Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) will attend the Defend Black History Summit, where she will receive the Black History Award on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 1 – 5 p.m. at the Loudermilk Conference Center, Atlanta.    Rep. Carter’s nomination for the award came from the National Education Association (NEA) and Color Of Change. The NEA is a professional organization representing public school teachers, support personnel, higher education faculty and staff, retired educators, and students preparing to enter the teaching profession. Color Of Change is a nonprofit organization dedicated to civil rights advocacy, with a focus on utilizing online resources to…

By State Rep. Viola Davis, D-Stone Mountain DEKALB COUNTY, GA—As your state representative for Georgia House District 87, it is my responsibility to address the concerns of constituents, especially when state laws are called into question. Recently, one of my constituents approached me with concerns regarding a proposed crematory development along Memorial Drive, asking whether it would violate Georgia state law. The specific provision in question is O.C.G.A. § 43-18-72, which clearly states that crematories must be located at least 1,000 feet away from any residential subdivision platted and recorded with the superior court. The constituent who reached out wanted…

ATLANTA–Georgia voters surpassed the 2 million mark on Thursday with 2,125,877 check-ins, shattering previous Early Voting performance, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced. In previous years on Day 10 of Early Voting, Georgia had the following number of ballots cast, according to Raffensperger’s office: 730,706    (2018) 1,328,199 (2020) 1,139,770 (2022) “Georgia voters know we’ve made it easy to cast a ballot. It’s really that simple,” said Secretary Raffensperger. “Over the past four years we’ve worked tirelessly to prepare for this election by adding Early Voting days and investing in infrastructure, only to be rewarded with the lies of Jim Crow 2.0 and…

UPDATE:  Chloe Cooper, 20, has been located, the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release today, Oct. 25. Cooper left home and was last seen getting into a white 4-door vehicle on Oct. 21 around 7:30 a.m. When she did not return home that evening, her family reported her missing. Investigators were able to determine that Cooper left her home, of her own will, and her whereabouts were determined on Oct. 24 around 2:15 p.m.  “We are working with the local law enforcement agency to ensure the well-being and safety of Chloe,” Investigator L. Smith stated in a news release.…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners acted on several initiatives during its Oct. 15 meeting. A recap of what was approved follows:   Gateway monuments to welcome visitors The Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Rite Lite Signs Inc. for the construction of two illuminated gateway monuments at key roadways leading into the county. One monument will be situated near the northbound exit ramp of I-85 at Jimmy Carter Boulevard, and the other will be at the northeast corner of Centerville Highway and Riverlake Way. The Board also approved a maintenance agreement with the Georgia Department of…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The closure of Livingstone Place,between East College Avenue and Craigie Avenue in Decatur will be extended through Nov. 30.  Crews will continue construction activities associated with the Scott Boulevard Water Main Replacement Project Phase III. Motorists should expect delays stemming from the road closure.  Precautionary signs and traffic flaggers will assist in moving local traffic safely around the road closure.  For more information, visit the DWM website at www.dekalbwatershed.com, call the DWM Project Information Line at 1-800-986-1108 or email: projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Craigie Avenue, between Brown Place and Haven Lane, will be closed to through-traffic from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday, Oct. 30 through Nov. 30 to facilitate a watermain replacement at 2803 Craigie Avenue, Decatur, GA. Road closure and detour signs will be placed in the area during the road closure period advising motorists of construction work in the area and of local traffic restrictions. Questions regarding this road closure should be addressed to Drew Smith, project engineer, Garney Construction at 813-675-7878. 

DEKALB COUNTY, GA –MARTA will temporarily halt rail service to Indian Creek Station on the Blue Line from Dec. 8-9, 2024, for the installation of a new pedestrian bridge over the tracks. The Kensington Station will temporarily serve as the end of the Blue Line during the installation. The new bridge will improve pedestrian and bike access on the north side of the station and connect to a planned trail network.  The pedestrian bridge installation is part of the larger Indian Creek Station Rehabilitation Project designed to improve safety, accessibility, and overall customer experience. The project also includes heavy cleaning,…

ATLANTA–Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp today announced that American International Group, Inc. (AIG), a leading global insurance company, will establish a new innovation hub in DeKalb County. The facility will triple AIG’s current Atlanta-area office space to accommodate over 1,000 employees, including the creation of more than 600 new roles over the next five years. “Again and again, job creators are choosing the No. 1 state for business not just for first-time investment, but for expansion as well,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “AIG’s decision to grow their footprint here in Georgia is just the latest confirmation that we have what businesses…