FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker
Stone Mountain woman achieves lifelong dream
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
For years, Carol Gee had the
urge to write.
After spending years with
the Air Force and working at
Emory, she finally fulfilled her
dream of becoming a published
writer. Gee, a 25-year resident
of Stone Mountain, has written
four books since 2001. She has
appeared in several magazines
and periodicals including Emory
magazines, Atlanta Woman,
Romantic Homes, Womans
World and others.
Gee said she has been
writing since she was a child.
Growing up, my sister had
problems reading some of the
little elementary school books,
she said. So, I made up little
stories for herlittle short stories
with a character and I would write
them down and then I would read
them to her and it seemed like
she enjoyed those better than
the books we got from the library.
So, I have always written but as
[it is] for most people, life goes
in a different direction for many
reasons. It wasnt until about 16
years ago, that I finally realized
my lifelong dream.
Gee is an Air Force veteran
who served eight years on
active duty and 15 years in the
Air Force Reserves. She retired
after 20-plus years of combined
military service. She is also a
retired Emory employee. She
has been married for 42 years
to another retired Airman, whom
she met while in the military.
Gee wrote her first book, The
Venus Chronicles: Musings from
The Feminine Side, in 2001,
two months short of her 50th
birthday. She sold approximately
2,000 copies of her first book.
She was written a total of
four books, two of which were
released last year.
The idea of her first book
came after a conversation with
her goddaughter.
The subject came up of what
would I write about, and they
always tell you to write what you
Visit www.championnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017 VOL. 19, NO. 48 FREE
Carol Gee has written four books since 2001, two of which were released last year.
My books seem
like they have
formed this
sisterhood of
women who want
to share things.
know, Gee said. I had to think
about the things that I knew and
the thing that came to mind was
the day-to-day life of a woman,
an ordinary woman. So, I started
writing this blog, and I had no
idea that it would become a
book. I just started blogging.
Gee said her first blog was
about the time she wore a bad
bra.
My first little piece was
Carol Gee
simply called Bra and how my
bra had a life of its own, she
said. One strap fell off one
shoulder, I pulled it up and the
other strap fell. The underwire
was sticking me and I kept
messing with the underwire. It
got to the point where I had to go
to the restroom and rearrange it
so it wouldnt be bothering me.
Then the wire came out from
underneath one and I couldnt
A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
push it back so I just pulled it out
altogether.
On her lunch break she
wrote about the bra incident
and shared it with a few women.
Those women and others
responded to the story with
laughs and sharing similar
experiences.
All my books, except for
one of them, are about lessons
learned, she said. As we get
olderand it doesnt matter
what age we are, we could be
19, and at 21, hopefully between
those two years something would
have happened to you that you
wouldve learned a lesson from.
Gee said women have fondly
called her books girlfriend
books.
Its like some of the things
you share with your girlfriends,
like your bad hair days or
relationships that go on the rocks
or drive you crazy, she said.
The fun thing about my books
is that once I start writing them,
women run to me to share the
silliest things that happened to
them. So, my books seem like
they have formed this sisterhood
of women who want to share
things.
Gee said she is currently
thinking about topics for a new
book.
@DeKalbChampNews
LOCAL
Whole Foods development on schedule in Chamblee
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Chamblee will be the latest
DeKalb County city to house
a Whole Foods Market, and
according to commercial real
estate company S.J. Collins,
everything is on schedule.
S.J. Collins announced a
new Chamblee shopping center
called Peachtree Crossing
with Whole Foods Market as
its anchor storein September
2015.
The shopping center,
located at 5001 Peachtree
Blvd, is scheduled to open in
summer 2017.
Other businesses featured
in the shopping centers
renderings include Chipotle
and Yeah! Burger. According
to S.J. Collins, retail leasing
will be handled by Shannon
Shuman Martin with
Retail Leasing Advisors and
Kimberly Dart with Dart
Retail Advisors.
Peachtree Crossing is a
highly anticipated, planned
redevelopment of the triangle
at Peachtree Road, Peachtree
Boulevard and Johnson Ferry
Avondale Estates officials
oppose house bill 204
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The Avondale Estates Board
of Mayor and Commissioners
have voiced its opposition to
House Bill 204.
The board voted Feb. 27 to
pass a resolution announcing
its opposition to the bill. House
Bill 204, the ad valorem tax
bill, would prohibit cities from
billing municipal fees on the
property tax bill. Municipal
feesnontax related fees
or assessmentsinclude
sanitation fees and stormwater
fees.
It will separate property
tax from stormwater and
sanitation fees and you will
get two different bills, Mayor
Jonathan Elmore said.
Passage of the bill will result
in increased costs for the city.
We will probably lose revenue
from people [who are] just
not willing to pay it and then
having to chase them down to
collect it.
City Manager Clai Brown
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 2
Road, reads Retail Leasing the perimeter, reads literature this revival. Whole Foods Market in
Advisors advertisement for from Dart Retail Advisors. We S.J. Collins is also in the Decatur at 2642 North Decatur
the site. An upscale, national are excited to be a catalyst in process of constructing a Road.
organic grocer will anchor
the project with an additional
64,000 square feet of specialty
retail and restaurants. The
project will serve the densely
populated and affluent, yet
Blue Breeze Cards
under served, Brookhaven and
Chamblee communities.
According to the projects
must be replaced
marketing literature, major
draws to the location include
4,300 apartments, 185
townhomes, 3,400 owner-
with Silver Cards!
occupied homes within a
one-mile radius and 41,000
households within a three-mile
radius.
One 115-unit townhome
developmentTurnbury
Gatesone incoming mixed-
use development known as
Parkview at Peachtree, the
Exchange at North Haven
Apartment complex as well as
a Lowes home goods store all
border the development.
The Peachtree Boulevard
corridor is seeing a resurgence
in educated, high-income
families moving to Chamblee
to raise their families inside
said the Georgia Municipal
Association and the DeKalb
Municipal Association are
against the bill. The bill was
passed by a house committee
After March 31, 2017
on Feb. 16. Blue Breeze cards cannot be reloaded.
This bill is moving fast,
Brown said.
Elmore spoke against the After July 9, 2017
bill during the boards Feb. 22
work session. Blue Breeze cards will not be accepted.
I dont know who cooked
this up and why. Its kind
of ridiculous, Elmore said.
Most people are against it.
Everybody hates the idea
Avoid losing any trips or value still loaded on
because what would end up your Blue Breeze card: Use all remaining trips or
happening is youll pay one of
them and not the other one. value on your Blue card before July 9, 2017.
Plus, it creates all kinds of Purchase a new, secure Silver Breeze card for
administrative headaches. I
dont know what the purpose $2.00 at any rail station vending machine, Ride Store
of this is, but everyone hates it. or online at www.Breezecard.com.
If the bill is passed it would
result in increased costs to the
city in the form of additional
labor, printing and mailing,
according to city officials.
The city currently bills both
sanitation and stormwater fees Go to www.itsmarta.com for FAQs or call
on property tax bills. MARTAs Customer Service at 404-848-5000, M-F 8-5.
See Bill on Page 4A
LOCAL
AROUNDDEKALB
BROOKHAVEN
City to host annual festival
The third Annual Brookhaven Cherry Blossom
Festival 5K Run and 1K Walk will kick off the week-
ends activities in Blackburn Park March 25 at 7:30
a.m. The event is open to runners, joggers, families
who enjoy healthy fun, and dog owners and pets.
The course winds through flowering cherry trees
and rolling hills. There will be awards in age groups,
overall, and a masters division. The park is located
at 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Road. To register, visit
www.itsyourrace.com.
CHAMBLEE
Theater to host Future is Female Festival
Onion Man Productions, located at 5522 New
Peachtree Road in Chamblee, will take part in the
2017 Future is Female Festival on March 17 and 18
at 7:30 p.m.
The theaterwhich specializes in local play pro-
ductionswill join theaters, playwrights, directors
and actors throughout North America in celebrat-
ing Womens History Month with a series of staged
readings and 10-minute play productions focused on
women.
Tickets for the event are $10. Proceeds will
benefit Raksha, a non-profit serving Georgias south
Asian community of survivors of domestic and
sexual violence.
For more information, visit www.thefutureis-
femalefestivail.com. For more information and to
purchase local tickets, visit www.onionmanproduc-
tions.com
CLARKSTON
Atlanta Audubon Society to visit Friendship
Forest Wildlife Sanctuary
The Atlanta Audubon Society will visit
Clarkstons Friendship Forest Wildlife Sanctuary
located at 4399 East Ponce de Leon Aveon March
19 at 8 a.m.
According to event officials, Friendship Forest is
the site of one of Atlanta Audubon Societys habitat
restoration projects. The trip will focus on searching
for wintering birds and early spring migrants, in-
cluding warblers, thrushes, woodpeckers and vireos.
Dress accordingly, as half the trail is asphalt and
the other half is well-packed level dirt. There is a
slight hill at the beginning of the walk. Dogs are per-
mitted in the park but not encouraged for the event.
The event is free of charge. For more information,
contact Adam Betuel at (407) 492-1139.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 3
COUNTY WIDE
Divorce seminars held in DeKalb County
Counseling, Consulting and Creative Commu-
nity Wellness is presenting a series of free divorce
support seminars at several DeKalb County library
branches. The Healing After I Dont Divorce Sup- state senator.
port seminars will provide tips on recognizing the
emotional wounds caused by a divorce or end of a
relationship.
A seminar will be held at 3772 LaVista Road in
Tucker March 25 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
On March 27 at the Avis G. Williams Library in
Decatur, a seminar will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
For more information call Lisa Wilson, (678)-
902-5472
DeKalb seniors on the move
America Walks Inc., a national advocacy group
for creating walkable communities across America,
recently awarded The Heart of South DeKalb Inc. a
grant to create a senior walking program.
The program started March 4 at the Michelle
Obama Walking Trail and extends through the
month of March.
The Heart of South DeKalb will visit four walking
trails in DeKalb County. March 11 seniors will walk
at Chapel Hill Lake Park, March 18 the event will be
held at Barker Bryant Memorial Park and concludes
with an event March 25. The March 25 location is to
be decided.
Each event will start warm ups at 8:30 a.m. and
walking begins at 9 a.m.
DECATUR
Hidden Figures of DeKalb County ceremony
Decatur-District 7 Commissioner Gregory
Adams plans to host a Hidden Figures of DeKalb
County ceremony at the Porter Sanford Auditorium
March 23.
The event will be held at 11 a.m. and will rec-
ognize accomplishments of women who have
improved the lives of others and advanced in arts,
sciences, education, politics and other work that may
have gone unnoticed.
For more information about the event, contact
Ashlee D. Wright, (404)-371-2204 or call the offices
of Adams, (404)-371-2899.
DORAVILLE
Civic Center to host prayer breakfast
The Doraville Civic Centerlocated at 3037
Pleasant Valley Drive in Honeysuckle Parkwill
host the Atlanta Metropolitan Chapter of The
Charmettes Incorporateds annual prayer breakfast
on March 25 at 10 a.m.
The event, themed Women of Faith Praying for
a Cure, is designed to bring cancer awareness and
education to the forefront of communities across
the country. Scheduled speakers include ministers
Jeanette Cody and Steen Miles, who is also a former
Proceeds from the event will benefit Howard
University Cancer Centers research program as
well as local charities geared toward helping cancer
patients and their families.
The Charmettes is a national civic organization
that provides education and health assistance to
individuals and families in need.
Tickets for the event are $30. For more
information, contact Mandisa Jones at
atlantametrocharmettes@gmail.com or visit www.
atlantametrocharmettes.org.
LITHONIA
Library to host pre-St. Patricks Day fun
The Lithonia-Davidson Library will have a fun
rainbow craft, games and ice cream with green
toppings at its pre-St. Patricks Day event March 14.
The event will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and is open
to the first 14 participates for children ages 5 to 12.
The library is located at 6821 Church St. For more
information, call (770) 482-3820.
SCOTTDALE
Community day scheduled
The Junior League of DeKalb County, as part of
the organizations second annual Little Black Dress
Initiative will hold a community day at Scottdale
Early Learning Center located at 479 Warren Ave. in
Scottdale.
Each child that participates will receive a free
book, have an opportunity to march in a book
parade dressed as his or her favorite book character
as well as participate in craft projects, face painting
and story time.
The event is free and open to the public. For
additional information email president@jldekalb.
org.
STONE MOUNTAIN
Library to host Dr. Seuss party
The Stone Mountain-Sue Kellogg Library will
host a Dr. Seuss party March 18 from 10:30 a.m. to
2 p.m. The event is open to the first 40 participants
and will feature stories, coloring, craft and more.
The library is located at 952 Leon St. For more
information, call (770) 413-2020.
LOCAL
The DeKalb County School District approved a $310,000 purchase for Advanced Placement tests to assure Free & Reduced Lunch Program students can take at least two tests cost-free. Photo courtesy of
Wikimedia Commons.
INVESTING IN SUCCESS
County school district spends more than $300,000 on Advanced Placement exams
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County School
District (DCSD) approved a
$310,000 Advanced Placement
(AP) exam purchase on Feb.
13.
The purchase allows 4,443
students the opportunity to
take at least one AP exam free
of charge and 2,158 students
the opportunity to take two
exams at no cost.
AP exams are taken by
high school students at the
end of every school year after
completing corresponding
college-level AP courses. The
exams award college credit in
more than 35 courses, which
vary from school to school.
According to DCSD
officials, student performance
in AP courses and on AP
exams has been determined to
be a valid indicator of success
at the collegiate level.
The state of Georgia covers
the cost of one AP exam for the
2,158 DeKalb County students
enrolled in the Free & Reduced
Lunch Program. This offset
covers the cost of one exam for
all students and two exams for
reduced lunch students.
The districts purchase of
the exams for students enrolled
in AP courses will provide
access and equity for students
who have the opportunity
to take these exams, said
DCSD research director Knox
Phillips.
According to Phillips, 44
percent of students taking AP
Jester
exams earn a score of three,
which is the minimum score
required to earn college credit.
This is a 13 percent increase
from scores in 2010, but still
below the state average of 56
percent.
Phillips said the data comes
from the annually updated
Governors Office of Student
Achievement.
State-provided data is what
we report since it is the data
source that informs college
readiness indicators on CCRPI
and is the data source utilized
by the Georgia Department
of Education to measure the
efficacy of our AP programs,
Phillips said.
Phillips said DCSDs
participation in the Lead
Higher initiative during the
2015-2016 school year led
score will go down, were
to federal acknowledgement
and shows marked progress is
being made through purchases
such as AP tests. Southwest
DeKalb, Cedar Grove, Stone
Orson said he would like to
Mountain, Dunwoody, Druid
Hills and Arabia Mountain
high schools took part in the
program.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 4
We were one of the few he would like to see more line.
school districts in the nation data related to how the level Jester said DCSD is doing
to be part of a movement to of investment is affecting students and taxpayers a
build better equity and access statistics. disservice by paying testing
to AP and International These costs have been companies, instead having it
Baccalaureate (IB) education increasing, Orson said. But I flow directly to the classroom
for students across our think theres an opportunity to to improve the quality of
district, Phillips said. increase our investment in this instruction.
For the 2016-2017 school area. Jester cited a decreasing
year, Phillips said the board Board member Stan amount of test takers at
could look forward to hearing Jester, who criticized DCSDs Southwest DeKalb, Towers and
good news regarding the AP purchase of AP exams in 2016, Redan high schools as well
Report Card, which recognizes remains skeptical of paying as decreases in the number
and acknowledges good scores money to companies like of passing students at Redan,
College Board. MLK, Stone Mountain and
throughout the country.
The recent trend in Stephenson high schools.
Board member Joyce
education is to reward districts The DeKalb County
Morley said she wanted to see
that have increases in AP test School District has the second
celebrations of traditionally
takers, Jester stated Feb. 21 via highest millage rate in the
economically disparaged
his blog. Of course, the more state, Jester said. Why dont
schools that have made
tests that are taken, the more we lower taxes and let people
advances in AP participation
money flowing into the coffers decide for themselves what to
and scores. Phillips said the
of the testing industry. Its no do with the money?
district has seen increases
wonder that they give awards
in the number of teachers
for increasing their bottom
trained to administer AP and
IB courses at such schools as
Towers, Clarkston and others.
DCSD Superintendent
Stephen Green said placing BILL Continued From Page 2A
priority on AP exams is part
Brown said sanitation fees and stormwater fees are the only
of a systemic effort that places
items that would be removed from taxpayers property tax bill.
resolution and academics
All the property taxes will be the same, Brown said. They
above disciplinary measures.
would have two separate bills and it will obviously cost the
What Im pleased to hear
taxpayers probably up to another $5,000 for us to do another
is that, contrary to popular
billing.
belief, that if you increase the
Basically, everyone is going to lose revenue, period, Elmore
number of students the overall
said. Youre going to lose revenue, then you have to go to court
to try to get it back and waste money on court costits the
increasing the pipeline and the
stupidest thing Ive ever heard.
scores are going up, Green
Commissioner Adela Yelton said she doesnt agree with the
said.
bill but understands the purpose of it.
Board member Marshall
Just to offer another perspective, not that I agree with it, but
the purpose is to give individuals the option to pay stormwater
see the purchase budgeted
and sanitation fees separate from property [taxes] for ad valorem
earlier in the year to eliminate
taxes, she said. From the citys perspective, I do agree that it is
confusion with other costs
an administrative burden.
related to test taking. He said
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 5

Author resurrects decades-old writings for new book

by Gale Horton Gay

One could say that if it had

not been for the decades-long
encouragement of teachers and
co-workers KaTrina Cannon
Holt might not be an author
today.
The Stone Mountain woman
recently held a launch party for
her first novel A Rainbow Across
St. Louis Skies: A Single Moms
Urban Journey for a Slice of the
American Pie at the Museum of
Contemporary Art in Atlanta.
Asked how she came to
write the book, Holt said it was
due to the encouragement she
received from a community
college instructor as well as
co-workers after she shared a
partial draft of the first version of
her manuscript.
Holt, who teaches third grade
at Rainbow Elementary School in
Decatur, said she wants her book
to inspire others to reach beyond
their current circumstances.
A Rainbow Across St. Louis
Skies tells the story of how a
single mother leads her family in
their drama-filled journey through
an impoverished neighborhood
and the trials the family endures
in trying to achieve the American
dream.
Although Holt is a single
mother of three children, she
said the story is fiction.
She describes how the
project started: I never actually
set out to write a book, she
said via email. It evolved from
my love and passion of writing
and reading novels. In my early
twenties, my girlfriend and I
were talking about the different
skin complexions of African-
KaTrina Cannon Holt at the launch party for her novel A Rainbow Across St. Louis Skies: A Single Moms Urban Journey for a
Americans. The discussion was Slice of the American Pie.
so thought provoking, I decided
to write a poem about it. The
poem never really materialized. I it went from one co-worker to Ive always been an avid and tribulations in our respective
started writing and about an hour 11 co-workers having read the reader thanks to my parents, lives, however its how one
later, I was still writing! I was so manuscript. They all became she said. My mom read all the deals with these obstacles to
puzzled. invested in the characters, and time, and my dad taught in the overcome. The underlying theme
Although she received requested that I finish the book. St. Louis City Public Schools in my book is hope of faith. One
positive feedback from an It was hard initially because not system for 37 years until he must believe in hope, and have
instructor at St. Louis Community only did times change, nearly retired as a reading specialist. faith that your situation, despite
College, where she was 20 years later from writing the Holt said she hopes readers how dark it seems, can and will
attending classes at the time, manuscript, however my writing take away from her novel that change. Always expect change
she said her ex-husband didnt ability was much more solid and despite challenges and downfalls and a better way of living.
offer kind words, telling her no developed. hope remains for a better future. Holt said she hasnt decided if
one would read it. She put her She said she had to rework I think the life lessons that she will pen a sequel to Rainbow
writings in the back of a desk a great deal of her first effort, are demonstrated in the book Across St. Louis Skies, but shes
drawer in 1993. noting societal changes such as is that no matter your current already working on a faith-based/
I didnt take the manuscript the demise of beepers and the situation or circumstance, with inspirational poetry-style book.
out again until 2010 at the urging boom of cell phones. hope, perseverance and hard Rainbow Across St. Louis Skies
of co-workers who got wind that I Holt said shes been work, all things are possible to is available at Amazon and
had written a book. fascinated with poetry and fiction those who believe, she said. Barnes & Noble through this link:
Someone asked to read it, since she was a child. We all have to face various trials www.bookfuel.com/hosting/holt.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 6

Escaping Donald Trump nearly impossible

I recently spent 10 days
out of the country in central
Africa and while I was looking
forward to the trip for the cultural
experiences, outdoor adventure
and simply getting away from
the routine, I anticipated
another benefitescaping the
bombardment of reports about
President Donald Trump.
I have become weary trying
to stay up with the barrage of
serious new reports, online jokes
and opinions, standup comedy
routines and comedic television
skits about this countrys
commander in chief. Some days
I wish I could just turn it off and
not pay attention to it, but I dont
dare. In all the ridiculousness
surrounding Americas top
leader, serious business is at
Gale Horton Gay
gale@dekalbchamp.com
stake that will affect my life and
the lives of all Americans as well
as people around the world.
The news media must cover
the actions, orders, speeches,
Tweets, rants of the 45th
president of the United States
as well as the subsequent
reactions. But, boy is it
exhausting trying to stay up with
it all.
While traveling to and
touring Uganda, I couldnt
totally escape. In airports in
Atlanta, Turkey and Uganda, TV
screens projected images and
news about Trumpalthough
many times it was in languages
I couldnt understand. Even as
I sat on one flight and looked
at the passenger in front of me
who was reading a German
newspaper, the words Donald
Trump stood out although the
rest of the headline I couldnt
understand as it was in German.
Mr. Trump was the repeated
topic of discussion among my
colleagues (writers and tour
operators) while having drinks,
at dinner and while traveling
together in a bus visiting
hotels and tourism sites. They
wondered about his obsession
with the media and exactly what
his foreign policies will be. My
foreign friends expressed their
fears and concerns and looked
to us Americans for answers to
the questions about whats going
to happen next. We shared
our views but we really had no
answers.
What happens in America
has an effect on people around
the world. The world is watching
us and the world is worried.
I hope and pray that in
the days and months to come
the president and our leaders
govern in such a way that is less
comical and is more reassuring
that America is on solid
footing with its domestic and
international agendas.

Subscribe to The Champion Newspaper

To subscribe, visit TheChampionNewspaper.com or call 404.373.7779
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 7

The high cost of low expectations

Mr. Trumps well-received the post-speech approval jump particularly involving Twitter
address to congress on
Tuesday night, a conciliatory
One Mans seem almost as gravity-defying
as the recent performance of the
are easily the largest self-
inflicted wound of this young
speech in which the word Opinion Dow Jones Industrial average. administration.
we outnumbered the word But like it or not, note the Just as the Obama
I by three to one... from The Bill Crane careful parsing of words and presidency may have negatively
New York Times coverage of bill.csicrane@gmail.com messaging by Federal Reserve impacted the global standing
President Donald J. Trumps Chair, Janet Yellinthe nations of the United States as a
first speech to a joint session of lead central bankerunderstands superpower, Trumps daily
Congress on Tuesday, February evening, Trump paid direct that the wrong sentence from eruptions and attacks on
28, 2017. tribute to fallen U.S. Marine, the Fed can have reverberations many U.S. institutions and
Ryan Owens, and his attending which rattle economies across foundationsCongress, the
Small, yet smart, word widow Carryn Owens who was the globe. Judiciary, a free press, etc.
choices can make a big still grieving his recent death Trump has spent so long play just as much of a negative
difference in the way a message during a raid on a terrorist shouting and trumpeting his role in undermining our standing
is received. Donald Trump built compound in Yemen. name and brand, that he is around the world, as well as
his reputation as a developer, Ryan was a part of a challenged to understand that around the corner.
entrepreneur and marketer highly successful raid that U.S. presidents seldom need to For one speech to shine
in part on his larger-than-life generated large amounts of shout. As Teddy Roosevelt so so brightly, prospects on many
persona and personal brand. vital intelligence that will lead famously said, Speak softly, but other levels had to appear
Yet, this softer-side Trump, to many more victories in the carry a big stick. dim.This seems a high price
offered in his first full visit to the future against our enemies. The world knows that any to pay for initially building
House chamber, both halls of Ryans legacy is etched into U.S. president has many a big up and rebounding from low
Congress, the U.S. Supreme eternitywe will never forget stick at his/her disposal.Trump expectations.
Court, his assembled Cabinet him, Trump spoke and emoted, enjoys the battle of the
and invited guestswas in large while aiming his eyes and the campaign trail, and seemingly Bill Crane also serves as a
measure so highly rated due rooms admiration toward Carryn relishes conflict as a way of ever political analyst and commentator
to Trumps comparative earlier Owens. strengthening solidarity among for Channel 2s Action News,
speaking performances. The House chamber erupted his base. But a screaming WSB-AM News/Talk 750 and
His campaign victory speech in applause and a standing president to many can seem now 95.5 FM, as well as a
was high on braggadocio and ovation by most, lasting well irrational or even unhinged. An columnist for The Champion,
self-congratulation, while light on over two minutes. unpredictable president, with Champion Free Press and
grace and any acknowledgement The speech was still light on harsh words for allies and odd Georgia Trend. Crane is a
of efforts by his opponents.It detail.Tax cuts and spending platitudes for certain enemies DeKalb native and business
was his first wasted opportunity hikes were mentioned without may appear disloyal, faithless owner, living in Scottdale. You
to begin to close the great divide any mathematical explanation, and untrustworthy to other world can reach him or comment on a
that has since grown even repeats of Repeal and Replace leaders. column at bill.csicrane@gmail.
wider.His inaugural address related to the Affordable Care Constant bad choices, com.
again painted a dark portrait of Actalong with refrains of no
an America in decline, which one losing coveragealso with
perhaps only Trump can rescue. no explanation of how this might
This speech to Congress, be accomplished.
well-written, though not at the But after nearly one month
level of a Reagan speech written of regular Twitter bursts and
by Peggy Noonan or Ted fights picked by the White House
Sorensons work for J.F.K., had with both friends and foes, and
inspirational moments, genuine practically labeling the White
levity and occasional ad libs. House Press Corps as an enemy
His greetings and shout-outs of the American people, Trump
to guests in the gallery were had driven down expectations
clear indications that Trump at of his own performance by a
least intends his outreach to the healthy margin.
forgotten America to be both Presidential approval
words and deeds. ratings, for such an early time
In perhaps the most in any administration, were
memorable moment of the approaching record lows, making

FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
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John Hewitt Travis Hudgons
PUBLISHER
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Let Us Know What You Think! Dr. Earl D. Glenn Carla Parker issue of interest to DeKalb County.
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LOCAL
Chamblee passes on annexationagain
City officials say plan comes too late in legislative session
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Chamblee city officials
passed on a proposal for
annexation of an area
encompassing Northlake Mall
and the Atlanta campus of
Mercer University on Feb. 24
following a presentation on
Feb. 16.
The council and I believe
no actions concerning
Chamblee annexation will
move forward in this years
General Assembly session,
stated Chamblee Mayor Eric
Clarkson. A grassroots
effort asking council to adopt
a resolution in support of
legislative action to allow an
annexation vote was brought
forward at the February work
session. The city of Chamblee
has in the past, and always will
listen to annexation requests
and be open to the idea if it
can be determined to have
a positive impact on our
community. However in this
case, and after hearing from
state representatives, it appears
that there is not enough time
left in this legislative session
Salary ranges raised in Dunwoody
Some city employees to receive salary increases without public discussion
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Seventeen of 24 salary
ranges for Dunwoody city
employees increased on Feb.
27 following approval from
Dunwoody City Council.
The increase, proposed by
Human Resources Director
Nicole Stojka, will see ranges
increase by as much as $5,000
per year for 79 employees,
including police officers,
department directors and
managers.
The two highest-paid
city employees not set by
charter or councilchief of
police and finance director
both received increases in
their range from $99,300 to
Chamblee passed on another request for annexation on Feb. 24, stating the proposal comes too late in the legislative
session for approval. Graphic submitted.
for a proper analysis of the
request.
Unincorporated DeKalb
County resident John Oselette
originally submitted an
annexation request letter and
map to Chamblee city officials
on Feb. 6 following a meeting
with Clarkson and councilman
Brian Mock on Jan. 25.
For the few actual salaries that
will be increased with approval
budget exists to cover those
salary adjustments.
$149,400.
Positions that did not
receive salary range increases
include economic development
director ($85,100 to $128,000),
business retention manager
($36,600 to $55,000), human
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 8
Oselette represents
approximately 150-200
residents wishing to obtain
Chamblee city services and
government representation.
The areabordered by I-285,
Shallowford Road and I-85
includes four voting precincts,
Mercer Universitys Atlanta
campus, two elementary
- Nicole Stojka
resources generalist ($44,000
to $66,000), records supervisor
($42,000 to $63,000), executive
assistant ($41,300 to $62,100),
crime scene technician
($37,500 to $56,400) as well
as property and evidence
schools and one technical
college, according to Oselettes
Feb. 16 presentation.
Oselette did not provide a
feasibility study or opinions
from surrounding businesses
in his presentation. The
request did provide appraised
commercial property values
($129 million) as well as values
technician ($33,000 to
$49,600).
Dunwoodys city manager
Eric Linton remains the citys
highest paid employee at
$171,000 per year, according
to an employment agreement
made in 2014.
According to Stojka, the
staff salary range increases
came directly from staff
recommendations.
On a regular basis, staff
conducts and participates in
salary surveys to verify that the
citys salary structure remains
market competitive, Stojka
stated in a memorandum.
Current survey data indicates
that in order to remain
competitive with surrounding
cities, we should update some
of our salary ranges.
in zones marked industrial
($40 million), residential
($801 million) and other
($586 million), for a total of
approximately $1.5 billion.
According to Oselette, the
annexation would bring in
approximately $566 million in
commercial and residential tax
bases.
Oselettes request also
included a very involved and
committed citizenry who are
community service oriented.
Oselette requested the
passing of a resolution placing
an annexation vote on the 2017
November ballot.
Chamblee state
representative Scott Holcomb
was present at the presentation
to ask about the possible
annexations feasibility and
timeframe, calling the timing
to pass the referendum
problematic.
The annexation proposal
and its response mimics
another from 2016 in which
Chamblee was asked to annex
the LaVista Hills area of
DeKalb County. Clarkston
said on March 2, 2016 that the
proposals timeline [was] too
short and things are moving
too quickly.
The increase, titled
Approval of Amendment
of City Position Allocation
and Compensation Chart,
appeared on city councils
consent agenda, which
approves many items at once.
Items on the consent agenda
are often passed without
discussion.
According to Stojka, the
increases will not raise many
actual salaries and for the
few actual salaries that will be
increased with approval
budget exists to cover those
salary adjustments.
According to Dunwoodys
approved 2017 budget, salaries
and benefits are appropriated
from the citys operating
general fund.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 9

Dunwoody changes logo

by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Dunwoody city officials
approved a new logo on Feb. 27
during a city council meeting
following unpublicized
research that included
comparisons to similar cities.
According to a memo
prepared by Bob Mullen,
communications director,
Dunwoodys development of
a new logo began in 2016 and
was deemed complete on Feb.
10 during city councils annual
retreat.
It was there that Dunwoody
City Council unanimously
approved the new logo, which
reads City of Dunwoody
Georgia colored blue-purple
designers who are local,
Mullen said. They [include]
the chamber of commerce,
the Dunwoody Homeowners
Association and global brands
like Coca-Cola, Delta, Harley
Davidson and others. We had
professional designers from
our community volunteering..
They had a passion for the city
they wanted to bring forth.
Mullen said the designers
each devoted approximately 40
hours of work total.
The online conversations
allowed staff members to
arrive at five central themes
that represent Dunwoody:
lively, community, accessibility,
attractiveness and friendliness,
he said.
Dunwoody City Council approved a new logo on Feb. 27, stating it was a
Mullen said the logo evokes simplified, classic version of their current logo. Image courtesy of the city of
these themes with a vibrant, Dunwoody.
connecting swoop. He said
the strong colors also emit a
sense of family. Beginning with [Wescott, tagline. As a government, we
Its a very, very simplified Kapp and Martin] who do arent selling a catchy brand.
version of our logo thats classic this kind of work for a living Mullen said the next steps
in nature, Mullen said. and volunteered their time in branding will be a rollout
Councilman Terry Nall to collaborate, Nall said. Its plan and style guide with a
said everything about the logo simple, clean and timeless. Best proposed completion date in
is local to the community. of all, it lacks an asterisk and July.

OF
EO TH
FT HE
E
and forest green with a green
RE

FAKE NEWS
accent mark underneath.
The new logo replaces one
with an asterisk and the slogan,
BE
B WA
EW AR

INVASION
Smart people, Smart City.
Within the next year, well
be in a new city hall building,
Mullen said. Changes will
come on business cards and
both physical and electronic
letter-heads. Theres an
opportunity to take another
look at what our look and feel
is as a city, what we represent.
Theres an opportunity to
create community pride and
some unity around a new logo.
Mullen said this will be a
chance for the city to refresh
and begin anew since its
establishment in 2008.
Mullen said city staff

local news at its best!

examined local and
international cities, including

OBJECTIVE
Toronto, Sao Paulo, Melbourne
and Montreal.
We wanted to see what
designs were out there and
what cities were saying about

ACCURATE
themselves, Mullen said.

On Jan. 3, Dunwoody
Perimeter Chamber member
Heyward Wescott publicly
asked Facebook subscribers

BALANCED
to describe Dunwoody in
one word. He received a
mixed response, with posters
using such words as traffic,
homogenized, banks,
elite mixed with central,
pleasant, attractive,
welcoming, and supportive.
On Jan. 6, Wescott told fOR A LIMITED TIME GET 52 WEEKS OF HOME OR OFFICE

$25
The Champion he could not DELIVERY FOR ONLY
discuss his motivations for the
Facebook post. He has now
been revealed as one of three
members of a design team that
also includes Jackson Spalding
official Mike Martin and Kapp
Koncepts president Jay Kapp.
These are professional CALL 404.373.7779 FOR DETAILS
LOCAL
Avondale Estates is considering repealing the Lake
Avondale fishing ordinance.
Avondale considers
repealing fishing ordinance
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
With the resent wording changes to the Lake
Avondale sign and ordinance, the Avondale
Estate Board of Mayor and Commissioners are
considering repealing the fishing ordinance for
the lake.
The board would like to remove the
regulations regarding fishing at the lake from the
code of ordinances. When the board removed
wording from the lake sign and ordinance and
discuss new wording options, fishing at the lake
was brought up. Those discussions led to the
consideration of repealing the fishing ordinance.
Were repealing pretty much the entire
fishing ordinance, which still would allow
anybody [to fish] at the lake [but] to have a
Georgia fishing license, City Manager Clai
Brown said. When the signs do go back up, its
a catch and release program, but anyone can fish
in the lake.
The board decided to add enjoy fishing with
a Georgia license but please catch and release to
the lake sign.
The board voted unanimously in December
to remove dated wording from the lake and
Willis Park signs and city ordinance that some
felt was unwelcoming.
The current ordinance states that George
Francis Willis, who founded the city, deeded
certain property to the city on Aug. 16, 1928 for
the exclusive use and pleasure of the residents of
the city, their children, and guests. The wording
from the deed was added to the city ordinance
and to the signs at the lake and park in 1974.
Mayor Jonathan Elmore and city
commissioners have argued that the wording
on the signs and ordinances sends the wrong
message to non-residents that the city is
exclusive.
The board had the second of the third reading
of the proposed ordinance repeal at its Feb. 27
regular meeting and will have the final reading
at this months regular meeting and will vote on
whether to approve the repeal.
For years, DeKalb County residents have urged county officials to look into high water bills and the water meter system. Recently, new CEO
Michael Thurmond addressed the causes of the countys water meter and billing system problems in an open meeting Feb. 23.
Residents looking for solutions after
Thurmond addresses water billing issues
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Some DeKalb County residents
say they still have unanswered
questions after DeKalb County
CEO Michael Thurmond
addressed issues with the countys
water billing system in a public
meeting with commissioners.
The meeting, held Feb. 23
and called a new day project,
addressed how the inaccurate
water bills started, but didnt offer
any solutions, said some county
residents.
Ellen Buettner, a DeKalb
County resident and representative
of the Facebook group
Unbelievable DeKalb Water Bills,
said she was frustrated after the
meeting.
I think its great that [the
county] did an in-depth look at
the issues, but these are problems
that we were already aware of,
Buettner said. Its great that the
CEO has an understanding of what
the problem is, but we were looking
for more of a timeline on when
these issues would be resolved.
During the meeting, Thurmond
said a long-term solution to the
problem would take roughly two to
four years, which includes replacing
the countys water meters and
billing software.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 10
In a water meters/billing issues
flowchart presented at the meeting,
Thurmond highlighted dozens of
causes related to billing and meter
malfunctions.
The countys daily exception
rate, which describes how
often technicians record unusual
consumption or are unable to get
a meter reading, is roughly 25
percent. The industry standard is
6 to 10 percent, according to the
county.
Its just frustrating, Buettner
said. Me, Lisa Harper and Star
McKenzie sat down to talk with
Thurmond and share our concerns
with him and he told us we would
be very pleased after the meeting.
But when you dont give real
concrete answers and solutions...
were not happy. I understand the
in-depth look. I get that. It has to
be done, but give us a timeline for
solutions in details. Without it,
youve done nothing.
Harper, who attended the Feb.
23 meeting, said she still had
questions regarding how the county
would resolve the bills that are
currently in dispute.
According to the county, 37,000
bills are being held and are in the
dispute process. County officials
stated a third-party mediator would
be used for residents wanting an
independent review process to settle
water billing disputes.
The third-party mediation,
in spirit, sounds like a good idea
but I think most people think
its a complete waste of time
and money, Harper said. If the
system is truly flawed, how can any
customer show up and dispute the
charges?
In a recent regular board of
commissioners meeting, Thurmond
said the third-party mediation
process would be optional for
customers. Commissioner Jeff
Rader suggested the county write
off excessively high bills.
Its a notion that we have to
prove a negative that they didnt
use that water, Rader said. Rather
than dispute those bills, we would
allow the regular rate or the most
average rate that they have then
proceed from that point forward so
there would not be a chance of an
arbitrator sticking [customers] with
a high bill.
Members of the Unbelievable
DeKalb Water Bills Facebook group
said they plan to have a town hall in
the future in hopes of getting their
questions answered.
I had so many questions that I
didnt get answers to, Harper said.
We all just have to continue to stay
active. Were cautiously optimistic.
Mr. Thurmond hasnt been in this
position long and I feel positive
that he has made this one of his top
priorities.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 11

WEEKinPICTURES

A month long can food drive in DeKalb County helped collect nearly 3.5 tons of food to be donated to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Commissioner Kathie Gannon,
District Attorney Sherry Boston, Solicitor Donna Coleman-Stribling, Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry, Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson, State Court Clerk Melanie Wilson
and DeKalbs Senior centers and libraries partnered together for the event.

Dunwoody Police Department was recognized at the 2017 Polar Plunge at

Lake Acworth for being the top fundraising law enforcement team. Photo
submitted.

Sprouts Decatur store manager Amonde Younger, left, presents a $500 donation to Brittney Boyd of the
Jones Boys and Girls Club. Photo by Travis Hudgons

The Hopstix raw bar, brewery and robata grill celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting
ceremony in Chamblee on Feb. 28. The new restaurant is located at 3404 Pierce Drive. Photo
submitted. Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan addresses the 2017 Citizens Police Academy during its first meet-
ing on Feb. 28. Photo submitted.

Have you created programming youd like to air on TV?

Do you have an interest in Public Access TV in DeKalb County?
Submit your show to DeKalb Countys Public Access channel, DeKalb 25.
Drop off DVD or USB copies to the Manuel J. Maloof Center at
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030, or upload your content via the internet.

(404) 371-2325 DeKalb25@outlook.com DeKalb25.com

LOCAL
House paint disputed in Doraville
City council drops ordinance regulating house color, lawn dcor following public outcry
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
After residents aired grievances
related to legal precedent, freedom
of expression, property ownership
right and creativity, Doraville
City Council dropped a proposed
ordinance regulating house color
and completion.
Proposed by council members
Shannon Hillard and Sharon
Spangler, the potential ordinance
limited houses and commercial
property to three colors: trim, base
and accent. The ordinance would
also require residents to complete
house paint jobs.
Dozens attended the meeting to
voice opposition to the ordinance.
Seven of the 11 public commenters
called referred to the measure as
exclusive, illegal, unenforceable who work for the city of Doraville
and useless.
Resident Stephe Koontz said
Doravilles mottoDiversity,
Vitality, Communityinvolves
being inclusive, not exclusive. She
said there are more important
matters to discuss involving home
values than paint color.
When the city decides to start
doing tasks that are normally home
owners association (HOA) type
things, it sends a message to the
community that we want to be
exclusive, Koontz said.
Bonita Hoffmeister, another
resident, recalled a house in
Avondale Estates that was painted
neon green with purple polka-dots
in protest of such an ordinance.
She, too, said Doraville has better
ways to increase property value in
neighborhoods.
Ordinances that Avondale
Estates passed were ruled illegal,
Hoffmeister said. We can
create points of interest, give
the community a sense of being,
improve the structural standards
downtown, [and] work with the
county to improve our schools.
Resident Sara Marks said
legislating color is deeply
offensive. She also said there is
no legal precedent to enforcing
such ordinances, bringing up cases
in Texas, Avondale Estates and
Maryland where city ordinances
were ruled against.
Which one of you seeks to be
Martha Stewart over all of us?
Marks asked. Which one of you
has such superior tastes that you
can render a persons color choice
inadequate?
Residents Alan Malcolm and
Linda Rollins spoke in favor of
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 12
enforcement of standards to protect
property values.
Doravilles residents have asked
for architectural standards for many
years, Malcolm said. We have
a little farther to go to ensure a
sustainable neighborhood that will
attract vibrant people that will allow
us to have schools and everything
else we dream of having. These
decisions do affect our property
values.
According to Hillard, residents
have complained to council about
being overwhelmed with the
amount of, or lack of, completion of
paint.
People have complained to me
that they cannot sell their house,
Hillard said. I have friends who
will dine and eat here all day long
but they will not buy a home in the
city of Doraville. I know people
that refuse to buy a house in the
city because were doing a lot for
commercial [real estate] but lacking
in residential.
Hillard said the matter has
nothing to do with ethnicity and
that the proposed ordinance reflects
her being the voice of her district.
Spangler said the matter had
nothing to do with diversity and
everything to do with completing
paint jobs on houses.
Council member Pam Fleming
said she has been opposed to such a
discussion since its inception.
Councilman Robert Patrick
asked council whether it needed
to do this, stating the property
maintenance code is adequate for
property maintenance.
Mayor Donna Pittman called
the matter a difficult discussion.
She said she supported finishing a
paint job but said that was already
covered in Doravilles property
maintenance code. She also voiced
concern regarding enforcement.
People have differing opinions,
Pittman said. Weve heard a lot
of opinions this weeka lot of
emails, text messages and calling.
Its an interesting subject. Im not
sure what limiting the colors will
accomplish, to be very candid. I
have questions about enforcement
and how were going to enforce it.
Pittmans tie-breaking vote cast
down the measure 3-4, with Patrick,
Fleming and M.D. Naser also
opposing and Spangler, Hillard and
Dawn OConnor supporting.
I respect [Spangler and Hillard]
for what theyre trying to do,
Pittman said. But theres a portion
of the ordinance I cannot support. Residents from the Oakcliff neighborhood whose homes have more than three paint colors spoke at a
Doraville City Council meeting to oppose a potential ordinance limiting house paint colors and requiring
completion. Photos by R. Scott Belzer
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 13

Hank Johnson hosts Affordable Care Act town hall

by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Some senior citizens at the Lou
Walker Senior Center in Lithonia
expressed their concerns about the
uncertainty of the Affordable Care Act
and how changes might affect Medicare
and Medicaid in a town hall meeting
March 1.
The meeting, organized by
Congressman Hank Johnsons office,
addressed President Donald Trumps
attempt to repeal and replace the
Affordable Care Act.
In the presidents first address to
Congress, Trump urged Congress to
replace the ACA.
I am also calling on this Congress
to repeal and replace Obamacare with
reforms that expand choice, increase
access, lower cost and at the same time
provide better healthcare, Trump said.
Mandating every American to buy
government health insurance was never
the right solution.
During the town hall, seniors raised
questions about how a repeal could
negatively affect their lives. More than
100 people were in attendance at the
meeting.
According to a press release from
Johnsons office, under ACA repeal
seniors would have to pay sometimes
hefty co-pays for key preventive services
such as cancer screenings, whereas,
under the ACA, key preventive services
are free under Medicare.
During the meeting, Marcia Hunter,
president of DeKalb for Seniors Inc.,
said concerned DeKalb senior residents
should get to know and contact
republican leadership.
If you dont hear anything anybody
else says, you need to hear this. We
appreciate the congressmans staff
coming in, but Congressman Johnson is
a Democrat. Whos running the House
and the Senate? Hunter said. We need
to contact our Republican representatives
in Congress and let them know our
position on the Affordable Care Act.
Hunter said DeKalb senior
residents should stop voicing their
concerns individually and start calling
representatives collectively.
We want to have a seat at the table
and if youre not at the table, youre on
the menu, Hunter said.
Johnson did not attend the meeting,
but a pre-recorded message from him
was played on a monitor.
Cindy Zeldin, executive director
for Georgians for a Healthy Future,
was a guest speaker at the event. Zedlin
answered questions from the audience
about Medicare, Medicaid and the ACA.
According to Zedline the ACA, which Marcia Hunter, president of DeKalb for Seniors Inc., speaks to a group of seniors during a
town hall meeting discussing the effects of repealing the Affordable Care Act.
went into law roughly seven years ago,
helped 20 million Americans become
insured who were not before.
The nations uninsured rate is the
lowest level ever recorded. That is major
progress and weve heard people with
preexistent conditions no longer being
denied affordable coverage and many
other features of this law that have
improved peoples lives, Zedline said.
According to Trump, his
administration plans to lower the cost
of healthcare for everyone and ensure
people with preexisting health conditions
are guaranteed access to health
insurance.
Premiums nationwide have
increased by double and triple digits,
Trump said during his address to
congress. Obamacare is collapsing and
we need to make sure we protect all
Americans.
More than 100 residents at the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia gathered to listen to
guest speakers discuss the Affordable Care Act, Medicare and Medicaid, March 1.

County stalls on pay increases for public safety officials

by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Concerned residents and public
safety officials must wait a while for
pay increases for the countys police,
firefighter and 911 personnel.
In a Feb. 28 regular board of
commissioners meeting, residents urged
the county to increase pay for public
safety workers.
The budget, which passed by a 5-2
vote from commissioners, includes $2.1
million to fund 20 additional police
positions and 36 more fire rescue staff
members and $600,000 for police body
cameras. Some DeKalb residents say its
not enough.
I hope you dont pass this budget
unless you plan on paying our police,
fire and 911 operators, said Faye
Coffield.
Coffield, a former officer who
worked in Atlanta, said a 20 percent
pay increase is needed for public safety
personnel.
Its that simple. Its that basic. [The
county] does not put in enough money
to pay police, fire and 911 operators,
Coffield said. They need at least a 20
percent increase in pay.
Longtime DeKalb civil rights activist
John Evans said it is time the county
pay public safety officials.
They deserve whatever they can get.
They do a great job in this community
and we want to see them get some
money in their pocket, Evans said.
Before the final budget was
approved, commissioners Larry
Johnson and Gregory Adams
attempted to add a resolution to the
budget that would increase pay for
public safety workers.
Johnson suggested the resolution
would give public safety officials a 10
percent increase in 2017 followed by a
subsequent 5 percent increase for the
next two years.
Commissioners argued over the
language of the resolution, saying that
public safety workers is a broad term
that needs to be defined and could
include sheriff s office personnel and
other non-sworn personnel.
Commissioners decided to defer
the resolution and consider it for the
midyear budget adjustment period.
CEO Michael Thurmond said
he hoped residents would give the
administration a chance to address the
need of increased pay.
Theres rarely enough resources
to address all the people we serve,
Thurmond said. One of the most
critical issues we face is providing
competitive and fair salaries for our
men and women. Part of our request is
that we recognize that something must
be done. It is my hope that you give us
an opportunity to return at the midterm
and address this issue.
DeKalb County police officers and
DeKalb Fire and Rescue department
employees were at the Feb. 28 meeting.
Jeff Wiggs, president of the fraternal
order of police DeKalb Lodge No. 10,
said he was in favor of pay raises for
officers.
I say no to this budget. I understand
we can adjust at the midyear, but this
past week we lost four [officers]. Were
at a critical stage right now, Wiggs said.
We need to do some adjusting on this
before we pass this budget.
During his speech, Wiggs motioned
to the back of the room where roughly
50 officers stood. He said that the room
the officers were standing inMaloof
Auditorium in Decaturis the safest
place to be.
All of you look around. This is the
safest place in DeKalb County, Wiggs
said. Why is it the safest place? Because
of all these officers.
LOCAL
Comcast representatives listen to the complaints of Tucker residents and business owners. Photo by Carla Parker
Tucker business owners voice
frustrations with Comcast
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Several Tucker business
owners complained publicly
about the unsatisfactory service Auman said the reason for
they received in the past few
months from Comcast.
The city held a public
information session on
Comcast internet service
Feb. 28 with Comcast
representatives in attendance.
The session was scheduled after made several complaints to
the city received numerous
complaints about unreliable
internet service. City hall staff
have also experienced bad
internet service.
Comcast has an agreement
with the city to pay for the
privilege of bringing their
service inside the city limits.
Payment comes in the form of
an agreed upon franchise fee.
Comcast is and was
the franchisee for DeKalb
County as a whole, and when 3/14-
we became a city it became 3/28affected
necessary for us to have our Godher reputation, jeopardized
own agreement with them to
continue to be the franchisee
for the new city of Tucker,
Mayor Frank Auman said.
The city experienced a
service outage Feb. 14-15, and
the website was unavailable to
view.
Its just an unacceptably
high level of service issues
quality of service, availability of bankrupt my business.
service, responsiveness when
you need to make a service
callthose kinds of things,
Auman said. Weve been
hearing a lot about that. We
city council and staff[have]
experienced it ourselves in our
own businesses and even at city
hall.
When city officials told
Comcast about the issues,
they said they did not see
any notable uptake in service
problems or complaints.
that is because residents arent
calling in to complain.
[Residents] may just sit
there and curse and hope it gets for any kind of noise and looks amendments. I hope that will
better, he said.
Carmel Booth, owner
of Booth Insurance, has
Comcast about the unreliable
internet service. Booth has
had problems with the internet Director Deyanna Jones said
since November.
Any time the internet
drops, Im unable to do my
job, Booth said. Throw in the the customer experience.
phones going down and my
business may as well be closed. No, Jones said. This company administration would not be
For four months, Booth
said she was unable to provide
her normal level of services to
customers due to the internet
St. Andrews Church
going out. She said it has
Redeemed Christian
her income, Church of
damaged
contracts and she has lost
customers.
In January, I knew I would
soon be closing my doors if this
continued much longer, she
said. I hadnt had a paycheck
in months, my income was
gone and I would have to let
go of my employee. I couldnt
believe Comcast was going to
Alex Horowitz, vice
president of public relations
at Comcast, said Comcast has
looked at Booths account to
determine what was causing
the outages.
In that case, it was the
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 14
Thurmonds budget passes with
three major amendments
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County
commissioners in a 5-2 vote
approved the $1.3 billion
operating budget for 2017 that
was officially submitted by
CEO Michael Thurmonds
office in January.
A regular board meeting
Feb. 28, which lasted roughly
six hours and featured a back-
and-forth debate between the amendment. I want to
the CEO and commissioners be clear that we are ready to
over the budget, ended with proceed, but we cant proceed
Thurmond adding three major without the support of the
amendments to address county- commissioners.
wide issues. Eventually, commissioners
The amendments addressed voted to approve the initiative.
the countys water billing DeKalb commissioners
system errors, residential
also approved Thurmonds
blight and DeKalb youth operation clean sweep
unemployment. initiative. The overall program,
Commissioners Jeff Rader which consists of road and
and Nancy Jester voted against drainage fixes, removing debris
fact that there was some old the budget. Commissioner
equipment that was servicing and mowing grass in the county,
Kathie Gannon voted for will cost $2.6 million. The
her mode, Horowitz said. the budget, but stated the
We went in there, took out funds are already available
commissioners should have for the operation and will be
the old equipment and put in had more time to look over
new equipment and shes been reallocated, a county official
the amendments, which were said.
up and running ever since., introduced at the meeting.
according to our records. When the initiative was
The problem is the also at risk of being deferred,
Horowitz said Comcast goes day before and the day of
in and tests signal levels, looks Thurmond addressed
were dealing with all these commissioners again saying,
at the equipment to determine not happen in the future, When you live on a street and
if there needs to be an upgrade. Gannon said. Even though [the for years have begged for the
For many customers, its a county to do something about it,
budget] contains a whole lot of one month is a long time.
matter of old equipment, he things I dont believe in, Im
said. The clean up initiative
voting for it. begins March 11.
Comcast External Affairs Commissioners approved an
An amount of $250,000
amendment for $1.5 million to from the countys general
Comcast had spent more address the 37,000 customers
than $1 billion upgrading the fund also will be reallocated
who had their bills held by the
networks and trying to change county. Commissioners initially to DeKalb Workforce
Development for a DeKalb
voted to defer the amendment, works summer employment
Have we gotten it right? however Thurmond said his
program. The program will
is 53 years old, and at the end provide employment training
able to move forward and fix the for DeKalb Countys youth,
of the day it took 53 years to problem without the funds.
build this problem and were Thurmond said.
I just want to be clear We must not allow the
not going to fix it overnight. that were deciding to wait on
pimps and the drug dealers to
this, said Thurmond when be the only ones recruiting our
commissioners voted to defer
kids, Thurmond said.
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EDUCATION
State representative Tom Taylor spoke to Dunwoody City Council to inform them there will not be a measure for independent city school districts until 2018 at the earliest.
Photo submitted.
No independent school systems for Georgia cities
DeKalb state rep briefs Dunwoody on failed house resolution
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Georgia residents will not
be given the opportunity to
vote on city-based school
districts this year, according
to Georgia state representative
Tom Taylor.
Taylor, who represents
District 79 encompassing
northern DeKalb County,
spoke at a Feb. 27 Dunwoody
City Council meeting to update
city officials on the current
legislative session which began
Jan. 9
According to Taylor, House
Resolution 58 (HR58)
which proposed to amend the
Georgia Constitution to allow
cities to form independent
school districtswill not move
forward in 2017.
Though the bill made it
through the House Committee
for Governmental Affairs and
was favorably reported on
Feb. 23, Taylor said there is
not enough time to receive the
amount of approval required to
place on the November ballot.
This is a constitutional
amendment requiring a super
majority and that will not pass
[House and Senate] until 2018,
Taylor said. Theres, frankly,
Taylor
not enough time right now.
Taylor also said there was
too much turnover at the
legislative level to receive full
support on the bill.
Youve seen the new faces,
Taylor said. A lot of these
folks, we really havent had the
chance to let [the bill] sink in.
Id hate to bring it to the floor,
requiring a super majority, and
not have that.
Taylor said the bill was
handled in the committee
for governmental affairs
rather than the committee
for cducation because the
chairmanGwinnett County
Rep. Brooks Colemanwas
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 15
acting on behalf of Gwinnetts
superintendent, Alvin
Wilbanks.
Lets just say he got one of
those Godfather calls, Taylor
said. They have over 176,000
students; Alvin Wilbanks
is a very powerful guy, not
just in Gwinnett County,
but throughout the state. He
carries a lot of weight with
superintendents.
Taylor said the bill was also
less about education and more
about a transfer of assets.
Were not dealing with
curriculum, Taylor said. At
the end of the day, this is
an asset transfer. Its about
turf and jobs. Outside the
metro area, school systems
and hospitals are the largest
employers.
Both Republicans and
Democrats have opposed
and supported HR58 and
similar legislation proposed
by Taylor in the past. He said
state representatives have
approached him to say they
like the bill, but cannot support
it due to constituents interest
in being county-owned.
Councilwoman Lynn
Deutsch speculated this may
not be a fruitful exercise
and asked Taylor if there was
anything council could do
in the interim to empower education for students.
charter school clusters. Taylor At a Dec. 12 city council
said there is something to be meeting, Taylor told city
done outside of the legislative officials DeKalb County School
session but he was not willing District hired the worlds
to discuss it in a public forum. largest law firm, Dentons LLP,
Theres something else out to lobby on its behalf and
there but its a strategic issue oppose the bill. The Champion
that Im not ready to discuss confirmed the initiative
right now, Taylor said. which cost the district
Dunwoody Mayor $99,900in January and
Denis Shortal promised an prompted a discussion with
independent school district DCSDs board of education.
during his 2016 State of the
City Address, stating it was
the best way to improve public
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
PUBLIC BUDGET INPUT MEETING
FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2018
Monday, March 20, 2017
TIME LOCATION
5:30 p.m. J. David Williamson Board Room
Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex
1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083
The DeKalb County Board of Education will hold a public budget
input meeting to solicit feedback from the public regarding the
2017-2018 school systems budget.
FOR INFORMATION, CALL THE OFFICE OF THE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AT 678-676-0069.
BUSINESS
Owner Randall Bloomquist says he chose to put his FASTSIGNS franchise in
the heart of the Decatur business district.
Franchise owner says, Were a local business
by Kathy Mitchell
The fact that were a
franchise doesnt mean were
not local, said Randall
Bloomquist, who recently
opened a FASTSIGNS
franchise on East Trinity in
downtown Decatur.
Although were affiliated
with a national company,
we are locally owned and
operated and absolutely part
of the Decatur community,
Bloomquist said of his
signage, graphics and visual
communications company. All
our employees live in the area
and we participate in nonprofit
events here in Decatur. We
Stone Mountain UPS driver among companys safest
by Kathy Mitchell
When Georgia-based
United Parcel Service (UPS)
announced last month that
42 Georgia drivers are among
1,575 being inducted worldwide
into the companys Circle of
Honor, Stone Mountain resident
Oliver Turner was on the list.
Circle of Honor is an honorary
organization for UPS drivers
who have achieved 25 or more
years of accident-free driving.
Turner, who has been with
UPS 33 years, said he was
not initially aiming for the
milestone. At first, you just take
TheChampionNewspaper.com
chose to not just have a
Decatur address but to be right
in middle of the citys business
district.
Calling Decatur a diverse
and thriving community,
Bloomquist said the city has
the best of urban and small
town living. Theres lots going
on here, but people still know
and care about their neighbors.
Weve had several
customers tell us that they
are pleased that theres now a
company in Decatur that can
handle projects they might
otherwise have had to take
to a company further away,
Bloomquist said, adding that
60 to 70 percent of the work is
it one day at a time. You want to
get home safely to your family
every day and avoid accidents
that could cause property
damage or harm someone else,
but as you start approaching 25
or 30 years you start being extra
careful because you want to
reach that mark.
The most important thing
a driver can do to be accident
free, according to Turner, is
get plenty of rest to stay alert
throughout the shift. The
company teaches us 10 habits to
improve safety, but being well
rested is central to all of them,
he commented.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 16
Designer/production specialist Courtney Coprich completes a job in the Decatur shop,
where 60 to 70 percent of the business projects are done.
done in the Decatur shop. For
really large projects we work
with an outside vendor.
He said banners, yard
signs and other small projects
account for much of the
business, but FASTSIGNS is
able to handle large exterior
signs. Bloomquist said his
company recently provided
new signs for a more than
30-year-old Decatur business
that changed its name.
FASTSIGNS originated
in Dallas, Texas, in 1985 and
began selling franchises the
next year. The company now
has more than 650 franchised
centers located in nine
countries.
They teach you to be aware
at all times of your situation, to
always make sure you see the
big pictureand that picture is
always changing, Turner said.
Turner said UPS holds its
drivers to a high standard. If
you have an accidenteven if
the police say you were not at
faultUPS investigates and if
in their opinion you could have
prevented the accident, it still
goes on your record.
Drivers talk about safety
among themselves, he said,
and pass along tips that work
for them. Also, when we know
that a place has a hazard such
Bloomquist added,
Affiliation with a national
company allows us to tap
into resources and expertise
that might not otherwise be
available to us. FASTSIGNS,
he said, handles projects of
all sizesacross a wide range
of industriesranging from
business cards and printed
materials to large-scale
exterior signage, interior dcor
graphics, digital displays,
vehicle wraps and other visual
communications.
Despite the name,
Bloomquist said, speed is only
part of the companys value
package. In fact, its motto is
Not Just Fast. Not Just Signs.
as a low-hanging branch we tell
the others so they can watch
for it when theyre in that area,
Turner said.
He said that while being
inducted into the Circle of
Honor is an accomplishment
hes proud of, his greatest pride
in being a safe driver comes
from knowing he has kept
himself and others safe. Were
out there every day and we want
to be sure that we never harm
anyone. Keeping the public safe
is a top priority for us. UPS
reports that it has approximately
102,000 drivers who log more
than 3 billion miles a year,
We can complete a project
very quickly when thats what
a customer needs. We have
turned projects around the
same day, he said, But we also
offer a great depth of industry
knowledge and skill. The
feedback weve gotten from
our customers so far has been
really exciting.
Bloomquists background
is in media and marketing. He
has worked for a newspaper
as well as in public relations,
marketing and broadcasting.
When I decided it was time
to have my own business, I
wanted it to be in an area that I
already know well, he said.
delivering nearly 5 billion
packages annually.
A news release from UPS
states that 9,349 active drivers
are Circle of Honor members.
The 110-year-old company
reports that it issued its first
driver handbook in 1917
and started its safe driver
recognition program in 1923.
NOTICE TO
INTRODUCE LOCAL
LEGISLATION
Notice is hereby given
that the City of Doraville
intends to introduce a
local bill in the 2017
General Assembly,
enabling an amendment
to Section 4.03 of the
Doraville City Charter.
Said amendment would
eliminate the ad valorem
millage cap for special
service and/ or special tax
districts.
CLASSIFIED DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 17

The
CHAMPION
The Champion is not responsible for any damages resulting from advertisements. All sales final.
RATES: $30 for up to 40 words, each
additional word $0.60. All ads are
prepaid. All major credit cards accepted.
CLASSIFIEDS
Ads due by Friday at noon for next
DISCLAIMER: We do not knowingly accept advertisements that
discriminate, or intend to discriminate, on any illegal basis. Nor
publication date. For more information
do we knowingly accept employment advertisements that are not
bona-fide job offers. All real estate advertisements are subject
visit www.championclassifieds.com
to the fair housing act and we do not accept advertising that is
in violation of the law. The law prohibits discrimination based on
color, religion, sex, nationalorigin, handicap or familial status.

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SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 18

Pilar King won the 2017 8-Under High Point award at the 31st Annual Black History Meet in Washington, D.C.

The HLHK SEALs swim club finished fifth overall at swim meets in Atlanta and Washington D.C.

Marist girls, St. Pius X boys win swim and dive state titles
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Young swimmers from south
DeKalb put on a performance in
Washington, D.C. and at a state swim
meet.
The Healthy Lifestyle Healthy Kids
HLHK SEALs swim club competed
in the 31st Annual Black History
Meet in Washington, D.C. during the
Presidents Day weekend. HLHK sent
27 swimmers to the meet and the group
came in fifth out of 27 teams.
The team won 13 gold, eight silver
and nine bronze medals. The team was
led by Pilar King, who won the 2017
8-Under High Point award. She is the
third consecutive SEALs swimmer to
win the award. Trinity Zackary won
the award last year and Kala Berry
won it in 2015.
King broke five records at the meet,
including the 8-Under 500 freestyle and
8-Under 200 individual medley.
The HLHK SEALs also had six
swimmers to compete in the 2017
14 & Under Short Course State
Championships in Atlanta. The team
also placed fifth at the state meet.
These swimmers qualified among
the fastest in Georgia. Berry led the
team, winning two gold medals,
making her the states fastest 10-Under
swimmer in the 50- and 100-yard
backstroke. Berry is HLHKs first state
championship swimmer.
Berry, Jayla Thompson and Nasir
Harrison led the team to 12 medals
two gold, four silver and six bronze.
LHK, as a nonprofit organization
that works to increase opportunities for
kids to be physically active in an effort
to prevent childhood obesity. Located
in south DeKalb County, HLHK
provides instructional and competitive
swimming, soccer and basketball
experiences year-round for youth ages
4-18.
The program also teaches children
and parents how to eat healthfully.
King said he tries to reach the children
and get them active at an early age.
The swim team is led by coaches
Jabari Kingfounder and executive
directorand Brandon Little, who are
both former competitive swimmers.
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 19

THREE BASKETBALL TEAMS TO PLAY FOR STATE TITLES

by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Three basketball teams from DeKalb County public and
private schools will try to bring home state championships.
Greenforest and St. Pius X boys as well as Southwest DeKalb
girls will play for a state title.
The Southwest DeKalb Lady Panthers will defend their Class
AAAAA state title March 8 against Buford at the University of
Georgias Stegman Coliseum at 6 p.m. This is the Lady Panthers
eighth championship appearance in 10 seasons.
Southwest DeKalb defeated Flowery Branch 66-63 March
4 in the semifinals to advance to the championship game.
Jada Walton led the team with 24 points, while Ogheneruona
Uwusiaba added 13 and seven rebounds; Chantz Cherry had 10
points.
The Greenforest Eagles have faced St. Francis in the Class
A-Private championship game the last two seasons with both
teams winning one game in the series. Greenforest won round
three after dominating St. Francis 86-56 in the semifinals March
4 at the Cobb County Civic Center.
The Eagles advanced to their third consecutive state title
game and fourth in the last five seasons. Greenforest coach
Larry Thompson said the team set a goal at the beginning of the
season to play for another state title.
[It was almost] state championship or bust for us with that
crew we had coming back, Thompson said. Im just happy the
guys came out and played with a sense of passion and urgency to
propel us to the state championship game.
The game was tight in the first quarter with Greenforest
leading by one point (18-17) at the end of the quarter. The
Eagles ultimately outscored St. Francis by 15 points or more in
each quarter. Thompson said the first quarter was a feeling-out
process between the two teams.
Its kind of how it always goes with Greenforest and St.
Francisback and forth early, then one team kind of pulls away,
he said. Thats kind of how it was when they beat us two years
ago, and we beat them last year. Guess it was our turn to play tug
of war a little bit and then figure it out.
David Quimby and Abayomi Iyiola led the team with
18 points each. Greenforest will take on Southwest Atlanta
Christian for the Class A-Private title March 10 at Georgia Tech Greenforest defeated St. Francis to advance to the Class A-Private championship game. Photos by
at 4 p.m. Carla Parker
The St. Pius X Golden Lions will play in its second
championship game in school history in an effort to win its first PUBLIC NOTICE
title. St. Pius X will take on Upson-Lee in the Class AAAA state NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY
championship game March 10 at Georgia Tech at 8 p.m.
St. Pius advanced to the championship game after beating
DeKalb County Community Development Department
Sandy Creek 87-68 in the semifinals. Carson Seramur led the 2016 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
team with 22 points and Everett Lane added 17 points. The DeKalb County Community Development Department is preparing to submit its Consolidated Annual
Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Playoff scores Development (HUD). The report covers the status of activities and programs carried out through the use
of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME),
Quarterfinals and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funds during the most recently completed program year that ended
Boys December 31, 2016.
Greenforest 89, Holy Innocents 55
Miller Grove 59, Riverwood 43 The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report is available for citizens review and com-
St. Pius 64, Carver-Columbus 60 ments from March 09, 2017 through March 23, 2017 at the following address:
Cedar Shoals 59, Lithonia 52 DeKalb County Community Development Department
3486 Covington Hwy
Girls Decatur, GA 30032
Southwest DeKalb 45, McIntosh 26 Telephone: 404-371-2727
Northview 65, Stephenson 46 The office hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Semifinals The document may also be reviewed at the libraries listed below.
Boys Please contact the libraries for hours of operation.
Greenforest 86, St. Francis 56 Chamblee Branch Decatur Branch
St. Pius 87, Sandy Creek 68 4115 Clairmont Road, 215 Sycamore Street,
Chamblee Decatur
Cedar Shoals 59, Miller Grove 38 (770-936-1380) (404-370-3070)
Girls Redan-Trotti Branch Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown
Southwest DeKalb 66, Flowery Branch 63 1569 Wellborn Road, Branch
Redan 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur
(770-482-3821) (404-286-6980)

(Written comments should be submitted to the 3486 Covington Hwy address.)

All locations are accessible to persons with disabilities.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, March 10, 2017 Page 20

Atlanta Sports Connection CEO Patrick Henderson speaks to a crowd at the proposed Atlanta Sports City location A large crowd gathers as developers and community leaders announce the addition
Feb. 22along with Zeric Foster, Atlanta Sports Connection COO, APD Solutions CEO Vaughn Irons and Discover DeKalb of a sports complex in the Stonecrest area Feb. 22.
Executive Director James Tsismanakis.

Developers, local officials excited about sports complex potential

by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Residents, business owners
and developers investing in the
Stonecrests area seem excited after
the announcement of a sports complex
headed to the newly formed city.
Atlanta Sports City will be inside
Stonecrests city limits located across
from the AMC theater at the Mall at
Stonecrest.
The $200 million development
is projected to have a $197 million
economic impact on the area.
This will be one of the biggest
tourism sports products, not just in
DeKalb County, not just in the city of
Stonecrest but in all of metro-Atlanta
as well as the south, said James
Tsismanakis, executive director and
CEO of Discover DeKalb. This is
something to be very proud of.
Officials have worked on the
logistics of the project for roughly eight
years, said Atlanta Sports Connection
CEO Patrick Henderson. Atlanta
Sports Connection will own and develop
the property.
The project is expected to bring
1,937 permanent jobs to the area along
with 300 new construction jobs to
Stonecrest. Developer Vaughn Irons
said at least 25 percent of those jobs will
go to Stonecrest residents.
We think that we found a home for
many, many years to come, Henderson
said. Atlanta Sports Connection is here
to develop not only sports entertainment
and sports medicine, but were here to
help develop the community through
sports.
Developers working on the project
said Atlanta Sports City could support
3 million visitors annually and bring
in $105 million in revenue to DeKalb
County.
Henderson said construction for the
complex will begin in the third quarter
of this year in phases with fields being
built first, then the construction of the
204,325 square-foot indoor athletic
facility followed by the construction
of 338,966 square foot retail space and
a stadium which should seat 15,000.
This will take about two and a half
years total, Henderson said. We will
try to have the fields ready to go around
the fall or the end of the year.
Irons said the complex will host
tournaments as early as this year.
In 2017 youre going to see children
playing out in these fields. This is not a
project where we get started and a year
and a half later youre wondering what
happened to it, Irons said. By 2020
this entire area will be transformed.
The complex could be home to two
professional soccer teams in the next
two years. Irons said the responsibility
of investing $200 million for the
complex will not fall on the Stonecrest
taxpayers.
Essentially this project is funded
from private sources. Theres private
equity, some debt thats being
undertaken for the project, then some
revenue bonds supported by one of the
local joint authorities to support the
project as well...about $160 million,
Irons said. There are no public
incentives or general obligations of local
citizens involved in this project.

THERES STRENGTH IN GIVING

$
62 million Publix would like to thank our associates and
Publix Super Markets Charities for strengthening our
communities through their generous support of United Way.