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STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary: City fiscally on track, ready to repave worn roads, poised for economic development By Valerie J. Morgan
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t his State of the City Address on May 6 at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary told citizens the city is fiscally on track, completing 2018 with a surplus in excess of $800,000 in its operating budget. The mayor said the city’s 2019 operating budget of $9.3 million includes a planned surplus of $500,000 as Stonecrest starts its Public Works operations and expands its Parks and Recreation Department to buy nine parks from DeKalb County government that are located within the city limits. Lary also brought good news to parents who said they were upset that they had no input in the city’s plans to bring in a new vendor to run Browns Mill Recreation Center’s summer camp program. Lary said he worked with senior officials of DeKalb to keep the staff in tact this year, rather than bring on a new vendor. “We finished up some meetings in DeKalb with regard to keeping those employees in place, having no disruption in service, having no disruption with parents and being able to work through this situation so that everybody was satisfied with what needs to happen. That is collaboration. That’s partnership. That’s vision,” the mayor said. And Lary brought humor to his address. The mayor did a little role playing with 8-year-old Jaymeon Render, who was dressed as a super hero he called “Zero Tax Boy.” Render dashed onto the stage and stood next to the mayor and had the following exchange: Mayor: Hello, Zero Tax Boy. Are you going to raise my taxes? Youngster: No. Mayor: Are you sure? Youngster: No. The audience bursts into laughter. The mayor said he plans to continue to make good on his promise that residents would face no new taxes as a result of the city’s formation. Other highlights of the mayor’s speech included touting the city had issued 635 building permits (residential and commercial) and collected $1,355,517 in permit fees to date. He also touted the city’s track record of staying on top of code violations, with officers investigating 4,385 code violations as of 2018. Lary said the city would begin repaving some of the city’s worst roads in a few weeks, utilizing special purpose local option sales tax dollars (SPLOST) and state funding from the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG). The LMIG is given to cities and counties based on population. Stonecrest, which has about 54,000 residents, must contribute matching funds of at least 30 percent. The LMIG funds are awarded annually through the DOT. Lary said residents should expect to see signs going up in the areas where the work will begin. Lary said the city is marching forward to build the city’s reputation as a worldclass place residents will be proud of and
Clarkston approves first tiny home community in Georgia
T Jaymeon Render, 8, nearly stole the show at Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary’s State of the City Address on May 6. The Barack Obama Elementary School student, who was dressed as a superhero the mayor called “Zero Tax Boy,” responded “no” to every question the mayor asked him including whether he was sure residents’ would face no new taxes. The audience erupted into laughter at the child’s response.
one that will attract visitors. He said he has reached out to Denny’s restaurant on Panola Drive to provide customer service training to the restaurant’s employees. The restaurant recently came under fire after receiving an F on a recent health inspection and employees attacked and cursed at television reporters who were on the scene to cover the story. Social media lit up with negative comments about the restaurant workers’ reactions after Channel 46 ran the story. Lary said it is his goal to work with Denny’s to earn a “Best of Stonecrest” seal under a new initiative the city is launching. The city is working with Discover DeKalb to provide free customer service training to city merchants who would then earn the seal and the city would help to promote those businesses as a way of building economic development. Lary also discussed repurposing the former Sears automotive building at the Mall at Stonecrest for a new headquarters to house the DeKalb East Precinct. He said the new Police Department would provide greater visibility and quicker response time for citizens. Brenda Cornelius served as moderator of the program. Cornelius is a member of New Birth who served on the Stonecrest Alliance, which worked on the formation of the city. New Birth’s pastor, Dr. Jamal Bryant, welcomed attendees to the address. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond also welcomed the audience and made remarks, along with State Rep. Vernon Jones, who gave a historical perspective of events that have transpired concerning the new city. The mayor was introduced by his wife, Debra Lary, who said she has been energized at how Stonecrest citizens have taken a stand at City Council meetings, championed change in the community. “This was the vision of the new city. This
SEE STONECREST page 7
he City of Clarkston has paved the way for developers to build Georgia’s first tiny home community. The City Council voted unanimously for the project on May 7. “The Cottages on Vaughan” will be situated on a half-acre lot centrally located one block from downtown Clarkston, and will include eight Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry tiny homes on permanent foundations, ranging from 250-492 square feet. Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry said he is excited about the concept.
SEE TINY HOME page 7
Pictured are DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, Commissioner Lorraine CochranJohnson, Commissioner Nancy Jester, county staff and residents at Brannon Hill demolition.
DeKalb continues wiping out blight at Brannon Hill
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eKalb County is continuing its efforts to fight blight at Brannon Hill Condominiums. Demolition crews recently wiped out 56 dilapidated and neglected units. The dilapidated condos, located near Memorial Drive and the city of Clarkston, became a haven for crime, squatters and gangs for more than a decade after repeated fires ravaged buildings and owners abandoned the properties. In 2017, DeKalb County stepped in to declare the property unsafe and a public nuisance. DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond enhanced the county’s blight fighting initiatives to address derelict properties at Brannon Hill and throughout the county. To date, DeKalb County has demolished 124 units at Brannon Hill, removing debris and addressing public safety needs at the site. “DeKalb’s continued efforts to stabilize the Brannon Hill community sends a powerful message that eliminating blight remains a top priority,” Thurmond said during a news conference at the site on May 9. “The county has established a process that focuses on improving quality of life and mitigating negative impacts such as increased crime and health risks.”
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Photos by Allison M. Slocum
A Day in the Park:
The perfect prescription for healthy fun DeKalb County hosted Park Prescription Day recently at 11 parks throughout the county. Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, who represents the county’s Super District 7, and her staff members were honored to support Park Rx Day at Hairston Park, located in Stone Mountain. The Friends of Hairston Park presented a day filled with yoga, nature walks, scavenger hunts, calorie burning challenges, healthy snacks, gift bags and outdoor games for children. For more photos of the April 28 event, visit www.ocgnews.com.
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MAY 10, 2019 • PAGE 3
BUILDING WEALTH
DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is inviting entrepreneurs and others interested in becoming franchise owners to attend The Great American Franchise Expo featuring more than 120 top franchises, including national and emerging businesses and chains. DeKalb County Commissioner Cochran-Johnson is Abel Beyenne Lorraine Cochran-Johnson partnering with the Great American Franchise Expo to present the event on May 18-19 prolific entrepreneurs and franchise at the Cobb Galleria. DeKalb County owners were featured who spoke attendees are encouraged to visit the candidly about franchising and business Super District 7 booth on Saturday, ownership during a panel discussion May 18, to receive resources and designed to educate, enlighten and literature from local lending and service encourage entrepreneurship as a partners. pathway to personal wealth and “I could not have imagined a community improvement. better partner in my efforts to provide During the two-day Franchise Expo, economic wealth and franchise DeKalb County Super District 7 event opportunities,” said Commissioner participants will have the ability to meet Cochran-Johnson. “The Great American one-on-one with franchise specialists to Franchise Expo is a national leader and gain insight on franchise ownership and DeKalb residents will benefit greatly financing. Throughout the day, valuable from the experience and ability to seminars will be available including connect with opportunities to own their “Franchising 101”; “The Legal Aspects own businesses.” of Franchising and the FDD”; “SBA The Franchise Expo is the second Small Business Resources”; “The Banks half of a two-part series designed to Behind Franchising;” “Real Estate foster economic development within Strategy for Successful Franchising;” DeKalb County. The series began “How To Fund Franchises Using with “The Conversation: Wealth & Retirement Money;” and “Women Empowerment” on Feb. 23. Business Owners are Booming,” to During the February event, three name a few.
DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson hosts third national Opioid Summit DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, District 3, in partnership with STAND Inc. and others, hosted the third annual National Opioid Summit on May 2. The summit was held in DeKalb at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. This year’s summit, whose theme was “Opioid Summit 3.0: Preserving Our Youth and Families,” focused on the opioid crisis impacting families across the nation. Opioids are a class of drugs that include heroin, synthetics such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and others. Opioid deaths from addiction and overdose are sweeping the nation. Authorities report Georgia has seen a rapid growth in overdose deaths as lawmakers attempt to curb the epidemic by enacting legislation against specific forms of opioids as well as placing limitations on prescriptions. “We are committed to confronting the unprecedented crisis by collaborating, educating and increasing awareness to this epidemic,” Johnson said. “We must help our communities and families have the correct resources and connections to deal with this issue.” CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, MAY 28TH 2019 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD 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:
DeKalb Commissioner Cochran-Johnson invites entrepreneurs to Franchise Expo
SLUP-19-001 Dileane Matthews 3317 Panola Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District Applicant is requesting to a special land use permit for the operation of a personal care home for four to six people.
In addition to seminars, a variety of panel discussions will occur throughout the day featuring financial advisors, franchise owners, accountants, and industry insiders. ”Annually we introduce, educate and create the largest number of franchise business owners in the United States from a single expo experience,” said Abel Beyene, director and founding member of The Great Franchise Expo. “We have extensive relationships and we work hard to produce an educational and enlightening experience that creates business owners.” The Franchise Expo will have an investment opportunity for everyone and many companies are able to give discounts to active duty military, veterans and first responders. “If we plan to change the trajectory of our community, we must own businesses,” said Commissioner Cochran-Johnson. “I remain convinced the lack of development within south and unincorporated DeKalb is not by chance—it is by design. Businesses have chosen consciously to refrain from locating within certain areas of DeKalb.” Admission to the event is free, but registration is encouraged as DeKalb participants will be tracked and provided ongoing resources to aid in their business acquisition. To RSVP, visit www.franexpousa.com/LCJ.
PAGE 4 • MAY 10, 2019
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New Birth sets Career Expo May 17 Need a job? New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Road, Stonecrest, is hosting a Career Expo on Friday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Job seekers from throughout the metro Atlanta area are encouraged to attend. The expo will include a host companies that will be recruiting people with diverse educational backgrounds and skill sets. New Birth’s pastor, Dr. Jamal Bryant, along with other leaders, will open the event with presentations.
Gregory B. Levett + Sons to unveil veterans’ memorial garden Gregory B. Levett And Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory will unveil a beautiful memorial garden on Memorial Day weekend to honor the men and women died protecting and preserving America’s freedom. The funeral home will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the Veterans Memorial Garden on May 26, 5 p.m., at its South DeKalb location, 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. The national holiday is May 27. Gregory B. Levett “We wanted to do something to honor our veterans and give back to them since they have given so much to us. Sometimes, they had to give everything— even their lives. By creating a Veterans Memorial Garden, we are able to honor our veterans and add to the beauty of the community. Those are two great things,” said Gregory B. Levett, Sr., co-founder and owner of Gregory B. Levett And Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, which is the largest African Americanowned funeral home firm in the Southeast. The memorial garden will provide a place for veterans, families, friends and the local community to reflect on the lives and sacrifices of those who served in all branches of the U.S. armed forces. “We hope all veterans will come out and let us say thank you. Given the service they have provided to all of us, I think they deserve it and it a privilege for me and my family to honor them in this way,” said Levett. ‘This is a great opportunity for anyone who has lost someone who severed our country and the community as a whole, to come celebrate with us. I hope everybody comes out to say thank you.”
State Rep. Doreen Carter to keynote Greater Lithonia Chamber luncheon May 15 State Rep. Doreen Carter will be the guest speaker at the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce luncheon celebrating National Small Business Week on May 15. The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at This Is It! Banquet Hall, 2853 Panola Road, Stonecrest. Carter, who represents House District 92, which includes parts of DeKalb and Rockdale counties, will provide an update on bills and other critical issues state lawmakers addressed during the 2019 legislative session. Doreen Carter Elected to Georgia’s General Assembly in Nov. 2015, Carter currently serves on the Small Business, Industry & Labor, Education, Code Revision and Special Rules committees. She also serves as secretary of the Rockdale Delegation, treasurer of the DeKalb Delegation and is a member of the Policy Committee and Georgia Democratic House Caucus. Chamber members may attend the luncheon at no cost with advance registration online or they may pay $10 at the door. The cost for non-members is $20 with advance registration or $25 at the door. Visit the Chamber’s website to register at www.greaterlithoniachamber. com.
Teachers, moms to be honored at Cultural Exchange Breakfast May 11 Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner and DeKalb County School Board member Vicki Turner will honor teachers and mothers who nurture, train and educate children at the Culture Exchange Breakfast on Saturday, May 11. The free breakfast, open to the community, will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the House of Hope Church, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. Pastor Collette Gunby, along with other leaders, will share their perspectives as teachers/mothers. “ On the heels of Teacher Appreciation Week and entering the Mother’s Day weekend, we felt it befitting to acknowledge those who continue to pour into our children’s lives on a daily basis,” the Turners said in a news release. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the breakfast and receive news updates on relevant community issues from elected officials and other leaders M E T R O P O L I TA N AT L A N TA R A P I D T R A N S I T A U T H O R I T Y
Notice of Public Hearings Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority will hold public hearings for the purpose of considering the 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
Calendar of Events for the Month of May and June Mother’s Day Breakfast and Worship Service May12th beginning at 8:00 am. Vacation Bible Camp June 3rd to 7th from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. Register online @ hillcrestcoc.net.
CITY OF STONECREST BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, MAY 21ST 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 The following Variance Petition located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: REQUEST:
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
V-19-001 Franklyn Champagne 5714 Southcrest Lane R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District To encroach into the 75’ stream buffer for the construction of a concrete driveway. V-19-002 Colin Jones 3585 River Rock Road RSM (Small Lot Residential Mix) District To encroach into the rear yard setback for the construction of a deck.
Proposed FY 2020 Operating and Capital Budgets Monday, May 13 Decatur Library Auditorium 215 Sycamore Street Decatur, GA 30030 Community Exchange: 6 pm
PUBLIC HEARING: 7 pm Riding MARTA: Blue Line to Decatur Station; exit onto Church Street and continue one block east
Tuesday, May 14
Wednesday, May 15
MARTA Headquarters
Clayton County Commission Chambers
2424 Piedmont Road NE Atlanta, Georgia 30324
112 Smith Street Jonesboro, GA 30236
Community Exchange: 6 pm
Community Exchange: 6 pm
PUBLIC HEARING: 7 pm
PUBLIC HEARING: 7 pm
Riding MARTA: North Line to Lindbergh Station
Riding MARTA: Bus Route 193
Copies of the proposed FY 2020 Operating and Capital Budgets will also be available for public viewing at MARTA’s Headquarters Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30324 during regular business hours, Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 5 pm. For formats (FREE of charge) in accordance with the ADA and Limited English Proficiency regulations contact, (404) 848-4037. For those patrons requiring further accommodations, information can be obtained by calling the Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 404 848-5665. In addition, a sign language interpreter will be available at all hearings. If you cannot attend the hearings and want to provide comments you may: (1) leave a message at (404) 848-5299; (2) write to MARTA’s Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324-3330; (3) complete an online Comment Card at www.itsmarta.com; (4) email to custserv@itsmarta.com; (5) or fax your comments no later than May 24, 2019 to (404) 848-4179. All citizens of the City of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton and Gwinnett whose interests are affected by the subjects to be considered at these hearings are hereby notified and invited to appear at said times and places and present such evidence, comment or objection as their interests require. Jeffrey A. Parker, General Manager/CEO
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MAY 10, 2019 • PAGE 5
Grand Prize recipient Imani Sylvain poses for a picture with Congressman Hank Johnson and Octavius Terry after being announced as the grand prize winner of the 2019 art competition.
Congressman Hank Johnson addresses a crowd of parents, teachers, students and other members of the community at his 2019 Congressional Art Competition reception in Stone Mountain. Photos provided.
Rep. Hank Johnson awards nearly $70,000 in art scholarships
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n April 27 at his Congressional Arts reception, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced the winners of his 2019 Congressional Arts Competition at the ART Station Theatre in Stone Mountain. Four students were awarded college scholarships worth more than $69,000. The grand prize winner was Imani Sylvain, a South Gwinnett High School senior. Sylvain earned a fouryear scholarship worth $12,000 a year, to attend the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) for her “My Brother’s Keeper” color pencil and sharpie paint piece. She will travel to Washington, D.C., in June to see her work displayed at the U.S. Capitol, where it will hang for a year with other Congressional Art Challenge
winners from around the country. First runner-up was Angel Ahuabue, a junior at Parkview High School. Ahuabue won a $12,000 scholarship to the Art Institute of Atlanta for her “White Only” photograph. Her work will be displayed in Congressman Johnson’s district office for a year. Second runner-up went to Immanuel Sheffield, a junior at Camp Jewel House STEM School. Sheffield was awarded a $7,500 scholarship to the Art Institute of Atlanta for his “The eye of yah” pencils and pens piece. Third runner-up was Isabella Hernandez, a senior at Parkview High School in Gwinnett County. She was awarded a $3,500 scholarship to The Art Institute of Atlanta
for her “Looking Back” charcoal piece. Congressman Johnson’s District Office will also display the work of Sheffield and Hernandez for a year. Since 2007, Congressman Johnson has awarded more than $400,000 in arts scholarships to Fourth District students. “The arts are extremely important for our young people. Today’s art represents the freedom our students have to express their feelings and emotions in whatever medium they choose,” said Congressman Johnson. “When you think about it, this competition should gratifying to all of us because these young artists are sharing their lives with us.” Nearly 40 high school students from throughout the district submitted artwork competing for the four
scholarships. Judges for the 2019 Art Competition were: Rob Turner, City of Stonecrest Councilman, Meg Williams, High Museum of Art Coordinator of School and Techer Teacher Services, Bob Trammell, State House Minority Leader, Kendra Price, Emory University Government Affairs Manager; and David Cardwell, III, an artist and student at Georgia State University. All art competition students were also recognized by celebrity stylist Octavius Terry, who now serves as the Fashion Program Coordinator and Professional Fashion Designer at the Art Institute of Atlanta. The Champion Theme Middle School Jazz Ensemble performed throughout the reception and received an honor from the Congressman for their participation in the event.
PAGE 6 • MAY 10, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale to host employment summit June 7
Photos: The Pointe1 and The Pointe2
UGA students’ restoration project brightens Olde Town Conyers CONYERS—The Pointe in Olde Town Conyers has colorful new signs, thanks to students enrolled in the University of Georgia’s Lamar Dodd School of Art. The students worked with the Conyers-Rockdale Council for the Arts, in partnership with the city of Conyers, to restore vintage signs on the building at 939 Railroad Street. The students worked on the project as part of UGAs “Color the World Bright” program. The Pointe, built in 1925, was formerly a locally-owned furniture warehouse, a mill owned by the Georgia Railroad, an antiques store, and has been the home of the bar/ tavern, The Pointe, since 2007. Three sides of the building’s exterior feature Coca-Cola advertisements along with Walker-Owens Furniture signage, the name of the former
furniture warehouse. Students of Professor Joseph Norman restored the “ghost signs” after previously completing similar projects in Madison and Greensboro, Georgia. The restoration of the exterior signs took place on the weekend of April 27-28. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the city and the Dodd art students to restore these iconic signs on such a signature, landmark building in Olde Town Conyers,” said Conyers-Rockdale Council for the Arts Executive Director Shelli Siebert. “The Coca-Cola logo is so distinctive and many may not know that Conyers was once home to a Coca-Cola bottling facility, so we are quite fortunate to have this opportunity to restore signage that speaks to our community’s history.” Siebert was instrumental in co-
ordinating with several businesses and organizations to donate in-kind goods and services to bring the project to fruition including: Premier Platforms, Fieldstone Center, Inc., Cowan ACE Hardware (Green Street location), the Rockdale County Fire Department, the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, and Microtel Conyers. “Art is a vital part of any community’s downtown and this restoration project demonstrates that Conyers supports the arts and the story it tells of our past, present and future to residents and visitors,” said Mayor Vince Evans. “This was a fun project and partnership with the UGA School of Art that will impact Olde Town Conyers for some time as this landmark building has been brought back to life in a vibrant way.”
Rockdale County is hosting the 2019 Rockdale Employment Summit on Friday, June 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Salem High School, 3551 Underwood Road, S.E., Conyers. The job fair will include a mobile career lab that will assist with resume building and job training. The event also will have services for veterans as well as training and employment information concerning Rockdale Works. The summit will offer record restriction services. Persons who have been arrested in Rockdale but were not convicted may be eligible to have their arrest record restricted and potentially sealed by the courts for free. Applications for record restriction should be submitted online by visiting www.rockdaleclerk.com/ restriction. The deadline for online applications to be submitted is May 15, 2019. All applicants must be present at Salem High School on June 7 to receive their results packet. A state-issued photo ID is required for an applicant to receive their results packet. For more information about the job fair, call 770-278-7582 or email Claudette Rancifer at: claudette.rancifer@rockdalecountyga. gov. For more information about record restriction, call 770-2787903 or email recordrestriction@ rockdalecountyga.gov.
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MAY 10, 2019 • PAGE 7
TINY HOMES continued from page 1
Rockdale Constitutional Corner Grand Jury vs. Trial Jury:
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
By Ruth A. Wilson Clerk of Courts Georgia is among the states that use a grand jury system to decide whether to pursue criminal charges against a suspect. The purpose of the grand jury is to consider the evidence presented and decide whether there is enough probable cause (evidence) to indict someone for the charged crime. Generally, a Rockdale citizen age 18 or older who has not been convicted of a felony, not an office holder and not mentally incompetent is qualified to serve. No one is exempt because of his or her job, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or economic status. Service is for three months, but usually need to meet only one day per month. Rockdale grand jurors receive the same pay as trial jurors, $25 per day of service. The Rockdale Judicial Circuit empanels a grand jury of between 16 and 23 members to hear testimony to determine if there is enough evidence to indict, i.e., charge someone and move a case to trial. Some states use preliminary hearings to accomplish the same ends, with a judge making the decision instead of average citizens. The Rockdale Clerk of Courts uses software to randomly select names from a list of potential grand jurors. The Clerk then issues a summons to appear for jury duty. The grand jury, during its three month term, may hear several cases. Usually, the grand jury rules on cases involving serious felonies including capital offenses, ones punishable by death. Their work is done in secret, and unlike with preliminary hearings, grand jury hearings are closed to the public. This allows witnesses to speak honestly without fear of reprisal or censure. These proceedings also protect the reputations of defendants. Should the grand jury decide not to issue an indict-
ment, there is no negative publicity. Grand jury proceedings are more casual than courtroom cases as seen on television. There is no judge, and typically no lawyers other than the prosecutor. Grand juries need a supermajority (12 or more), but not a unanimous decision, to issue what is called a "true bill," which means an indictment. If they don't concur, then a "no bill" is issued. If the grand jury returns a no bill, prosecutors can make their case again to a new grand jury. If two consecutive grand juries return a no bill, prosecutors can't try a third time. Defendants rarely appear before the grand jury, but anyone who is under suspicion of committing a crime or has been arrested should contact a defense attorney. Should a true bill be returned, your criminal defense will need to begin immediately. Trial juries are impaneled for the length of just one trial. You do not need any special skills or legal knowledge to be a juror. All you need is an open mind and a readiness to work with the other jurors to make decisions. You also need to be impartial — in other words, your decisions must not be influenced by personal feelings and biases. Trial jurors can hear both civil and criminal cases. Even though there are a few differences between civil and criminal courts, the role of the jury generally remains the same. Trial Jury selection narrows through a process called “voir dire.” It is used by the courts to obtain an unbiased group of people who are truthful and will deliver a clear and just judgment. This basically means that if you are called for jury duty, you will go through a questioning process. This weeds out those who might have connections to the case preventing them from having an unbiased opinion. So even if you're summoned for jury duty, you might not actually hear a case. Juries continue to be important to the justice system. Jurors determine the facts of the evidence in the case presented to them. Jury duty is an opportunity to serve the community. We in the court system appreciate your service and will try to make your experience as pleasant as possible. When you are summoned, respond promptly. DO NOT IGNORE YOUR SUMMONS. If you have questions, concerns or special circumstances, just give us a call and we will do our best to work with you. Our Jury Team is here to serve you at 770-278-7902
“We’re creating our future world,” said Terry. “We are proud to partner with the MicroLife Institute on this innovative new approach to housing. “We recognize that the past 50 years of urban sprawl has segregated communities, contributed to global warming, and exacerbated housing inequality. By experimenting and innovating with new development ordinances, we are able to allow a greater range of housing options.” The homes will range from $100K to $110K and are expected to get under way immediately, Terry said. “People who are interested will have a chance to see what they look like inside. Developers are looking at having the new owners to have an open house so that others can see them,” said Terry. Clarkston currently has a high percentage of rental properties, with primarily 1970s-era apartment complexes accounting for more than 80% of the city’s existing housing stock. “The approval of this project represents a move towards achieving one of the top prioritized in our 2040 comprehensive plan –– increasing stability in our housing market by providing more homeownership opportunities,” Council member Jamie Carroll said. “I hope that other cities will look at our tiny home ordinance and this development and see that it is possible to create a housing landscape that allows for home ownership to come in all shapes and sizes.” The developer, MicroLife Institute, is an Atlanta-based nonprofit working to create micro-communities. “This project will be a proof of concept for us,” MicroLife Institute co-founder Kim Bucciero said. “There is a lot of interest and movement towards tiny homes and cottage homes, but many developers are hesitant to enter the market. Our hope is that this project will encourage other municipalities and private developers to experiment with new, innovate development paradigms and learn from this great case study.” The development comes nearly 14 months after the passage of the city’s tiny-home ordinance. Known as the most ethnically diverse square mile in America, Clarkston is noted for its welcoming policies for immigrants and refugees, and it’s compassionate approach to governing. Clarkston is noted for being the first city in Georgia to raise the minimum wage to $15/hour for city employees, making Election Day a holiday, and decriminalizing simple marijuana possession. The city has also enacted the strictest indoor smoking ordinance in the state, a public health measure to reduce secondhand smoke related illness in Clarkston. The city is currently working on innovative new models around civilian led policing, tiny house developments and micro-farming, and recently committed to a goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050. To learn more about the tiny homes project, visit https://www.microlifeinstitute.org/clarkston
STONECREST continued from page 1
was the vision of Mayor Jason Lary—to empower citizens, to make progress and change for the things that are important to your families and to your community,” Debra Lary said The video of the State of the City address and more photos may be viewed at www.ocgnews. com.
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Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
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PAGE 8 • MAY 10, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
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