Kathie Gannon, DeKalb County Commissioner for Superdistrict 6, was kind enough to attend our meeting and take questions.
As noted in other reports here and elsewhere, she explained the county has been approached by Selig. Responding to a question of what was her "feel" about the Selig/Walmart proposal, Ms. Gannon said she had a sense they have been in talks for a long time. Ms. Gannon noted that the Walmart proposal would not need significant variances, just a parking variance and a setback on an already paved area; these requests would be handled by the zoning board of appeals and the community would be able to provide feedback at that point. The proposal calls for tearing down the structure from the thrift store to Picadilly Cafeteria, and for 3 curb cuts: one at Medlock Rd., one at North Decatur Rd., and one at Church St.
Ms. Gannon confirmed the proposal requested financial assistance from the county; all her statements suggested she is opposed. An audience member asked where are things now, Ms. Gannon said they presented their proposal, the commissioners listened, and that was about it. In response to "what did Walmart ask for", Ms. Gannon replied it was a TAD (tax allocation district) request, meaning that tax would be held at a certain level for a certain period of time, and that this only works if the school board is willing to be part of the process.
An audience member asked why property assessments went up so drastically for some people and went down for others? Ms. Gannon noted that new rules require that calculations take into account the number of foreclosures, which has never been done before.
On the topic of taxes, Ms. Gannon said the millage rate will go up, however, that people should be aware that this will be the first increase from the county in 10 years. All other increases have been driven by the Dekalb County school board, which receives the majority of moneys collected from property tax.
[N.B., a quick visit to the Dekalb County Tax Commissioner website shows that for year 2010, the county drew 16.86 mills, while schools drew 22.98 mills. As reported here, the proposed new millage rate will add 4.5 mills to the 2010 rate, bringing the county's millage rate to 21.36. If the word "millage" confuses you, remember it's just the property tax rate calculated per $1,000, instead of the more familiar percent (per $100).]
On a different topic, a neighbor asked about speed bumps on Sanford Rd. Ms. Gannon suggested the neighbor contacts Gannon's office for additional information on that process.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
MANA Meeting of June 27, part II: Zoning and Medlock Elementary updates
Medlock Elementary Status Update
In a phone call to MANA President Kathryn Firago, Dan Drake (Director of Planning and Forecasting DCSS) shared that the current plan for Medlock Elementary is as follows:
1. a short-term lease (~2 years)
2. use of Medlock Elementary as classroom space for students displaced during the construction phase of a 900-student elementary school (aka Fernbank Elementary)
3. again make the Medlock school available for leasing
Also see below.
Zoning Updates
Our thanks to Theresa Same, MANA's zoning guardian angel! Below is her summary of the projects she is monitoring.
* North Dekalb Mall - They are planning to add a Golden Corral to the area - a free standing building at the NE corner best known as the location of the carnival rides. They are asking for a variance on parking and signage. Area is already paved and the sign variance has to do with going over the square footage as they want to do 3 signs.
* JD Byrider - Some of you may have noticed blue signs outside what was formerly JD Byrider. They are asking for a parking variance to add a medical building. Appears to be an improvement and an appropriate use of the property.
* Dash - If you aren't aware of this yet, Dash is at the corner of Woodridge and Scott where the Udipi use to be. They are permitted and zoned to be a restaurant, but are running the place like a night club. There are several neighbors in the area who are irate - rightly so and have been working hard to get it shut down or at least enforce restaurant hours. Several neighbors in the area working hard to get the County to do something about this problem and MANA is doing what we can to support them. Claire French has spearheaded this effort and has recently drafted a letter to Burell Ellis for the MANA Board. Upon approval by the MANA board, letter will be sent to B. Ellis.
* Suburban Plaza - Many of you may have heard the Walmart rumor by now. What we do know is that Selig (owners/developer) is in the exploration phase with Walmart, but that no deal has been reached. Selig met with Rader's office and is looking for public funding to redevelop the property (no promises of any type have been made by Rader's office). They are proposing to do an urban/smaller store with underground parking - big $$ investment. They have the zoning to put a big box store on this property, so the biggest thing standing in their way is money. This will likely be a long process and may not result in anything. I know that many folks are very unhappy about the prospect of Walmart in the area - some on facebook are saying the neighborhood should fight it. I have to admit it is not my first choice. But at this point I have not seen plans and cannot necessarily say it is a bad thing. The development Selig did on Howell Mill with a Walmart is not unattractive. Yes, any successful redevelopment of the property will increase traffic. I would hope that with the redevelopment of the area that we might be able to discuss improvements to the intersections and add pedestrian/bike friendly improvements. We are waiting to hear back from Selig.
* Medlock School Closing and Interviewing of interested parties - I have been working with Tanya, Patrick and Kathryn on the school closure and interviewing of groups interested in leasing the property. At this point, we've interviewed and supported the further exploration of leasing the property to the International School and Congregation Bet Havrim. Although there is some preference to keep the property a school, we thing either would be a good fit with the neighborhood and for the property. CBH is looking for a long term lease while ICS is willing to take a shorter term.
* Medlock School and T-Mobile Cell Phone Tower Proposal - It looks like the discussion and vote will likely take place in July. I would encourage folks to continue to write letters to the school board. It is important to not let up on this.
* Courtesy/Vol Repair - It looks like Vol Repair has moved into the new Courtesy dealership. They are an established business with many years under their belt. They do not require a zoning change, so the neighborhood was not notified. The good news is that for the size of the building/property, they are a small group. [Note: when this was discussed at the MANA meeting, audience members noted they've been doing business already they have no problems to report.]
* Intown Hardware - Some of you might have noticed that Intown Hardware has taken over the lawyers property and increased their garden center. I was so happy to see the Workers Comp billboard come down. I was able to help with this rezoning last fall. I think as time goes on, they will continue to make improvements to the parking and street front area.
* Watch for any movement at other dealerships
* Majestic Manor - Other wise known as that hole up on Lawrenceville Highway. No updates.
In a phone call to MANA President Kathryn Firago, Dan Drake (Director of Planning and Forecasting DCSS) shared that the current plan for Medlock Elementary is as follows:
1. a short-term lease (~2 years)
2. use of Medlock Elementary as classroom space for students displaced during the construction phase of a 900-student elementary school (aka Fernbank Elementary)
3. again make the Medlock school available for leasing
Also see below.
Zoning Updates
Our thanks to Theresa Same, MANA's zoning guardian angel! Below is her summary of the projects she is monitoring.
* North Dekalb Mall - They are planning to add a Golden Corral to the area - a free standing building at the NE corner best known as the location of the carnival rides. They are asking for a variance on parking and signage. Area is already paved and the sign variance has to do with going over the square footage as they want to do 3 signs.
* JD Byrider - Some of you may have noticed blue signs outside what was formerly JD Byrider. They are asking for a parking variance to add a medical building. Appears to be an improvement and an appropriate use of the property.
* Dash - If you aren't aware of this yet, Dash is at the corner of Woodridge and Scott where the Udipi use to be. They are permitted and zoned to be a restaurant, but are running the place like a night club. There are several neighbors in the area who are irate - rightly so and have been working hard to get it shut down or at least enforce restaurant hours. Several neighbors in the area working hard to get the County to do something about this problem and MANA is doing what we can to support them. Claire French has spearheaded this effort and has recently drafted a letter to Burell Ellis for the MANA Board. Upon approval by the MANA board, letter will be sent to B. Ellis.
* Suburban Plaza - Many of you may have heard the Walmart rumor by now. What we do know is that Selig (owners/developer) is in the exploration phase with Walmart, but that no deal has been reached. Selig met with Rader's office and is looking for public funding to redevelop the property (no promises of any type have been made by Rader's office). They are proposing to do an urban/smaller store with underground parking - big $$ investment. They have the zoning to put a big box store on this property, so the biggest thing standing in their way is money. This will likely be a long process and may not result in anything. I know that many folks are very unhappy about the prospect of Walmart in the area - some on facebook are saying the neighborhood should fight it. I have to admit it is not my first choice. But at this point I have not seen plans and cannot necessarily say it is a bad thing. The development Selig did on Howell Mill with a Walmart is not unattractive. Yes, any successful redevelopment of the property will increase traffic. I would hope that with the redevelopment of the area that we might be able to discuss improvements to the intersections and add pedestrian/bike friendly improvements. We are waiting to hear back from Selig.
* Medlock School Closing and Interviewing of interested parties - I have been working with Tanya, Patrick and Kathryn on the school closure and interviewing of groups interested in leasing the property. At this point, we've interviewed and supported the further exploration of leasing the property to the International School and Congregation Bet Havrim. Although there is some preference to keep the property a school, we thing either would be a good fit with the neighborhood and for the property. CBH is looking for a long term lease while ICS is willing to take a shorter term.
* Medlock School and T-Mobile Cell Phone Tower Proposal - It looks like the discussion and vote will likely take place in July. I would encourage folks to continue to write letters to the school board. It is important to not let up on this.
* Courtesy/Vol Repair - It looks like Vol Repair has moved into the new Courtesy dealership. They are an established business with many years under their belt. They do not require a zoning change, so the neighborhood was not notified. The good news is that for the size of the building/property, they are a small group. [Note: when this was discussed at the MANA meeting, audience members noted they've been doing business already they have no problems to report.]
* Intown Hardware - Some of you might have noticed that Intown Hardware has taken over the lawyers property and increased their garden center. I was so happy to see the Workers Comp billboard come down. I was able to help with this rezoning last fall. I think as time goes on, they will continue to make improvements to the parking and street front area.
* Watch for any movement at other dealerships
* Majestic Manor - Other wise known as that hole up on Lawrenceville Highway. No updates.
MANA Meeting of June 27: part I
We had a great meeting! Below are meeting notes by Beverly Monroe, MANA Secretary.
Additional coverage on zoning and the business fair will be available in separate posts a.s.a.p.--it's too much to fit in here!
If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, contact MANA at medlockassoc@gmail.com.
President Kathryn Firago welcomed everyone to the meeting, and introduced the
businesses represented at the business fair. Attendees then spent the first part of the
meeting circulating around the room, talking to the various people promoting their
businesses. [Look for business fair post(s) coming soon]
The remainder of the meeting was devoted to announcements, committee reports, and
news of the neighborhood and community. Kathryn reminded everyone that it was the
beginning of a new fiscal year, and invited them to join or renew memberships.
Yard Sale - Beverly Monroe
• October 1
• Recruiting those interested in helping plan
Budget and Membership - Judy Perras
• Treasury balance- $4,950.43
• Current spending to go to buying MANA shirts and vests
Neighborhood Watch- Barbara Dalton
• Considering providing stickers for homes, “No Soliciting – MANA”
• Possibly free to neighbors
(the audience liked this idea, MANA will follow up on it)
Newsletter – Stephen Perras
• July 1 deadline for articles
• Delivery- mid July
Senior Dinner – Kathryn Firago
• 50’s Theme- costumes, decorations
• Publix and Ace Hardware donated food and prizes
• Thanked Dave Butler for cooking
Social- Kathryn
• Pool Party- August 14
• Rain date- August 21
Zoning – from Theresa Same
Theresa compiled a very thorough list of updates of what's going on around the neighborhood. These appear in a separate post on zoning.
Cell Phone Tower -- Joanne Massey
Joanne Massey outlined objections to putting the cell tower
in our neighborhood.
1- visible to entire neighborhood
2- deterrent to viable tenant for school
3- lower property values and decrease in ability to sell homes
4- restricted land use
5- relatively little financial gain for school system
6- T-Mobile to join with AT&T?
Joanne reported that she and her husband have hired an attorney and 18 other
families have joined to help pay the attorney. They need more to join with them
and encouraged everyone to keep writing the Board of Education.
Joanne is looking into a Medlock overlay, a livable community initiative that
involves an application for a grant to bring about a vision for the future for
the neighborhood.
Kathie Gannon, Commissioner
• Encouraged neighbors to help pay for the attorney and to attend school board
meetings. July 11 is when they might vote.
• Currently issues are being identified for 2012 election of CEO and board members.
• Suburban Plaza Walmart- Kathie and Jeff Rader met with Walmart. The proposed plan is to
tear down stores to Piccadilly and build underground parking. The area is already
zoned, but they would need a parking variance. The Zoning Board of Appeals
meeting would be a time for community input. Walmart is asking for Economic
Development Incentive money.
• Community Based Plans Overlay- an application for funding through ARC grants.
These are federal funds matched by the county.
Additional coverage on zoning and the business fair will be available in separate posts a.s.a.p.--it's too much to fit in here!
If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, contact MANA at medlockassoc@gmail.com.
 |
| Neighbors gathering before the business fair. |
President Kathryn Firago welcomed everyone to the meeting, and introduced the
businesses represented at the business fair. Attendees then spent the first part of the
meeting circulating around the room, talking to the various people promoting their
businesses. [Look for business fair post(s) coming soon]
The remainder of the meeting was devoted to announcements, committee reports, and
news of the neighborhood and community. Kathryn reminded everyone that it was the
beginning of a new fiscal year, and invited them to join or renew memberships.
Yard Sale - Beverly Monroe
• October 1
• Recruiting those interested in helping plan
Budget and Membership - Judy Perras
• Treasury balance- $4,950.43
• Current spending to go to buying MANA shirts and vests
Neighborhood Watch- Barbara Dalton
• Considering providing stickers for homes, “No Soliciting – MANA”
• Possibly free to neighbors
(the audience liked this idea, MANA will follow up on it)
Newsletter – Stephen Perras
• July 1 deadline for articles
• Delivery- mid July
Senior Dinner – Kathryn Firago
• 50’s Theme- costumes, decorations
• Publix and Ace Hardware donated food and prizes
• Thanked Dave Butler for cooking
Social- Kathryn
• Pool Party- August 14
• Rain date- August 21
Zoning – from Theresa Same
Theresa compiled a very thorough list of updates of what's going on around the neighborhood. These appear in a separate post on zoning.
Cell Phone Tower -- Joanne Massey
Joanne Massey outlined objections to putting the cell tower
in our neighborhood.
1- visible to entire neighborhood
2- deterrent to viable tenant for school
3- lower property values and decrease in ability to sell homes
4- restricted land use
5- relatively little financial gain for school system
6- T-Mobile to join with AT&T?
Joanne reported that she and her husband have hired an attorney and 18 other
families have joined to help pay the attorney. They need more to join with them
and encouraged everyone to keep writing the Board of Education.
Joanne is looking into a Medlock overlay, a livable community initiative that
involves an application for a grant to bring about a vision for the future for
the neighborhood.
Kathie Gannon, Commissioner
• Encouraged neighbors to help pay for the attorney and to attend school board
meetings. July 11 is when they might vote.
• Currently issues are being identified for 2012 election of CEO and board members.
• Suburban Plaza Walmart- Kathie and Jeff Rader met with Walmart. The proposed plan is to
tear down stores to Piccadilly and build underground parking. The area is already
zoned, but they would need a parking variance. The Zoning Board of Appeals
meeting would be a time for community input. Walmart is asking for Economic
Development Incentive money.
• Community Based Plans Overlay- an application for funding through ARC grants.
These are federal funds matched by the county.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Public hearings on proposed milage rates
Comissioner Rader announces an opportunity to comment on proposed millage rate increases:
Quote above comes from
http://www.commissionerrader.com/reader-county-news/items/public-hearings-on-rate-increase-set-for-july-5-12.html
H/T DecaturMetro,
DeKalb County will host public hearings to discuss a proposed increase in property tax rates on Tuesday, July 5 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and on Tuesday, July 12 at 10 a.m. in the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur.
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has tentatively adopted millage rates, which will require an increase in property tax rates as listed below.
2011 Rollback Rate % Increase
Atlanta 10.39 8.938 16.25%
Avondale Estates 15.41 13.464 14.45%
Chamblee 13.71 12.223 12.17%
Clarkston 15.06 13.242 13.73%
Decatur 10.82 10.087 7.27%
Doraville 13.60 12.607 7.88%
Dunwoody 13.35 11.357 17.55%
Lithonia 15.33 13.280 15.44%
Pine Lake 15.61 13.541 15.28%
Stone Mountain 13.90 12.980 7.09%
Unincorporated 19.62 18.017 8.90%
Countywide Debt 1.08 0.647 66.92%
Unincorporated Debt 0.66 1.631 -59.53%
This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 21.36 mills in the unincorporated area, an increase of 4.50 mills.
These millage rates are prior to the application of the Homestead Exemptions and credits from the Homestead Option Sales Tax. In 2010, the Board of Commissioners granted a 56.6 percent HOST Credit for County operations and maintenance based upon the use of 97.3 percent of last year’s HOST receipts. In 2011, the Board of Commissioners has voted to use 80 percent for the HOST Credit.
The hearings are open to the public and citizens are encouraged to attend.
Quote above comes from
http://www.commissionerrader.com/reader-county-news/items/public-hearings-on-rate-increase-set-for-july-5-12.html
H/T DecaturMetro,
Suburban Plaza non-update
CHCA has a good summary of what is known so far, please go to http://clairmontheights.org/node/2115
MANA inquiries to Commissioner Rader resulted in a pretty much identical email as noted above.
Druid Hills Patch has a rehash of CHCA's post and adds that coy surveyors from Wolverton and Associates have been spotted at Suburban Plaza. A quick visit to W & A's website shows that they provide the following types of site survey services: site feasibility studies, preliminary planning/ value engineering, public information meetings, zoning and land use requirements, complete site and hydrology designs, project cost estimates & specifications, securing permits & assisting with bidding process, as well as transportation, traffic, structural and subsurface utility engineering surveys.
MANA inquiries to Commissioner Rader resulted in a pretty much identical email as noted above.
Druid Hills Patch has a rehash of CHCA's post and adds that coy surveyors from Wolverton and Associates have been spotted at Suburban Plaza. A quick visit to W & A's website shows that they provide the following types of site survey services: site feasibility studies, preliminary planning/ value engineering, public information meetings, zoning and land use requirements, complete site and hydrology designs, project cost estimates & specifications, securing permits & assisting with bidding process, as well as transportation, traffic, structural and subsurface utility engineering surveys.
Reminder: MANA Community Meeting, June 27
Monday, June 27, 2011, 7:00 pm
North Decatur Presbyterian Church (Scott Blvd and Medlock Road)
Please be reminded we are hosting a Business Fair where you will have a chance to talk to several local business people who live in the neighborhood. MANA business will be discussed starting at 8pm.
7:00-7:45 pm Business Fair
8:00 pm MANA meeting topics
North Decatur Presbyterian Church (Scott Blvd and Medlock Road)
Please be reminded we are hosting a Business Fair where you will have a chance to talk to several local business people who live in the neighborhood. MANA business will be discussed starting at 8pm.
7:00-7:45 pm Business Fair
8:00 pm MANA meeting topics
- Membership drive
- Yard Sale
- Treasurer's report
- Zoning update
- Medlock School update
- Cell Tower update
- Commissioner Kathie Gannon – update on county doings
Lightning claims Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve's tool shed
Last evening's storm certainly made for an intense downpour. Apparently water was not the only thing coming down. Per a report in the Medlock Park Neighbors facebook page, lightning hit Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve's toolshed, making it catch fire.
Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QcQrqZn-HE
 |
| Screen capture from video, see link below. |
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