Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County officials joined community partners on June 29 to break ground on a project that has been 10 years in the making—Sterling at Candler Village, a South DeKalb apartment complex that will provide subsidized independent living for seniors. After 10 years of planning, the $25 million project is finally getting under way at 1955 Candler Road, said Sharon Guest, project lead for The Benoit Group (TBG), the developer. “We’re very excited to be here,” Guest told officials at the groundbreaking ceremony. “When I was working with the DeKalb Housing Authority in 2011, it (the project) kept getting resuscitated then…

Opponents are urging the Stonecrest City Council to vote no on a proposed millage increase, saying it would unfairly tax owners of commercial and rental properties. No one spoke in favor of the increase at two public hearings held on June 27. About 10 people made comments. Attorney Bernard Knight, who represents several businesses and landowners in the city, said the proposed increase of up to 1 mill goes against promises made during the formation of the city. “This is inconsistent with the vision that was crafted by the folks who created Stonecrest and inconsistent with the promises that…

The Rockdale Board of Commissioners (BOC) approved the execution of the agreement and final documents to finalize the purchase of the historic Costley Mill Park. Officials signed the documents following the June 27 meeting. Rockdale is spending $4 million to buy and renovate the 77-acre property on Costley Mill Road, which is located off Georgia Highway 138. The park, owned by the Bowman family, has been in Rockdale since the 1800s. It has been used for films, weddings and other special events including the Rubber Ducky race, which is held annually to raise money to assist senior programs in…

Clarkston resident Chelsea Robinson is among 63 Georgia teaching Fellows selected by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. Robinson, a 2007 graduate of DeKalb County’s Stephenson High School, is studying for her master’s of art degree in teaching and mathematics with a concentration in STEM at Mercer University. “I believe the program is going to really prepare us for the classroom. As a Fellow, I’m especially looking forward to working with a mentor for the next three years,” said Robinson. Gov. Nathan Deal introduced the 2017 fellows at an event on June 29. “Sandra and I are honored to welcome…

Dr. Dale Burgess, a veteran administrator, has been tapped to serve as Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Dean of Arts & Sciences.  His appointment began June 12. “I am delighted to welcome Dr. Burgess as Georgia Piedmont’s newest dean,” said GPTC President Jabari Simama. “Dr. Burgess possesses an impressive track record of proven leadership at several institutions of higher learning.  He has hands-on experience working in our college with students, faculty and staff, and he is bringing considerable expertise to this pivotal role,” he concluded. Prior to becoming dean, Burgess worked as an evening and weekend administrator at GPTC.  He also…

L-R: Tracy Gray, RMHC Scholarship Committee; Orestes Rodriguez, Owner/Operator; Chyna Mays, Rockdale County High School (Stanford University); Emmeline Lombard, Rockdale County High School (Berry College); Javier C. Goizueta, Global RMHC; Beth Howell, Atlanta RMHC President. Rockdale County residents Chyna Mays and Emmeline Lombard received scholarships from Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Mays received a $10,000 scholarship—$2,500 for each year of college, and Lombard received a $1,500 scholarship. The Rockdale County High School graduates will be attending Stanford University and Berry College respectively. Mays and Lombard were recognized at an awards breakfast on Saturday, June 24, at the Gatewood House…

Beulah Baptist Church, 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur, will host its Summer 2017 Revival, July 10-12, nightly at 7. Beulah’s pastor, the Rev. Jerry D. Black, will welcome guest revivalist, the Rev. Maurice Watson, pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church, Largo, Maryland. Dr. Watson and Rev. Black forged a friendship years ago after meeting in Arkansas during a four-church fellowship. “We are blessed to have Dr. Watson return to Beulah for our 2017 revival,” said Rev. Black. “We are confident Dr. Watson will have a word that will empower the people of God during our Year of Destiny.” Dr. Watson’s dynamic…

The Spirit and Truth Sanctuary, 2915 Midway Road, Decatur, will present “It’s Showtime” on Sunday, July 9, 6 p.m. The concert is a tribute to George Gershwin and other movie music and will feature Bishop Carlton Pearson; Tony Thompson & New Creation Chorale & Band; Joyful Sound Chorale; and Clariece Miller Paulk. Admission is $8 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. The church’s Growing the Arts Committee is sponsoring the event. For more information, call the church at 404-243-5020.

All Gwinnett County government offices, with the exception of those operations required for the comfort and safety of residents, will be closed July 4 for the Independence Day holiday. County offices will resume normal business hours on July 5. A Magistrate Court judge will be available at the Gwinnett County Detention Center during the holiday. Trash and recycling collection in unincorporated Gwinnett County is scheduled as normal for Tuesday, July 4. The Gwinnett County Solid Waste Management Call Center will be closed that day, but hauler call centers will be open. Residents can visit www.sustainablegwinnett.com to find their hauler’s contact…

DeKalb County’s Sanitation Division will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Tuesday, July 4. Due to the holiday, garbage, recyclable materials and yard trimmings collection for residential customers will be based on the revised collection schedule below: Monday, July 3 – Normal collection day. Tuesday, July 4 – Independence Day observed; no collection service. Wednesday, July 5 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Tuesday, July 4, will be serviced on Wednesday, July 5. Thursday, July 6 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, July 5, will be serviced on Thursday, July 6. Friday,…