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Proposed Congressional and Legislative Redistricting: Interactive Maps
Country Squire/Burnt Fork Creek Sewer Improvement Project Update
Peachtree Dekalb Airport Proposing Historic Expansion
Plans are currently being considered to dramatically expand Peachtree DeKalb (PDK) Airport. Its proximity to densely populated residential areas already impacts air quality, and adds to noise pollution, relative loss of home values and reduced quality of life. The proposed Master Plan would authorize a 40% increase in numbers of aircraft based at PDK, requiring expansion of the physical infrastructure of the airport.
This expanded facility would primarily benefit wealthy jet owners and corporations, not the residents of Dekalb County, who would suffer increased negative impacts.
If you have concerns about this expansion and what it would do to our quality of life, it is crucial that you sign this petition as soon as possible: https://chng.it/CJ4THKy8Tg
It would also be beneficial if you wrote to our county commissioners to express your concerns.
Please spread the word. More information is available at PDK Watch. If you have further questions, please email PDK Watch Communications Director, Larry Foster.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue.
This expanded facility would primarily benefit wealthy jet owners and corporations, not the residents of Dekalb County, who would suffer increased negative impacts.
If you have concerns about this expansion and what it would do to our quality of life, it is crucial that you sign this petition as soon as possible: https://chng.it/CJ4THKy8Tg
It would also be beneficial if you wrote to our county commissioners to express your concerns.
Please spread the word. More information is available at PDK Watch. If you have further questions, please email PDK Watch Communications Director, Larry Foster.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue.
Shamrock Forest Access via Delcourt Drive
LRSCA is in continuing conversations with DeKalb County Schools District (DCSD) over plans to restore full community access to Shamrock Forest. DCSD has agreed to move the far athletic field fence inward toward Druid Hills Middle School (DHMS), providing room for a 4-5 foot wide walking trail between the fence and the ravine leading down to Burnt Fork Creek. We expect this project to take place over the summer, in conjunction with renovations of the DHMS baseball field.
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LRSCA held our National Night Out from 6-7 pm at University Heights United Methodist, after postponing for rain in October.
We met members of our DeKalb County Police Department North Precinct, including Public Education Specialist Al Fowler, Major Sheirling, Captain Baron, and Lieutenant Sawyer with tips on avoiding and reporting crime. They emphasized how immediate and complete reporting of incidents by calling 911 is the first and most important step that we can take to enhance their effectiveness.
They gave us an update on recent trends in crime in our area and across the municipality, and how we can do our part to prevent being the victim of a crime. They discussed:
· Porch Piracy: this is a year-round issue, although it does increase before the holidays with even more packages being delivered. If you aren’t home to bring in your packages from the front porch, have them delivered to a drop box at a commercial location, such as a gym, grocery store, etc., which are widely available. Customize delivery options with UPS and Fedex, such as identifying a neighbor who can be home to accept deliveries.
· A 90-day crime report for our area, showing that the most frequent incidents for our area are traffic stops. The police are out here patrolling the area, and sometimes those stops lead to arrests for other infractions such as stolen items or an outstanding warrant.
· At gas stations: Don’t leave items in cars such as change, electronics, duffel bags, etc. Make sure cars are locked and as empty as possible if they are in a driveway, on the street, or in a carport.
· When pumping gas, take your keys with you when you get out and lock the car to prevent someone grabbing your purse or bag out of the passenger seat.
· Use and turn on your home alarm system if you have one, and check your secondary contact phone numbers to make sure they are up to date. Run a test with your monitoring company and make sure you have their phone numbers identified that they will call you from if there’s an alarm triggered.
· The various county police departments coordinate with each other to keep a look out for suspects with active warrants.
· Recent concerns with speeding, drag racing, “donuts” in parking lots, etc. are being closely tracked and addressed when possible by a metropolitan wide cross-agency task force. These incidents are a misdemeanor offense. For the safety of the community and police force they will not physically chase them down. It can be helpful for us to provide a tag number and description of the driver and vehicle, including video, so they can identify the offenders and issue a warrant. They are in communication with the new owners of N. DeKalb Mall, asking them to extend the hours of security staff and install additional cameras and concrete barriers in the parking lot
· The more information we can provide, for any crime or incident, the better; however, we should not place ourselves in a harmful situation.
We also heard from board member Carol Hayes with the latest COVID-19 updates.
The good news is that COVID cases are on the decline in DeKalb. Georgia is averaging about 1000 cases/day, down from 8000 cases/day in August.
· The Delta variant is 10x more deadly than the original strain, and 20x more infectious.
· Booster shots are widely available for those over 65 and those with chronic medical conditions.
· The mask mandate in DeKalb County schools has reduced the number of overall cases in the county compared to neighboring counties which do not have mandates.
· Crowded indoor venues, particularly restaurants and bars where there are few masks and loud or close conversations, are still higher risk activities.
We met members of our DeKalb County Police Department North Precinct, including Public Education Specialist Al Fowler, Major Sheirling, Captain Baron, and Lieutenant Sawyer with tips on avoiding and reporting crime. They emphasized how immediate and complete reporting of incidents by calling 911 is the first and most important step that we can take to enhance their effectiveness.
They gave us an update on recent trends in crime in our area and across the municipality, and how we can do our part to prevent being the victim of a crime. They discussed:
· Porch Piracy: this is a year-round issue, although it does increase before the holidays with even more packages being delivered. If you aren’t home to bring in your packages from the front porch, have them delivered to a drop box at a commercial location, such as a gym, grocery store, etc., which are widely available. Customize delivery options with UPS and Fedex, such as identifying a neighbor who can be home to accept deliveries.
· A 90-day crime report for our area, showing that the most frequent incidents for our area are traffic stops. The police are out here patrolling the area, and sometimes those stops lead to arrests for other infractions such as stolen items or an outstanding warrant.
· At gas stations: Don’t leave items in cars such as change, electronics, duffel bags, etc. Make sure cars are locked and as empty as possible if they are in a driveway, on the street, or in a carport.
· When pumping gas, take your keys with you when you get out and lock the car to prevent someone grabbing your purse or bag out of the passenger seat.
· Use and turn on your home alarm system if you have one, and check your secondary contact phone numbers to make sure they are up to date. Run a test with your monitoring company and make sure you have their phone numbers identified that they will call you from if there’s an alarm triggered.
· The various county police departments coordinate with each other to keep a look out for suspects with active warrants.
· Recent concerns with speeding, drag racing, “donuts” in parking lots, etc. are being closely tracked and addressed when possible by a metropolitan wide cross-agency task force. These incidents are a misdemeanor offense. For the safety of the community and police force they will not physically chase them down. It can be helpful for us to provide a tag number and description of the driver and vehicle, including video, so they can identify the offenders and issue a warrant. They are in communication with the new owners of N. DeKalb Mall, asking them to extend the hours of security staff and install additional cameras and concrete barriers in the parking lot
· The more information we can provide, for any crime or incident, the better; however, we should not place ourselves in a harmful situation.
We also heard from board member Carol Hayes with the latest COVID-19 updates.
The good news is that COVID cases are on the decline in DeKalb. Georgia is averaging about 1000 cases/day, down from 8000 cases/day in August.
· The Delta variant is 10x more deadly than the original strain, and 20x more infectious.
· Booster shots are widely available for those over 65 and those with chronic medical conditions.
· The mask mandate in DeKalb County schools has reduced the number of overall cases in the county compared to neighboring counties which do not have mandates.
· Crowded indoor venues, particularly restaurants and bars where there are few masks and loud or close conversations, are still higher risk activities.
N. DeKalb Mall Purchased by Real Estate Developer Edens
Article by Dan Wisenhunt, Decaturish Sep 20,2021
Reminder: On-Street Parking Laws
Good afternoon neighbors,
Thank you for participating in our recent DeKalb County Schools Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP) facilities survey. Your feedback has been summarized and shared with operations officials at DCSD, as well as the administrations at Laurel Ridge Elementary and Druid Hills Middle. We are also providing the results here, so you can see how your thoughts compare to those of your neighbors.
As part of this survey, many of you expressed concerns about the recent track and field closure at Druid Hills Middle. We would like to provide the update that LRSCA has met with DCSD officials on several occasions regarding your concerns. Currently, plans are underway to move the DHMS fenceline closer to the ballfield and track, so a safe walking trail can exist immediately behind the new fence. This will restore access to Shamrock Forest and LRES for those living on Delcourt Drive and in the Country Squire neighborhood. Although we know that many of you also requested access to the track and field itself, this will need to be part of a longer conversation, which will also involve the DeKalb County Parks and Recreation Department. We appreciate your patience as we address your concerns through these negotiations.
Read the survey results here.
If you were unable to complete our CMP survey, feedback can still be provided to the district via their website: https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/comprehensive-master-plan/
Thank you,
LRSCA Board
Comprehensive plan to help define the county’s future
DeKalb County has launched an effort to develop its 2050 Unified Plan. This plan will combine two long-range strategic documents into one: a Comprehensive Transportation Plan which identifies priority transportation projects and policy recommendations, and a Comprehensive Land Use Plan which establishes the framework for future growth and development.
The combined plan will create a more consistent, unified strategy for the county and also will address arts and culture, housing, health and wellness, public safety, sustainability, retail, and annexation policies.
The planning process began in March 2021 with early visioning and an inventory of existing conditions to determine current and future needs within the county. Beginning this summer, the next phase of planning will focus on the intersection of transportation and land use. The recommendations phase of the plan will result in proposed projects and policies to address the needs identified. Final documentation will continue through the fall with a goal of adoption by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners in 2022.
DeKalb County seeks to include every part of its diverse community in the planning effort which will offer a variety of ways for residents to stay involved both virtually and in- person. Additionally, the county has identified multiple stakeholder groups to provide input throughout the process.
For additional information about the project or to take the online survey, visit dekalb2050unifiedplan.com or email 2050unifiedplan@dekalbcountyga.gov.
To follow the conversation on social media use hashtags #ItsInDeKalb or #UnifiedDeKalb.
The combined plan will create a more consistent, unified strategy for the county and also will address arts and culture, housing, health and wellness, public safety, sustainability, retail, and annexation policies.
The planning process began in March 2021 with early visioning and an inventory of existing conditions to determine current and future needs within the county. Beginning this summer, the next phase of planning will focus on the intersection of transportation and land use. The recommendations phase of the plan will result in proposed projects and policies to address the needs identified. Final documentation will continue through the fall with a goal of adoption by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners in 2022.
DeKalb County seeks to include every part of its diverse community in the planning effort which will offer a variety of ways for residents to stay involved both virtually and in- person. Additionally, the county has identified multiple stakeholder groups to provide input throughout the process.
For additional information about the project or to take the online survey, visit dekalb2050unifiedplan.com or email 2050unifiedplan@dekalbcountyga.gov.
To follow the conversation on social media use hashtags #ItsInDeKalb or #UnifiedDeKalb.
Volunteer Work Day
LRSCA held a Volunteer Work Day on Saturday, May 15th to clean the median on N. Druid Hills Ct. A BIG thank you to members Debra Robinson and Mike Pisani, as well as Board Members Carol Hayes, Whitney McGinnis, Dianna Milhollin and Marylee Putnam for all the hard work! Here are a couple of photos that shows the group together as well as all the bags filled with cuttings, weeds, etc.
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COVID-19 Resources
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Under the Gold Dome
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Learn what passed and what did not pass in the 2021 Georgia General Assembly.
Harcourt Traffic Calming Final Approval
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On September 22, 2019, the DeKalb County Commission voted to approve the installation of speed tables on Harcourt Drive, consistent with the wishes of 65%+ of directly impacted residents. LRSCA also petitioned for resurfacing of Harcourt prior to speed table installation. The DeKalb County Commission is expected to vote on the final traffic calming plan for Laurel Ridge Drive at their November 10 meeting. (Signs will be posted on Laurel Ridge Drive with the date, time, and Zoom link for this meeting.) LRSCA is still awaiting additional guidance from the Transportation Department on how to proceed with traffic calming efforts already in progress for Mount Olive Drive and Wilson Woods Drive.
Blueberry and Poinset cul de sac
In response to resident concerns about illegal evening activities taking place in the wooded area near Druid Hills Middle School, LRSCA has asked DeKalb County to install a street light in the Blueberry Trl cul de sac. We have been given the additional option of installing signs to restrict parking in the cul de sacs after dark.
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Protect our pipes! Click here. |
CERT Classes Offered
In 95% of all emergencies, the victim or bystander provides the first immediate assistance on the scene. Would you know what to do?
CERT is a training program that prepares you to help youself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of a disaster. By getting trained in CERT, you will have the skills to help emergency responders save lives and protect property.
Nine-week courses, held once a week, are offered by the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency. For more details, click here.
CERT is a training program that prepares you to help youself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of a disaster. By getting trained in CERT, you will have the skills to help emergency responders save lives and protect property.
Nine-week courses, held once a week, are offered by the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency. For more details, click here.
Protect Yourself from Property Deed Fraud |
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Across the country, homeowners have been finding themselves victims of property deed fraud, where their homes are stolen without their knowledge. Later, probably when they try to sell, they learn that they no longer own the deed to their home. DeKalb County is not immune to this scam.
Property owners are encouraged to register their homes with the Property Fraud Registry Alert System which will notify them any time something is recorded on their property. For more information, please call the Clerk’s Office at 404-687-3812.
Property owners are encouraged to register their homes with the Property Fraud Registry Alert System which will notify them any time something is recorded on their property. For more information, please call the Clerk’s Office at 404-687-3812.
Stay Updated on Neighborhood Watch News
Ann Finley is chairperson for the LRSCA Neighborhood Watch. Please notify Ann of any crimes or safety concerns in the neighborhood, and sign up to receive Neighborhood Watch emails at annfinleyrealtor@annfinley.com.
Please click here for Ms. Finley's latest news.
Ann Finley is chairperson for the LRSCA Neighborhood Watch. Please notify Ann of any crimes or safety concerns in the neighborhood, and sign up to receive Neighborhood Watch emails at annfinleyrealtor@annfinley.com.
Please click here for Ms. Finley's latest news.
Keep LRSCA Beautiful |
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The LRSCA Beautification Committe is requesting that families volunteer to help keep the entrance clean and tidy. Please click here to view the online sign up sheet for "Laurel Ridge Beautification." You can mow and pick up trash at your leisure. Thank you!
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The "SafeDeKalb" Community Risk Reduction Initiative targets emergency response for single-family residential homes that may be occupied by persons who are older, have special needs, or are chronically ill, and may want Fire Rescue to have a safe way to access their private residence in case of an emergency.
Contact Chief Joseph Cox, DeKalb County Fire Marshal at jkcox@dekalbcountyga.gov to find out more about a small wall-mounted "Knox Box" safe that holds keys the Fire Department can retrieve in emergency situations.
Contact Chief Joseph Cox, DeKalb County Fire Marshal at jkcox@dekalbcountyga.gov to find out more about a small wall-mounted "Knox Box" safe that holds keys the Fire Department can retrieve in emergency situations.
Click here for documents presented at Sept 10 Traffic Calming Meeting.
2019 SPLOST ratings by street
Cityhood Survey Results
The results have been tabulated and neighborhood leaders from the central DeKalb neighborhoods participating in the survey are reviewing the results, communicating with their residents, and determining the next steps in communicating with their legislators and others. Please click here and here to access those results.
Safety Concerns Addressed |
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Over the summer, the Laurel Ridge Shamrock Civic Association (LRSCA) compiled a list of resident concerns about faded street signs, poorly marked crosswalks, broken sidewalks, and worsening potholes. Then LRSCA presented a comprehensive repairs list to the DeKalb County Roads and Drainage Dept.
In recent weeks, you may have seen progress made on several of these items, including freshly painted lines at several intersections, new stop signs along Delcourt Dr, and pothole repairs on Laurel Ridge and Mount Olive. LRSCA will continue working with the County on other repairs over the coming months. Efforts are also underway to update the "no parking" times near Druid Hills Middle School (to correspond with the actual bell schedule). Finally, Mount Olive Dr residents have recently requested a County-led study of potential "traffic calming" options for their street.
If you would like to make a road, sign, or sidewalk repair request, or if you have questions regarding any of these projects, please contact Whitney McGinniss, LRSCA Board Member, at wlmcginniss@gmail.com or (404) 904-1254.
In recent weeks, you may have seen progress made on several of these items, including freshly painted lines at several intersections, new stop signs along Delcourt Dr, and pothole repairs on Laurel Ridge and Mount Olive. LRSCA will continue working with the County on other repairs over the coming months. Efforts are also underway to update the "no parking" times near Druid Hills Middle School (to correspond with the actual bell schedule). Finally, Mount Olive Dr residents have recently requested a County-led study of potential "traffic calming" options for their street.
If you would like to make a road, sign, or sidewalk repair request, or if you have questions regarding any of these projects, please contact Whitney McGinniss, LRSCA Board Member, at wlmcginniss@gmail.com or (404) 904-1254.
License Reader Cameras on Hold for Now |
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LRSCA residents had an opportunity to state their views on installing license plate reader cameras throughout the neighborhood as an alternative to hiring additional police. There was general agreement that they would be desirable, but with seven entrances to our neighborhood and rising prices, the Board decided that costs would be prohibitive at this time.
North DeKalb Mall on hold: rezoning application withdrawn
The Dekalb Cross Neighborhoods Council has been notified that Sterling Enterprises is withdrawing its rezoning application for the proposed redevelopment of North Dekalb Mall. Their lawyer, Kathryn Zickert, informed us that the project has become too expensive to proceed. At this point the owner/developer has not shared their future plans for the property. For more information, please click here.
South Peachtree Creek PATH Trail Expands!
In partnership with the PATH Foundation, DeKalb County will make biking and walking to Emory and the Clifton Corridor substantially better in a few weeks. Contractors are busy finishing a trail link near Clairmont Place Retirement Condominium. Earlier this year PATH constructed a trail underneath Clairmont Road to reach the Emory Clairmont Campus.
Cyclists and walkers will be able to travel safely from Medlock Park to Emory without having to encounter any cars or intersections. PATH and Emory will be collaborating next year to further improve bike and pedestrian facilities on Emory’s campus. This new connection will improve biking and walking in Medlock, Emory Parc, Clairmont Heights and Leafmore Hills.
Cyclists and walkers will be able to travel safely from Medlock Park to Emory without having to encounter any cars or intersections. PATH and Emory will be collaborating next year to further improve bike and pedestrian facilities on Emory’s campus. This new connection will improve biking and walking in Medlock, Emory Parc, Clairmont Heights and Leafmore Hills.
Help build trail connections with our neighborhood
A special interest group is forming in the Laurel Ridge Shamrock community to explore how we can increase connectivity of our neighborhood to the blossoming network of trails in DeKalb County and the larger metro area. Our voices are more effective when we speak as a community rather than just a collection of individuals. We plan to organize to take advantage of opportunities that may arise such as nearby development activities that we can leverage.
The PATH organization has indicated willingness to come speak at our neighborhood association meeting if we can demonstrate community interest. Our efforts would include activities such as working to define trail connectivity options, surveying the neighborhood for level of interest or petition drives, coordinating with nearby neighborhood associations, talking with county commissioners and/or state legislators, and lobbying for SPLOST funds.
If you are interested and willing to participate, please contact Paul Friederich at 404-325-2138, or paul.friederich@gmail.com.
The PATH organization has indicated willingness to come speak at our neighborhood association meeting if we can demonstrate community interest. Our efforts would include activities such as working to define trail connectivity options, surveying the neighborhood for level of interest or petition drives, coordinating with nearby neighborhood associations, talking with county commissioners and/or state legislators, and lobbying for SPLOST funds.
If you are interested and willing to participate, please contact Paul Friederich at 404-325-2138, or paul.friederich@gmail.com.
Road Conditions, Traffic, and Safety Assessment Update
How to report potholes and other road hazards.
DeKalb County Joins Nationwide Trend to Offer Official Glass Recycling Drop-off
Effective July 17, 2017, the DeKalb County Sanitation Division will no longer accept glass in curbside recycling. Residents will have two choices for glass disposal: normal household garbage or one of 16 dedicated county-operated glass recycling drop-off locations that feature glass sort/separation.
DeKalb becomes the first county in Georgia in this nationwide trend to divert glass from landfills and to offer an official glass recycling drop-off program in an urban area. Please join the quest to make glass a much more sustainable and valuable recyclable material.
Click here for more information.
DeKalb becomes the first county in Georgia in this nationwide trend to divert glass from landfills and to offer an official glass recycling drop-off program in an urban area. Please join the quest to make glass a much more sustainable and valuable recyclable material.
Click here for more information.
Sign up for CodeRed Weather and Emergency Notifications
DeKalb County Animal Services Has Moved!
New address: 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd.
If you find yourself in an Active Shooter Situation
Due to recent events in Orlando, please watch this video, sent to us from our Neighborhood Watch Chair, Susan Hellinger.
Wolf-coyote hybrids invading America's cities
Learn about urban coyotes here.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
As part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) encourages all residents to download the free Ready Georgia app. This features severe weather and emergency alerts, an emergency plan and supplies checklist, information on how to deal with specific threats, and maps detailing everything from live traffic to the location of open emergency shelters.
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