Still looking for hit-and-run driver

Greg remains in a coma, his attacker is still at large.

For an update on this case, see the 11 Alive News update: Family pleads for leads in hit-and-run of Decatur cyclist

To contribute to Greg Germani's reward fund, click here.

Help identify cyclist's attacker: video and reward drive

Among other great reasons, Greg Germani is known for creating
 the Atlanta Time Machine, a valentine of a website that brings
 images of of Atlanta then and now. To top it off, Greg  filters air
with his own lungs while commuting to keep everyone else's air
a little bit cleaner. Let's pitch together and find the driver that
ran him down, and in doing so, be like Greg and
make things a little better for everyone. Click here to contribute!

On June 9, neighbor Greg Germani was the victim of a hit-and-run while cycling on Flagler Avenue in Atlanta.

The Atlanta Police Department (APD) has released security camera video that appears to corroborate eyewitness reports that after the driver and Greg exchanged words, the driver turned around and drove after the Greg, who remains in the ICU at Grady Hospital. The driver is being sought on charges of aggravated assault.

To encourage people to come forward and identify the driver believed to be responsible, a campaign has been launched to offer a reward for information leading to his arrest.  Please go to https://fundly.com/reward-fund-for-the-greg-germani-case and make a donation and help sweeten the pot for anyone who may be on the fence about sharing information. At the Fundly website, the APD describes the vehicle and driver as follows:  "A Bright red Dodge Nitro SUV with front damage, driven by a black male 20-30 years of age with short hair".

Chilling video shared by the Atlanta Police Department:


Decaturish notes that

People with information can submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers by calling 404-577-TIPS (8477), visiting www.crimestoppersatlanta.org or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637). You do not have to give your name or any identifying information to be eligible for the reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the suspect.

DeKalb Code Enforcement visits vacant property

In addition to a foreclosed property registry, DeKalb now also enforces a vacant property registry that requires owners to register unoccupied vacant homes.

Responding to concerns from neighbors (who used the online complaint form, called Code Enforcement and contacted Commissioner Rader), DeKalb Code Enforcement recently visited an unoccupied home with an overgrown lawn and posted a warning that was also being sent to the owners of record.

The warning outlined property maintenance issues that were visible to the inspector, who will return in 30 days and issue a citation if said violations are not corrected by then. The warning also states that "Failure to correct will result in issuance of court summons to appear in recorder's court. Maximum fine per court summons is $1000 and/or 60 days in jail. Each day is a separate offense." Within a week, the property owner began to address the issues.

DeKalb's Code Compliance Division can be reached by phone at 404-687-3700. You may also email them at codeEnforce@dekalbCountyGa.gov.  If possible, include photos.

St. Jude's Children Research Hospital Benefit [June 12]

Click to enlarge.

17 artists are selling bowling pins today at Suburban Lanes of Georgia! ALL proceeds go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital! This is your time to help and I know you will- Auction starts at 5pm and goes until 10pm. There will be 11 artists there on site! You should come support them! They graciously donated these hand painted pins to help children get the funds needed to fight cancer and other afflictions....and the only way we can keep this kind of event going is if we have your support! Now come on Atlanta- support the arts like I know you can!!!

FREE! ALL AGES! $1 BOWLING ALL DAY! FREE FACE PAINTING FOR KIDDOS 5-8PM! 10 ARTIST VENDORS- SCULPTURE- PAINTINGS- CLOTHING- PHOTOGRAPHY!

See additional details here.

330-unit apartment complex coming to corner of Church St. and Milscott Dr.

From Atlantic Realty Partners via the Cross-Neighborhoods Committee:

June 10, 2014 

Atlantic Realty Partners is pleased to announce that on May 27, 2014, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved its applications for the development of a 330-unit apartment complex to be located on 9.4 acres on the corner of Church Street and Milscott Drive in Decatur. The site was previously occupied by a car dealership but has been vacant for years. The multifamily complex, to be named “The Reserve”, will feature two “U-shaped” buildings enclosing a terrace courtyard with landscaping and a swimming pool. (See attached site plan). To maintain an urban feel, the buildings are situated directly adjacent to the street and will largely shield the parking lot from view. Additionally, the developer will install sidewalks and landscaping along both Church Street and Milscott Drive.    

Specifically, the Board approved (1) an amendment of the Comprehensive Plan Map from Commercial Redevelopment Corridor to Town Center; (2) a rezone from General Commercial to Office-Institutional; and (3) a Special Land Use Permit to increase the allowed height to five stories. The project was approved site-plan specific and subject to 17 conditions (attached). 

The developer wishes to thank all those who attended the public hearings and meetings regarding the project. Community input resulted in a final product far superior to what we started with. Atlantic Realty would like to specially thank the members of the Cross-Neighborhoods Committee for their input and informal support throughout the planning process. We look forward to seeing this project finally come to fruition and maintaining a continued presence in the local community.

"The Reserve": residential development on the corner of Church Street and Milscott Drive.
Click to enlarge or see the original file here.

Atlanta Time Machine creator victim of hit-and-run by red SUV @ Flagler Ave., Morningside

Please be on the lookout for a red SUV with recent damage on the front end. Creative Loafing and WSB-TV report that Greg Germani, creator of the Atlanta Time Machine, Medlock resident and overall awesome guy suffered serious trauma and injuries and was taken to Grady Memorial after what appears to be an intentional hit-and-run on Flagler Avenue in Morningside.

http://clatl.com/freshloaf/archives/2014/06/10/witnesses-motorist-intentionally-hit-bicyclist-in-morningside-left-scene

The Creative Loafing item includes a comment stating

Any witnesses to this hit and run, please contact Detective Robert Jackson, APD Zone 2, (404) 816-7067.The victim's last name is actually Germani but it is listed as "German" on the police report. 

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/police-driver-intentionally-hit-bicyclist-dragged-/ngHnq/

Please be on the lookout
for a red SUV likely showing
damage on its front end.

According to the WSB report, the vehicle may be a Dodge Nitro, and if so, would look something like this.


Greg: hang in there, everyone's pulling for you!!

Medline LCI slides from June 5 community meeting AND report draft

That's the spirit! Pedal power at the Medline LCI meeting.

The Medline LCI community meeting last June 5 had a great turnout (around 100) and covered the history of the Atlanta Regional Commission and its Livable Centers Initiative. The Medline LCI is centered around DeKalb Medical Center and as such, stands to impact our area because its recommendations will help shape future development by establishing priorities and best practices. As noted in the presentations, LCIs strive to create accessible environments that include residential and commercial property, employment sites, and a high level of access for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Photos of the meeting are available here and presentation slides appear below.

The Medline LCI process is not over: the changes it recommends span 25 years into the future, and we can expect that there will be many more opportunities to review this LCI's vision and test how well recommendations work. The Medline LCI team is in the process of finalizing the project report. Their draft (and information on how to submit comments) can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/medlinelcistudy/ [direct link to the report: https://www.dropbox.com/s/123noa4kk05ksuc/MedlineDraft_June.pdf]. Comments will be accepted through July 7, 2014.



Addendum: The Medlock Area Neighborhood Association, Clairmont Heights Civic Association and Good Growth DeKalb submitted comments and concerns about the plan on July, 2014; see that post here.