![[Valid RSS]](https://web.archive.org/web/20240108205913im_/https://ocgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/valid-rss-rogers.png "Validate my RSS feed")
STONECREST, GA— The Stonecrest/Lithonia Industrial Park Community Improvement District (CID) has officially been established, marking a significant milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to strengthen economic development, improve infrastructure and position one of DeKalb County’s premier industrial corridors for long-term growth and investment.
The Stonecrest City Council unanimously approved the creation of the CID on May 18. The newly formed seven-member board, which includes two residents appointed by the City Council, held its inaugural meeting on June 23, electing its leadership.
The CID’s formation represents the culmination of more than five years of planning and advocacy by the nonprofit Stonecrest Industrial Council Inc.
“This is a win, win, win for the Stonecrest area,” said Stonecrest City Councilman George Turner, former mayor pro tem and current representative for District 4. “The City of Stonecrest, DeKalb County and this region will all benefit from its establishment.”
Turner said the CID creates new opportunities to elevate the industrial park and position itself to help promote the city nationally.
“This CID brings focus to an area that has long been underestimated in this community,” Turner continued. “Now that the Stonecrest/Lithonia Industrial Park District is organized to promote its internal development, it has the opportunity for national recognition. This will invite additional investment and has the potential to transform the economic outlook of our region.”
During its inaugural meeting, the board elected attorney Bernard Knight to serve as chairman.
“We thank the mayor and City Council for their support,” Knight said. “We look forward to partnering with the City on projects that will enhance the district, improve infrastructure and strengthen Stonecrest’s economic base.”
The board also appointed Greg Wright as executive director to oversee the CID’s day-to-day operations and implementation of its strategic initiatives.
“I’m excited to be a part of this new organization,” Wright said. “There are tremendous opportunities to make the Stonecrest/Lithonia Industrial Park District a better place to work, while helping make the surrounding community a better place to live, do business and enjoy.”
Wright said the CID will focus on developing strategic initiatives that improve aesthetics, enhance mobility, modernize infrastructure, and support long-term projects such as rebuilding outdated roads and intersections within the Stonecrest/Lithonia Industrial Park.
To support the CID’s planning and capital improvement efforts, the board has retained Larry Kaiser, P.E., of Collaborative Infrastructure Services LLC, as its engineering consultant. Kaiser has extensive experience managing CID projects throughout metro Atlanta.
“I’ve seen Community Improvement Districts deliver meaningful infrastructure improvements, beautification projects and economic development initiatives through strong partnerships with local governments,” Kaiser said. “Working alongside the City of Stonecrest, I believe this CID is well-positioned to achieve similar success.”
Turner said the City of Stonecrest is committed to building a lasting partnership with the CID.
“The City Council of Stonecrest welcomes the Stonecrest/Lithonia Industrial Park CID and looks forward to advancing this partnership for the benefit of everyone for years to come,” Turner said. “Improving the district’s appearance is a win. Investing in infrastructure is a win. Expanding economic growth on DeKalb County’s east side is a win. Most importantly, improving the community without increasing taxes on residents is a win.”
WHAT IS A CID?
Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) are self-taxing districts in which commercial property owners invest in projects that improve transportation, infrastructure, public safety, beautification and economic competitiveness. Through collaboration with local governments and regional partners, CIDs leverage public and private resources to accelerate community investment and attract new business opportunities.