Become a member. A neighborhood is only as strong as its involved members.
Dues, which are only $25 per household, allow the organization to serve our community. Dues can be paid here using Paypal, credit or debit card. You can also mail a check to LRSCA, PO Box 130, Avondale Estates, GA 30002.
We appreciate your willingness to enhance the quality of life in our community .
Dues, which are only $25 per household, allow the organization to serve our community. Dues can be paid here using Paypal, credit or debit card. You can also mail a check to LRSCA, PO Box 130, Avondale Estates, GA 30002.
We appreciate your willingness to enhance the quality of life in our community .
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The Public Service Commission (PSC) is a five-person elected body with major roles that control our everyday lives: Setting rates you pay for services provided by telecommunications, natural gas, and electric utilities operating within Georgia. Approving new services. Protecting consumers against unreasonably high rates. (The PSC has full regulatory control over Georgia Power, including power to veto rate hikes.) Ensuring proper service quality. Balancing energy needs with clean air and water for Georgians. Commissioners serve six-year terms and have the power to veto rate hikes, approve or reject new power plants, and decide how much profit utilities can make. Their choices affect your bills, your air and water,
This is an important election, as it affects our pocketbooks. Georgia residents have experienced many electricity rate hikes in recent years while Southern Company enjoys ever-increasing profits. Voting new leadership could bring about significant change for Georgians. |
Questions Every Georgian Should Ask PSC Candidates
1. How will you work to prevent further increases in our energy bills?
(Georgia Power’s rates have increased six times in two years — while their profits have soared.)
2. Will you hold utility companies accountable for investing in renewable energy rather than expanding fossil fuels?
(Georgia lags in renewables while utilities plan to increase gas and coal infrastructure.)
3. Do you support requiring large data centers to pay their full share of energy and infrastructure costs?
(Current plans shift these costs onto everyday customers.)
4. How will you ensure that community solar projects are expanded so more Georgians can access affordable renewable energy?
(Bills to expand solar options have been introduced but need support.)
5. Will you protect landowners from having their property taken through eminent domain for private projects?
(Like the current dispute in Hancock County.)
6. Do you support creating a Consumer Utility Counsel at the PSC to advocate for ratepayers, not just the utilities?
(This reform was proposed to give consumers a stronger voice.)
7. How will you make PSC proceedings more transparent and ensure citizens can participate meaningfully?
(For example, by securing discovery rights for intervenors.) (Questions provided by Georgia WAND.)
For further information: Georgia Recorder
Second round of hearing set for July 15.
For commentary: Political Peach News
1. How will you work to prevent further increases in our energy bills?
(Georgia Power’s rates have increased six times in two years — while their profits have soared.)
2. Will you hold utility companies accountable for investing in renewable energy rather than expanding fossil fuels?
(Georgia lags in renewables while utilities plan to increase gas and coal infrastructure.)
3. Do you support requiring large data centers to pay their full share of energy and infrastructure costs?
(Current plans shift these costs onto everyday customers.)
4. How will you ensure that community solar projects are expanded so more Georgians can access affordable renewable energy?
(Bills to expand solar options have been introduced but need support.)
5. Will you protect landowners from having their property taken through eminent domain for private projects?
(Like the current dispute in Hancock County.)
6. Do you support creating a Consumer Utility Counsel at the PSC to advocate for ratepayers, not just the utilities?
(This reform was proposed to give consumers a stronger voice.)
7. How will you make PSC proceedings more transparent and ensure citizens can participate meaningfully?
(For example, by securing discovery rights for intervenors.) (Questions provided by Georgia WAND.)
For further information: Georgia Recorder
Second round of hearing set for July 15.
For commentary: Political Peach News
What happened at the Gold Dome this year
2025 Election Dates
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Potential 115% Increase in Water/Sewage Rates |
Repair to our aging water and sewer infrastructure is forecasted to be $3 billion. At a recent Public Works and Infrastructure Committee meeting, a proposal was voted to recommend to the full board an 8% increase beginning in 2025 through 2034--a compounded total of 115% increase.
Follow Up from the “Ask Me Anything Town Hall: Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Increase” Jan. 31, 2025
DeKalb County asks federal judge for 12 more years to fix sewers
Do you have an outrageous water bill? Tell your story here.
For further information, please CLICK HERE.
Follow Up from the “Ask Me Anything Town Hall: Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Increase” Jan. 31, 2025
DeKalb County asks federal judge for 12 more years to fix sewers
Do you have an outrageous water bill? Tell your story here.
For further information, please CLICK HERE.
Most Expensive Electricity on Earth Paid by Georgia Ratepayers
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The Public Service Commission (PSC) is a body of five elected officials who regulate electricity, natural gas, and telecommunications across Georgia. They decide what Georgia Power customers pay for power, and what kind of energy sources Georgia Power uses.
Their job is to be watchdogs for consumers, making our power bills more affordable. Decisions in recent years point to the opposite.
The construction of the nuclear power Plant Vogtle is partially responsible for the extreme increases in Georgians' power bills. It is customers who are footing the costs for corporate risks and extended timelines needed for completion. Another burden for Georgia Power customers are plans for construction of expensive biomass energy plants that are opposed by both consumer and environmental advocates.
Also seriously affecting Georgians was passage of a bill (HB 1312) by the 2024 Legislature that extends re-election terms for Public Service Commissioners by two years. Currently they serve six-year terms. This bill thwarts the democratic process of free and fair elections as it limits the voices of Georgia citizens. The state is awaiting the results of a lawsuit that would impact provisions of this bill.
If you wish to file a complaint, please use this link: https://crs.psc.state.ga.us/Consumer/Contact/utilityIndustry.aspx?type=Complaint
Georgia WAND has articulated legislative priorities to address these issues.
Senate Bill 34 filed to protect residential ratepayers.
Their job is to be watchdogs for consumers, making our power bills more affordable. Decisions in recent years point to the opposite.
The construction of the nuclear power Plant Vogtle is partially responsible for the extreme increases in Georgians' power bills. It is customers who are footing the costs for corporate risks and extended timelines needed for completion. Another burden for Georgia Power customers are plans for construction of expensive biomass energy plants that are opposed by both consumer and environmental advocates.
Also seriously affecting Georgians was passage of a bill (HB 1312) by the 2024 Legislature that extends re-election terms for Public Service Commissioners by two years. Currently they serve six-year terms. This bill thwarts the democratic process of free and fair elections as it limits the voices of Georgia citizens. The state is awaiting the results of a lawsuit that would impact provisions of this bill.
If you wish to file a complaint, please use this link: https://crs.psc.state.ga.us/Consumer/Contact/utilityIndustry.aspx?type=Complaint
Georgia WAND has articulated legislative priorities to address these issues.
Senate Bill 34 filed to protect residential ratepayers.
Plans to expand PDK Airport awaiting limited environmental review
Sky Harbour, the company contracted to operate Peachtree DeKalb Airport (PDK), has plans to build about one hundred new luxury hangers to accommodate much larger, noisier, and massively more polluting commercial and private jets than have previously been allowed to be based there.
The outpouring of emails opposing the plan was a key factor convincing the County Commissioners, at their meeting on September 24, to defer the vote to approve the contract until at least February, 2025.
Also at the September 24th County Commission meeting, a much shorter “change order” environmental study, requested by PDK Airport but opposed by Open DeKalb and PDK Watch, was approved and funded. This shorter study would evaluate only the impact of building the first nine hangars of the Sky Harbour contract, instead of waiting until after the comprehensive PDK Environmental Study of PDK Air and Noise pollution, currently underway, has been completed and can be used to evaluate the impact of building all the proposed hangars.
It is expected that as soon as the shorter study has been completed, probably by late February or early March 2025, the Board of Commissioners will again be asked to pass the Sky Harbour contract. With three new County Commissioners who were elected in 2024--LaDena Bolton (Super District 7), Chakira Johnson (District 4), and Nicole Massiah (District 3)—concerned residents must communicate to them, and the returning ones as well, that a vote on the Sky Harbour contract would be premature until after the full Environmental Study has been completed and assessed.
Please stand by to learn more about how you can best let our county government know our serious concerns about PDK hangar expansion and quality of life in DeKalb County.
With thanks to Larry Foster, Communications Director, PDK Watch Inc.
[email protected]
The outpouring of emails opposing the plan was a key factor convincing the County Commissioners, at their meeting on September 24, to defer the vote to approve the contract until at least February, 2025.
Also at the September 24th County Commission meeting, a much shorter “change order” environmental study, requested by PDK Airport but opposed by Open DeKalb and PDK Watch, was approved and funded. This shorter study would evaluate only the impact of building the first nine hangars of the Sky Harbour contract, instead of waiting until after the comprehensive PDK Environmental Study of PDK Air and Noise pollution, currently underway, has been completed and can be used to evaluate the impact of building all the proposed hangars.
It is expected that as soon as the shorter study has been completed, probably by late February or early March 2025, the Board of Commissioners will again be asked to pass the Sky Harbour contract. With three new County Commissioners who were elected in 2024--LaDena Bolton (Super District 7), Chakira Johnson (District 4), and Nicole Massiah (District 3)—concerned residents must communicate to them, and the returning ones as well, that a vote on the Sky Harbour contract would be premature until after the full Environmental Study has been completed and assessed.
Please stand by to learn more about how you can best let our county government know our serious concerns about PDK hangar expansion and quality of life in DeKalb County.
With thanks to Larry Foster, Communications Director, PDK Watch Inc.
[email protected]
Thank you to Myers Beck for providing ice cream treats at our recent Meet and Greet. |
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DeKalb County Organizational Act Under Review
The DeKalb County Charter Review Commission is conducting a comprehensive review of the Organizational Act of DeKalb County. This organization, composed of 17 citizens appointed according to the 2021 Executive Order, was created to represent all citizens of DeKalb County to be responsive to their needs and demands. The Commission is charged with recommending changes to the Organizational Act, including recommending the appropriate form of government for DeKalb County in order to achieve the best delivery of services to our citizens.
Stop Celebratory Gunfire
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DeKalb County Police has urged all citizens to take this pledge to keep all of us safe at this time of celebration.
The pledge is a community campaign to reduce celebratory gunfire in DeKalb County and throughout Georgia. This initiative was conceived following the death of Marquel Peters on New Year's Day 2010. As he sat next to his mother, four-year-old Marquel Peters was struck and killed in church by a bullet believed to have been fired by a New Year's Eve reveler. The stray bullet came through the roof of the sanctuary of the church and struck Marquel in the top of his head. Thanks to all the citizens of DeKalb who take the pledge to stop celebratory gunfire. DeKalb County's 911 calls reporting celebratory gunfire were down last year. Let's hope they stop altogether soon. |
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Clifton Corridor Project Update
DeKalb County Tax Allocation District #4: Market Square TAD Redevelopment Plan
PATH Foundation Trail Expansion
PATH Foundation has conducted studies to determine feasibility of expanding into our neighborhood. Plans include a multi-use sidewalk connecting North DeKalb Mall, Shamrock Plaza, Laurel Ridge Elementary School and Druid Hills Middle School, looping around behind the ballfields up beside DHMS on Delcourt.
Among its many benefits, bike and pedestrian facilities will help alleviate vehicular traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times, and safe access to schools and commercial plazas will be enhanced. Residents having to cross N. Druid Hills will have a dedicated crossing and access to get to school. Residents north of North Druid Hills Rd. will gain access to the trail network. https://www.pathfoundation.org
Click here for most recent map.
N. DeKalb Mall Redevelopment Plan Approved
New District Interactive Maps
Country Squire/Burnt Fork Creek Sewer Improvement Project Update
Coyotes Spotted in Neighborhood
There have been lots of coyote sightings in our neighborhood this summer. They seem to range mostly up to four or five blocks from the CSX rail line, but coyotes have been seen in parking lots at Home Depot, Publix, and North DeKalb Mall, so they are pretty much everywhere.
Neighbors are understandably concerned, so LRSCA contacted the Atlanta Coyote Project to find information we could share about these not-so-new but much more visible wildlife neighbors. The most important advice we found is to not feed them. Ever. They can become real problems when they associate humans with food. There is more on how to interact with them in this flyer: be_coyote_aware.pdf.
LRSCA also encourages residents to report every coyote sighting to the Atlanta Coyote Project. You can do that and see videos and read more about this new top predator in Georgia on their website: https://atlantacoyoteproject.org/
John Wierville
LRSCA Board Member
Neighbors are understandably concerned, so LRSCA contacted the Atlanta Coyote Project to find information we could share about these not-so-new but much more visible wildlife neighbors. The most important advice we found is to not feed them. Ever. They can become real problems when they associate humans with food. There is more on how to interact with them in this flyer: be_coyote_aware.pdf.
LRSCA also encourages residents to report every coyote sighting to the Atlanta Coyote Project. You can do that and see videos and read more about this new top predator in Georgia on their website: https://atlantacoyoteproject.org/
John Wierville
LRSCA Board Member
Comprehensive plan to help define the county’s future
COVID-19 Resources
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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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
Please click here for Ms. Finley's latest news.
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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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] to find out more about a small wall-mounted "Knox Box" safe that holds keys the Fire Department can retrieve in emergency situations.
2019 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.
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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