FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 18
JUNE 23, 2018
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Attorney General: DeKalb commissioners illegally gave themselves raises
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eKalb community activist Ed Williams said he plans to ask Georgia’s Superior Court to rescind the 66 percent pay raise the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved for themselves on Feb. 27. Williams said he is filing a Writ of Mandamus with superior court following Attorney General Chris Carr’s determination that although the board violated the state’s open meeting law and approved the raises, it’s too late to undo the commissioners’ action. “I am going to insist that
Attorney General Chris Carr
Ed Williams
the DeKalb BOC compensation ordinance 2018-1773 be rescinded,” said Williams, who said he also plans to ask the DeKalb County Ethics Board to find the BOC in violation of
the open meeting law and their oaths of office. “The Georgia Constitution specifically excludes county governing authorities from being able to increase their compensation.” In a three-page letter dated June 20, Carr said the commissioners failed to give the public the opportunity to voice support for or opposition to the pay raises before their decision. Carr stated, however, that the 90day window to challenge the board’s vote has passed and the raises, which are scheduled to become effective in January 2019, cannot be rescinded by the courts.
Carr said the county prosecutor could pursue criminal or civil action against those who participated in the Feb. 27 meeting. The maximum penalty would be $1,000 per violation, he stated. “The actions of the Board of Commissioners in this instance fell short of the obligations imposed by the Open Meetings Act, which are designed to ensure that the public’s trust in its elected officials is not misplaced as they carry out the people’s business. The citizens of DeKalb County deserve better,” Carr wrote.
Stonecrest on the rise Taj Bradley
Lyndon Weaver
Kelvin Smith
MLB drafts three DeKalb County students The Terraces at Stonecrest is sold out. Edwina Clanton of East Metro Brokers says the townhomes started at $180K and were gobbled up like hotcakes. She said Stonecrest's close proximity to I-20, downtown Atlanta, and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport are magnets for homebuyers. Photo provided
New businesses and homes skyrocketing in city of Stonecrest after first year By Valerie J. Morgan
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ew businesses and new homes are skyrocketing in the city of Stonecrest, which marked its first birthday in May. Stonecrest officials say the city has issued 124 new business licenses this year, compared to 114 new licenses issued for 2017. Officials say the numbers for residential development also are positive. So far this year, the city has issued 180 residential building permits, but the city’s housing growth, is expected to explode over the next couple of years.. In addition to the 180 residential permits, land is being cleared now for a new single-family subdivision where some 200 homes will be built by developer D.R. Horton near the intersection of Browns Mill and Evans Mill Roads. Preswick Communities is building a175-unit senior housing complex at 2454 DeKalb Medical Parkway, and Beverly J. Searles Foundation is planning a 250-unit senior complex at 6757 Covington Highway. The first phase will be 128 units and 122 units will be added in the second phase, city officials said. Parks at Stonecrest, a subdivision of 400 single-family homes, is expected to double in size over the next two years, said Edwina Clanton, a real estate broker who lives in the subdivision. Mayor Jason Lary says the city’s vision to create economic development is taking shape.
SEE STONECREST page 6
Redan High is standout with three picks
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By Travis Hudgons
hree seniors from DeKalb County’s Redan High School have been selected in the Major League Baseball Draft. Redan is one of only two high schools in the nation that had three players selected in the 2018 MLB draft, according to maxpreps.com. Taj Bradley, Kelvin Smith and Lyndon Weaver were selected during the June 6-8 draft to play professional baseball after competing with 1,214 players selected by 30 MLB teams over 40 rounds. Bradley had the highest overall pick at Redan. He was selected in the 5th round (150th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays. Smith was picked in the 20th round (585th overall) by the Detroit Tigers and Weaver was selected in the 40th round (1193rd overall) by the Oakland Athletics. Weaver has chosen to forego entering the league and will attend Eastern Kentucky University, according to Redan head baseball coach Alexander Wyche. Wyche was excited for his players. “To get drafted is the ultimate goal. It’s a life-changing opportunity for the players and their family,” Wyche said. Redan is no stranger to success on the baseball diamond. The Raiders won the 2013 Class AAAA state champion and have had several former players drafted into the pros such as Wally Joyner, Brandon Phillips, Chris Nelson, and Domonic Brown. Redan had a solid team this season. Weaver was DeKalb County’s second-
leading hitter with 47 hits and a .511 batting average. Smith and Weaver played at Redan for four years and Bradley played for two years after transferring from Stephenson. Wyche was thrilled for all his players and was especially happy for the $747,500 signing bonus that Bradley received. “They took a young guy who has a big upside and had a great year for me. They invested a lot of money in him (Bradley) and he has a great opportunity to make it to the show,” said Wyche. John Hollins, director of ATL METRO RBI, said he was also proud of the Redan students’ accomplishments. All three of the students played for his summer travel team, which provides training to inner-city youths whose families cannot afford the costs of participating on a travel team, which can run $2,500 to $5,000. “It’s very expensive and the level of competition is so high. We only charge $100 for kids to participate and we make sure that our players receive the same level of training from pros that players on elite teams get,” said Hollins. Hollins said the Atlanta Braves provides $21,000 in sponsorship to his summer program. “We aggregate the teams based on age and talent so that all of our players receive training and get to play. The top players move on to compete in 10 highly competitive games,” Hollins said. Hollins said his program helped produce a total of six players, three of whom attended Redan, who were drafted by professional baseball teams this year.
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Photos provided
Lifeline Animal Project seeks short-term foster homes for pets
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ver wanted a pet, but not the longterm commitment? Already have a pet, but have room for another for a few weeks? Considering a pet, but not sure if you’re ready to take the
dogs on the weekends, such as coffee shops and restaurants with dog-friendly patios, along with local park and hiking trails throughout metro Atlanta. LifeLine Public Relations Director Karen plunge? Hirsch said the organization currently cares LifeLine Animal Project is seeking foster for more than 1,300 animals at the DeKalb and homes for 50 animals including both cats Fulton County Animal Services shelters they and dogs. In an effort to relieve inundated manage. Hirsch is hopeful the temporary pet animal shelters, the agency is aiming to attract programs will boost adoptions and said that the potential pet owners who can foster animals programs are still beneficial even if pets don’t for either two weeks or for the weekend get adopted right away. through the organization’s “Weekend Warriors” “Our ultimate hope is that people will fall program. in love with the pets, however, the program Weekend Warriors commit to four days, is advantageous even if the dogs get returned beginning Friday and returning animals on because it also gives animals a break from the Monday with the option to keep pets longer. shelter, while exposing them to more potential LifeLine supplies the food, crate, leash and adopters. When the animals are brought back “adopt me” vest. Volunteers are asked to just to us, we gain valuable insights into their supply the love. Participants are also provided personalities from the foster parents that we a list of places where people can take their can share with potential families. Additionally,
the foster parents often request to foster the pets longer or even forever,” said Hirsch. If you are interested in fostering a pet, stop by on Saturday or Sunday, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., at LifeLine’s Dog House & Kitty Motel, 129 Lake Street in Avondale Estates; DeKalb County Animal Services, 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road in Chamblee; or Fulton County Animal Services, 860 Marietta Blvd NW in Atlanta. If you’d rather adopt, LifeLine is running a “Pick Your Price” promotion through the end of June, where you name the price for your adopted pet at all of LifeLine’s shelters. All animals come vaccinated, spayed or neutered and microchipped. For shelter hours or more information, call 404-292-8800 or visit LifeLineAnimal.org Mackenzie N. Morgan contributed to this story.
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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. 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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Rep. Doreen Carter to host forum on HandsFree Driving law State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) in partnership with Pastor Eric Lee, Sr. will host “Getting a Grip on House Bill 673: Everything You Need to Get a Handle on the Hands-Free Law” on Wednesday, State Rep. Doreen Carter June 27, 7 – 8 p.m. at Springfield Baptist Church, 1877 Iris Drive, S.E., in Conyers. The HandsFree Georgia Act, which was passed during the 2018 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly, creates a hands-free driving law in Georgia that will take effect on July 1. During the forum, Carter and DeKalb County Judge Ronald Ramsey, a representative from Georgia’s Public Information Office, will educate attendees on the Hands-Free Georgia Act and provide a clear understanding of what is allowed and not allowed under this new hands-free driving law. For more information, contact Rep. Carter at 404656-0220 or doreen.carter@ house.ga.gov.
South DeKalb groups to launch “Civics 101” series
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he South DeKalb Parent Council (SDPC) and South DeKalb Improvement Association Education Committee have partnered to present a “Civics 101” series. The series is being launched to enhance citizens’ knowledge on government policies and regulations as well as to foster citizens’ civic involvement. “We’re presenting this series to educate and engage the community,” said Donna Priest Brown, who is handling publicity for the series. Brown said Ed Williams, founder and chair of Concerned Citizens Against Cityhood in DeKalb and Concerned Citizens for Effective Government, will be the guest speaker on Saturday, June 30, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Hairston Crossing Library, 4911 Redan Road, Stone Mountain. The forum will be the second held, Brown said. Stonecrest City Councilwoman Diane Adoma, who discussed the roles and responsibility of elected officials, led the first session and will be involved in helping plan for future sessions. Brown said newly-
Ed Williams
elected State Rep. Viola Davis, will discuss the political process at a future meeting and also will be part of the planning process. Williams said he is sharing his knowledge at the upcoming session because he believes that more foot soldiers are needed. “I believe there needs to be many more people participating in making their communities better,” said William. “One of the problems we have is that we don’t have volunteer participation at the level that we need to make our communities better.” Williams, who teaches educational research online for two private universities, said he plans to cover
how to use open records laws to obtain information from government. “I’m going to address our rights as citizens, citizenship, and what that means and what we should be getting from our governments. My talk is not to cover everything from A-Z, but to discuss how using open records can be a useful tool in filing court cases,” said Williams. Williams said that attending Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta helped empower him to serve his community. “A lot of what was instilled in me came from attending HBCUs,” said Williams, who ran unsuccessfully in the May 22 primary election as one of four Democrats vying for the DeKalb County Commission District 7 seat. “We have attorneys, educators, researchers, and business people but they are not coming out in the numbers that we need, in terms of getting involved. We need to encourage them and I think the Civics 101 series will do that.” There is no charge to attend the Civics 101 session, although organizers ask that you RSVP for planning purposes to: dpriestbrown@bellsouth.net.
DeKalb School District sets final public millage rate hearing School board to consider FY2019 budget The third and final public millage rate hearing for the DeKalb County School District(DCSD) will be held on June 26, 6:15 p.m., at the Robert F. Freeman Administrative & Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain. Following the public hearing, the DeKalb Board of Education will consider the adoption of the district’s proposed $1.832 billion budget— including $1.092 billion for the General Fund—for the 2019 Fiscal Year at 7 p.m. The proposed budget focuses on transportation; an increase in school resource officers; new textbooks; a
new early childhood learning center; and two new administrative regions, among other items. The Board will also consider approval of the Fiscal Year 2019 final millage rate. The fiscal year 2019 millage rate has not yet been finalized. Under the latest proposal, the millage rate would remain the same. For the past four years, the Board has reduced the millage rate as it recognized that more revenue was being generated each year due to increases in property values across the district. Other budget priorities include: • $2.077 million for the purpose of opening an early childhood
learning center. • $6.5 million for new textbooks. • $3.5 million for the district’s summer school program • $860,000 for 10 new school resource officers and one new sergeant. • $1.5 million to ensure a nurse is present at each middle and high school. • $3 million multiple-division impact for the creation of two new district regions. To view the latest budget documents, visit www.dekalbschoolsga.org/ superintendent/budget.
DeKalb County Sanitation Division will collect mattresses, furniture and other bulky items during the monthlong free residential bulky item curbside collection project.
Free bulky item collection enters final week More than 2,500 DeKalb homes serviced, 857 tons collected
DeKalb County residents have one more week to take advantage of the Operation Spring Clean Sweep 2018 campaign. The county is offering its final week of free residential curbside collection. The DeKalb County Sanitation Division serviced 1,617 homes and collected 499 tons of items during the second weekend of the free bulky item curbside collection project, which was scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays throughout June. To date, 857 tons of items have been collected from over 2,518 homes. Residents have an opportunity to place large items, including furniture and appliances, curbside for collection by the Sanitation Division. Collection
schedules are based on residents’ designated sanitation collection service day. The remaining collection schedule is: • Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday will be serviced on Friday, June 22, and Saturday, June 23. • Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Thursday will be serviced on Friday, June 29, and Saturday, June 30. For any missed collections based on this schedule, residents should immediately call 404-294-2900 to be placed on a bulky item collection escalation list. The service will not be offered for free after June.
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Photo by DeKalb County Schools District
DCSD’s 2018 graduates earn more than $140 million in total scholarships More than $140 million in total scholarship funds were awarded by higher education institutions to DeKalb County students in the Class of 2018. Of the district’s 22 high schools that reported data, graduating seniors at those campuses earned a grand total of $140,697,601 from colleges, universities, as well as state, federal and private scholarship organizations. "This astounding total is proof positive that DeKalb County School District graduates are in high demand throughout the country,” said Superintendent R. Stephen Green. “By committing themselves to a disciplined academic career, the Class of 2018 will represent our community at a reduced—if not completely absent—cost. We congratulate our outgoing seniors, and wish them the best of luck in their futures.” The total for each school is as follows: Region 1 - $33,173,377 • Chamblee Charter High - $16,224,324 • Cross Keys High - $4,158,974 • Dunwoody High - $12,790,079 Region 2 - $29,192,462 • DeKalb School of the Arts - $7,411,444 • Druid Hills High - $5,264,301 • Lakeside High - $11,523,576 • Tucker High - $4,993,141 Region 3 - $27,946,732 • Clarkston High - $5,661,056 • DeKalb Early College Academy $3,839,990 • Redan High - $7,497,684
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Stone Mountain High - $2,504,532 Stephenson High - $8,443,470
Region 4 - $33,829,481 • Arabia Mountain High - $10,430,668 • Lithonia High - $5,948,610 • Martin Luther King, Jr. High - $7,317,023 • Miller Grove High - $5,623,823 • Southwest DeKalb High - $4,509,357
U.S. Army Lt. Kathy Willis Brown, a 1991 graduate of Columbia High School, was promoted to the rank of colonel during an official ceremony on Saturday, June 16, at the Mary Gay House in Decatur. Lt. Brown was appointed to the United States Military Academy by Congressman John Lewis in 1991. Since then, she has risen through the ranks of the United States Army, seeing tours of duty in South Korea, North Carolina, California and the Pentagon. Lt. Brown has earned more than 10 medals, including recognition of duty in the Iraqi Campaign, Global War on Terrorism, Korean Defense and National Defense. She is also on the list to earn the ranking of General. Representatives from the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) as well as the DeKalb County Board of Education joined others during the ceremony.
Region 5 - $16,555,549 • Cedar Grove High - $3,900,220 • Columbia High - $1,835,426 • Elizabeth Andrews High - $219,800 • McNair High - $2,244,981 • Towers High - $8,355,122
Stonecrest to host final open house for comprehensive plan The city of Stonecrest is inviting community residents and interested stakeholders to provide input at the third and final open house on the Stonecrest 2038 Comprehensive Plan. This event will be held on Thursday, June 28, 6 to 8 p.m., at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Road. The Stonecrest 2038 Comprehensive Plan will be used to help guide and shape the future growth and development of the city of Stonecrest. The
Class of ‘91 Columbia High graduate promoted to colonel in military ceremony
plan will set the direction for land use/zoning, transportation, infrastructure improvements, natural resource assessment and protection, and healthy living initiatives over the next 20 years. “This event provides the community with an opportunity to help define the imprint of the city of Stonecrest and its vision for the future,” said Madolyn Spann, director of planning and economic development at the Collaborative Firm.
Open house participants will view displays, provide interactive input on question boards, and have the opportunity to speak with city staff one-on-one. There will not be any formal presentations and attendees are invited to stop by anytime during the two-hour open house. Refreshments will be provided. To learn more about the open house, contact: Madolyn Spann at mspann@tcfatl.com or 404684-7031.
Councilman Rob Turner
Stonecrest District 2 Town Hall meeting set June 28 Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner, District 2, will host a Town Hall meeting on June 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road. Turner will be sharing information on the city’s SPLOST program; the film commission, the city’s comprehensive plan and neighborhood cleanups. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Councilman Rob Turner at 470-381-8555.
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JUNE 23, 2018 • PAGE 5
Editor’s Note: The following letter was submitted by activist Josie Dean, who lives in Rockdale County.
Rockdale District Attorney reviewing evidence in jail deaths Deaths at Rockdale County Jail: ockdale District Attorney Alisha Johnson “This is about negligence.” says she is thoroughly reviewing the
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evidence provided by the Georgia Bureau of Investigations in the death of Shali Tilson, 22. She said she is awaiting the results of the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office concerning the death of Jamie Henry, 40. Both died while in the custody of the Rockdale County Jail. After completely reviewing all of the evidence, a decision will be made on whether or not to pursue Rockdale District formal charges, Johnson said in a news release dated Attorney Alisha Johnson June 15. Johnson said her office has received numerous inquiries and requests regarding the March 12 death of Tilson and the May 27 death of Henry, 40. “In the interest of keeping the Rockdale community informed, the Rockdale County District Attorney’s Office is providing this update,” Johnson said in the news release. On June 13, 2018, the Rockdale County District Attorney’s Office received the results of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations’ (GBI) examination into Tilson’s death, Johnson stated. “The circumstances surrounding the death of Jamie Henry are still under investigation by the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO). Upon receipt of the RCSO’s investigation, the District Attorney’s Office will review all findings and make a decision regarding the filing of charges. “At this time, there is no further comment on either case,” Johnson said in the news release.
17-year-old suspect arrested for Stone Mountain murder
The Rockdale County Think Tank Inc. would like to address the two deaths of inmates inside the Rockdale County Sheriff Department’s Jail. We would like to say that those two deaths were an atrocity and uncalled for. The young lady inmate, Jamie Henry, 40, needed medicine and medical care and died shortly after inside the jail. The other recent death of Shali Tilson, 22, inside the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Department Jail was simply an inmate who died of thirst. Thirst?? That is the story that was given. These two deaths inside the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Department Jail are a tragedy not only to the families involved but also to all inmates passing through the jail. This is about negligence. The Rockdale County Think Tank Inc. would like to make several demands to the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Department and citizens of Rockdale County: 1. All Rockdale County Sheriff’s Department officers and all employees need to undergo extensive sensitivity training on a quarterly basis. This should include racial bias training, how to deal with mental illness, and how to deal with drug addiction and domestic violence training. 2. We would also like to have a citizen’s sensitivity training. This training would teach the citizens how to behave when approached by officers and how to react to questioning. 3. Citizens need to get involved in their government and school systems, civic and social organizations and local churches. And most importantly, citizens need to get involved in the voting process. 4. We need to hold the officers accountable for their actions and not let criminals, rapists and murderers inside the Police and Sheriff’s Departments. We need to stop letting officers get away with crimes against the citizens and stop letting them hide behind the shield or badge. We also need to stop letting the officers protect one another from getting charged with crimes and using their brotherhood to not speak up against officer vs. citizen crimes.
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Unit has arrested Jerell Curtis, a 17-year-old suspect in the murder of Erasmus Pratt in Stone Mountain. On June 9, a warrant was issued for Jerell Curtis charging him with Aggravated Assault and alleging he shot Pratt in the face. Pratt subsequently died as a result of the shooting and an additional warrant was issued on June 5. The pledge from the Rockdale County Think Tank Inc. is to train citizens 13, Curtis' arrest upgrading the charges to Murder. to become leaders in the community and to educate young people to become On June 19, members of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Fugitive Unit activists and to be good, abiding citizens. apprehended Curtis in an apartment off Fairington Parkway in Lithonia, where he was taken into custody without incident. Josie Dean is CEO of Rockdale County Think Tank, Inc.
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STONECREST continued from page 1
“We are excited about the commercial development and residential growth because the two are intertwined,” Mayor Lary said. “We are more attractive to major commercial developments when we have a solid population residing in homes that require incomes of $85,000 or more. This drives up Stonecrest’s average household income, which draws businesses.” Academy of the Arts, located at 5424 Hillandale Park Court, Suite B, is one of the growing numbers of businesses that have moved to Stoncecrest. Owner Susan McGee said she decided to relocate her business from the Stone MountainTucker area to Stonecrest to be closer to the families she serves. “After being in business for 21 years, I decided that relocating to the city of Stonecrest would enable me to better serve my clientele who live there (Southeast DeKalb) and Conyers,” said McGee, whose academy offers tap, jazz, hip hop, tumbling, modern, majorette and a dancewear boutique. “Parents have such busy schedules, my new location will put them closer to home.” McGee praised the city for its customer service in getting her business license. “It was easier for me, as far as getting answers and calls back from city officials,” McGee said. “They were very professional.” City officials cite other examples of new businesses in Stonecrest: The Pizza Bar, which is planning to open in the space formerly occupied by Gladys Knight & Ron Winans Chicken and Waffles at 7301 Stonecrest Concourse, Suite 123. A 14,821-square-foot plaza that will be built at the intersection of Browns Mill and Klondike Roads. Adrion Bell, the city’s director of communications, said city officials are hoping that businesses seeking leasing opportunities will step up as new plazas are built. “When you look at plazas like the one at Browns Mill and Klondike roads that are coming, there are opportunities for dentists, insurance agencies like State Farm and restaurants like Subway that would be surrounded by homes and schools and would do well in those locations,” said Bell. Economic Development Director Sabrina Wright said the city is not only seeking to attract retail, restaurants and service industries, but health and wellness facilities, growth in the city’s industrial park and more large-scale projects such as the Courtesy Dodge Chrysler Jeep dealership that is under construction on Mall Parkway. “We have a lot of vacant land available. One of the things that I’ve been doing is riding with brokers to show them what’s available,” said Wright,
Stonecrest building inspector Kerry Caldwell. Photo provided
who, along with Lary, last month attended the International Council of Shopping Centers RECon Convention in Las Vegas to network and recruit businesses. “You can’t do this level of work as a part-time mayor. When you’re building a city, you’ve got to be at the table, at meetings to represent the city and see that the vision is carried through,” said Lary. Lary said RECon is the world’s largest retail real estate convention, providing attendees with global networking opportunities and professional development. Wright said she is following up on leads from the conference. She said she and City Councilman Jimmy Clanton and others are developing initiatives to support businesses the city hopes to recruit, as well as those that are already established in the city. “We are looking at launching a Shop Stonecrest initiative to encourage and promote residents to spend money locally,” said Wright. “We are also working with Discover DeKalb to promote its free customer service training to hotels and other businesses. The idea is that we want to make sure that customers have a good experience and they return.” Clanton said it’s important for Stonecrest residents to be intentional about supporting businesses in the city. “I want our residents to really think twice before they buy somewhere else. Commerce indexes or whatever you want to call it, determine whether or not businesses are going to come to a given area,” said Clanton, whose District 1 includes the mall and the industrial park. “We have to show that
JABY to host 2018 International Trailblazer Awards July 15 JABY, Inc. will host its 2018 International Trailblazer Awards and Red Carpet event on July 15, at the Atlanta Commerce Club, 191 Peachtree Street, Atlanta. This year’s program will honor: • Senegal Croix Rouge Ambassador Babacar Sow • DeKalb County Superior Court Judge JP Boulee • Peach Bowl President Gary Stokan • Celebrity Chef Jernard Wells • V-103 News Anchor Maria Boynton • Reaps of Joy Outreach Ministries Apostle Elizabeth Davis • Poplar Springs Baptist Church Reverend Ulysses Ponder • Freedom is a Choice Founder Omar Howard • Journalist Germany Kent, Jr. • Beauty Queen Addyson Riley Special invited presenters include 112’s Q Parker, State Rep. Billy Mitchell, DeKalb Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry, DeKalb Sheriff Jeff Mann, WAOK’s Derrick Boazman 2018 Ms. American Elegance Woman Queen Aftan Williams. The Red Carpet event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a VIP reception and silent auction hosted by “Growing Up Hip Hop (WeTV) and Love and HipHop New York (VH1) Actress Jhonni Blaze. The Red Carpet will be hosted for the 9th consecutive year by WSB’s Veronica Becton. There will be musical performances by R&B recording artists Kamal and Jamia Tucker and new R&B talent Erika Lee. Tickets are $125 per person general admission and $175 VIP and must be purchased in advance. There will be no ticket sales at the door. To purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com or call 404-913-9791.
we spend at Arizona’s, Olive Gardens and other restaurants like that, if that’s what we want to attract to Stonecrest. Dollar stores don’t just come out to explore. They know they’re going to do well before they come.” Clanton said he, Wright and Matt Hampton, director of entrepreneurial programs at The Startup Factory, have discussed creating a Stonecrest certification seal for eligible businesses to display. Clanton said the development of an app could track customer feedback, which along with other criteria, would determine whether a business receives the special certification. “We are exploring a lot of options right now and I believe that every council member should be involved in providing input, as well as members of the community,” said Clanton. “We want to make the city the best that it can be—from zoning and code enforcement to beautification and Smart Cities initiatives. We can’t afford to work in silos.” Meanwhile, Lary said he has appointed 10 members to serve with him on the Stonecrest Development Authority. The Authority, comprised of local business owners and economic development specialists, will develop and promote trade, commerce, industry, and employment opportunities for the city, Lary said. The city is partnering with Doug Stoner to conduct the training and management of the Development Authority. Training for the Authority’s members will begin soon, Lary said. Stoner, a former state representative and senator, served as chair of the South Cobb Redevelopment Authority, managing director of the Development Authority of DeKalb, a consultant for the Atlanta Beltline Partnership, Inc., and chair of the Cobb Transit Advisory Board. “The development authority will boost our economic development by offering tools that typical governmental entities can’t offer such as issuing bonds with lower rates. The Authority is a huge economic development tool. They will also work with the city to offer tax incentives,” Lary said.
Stonecrest Development Authority Board of Directors The Stonecrest City Council confirmed the appointments for the Stonecrest Development Authority’s Board of Directors on April 16. The following individuals were appointed: Two-year terms:
Four-year terms:
Ex Officio:
Dr. Cynthia Elliot James W. “Jim” Kelly, Jr. Samuel Stuckey Antonio Render
Lecester “Bill” Allen Belinda Hull Leighton Hull
Joe Coleman Mayor Jason Lary Julius Lee Sabrina Wright
CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, JULY 10TH 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, JULY 16TH 2018 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038
The following Land Use Petition located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
SLUP-18-002 Pawanjit Kavr 6721 Covington Hwy C-1 (Local Commercial) District Request to Special Land Use permit to construct a liquor store.
TEXT AMENDMENT: PETITIONER: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
TMOD 18-0003 City Staff Amendment to Article IX, Section 9.1.3 to add a definition for “Short Term Vacation Rental”.
TEXT AMENDMENT: PETITIONER: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
TMOD 18-0004 City Staff Amend IV, Table 4.1 Use Table as to the permitted locations of Short Term Vacation Rentals, Amend Article IV, Section 4.2.5.8 to provide supplemental regulations for Short Term Vacation Rentals, Amend and Adopt.
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Rockdale Board of Education named Exemplary Board
T
he Rockdale County Board of Education (BOE) was recently honored as a 2018 Exemplary Board, the highest status in the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) Board Recognition Program. The Rockdale County BOE also earned Exemplary status in 2015 and 2016. The GSBA Board Recognition Program was paused and revised during 2017 to require an even higher level of commitment from school boards and individual members. “We are extremely proud that the Rockdale County Board of Education has again earned Exemplary status – the highest status conferred by the Georgia School Boards Association,” says RCPS Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts. “Not only has our board exceeded the previous recognition
program criteria, but it has also met the more rigorous criteria of the revised recognition program. This affirms our board’s commitment to world-class governance as well as the dedication of each member to facilitating optimal student learning, achievement, and growth for the students of Rockdale County Public Schools.” GSBA Board Recognition, a three-year, three-tiered program, is designed to showcase best practices in school governance and leadership to foster educational community cultures in order to advance student learning and achievement. Only 35 school boards out of 180 elected school boards in the state have earned the status of 2018 Exemplary Board.
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