A lady stopped by our house earlier with a dog she had found. He looks familiar but we have no idea who he might belong to. He only has a black collar on with no tag. Please spread the word and forward to any other list serves for our surrounding neighborhoods.
You can contact Lindsay if you have any information on where he belongs.
864-354-0226
Thanks
Brittany Sanders
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
LOST DOG: Pine Glen Area [July 6]
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Mason Mill Park & Decatur Waterworks updates
The CHCA website has, again, awesome updates and photos of progress being made on the South Peachtree Creek trail and on the Mason Mill waterworks.
Our neighborhood has enviable access to walking trails and parks. Below is a map that highlights MANA-accessible greenspace. I added the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve since it didn't show on GoogleMaps.
Highlighted in reddish/maroon is the actual trail that is now very close to connecting Medlock and Mason Mill parks. The W marks the location of the Mason Mill waterworks.
Our neighborhood has enviable access to walking trails and parks. Below is a map that highlights MANA-accessible greenspace. I added the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve since it didn't show on GoogleMaps.
Highlighted in reddish/maroon is the actual trail that is now very close to connecting Medlock and Mason Mill parks. The W marks the location of the Mason Mill waterworks.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Phase I: rebuilding the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve shed [July 10]
Dear Supporters of the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve,
On the night of Sunday, June 26th, the shed at the Preserve was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. The entire contents of the shed and materials around the shed are a complete loss. You can see a video of the fire at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QcQrqZn-HE. If you are on Facebook, you can see a picture of what remains of the shed at http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2169653918031&set=o.45415782994&type=1&theater.
Although some surrounding trees were scorched, we hope that there is not lasting damage. We are beginning to make plans to rebuild the shed and get new tools so that we can continue to maintain the Preserve for education and enjoyment of neighbors and visitors.
So, in the spirit of a barn raising, please join us on Sunday, July 10 at 2pm for a shed-clearing party. We will work on clearing the debris from the shed into the dumpster that has been delivered to the site. Please bring work gloves and any tools that you think you might need. Then, starting at 5pm, we invite everyone for a picnic at the Preserve. Bring your lawn chairs and your picnic and join us in making a new start. We will be collecting donations toward the cost of replacing the shed and the tools. Once we have a new shed in place, we will also be looking for donations of new or lightly used tools.
If you can’t make it to the shed clearing party, but would still like to support rebuilding the shed and replacing the tools, you can make your tax-deductible donation to the Preserve online at http://www.cshepherdpreserve.org/membership.php.
Thanks again for your support of the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, especially during this time, and we look forward to seeing you on July 10.
Chris Beck
President, Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve
On the night of Sunday, June 26th, the shed at the Preserve was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. The entire contents of the shed and materials around the shed are a complete loss. You can see a video of the fire at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QcQrqZn-HE. If you are on Facebook, you can see a picture of what remains of the shed at http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2169653918031&set=o.45415782994&type=1&theater.
Although some surrounding trees were scorched, we hope that there is not lasting damage. We are beginning to make plans to rebuild the shed and get new tools so that we can continue to maintain the Preserve for education and enjoyment of neighbors and visitors.
So, in the spirit of a barn raising, please join us on Sunday, July 10 at 2pm for a shed-clearing party. We will work on clearing the debris from the shed into the dumpster that has been delivered to the site. Please bring work gloves and any tools that you think you might need. Then, starting at 5pm, we invite everyone for a picnic at the Preserve. Bring your lawn chairs and your picnic and join us in making a new start. We will be collecting donations toward the cost of replacing the shed and the tools. Once we have a new shed in place, we will also be looking for donations of new or lightly used tools.
If you can’t make it to the shed clearing party, but would still like to support rebuilding the shed and replacing the tools, you can make your tax-deductible donation to the Preserve online at http://www.cshepherdpreserve.org/membership.php.
Thanks again for your support of the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, especially during this time, and we look forward to seeing you on July 10.
Chris Beck
President, Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve
 |
| What was left after the fire... |
 |
| If it could burn or melt, it did. Once the new shed is built, please consider donating new or lightly used tools. |
 |
| The fire left scorch marks on nearby trees. There was also damage to foliage above but as Chris said, the trees hopefully will recover. |
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Notes from millage rate meeting
The CHCA website has notes from the June 27 meeting with DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis on millage rate increases. The Board of Commissioners will vote on this proposal on July 12.
To put the discussion in context, the notes report that
To put the discussion in context, the notes report that
A 4.35 mil increase amounts to $95 on an average home.To review full meeting notes, go to CEO's mtg on taxes/millage rate.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Cell Tower news
The North Druid Hills-Briarcliff Patch draws attention to continued opposition to the Medlock cell tower proposal, apparently reporting from statements made by Joanne Massey at last night's MANA meeting.
MANA would like to issue a correction to the following statement:
MANA is indeed opposed to a cell tower at Medlock Elementary but, as noted in last night's meeting, the lawyer mentioned in the article is being paid for by the Masseys and several contributing neighbors, not by MANA.
June 29 Update: Patch has posted the following correction:
This is a perfect opportunity to remind all neighbors to keep writing to the DeKalb County School System's Board of Education lest they forget how very opposed we are to a cell tower in the heart of our neighborhood. The wrong-headedness of this proposal is confirmed by Dan Drake's announcement that Medlock will be leased and used as school grounds in the next ~5 years.
As Commissioner Gannon reminded us last night, with the DCSS Board of Education controlling such a large percentage of property tax revenue, we need to hold them accountable and attend their meetings. MANA is keeping an eye on the meeting schedule, with July 11 as a potential date when the cell tower proposal will be discussed. Some neighbors are interested in attending and we will post a reminder as that date draws closer.
Meanwhile, you can register your cell tower discontent by signing the online petition (click on the monopole tower on the right margin) or directly by emails to the Board. You can grab those addresses from our previous post here.
MANA would like to issue a correction to the following statement:
"That defense comes in the form of an attorney Massey has hired to represent the association’s interests."
MANA is indeed opposed to a cell tower at Medlock Elementary but, as noted in last night's meeting, the lawyer mentioned in the article is being paid for by the Masseys and several contributing neighbors, not by MANA.
June 29 Update: Patch has posted the following correction:
CORRECTION: This story said potential tenants at Medlock Elementary School have expressed dissatisfaction with the possibility of a cell tower at the school. No potential tenants have expressed concern. Massey said she was concerned some might. The story also implied that the association hired an attorney. The attorney was hired by a group of residents fighting the tower proposal, and the attorney doesn't represent the association. The errors have been corrected in the story.
This is a perfect opportunity to remind all neighbors to keep writing to the DeKalb County School System's Board of Education lest they forget how very opposed we are to a cell tower in the heart of our neighborhood. The wrong-headedness of this proposal is confirmed by Dan Drake's announcement that Medlock will be leased and used as school grounds in the next ~5 years.
As Commissioner Gannon reminded us last night, with the DCSS Board of Education controlling such a large percentage of property tax revenue, we need to hold them accountable and attend their meetings. MANA is keeping an eye on the meeting schedule, with July 11 as a potential date when the cell tower proposal will be discussed. Some neighbors are interested in attending and we will post a reminder as that date draws closer.
Meanwhile, you can register your cell tower discontent by signing the online petition (click on the monopole tower on the right margin) or directly by emails to the Board. You can grab those addresses from our previous post here.
MANA Meeting of June 27, part III: Comments and Q&A with K. Gannon
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.
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.
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.
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