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VOLUME 25, NUMBER 48
FEBRUARY 28, 2020
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DeKalb commissioners unanimously adopt fiscal year 2020 budget
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Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Residents scold Stonecrest City Council members over walkout
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esidents condemned the four Stonecrest City Council members who staged a walkout on Feb. 10 after their motion failed to excuse Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble for missing two city council meetings in 2019. Although the city announced that it was dropping its lawsuit on Feb. 18 to determine if Cobble should forfeit her seat because of the absences, tensions remain in the city. The Feb. 24 City Council meeting drew a crowd. Four residents drew applause as they each expressed their discontent over the actions of those who walked out: Council members Cobble, Tammy Grimes, George Turner and Rob Turner. Councilman Jimmy Clanton and Mayor Jason Lary, who had voted against the motion to excuse Cobble, had remained on the dais on the night that a bewildered audience watched the walkout unfold. Harriet Harris told the council that she recalled taking her seat and wondering if there had been an emergency as the members vanished one by one. She said she had a different perspective after the mayor shared with the audience why the four council members had walked out. “…The kind of behavior exhibited, in my opinion, was very childish and unprofessional. The City Council members and staff are elected to do work on behalf of the people of this city—not to bicker, to squabble over personal issues. I would therefore ask that you all please settle disputes between you away from the public eye in a professional manner which does not gain negative publicity for our city…,” said Harris. Jeremy Scott also called the council members’ behavior “childish,” admonishing them for their treatment of students from Arabia and Lithonia high schools. The Student Government Association members were attending the City Council meeting to present their strategic planning input on the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Said Scott: “…You had a group of high school students who put work in to present to you the work that they had done and tell you what they wanted to see in their city. And for you to get up and walk out and take that chance away from those kids, you ought to be ashamed of yourselves. Like she said we elected you to represent us. That was not indicative of who I elected to represent me. Faye Coffield was the only speaker who offered a different perspective on the walkout. “I guess I’m going to be the odd ball of the group tonight because sometimes justice takes a protest. I’m
SEE STONECREST page 11
eKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved CEO Michael Thurmond’s proposed $1.4 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2020, which projects a $113.3 million rainy-day fund and prioritizes enhancements to public safety. “The FY2020 budget reaffirms our commitment to fiscal integrity, CEO Michael Thurmond accountability and improved service delivery,” said CEO Thurmond. “I appreciate the support of Presiding Officer Steve Bradshaw, the Board of Commissioners and staff who worked to develop this budget, which is the result of prudent decision making and collaboration.” The FY2020 budget prioritizes public safety spending, including pay increases and enhancements to reduce homicides and protect the public. To fund gang violence prevention initiatives, $300,000 was directly transferred from Thurmond’s office budget. The Police Department will receive $194,000 to fund training in gang violence prevention strategies, acquire technology to process and analyze data from cell phones, and hire a crime analyst assigned to the Gang Unit to review and interpret crime trends and intelligence gathered in criminal investigations. The District Attorney’s Office will receive $303,000 to hire an intelligence data analyst for the Crime Strategies/Community Partnerships Unit to compile, process, and manage investigative data;
SEE BUDGET page 11 Harriet Harris
Jeremy Scott
Bill Bruckner
Susan Lee
Record rainfall causes 9 million gallon sewer spill in DeKalb February’s record rainfall caused a 9.2-million-gallon sewer spill near DeKalb’s Snapfinger Wastewater Treatment Plant during the week of Feb. 19. To date in 2020, DeKalb County has received 18.45 inches of rain, the highest January-February total since 1936, which registered 19.24 inches. A preliminary engineering analysis indicates that the Meadow Creek Path sewer spill was caused when the plant reached its treatment and storage capacity, which has been temporarily reduced by the ongoing construction of a new plant. The spill occurred during heavy rainfall at a nearby junction box vault. It was discovered by a DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management employee during routine wet weather inspections. After all sewer spills, DeKalb crews work to mitigate health concerns and protect the environment by: • Placing signs in the immediate area to notify the public of the spill. • Assessing and determining a cleanup response plan. • Removing any debris around the site. • Disinfecting the spill area. • Re-inspecting the site before removing signs to determine if additional cleanup steps are needed, such as soil removal. • Monitoring the waterways for water quality. DeKalb County is in the third year of its 10-year plan to fix its wastewater system. Since 2017, the county has spent more than $301 million in capital improvements that include wastewater treatment plant upgrades, sewer pipe rehabilitation and upsizing, manhole repairs and replacement, and lift station renovations. Some of these capital improvements are designed to reduce stormwater intrusion and other decades-old infrastructure defects.
PAGE 2 • FEBRUARY 28, 2020
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Steve Paul stands outside his building where the colorful mural is displayed. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
Arts center’s owner, city of Lithonia clash over mural Steve Paul, owner of the Lithonia Arts Center, has clashed with city officials over a mural that an army of volunteers helped to paint on the exterior of his building to express unity and welcome visitors to the city. Paul received a nuisance citation from the city on Feb. 15 stipulating that he had until Feb. 26 to get a permit for the mural or face fines, jail or community service. Paul received the citation a month after about 200 volunteers, organized by the Stone Mountain-Lithonia Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, came out to paint the mural at 7268 Center Street on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Paul, who opened the Lithonia Arts Center on Oct. 15, 2019, said he thought he was doing something positive by displaying the mural. He said that the sorority provided funding for the project. Aidra N. Martin, president of the chapter, said the group’s donation totaled $3,800 and she is hoping
SEE ART page 11
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FEBRUARY 28, 2020 • PAGE 3
Cochran-Johnson to host DeKalb Business Summit March 12 Seminars will focus on resource, opportunities + incentives PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
editor@ocgnews.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
richardhill@ocgnews.com
STAFF WRITER Mackenzie N. Morgan
DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is inviting entrepreneurs and small business owners to her DeKalb County Business Summit on Thursday, March 12, 2020, 8 a.m. to noon, at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 2500 Clairmont Rd. NE, Atlanta.
The DeKalb County Business Summit will provide attendees pertinent information on infrastructure, public safety, Tax Allocation Districts (TADs), overlay districts, Opportunity and Empowerment Zones, and more. In addition, attendees will learn how these resources can impact a growing
business. “We’ve taken great care to comprise workshops that outline how and where to best do business in DeKalb,” said Cochran-Johnson. “I’m confident business owners will gain a wealth of knowledge at the summit and we’re excited to offer information on small business incentives, including
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson
SEE SUMMIT page 6
mackenzie@ocgnews.com
On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.
On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 770-679-5607 www.ocgnews.com
City of Stonecrest approves tax anticipation note to fund Sam’s Club building purchase The Stonecrest City Council approved a tax anticipation note (TAN) for $3,060,000 during the Feb. 26 special called city council meeting for the purchase of the Sam’s Club off Turner Hill Road. The meeting was held so that the financing could be finalized in time for the real estate closing scheduled for Tuesday, March 3.
City officials plan to pay off the note with proceeds from an upcoming bond to be authorized by the city’s newly formed Urban Redevelopment Agency. The cost of the tax anticipation note and the closing costs, approximately $75,000, must be paid for by the city from the general fund. The council approved financing the
purchase 4-2. Councilwomen Jazzmin Cobble and Tammy Grimes cast the dissenting votes. Grimes said she had a slightly different priority in mind when she voted against the motion. “If I could, I would take every dollar the city has and pave our streets first, followed by efficient street
lighting. My priority is just the safety of our city first,” Grimes said. The city is using funding from its SPLOST (special purpose local option sales tax) to repair roads and other infrastructure. Mayor Jason Lary expressed excitement over the city’s purchase of the Sam’s Club building.
SEE VOTE page 6
City of Stonecrest’s parks to get security surveillance upgrades The City of Stonecrest plans to upgrade its security surveillance system at its six parks. New security cameras will be installed at Browns Mill Recreation and Aquatic Center and license plate readers will be installed at Browns Mill, Southeast, Everett, Fairington, Miner’s Creek/Panola Sholas Trailhead and Salem parks. The new surveillance system will
replace an older, outdated system, said Sean DePalma, director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. The City Council approved spending $94,982 for the system-wide upgrades during the council’s Feb. 24 meeting. Under the plan, $78,982 of the money would be used to improve Browns Mill Recreation Center, which will receive a total of 12 Axis IP cameras. The aquatic
center at Browns Mill will receive 17 Axis lP cameras. “Safety is one of our top priorities and that’s why we’re upgrading to increase overall safety at our parks,” said DePalma. The upgrades will be provided by InterDev, which installed and maintains the city’s internet infrastructure. DePalma said the work should start in a couple of weeks.
Sean DePalma, City of Stonecrest director of Parks and Recreation
Vote
kyle
Jones dekalb county sheriff
END THE
CORRUPTION WWW.Votekylejones.com
PAGE 4 • FEBRUARY 28, 2020
“VOICES” Women’s History Month event set March 14 DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry and DeKalb Sheriff Melody Maddox are hosting the fourth annual “VOICES, A Women’s History Month Event” on Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The theme is “Valiant Women of the Vote.” The guest host will be Joyce Littel of V-103 and 1380 WAOK. This year, the Blue Table Talk roundtable discussion facilitators will include: Maria Balais, executive director of Leadership DeKalb; Dior Brown, owner of Truth Honey; Kristy Fields, owner of KolorBar & Spa; DeKalb Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson; Vickie B. Turner, District 5 DeKalb School board member; Tomyka Cloud, Best Boom! Strategies, LLC; Nadine Pulling, president and CEO of Wise Choice Residential Services, Inc.; Toni Roberts, executive director of DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (DVLF); and Robin Morris, Ph.D., Agnes Scott College assistant professor of history.
DeKalb Clerk Debra DeBerry to host free notary training DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry and the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority are hosting two free notary training sessions on March 20 at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The first session is 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and the second session is 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The training workshop is open to the public and recommended to anyone who is a notary public in the State of Georgia or would like to become one. A notary Debra DeBerry public is required to follow the law. Failure to do so could result in costly lawsuits and penalties. Please contact Twinette Jones by March 17, 3 p.m., to reserve your seat to attend either session at 404-371-2250 or tajones@dekalbcountyga.gov
Rockdale sets demonstration on new voting machines March 5 The Rockdale County Board of Elections will host an event to educate residents on new voting machines the county will be using in upcoming elections. The demonstration will be held on Thursday, March 5, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Rockdale County Board of Elections Office, 1261 Commercial Drive SW Suite B, Conyers. The event is free and open to the public.
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Spring household hazardous waste event free for DeKalb residents The DeKalb County Sanitation Division will host a household hazardous waste recycling event Saturday, March 21, 8 a.m. – noon, at the Sanitation Division’s Central Transfer Station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur. DeKalb residents will have an opportunity to properly dispose of dangerous household items that are no longer in use. Hazardous materials such as aerosols, batteries, adhesives, flammables, lawn care products, fluorescent light bulbs, photo chemicals, paint, paintrelated products and artist supplies will be accepted. Paint will be limited to 10 gallons per vehicle. Agricultural waste, ammunition, radioactive materials, pharmaceuticals, biohazardous and biomedical waste will not be accepted. Participation is free and open only to DeKalb County residents. Proof of residency may be requested. For more information, contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404-294-2900 or sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Do you know your rights if you’re stopped by police? The Rockdale Clerk of Courts and the ConyersRockdale Library is hosting another Law Topic Speaker Series on Saturday, March 7, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green Street S.W., Conyers. Attorney Gary Washington will present “Act Like a Citizen, Think Like a Cop: Know Your Rights” in the library’s meeting room on the ground floor. Washington will speak on traffic stops, pedestrian stops, searches, automobile searches, police home visits, questioning, interrogations and arrests. Learn how to interact with law enforcement while protecting your rights. This program is free and open to the public.
Attorney Gary Washington
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FEBRUARY 28, 2020 • PAGE 5
Chairman Nesbitt to host “Shop Talk” March 21 Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. will host this year’s first “Shop Talk” forum on Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., at F&D Barbershop, 1501 Highway 138 S.E., Conyers. The first event in this year’s series will feature the following speakers to address their questions and concerns: • Commissioner Sherri Washington, Post 1 • Clerk of Superior and State Courts Ruth Wilson • Phinia Aten, Chief Magistrate Judge BOC Chairman Shop Talk is a grassroots forum held at local Oz Nesbitt, Sr. barbershops and beauty salons to introduce government officials to those who may not know who they are, what their roles are and their duties and responsibilities. For more information, contact Sitarah Coote at sitarah.coote@ rockdalecountyga.gov or 770-278-7057.
CRCA invites preschoolers to Atlanta Puppeteers “Butterfly Ballad” The Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts will present Preschool Pops: Butterfly Ballad on Thursday, March 12, 10 – 11 a.m., at the Rockdale Auditorium, 903 N Main Street NW, Conyers. This Preschool Pops children’s presentation will include a performance by the Atlanta Puppeteers Piccadilly Puppets entitled, “Butterfly Ballad.” Developed originally for the Callaway Gardens Butterfly Center, this story follows Katy and Kevin Caterpillar through the stages of their lives – from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly – and their fascinating migration to Mexico, narrated by Mother Nature. Tickets are $4 at the door of Rockdale Auditorium. For more information, visit conyersarts.org
Be seen by the same doctors who treat the professionals.
PAGE 6 • FEBRUARY 28, 2020
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Gwinnet’s Solicitor’s Office to host Restriction Summit, expungement for misdemeanors The Gwinnett County Solicitor’s Office is hosting a Restriction Summit (Expungement) for misdemeanors March 20, 4 to 8 p.m., at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. In order to have the criminal record reviewed for restriction, the applicant must meet the following criteria: Arrested in Gwinnett County jurisdiction Must not be convicted/found guilty at trial Did NOT plead guilty/no lo contendere Certain misdemeanors while under the age of 21 Completed a Pre-Trial Diversion Program
Completed “First Offender” case Those interested in participating must pre-register and provide their information and consent to pull their history by March 15. The forms can be accessed at bit.ly/ GCSolicitorEvents. Once completed, the forms should be mailed to the Solicitor’s Office, located at 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, or brought into the office in person. The forms may also be faxed to 770-8228339. For more information, call 770-8228300. The summit will take place in the auditorium of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium, located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.
Rockdale Extension Office to host B.E.A.M.S. Teen Mental Health Awareness event The Rockdale County UGA Extension Office, in conjunction with the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners and Rockdale County Public Schools, is hosting the Teen B.E.A.M.S. event on Thursday, March 12, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive S.W., Conyers. B.E.A.M.S., which stands for Building Education Around Mental Services, is a program that offers mental health support to teens and is an opportunity for them to learn how to take care of themselves and their friends, build healthy habits, raise mental health awareness, and connect with caring adults trained to help. The mini conference, open to students in 6th through 12th grade, focuses on mental health awareness, resilience, coping strategies, and self-care. The evening will consist of free dinner, interactive breakout sessions, door prizes, and a keynote speaker who will discuss their story of hope, healing, and overcoming adversity. There will be mental health professionals on site to meet with any students who chooses to speak with them. Youths can choose two breakout sessions from a menu of options. Registration is requested so that coordinators may plan for supplies and food for dinner. Register at www.tinyurl.com/teenbeams.
SUMMIT continued from page 3 abatements and loan products available throughout the county. Most importantly, it is time we ensure our small business owners have the resources they need to progressively move forward in DeKalb.” Representatives from DeKalb County’s Planning and Zoning Department and Code Compliance Division will be in attendance as well as Decide DeKalb and Operation HOPE to answer questions and provide vital information. Breakfast will be served. “DeKalb County is rich in land and opportunities for its residents to carve out a piece of the American dream,” said Cochran-Johnson. “It is my goal to create an atmosphere that allows DeKalb businesses the freedom to grow and thrive.” The event is limited to two representatives per active DeKalb County business license. A continental breakfast will be served. Interested business owners can register at https:// dekalbbusinesssummit.eventbrite.com or by calling 404371-3681.
VOTE continued from page 3 “This is an outstanding opportunity for our city to move forward with a new city center, providing space for our staff as we have outgrown our current space. The city center will also provide space for a much-needed post office and other amenities that will greatly benefit Stonecrest for generations to come,” said Lary. Lary called the Sam’s Club acquisition monumental. “History will record that this was the best financial deal ever made by the city. Paying less than $3.1 million for 140,000-square-feet of commercial space on 17 acres is a steal. I feel sorry for those who can’t understand the math. You can trust and believe that the four council members who voted for this monumental step forward will be remembered forever as trailblazers for the city of Stonecrest,” Lary said.
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FEBRUARY 28, 2020 • PAGE 7
Hundreds turn out for Congressman Johnson’s Restoration Resources Fair More than 400 participants attended the Congressman Hank Johnson’s Restoration Resources Fair at Georgia Piedmont Technical College on Feb. 20. The fair was held to help ex-offenders find a job, receive healthcare, food assistance and get a review of their criminal record. “This event, which built off previous resource fairs we’ve held, is a community effort to help break the cycle of recidivism and poverty and help make those who have been previously incarcerated more productive, healthy citizens,”
said Congressman Johnson. “I am especially grateful to all our vendors who came out and our special guests who shared their own personal stories of being previously incarcerated, including syndicated multimedia personality Rashad Richey.” More than 100 community partners — such as Atlanta Community Food Bank, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and Overcomers House Inc. — were on hand to offer attendees job opportunities, food, clothing, record review/ expungement and other vital resources.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PLANS ENTITLED “THE CITY OF STONECREST CITY HALL URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN” AND “THE CITY OF STONECREST GOVERNMENT COMPLEX URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN” TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 9th day of March 2020, at 7:00 p.m., at City Hall at 3120 Stonecrest Boulevard in Stonecrest, Georgia, the City Council of the City of Stonecrest (the “City”) will hold public hearings on (1) an urban redevelopment plan entitled “The City of Stonecrest City Hall Urban Redevelopment Plan” (the “City Hall Plan”) and (2) an urban redevelopment plan entitled “The City of Stonecrest Government Complex Urban Redevelopment Plan” (the “Government Complex Plan”). The City Hall Plan sets forth an urban redevelopment project for the urban redevelopment area of approximately 17.802 acres located in the City at 2994 Turner Hill Road. The general scope of the urban redevelopment project set forth in the City Hall Plan consists of the acquisition of real property that is improved by an existing building containing approximately 131,514 square feet, which was used as a “Sam’s Club,” and the renovation of such building for use by the City as its City Hall. The Government Complex Plan sets forth an urban redevelopment project for the urban redevelopment area of approximately 15.167 acres located in the City at 8020 Mall Parkway. The general scope of the urban redevelopment project set forth in the Government Complex Plan consists of the acquisition of real property that is improved by two existing buildings containing approximately 144,391 aggregate square feet, which were used as a “Sears Department Store and Automotive Center,” and the renovation of such buildings for use by the City for public safety purposes and for lease by the City to other state and local governmental entities. Any interested person may submit oral or written comments on the City Hall Plan or the Government Complex Plan at the hearing. Both plans are on file at City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Boulevard, Stonecrest, Georgia, and a copy of either plan may be obtained from the City Clerk of the City. City Clerk, City of Stonecrest
MARTA provided transportation vouchers for eligible participants. All four sheriff departments in Johnson’s Fourth Congressional District – DeKalb, Rockdale, Gwinnett and Newton counties – were on hand, as well as local Accountability Courts. Johnson said he was encouraged by the turnout and plans to hold similar events at least once a year. For more information, visit hankjohnson. house.gov.
*SPECIAL CALLED MEETING FOR CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, MARCH 10TH 2020 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD, SUITE 155 STONECREST, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, MARCH 23RD 2020 AT 7:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD, SUITE 155 STONECREST, GA 30038 The following petition(s)/amendment(s) within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above: LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-20-001 Blue Ridge Atlantic Development 6086-6100 Hillandale Drive MR-1 (Med Density Residential) District Requesting to rezone subject property from MR-1 (Med Density Residential) to MR-2 (Med Density Residential) for the development of 120 units of workforce housing.
Hillcrest Church of Christ
1939 Snapfinger Rd, Decatur, Ga 30035 | hillcrestcoc.net WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES: Sunday Mornings 10am to 12pm Sunday Evenings 5pm to 6pm
BIBLE CLASSES: Sunday Mornings 9am to 9:45am Wednesday Nights 7pm to 8pm Thursday mornings 10 am to 11am
The community is invited to our Black History Program Saturday February 29th from 1:30 to 5:00 pm. Guest speaker Major General Tetila Crosland the 1st Black Female General. Also the movie “Harriett” will be viewed.
PAGE 8 • FEBRUARY 28, 2020
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Rep. Johnson celebrates U.S. Service Academy nominations, honors veterans Congressman Hank Johnson’s (GA-04) office has nominated 20 students to attend a U.S. Service Academy: Military Academy (West Point), Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy and the ROTC Congressional Scholarship Initiative. The Congressman also honored two Fourth District veterans who served their country and home and abroad during a reception on Feb. 18 at Stone Mountain’s Art Station. The Congressman’s office will announce official service academy appointments between May and June. Every year, members of Congress nominate students to attend the nation’s military academies. Nominees who are accepted into the academies are awarded four-year scholarships that include tuition, books, room and board, medical and dental care. The average award per appointment is worth $425,000. ROTC students receive six-figure scholarship funds as well. Since 2007, Congressman Johnson has helped award appointments worth more than $8 million. “Please understand that you are the future leaders of the free world,” Johnson said. “You will accomplish great feats and achieve many of your ambitions. Our nation is dependent upon you to do great deeds of service. I want to say congratulations for taking the first step upon the journey to fulfill your dreams. For without you and the service of others I would not be here to serve you today.” This year’s reception included honoring the late Lt. Col. Rosalind Wallace–a former member of Rep. Johnson’s nominating committee–with the Congressman’s Patriot Award, and a medal presentation for Specialist Robert Tamer. “Not only was she a great soldier, but she was one of our key judges who helped us nominate and get appointments for dozens of students in the Fourth District since 2007,” said Congressman Johnson. “Service is duty, country, God and family. Lt. Col. Wallace encompassed all these qualities and more. Not only did she serve the nation in the Air Force, she served her community, her family, and was an inspiration to hundreds of young people.” Johnson told the students who are ready to embark on their service careers that they could look at the lives of Wallace and Tamer as great examples of two people who exemplify the very definition of duty and service. “Another thread of our nation’s service is Specialist Robert Tamer, the recipient of 10 medals including the Bronze Star,” said Johnson. “I truly believe fate brought Mr. Tamer to my office to help him receive the accolades he so rightfully deserves.”
NOMINEES Student
Nominated to
School Age
Spencer Barlow
West Point/Navy
Decatur High 17
Natalie Chavez
Air Force
Brookwood High 18
David Coppock
West Point/Navy
Home School 18
Israel Dixon
West Point/Air Force
Newton High 18
Charlie Ford III
Air Force/Merchant
MarinesDSA 17
Allyja French
Navy/West Point
South Gwinnett 18
Brandon Gignilliat
Air Force/Navy
Rockdale Magnet 18
Corinne Hanson
Air Force/West Point
Eastside High 17
Andrew Hicks
Navy/ROTC
MLK Jr. High 17
Grant Holman
Air Force/West Point
Bethlehem Christian 17
Stuart James
West Point/Navy
Woodward Academy 17
Kijana Knights
Navy
Newton High 18
Daniel Lett
Air Force
Air Force Prep 18
Omari Lewis
West Point/ROTC
Rockdale Magnet 17
Desanna McKenney
ROTC/Merchant Marines
MLK Jr. High 17
Alexander Mobley
West Point
Military Prep School 18
Nathaniel Poteat
West Point/Navy
South Gwinnett 18
Amirah Rogers
Merchant Marines/ROTC
Mountain View 17
Randy Terry II
Air Force/ROTC
Stephenson High 17
Trisha Warren
Navy
U.S. Navy Prep 19
Interact Club of South DeKalb earns Platinum Award for community service, leadership The Community Interact Club of South DeKalb has earned the Rotary International’s Platinum Award for community service and leadership, the highest citation an Interact Club can receive. The 12-member student club is the first in the Southeast region— from Philadelphia to the Caribbean Islands—to receive the Platinum Award. There are over 500 Interact clubs in Zone 33/34(Southeast region). “We worked really hard to stay on task and we are very proud of the work we put in,” said Solomon Gaiters, a senior at DeKalb County’s Arabia Mountain High School who helped grow the club from six members to 11. Among the activities that earned the 2-year-old club a perfect score of 50 out of 50 points: The club met twice a month for meetings or projects; donated snacks to the South DeKalb YMCA
afterschool program; collected and sent toiletries to the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian; and worked with the Rotary Club of South DeKalb to collect and send Hurricane relief supplies to the Bahamas. The club also organized several successful fundraisers and collaborated with the Columbia High School Interact Club on agroup training. Each year, Rotary International uses a point system to gauge the community service and leadership participation of each Interact Club worldwide to receive recognition for its work. South DeKalb Rotary Club President Irvin Johnson, who serves as DeKalb County Tax Commissioner, commended the youths for their outstanding work with so few members. “Many of the clubs around the world have 20 to 100 members. This is a huge accomplishment for a small
Pictured left to right are DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox, Arabia Mountain High students Solomon Gaiters, Lauryn Strong, Kylie Jones; Grayson High student Moses Craine; Kalaeya Redding of Arabia Mountain; and Janiah Richardson of Connections Academy.
club like ours,” Johnson said. DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox presented the club with a certificate of achievement for being the first Interact Club to achieve
Platinum status in the Southeast and in DeKalb. Maddox also presented the club’s two seniors with gift cards during the club’s Feb. 22 meeting. “As seniors, we want
to thank you for your hard work and dedication. We hope that you continue what you have started as you go on your journey to further your education,” said Maddox.
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FEBRUARY 28, 2020 • PAGE 9
ARC approves $173 billion in transportation projects through 2050 in metro Atlanta The Atlanta Regional Commission Board has approved a major update to the Atlanta Region’s Plan that allocates $173 billion in federal, state, and local funding through 2050 to improve mobility and safety in metro Atlanta. Notable projects in Rockdale that will begin in the next decade include: • Sigman Road – The widening of Sigman Road, currently under design, will be extended three miles to provide better access to Rockdale General Hospital and the Georgia International Horse Park. Funding is provided for engineering, with construction scheduled to start as soon as 2026. • C ourtesy Parkway – This road will be extended by 1.5 miles and realigned to provide congestion relief and improved access across I-20. Funding is provided for the purchase of right-of-way, with construction to start as early as 2026. • I -20 East interchange improvements at SR 138/20 (Walnut Grove Road/ McDonough Highway) to provide a safer and more efficient design. The plan aims help keep pace with growth in metro Atlanta. ARC forecasts Rockdale will add 24,000 people by 2050, bringing the county’s total population to more than 113,000. The 20-county region is forecast to add 2.9 million people by 2050, bringing the total population to 8.6 million. The Atlanta Region’s Plan is a long-range blueprint that details the investments, programs and services needed to ensure metro Atlanta’s future success by providing worldclass infrastructure, fostering healthy, livable communities, and developing a competitive economy. The ARC board approved the funding allocation to Rockdale as part of a broad update of the transportation portion of the Atlanta Region’s Plan. This update includes $172.6 billion in federal, state and local funding through 2050 to improve mobility
and safety across the 20-county Atlanta region. The plan, developed in close collaboration with local governments and transportation agencies and with robust public input, includes projects and programs designed to improve roads and highways, enhance transit options, expand the region’s network of multi-use trails, and encourage alternative commuting options such as carpooling and teleworking. “The Atlanta Region’s Plan offers a balanced, strategic approach to keep our region moving forward, even as our population continues to grow,” said Doug Hooker, Executive Director of ARC. “This plan will help metro Atlanta remain competitive, with a high quality of life, in the decades to come.” The plan’s potential impact is significant, from cleaner air to reduced congestion. For example, annual transit ridership is expected to more than double, from 510,520
riders today to over 1.1 million in 2050. And tailpipe emissions will decrease by 21,182 tons per year. The full list of transportation projects, including an interactive map can be found at atlantaregionsplan.org. Here are some highlights: • M aintenance and safety: About $102 billion, or nearly 60% of the total, is earmarked to maintain and upgrade the infrastructure that’s already in place. Projects include resurfacing roads, repairing bridges, and replacing aging buses and rail cars. • New transit options: $11 billion is programmed for transit expansion projects, including high capacity transit in Clayton County, expansion of the City of Atlanta’s streetcar network, and bus rapid transit lines in Atlanta and Clayton. Longer-range projects include a bus rapid transit lines in Gwinnett and Cobb counties.
• M obility alternatives: About $10 billion is dedicated to projects and programs that reduce congestion by encouraging alternative ways of getting around the region. This includes expansion of the region’s bike-ped trails and funding for ARC’s Livable Centers Initiative, which helps communities transform into more vibrant places where it’s possible to walk from home to work to the store or restaurant • T ackling traffic bottlenecks: The Regional Transportation Plan provides about $27 billion for key interchange and highway improvements throughout metro Atlanta. Highway projects due to start construction in the next decade include Xpress lanes on the top-end Perimeter, I-285 East, and I-285 West, and reconstruction of the two interchanges where I-20 meets I-285.
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Rockdale’s 10th annual “Pastors Table” draws crowd By Mackenzie N. Morgan Staff Writer Clergy from throughout Rockdale County flocked to the Pastors Table forum hosted by Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. on Feb. 24 at Coaxum’s restaurant in Conyers. The event, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary, brought together local leaders and clergy to dine and discuss the future trajectory of Rockdale. Pastors and politicians sat side by side to participate in strategic planning while enjoying a Southern buffet of baked and fried chicken, grilled salmon, green beans, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, garden salad and sweet potato muffins. Nesbitt thanked the pastors for attending the meeting, emphasizing the importance and influence of the faith community on civic engagement and local government. “It is so important that government reaches out to our local clergy. You really
Dan Morgan, Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten, Post 1 Commissioner Sherri Washington, newly-elected Conyers City Councilwoman Valyncia Smith and Rockdale County Board of Elections Director Cynthia Willingham. Willingham invited pastors to schedule on-site demonstrations of the new voting machines for their congregations. She said that her office will continue offering demonstrations to the public and that the next scheduled demonstration will be held on Thursday, March 5, 6 to 8 p.m. at Commissioner Sherri Washington’s office, 1261 Commercial Drive SW, Suite B, Conyers. “Regardless of how they Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. addresses attendees at the dinner. Photo by Mackenzie N. Morgan/OCG News vote, we want our citizens to vote and to know how to use can’t keep church and Attendees received a March households across the the new voting equipment,” state separate. We have to copy of the county’s 69-page country will begin receiving said Willingham. have this partnership and magazine-style “Envision invitations to complete the Willingham encouraged a cohesive relationship Rockdale Strategic Plan census, which can be done everyone to download of getting things done in for Rockdale County 2020online, by phone or mail. the Georgia Secretary of Rockdale County and we 2024.” They also were Several leaders of State’s app to easily access rely heavily on our clergy encouraged to share with Rockdale County brought 2020 election information and our churches…No their congregations the greetings to the crowd including registration status one gets anything done by importance of participating including State Rep. and locations and sample themselves,” said Nesbitt. in the 2020 Census. In midVernon Jones, Fire Chief ballots.
Celebrating Living Legends at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church On Feb. 23, New Birth's Senior Pastor Jamal Bryant honors Southern Christian Leadership Conference President Charles Steele, Jr. during the "Living Legends" awards program. Steele joins additional civil rights icons honored by the Stonecrest church during Black History Month including Xernona Clayton, Congressman John Lewis and Ambassador Andrew Young.
DeKalb County’s Wadsworth Magnet School celebrates Black History Month Students in Katherine Roseberry’s Social Studies Class at DeKalb County’s Wadsworth Magnet School in DeKalb County celebrated Black History Month with daily “moments in history,” music and special guests including Charlie Henderson, retired Athletic Director for the DeKalb County School District. Henderson recounted poignant, exciting and phenomenal facts about his childhood, middle, and adult life journey during his visit with the students on Feb. 25. He said one of the most notable events for him was meeting basketball legend Kobe Bryant. Henderson had a chance to visit a wall display that students at Wadsworth created to honor Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26. Henderson shared his personal sadness over the death of Bryant and the NBA star’s young daughter, Gigi, who died in the crash as well as seven others aboard. Henderson said he met Bryant at an Atlanta Hawks game and invited him to Columbia High School, where students on the school’s basketball team had a chance to meet Bryant. Roseberry said Wadsworth Principal Cornellia Crum applauded the students, including solo violinist Kelsey Thomas, for their outstanding work and activities celebrating Black History Mont.
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FEBRUARY 28, 2020 • PAGE 11
Vital Records to host open house for new location The DeKalb County Board of Health’s Office of Vital Records is preparing to open its newest location. A ribbon cutting and open house will take place on Tuesday, March 3, from 2 until 5 p.m. Located within the North DeKalb Health Center at 3807 Clairmont Rd., NE, in Chamblee, the new office will initially be open on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. All birth and death certificate services that are offered in the Richardson
Health Center office, located at 445 Winn Way, will also be available at the North DeKalb location. As volume at the North DeKalb office grows, staff will be added to support operations. “Expanding our vital records services to North DeKalb benefits residents in Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville and Dunwoody,” said DeKalb County District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford. “This new location will also provide residents in north
Fulton County and western Gwinnett County a nearby alternative.” For more information, visit the Office of Vital Records webpage, call (404) 294-3783 or email DeKalbVitalRecords@dph. ga.gov. For information about other DeKalb County Board of Health services, visit www. dekalbhealth.net or call 404294-3700.
ROCKDALE CONSTITUTIONAL CORNER
Rockdale Constitutional Officers to provide scholarships for high school seniors The Rockdale County Constitutional Officers (Clerk of Courts Ruth A. Wilson, Probate Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr., Tax Commissioner Tisa Smart-Washington and Sheriff Eric Levett) in cooperation with the Constitutional Officers Association of Georgia are supporting four $1,000 scholarships for graduating high school seniors. Applications are due March 13. The application is available at the Clerk’s website www.RockdaleClerk. com or at www.COAGonline.org ELIGIBILITY: Georgia citizen graduating high school by May 31, 2020
REQUIRMENTS: acceptance to a Georgia college; proof of residency; 1,000 word essay ESSAY TOPIC: Interview a Constitutional Officer in your county. Spend some time with them and describe things that they do on a daily basis DUE DATE: Must be received by March 13, 2020 at COAG POB 153 Hull, GA 30646 DECISION ANNOUNCED BY: April 15, 2020 For more information, contact Missy Tolbert, executive director of COAG at COAGDirector@gmail.com.
fund an additional attorney and investigator to supplement the Major Crimes Unit; and provide associated funding for equipment. This proposal also funds technology to analyze cell phones and computers that will allow the District Attorney’s Office to create a digital crime lab on par with state and federal law enforcement agencies. Understanding that violence prevention requires partnerships and a holistic approach, DeKalb public safety personnel will receive an across-the-board 4 percent pay increase. This increase is valued at $5.4 million and applies to approximately 2,300 employees, including police officers, firefighters, code enforcement officers, E911 operators, sheriff’s deputies and detention officers, and solicitor-general and district attorney investigators. This is the fourth public safety pay increase since 2017. Other budget initiatives include: • A 2-percent raise for all other DeKalb County employees and an adjustment for county retirees. • Continued funding for Operation Clean Sweep, to continue eradicating blight and beautifying the county through initiatives such as demolitions, abatements and bus stop cleanups. • Funding to the DeKalb County Department of Health to improve child wellbeing by expanding access to resources that offer children and families support. • Funding for the Sanitation Division to upgrade citizens’ garbage containers to 95 gallons, ensuring residents have enough capacity and eliminating unsightly over-filled trash bins. The budget also increases the salaries of commercial driver’s license (CDL) certified employees to recruit and retain sanitation truck drivers.
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ART continued from page 2 Paul and the city can resolve the issue. Martin said she and representatives from the sorority are planning to attend the Lithonia City Council meeting so that they can get clarity on the matter. “It was an investment in the community. We just wanted to promote the arts and do something positive to support black art and artists,” said Martin. “It was a community service project for the King holiday.” City Administrator LaThaydra Sands said the city has tried to work with Paul and it welcomes artistic expression as long as businesses abide by Lithonia’s ordinances. She said Paul should have obtained a permit for the mural before the work was done, but now that the mural is up, the city is willing to allow mural provided that he obtains the permit and pays late fees since he missed the Feb. 26
BUDGET continued from page 1
deadline. “We have told him that he needs a permit for the mural. We don’t have a problem with murals. We have murals in the city’s downtown. A mural is defined as a wall sign under our ordinances and a permit is required for them,” said Sands, who provided On Common Ground News with a 23-page document spelling out the city’s sign ordinance. Paul said he has collected 100 signatures on petition challenging the city’s definition of a mural. He said he does not believe that he is in violation. “A mural is not a sign. They’re just doing this to harass me,” Paul said. The Lithonia City Council meets on March 2, at 7 p.m., at City Hall, 6920 Main St., Lithonia.
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STONECREST continued from page 1 old school Civil Rights from the 60s and 50s. I just believe in protests,” said Coffield, who used the rest of her three minutes to address other issues concerning the city. Bill Bruckner said he didn’t understand how elected paid public servants could “walk out on their constituents without a word of justification and disrupt and delay the business of the city.” He criticized the members for ignoring the fact that several important items were on the agenda for vote, including the financing for the purchase of the former Sam’s Club building and the Sears building. The city was forced to hold a special called meeting on Feb. 26 to determine what action to take in order to keep the deals on the table. “Experts and common sense will tell you that you can’t resolve anything by walking away,” Bruckner said. “Besides, the job which you were elected and which you are paid for is to be present and to govern. You can’t govern, if you’re not present. Susan Lee told the council members that she
was embarrassed and angry about the walkout. “Your actions were disrespectful to the invited students, their parents, the educators and the citizens of Stonecrest that took time to attend that meeting. You four owe us an apology for your unprofessional behavior… Councilwoman Grimes, you are the new kid on the block so consider yourself initiated by the group. It was disrespectful to you, Mayor Lary and your constituents to talk you into joining them. Councilwoman Grimes, please get the facts before you follow the crowd,” Lee said. The infighting is still brewing. On Feb. 26, Lary and Cobble were the guests of WAOK radio talkshow host Rashad Richey. Both told their sides of the story in separate interviews. At the special called meeting on Feb. 26, Cobble and Grimes voted against a tax anticipation note to fund the city’s purchase of the Sam’s Club building, which is slated to become the City Centre that will house the new City Hall.
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