Construction has started on a 6-mile extension of a multi-use trail at South Rockdale Park. The new trail will connect to the Rockdale River Trail system. South Rockdale Park offers horseback riding trails and walking trails including one mile of paved multi-use trail, which is used for mountain biking. “This multi-use mountain bike trail has been 5 years in the making and we are extremely pleased to begin construction and soon to be able to offer this additional amenity to the public,” said Sue Sanders, director of Rockdale County Recreation and Maintenance. “Cyclists will be able to enjoy a new trail that provides a scenic view of South Rockdale Park. This will be the first trail of its kind in our park system made possible through our partnerships with Mountain Bike (MTB) Atlanta and Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA), as well as our SPLOST oversight committee.” The trail, designed in partnership with the SORBA, is being built by Steele and Associates, Inc. The trail sections will provide a variety of riding experiences for the beginner to advanced mountain bikers. Funding for the project was made available by a grant from the Recreational Trails Program of the Department of Natural Resources which pays 80 percent and the other 20 percent will be matched from SPLOST funds. The trail will be open to the public by June, 2019.
monetary donations because they are more efficient in providing meals. Donations can be made by going to www.dekalbcountyga. gov and clicking on the food drive banner picture, or going to http://engage.acfb.org/goto/ DekalbFoodDrive2019. This link also can be found on any of the co-sponsors webpages or Facebook pages. Last year, 3,099 pounds of food were collected, and $535 in online donations were made to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Together they created 4,723 meals.
CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, MARCH 5TH 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, MARCH 25TH 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-19-003 David Miles 2374 Cove Lake Rd MR-1 (Med Density Residential) District Request to change the zoning to C-1 for the development of Storage Facility.
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Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
Clerk of Courts 2018 Review By Ruth A. Wilson Rockdale Clerk of Courts
As usual, the Clerk of Courts Office was a beehive of activity in 2018. Just a few stats: Jury Summonses: 7,000 Property Tax Appeals: 363 Ruth A. Wilson Passport Applications: 2,809 Traffic Citations: 7,711 Real Estate Instruments: 22,890 Criminal and Civil Proceedings for the Superior and State Courts of Rockdale: Tens of Thousands Beyond the usual recurring activity we process, we were able to achieve some significant milestones as well. Notable among these are: Jury Assembly Room Our first Criminal Record Restriction Forum allowing those arrested but not convicted in Rockdale to have their criminal history restricted from public view. This enabled lots of our citizens to improve their employment potential, to apply for loans and to be eligible for scholarships. It was made possible through the cooperative efforts of the Rockdale and City of Conyers Courts and Justice Agencies. All fees were waived to make it easily accessible to the public. We also undertook a makeover of our Jury Assembly Room in the basement of the courthouse. After repairing leaks and sources of mold and mildew, we replaced damaged furniture, added some paint, artwork and brighter lighting. Now it is a much more comfortable and inviting place for jurors to perform their civic duty when called. As Custodians of the Public Record, we are very proud to have Restored and Preserved Book A, the very first volume of land transactions recorded in Rockdale County going back to 1871. Each deed is hand written in cursive with great attention to penmanship. Also in Book A is the original plat for the original Rockdale County courthouse, which sadly no longer stands. The restoration process required taking the original glue bound leather book apart page by page, straightening each page individually and encapsulating each in Mylar pockets. We hope to make it available for public display in the near future. We are quite serious about “Preserving the Past While Preparing For the Future.”
OP/ED
If you’ve gone out of business, take down your sign By Amos King I awoke on Tuesday morning to a bombardment of calls from veterans who were outraged that Judge J.P. Boulee had announced his recusal from the case concerning Anthony Hill. You may remember that Hill was the unarmed, mentally ill military veteran who was killed by former DeKalb Police Officer Robert Olsen, who was charged with murder. March 9 will mark four years since Olsen shot and killed Hill, who had not taken his meds when Olsen saw Hill roaming naked outside the apartment complex where Hill lived. Amos King Judge Boulee said in his order recusing himself from the case that judges must disqualify themselves from any case in which improprieties may be reasonably questioned. In October 2018, Judge Boulee gave money to a charity run sponsored by DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston, while knowing the trial would take place on Feb. 25, 2019. This is unacceptable. Judge Boulee should have known better and exercised jurisprudence and not made a contribution to the D.A. How could his contribution prejudice his ability to perform his duty? If so, why did he make a contribution? He has made other contributions before. What’s so different about this one? Why would he wait two weeks before the trial to recuse himself? In my opinion, this was a political stunt or complete incompetence. Either way, it is unethical behavior. The veterans community is also trying to understand why the D.A. would take the contribution. How could she do that knowing that this is one of the biggest cases in DeKalb history? Their actions caused a ripple effect in the judicial system throughout DeKalb. Two others were called on to oversee the trial—Judges Asha Jackson and Courtney Johnson—who also recused themselves this week without explanations. Anthony Hill and his family deserve better. He was not killed on foreign soil. He was murdered right here in this country. If our judges have gone out of business, they need to take down their signs and go home. Retired Lt. Col. Amos King is president of Justice for Veterans.
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FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • PAGE 7
Residence: Loft Apartment Location: Downtown Philadelphia Space: Open Living Area AJA Design Color: Boho Design type: Virtual Design Presentation
Creating a Boho vibe: Exposed brick, wooden ceiling beams and lots of light When working with me in a virtual design setting, you will be presented with a mood board to introduce some colors, textures and overall ideas. Then a virtual design will be presented to give you an idea of what the items would look like in your space. Virtual design is a great way to share visual concepts to my
clients. It serves as a way to give a representation of their spaces as well as colors, scale and flow; all brought together by my design. In this living area, I was asked to design a loft space that was bright and completely open. My client also did not want to paint the grey brick walls or change the flooring as she was enamored with
the history of the building and its character. Lastly, she asked that I give her a mix of masculine and feminine design, showcasing the industrial elements of the space but adding layers to soften the edges. By incorporating items from her travels, layering colors, textiles and colorful art, warmth was instantly added to this space.
STONECREST continued from page 1 of 2017. DeKalb County voters approved the SPLOST referendum in November 2017. The council voted unanimously to retain Grice on Aug. 21, 2017. After that, Grice invoiced the city a total of $162,000 over a three-month period including $20,000 for setting up community meetings, city officials said. The city settled and paid Grice $40,000 for the pre-SPLOST work. Councilmember George Turner, however, said the matter should have come back to the City Council before negotiating with Grice. “I don’t know what happened but for some reason,
there was a movement to retreat from that agreement,” said Turner. “I made the motion to award the contracts because I believe it was the right thing to do. It was the preponderance of evidence. There was just so much involved and you have to look at a lot of things: the contract and whether or not it was enforceable, recommendations, the scope of work, all of that over the last year and a half.” Mayor Lary said the city is moving forward to begin fixing potholes that have plagued residents now that the city has received funding from the Georgia Department of Transportation. More on that story on page 3.
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