Long Range Planning

Newsletter

October | 2024

Mission Statement

To advance a long range vision of a livable, equitable, sustainable, beautiful, and prosperous DeKalb County through the implementation of adopted plans, policies, and partnerships. 

October 2024 Newsletter

Georgia Tech School of City and Regional Planning Fall Reception; pictured, James Burge

Welcome to our latest newsletter! We have some updates regarding some of our projects, as well as information regarding upcoming events.


In this edition, we highlight upcoming an exciting opportunity for the community to learn about planning as well as provide updates to our ongoing projects.

Get ready to Vote



November 05, 2024, is Election Day! We ask everyone to be prepared by either registering to vote or by confirming their voting status. You can also find out more information about DeKalb County Election Information here.

Public Hearing Agendas & Information


Stay informed about current zoning cases in DeKalb County.


Click here!

Key Dates

South DeKalb Transit Hub Initiative Community Meeting

  • In-Person Open House -Tuesday, October 8, 2024

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm at Stonecrest City Hall

  • Virtual Open House - Thursday, October 10, 2024

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm on Zoom


EMBARC Youth Farm Fall Festival

October 12, 2024, from 2 PM - 6 PM

Parking available at East DeKalb Senior Center


World Planning Day feat. the DeKalb Green New Deal Festival

Saturday, November 09, 2024, 10 AM - 2 PM

178 Sams St, Decatur, GA 30030

RSVP HERE


Planning 101 at Covington Library

Monday, September 16, 2024


Our team had the wonderful opportunity to speak with the community about what our team does and understand the basics of planning in their community.

Knowledge Quest


Take control of all things Zoning, Permitting, Business License, and more with this new guide!


We encourage everyone to explore the guide and learn about the different processes in Planning & Sustainability.

Explore more!

Join us for this Amazing Event!

Join DeKalb County Planning and Sustainability department, Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry, and 20+ other organizations for a day of education, celebration, and action at our family-friendly World Planning Day featuring the DeKalb Green New Deal Festival! Enjoy live music, food trucks, eco-friendly workshops, and inspiring connections centered on community building and environmental justice. Together, we’re creating a greener future for all!

Learn more and RSVP here!

DeKalb Community Academy

Thank you to everyone who attended the final McNair Community 101 Public Meeting on September 25th at the N.H. Scott Recreation Center. During the meeting, we presented a draft of the McNair Community Action Plan and distributed an interest survey for those interested in becoming McNair Community Ambassadors. The public comment period for the plan is open until Friday, October 18th, at 11:59 PM EST.

 

If you missed the meeting and want to provide commentary OR express interest in becoming a neighborhood ambassador, please visit the Engage DeKalb Project Page. We sincerely appreciate our McNair Steering Committee members and all participants in this pilot program. We look forward to expanding this initiative to nurture more community advocates throughout DeKalb County!

Project Manager

Aprell King

Planner

Email

Visit the Project Page

PathLink Wayfinding

The second public meeting for the PathLink initiative was held virtually on Wednesday, October 2nd at 6:00 PM. At this meeting, staff presented the proposed sign locations, sign renderings, and discussed a timeline for implementation.


Information about this project, alongside a recording of this meeting and more can be found on the Engage DeKalb Project Page!

Visit the Project Page

Project Manager

Tricia Prevost, Planner, AICP

Email

South DeKalb Transit Hub Open House

The South DeKalb Transit Initiative is a comprehensive effort to address current and anticipated needs for high-quality, dependable transit, creating reliable connections where people live, work, and play.​

In-Person Open House

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Stonecrest City Hall

3120 Stonecrest Blvd

Stonecrest, GA 30038​

Register here

https://form.jotform.com/242604528203045


Virtual Open House

Thursday, October 10, 2024

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Zoom Meeting

Register here:

https://bit.ly/3TqGaPW


DeKalb Community Atlas

Explore planning and transportation initiatives, as well as key demographics of our census tracts in our new platform DeKalb Community Atlas


Available maps and data include a Permit and Application tracker, SPLOST Projects, Community profiles, Housing and Income Statistics, Economics, and more.


Feedback is greatly appreciated. Comments can be submitted on the DeKalb Community Atlas "Comments and Feedback" tab.

Visit our Website

Project Manager

Campbell Casseb

GIS Specialist

Engage DeKalb

Engage DeKalb is Planning and Sustainability's community engagement platform!


With Engage DeKalb, community members can actively participate by taking part in surveys, sharing ideas, and staying up to date with ongoing projects in the community.


Some current projects include Short Term Rentals Text Amendment, Special Event Facilities Text Amendment, Global City-Memorial Drive Community Revitalization Plan, and more!

Visit our Website

Project Manager

Nicole Marchant

Administrative Specialist

Email

Stay Informed about Partner Projects

I-285 Express Lanes Transit Study

The I-285 Express Lanes Transit study is a regional collaboration that explores how new express lanes along the I-285 corridor could be used to provide a premium transit service, enhancing connectivity and transportation options in the Atlanta region.


The study area extends along I-285 between the I-20 east and west interchanges, spanning from H.E. Holmes to Indian Creek MARTA stations.


Learn more and stay informed by visiting the webpage below.

Visit our Website

DeKalb County Trail and Greenway Master Plan

DeKalb County is working to connect its residents and visitors through a countywide interconnected system of trails and greenways. ​


In developing the Trail & Greenway Master Plan, DeKalb County is committed to creating a connected, safe, and accessible trail network throughout DeKalb County. It seeks to provide a sustainable transportation option for all users, promote healthy living, and create a sense of community.


Find out more information and watch the recording of the virtual open house below.

Visit our Website

Redan Road Corridor Scoping Study

DeKalb County is identifying opportunities to transform the Redan Road corridor from a two-lane street to one that accommodates walking, biking, transit, cars, and trucks with improved traffic operations and safety, that supports existing users, economic development, and the planned I-285 Express Lane access. 


The purpose of the scoping study is to identify transportation infrastructure projects that meet community goals and objectives and can be presented to state and regional partners for funding partnerships.

Visit the Project Page

ARC Public Participation Plan 2024 Update

ARC is currently updating the agency’s Public Participation Plan (PPP) in accordance with the federal regulations governing interested parties, participation, and consultation activities of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (23 CFR 450.316).


The PPP will reflect new federal laws, requirements and guidance concerning equity and engagement, and will significantly update and replace ARC’s 2019 Regional Transportation Community Engagement Plan.


Find out more about the plan and provide your input at the project page below.


Visit the Project Page

Sustainability

FALL FESTIVAL


E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm is hosting their 2nd Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 12th from 2 PM - 6 PM.


Parking is available at the East DeKalb Senior Center (2449 Bruce Street, Lithonia, GA 30058.) A shuttle to and from the event will be provided to all attendees.


Our team will attend the event, so we look forward to seeing you there!

View all events hosted by EMBARC Farm

Paper Shredding Event Fall 2024

Saturday, October 19, 2024

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Sanitation Division's Central Transfer Station

3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur, GA 30032


Participation is FREE and open only to DeKalb County residents (proof of residency is required.) Limited to 10 standard-size boxes of documents per vehicle.

View the Flyer

Sustainability Webpage Revamped!


Our team is excited to announce the revitalization of our Sustainability page! The webpage now features different Sustainability Initiatives including Trees and Greenspace, Recycling and Waste Reduction, Clean Energy, and more.


The webpage promises to be an invaluable resource and hub for all things Sustainability in DeKalb County.


We encourage community members to take a look at the webpage.

Check out the Sustainability Webpage

Project Manager

Kathy Reed

Sustainability Coordinator

Email

DeKalb County has collaborated with Trees Atlanta to provide residents of unincorporated DeKalb County with trees for their front yards!



Applications are currently closed for unincorporated DeKalb County. Stay tuned for the new application cycle.

Visit our Website

As part of widespread efforts to improve sustainability in DeKalb County under the Clean Energy Transition Plan, Southface Institute, an Atlanta-based sustainable building nonprofit, is developing an extensive energy transition plan to steer the county towards a future of 100% clean energy.


For a recap of past events and news regarding Clean Energy DeKalb, visit the site below.

Visit our Website

October's Eco-Friendly Tips

Green your Halloween! Here are some ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle this month:


Sustainable Costumes:

  • DIY your costume using clothes and materials you already have at home or check out thrift stores for secondhand finds.
  • Host a costume swap with friends or neighbors to reuse costumes from previous years.

Eco-friendly Decorations:

  • Use natural decorations like pumpkins, gourds, dried corn, or fall leaves. After Halloween, compost them!
  • Get crafty by upcycling old materials such as fabric scraps, paper, or jars to create spooky decor.

Pumpkin Waste:

  • Save the pumpkin seeds for roasting, and use the pumpkin flesh for soups, pies, or other recipes. Compost the rest!

Low-Waste Treats:

  • Opt for treats with minimal packaging, like homemade cookies or bulk candy wrapped in paper bags.
  • If you buy store-bought candy, look for options with recyclable packaging or support brands with eco-friendly practices.


trick_or_treat.jpg

Low-Waste Treats:

  • Opt for treats with minimal packaging, like homemade cookies or bulk candy wrapped in paper bags.
  • If you buy store-bought candy, look for options with recyclable packaging or support brands with eco-friendly practices.

Sustainable Trick-or-Treat Bags:

  • Use reusable bags, pillowcases, or baskets for trick-or-treating instead of single-use plastic buckets or bags.

Energy-Efficient Lighting:

  • Swap traditional light bulbs in your Halloween decorations for solar-powered lights or LED bulbs, which consume less energy.

Donate or Reuse:

  • If you’re not keeping your decorations or costumes, consider donating them for reuse next year or recycling/upcycling where possible.

MARTA Notices and Alerts

ALERT: MARTA Airport Station


As part of its Capital Improvement Program, MARTA is renovating the platform at Brookhaven Station to ensure safety and maintain the Station’s State of Good Repair. Brookhaven Station opened in 1984 and is approaching its 40th birthday. During that time, the pavers on the platform have deteriorated from exposure to the elements and foot traffic. We need to fix it before it affects safety and accessibility for our customers.  

Project Page and Information

ALERT: MARTA East Lake Station


See MARTA’s renewed focus on Service, Experience, and Expansion or SEE.

SEE improved accessibility and safety at East Lake Station as MARTA replaces the north pedestrian bridge.  


The north pedestrian bridge and north parking lot at East Lake Station will be CLOSED from March 15 to Spring 2025 for construction. Customers must use the south parking lot and south pedestrian bridge. Station Soccer will remain open. 

Project Page and Information

Long Range Planning Staff

Long Range Planning staff members are also presented next to their respective projects.

Cedric Hudson

Interim Director

Larry Washington

Planning Manager

Brian Brewer

Planning Administrator

Tony Guilford

Staff Engineer

Email

LaSonji Marshall

Revitalization Coordinator

Email

James Burge

Planner

Email

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