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APRIL 12, 2019
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Congressman Johnson named Goodwill’s 2019 Policymaker Leader
Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) has been named by Goodwill Industries International as a 2019 Policymaker Leader. Johnson is Congressman Hank Johnson receiving the award for demonstrating tremendous support of Goodwill’s public policy and legislative agenda, including criminal justice reform and workforce development. “I am honored to receive this award from Goodwill,” said Johnson, who recently introduced legislation that supports regional economic development training for partners of Goodwill. “I have truly enjoyed working with Goodwill at job fairs, my annual Resources Fair and other events throughout the years to improve the life of Georgians across the 4th district and the state.” Johnson has been particularly supportive of Goodwill in North Georgia, speaking at the grand opening ceremony of its new headquarters in Decatur in 2016. The organization’s positive economic impact in his district—and, more broadly, the state of Georgia—has earned it the support of the men and women of the community. “These awards recognize lawmakers who support the vital mission of Goodwill through important policies,” said Steve Preston, president and CEO at Goodwill Industries International. “Through endorsement and support from our champions in Congress, the needs of Goodwill program participants have been reflected through legislation, advocacy events, high-level committee meetings, and other profound means of advocating for our program participants.”
L-R: Jim Kelly, whose family are long-time landowners in what is now the city of Stonecrest, Mayor Jason Lary, Tony Render, head of security Elder Vanessa Long and New Birth’s pastor, Dr. Jamal Bryant perform the April 9 ribbon cutting ceremony. Elder Long laughs with relief after finally cutting the ribbon. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
‘Gateway to heaven, economic development’
New Lithonia Industrial Boulevard extension to open in Stonecrest Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary, community members and leaders of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of the Lithonia-Industrial Boulevard extension. Not even the rain could dampen the spirits of those attending the 9 a.m. event. Mayor Lary asked New Birth’s Elder Vanessa Long to perform the ribbon cutting ceremony and the showers subsided just in time for her to perform the honor. The crowd cheered as Elder Long worked a giant pair of scissors, and after L to R: EDward Long, Elder Vanessa Long and Eric Long. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ocgnews.com
SEE GATEWAY page 8
DeKalb to hire two contract compliance officers to oversee procurement process
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eKalb County will hire two contract compliance officers to prevent abuse and provide transparency in the county’s procurement process, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond has announced. Thurmond announced the positions in response to cleaning up the county’s purchasing department, which has been plagued with problems. The Board of Commissioners and Thurmond have been at odds for months over how large contracts should be awarded. An audit finalized in January suggested, among other things, that an independent auditor review contracts that are over
$1 million before the board would be permitted to action on them. Thurmond said, however, hiring contract compliance officers would strengthen the process. “The contract compliance officers will ensure that DeKalb County funds are being spent effectively, efficiently, and responsibly,” said Thurmond. “DeKalb is committed to ensuring that the county’s procurement process achieves the highest standards of accountability and transparency while complying with all legal requirements.” Prior to the bid award process, contract compliance officers will review solicitations that meet a
specified dollar threshold to ensure compliance with county, state and federal procurement policies and procedures. Additionally, the contract compliance officers will conduct a thorough review of current contracting and purchasing policies and procedures to ensure that best practices are being administered. Specific responsibilities include: • Analyzing submitted bids to ensure that they are balanced and reasonable • Reviewing the evaluation of bid protests to ensure best practices are followed • Recommending updates to policy
and checklists for procurement staff The contract compliance officers will report to the CEO who will share findings with the Board of Commissioners and the general public as needed. Since January 2017, CEO Thurmond has focused on restoring trust and accountability in county government. Major accomplishments include eliminating deficit spending, establishing a balanced budget and fund balance, and reconciling all county spending accounts to properly document all departmental expenditures.
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‘National Park RX’ set April 28 DeKalb invites citizens to enjoy Mother Nature, array of free activities DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is encouraging the public to enjoy a day in the park as part of DeKalb County’s national Park RX Day activities on Sunday, April 28. Planned activities include yoga, tai chi, guided walking tours, planting, dancing, blood pressure screenings, health education and food demonstrations. The events are free and open to the public. Vendors will be onsite to offer giveaways. The national Park Prescription movement encourages health care providers to prescribe spending time in nature. Known as “Park Rx,” the initiative urges everyone to see outdoor activity as an important contributor to good health. It also strengthens the ties between the health care system and public lands. The goal is to increase outdoor physical activity to prevent (or treat) the health problems that result from inactivity. The DeKalb County Board of Health is coordinating the county’s observance of Park Rx Day. The following parks are participating: Mason Mill Park (Flagship Event) 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Activities: Yoga, cardio, guided walking tour, kid-focused fitness, health education and more.
Olmsted Linear Park-Dellwood 1775 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Activity: Planting
Bouldercrest Park 4184 Bouldercrest Park Road, Ellenwood 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Activity: Physical Activity
Scott Park 231 Sycamore Street, Decatur 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Activities: Yoga, archery, tree Chi Gong, Tai Chi, Lego activities and live reptile show
Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve 3787 Klondike Road, Lithonia 8 a.m. Activity: Walk
Springbrook Park 1512 Springbrook Drive, Decatur 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Activities: Earthing and Qi Gong
Hairston Park 889 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Activity: Fitness obstacle course
W.D. Thomson Park 1760 Masson Mill Road, N.E., Decatur 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Activity: Planting
Henderson Park 2723 Henderson Mill Road, Atlanta 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Activities: Kickboxing, strength training and Caribbean dance
Zonolite Park 1101 Zonolite Pace N.E., Atlanta 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Activity: Planting For more information, call 404-508-7847, email dcboh.hap@dph.ga.gov or visit www.DeKalbHealth.net/ParkRx.
Medlock Park 1031 Scott Circle, Decatur 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Activity: Planting
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APRIL 12, 2019 • PAGE 3
Stonecrest leaders unveil new merchants’ initiative PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
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ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
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STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan
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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 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com
“Best of Stonecrest” to showcase top businesses
By Valerie J. Morgan The city of Stonecrest is launching a new program for merchants, “Best of Stonecrest,” to help businesses that elect to participate earn a special seal from the city. The idea, said Sabrina Wright, the city’s economic development director, is to help Stonecrest businesses generate and retain customers by providing them with free customer service training, recognition on the city’s web site and online customer reviews. About 50 people attended a luncheon on April 11, where city leaders and partners unveiled the marketing branding for the new initiative, said Matt Hampton, director of the AEI Startup Factory, where the luncheon was held. Obejas Design Company, owned by Matt Hampton’s wife, Maria, developed the branding and the city’s seal that will be issued to participating businesses. Matt Hampton credited Stonecrest Councilman Jimmy Clanton with having the vision for the program. He said Clanton wanted to take the customer training city staffers received from
Left to right: Customer service trainers Franklin Kimble and Donna Satchell Kimble, Stonecrest Economic Director Sabrina Wright, Councilman Jimmy Clanton, Discover DeKalb Executive Director James Tsismanakis and Maria Hampton. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ocgnews.com
Discover DeKalb and have that training permeate to businesses in the city. “Months ago, Councilman Clanton came to me and said he wanted to create a unique mechanism to brand businesses in the city and help them to be celebrated in the community,” said Hampton. Clanton said he is glad to see the idea taking flight, adding that he believes the initiative will be a tremendous benefit for businesses, the city and customers. “I think it’s a great project. By giving the businesses the city’s stamp of approval, we’re saying that these businesses have met
Energy assistance program opens to low-income elderly, disabled May 1 Eligible residents may apply for cooling assistance through the Division of Family and Children Service’s (DFCS) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) beginning May 1. LIHEAP is a federally-funded program that is designed to assist lowincome, elderly and disabled Georgians with cooling costs through direct payments to home energy suppliers. Eligible households will receive between $350 to $400 toward their energy costs. To qualify, a family’s annual income must be less than or equal to 60 percent of the median income for a Georgia family. For a household of one, the income threshold is $22,839. The income threshold for a household of five is $50,948. Funds are administered through local Georgia Community Action Agencies (GCAA). Contact your local GCAA to determine how the program will accept applications and if any demographic will receive priority service. To find a Community Action Agency in your area, visit http://www.georgiacaa.org. Those seeking assistance may apply starting on May 1 and will be asked to provide the following: • The most recent cooling bill or statement of service from their heating providers • Most recent heating bill or statement of service • Social Security cards for each member of the household • Proof of Citizenship for the applicant • Proof of Income for the last 30 days for each adult member of the household • Proof of income can include, but is not limited to, a paycheck stub or public assistance verification letter • Verification of Social Security or unemployment benefits for all applicable household members For more information on the program, contact the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services at 404-657-3426.
South DeKalb Improvement Association to host community meeting The South DeKalb Improvement Association (SDIA) will hold its public meeting at the Sugar Creek Golf and Tennis Club on Sunday, April 28, 2 to 4 p.m., at 2706 Bouldercrest Road, Atlanta. Topics of concern include schools, public safety, business, economics and housing.
the criteria by completing the customer service training and have made a commitment to provide excellent customer service,” Clanton said. “They are going to get free exposure and marketing.” Clanton said Discover DeKalb would provide the three-hour training at no cost to businesses within the city of Stonecrest at City Hall or even on-site at the business. Both, managers and employees, must complete the class in order to receive certification, Clanton said. “Companies can’t just send the employees. We want the managers/owners and the
staff to be on the same page,” said Clanton. Clanton said plans are underway now to host a hacka-thon for student inventors to develop, with professionals providing guidance, a “Best of Stonecrest” app that would be utilized with the new initiative. The app would be similar to Yelp, where customers provide reviews of businesses. The information, Clanton said, would be shared with the city of Stonecrest and the businesses themselves. “Yes, a professional like myself can develop an app, but I think it’s important to get students involved,” said
SEE STONECREST page 7
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Cochran-Johnson to host Stonecrest Town Hall April 25
RCCF honors humanitarians Six Rockdale County Public Schools seniors and a local humanitarian were honored for their community service accomplishments in Rockdale County at the 9th annual John K. Morgan Scholarship Reception hosted by the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families (RCCF) on March 21 at the Rockdale Career Academy. The recipient of the $4,000 John K. Morgan Scholarship was Faith Shamley, a senior at Heritage High School. Heritage High School senior Jazmyn Flakes was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Rotary Club of Rockdale County and the remaining finalists were recipients of $500 scholarships. The 2019 F. William Hughey Community Service Award was presented to Jeff Beech for two decades of work with nonprofits and most notably in Conyers-Rockdale, Lighthouse Village and Restoration Storehouse. For more information on the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families, visit www.rockdalecoalition.org.
Dementia focus group forum set April 24 DeKalb families living with dementia and their caregivers are invited to attend a forum on April 24, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia. The DeKalb County Human Services Department, in partnership with the Dementia Spotlight Foundation, is presenting the forum to gain firsthand knowledge about the community’s need for resources for people living with dementia. This event will conclude a series of dementia focus groups that have been held by the Human Services Department over the last two months in Decatur, North DeKalb and South DeKalb with a combined participation of 30 people. There are approximately 140,000 people with Alzheimer’s living in Georgia and over 8,250 people with some form of dementia living in DeKalb, officials said. It is estimated that caregivers who are not paid to help their loved ones with dementia contribute approximately $7 billion annually for their service. Caregivers provide daily living assistance including bathing, broom, shopping, housekeeping and other errands. The causes of dementia can vary, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common cause in older adults, officials say. Other dementias include Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal disorders, and vascular dementia. There is no cost to participate in the focus group, however, registration is required. To register, contact Debra Furtado, human services administrator, at 770-322-2969 or dlfurtado@ dekalbcountyga.gov.
Arabia invites kids to Junior Ranger Day Saturday, April 20, is National Junior Ranger Day, and Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve is celebrating with its Junior Ranger Ramble. Kids are invited to discover the living landscape of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area where life is built on stone. Rangers will lead them through activities where they’ll learn about the National Heritage Area’s dynamic landscapes and storied history. The Ramble starts at 10 a.m. and will end at 1 p.m. with a guided hike to the top of Arabia Mountain where our newest Junior Rangers will be sworn in during a special ceremony. The fee is $5 per participant. Registration is required: arabiaalliance.org.
Join DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, who represents the county’s super District 7, and the Stonecrest Citizens Coalition for a town hall meeting. The meeting will be held on April 25, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Stonecrest. Cochran-Johnson will discuss community issues and address residents’ questions and concerns. Representatives from DeKalb County’s Code Enforcement, Parks and Recreation, Sanitation, Watershed Management, Public Safety, MARTA, and Roads and Drainage also will attend the meeting.
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson
DeKalb Schools superintendent to keynote GLCC Scholarship luncheon DeKalb School Superintendent R. Stephen Green will discuss the “State of Education in DeKalb County” and present scholarships to the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 recipients. The luncheon meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at This Is It! Banquet Hall, 2853 Panola Road, Stonecrest. The luncheon is open to business professionals and the public at large. Advance registration is $20 or $25 at the door. Chamber members are admitted free with advance registration. Visit www.greaterlithoniachamber.com for more information.
R. Stephen Green
Public invited to Rockdale Coalition of Homeowners & Civic Associations meeting The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners is holding the second meeting of 2019 for the Rockdale Coalition of Homeowners and Civic Association on Thursday, April 18, 6 p.m., at J.P. Carr Community Room, 981 Taylor St., Conyers. Representatives from several of the county’s departments will discuss updates, initiatives and information with leaders of local homeowner associations, civic groups and interested citizens. The group meets quarterly. The remaining dates for 2019 are: • July 18 • Oct. 17 For more information or to RSVP for the April meeting, contact Jeannettia Owens at 770-278-7058 orjeannettia.owens@rockdalecountyga.gov.
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APRIL 12, 2019 • PAGE 5
DeKalb History Center to offer noon walking tours in May Bring a sandwich, bring a friend, and enjoy some history. The DeKalb History Center announces the return of “High Noon History,” a walking tour highlighting the history of the downtown Decatur Square. Organizers say the 45-minute tour is perfect for anyone wanting to get a bit of history in during their lunch break. “High Noon History” tours will be held every Friday in May and will start at 12 p.m. The tour will begin on the south steps of the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur. Reservations are not required.
New fishing pier unveiling set at Chapel Hill Park The public is invited to join county officials, parks staff and Park Pride representatives at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the county’s newest fishing pier on Friday, April 19, 10 a.m. at Chapel Hill Park, 4002 Lehigh Blvd, Decatur. A total of $158,000 was contributed to construct a fishing pier with a pavilion and trail to improve connectivity.
DeKalb Solicitor-General to keynote DeKalb Cultural Exchange community breakfast
DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling will discuss her office’s work as advocates for victims during the DeKalb Cultural Exchange, hosted by DeKalb County School Board Member Vickie Turner and Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner. The monthly breakfast will be held on Saturday, April 20, 9 to 11 a.m., at the House of Hope in Decatur. Coleman-Stribling was selected as keynote speaker to recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is nationally recognized during the week of April 7, but we have chosen to raise awareness about the rights of victims, as well as the services available to our victims throughout our office and our resources partners, all month,” said ColemanStribling. “The Turners have done a great job curating a monthly event that engages our community around pertinent topics.
Rob Turner and Vicki Turner
To be invited to speak helps my office inform our community and strengthens the relationship we need with the community to make a better, safer DeKalb.” The DeKalb Cultural Exchange breakfast is free and open to the public. For more information, email thedekalbexchange@gmail.com.
Stonecrest City Attorney gives legal opinion on Evans Mill cell tower City Attorney Winston Demark has released his legal opinion on the cell tower complaints issued by residents near its 3610 Evans Mill Road location. Denmark reviewed the application, the minutes from the original zoning hearing, the Stonecrest files, and the permit that was recently issued for the construction of the cell tower. The tower’s conditional zoning, highlighted by many residents, is not problematic at all, according to Denmark. Denmark said the zoning decision rendered more than 40 years ago, did not disclose the actual conditions that were approved. It only says the conditions as stated by the applicant. “We don’t know if that means conditions
printed on the application or the conditions mentioned during the zoning proceedings. We can’t speculate. Nothing in the zoning records states that the conditions in the application are the exact conditions that the county imposed,” Denmark said. “If the original minutes had said that we can approve this zoning based on the conditions stated in the application, then that would be fine; however, it didn’t say that. It said based on the conditions as stated by the applicant. He could have said something verbally or submitted another document that we don’t have,” Denmark explained. Denmark has assured the mayor, city staff, and residents that he has left no stone unturned and, after a thorough review, has conclud-
ed that the cell tower construction was legal, and that the city staff acted lawfully. Mayor Jason Lary said that he was going to ask for a stop-work order during a March 25 council meeting. However, after consulting Denmark and staff, he said he found this to be impossible. “I asked for the stop work order to be issued the very next day after our council meeting, as I committed, and found out that the order couldn’t be issued. My understanding is that the applicant had already completed the required work under the current permit. There was nothing else I could do,” Lary said in a statement.
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RCPS pre-K registration April 15-26
Registration for the 2019-2020 Georgia Pre-K lottery in Rockdale County is open April 15-26. Kindergarten registration is currently open. Registration for Pre-K and Kindergarten will be held 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Student Registration Office, 1143 West Avenue, Conyers. To register their child successfully, parents must provide their child’s birth certificate, Social Security card, immunization certificate Form 3231, eye/ear/dental/nutrition certificate Form 3300, parent’s photo ID and proof of custody or guardianship if the person enrolling the child is not the birth parent. Proof of residence will also be required to register a child for Pre-K or kindergarten, and must be provided in at least one of the following combinations: • Lease agreement along with electric, water or gas bill • Lease agreement along with automobile registration • Property tax receipt along with electric, water or gas bill • Property tax receipt along with automobile registration For more information, visit www.rockdaleschools.org/registration or call 770-7611457. PRE-KINDERGARTEN: For Georgia Pre-K, children must be 4 years old by September 1st. Pre-K registration takes place at the RCPS Student Registration Office, 1143 West Avenue, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday. The days to enter your child for the Pre-K lottery are April 15-26, 2019. Parents must provide the documentation described above. Students will be selected for Pre-K programs via a random lottery drawing, which will take place on May 2, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at the Student Registration Office. Students who are not selected on May 2 will be placed on a waiting list in the order drawn. For more information, visit www.rockdaleschools.org/prek or call 770-761-1457. KINDERGARTEN: For kindergarten, children must be 5 years old by September 1st. Kindergarten registration takes place at the RCPS Student Registration Office, 1143 West Avenue, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Friday. Parents must provide the documentation described above. Parents of incoming Kindergarten students can also save time and begin the registration process online at www.rockdaleschools.org/registration. A child’s school will be assigned at the time of registration. Parents should contact the elementary school to make an appointment for Kindergarten Round-Up. Students will have an opportunity to visit and tour their school and will be assessed for kindergarten readiness. For more information, visit www.rockdaleschools.org/registration or call 770-7611457.
Stone Mountain Middle to host seventh annual DeKalb County School District Chess Club Fair The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) invites all students, teachers and parents to a day filled with strategy, tactics and deep thinking at Stone Mountain Middle School, 4301 Sarr Parkway in Tucker. The school will host the seventh annual DCSD Chess Club Fair on Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. until noon. The event will feature chess gameplay, door prizes, recognition, refreshments and special guest speakers. One special guest will be local nonprofit founder and public speaker Orrin Hudson. In 2001, Hudson founded Be Someone, an organization that uses chess to promote self-esteem, responsibility, and critical thinking among children in underserved communities. Anyone wishing to attend the 2019 DCSD Chess Club Fair can RSVP using a school permission slip or through local school sponsor. RSVP is encouraged but not required. All students must be accompanied by an adult. The event is free.
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APRIL 12, 2019 • PAGE 7
Rockdale Constitutional Corner
Heard Around the Courthouse
We, in the Clerk of Courts Office, take great pride in offering high quality customer service each and every day. That requires us to be good listeners, to keep a good sense of humor and a positive outlook. Some days are harder than others, but we always smile and offer to help no matter what the issue is: • Need to find a Notorious Republican so I can have some papers witnessed • Where do I file this Affidavid? • Is that down there where you file your Plack? • Is the TPO still good now that my husband is dead? • Lady wanted to be excused from Jury Duty because Traverse Jury Summons used to be her neighbor. • Somebody filed a Quick Claim Deed on my property. • Lady needs the number for the former owner of the Chinese restaurant because the new owners do not make the General Tso’s Chicken right and she wants it fixed. • Who is in charge of the river being low on water • Lady asked the fees to file for divorce. When told, she asked to be transferred to the Lay Away Department • Judge instructed jurors to check the Clerk’s website for instructions. Guy says, “No Sir, Your Honor, I don’t own a calculator.”
This is how rumors get started: Judge was asking a panel of jurors if anyone was related by blood or marriage to the defendant. Juror raises his hand and Judge asks him to approach the bench. At the bench, the Judge asks the Juror how he is related to the defendant. With a
L to R: Jim Kelly, Bill Allen, Elder Vanessa Long, Mayor Jason Lary, Dr. Jamal Bryant and Attorney Bernard Knight. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ocgnews.com
GATEWAY continued from page 1
By Ruth A. Wilson Clerk of Courts straight face, the Juror says, “I think he is my son. I had an affair with his Mama.” And finally: ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse? WITNESS: No. ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure? WITNESS: No. ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing? WITNESS: No. ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy? WITNESS: No. ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor? WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar. ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless? WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.
STONECREST continued from page 3 Clanton, who has spent more than 20 years as a programmer, doing web site development and graphics design for the state of Georgia and other companies. The hack-a-thon will be held in late June, he said. “The app is going to allow customer reviews to go directly to the city and the business owners. The city will be able to take the reviews and grade or rate the business. The rating would be based on manager/owner replies to the reviews,” said Clanton. “My main goal is that I want Stonecrest to become known as the destination for excellent customer service.”
several unsuccessful attempts, sliced the red ribbon. Long said she was pleased to see the vision of her late husband, Bishop Eddie Long, come to pass. Bishop Long, who served as New Birth’s senior pastor from 1987 until his death in 2017, planned for the road years ago to accommodate the church’s mega congregation, but the project stalled and lacked federal funding until recently. City spokesman Adrion Bell said the road is expected to open on April 17. Georgia Power is working on getting the traffic signals up and running and the road should be open for people to start using after that,”said Bell. Elder Long said she is elated about the new extension. “It’s been a long time coming. He had a great vision not only for New Birth, but for the DeKalb County community. Just to see it (the new road) finally come to pass means everything to me,” said Elder Long. Dr. Jamal Bryant, who now serves as New Birth’s senior pastor, said he sees the road as a path to saving souls. “This is historic. There is no other church in America that can boast of its own highway exit,” said Dr. Jamal Bryant, New Birth’s pastor. “This is, in fact, a metaphor for us pointing a direction for people who are lost, saying you are on the right path. This is where you get back on track. New Birth is glad to be the epicenter of the DeKalb County community to show people the direction and a new lease on life.” EDward Long, who also attended the event, said he believes the rain signified that his father was in heaven crying tears of joy. “My father envisioned this road wasn’t just to serve the church, it wasn’t just to serve New Birth,” said EDward Long. “It was to serve the whole community and to be an example for other ministries around the world… We have a little overcast, a little drizzle but I believe it’s just him crying, he’s crying tears of joy.” The four-lane road, nearly a mile long, connects the campus of the New Birth campus, located at the intersection of Evans Mill and Woodrow Roads to Lithonia Industrial Boulevard and Highway 124. Mayor Lary said the new road will not only relieve traffic congestion in the area, but will be a big boost to the city’s economic development engine. “This has been in the making for a while now. It allows for the gateway to economic development and the city’s transit-oriented district,” said Lary. The mayor said the new road would complement repaving the city has scheduled for a two-lane section of Turner Hill Road, from Rockland Road to the entrance at Bojangles restaurant. The city also will begin repairing potholes and resurfacing 18 of the city’s worst streets with Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funding. Lary said the City Council has approved a $2 million contract with Blount Construction to make the repairs. The work is scheduled to start in May with completion by the end of August, he said.
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