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C HA MP IO NN EW SPA PE R C HA MP IO NN EW S CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER CHAMPIONNEWS

F REE P RESS FRiDaY, JUnE 17, 2016 • Vol. 19, no. 10 • FREE

• A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS • erving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Tucker and Stone Mountain.

Decatur experiencing residential building surge

the DeKalb

GET MORE LOCAL NEWS IN THE CHAMPION

See Decatur on Page 5

by Horace [email protected]

For those looking fora place to live in theDecatur area, chancesare an apartment or

condominium won’t be hard to

nd within city limits.In the last few years, a condoand apartment developmentsurge has dramatically increasedhe number of opportunities forhose looking to reside withinDecatur city limits.

During a ve-year span from2005 to 2010, 113 multi-housingunits were built in Decatur. Since2013, that number has increasedo 625.

City of Decatur DowntownDevelopment ManagerCatherine Lee said the focusn recent years has been onpedestrians looking to live withinhe city.

“So far what we found ishat there’s a big mix of youngprofessionals and emptynesters,” Lee said. “A big parts people want that walkabilityand a city feel without living inmidtown Atlanta. Our focus ismuch more on pedestrians andhe cyclists than it is on cars.One of the things is buildingmore residential propertydowntown so people can livehere and walk to run errands.”

Some of the newer condodevelopments in Decatur includeArtisan, 335 W. Ponce de LeonLofts and Decatur Renaissance.

The square mileage for thecity of Decatur is 4.7 miles,which means there’s nowhereo go but up for residentialcomplexes—literally.

“(Decatur) is pretty much builtout,” Lee said. “That’s anothereason why we want to enter

downtown and build up. Wedon’t have room to build out.A lot of people get the sense

that there’s this overcrowdingbecause there is more density(in Decatur) building theseapartments and condos, but weactually have [fewer] people inthe city than there was in 1960.”

According to the U.S. CensusBureau, the population in 2013for the city of Decatur was20,148. In 1960 the populationwas 22,026, a decline of 8.5percent.

Lee said locations suchas East Decatur Station havepotential for growth.

City of Decatur Assistant CityManager Lyn Menne watchedthe growth of Decatur for the last33 years.

“For me, having beenhere this long, it has beenslow and steady growth. It’sall based on a very clearvision that our community hashad. Development is drivenby the market,” Menne said.“Particularly now there seems to

be a lot of development, but wehave to remember that almostnothing got built from 2007 to2013.”

Menne said the lack ofnew residential developmentsduring 2007 to 2013, due to a

Photo by Travis Hudgons

Photo by Horace Holloman



LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 17, 2016 • Page 2

File photo

Notice of Property Tax Increase

The City of Stone Mountain has tentatively adopted a millagerate which will require an increase in property taxes by 8.84percent. All concerned citizens are invited to public hearingson this tax increase to be held at City Hall, 875 Main Street,

Stone Mountain, GA 30083 on Monday, June 27, 2016 at11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Times and places of additional public hearings on this taxincrease are at City Hall, 875 Main Street, Stone Mountain,GA 30083 on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

The tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 22.270mills, an increase of 1.809 mills. Without this tentative taxincrease, the millage rate will be no more than 20.461 mils.The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value

of $50,000 is approximately $36.18 and the proposed taxincrease for non-homestead property with a fair market valueof $150,000 is approximately $108.54.

by R. Scott Belzer [email protected]

Acoin is inserted and a buttonis pushed.

Pixelated lights flash on ascreen while accompanying soundplays. Pictures resembling playingcards or a slot machine move abouthe screen, flashing and radiating

with color, a process that lasts forapproximately three minutes.

A coin is inserted and a buttons pushed again, and again, andagain…

These are coin-operated

amusement machines (COAMs),and they’ve become something of anuisance for Clarkston government.

On June 7, Clarkston’s citycouncil amended an ordinanceprohibiting COAMs in stores wherealcohol is served by the package.The amendment removed theprohibition from the ordinanceollowing a Georgia Supreme Courtuling in March.

The ruling preemptedClarkston’s ordinance on thegrounds that “[Georgia] statutesgenerally “have” control over localordinances on the same subject,”citing 35 pages in the Georgia StateCode already dealing with COAMs.

The ordinance still prohibitsslot machines or mechanical music

boxes or pinball machines or anyorm of electronic or mechanical

game machine or coin-operateddevice which might be used forentertainment or amusementpurposes,” in beer, wine and liquoretail outlets but does not apply to

machines dened as “Class A,” orClass B” by the Code of Georgia.

According to the Georgia Code,a “Class A” machine is denedas one that only rewards playerswith more playing time or noncash

merchandise. A “Class B” machines dened similarly but allowsplayers to carry over points fromprevious plays.

“I drew [the ordinance] up sohat it would only allow ‘Class A’and ‘Class B’ machines,” said cityattorney Stephen Quinn. “Thoseare the video poker-type games wehave often discussed here. Withinstate law, they give a denition forCOAMs, including everything likeukeboxes, pool tables, etc. TheSupreme Court case was onlyabout COAMs dealing with quasi-gambling games.”

Quinn said because theSupreme Court has neveraddressed COAMs’ broaddenition, he wrote the ordinanceo only allow poker-type games, as

that’s what the Supreme Court caseruling called for.

“An easier way to say it wouldbe the ordinance allows ‘Class A’and ‘Class B’ COAM machines,”Quinn said.

Clarkston City Manager KeithBarker said past city businesseshousing COAMs were guilty ofabuses including cash payoffs andmoney-related suicides, a claimbacked by refugee resettlementagencies. Quinn characterized suchbusinesses as “unlicensed barsand lounges” that caused strain onlaw enforcement, while councilman

Dean Moore said such places wereessentially loansharking to losingplayers.

Barker also said the ordinancewas responsible for thosebusinesses moving on and stavingfurther violations.

“This case has served to bringattention to a very important issuein our community and in othercommunities across Georgia,”Barker said in March. “Theremaining businesses that operateCOAMs know and understandthat this is a point of emphasis forthe administration and that onlystrict adherence to the law will beacceptable.”

Clarkston ofcials estimateapproximately 60 COAM machinesexist in 10 area businesses.

Moore said the council initially

heard complaints from the publicinvolving alcohol consumption atplaces housing COAMs whereno alcohol license was present.Moore speculated creating harsherpenalties for such a violation mayprevent further complaints.

“I’m looking for some wayto increase the punishment todiscourage retail owners fromallowing consumption on his or herpremises,” Moore said.

Councilwoman Beverly Burks

and Vice Mayor Robert Hogan called for a holistic approach indealing with retail owners violatingany alcohol ordinance within citylimits, while councilman MarioWilliams said the city should

consider regulating alcohol“differently” by developing a planrequiring alcohol businesses to be acertain distance from one another.

A vote was called on forthe amended ordinance, wherecouncilman Awet Eyasu cast a nayvote while Williams reluctantly wentfrom abstaining to afrmative. Burkscalled the amendment a “cocktailfor distaster,” but eventually cast anafrmative vote to comply with theSupreme Court.

“This is basically the crack-cocaine of electronic machines,”Burks said. “We have to abide bythe rules and those are the toughdecisions we have to make.”

Play on, ClarkstonClarkston amends city ordinance for coin-operated amusement

machines following March Supreme Court decision




Photo by Travis Hudgons

AROUNDDEKALBCOUNTYWIDEAdvisory committee to discuss E-SPLOST

The E-SPLOST Advisory Committee will meet publicly on June 23to address how to better use state funds to address capital problems inthe DeKalb County School District.

Since June 2012, the 12-member committee has volunteered timeand experience in areas such as accounting, architecture, auditing,construction, engineering, nance, education, law, planning, projectmanagement and real estate. The combined effort is to influence howthe DeKalb County School District is spending funds garnered by theeducation-specic special local option sales tax (E-SPLOST), whichbrings hundreds of millions for capital projects to DeKalb County.

The Advisory Committee will meet at 1780 Montreal Road in Tuckerfrom 6 to 7:30 p.m. on June 23. For more information, visit http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/splost-iv/advisory-committee. Briarcliff CommunitySports to host reunion

ATLANTABriarcliff Community Sports to host reunion

Former players and coaches of Briarcliff Community Sports willgather June 18 for the fth annual Briarcliff Community Sports Reunionat Mason Park. All former Briarcliff Community Sports participants inbaseball, football, softball and cheerleading can attend and catch upwith old friends to talk about old times. For more information, call Chris Chilton at (404) 886-3418

AVONDALE ESTATESAvondale Estates Men’s Club to hold meeting

Debra Brady, auditor for the state of Georgia, will speak at the

Avondale Estates Men’s Club meeting June 29 at noon. The meetingwill be held at American Legion Post 66, located at 30 Covington Hwy.

All men are invited to join the club for the meeting, lunch follows thespeaker’s presentation. For more information, call (404) 284-1142.

BROOKHAVEN

City to hold Touch a Truck event

Brookhaven police and re departments will be on hand to providea day of free fun and learning for the families at the Touch a Truck

event on June 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Blackburn Park. Kids willbe able to hop up in a re truck, get behind the wheel of some heavymaintenance equipment, check out various police vehicles and getsome safety tips. Blackburn Park is located at 3493 Ashford DunwoodyRoad. For more information, visit www.brookhavenga.gov.

CHAMBLEECity enters agreement with development authority

Chamblee’s city council and the Chamblee DowntownDevelopment Authority (CDDA) have teamed up for the purpose ofpurchasing property in downtown Chamblee.

On May 17 and May 24 respectively, Chamblee’s city council andthe CDDA agreed on a intergovernmental agreement for the purpose ofpurchasing property located at 5442 Peachtree Road.

Attractions near the downtown property include the Ice HouseChamblee, the Frosty Caboose, Chamblee City Hall and new luxuryhousing.

The city council appropriated of $32,900 and $12,000 for debtpayments and due diligence expenses prior to closing on the property.The funds will be appropriated from Chamblee’s homestead optionsales tax (HOST) funds.

According to the agreement, the purchase price of the propertyis $1,899,000. Monthly mortgage payments are likely to be between$5,500 and $6,000.

Under Georgia Law, a city council is allowed to “support the DDAnancially for up to 3 mills per year (approximately $3 million)” and

currently covers $60,000 on another property. However, due to thatproperty’s positive cash flow, no Chamblee funds have been used tocover its monthly payments.

DUNWOODY

Nature center to host backyard campout

Those looking for an excuse to hit the great outdoors and campunder the stars may want to be at Dunwoody Nature Center on June 18and 19.

For $20 (members) and $25 (non-members), participants will

receive a campsite as well as education on camping. Usual camp faresuch as campres, s’mores, games, a night hike and songs will alsotake place at the overnight event.

Wondering how to set up a tent? What about breaking it down?Do you know the proper procedure for putting out a re? Naturecenter ofcials will be available at the family focused event to answerquestions.

For more information, visit www.dunwoodynature.org. Forinformation about renting camping equipment, call Nature Centerpartner REI Perimeter at (770) 901-9200 and ask for Becky.

STONE MOUNTAINCity to host music event

Jason Kenney Trio will perform June 24 at Stone Mountain’s TunesBy The Tracks event in the Municipal Parking Lot, next to the Gazebo.

Attendees can bring their lawn chairs. The two-hour concert begins at 7p.m. For more information, visit www.stonemountaincity.org.




City Tax 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Real & Personal 72,710,992 64,816,123 58,592,799 64,881,851 107,610,419 146,214,537

Motor Vehicles 5,088,980 5,462,080 6,244,650 5,266,300 3,300,880 2,257,250

Mobile Homes 0 0 0 0 0 0

Timber - 100% 0 0 0 0 0 0

Heavy Duty Equipment 0 0 0 0 0 0

Gross Digest 77,799,972 70,278,203 64,837,449 70,148,151 110,911,299 148,471,787

Less M & O Exemptions 1,595,543 1,618,667 1,683,228 1,798,483 1,945,711 1,991,501

Net M & O Digest 76,204,429 68,659,536 63,154,221 68,349,668 108,965,588 146,480,286

Gross M & O Millage 11.313 14.000 17.950 17.950 17.110 17.110

Less Rollbacks 2.687 3.950 0.000 3.200 0.000 0.000

Net M & O Millage 14.000 17.950 17.950 21.150 17.110 17.110

Total County Taxes Levied $1,066,862 $1,232,439 $1,133,618 $1,445,595 $1,864,401 $2,506,278

Net Taxes $ Increase $35,851 $165,577 -$98,820 $311,977 $418,806 $641,876

Net Taxes % Increase 3.48% 15.52% -8.02% 27.52% 28.97% 34.43%

CURRENT PROPOSED 2016 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY

AND NOTICE TO SET MILLAGE RATE

All concerned citizens are invited to the Public Hearings on this tax increase to be held June 29 at 3:00pm, City Hall

Council Rm, 3921 Church Street, Clarkston, GA 30021.A second Public Hearing will be held on July 5 at 10:00AM at the

City Hall Annex Conference Rm, 1055 Rowland Street, Clarkston, GA 30021.

A final Public Hearing will be held on July 5 at 7:30PM at the City Hall Council Rm, 3921 Church Street, Clarkston, GA

30021. The City Council will adopt the 2016 Millage rate at the July 5, 2016 meeting following the conclusion of the

Public Hearing

This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 17.110 mils, an increase of 3.892 mills. Without this tentative tax

increase, the millage rate will be no more than 13.218. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of

$ 100,000 is approximately $ 155.68. The proposed increase on non-homestead property with a fair market value of $

375,000 is approximately $ 583.80.


An incoming lm studiowas granted permission forour 370-square-foot signs fol-owing a contested public hear-ng at Doraville’s June 6 citycouncil meeting.

Council approved amend-ng Doraville’s sign ordinanceor a district housing ThirdRail Studios, the rst tenant

of the former General Motorsplant now known as Assembly.The Assembly site exists inDoraville’s only special (SD-1)district, encompassing ap-proximately 165 acres, and thecode was amended to accom-modate such districts in thecity.

Before the amendment,he ordinance required busi-nesses within the district to nothave signage covering morehan 10 percent of outsidewall space or 250 square feet.The percentage was raised to32 percent for buildings with

00,000 square feet and oneenant.

The amended ordinancetates signage cannot be

higher than 55 feet. Third Rail’sarchitectural renderings showignage may reach of 54 feet

and cover 370 square feet ofwall space.

According to the ordinanceand agenda memorandum, theamendment was made to “ad-dress unique signage needsor the mixed-use developmenthat will include a mixture ofmulti-family residential, com-mercial, ofce, television and

lm studios, and institutionaluses.”In addition, the documents

tate “the scale, mass, andcreative adaptive reuse of his-oric buildings as well as newbuildings to be constructed,create a unique opportunity foredevelopment and reposition-ng of the former General Mo-ors Plant so that its redevelop-ment will be successful as aneconomic venture and be anasset to Downtown Doravilleand the surrounding neighbor-hoods, and city as a whole.”

City ofcials state an-other purpose in passing theamended ordinance is to set atandard for signage for future

businesses at the site.Before the hearing be-

gan, members of the publicaddressed the council urgingthem to reconsider.

“To have signs over thereto accommodate one businessand say ‘Hey, let’s change theordinance,’ I don’t think is agood thing,” said Ben Craw-ford of the Oakcliff Estatessubdivision. “It means every-one can come in and do thesame thing.”

Former Doraville council-

man Tom Hart voiced potentialexpansion concerns to council,stating the 20-acre site couldset precedents for the rest ofthe city.

“Twenty-two acres be-comes 165 acres and the his-tory of this city will tell us whatwill happen in the future,” Hartsaid. “It’s going to spread to250 acres with 55 foot signs.Doraville can’t control itselfwhen it starts a zoning or-

dinance. It’s how we endedup with 10-story buildings in[commercial districts] behindpeople’s houses.”

Hart went on to say the cityhas redened what a sign isbased on Third Rail’s proposedsignage which covers thebuilding’s entire wall.

Eric Pinckney with TheIntegral Group, who’s devel-oping the Assembly site, saidThird Rail Studios is setting the

standard for the site’s develop-ment. He spoke in favor of theordinance, stating it would notrequire future amendments tobe made each time a businesssigns on to the site.

Steve Mensch with ThirdRail Studios said the companyhopes its building will resembleiconic Hollywood studios suchas Warner Brothers, Universaland Paramount. He said notpassing the ordinance would

push the studio back fourmonths in construction, as thesignage must be attached be-fore the roof is completed, thusforcing them to delay occu-pancy and miss the “Hollywoodcycle.”

“It ts in with the modeland style of Hollywood,”Mensch said. “When peoplecome in from Hollywood, it’llfeel like home.”

Councilwoman Dawn

O’Connor said there was gen-eral agreement the Third RailStudio sign design was “verytasteful” but relayed constitu-ents’ concerns about futurebusiness signage in the district.

City attorney CecilMcLendon and communitydevelopment director EnriqueBascunana said the ordinanceis worded and constructed toallow the city to dictate signageform, not content.

“We cannot tell [business-es] what signs should look like,but we can dene somethingthat would say this is the typeof property that should be ableto have distinctive signage,”McLendon said. “A huge signwith a single occupant is goingto dene that area. Anotherproperty like that should havesimilar characteristics.”

Planning commissionrepresentative Thom Abbott

spoke in favor of the ordi-nance, stating the ordinance’slanguage protects the area bylimiting large signage to biginvestors occupying buildingsof at least 100,000 square feetand being the sole tenant.

The ordinance wasamended with a vote of 4 to1, with councilwoman SharonSpangler voting no and coun-cilwoman Shannon Hillardabsent.

Here’syour sign

Doraville alters sign ordinancedespite public outcry



DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 17, 2016 local Page 5

DECATUR Continued From Page 1A

ecession, created the high demand forcondos and apartments today.

“Normally, we would have had abuilding going up about every twoyears. There was a lot of pent-updemand once the recession ended, sowe’re seeing a bubble now. The marketwill take care of it and it will atten outagain and we’ll go through anotherdevelopment cycle. That’s just the wayt seems to work,” Menne said.

The new residential infrastructurescould also give taxpayers in Decatur

a break. Currently, 85 percent ofax digest for the city comes fromesidential, with 15 percent from

commercial property, Lee said. Although the downtown multi-family

units, condos and apartments are forresidential use, the properties will gotoward the commercial side of the taxdigest.

“The numbers are really out ofwhack. Ideally you’d want it at 50-50. The burden right now is on theresidential and people feel that,” Leesaid. “A multi-family housing unitgives a lot more back taxwise to thecommunity than a single-family homethat gets built up. That’s a big push.In order for Decatur to be sustainable,

it needs to have a better balance ofthe tax digest. We need to continue togrow our revenue and one major way ofdoing that is to continue to build up thecommercial district.”

Summer bible school big hit at Hillcrestby Horace [email protected]

Elizabeth Spencer is aypical teenager. She spendsime on the computer, likes toeblog on the internet and has

even decided to play basketballhis summer.

Nonetheless, how Spencer,7, spends some of her summer

s more academic and spiritual.While some of Spencer’s

classmates may head to thebeach or to their favoritevacation spots for part of thesummer, Spencer, along with22 other young adults and

children will spend time atHillcrest Church of Christ (HCC).From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for

one week in June, HCC holds avacation Bible school to teachyoung adults and children aboutJesus in a fun, classroom-likeenvironment.

Spencer, who has attendedvacation Bible school at HCCsince pre-k, said she lovescoming back every year.

“I really enjoy it. I like howthey incorporate everyday lifewith the Bible,” Spencer said.

“It just makes it engaging foreverybody.”

Summer Bible school hasbeen held at HCC for nearly twodecades, said Deacon MichaelBaker.

During the rst few years,HCC had just 60 children signup. Now, that number has morethan doubled.

“When we started, we onlyhad one building here and itwas only for half a day,” Bakersaid. “We had 123 register thisyear. It’s fun and it’s rewarding.

We want to be involved in thecommunity.”Initially, the vacation Bible

school only registered children atthe preschool level. Now gradesrange from pre-k to 11th grade.

Bible school participantsgenerally start the day withdevotional reading, followedby individual classes such asscience labs, drama or danceclass. The school also offers a

recess period and lunch.“The kids keep me going. As

you get older, being around so

many kids keeps you young,”Baker said, smiling. “Kids comeup and hug you and tell you ‘Ihad a great time.’ Like I said, ithas its rewards. It’s tiring, butrewarding.”

HCC’s vacation Bible schoolhas become somewhat of afamily affair for some over theyears. Co-youth director at HCC,Tammy Anderson, along withher husband and ve children,has been a part of the school foryears.

Anderson said her eldest

son, Gerald Anderson II, willbe entering his last year at theschool.

HCC offers a “line of defense”class for their teen participants.The class teaches young adultshow to defend themselvesagainst everyday struggles theymay be going through.

Anderson said the growth ofher children and other teens atthe school is amazing to watch.

“It’s incredible. We grew upbeing a family that’s involved inthe church. As a parent, to see

them wanting to be involved inthe right thing and to praise God,it’s beautiful,” Anderson said.“The teens that we have hereare amazing. It’s one of thosethings that you have to see. Youcan’t really put it into words.”

HCC has more than 100volunteers of various ages. Theschool has grown throughout theyears, but Baker foresees moreexpansion in the future.

The school’s deacon said hehopes to see the school growinto a full summer camp, lasting

eight weeks. Within the nexttwo years, he foresees it beingrealized.

“If I wasn’t here, I don’t knowwhat else I’d be doing for thesummer. I love it,” Spencer said.“They make the Bible easier tounderstand.”

Children, ranging from grades Pre K to 11th, enjoy activities at Hillcrest Church of Christ’s vacation bible school.

Photo by Horace Holloman



DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 17, 2016 opinion Page 6

See something, say something applies to allIt’s a dilemma we all

ace—when to speak

up, interject ourselves inhe affairs of strangers,when to step outside ofour personal lives intohe lives of those wedon’t know to deliver acaution, offer advice orattempt to de-escalate asituation.

A few unrelatedncidents in the last weekhave prompted me toaddress this subject.

. In a recent news re-port, three womentalked about witness-ing a man droppingsomething in his date’sdrink at a restaurant.They alerted her, po-lice were called andthe man was arrested

2. At a local park, pass-

ersby tell four ram-bunctious boys to stayaway from the moving

wheel of a grist millbut they ignore thewarnings. One man,my husband, advisesthe parents that thechildren are playing ina potentially danger -ous area and the par -ents move in to keep

a closer eye on theirchildren.

Both of these caseshad positive outcomes.The individuals at thecenter of each incidentwere not harmed, andthose who intercededweren’t cussed out,assaulted or disbelieved.

Daily situations arisein which we witnessthings happening orhave the potential ofhappening that couldhave dire effects. Dowe say something? Are

we reading the situationright? Will our butting-in be appreciated?Should we mind our ownbusiness? Do we knowwhat we’re talking about?

It’s almost alwaysa tough call. However,

despite the worries,misgivings and

uncertainty, it’s worthtaking a chance toprevent an awfuloutcome.

There’s been atremendous amountof vitriol over the Mayshooting and killing of agorilla at the CincinnatiZoo after a 4-year-old fellinto the gorilla enclosureand the animal grabbedthe child, dragged himaround and tousled himabout. Some critics haveblasted the mom forbeing irresponsible, fornot keeping watch moreintensely over the boy.

I wonder if therewere others nearby whoobserved what the boywas doing before he fellwho could have warned

the mother, admonishedthe child to stay away

or even snatchedhim before he was inharm’s way. I wonderif there are folks nowthinking “I should havesaid something, donesomething.”

It’s easy to placeblame but as any parentknows it’s impossible tokeep one’s eyes on achild every second.

We live in periloustimes that can be a littleless perilous if we lookout for one anotherand speak up and butt-in when we perceivethat something awfulmight happen. Sayingsomething when we seesomething could makeall the difference.

Gale Horton Gay

[email protected]

Lifestyle Editor







Doraville can now countDecatur’s city commissionamong its allies in thecreation of a tax allocationdistrict (TAD).

On June 6, Decaturpassed a resolutionsupporting the creation of aTAD at the former GeneralMotors assembly plant, nowknown as the Assembly.

According to DecaturMayor Patti Garrett, thecity commission was askedto consider the resolution

as part of its membershipn DeKalb MunicipalAssociation.

“[The association] hasreached out to all cities inDeKalb County and askedfor support of the TAD andurging the school district’sfavorable consideration,”Garrett said.

In addition, Garrett saidthat Doraville Mayor DonnaPittman, via the DeKalbMunicipal Association,asked cities throughoutDeKalb County “to considerpassing a resolution in

support of the TAD for theold GM site now known asAssembly.”

Garrett also said theoverarching reason forsupporting the TAD is “thepotential benet to the entirecounty,” and referred tothe resolution itself, whichstates “establishing a [TADs] central to numerousDoraville studies for theformer General MotorsSite and in the DeKalbCounty Strategic EconomicDevelopment Plan,” and

“the city of Decatur supportsDoraville’s due diligence and

planning efforts and ndsthat a [TAD], with DeKalbCounty School Districtparticipation, is in the bestinterest of the region.”

No discussion tookplace among Garrett andCommissioners FredBoykin, Scott Drake, BrianSmith, and Tony Powers,the latter of which made themotion to support Doraville’sproposition. A copy of theresolution was distributed toeach member before the citycommissioner meeting.

Commissioners did notvoice their own opinionson the resolution, insteaddeferring to Garrett.

The request for TADdesignation has poisedDeKalb County SchoolDistrict (DCSD) againstDoraville’s city council,DeKalb County boardof commissioners andDeKalb County Chamberof Commerce due to theschool district’s reluctance tosupport the TAD’s creation.

A TAD would freezethe former General Motors

plant’s tax revenue for thethree governments for 25years and facilitate therevenue’s growth directlyinto the development.

For the TAD to beofcial, DCSD must supportthe measure with Doraville’scity council and DeKalbCounty. School boardofcials have stated a TADdesignation would lter taxrevenue away from learningwhile supporters say theTAD would fast-track countygrowth.

NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

The Mayor and City Council of the City of Lithoniahas tentatively adopted a millage rate which will requirean increase in property taxes by 4.64%. The increasewill enable the City to improve the level of servicesprovided to residents. All concerned citizens are invited to the additionalpublic hearings on this tax increase to be held at CityHall, 6920 Main Street on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at

10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. A third public hearing will beheld at City Hall, 6920 Main Street on Monday, June 20,2016 at 6:30 p.m. This tentative increase will result in a millage rateof 16.500, an increase of 0.732 mills. Without thistentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no morethan 15.768 mills. This proposed tax increase for a home with a fairmarket value of $44,202 is approximately $13.00. Theproposed increase on non-homestead property with afair market value of $76,926 is approximately $23.00.

Notice of Property Tax Increase

The Governing Authority of the City of AvondaleEstates has tentatively adopted a millage rate whichwill require an increase in property taxes by 16.26percent. All concerned citizens are invited to the public

hearings on this tax increase to be held at City Hall, 21North Avondale Plaza, Avondale Estates, GA 30002on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at 5:30 P.M., Monday,June 20, 2016, at 7:30 P.M., and Wednesday, June 29,2016, at 6:00 P.M. This tentative increase will resultin a millage rate of 10.957 mills, an increase of 1.572mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millagerate will be no more than 9.385 mills. This proposedtax increase for a home with a fair market value of$275,000 is approximately $173. The proposed tax

increase for a non-homestead property with a fairmarket value of $225,000 is approximately $141.

NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE ATLANTA CITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT

ATLANTA’S FISCAL YEAR 2017 BUDGET

Noce is hereby given that the Atlanta City Council will meet on Monday, June 20,2016 to consider and adopt the City of Atlanta’s scal year 2017 budget (16-O-1147).The meeng will be held at the Atlanta City Hall Complex, 55 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta,Georgia in the City Council Chambers located on the second oor beginning at 1:00p.m. All concerned cizens are invited to aend. A copy of the proposed budgetlegislaon (16-O-1147) is on le in the Oce of the Municipal Clerk, Suite 2700, CityHall 55 Trinity Avenue, S.W. Atlanta, Ga. 30303 for public inspecon. This document isalso available online for public inspecon at hp://www.atlantaga.gov (the le can befound under the Department Finance: Oce of Budget & Fiscal Policy documents).

Decatur supportsDoraville TAD




Clarkstonconsidersmaking election

day official cityholiday


Scheduling time before andafter work to vote are worriesClarkston city employees andesident voters may not have inhe near future.

Clarkston’s city council isconsidering a resolution makingelection days city wide holidays.

Sponsored by councilmen AwetEyasu and Mario Williams, theesolution would allow all non-

public safety employees andparticipating business ownerswithin city limits a full or half dayoff on each Presidential andGubernatorial General ElectionDay.

Williams said the resolutionwould increase the likelihoodof voter turnout in Clarkstonby creating more votingopportunities.

“Everyone has a desire toncrease the opportunity forpeople to vote,” Williams said.

We’re dealing with a situationwhere early voting days arebeing signicantly reduced, notonly in this state but across thecountry. We’re dealing with a

situation where obstacles arebeing placed in front of people tomake it difcult to vote.”

According to the resolution,“failure to provide ample timefor democratic participationon election day effectivelyprecludes those who areconstrained by work or school.”The document also stateselection days hamper those inlower-income communities dueto a reluctance to take time offwork.

The resolution cites a U.S.Census Survey in 2014 where28 percent of those registeredbut did not vote said theywere “too busy” to vote. Theresolution also lists a similar2014 Pew Research study thatfound younger, racially diverse,

less educated and nanciallyunable populations make up themajority of nonvoters.

Councilwoman BeverlyBurks said registering andeducating Clarkston residentsabout the voting process wouldbe the rst step in increasingvoter turnout.

“When you look at Clarkston,we have 1,391 people who areunregistered in our city alone,”she said. “Before you even getto the point of talking aboutvoting on Election Day, you haveto get people registered to vote.”

Burks said early votingshould be a high priority as itcould potentially force politiciansto get their messages out sooner

PUBLIC NOTICE

MAGNET RECOGNITION PROGRAM® —

SITE VISIT•Emory University Orthopedics and Spine Hospital-EUOSH has applied to the American NursesCredentialing Center (ANCC) for the prestigiousdesignation of Magnet. Magnet designationrecognizes excellence in nursing services.

•Patients, family members, staff, and interestedparties who would like to provide comments areencouraged to do so. Anyone may send commentsvia e-mail, and direct mail. All comments received byphone must be followed up in writing to the MagnetProgram Ofce.

NOTE: All comments are CONFIDENTIALand are not shared with the health careorganization. Comments may be anonymous,but they must be sent in writing to the MagnetProgram Ofce.

•Your comments must be received by July 17, 2016.

Address: AMERICAN NURSES CREDENTIALINGCENTER (ANCC)

MAGNET RECOGNITION PROGRAM OFFICE

8515 Georgia Ave., Suite 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910-3492

E-Mail: [email protected]: 866-588-3301 (toll free)All comments received by phone must be followed upin writing to the Magnet Program Ofce.

Notice of Public Hearing for Clarkston Millage Rate

Notice is hereby given that the Governing Authority of the City ofClarkston has tentatively adopted a 2016 millage rate which willrequire an increase in the property taxes of 29.44 percent.

All concerned citizens are invited to the Public Hearings on this taxincrease to be held June 29 at 3:00pm, City Hall Council Rm, 3921

Church Street, Clarkston, GA 30021.

A second Public Hearing will be held on July 5 at 10:00AM at theCity Hall Annex Conference Rm, 1055 Rowland Street, Clarkston,GA 30021.

A f inal Public Hearing will be held on July 5 at 7:00PM at the CityHall Council Rm, 3921 Church Street, Clarkston, GA 30021. TheCity Council will adopt the 2016 Millage rate at the July 5, 2016 meeting following the conclusion of the Public Hearing.

This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 17.110 mils,an increase of 3.892 mills. Without this tentative tax increase,the millage rate will be no more than 13.218. The proposed

tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $100,000 isapproximately $155.68. The proposed increase on non-homesteadproperty with a fair market value of $375,000 is approximately$583.80.

No time, no excuse to not vote

See Clarkston on Page 13A

Mayor Ted Terry spoke on a recent proposition to make election day a citywide holiday inClarkston. Photos by R. Scott Belzer

Clarkston councilmen Awet Eyasu, left, and Mario Williams, middle, are developing aresolution deeming election day as a citywide holiday.




2016 Mobile Market StopsCASH, CREDIT, AND SNAP/EBT CARDS ACCEPTED

Tuesdays 9AM-11AM Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Dr., Decatur 12PM-2PM South DeKalb YMCA, 2565 Snapnger Rd., Decatur 5PM-7PM Mainstreet Community Assoc., 5001 Mainstreet Park Dr., Stone Mountain

Wednesdays 9AM-11AM Clifton Springs Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur 12PM-2PM Austin Drive Community at Bethesda Cathedral, 1989 Austin Dr., Decatur 5PM-7PM Tadda’s Fitness Center, 2615 Park Central Blvd., Decatur

Thursdays 9AM-11AM Spring Chase II Apartments, 4947 Memorial Dr., Stone Mountain 12PM-2PM Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Rd., Lithonia 5PM-7PM New Life Community Ministries, 3592 Flat Shoals Rd., Decatur

Fridays 11AM-1PM DeKalb County Extension, 4380 Memorial Dr., Ste 200, Decatur 2PM-4PM June 17 & Aug. 19 only @ Candler Library, 1917 Candler Rd., Decatur July 15 & Sept. 16 only @ Clarkston Library, 951 N. Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston

Call (404) 298-4080 for more information

DEKALB COUNTY


There’s no doubt LouWalker Senior Center(LWSC) is full of activeseniors, as hundreds abovethe age of 54 dancing andenjoying the center’s 10year anniversary.

In honor of a decade ofservice to the community,LWSC held a week-long

celebration ending June 11.LWSC, which opened

January 2006, serves closeto 600 members daily.

DeKalb Interim CEOLee May said “Thishas been a great placefor seniors. This is atime of celebration andacknowledgment. Hundredsof seniors have takenadvantage of the centerand programs.”

Festivities beganFriday, June 3, asguests participated in ananniversary parade.

LWSC also unveiledportraits of its 10-yeartrailblazers. The trailblazersnclude 33 LWSC members.Many of the trailblazerrecipients started programsand clubs at the center.

The week of celebrationculminated in a red carpetreception, silent auctionbeneting the centerand a Broadway-styleproduction acknowledgingthe contributions of founder Lou Walker .

“It’s really rewarding,

but I can’t take credit.This center is named afterformer commissionerLou Walker and fromeverything I’ve heard, he’s

had one of the biggestimpacts,” May said. “WhatI pride myself in doing iscontinuing our commitmentand investment (in seniorcenters) and to makesure we have adequateprograming.”

Walker served asDistrict 7 commissioner inDeKalb County.

He was also an actorappearing in more than

65 feature lms including,“Fighting Temptation,” and“Remember the Titans.”

LWSC is a $10 million,40,000 square-foot facilitylocated at 2538 PanolaRoad, Lithonia.

Bettye Davis, directorof LWSC, said seniors werea big part of the planningprocess for the anniversarycelebration.

“We’re always busyover here. It’s an excitingtime, especially for peoplewho have been here sincethe beginning,” Davis said.

The impact Walkerhad on the communityand seniors is undeniable,Davis said.

Davis said she planson acknowledging moreinfluential members ofLWSC in September tocoincide with nationalsenior center month.

“It’s important for thecitizens of DeKalb Countyto come by and see whatwe’re doing. This is your taxdollars at work. We haveso many active seniors.

You don’t see this acrossthe country,” Davis said.“This is what Lou Walkerenvisioned.”

Senior centercelebrates

10 years

Seniors march with DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May in Lou Walker Senior Center’s anniversary parade.

A wall of fame featuring LWSC trailblazers was unveiled. Photos provided






Glass recycling tobe more costly forDecatur residents


Decatur residents canexpect an increase in residentialcollection fees thanks to theongoing issue related to the costof recycling glass.

According to assistantCity Manager David Junger ,the city will increase yearlycollection fees from $250 to$275 to counterbalance thecost associated with handlingglass and transporting it to a“secondary processor.”

Currently, the city has acontract with Latham HomeSanitation (LHS) for residentialrecycling services for the 2016-2017 scal year in the amountof $140 per ton, according to amemo sent by the city’s public

works ofce.LHS provides collection of

paper, plastic and metal, butrequires a separate bin for glass.

Glass collected by the citywill be transported to StrategicMaterials, Inc. located in CollegePark.

Increasing yearly residentialcollection fees by $25 wasdecided in a June 6 citycommission meeting.

Junger said a surveyshowed many residents inDecatur supported the need torecycle glass, despite the yearlymonetary increase.

“Decatur has been

environmentally conscious fora long time now. We as a city,it doesn’t surprise me. So far,they’re willing to pay the extra$25,” Junger said.

In an open City Hall survey onglass recycling, conducted April 7through April 30, 2016, 90 percentof those surveyed said they wouldlike the city to continue to recycleglass despite paying an extra $25a year.

“We’re working on rolling outan education campaign that letspeople know they must separatetheir glass. Residents providingtheir own bin were also part of the

survey. Most people have theirown bin anyways,” Junder said.

Out of 348 residentssurveyed, 78 percent said they

would be willing to provide theirown recycling bin if it reducestheir annual solid waste fee.

Glass recycling bins can beno larger than 18 gallons in size.

Currently, the city does notprovide a separate bin for glass.

Decatur resident TomKeating said he wouldn’t mindseparating his glass material, butstill remained skeptical.

“I’m going to talk with mywife and my daughter tonight,and we are going to use one of

our three containers for glass,”Keating said. “But I do have myreservations.”

Keating, founder andcoordinator of Project CLEAN-Citizens, Learners and Educators

Against Neglect, said recycling issometimes a complicated issue.

For more than two decadesKeating has also advocatedimproving conditions of schoolrestrooms.

“It’s all recycling. Like somany other processes, it canget complicated. I liked theway our system worked. I needmore time to know if this is an

example of a service that wasnot thought through and couldhave unintended consequences,”Keating said.

Pain in the glass

by Carla Parker [email protected]

Avondale Estates commission-ers and residents are still voic-ng their opinions on whether the

mayor and commissioners shouldbe paid for their services.The board of mayor and com-

missioners had its second readingof the compensation ordinance athe commissions meeting on May

25. According to the ordinance,f it is approved by the board, themayor would receive $600 permonth—$7,200 annually—and thecommissioners would receive $400per month—$4,800 annually.

Some commissioners supporthe ordinance while others are

against it. Commissioner RandyBeebe suggested amending theordinance.

“Maybe we ought to makehis a four-year out plan becausedo have a little issue with the

sitting commission voting itself aaise,” Beebe said. “I’m not surehat shouldn’t be done for futureepresentatives as opposed to theepresentatives sitting there. I washinking that if I was out there look-ng at us I would think that I’m notsure you should vote yourself aaise even though it’s a hard job,

and we’ve gotten a lot of supportrom you guys and we appreciatehat.”

Some residents agreed with

Beebe’s suggestion, including JoeAnziano who has been a propo-nent of the ordinance.

“I think the only part that everbothered me about it was that yousit and you vote for getting a sal-ary,” Anziano said. “You’re votingyourself a raise and I would rathersee the proposition be amended tonot begin until your current termsare over. [That] doesn’t meanhat you can’t get paid after that

because some of you will run fore-election for the next term. That’s

when the compensation shouldbegin.”

Resident Betty Jones said she

disagrees with the board asking fora raise.

“I know you all work hard,”ones said. “I had a son who was

a commissioner and at that timet was a lot of busy stuff goingon and y’all have a lot of stuff todo, but I don’t see us paying you.Maybe other [city councils] getmore money but they have morepeople.”

One resident asked to have theordinance on a ballot for a publicvote. City Manager Clai Brown said he will look into adding it tohe upcoming November election.

The board also will have a worksession to discuss the option ofadding it to the ballot.

Commissioner Adela Yelton said the compensation would help

Avondale Estates residents and commissioners are still voicing their opinions onwhether the mayor and commissioners should be compensated. Photo by CarlaParker

attract a diverse group of people torun for commission and mayor.

“We do want to attract diversecandidates,” Yelton said. “It’s nicethat folks that are retirees have thetime to be able to contribute, but for

families with young children there ischildcare cost. That’s something thatwe need to consider for folks that—for whatever reason—if that smallamount is keeping them from vol-unteering or becoming a candidatefor commissioner we want to attractthose folks too.”

If there is a third reading for theordinance, the board will then voteon it.

Avondale Estates commission, community still divided on compensation






Cali (ID# 30535179) is happy, happy, happy! Thischeerful ten-month-old girl loves everyone she meets andis good with kids and other dogs. She is the kind of dogwho will make you smile when you’re down and brightenup your life every day. She dreams of going for hikes,visiting the lake, and being your best friend. You can makeCali’s dreams come true. Meet Cali today at DeKalb AnimalServices.

This happy girl qualifies for our June “Make Waves”promotion. Adoption fee is Waived for dogs over 25 lbs. andfor all cats! Adoption includes spay/neuter, vaccinations,

microchip and more! If you would like more informationabout Cali please email [email protected] or call (404) 294-2165. All potential adopters will bescreened to ensure Cali goes to a good home.

PET OF THE WEEK

The Georgia Department of Educationand DeKalb County School District aremaking an effort to ensure children in thecommunities they serve do not go hungryduring summer break.

On June 1, DeKalb’s School NutritionServices began operating Seamless Summer,in which local schools provide breakfastand lunch free of charge to children 18 andyounger, Monday through Thursday, until June30.

In Region 1, Cary Reynolds, ChambleeMiddle, Cross Keys High, DunwoodyElementary, Hightower Elementary, theInternational Center, Montclair Elementary,Pleasantdale Elementary, Sequoyah Middleand Woodward Elementary schools are

providing meals. For more informationon serving times, contact the schools orJacqueline Bailey at (678) 984-1876.

In Region 2, Briar Vista Elementary,Druid Hills High, Henderson Mill Elementary,Idlewood Elementary, Livsey Elementary,McLendon Elementary, Tucker High, TuckerMiddle, and Midvale Elementary are providingmeals. For more information, contact theschools or Margo Allen at (678) 758-9110.

In Region 3, Clarkston High, EL MillerElementary, Fairington Elementary, FreedomMiddle, Indian Creek Elementary, Jolly

Elementary, Redan High, Rock ChapelElementary, Shadow Rock Elementary,Stephenson Middle, Stephenson High, StoneMountain Middle, Stone Mountain High, andWynbrooke Elementary schools are servingmeals. For more information, contact theschools or Dannet Charles at (404) 557-4637.

In Region 4, Bob Mathis Elementary,Browns Mill Elementary, Chapel HillElementary, EL Bouie Elementary, Flat RockElementary, Lithonia High, Lithonia Middle,Marbut Elementary, Miller Grove Middle, MillerGrove High, MLK High, Murphey CandlerElementary, Narvie Harris Elementary, PanolaWay Elementary, Salem Middle, SouthwestDeKalb High, Stoneview Elementary, and

Woodridge Elementary are providing meals.For more information, contact the schools orJanet Stone at (404) 386-5576.

In Region 5, Cedar Grove Elementary,Cedar Grove High, Columbia Elementary,Columbia High, Columbia Middle, Flat ShoalsElementary, McNair Elementary, McNair High,McNair Middle, Meadowview Elementary,Oakview Elementary, Snapnger Elementary,Toney Elementary and Towers High will all beserving meals. For more information, contactthe schools or Maureen Pickett at (404) 557-3997.

Lithonia in the red

Free summer mealsat DeKalb schools

City experiencinga shortfall in thesummer months


Since 2014, each yearLithonia has experienceda shortfall in revenue inhe months of June andSeptember, which will result ina decit of $87,470 by the endof September 2016.

City accountant Craig Lymburner presented thecity’s cash flow comparisonduring the June 6 city councilmeeting. Lymburner, whoonly had information dating

back to 2014, said the city’smain source of income comesn during September andDecember.

“However, our expensesare marched along everymonth and therefore [in]he months of June, July,August and part of Septemberhere is a lack of funds tocarry through for all of thepayments,” Lymburner said.In 2014, the city went out and

obtained a [tax anticipationnote] TAN note in March,and I think the amount was$150,000. Over that summer,by the end of September wewere $79,133 short.”

The city was short$8,775 in 2015 during theame period due to the city

borrowing $20,000 from thetormwater fund in June.

“Last year, in July, weobtained a TAN loan of$100,000 and it was justenough to get us through,”Lymburner said. “We weretill about $8,700 short whenhe money started coming inrom the taxes in September.This year for the projection I’mworking directly from what webudgeted, what we expected

o come in for June, July andAugust and we’re looking at ahort fall of $87,000.”

Lymburner said the citywill again need to consider ata TAN of $100,000 to pay thebills From June to Septemberof 2016.

“I know we [have] someactivity there in regards toome real estate that’s onhe market,” he said. “Frommy point of view I’m not aborrower; that’s not my forte,but I do realize that sometimesyou need to borrow to gethrough.

“We had a shortfallhat will not be rectieduntil September when wetart getting some propertyaxes coming into the city,”

Lymburner added. “We stillhave to pay the bills and [the]majority of the bills—of ouroutflow—is payroll. I don’tthink we’re going to askpeople to wait three monthsfor the payroll. The budgetis balanced, but we’re notreceiving those monies untillater on in the year.”

Mayor Deborah Jackson said the slow cash flow duringthe summer months has beenan issue every year.

“We don’t have a reservethat’s set up to have moneyavailable,” Jackson said. “Inthe past, other than the TAN,the city was using a line ofcredit to basically cover—from June to September—it’susually a slow period becausethere is no new revenuecoming in other than the

court.”Lymburner said all of

the cash comes in mostlyfrom Sept. 15 to the end ofFebruary the following year.

“You have property taxesat the end of September.You have life insurance inOctober; in November you getthe other half of your propertytax; in December it is publicutilities; and in February youget the franchise tax fromGeorgia Power,” Lymburnersaid. “The budget only looksat what we’ve allocated forthe whole year. I think in the

past what they’ve done is putin one lump number at thebeginning of the year and asit accumulates during the yearit tries to catch up to whatevernumber your budget is orexceeds it. What I’m trying todo is match your revenue tothe time period that [moneyis] received and that’s why wehave to look at some sort ofnancing during this period oftime.”

Former Lithonia citycouncil member and staterepresentative Doreen Carter (D-92) said the reason for the

cash shortfall is increased cityexpenses.“When we left the city

council we did not borrowmoney because we cut ourexpenses,” Carter said. “Overthe last few years, you havethis [city hall] building alone,that is costing you $42,000that was not in the budgetprior. So what is happeningis you’ve increased yourexpenses over your revenue.If you know you’re going to runout of money in June then youhave to budget prior to that.”

The city council met June

10 to review the budget andwill create a nance committeeto observe the budget andhow the money is spent.



EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 17, 2016 • Page 15

School calledunsafe,

unhealthyby R. Scott Belzer [email protected]

According to former andcurrent parents, teachersand staff, maintenance andovercrowding issues havebecome downright dangerousat Cary Reynolds Elementary.

Head injuries, brokenbones, illnesses and lungssues–words used inassociation with the DeKalbschool by more than 600petitioners.

The petition, titled “CaryReynolds Elementary SchoolMust Be Rebuilt,” came toChange.org on June 1 froma group calling itself CrossKeys Cluster Parents andCommunity Stakeholders.

The group mentions allRegion 1 elementary schoolsas experiencing tremendousgrowth, with Cary Reynoldsproving that to the point ofhampering safety.

“After years ofovercrowded, unsafe conditions

at Cary Reynolds ElementarySchool, we would like topetition the DeKalb CountySchool Board of Educatono demolish Cary Reynolds

and rebuild a new 900-seatelementary school,” readshe petition. “We currently

do not have enough seats,and projections show that theovercrowding and unhealthyconditions are only going to getworse.”

The petition continues bystating community membersare “paying attention” to “datarom the DeKalb County School

District (DCSD) demonstratinghe inhumane overcrowding

of our children.” Specics alsonclude stories of children beingheld in trailer classrooms to thepoint of wetting themselves,buckets lled with water tocatch rain in classrooms,mildew, mold and a lack ofheating and air conditioning.

“Student overcrowding hasdenitely impacted everyone atCary Reynolds],” said Patricia

Domin, Cary ReynoldsElementary school nurse whowrote in the petition’s support.

I have seen a spike in headnjuries, broken bones andcommunicable diseases simplybecause adequate personalspace is not an option. This is

an unhealthy environment forthese students to grow andlearn.”

Domin said shedocumented all student andemployee injuries in case a

parent or employee decides totake legal action.Sarah Olejnik, a former

Cary Reynolds employee of 16years, wrote she “would havestayed forever had [she] notgotten so ill in the building.”

“While I certainly cannotprove that Cary Reynolds wasthe cause of my lung issues,I will say, I haven’t so muchas had a cold since I left,” shesaid.

Another former teacher,Catherine Spencer , wrotethat the building is one ofthe primary reasons for herleaving.

“The air quality ishorrendous; I was constantlysick with upper-respiratoryinfections,” she said.

DeKalb County SchoolDistrict (DCSD) ofcials beganseeking bids to perform CaryReynolds improvements inearly March. The winningcompany, Lithonia-basedConstruction Works Inc., is setto begin repairs in July for anestimated $865,000 followingboard approval June 6.

According to Joshua

Williams, chief division ofoperations ofcer for DCSD,repairs will include greasetrap replacement, backflowprevention, installment of a20-ton HVAC unit for CaryReynolds’ gymnasium,upgrades to lighting throughoutthe school and other electricalupgrades.

All improvements will comevia E-SPLOST IV.

“[This] will help providea safe and healthy learningenvironment through capitalrenewal and code requirementupgrades to Cary ReynoldsElementary,” Williams said.

While the news of capitalimprovements taking place islikely welcomed by Cross KeysCluster stakeholders, DeKalbresident Kirk Lunde saidthe board needs to set asidemore money in its budget formaintenance.

“Schools are in disrepair, agreat many number of them,”Lunde said. “There should beat least $75 million dedicatedto maintenance.”

According to DCSD’stentative budget for the period

of July 1, 2016 through June30, 2017, approximately $95million will be set aside formaintenance and operationsexpenditures.

Originally built in 1961, Cary Reynolds Elementary has become the subject of an online petitionurging the DeKalb County School District to rebuild its campus. Photos by R. Scott Belzer

‘Inhumane overcrowding of our children’



CLASSIFIED DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 17, 2016 • Page 16

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BUSINESS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 17, 2016 • Page 17

City of Avondale Estates 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Real & Personal 158,471,976 133,021,745 141,146,248 148,072,403 178,050,508 189,773,876

Motor Vehicles 7,854,350 8,014,980 8,451,460 7,456,190 5,564,760 4,306,900

Mobile Homes

Timber - 100%

Heavy Duty Equipment

Gross Digest 166,326,326 141,036,725 149,597,708 155,528,593 183,615,268 194,080,776

Less M&O Exemptions 102,456 231,089 138,061 268,311 371,490 488,920

Net M&O Digest 166,223,870 140,805,636 149,459,647 155,260,282 183,243,778 193,591,856

State Forest Land Assistance Grant Value

Adjusted Net M&O Digest 166,223,870 140,805,636 149,459,647 155,260,282 183,243,778 193,591,856

Gross M&O Millage 10.957 10.957 10.957 10.957 9.957 10.957

Less Rollbacks

Net M&O Millage 10.957 10.957 10.957 10.957 9.957 10.957

Total City Taxes Levied $1,821,315 $1,542,807 $1,637,629 $1,701,187 $1,824,558 $2,121,186

Net Taxes $ Increase -$278,508 $94,822 $63,535 $123,371 $296,628

Net Taxes % Increase -15.29% 6.15% 3.88% 7.25% 16.26%

Current 2016 Tax Digest and 5-Year History of LevyThe Governing Authority of the City of Avondale Estates does hereby announce that the milage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at City Hall, 21 North AvondalePlaza, Avondale Estates, GA 30002 on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at 6:00 P.M. There will be public hearings on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at 5:30 P.M., Monday, June20, 2016, at 7:30 P.M., and Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at 6:00 P.M.

by Kathy Mitchell

Those who enter the newHampton Inn & Suites AtlantaPerimeter Dunwoody on Ashfordmight for a second wonder whether

hey accidently walked through thewrong door. The furnishings anddécor are closer to what one mightexpect to see at a more upscalechain.

The facility is part of ahigh-end mixed-use project onAshford Dunwoody Road thatalso includes restaurants andetail developments. Dunwoody-

based Hotel Equities, a jointventure partner with HotelDevelopment Partners and ownerof the hotel, describes the lodgingas “a uniquely urban version of theHampton Inn & Suites Hotel.”

“I don’t think there’s anything

ke it among Hampton Inns inhe metropolitan Atlanta area,”

commented General Manager Jason Caughron. “Of coursegoing high end is pretty much aprerequisite in this area,” he saidof the commercial area near theAshford-Dunwoody exit of I-285.

Allen O’Brien, CEO of HotelDevelopment Partners, calledhe development “a distinctive

addition to Atlanta’s most activeand dynamic ofce, retail, hotel andesidential market.”

Built on what had been the 3.6-acre parking eld at the Sterling

Pointe ofce complex, the 132-room hotel is located in one of north

Atlanta’s prime ofce-retail markets,according to Caughron.

According to a report releasedby Collier International/Atlanta,the Central Perimeter area hasthe third highest business rentalrate in the metropolitan Atlantaarea, exceeded only by Buckheadand Midtown. “We’re only a shortdistance from several Fortune 500companies,” Caughron pointed out.

He said other factors thatmake the location desirable areits nearness to Perimeter Mall andpremium dining spots. “There haveto be more than 100 restaurantswithin two miles of here—justabout any type of food or dining

experience you could want,”Caughron said. “Because we’reright by I-285 and within walkingdistance of a MARTA station,our guests can get to the airport,downtown, midtown and a number

of other destinations quickly andeasily.”Caughron said the new hotel

has a shuttle to take guests tothe mall, to restaurants and othernearly places.

Hampton Inn is a midscalebrand under the Hilton Worldwideumbrella, a company with morethan a dozen brands created toserve different market segments,including DoubleTree, EmbassySuites, Homewood Suites, Waldorf

Astoria and others. “For this Hampton, we

upgraded to the bedding standardof some of Hilton’s more upscale

hotels,” Caughron explained. “Also,instead of replicating the prototypeHampton interior design, we hired alocal interior decorator. The artwork,the furnishings, the color choicesaren’t like those at any otherHampton.” He added that even thelandscaping around the buildingis created to t in with the area’supscale look and feel.

Caughron said the hotel isequipped to serve business andleisure travelers. According to arecent survey by the Convention& Visitors Bureau of Dunwoody,58 percent of Dunwoody’s lodging

is made up of business travelers.On weekends, 70 percent of thoserenting hotel and motel rooms inDunwoody are leisure travelers.

The area where the newHampton’s signature free breakfast

is served has abundant outlets soguests can plug in their computersand other electronics. “Many peoplethese days like to work or explorethe internet while they eat and wedesigned this area to accommodatethat.”

He said the hotel also has alarger tness center than is usualand its indoor swimming pool isunusual for hotels in the chain.

Caughron said businessesmoving into the area tend to buildthe best versions of their brand.“The Corner Bakery next to usthat opened this spring is part ofthis same project and is one of the

nicest ones you’ll see anywhere.”It is the rst of two restaurants thatare to be part of the development.

“In addition to the fact thatwe’re in one of the Atlanta area’smost upmarket areas, we’re rightup the street from Hotel Equities’headquarters, so we naturallywanted a facility that shows us atour best. I’m really proud to havebeen chosen to manage this hotel,”said Caughron, who worked inother capacities at Hotel Equitiesbefore being named generalmanager of the new Hampton Inn.

Dunwoody Hampton Inn ‘uniquely urban’ rendering of brand

Allen O’Brien, CEO of HotelDevelopment Partners



SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 17, 2016 • Page 18

INCORPORATED 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Real & Personal 20,765,829$ 19,375,805$ 17,690,700$ 20,095,784$ 22,214,312$ 26,633,658$

Motor Vehicles 1,615,590$ 1,690,000$ 1,853,380$ 1,554,440$ 981,640$ 794,580$

Mobile Homes 176,149$ 117,094$ 117,094$ 93,990$ 93,990$ 93,990$

Timber - 100%

Heavy Duty Equipment

Gross Digest 22,557,568$ 21,182,899$ 19,661,174$ 21,744,214$ 23,289,942$ 27,522,228$

Less M& O Exemptions 545,059$ 562,008$ 552,462$ 526,915$ 536,850$ 550,863$

Net M & O Digest 22,012,509$ 20,620,891$ 19,108,712$ 21,217,299$ 22,753,092$ 26,971,365$tate orest an ss stance

Grant Value -$

Adjusted Net M&O Digest 22,012,509$ 20,620,891$ 19,108,712$ 21,217,299$ 22,753,092$ 26,971,365$

Gross M&O Millage 15.205 16.552 17.869 17.869 17.000 16.500

Net M&O Millage 15.205 16.552 17.869 17.869 17.000 16.500

Total City Taxes Levied 334,700$ 341,317$ 341,454$ 379,132$ 386,803$ 445,028$

Net Taxes $ Increase #VALUE! 6,617$ 137$ 37,678$ 7,671$ 58,225$

Net Taxes % Increase #VALUE! 1.98% 0.04% 9.94% 1.98% 13.08%

48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax

CURRENT 2016 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEV

The City of Lithonia does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the Lithonia City Hall,

digest and levy for the past five years.

NOTICE

6920 Main Street on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 7:00 PM and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section


James Oliver , who has ahistory of winning, hopes tocontinue the winning traditionat the Tucker High School girls’basketball program.

Oliver was hired as the girls’basketball coach to replaceformer head coach RobinPotter , who left the programto be the new head coachat Grayson High School inGwinnett County.

Oliver, who last coachedat Blueeld State College inBlueeld, W.V., said a friendmade him aware of the Tuckerjob opening.

“I was immediately veryinterested,” Oliver said.

Oliver, a Montgomery, Ala.,native, moved to the Atlantaarea last August. He taught inAlabama last school year whi lehis family stayed in Atlantabefore he was hired by Tucker.

“I thought [Tucker] wasthe right t because I’m veryfamiliar with the rich history,have recruited players fromhere while I was at Alabama

State University back in theearly 2000s, and I reallythought the infrastructure washere to be successful,” hesaid. “I really felt that therewas great support from theadministration and I thought itwas a great academic school. Ithought that merit t with what

my philosophy is in buildingstudent athletes character-wise, academics-wise andathletics-wise. So I thought itwas perfect marriage for me.”

Oliver graduated from Alabama State University in2002. After graduation he wasoffered the girls’ basketballhead coach job at GreenvilleHigh School in Greenville, Ala.He was there for a year beforereturning to his alma mater tobe an assistant coach for thewomen’s basketball programfor four years.

He then went on to bethe rst assistant coach atSt. Augustine University inRaleigh, N.C., in 2007. In 2010,he was named head coachof the Blueeld State Collegewomen’s basketball program.

At each of his coachingstops, he helped turn astruggling program into awinning program. He nowwants to continue the winningtradition at Tucker.

“I’m proud to say that everyprogram that I’ve been a partof has won a championship,”he said. “Every program that

I have been a part of hasalways been the barometerfor success on the academicside as well as the athleticside. Those are the types ofthings that we’re trying to bringto Tucker and provide thesekids with the opportunity to beprepared to go on to the next

level.”James has met with the

returning Tucker players andtheir parents, has begunworkouts and is participatingin basketball camps andtournaments around Atlanta.

“It’s been kind of quick,”Oliver said of the transition.

Oliver told the playersthat his goal is to build uponthe foundation that Potter setduring her tenure and take it toanother level.

“I feel like I have the abilityand the knowledge to providethem with the knowledge thatthey need to be able to be

successful on the next leveland to have those opportunitieson the next level,” Oliver said.“I have the connections toconnect them with unlimitedopportunities to be able todisplay what their abilitiesare and communicate witha nationwide network of

collegiate coaches.“We want to create a

family environment,” Oliveradded. “We want to create anenvironment where we careabout them as people and careabout building them as overallyoung ladies and taking theminto womanhood—equippingthem with the things they needacademically, athletically aswell as socially.”

He also said he wants theplayers to understand thatwinning a championship will bea process.

“And taking that processday by day and putting

everything into that day andgetting better every day is whatit’s going to take,” he said.“We have a saying that wealways have an expectation ofexcellence. That’s the mantraof our program. In everythingwe do in every phase we havean expectation of excellence.”

College coach tabbed as newTucker girls basketball coach

Former college coach James Oliver was hired to be the new head coach of theTucker High School girls’ basketball program.



SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 17, 2016 • Page 19

Stadium projects

near completion


Lush green articial turf and aeveled track surface now gracehe elds at Adams and Godfrey

stadiums and Hallford Stadium

upgrades are being planned.Three of the ve DeKalb

County high school stadiumsreceived much-needed renovationsin the last two months. Thestadiums received new eld turf,track surface, lights and more. TheDeKalb County Board of Educationapproved the renovation projectsfor the three stadiums at its Dec. 7,2015 board meeting.

According to the renovationproposals, Adams Stadiumreceived $1.6 million for

renovations, Godfrey was awarded$1.7 million and Hallford received$1.9 million. The funds wereallocated under the voter-approvedE-SPLOST IV.

At Adams Stadium, whichwas built in 1962, stadium andparking lot lights were replaced,and an articial eld turf and a newpolyurethane track surface wereinstalled.

Godfrey Stadium, built in 1968,received the same renovationsas Adams. All stadiums will

receive new fencing. A detailedengineering survey of eachstadium facility will also be done.

Sports Turf Company, Inc.is currently working on HallfordStadium, which was built in 1968.Hallford will also receive newstadium and parking lot lights,fencing, articial eld turf and apolyurethane track surface.

Locker rooms, stadiumbathrooms and concession areaswill not be renovated.

Adams, Godfrey and Hallford stadiums were renovated. Photo by Carla Parker

DeKalb alums drafted in MLB

Three down, two to go


Two former DeKalb Countybaseball players received the callof their dreams during the 2016Major League Baseball draft.

Redan alum James Nelsonwas selected by the Miami Marlinsin the 15th round out of CiscoCollege and Chamblee alumBrent Burgess was drafted by theTexas Rangers in the 40th roundout of Spartanburg MethodistCollege.

Nelson, who graduated fromRedan in 2015, was drafted bythe Boston Red Sox out of highschool, but went on to play atCisco College in Abilene, Texas.

The short stop had a .405 battingaverage off of 30 hits during hissenior year at Redan. He had 18runs, 16 RBIs, 13 doubles and onehome run.

As a sophomore, Nelson hada .308 batting average duringRedan’s championship season in2013.

Burgess, who was drafted as acatcher, graduated from Chambleein 2015. His career stats atChamblee included a .305 battingaverage, 65 RBIs, 22 doubles andve home runs.

He had a .280 batting averageduring his one year at SpartanburgMethodist College. He had 45runs, 32 RBIs and nine homeruns.

Chamblee alum Brent Burgesswas drafted by the TexasRangers in the 40th round.

Redan alum James Nelson wasdrafted by the Miami Marlins inthe 15th round.




SterktakesEmoryhelmby R. Scott Belzer

[email protected]

She has been characterizedas a condent leader, anaccomplished academic, acapable administrator and arespected researcher.

She has served as a provost,a vice president of academicaffairs and a faculty member infour disciplines.

Community-basedntervention, mental health,addiction and HIV/AIDS areamong her top interests in

research.Her name is Claire Sterk and

she’s the rst woman to serve aspresident of Emory University.

Sterk was announced aspresident on June 2 by the Emory

University Board of Trustees.Her duties will begin with the fallsemester in September. Sterk’sappointment comes after morethan 20 years of experience atEmory, 11 of which have been atthe administrative level.

Originally from theNetherlands, Sterk earned a

Ph.D. in sociology from ErasmusUniversity in Rotterdam inaddition to a “doctorandus”degree from the University ofUtrecht.

Sterk was chosen following anational and international search.

“I am deeply grateful to thetrustees for this extraordinaryopportunity to serve as Emory’spresident,” Sterk said in areleased statement. “Emoryhas earned its place among theworld’s premier comprehensiveresearch universities, and is well

known for its undergraduate,graduate, and professionaleducation; its leadership inresearch and scholarshipacross all disciplines; andan unsurpassed culture ofinnovation and collaboration.I look forward to engagingwith all members of the Emorycommunity to develop a shared

vision for future success.”Sterk takes over the

presidency from James Wagner ,who announced his retirement inSeptember 2015.

Sterk said she plans to extendthe university’s influence from thecampus courtyard to the streetsof metro Atlanta.

“We must galvanize ourintellectual and moral influencefor the betterment of our city andregion, state and country, andthe world,” Sterk said. “ … Inthat way we will work togetheron achieving a common goodthat goes beyond our individualability to tap into innovation, andto lead.”

John Morgan, chair ofthe Emory University Board ofTrustees, said the appointmentcould not have been granted to amore accomplished individual.

“Claire Sterk is a condentleader, an accomplishedacademic administrator, anda respected researcher,” hesaid. “She has a sophisticatedknowledge and understanding ofEmory and is passionate aboutleveraging Emory’s considerablestrengths and assets to enhanceits global reputation and reach.”

Claire Sterk. Photo courtesy ofEmory University.

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DeKalb FreePress 6-17-16