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VOLUME 25, NUMBER 27
OCTOBER 4, 2019
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Mirtha V. Ramos to lead DeKalb Police Department
CEO Thurmond appoints Mirtha Ramos as DeKalb’s new Police Chief City of Stonecrest inks deal to purchase former Sears building for city’s Public Safety headquarters
T
he Stonecrest City Council approved the purchase of the former Sears building at The Mall At Stonecrest at a special-called meeting on Oct. 3. The city is spending $2.1 million for the building, which it plans to use for a public safety building it hopes to share with DeKalb County’s Police Department. Mayor Jason Lary said the purchase, which will be funded by the city’s SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) includes two buildings—the 142,000-squarefoot Sears building and its
15,000-square-foot tire and battery center. “I am so elated that we got it done. Public safety has been our No. 1 priority and now we will have our own facility. Our plan is to combine our forces with DeKalb County so we can properly cover the Stonecrest area,” said Lary, who led negotiating the terms of the deal. Lary said the city has been working on the purchase for two months. The City Council approved sending $105,000 in earnest money to Sears, Roebuck and Co. for the
purchase of the building and to start the 60-day due diligence process. T. Dallas Smith & Company is handling the transaction on behalf of the city and is sending the funds on Oct. 4, Lary said. “We expect the facility will be a functioning police precinct by the second quarter of next year,” said Lary. Stonecrest City Councilman Jimmy Clanton, who represents District 1 where the Sears building is located, said he was pleased with the contract. The purchase, he said,
SEE STONECREST page 7
Judge dismisses RCG Ventures’ lawsuit against city of Stonecrest DeKalb Superior Court Judge Asha F. Jackson has dismissed RCG Ventures’ lawsuit against the City of Stonecrest, upholding the city’s denial of a SLUP (special land use permit) for a Popeye’s Chicken drivethrough at 8200 Mall Parkway. RCG was seeking to build a drive-through Popeye’s restaurant in the plaza where Panera Bread is located. The city denied a special land use permit that would have permitted the drive-through at the location, after an uproar from community residents who opposed it. Mayor Jason Lary, who vowed to stand by the community, said he was pleased with the court’s decision. “Our citizens expressed that they didn’t want this and we were successful in court,” said Lary, who attended the court hearing. “There will be no more chicken houses in Stonecrest or Dollar stores. The community has said it does not want any more of these types of businesses in the city.” The suit was filed on June 13. Attorney Emily E. Macheski-Preston, partner for Coleman Talley LLP who represented the city, received the court’s final order on Sept. 24. The order stated that the city’s planning staff substantiated that the SLUP for the drive-through was
not consistent with the needs of the neighborhood and was not compatible with other properties and land uses in the district. “The neighborhood already had a proliferation of drive-through restaurants and the citizens had a desire to become more pedestrian friendly….Many of the surrounding neighbors also emphasized their desire to have sit-down, more pedestrian friendly and healthier options in their neighborhood,” Judge Jackson stated. Macheski-Preston said RCG Ventures has 30 days to file an appeal.
DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has appointed Mirtha V. Ramos as chief of the DeKalb County Police Department, effective Nov. 4. Ramos, who is leaving the Miami-Dade, Florida Police Department, was selected after a nationwide search was conducted to replace former Police Chief James Conroy, who retired in April and then accepted a job as police chief of Roswell. Ramos will be responsible for leading nearly 800 sworn police officers and 110 civilian employees, and managing the police department’s $95.1 million budget. “Chief Ramos has embraced community policing as an effective tool to reduce crime and improve public safety,” said Thurmond. “She is an innovative leader who brings a wealth of experience, training and professionalism to this important position. I am confident that our new police chief will dedicate herself to advancing DeKalb County’s public safety priorities.” The county’s top public safety priorities include: • Enhancing ongoing efforts to recruit, train and retain qualified police officers. • Expanding law enforcement and community-building initiatives designed to interrupt the cycle of gun violence and illegal gang activity. • Strengthening partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to reinforce DeKalb County’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and residents. Ramos, a 22-year veteran of the Miami-Dade Police Department, rose through the ranks and has held several leadership positions including division chief, major and captain. As police division chief forboth the North Operations and Special Investigations Divisions, Ramos was responsible for leading one of Miami-Dade Police Department’s largest divisions, consisting of 1,047
SEE CHIEF page 7
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4-year-old hit by stray bullet, DeKalb Police offering $5,000 reward The DeKalb County Police Department is offering a $5,000 reward for help in identifying the suspect or suspects responsible for gunfire that wounded a 4-year-old girl that was hit by a stray bullet that entered her home on Oct. 3. The shooting took place at the Eastwyck Village apartments in Decatur at 3 a.m. A stray bullet struck the child in her foot, police said. She was taken to a local hospital and treated for injuries that were not considered life-threatening, authorities said. Public Safety Director Jack Lumpkin called the shooting “senseless and reckless.” “The entire DeKalb County community is appalled by this senseless and reckless act of violence,” said Public Safety Director Jack Lumpkin. “The DeKalb County Police Department is reaching out to the community for help to find the person responsible for this crime.” The Oct. 3 shooting was one of two in the metro Atlanta area where victims were shot by stray bullets fired into their homes. An 18-year-old student was killed when a stray bullet came through a wall and struck her as she slept. Anyone with information about the shooting incident at Eastwyck Village apartments should contact the DeKalb County Police Department at 770-7247850 or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477).
MARTA Police locate suspect in train assault in Alabama The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Police Department has made an arrest in the Aug. 17 assault aboard an eastbound train near Georgia State Station. After an extensive investigation, Bernard Edward Daniel, 31, of Talladega, Alabama, was identified as the suspect. MARTA Police obtained arrest warrants for the charges of Battery, Kidnapping, False Imprisonment, and Robbery by Force. MARTA police worked with the U.S. Marshal Southeast Regional Task Force to locate Daniel in Talladega, Alabama on Sept. 12 and arrested on the above warrants by the Gulf Coast U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force until the extradition paperwork was completed. Daniel was transported to the Fulton County jail to await court proceedings. “I am happy that this violent offender is off the street and will face justice for the crimes that he committed against an innocent man,” said MARTA Police Chief Wanda Y. Dunham. The case will be turned over to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution.
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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.
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OCTOBER 4, 2019 • PAGE 3
DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Johnson to host October Town Hall meetings DeKalb County District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson will hold an October Town Hall series entitled “Protecting Our Right to Vote.” Topics discussed in Mereda Davis Johnson the two-meeting series will be the importance of voting, voter registration and how to get involved with the election process with a presentation from DeKalb NAACP President Teresa Hardy. “Our right to vote is very precious and it is imperative that we ensure that all citizens are aware of the election process and how they can become involved right here in their local county,” Commissioner Davis Johnson said. The town hall meetings will be held: • Tuesday, Oct. 8, 6 p.m., Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest, with State Rep. Vernon Jones (GA–91) providing a legislative update. • Thursday, Oct. 10, 6 p.m., at Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Stonecrest, with State Rep. Doreen Carter (GA–92) providing a legislative update. The DeKalb County Census Committee will make a presentation about the upcoming Census and DeKalb’s plan to increase the count in hard-to-count communities. For more information, contact the Office of Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson at 404-371-2159 or visit www. commissionermeredajohnson.com.
CHECK OUT SOME OF MAYOR JASON LARY’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN ONLY TWO YEARS Zero City Taxes *Zero City Taxes *Zero City Taxes Paved 19 roads including Turner Hill, Rockland, Klondike, and Thompson Mill using SPLOST Relocated the Caribbean Festival and Jerk Fest to Stonecrest which generates more than $10 million annually Acquired nine parks from DeKalb County Purchased 66 acres off Fairington Parkway to build a police precinct and recreation center Completely renovated Browns Mill Recreation Center Purchased land at Salem and Evans Mill Roads to control traffic and build a park Demolished abandoned hotel at the mall and two structures on Browns Mill to prepare for redevelopment Manage and operate city budget from business license fees, franchise fees, hotel/motel taxes, insurance premiums, film shoot revenues and alcohol taxes as a full-time mayor Formed an aggressive Code Enforcement Department and created a municipal court to resolve violations Revitalized marketing of the industrial parks to attract light manufacturing, distribution, and clean energy businesses Completed the City’s Comprehensive Plan Developed and appointed every city board with Stonecrest residents to promote citizen involvement Partnered with East Metro CID (Community Improvement District) for interstate and citywide beautification projects Paid for by the Committee to Elect Jason Lary for Mayor
Angela Venable is the first licensed drone pilot on the city’s staff. Photo provided.
City of Stonecrest announces new drone pilot, responds to Diane Adoma’s criticism The City of Stonecrest recently announced that it now has its own licensed drone pilot— Angela Venable, a staff member of the city’s Communications Department. Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary honored Venable as the first licensed drone pilot on city staff at the Sept. 23 City Council meeting, applauding her leadership in moving the city forward. “One of the things we believe here at Stonecrest is that we grow and promote our own. I think that’s the best thing you can do with regards to seeing people personally aspire, move up with their own goals and serve their city at the same time. It just doesn’t get any better than that,” said Lary. Drones, or unmanned aircrafts, are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration and are required to be operated by
licensed operators. In addition to passing the initial aeronautical knowledge exam, candidates must be at least 16 years old; be able to read, speak, write, and understand English; be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone and must be easily accessible by the remote pilot during all Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations. Certificate holders must pass a recurrent knowledge test every two years. Venable said while the drone industry is dominated by males, she was proud to be the only woman to take the test the day she received her certification on Sept. 11. While the course itself was just 15 hours, Venable said the exam was comprised of various subjects including physics, geography, weather, maps and math equations. “It’s not an easy test and I
SEE DRONE page 7
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DeKalb’s iFit in the Park Festival set Oct. 12
First Afrikan Church to host Stonecrest mayoral debate Oct. 7 The Stonecrest Citizens Coalition, First Afrikan Church Community Action Team and South DeKalb Improvement Association Education Committee will host the Stonecrest Mayoral Race Debate on Monday, Oct. 7, at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at the First Afrikan Church, 5197 Salem Road, Stonecrest. For more information, contact the coalition at 770-484-1652 or email sccga0118@gmail.com.
Federation to host debate for Conyers City Council candidates The 4th Congressional Federation of Democratic Women will host a debate for candidates running for the Conyers City Council. The debate will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m., at Macedonia Baptist Church, 1052 Barton St. N.W., Conyers. The community is encouraged to meet the candidates and learn about their qualifications, platforms and viewpoints.
Rockdale Chairman Nesbitt to host final “Shop Talk” forum of 2019
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DeKalb offers residents free disposal at landfill Oct. 19 The DeKalb County Sanitation Division will host the Third Annual Landfill Amnesty Day event on Saturday, Oct. 19, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the county-owned Seminole Road Landfill, 4203 Clevemont Road, Ellenwood. Residents will have an opportunity to dispose of bagged garbage, yard trimmings, tree parts, bulky items such as furniture and small and large appliances, special collection items such as tires, and construction and demolition materials such as carpet and fencing. No hazardous materials will be accepted. No commercial participation will be allowed. Residents are limited to 10 tires per vehicle. Participation is free and open only to DeKalb County residents. Proof of DeKalb County residency is required. For more information, contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404-294-2900 or sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Hops at the History Center to present “Prohibition in Atlanta” authors
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. will host the last Shop Talk forum of 2019 on Saturday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Classic Cutz Barbershop, 1955 Highway 138 N.E., Suite 700, Conyers. The 4th event in this year’s series will feature the following speakers to answer questions and concerns: Sherri Washington, Post 1 Commissioner Tisa Smart-Washington, Rockdale County Tax Commissioner Betty Maddox, Grieving Relatives In Every Violent Event (G.R.I.E.V.E.) Terry Battle, Grieving Relatives In Every Violent Event (G.R.I.E.V.E.) Shop Talk is a grass-roots forum that provides an opportunity for community residents to meet and have dialogue with government officials and other county leaders.
Visit metrofairhousing.com
DeKalb Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host an iFit in the Park Fitness Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1400 McConnell Drive, Decatur. The festival is open to all ages and will feature sporting games and fitness demonstrations led by trained professionals, nutritional and healthcare vendors, music and more. The festival is designed to educate and provide a full-body workout that can build strength and reduce stress. Participants are encouraged to bring a towel and water.
Similar to many other cities during the time of Prohibition, there was a vast distribution network of alcohol flowing through the streets of Atlanta through the 1920s. Along with illegal liquor, issues of classism, racism and anti-immigrant sentiment overtook the city and lingered even after the state repealed its prohibition laws. Prohibition in Atlanta details the in-depth history of Atlanta during the time of Prohibition and the aftereffects experienced into present day. Join authors Ron Smith and Mary O. Boyle as they discuss their book, “Prohibition in Atlanta: Temperance, Tiger Kings & White Lightning” at the Hops at the History Center. Books will be available for purchase. The event takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse (2nd floor), 101 E. Court Square, Decatur.
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OCTOBER 4, 2019 • PAGE 5
DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Johnson raises $5,000 to fight sex trafficking in DeKalb
O
n Tuesday, Oct, 1, DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson announced a $5,000 grant in support of Tabitha’s House, an organization focused on eradicating teen sex trafficking in the State of Georgia. Davis Johnson raised the funds with the support of Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority, Southern Company, Emory Hospital, The
Collaborative Firm and DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry. “Sex trafficking is real and we must do all that we can to address it,” Commissioner Davis Johnson said. “This is a tragedy that is taking place in our back yard, we must not stand for it and it is up to us to make a difference in the lives of these young people.”
Pictured left to right: Lithonia Mayor Deborah A. Jackson, Tabitha’s House Executive Director Margie Gill and Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson.
Judge Phinia Aten to lead Rockdale legal Census count
DeKalb welcomes new Youth Commission members The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners recently inducted new members to the DeKalb County Youth Commission, a year-long leadership program designed to educate high school students about local government. The 2019-2020 youth commission class includes students from 12 of the county’s 22 high schools. To date, approximately 300 students have completed the program. Youth Commission participants receive community leadership training, learn about
how local government operates, and interact with government officials. DeKalb County high school students complete a competitive selection process in order to be named to the commission. The program is managed by the DeKalb Human Services Department, Office of Youth Services. To learn more, contact JaShawn Williams, Youth Services Coordinator, at 404-687-7108 or jrWilliams@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Rockdale County Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten has been appointed by the Rockdale Board of Commissioners to lead the County’s Census Count CourtSide Subcommittee. She has begun recruiting local lawyers, legal professionals and concerned citizens to assist the group’s efforts to bring awareness, Rockdale County Chief education and increased census Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten count rates. “We are looking for other trusted community voices in the legal field who encounter high volumes of residents in their work and community service. We plan to implement highly-effective strategies to boost our participation numbers,” said Judge Aten. “The U.S. Census is rooted in our constitution and there are thousands of community connections that our courts have each year inside and outside of the courthouse. Therefore, it is a natural extension of the justice system to assist with the census count campaign afoot.” Those who are interested in volunteering may contact magct@rockdalecountyga.gov.
LOCAL HVAC FIRM SET TO MANAGE A $15 MILLION LOAN FUND Financing available for homeowners and churches to update their HVAC Units The National Sustainable Energy Group (NSEG), a leading, minority-owned Carrier and Bryant HVAC firm, has been selected to manage an $15 million HVAC Loan Fund. NSEG will be responsible for offering HVAC financing options for homeowners and churches within the faithbased community impacted by the Environmental Protection Agency’s phase-out of the R-22 refrigerant, commonly known as freon. Due to the 2020 deadline of the mandate, the cost of freon is expected to increase by as much as 500% over the next three months. Homeowners that have older model HVAC units are urged to contact NSEG for a free HVAC evaluation. The new refrigerant, R410A, will not work in the older, freon-based units. “This will be a game changer within the HVAC industry for homeowners and local churches across the Metro Atlanta area” said Percy Brooks, Founder and CEO of the NSEG. “We will start the program in South DeKalb and Rockdale Counties.” The cities will include: Lithonia, Stone Mountain, City of Stonecrest, Conyers, Ellenwood, and Decatur. According to Brooks, NSEG has established a solid track record of providing affordable HVAC services in this area, with over 85% of clients being African American female homeowners. The firm also provides services for senior citizens and veteran homeowners. NSEG’s goal is to now meet with over 100 churches across the Metro within the next six months as well. Additionally, the HVAC Loan Fund has the capacity to assist qualifying homeowners with a RentTo-Own (RTO) financing without a credit check. Brooks states that NSEG looks forward to providing our HVAC financing and sales to homeowners and churches affected by the major shift toward global preservation. For additional information, please contact Percy Brooks at 404-218-6445 or email at percybrooks.meb@live.com Website address: www.hvachomesystem.com
DRIVE YOUR CAREER FORWARD Looking for a new career? Interested in starting a trucking business or adding to your fleet? Then I have great news for you. Penske Used Trucks is hosting a job fair and truckfest on Saturday, October 12th from 10am to 2pm. Stop by and speak with recruiters about potential career opportunities at Penske. Just getting your career started? No problem. Recruiters from Georgia’s top technical institutes and driving academies will also be there. That’s not all! Whether you’re looking to purchase, lease or rent our trucks, representatives will be on-site to assist! We will have more than 120 trucks on display. Come on out for free food, prizes and giveaways! Don’t miss out, visit us Saturday October 12th at 1418 Dogwood Dr Southwest in Conyers.
PAGE 6 •OCTOBER 4, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
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OCTOBER 4, 2019 • PAGE 7
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STONECREST continued from page 1
spent countless hours studying after work and during any spare time,” said Venable. Despite the city’s push to compete on a global scale, former City Councilwoman Diane Adoma, who is running for mayor, criticized the action, saying the city is using drones for surveillance without a city policy. The following statements were pulled exactly from a post made on Adoma’s social media post: “Yes, I am concerned we flying drones for surveillance with NO city policy. Who is collecting it and why? How is it being used? Who is liable for accidents etc. “I think spending $40,000 for this is Screen shot from Diane Adoma’s social media post a waste when we haven’t broke ground on a significant project,” Adoma stated. Adrion Bell, the city’s communication director, defended the city’s efforts in using the latest technology, issuing the following statement to On Common Ground News: “It is reckless and irresponsible for anyone to say that we are using drones for surveillance without a city policy. We don’t need a city policy for a drone. We have federal laws to guide and protect us and citizens from illegal surveillance. Citizens have a reasonable expectation of privacy that is covered by the Fourth Amendment. Considering our mission, spending time drafting a city policy for one licensed pilot would be another waste of taxpayers’ dollars. “Our drone is not used for any type of surveillance. We purchased a drone to document economic and residential development, both for news and historical purposes. We spent under $2,000 for the equipment and the training.” Bell cited the new Chrysler dealership that is under construction on Mall Parkway, Arabia Mountain and the Allen Estate, as examples of the types of usage for the city’s drone coverage. “We have both eye level and sky level drone coverage of the new Chrysler Dealership on Mall Parkway, Arabia Mountain and the South River, and the Bill Allen Estate. Drone footage of those sites were contracted and used for the city’s welcome video on our web site,” said Bell. “It made sense for us to have one of our own staff members licensed rather than to continue contracting services.” Bell said the city now has the capability to shoot annual events held in the city with drone coverage. He cited the Caribbean Fest and Stonecrest Fest as some of the events. “We’re able to review and document attendance. The drone coverage is an account in the air. We can take pictures of parades, areas in Arabia Mountain and other events so we can provide information to citizens,” Bell said.
provides additional options for public safety and economic development. “The Sears building for me is an opportunity to bring public safety closer to the city of Stonecrest. One of the problems that many merchants face is theft and often, these crimes go unprosecuted because they don’t have time to run to Decatur and fill out paperwork. Having a police precinct and court at the mall will help alleviate those trips,” Clanton said. “This facility will help address not only public safety concerns but provide economic help for our city. We’re now doing something about some of the abandoned buildings. We are at the table and my hopes are that DeKalb will be on board with us.” The mayor said the city plans to post the contract on the city’s web site on Oct. 4.
CHIEF continued from page 1 employees in four police districts, including the Miami International Airport and Special Patrol Bureau. Her responsibilities also included oversight of the Homeland Security, Economic Crimes, Warrants, Narcotics, and Governmental Services bureaus. Ramos fostered positive partnerships with the Miami-Dade community through crime prevention and awareness programs. She was instrumental in growing Miami-Dade’s Youth Outreach Unit, an innovative, researchbased community-oriented policing initiative focused on trust-building, partnerships and crime prevention. “Chief Ramos has the knowledge, skill and abilities to develop and sustain strong partnerships that reduce crime,” said Public Safety Director Jack Lumpkin. “DeKalb County has the right person at the right time.” Ramos holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Lynn University and a master’s degree in psychology of leadership from Penn State. She also attended the International Association of Chiefs of Police Women’s Leadership Institute. A native of Philadelphia, Pa., Ramos is a Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy graduate and member of the Miami-Dade County Association of Chiefs of Police. A formal presentation introducing Chief Ramos will be held on Monday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m. at the Manuel J. Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur.
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PAGE 8 •OCTOBER 4, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM