Author: On Common Ground News

OP/ED: By DeKalb County Commissioners Kathie Gannon and Jeff Rader Clifton Corridor institutions, led by Emory University, have petitioned to annex their isolated property into Atlanta across a 65-foot wide “land bridge” that Emory purchased last year.  They urge stakeholders to look at the Big Picture when judging their unilateral action and ask Atlanta to reflexively approve their incorporation into the City.  The Atlanta City Council and Atlanta voters should carefully assess the implications and mitigate impacts before they grant the request. DeKalb has petitioned the State to arbitrate these issues. The institutions seek to expedite a transit extension to…

Councilwoman Diane Adoma will host a Town Hall meeting that will feature a discussion on public safety. Please come prepared to share your ideas for improving public safety in Stonecrest which has been dealing with increasing reports of crime and public safety issues. Let’s Talk! Date: Aug. 22, 2017 Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Location: Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road Special Guest: Officer E. Jenkins, DeKalb County Police Officer East Precinct Public Education Specialist

Atlanta remembered the victims of the deadly racial violence that took place over the weekend during a protest in Charlottesville, Virginia. The violence erupted after hundreds of white supremacists staged a “take America back” demonstration and clashed with counter protestors. A car plowed into the crowd killing one woman and injuring several more. Two state troopers responding to the scene were killed in a helicopter crash One woman was killed and 19 others were injured when a car driven by a 20-year-old Alex Fields, Jr. plowed into the group, according to news reports. Fields  was arrested and charged with one…

The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct its regular board meeting on Thursday, Aug. 17, 4 p.m., at Emory University Center for Ethics, Rita Anne Rollins Building, 1531 Dickey Drive, Atlanta. The agenda is as follows: I. Call to Order II. Welcome and Introductions III.       Adoption of Agenda IV. Review and Approve Meeting Minutes from August 1, 2017 V. Unfinished Business    A. Discussion – Business pending appeal      B. Reports Viola Davis/Joel Edwards/Rhea Johnson against Sharon Barnes Sutton – Tabled William Perry against Sharon Barnes Sutton – Tabled Sandra Kaye Bowen against Sharon Barnes Sutton – Tabled Viola…

The National Association of Counties and the Center for Digital Government recognized DeKalb County Government for utilizing technology solutions that enable and empower citizens, businesses and the government. The county won ninth place for counties with 500,000 to 999,999 citizens in the 15th annual Digital Counties Survey. “DeKalb has made and will continue to make significant investments in new technologies,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. “Efficient technology allows us to provide our residents and businesses with enhanced customer service, however they choose to interact with the county.” The national survey measures county technology-driven performance and innovation. It evaluates counties on…

The Rockdale Youth Leadership (RYL) program is now accepting applications until Sept. 1, 2017 from high school sophomores aspiring to leadership with a passion for serving the community. The eight-month program, a collaboration of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and Rockdale County Public Schools, provides leadership development and community awareness training for 10th grade students in Rockdale County. For applications, please go to www.rockdaleschools.org/ryl. Aspiring youth leaders will have the opportunity during the program to interact with community leaders, local elected officials, and school administrators to enhance their awareness of community needs and resources. Through interactive workshops, special tours, and…

The South DeKalb Improvement Association will host a community meeting on Saturday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m., at the Lithonia-Davidson Library, 6821 Church Street, Lithonia. The Housing Committee’s guest speaker will be Sheena Foster, Southeastern Regional Organizer for the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC).  The NCRC is a national organization of over 600 community development and affordable housing organizations and civil rights groups.  Its utilization of the Community Reinvestment Act has resulted in: Over $62 billion in mortgage loans and community development commitments from national banks 45,900 families becoming homeowners as the result of NCRC’s foreclosure prevention and housing counseling services…

Notice is hereby given that a General Election will be held in the City of Stonecrest, Georgia on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 for the election of three (3) City Council Members. One shall be elected in Districts 1, 3 & 5. Any person desiring to be a candidate shall qualify at DeKalb County Registrations and Elections at 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300 Decatur, GA 30032. Qualifying will begin on Monday, August 21, 2017 and ending Wednesday, August 23, 2017 between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. The qualifying fee for the position of City Council Member is Four…

The city of Stonecrest’s staff is growing. The new municipality, which marked its one-month anniversary at City Hall on Aug. 10, now has 15 people on staff, officials said. “A number of the critical positions have been filled,” said Adrion Bell, the city’s communications director. “The mayor is content. Every week, we chart where we are in terms of progress and we are ahead of our goals.” So far, the city’s staff includes: Michael Harris, Interim City Manager Plez Joyner, Assistant City Manager Brenda James, Interim City Clerk Nicole Dozier, Community Development Director Adrion Bell, Communications Director Audrey Mays, Account…

Veterans are invited to come out and learn about resources that are available to them at an upcoming town hall meeting. Justice For Veterans will host a town hall meeting on Aug. 15, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. Al Bocchicchio, director of the Atlanta Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, will discuss benefits and resources that can assist veterans and their families. Bocchicchio is responsible for administering benefits and services to the estimated 773,000 veterans, service members, their families and survivors living in Georgia. The Atlanta Regional Office…