Medlock Matters Medlock Area Neighborhood Association Newsletter

In this issue

Annexation Update Zoning report MANA Newsletter Editor Needed School News Neighborly Reminders Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve Medlock Park Community Garden Neighborhood Watch Lifelong Community Real Estate Update

Medlock Runners Group Medlock is a wonderful neighborhood for runners. If you’re a runner—fast or slow, trail or road, distance or speed,s come get to know some of your fellow fleet-footed masochists by joining the Medlock Area Roadrunners Community (MARC) on Facebook. We use the site to schedule regular group runs, find running partners for races, and commiserate about our blisters. Come join us at: facebook.com/groups/ medlockrunners/

Medlock on Facebook Join your neighbors on Facebook. Once you are signed in just look for Medlock Park Neighbors. Get referrals for pet sitters, day care, find out the latest goings on or just connect.

Spring 2013 No. 28

President’s Letter Greetings and I hope you enjoy the first MANA newsletter of 2013. I look forward to working with you on the many initiatives and celebrations that come our way this year. I’ve lived in the Medlock community for over eight years, and feel very fortunate to have found such a great group of neighbors. There are many who work hard to make this such a wonderful place to live. Spring brings new opportunities to get together with neighbors both for fun and for making our neighborhood even better. The warming weather will bring everyone out of their winter hiding to work in yards, walk in the nature preserve or on the PATH, or bike around on the streets. Maybe some streets will work together to throw a block party or host a yard sale. Past MANA sponsored yard sales were in the fall, but feel free to get a committee together to plan one in the spring. Planners of the other sales we’ve had will be glad to get you started. For the past few years, MANA has hosted a spring Senior Dinner for those over 65, and the Senior Outreach committee, chaired by Kathryn Firago, would love to have your help with decorating or serving dinner. Beginning with the summer Medlock Matters newsletter, a new editor is needed to lay out the articles for publication. If you have skills and experience in this area, let a board member know. Outgoing editor Stephanie Ruffin can answer questions and let you know the program she has been using. Find your niche in MANA this spring!

MANA has worked hard to get information to you about changes in our community, from plans for Suburban Plaza and other commercial developments to actions involving our schools. Be sure to read Theresa Same’s zoning article and Tanya Myers’ schools update. Barbara Dalton has pointers, as our Neighborhood Watch chair, on staying safe. You’ll also find information about cityhood initiatives, written by VP Lynn Ganim. You’ll find treasurer, Judy Perras’ article on real estate in our neighborhood interesting. Many of you also get neighborhood updates through the e-news, sent out by Pat Camp, and Cathy Quinones does an amazing job keeping our MANA website fun and interesting. The MANA facebook pages are also great forums for hearing what is going on. This is your neighborhood association, and the more of you who are involved, the better it will be. You will also discover that it is a good way to meet neighbors you might have missed otherwise. Come share your time and skills with our Medlock community. Sincerely, Beverly Monroe 2013 MANA President

2013 Community Meetings: June 17th (Monday) 7pm October 21st (Monday) 7pm Both meetings will be held at the North Decatur Presbyterian Church

www.MedlockPark.org

Zoning Report

Annexation Update On December 17th, MANA representatives watched City of Decatur (CoD) commissioners vote to annex Suburban Plaza, Emory Commons and all other commercial space at the North Decatur Road/Clairmont intersection, as well as some residences along North Decatur Road (see the MANA website for details and maps). Annexation “moves” an area (and its tax base) from one jurisdiction to another, and this particular move impacts both County and DeKalb school system operations. Decatur voted on a pared down annexation proposal (the original included many more homes) to purposefully fall below the 60% residential threshold that would require a referendum of affected residents, per GA law. With the City’s approval to annex without a referendum, the next step is to take the proposal to the legislature and have the annexation approved. MANA and CHCA spoke against the annexation (delivering 280 signatures opposing the plan); several homeowners and commercial property owners also spoke against the plan. Nobody spoke in favor of the proposal at the meeting.

The legislators we have been able to contact (our own Rahn Mayo, but also those representing CoD) have spoken against this annexation. This is important, as the DeKalb delegation must present a unified front should any legislator submit the annexation by legislation plan for consideration.

Several construction permits were being voted on at the meeting, and it was easy for the audience to see that Decatur’s city planning is a two-edged sword: while it protects the city’s master plan and listens to neighborhood concerns, it also makes new construction (residential or commercial) extremely difficult. It was suddenly clear why annexation was being pursued so aggressively: annexation would instantly grandfather in large swaths of established businesses without the red tape that no doubt slows down the redevelopment of the City’s currently unused commercial space. A low point in annexation deliberations was how the outgoing mayor framed the discussion as an “us vs. them” contest where the quality of DeKalb County schools creates excessive, damaging demands on the City of Decatur’s school system. Annexation, in other words, was a self-defense move against a threat from the outside. [N.B., to be fair, City of Decatur and DeKalb have some bad blood between them. Homestead Option Sales Taxes (HOST) that should have gone to cities were kept by the County and after 10 years of legal wrangling, CoD was unable to retrieve $10 million it was owed.] Thus, it was a welcome relief to later hear that incoming Mayor Baskett believes in building a better relationship with the County going forward. We agree, because City of Decatur is not an island: it benefits from jobs and business related to being the County seat and from MARTA’s presence; its businesses derive income from unincorporated DeKalb residents; and its property values are high not only due to school system excellence but also because of the performance differential relative to many other County schools.

To sign the petition opposing annexation, visit the CHCA website at http://clairmontheights.org/node/3034.

At press time, Decatur has not presented a proposal to the delegation. In a January interview with Patch newspaper, Mayor Baskett voiced doubt that the annexation would be approved in this legislative session due to lack of support. DeKalb County commissioners support a moratorium on annexations to allow the County to assess fiscal changes relating to the recent incorporation of Dunwoody and Brookhaven. This discussion is far from over, and we will continue to communicate with our representatives to voice our concerns. To view all annexation items on the MANA website, visit www.medlockpark.org/search/label/annexation.

Following the vote, CHCA and MANA again contacted our Commissioners and legislators. MANA also followed up with the owners of the affected commercial centers and businesses. Many were not aware of the annexation plan, which would increase their taxes; most have signed a petition against the annexation.

www.MedlockPark.org

by Theresa Same

The most dominant zoning issue in the area continues to be the redevelopment of Suburban Plaza to include Walmart. In January Dekalb County granted Selig Enterprises (property owner) and Walmart all the building permits required to begin construction on the 149,000 sq/ft store. Good Growth Dekalb (GGD) filed an appeal against the permit which was heard and denied by the Dekalb County Board of Zoning Appeals on February 13, 2013. GGD can take their case to superior court. As of this writing it is unclear if they will do so. You may have noticed that many tenants have already left Suburban Plaza in anticipation of construction at the center. Selig Enterprises hopes to break ground on Walmart in the next couple of months. With the underground water retention and parking the construction is expected to take up to a year. To see the most current plans for Suburban Plaza or read more about the basis of GGD’s appeal and Selig’s response to it, please go to www. medlockpark.org. The next potential redevelopment in our area could be at the property currently owned and occupied by Scott Boulevard Baptist Church (SBBC). Though it is still in the early planning stages, the property is currently under contract by a developer. In order to redevelop this property, a change in zoning will be required. This will be a long and arduous process with which MANA will be involved. Though the homeowners just to the East of this property on Blackmon Drive, Barton Way and N. Decatur Road were approached by Atlanta Land Group about selling their homes for redevelopment, this deal has not gotten any real traction. As of right now, the redevelopment of SBBC would be a stand alone project.

Medlock Park Community Garden Do the cold grey days of winter make you dream of vine ripened tomatoes and sweet young yellow squash? This spring make your dreams come true by joining the Medlock Park Community Garden (MPCG) located on the corner of Willivee Drive and Scott Circle. MPCG provides a neighborhood gathering place for growing organic produce, herbs and flowers and also hosting social events. Our goal is not only to be a resource for neighbors, but to be a catalyst for creating a stronger neighborhood. Being a member of a community garden extends beyond maintaining your personal plot. Garden members work together monthly to improve the garden grounds. Members also come together regularly to socialize, relax and share gardening wisdom. Please contact Julia Stewart at [email protected] for more information about joining MPCG gardening.

After many months of no activity, construction is finally in full swing on what will be a doctor’s office on Scott Blvd (at the old JD Byrider location). I know many of us will be happy to see that project completed. Lastly, I am very excited about the Livable Centers Initiative Medline Grant recently awarded to Dekalb County by the Atlanta Regional Commission. This study will focus on redevelopment of the area around Dekalb Medical Center—including the campus of Dekalb Medical, Suburban Plaza, Patel Plaza and nearly 30 acres of vacant car lots. It will also address transportation issues and help create a more walkable center. For the all the latest zoning information, please check the MANA website: www.medlockpark.org.

MANA Membership Please join MANA! Membership forms are available on the back of this newsletter. Yearly membership dues are $20. The dues help pay for the newsletter printing and activities such as the Senior Dinner, Pool Party and Halloween Trick or Treat route. One membership covers your entire household. The dues are renewable in June. Dues paid any time between April 1, 2012 through April 30, 2013 will be applied to 2012–2013 MANA fiscal year membership (which runs June 1, 2012 to June 1, 2013).

www.MedlockPark.org

School News Did you know that a new private school for K-8 has opened in the neighborhood? Hess Academy is mid-way through their inaugural year and is located at 611 Medlock Road (North Decatur Presbyterian Church). The curriculum is interdisciplinary with enrichment in Art, Music, Living Arts, Physical Education, Yoga and Creative Movement, Outdoor Education, and Spanish. The school’s approach is based on a philosophy that children cultivate critical thinking and learning skills as they flourish in an atmosphere of collaboration and discovery. Thus, the Hess Academy strives to provide students with a challenging and engaging environment that grows deep academic roots, a strong, supple core of honesty and integrity, a fully flowering mind, and social and emotional confidence. More information is available at www.hessacademy.com or by calling 678-308-6380. 2013 is proving to be a year of change for the Dekalb County School System. Superintendent Atkinson has resigned and been replaced by an interim appointment of Michael Thurmond. On Feb. 21st, the state BOE recommended that the governor dismiss 6 current DCSB members (those whose tenure began prior to 2013) due to lack of progress in addressing numerous lapses in governance and fiscal responsibility. Legal challenges have already been filed by the district to block this potential action by the governor. While all of the turmoil makes for short term chaos, it does seem that this moment is shining light on some of the

challenges faced by the district and will hopefully lead to long term improvements. The AJC has been following the story closely and is a good source for information as it develops further. However, our local schools continue on with their calling to provide the best possible education to our students. In that vein, a new charter initiative is under exploration by the Druid Hills Cluster (Druid Hills High School and all schools that feed into it). The school councils in the cluster have filed a letter of intent to petition for a high school cluster. This effort is born out of frustration with the continuing dysfunction observed within the school system and board. If you are interested in this group and wish to be informed or attend upcoming meetings, you can find more information at: http://www.facebook.com/DruidHillsCharterCluster Recent and upcoming events: Druid Hills High School recently hosted a very successful “Pitch In for the Devils” auction to raise money for academic, arts and athletic programs at the school. Many thanks to the local businesses that contributed. Druid Hills Middle School is hosting a career day on March 5— community volunteers are welcome. More info is available at: http://druidhillsptsa.wordpress.com/ Laurel Ridge Elementary School—if you are the parent of an upcoming pre-K student, the lottery will take place on April 26 (you may want to check with the school well in advance to see what information will be required). Also, there is a monthly open house to tour the school on first Thursday of the month at 9:00 am. International Community School—application deadline for next year’s admissions lottery is March 8. Applications may be found on the school’s website. www.icsgeorgia.org

Neighborly Reminders We have been asked to remind you to consider your neighbors: please clean up after your pets. Also please remember the dangers to your animals from wildlife and traffic, as well as from your pets to other creatures, if you let them roam freely. DeKalb County law states that all animals, including dogs and cats, should be kept “under restraint and control at all times while the animal is off the real property limits of the owner.” That same county ordinance also states that “ it is the duty of every owner of an animal to immediately remove excrement deposited by the animal on any street or right-of-way.” You can find the details of this ordinance at http://search. municode.com/html/10637/level2/CODECO_CH5AN.html

www.MedlockPark.org

A Brief History of the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve By Dave Butler, Chris Beck In 1993, a small group of neighbors started discussions with the Shepherd family, who owns the 28-acres along South Peachtree Creek that is now the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve. With the assistance of Commissioner Gale Walldorff, the lease was signed between South Peachtree Creek Nature Preserves (SPCNP) Inc. and Plant Improvement Company in October 1995. The Preserve was officially opened with a ribbon cutting attended by local elected officials Ms. Walldorff, Mary Margaret Oliver, Liane Levetan, and Betty Jo Williams. The neighborhood non-profit (SPCNP) managed the preserve as the South Peachtree Creek Nature Preserve until 2004. In that year, the name of the preserve was changed to the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve. Though many think that the preserve is a county greenspace, it is still privately owned and managed by an all-volunteer board. The first official cleanup day at the preserve was November 18, 1995, and the first project in 1995 was the upper trail and rail tie steps. Arbor Montessori School and EcoWatch built the outdoor classroom in the pine woods near the rock outcrops in 1996. Kudzu clearning also began that year. The first scout project was in 1998 where the scouts built 80 feet of boardwalk along the wetlands. A subsequent flood lifted the boardwalk out of the ground and floated it 10 feet back. A hundred or so Georgia Tech students and the scouts put it back, this time with cement. Over the years, we’ve had 14 scout projects, with MANA resident Candler Harrington’s arbor behind the native plant garden being the most recent. For many years, an old sweetgum at the edge of the beaver pond (dubbed the “magic tree”) hosted a large variety of birds (and some raccoons). Around Labor Day in 2004, the magic tree was knocked down by Hurricane Frances. In 2010, lightning in a summer thunderstorm struck the tool shed and burned it to the ground (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QcQrqZn-HE). In addition to rebuilding the shed that year, we aggressively attacked the invasive Chinese privet with a grant from the Georgia Forestry Commission. In 2012, we completed the construction of a new pavilion at the entrance to the preserve with a grant from the Waterfall Fund.

The Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve is located at 2580 Pine Bluff Drive.

MANA Volunteer Newsletter Editor Needed This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in graphic design, growing his/her portfolio and a great way to meet people in our community. The newsletter is issued 3 times/year. The template is currently set up in InDesign (CS4 or CS5) but other software can be used. Tasks: Set deadlines; collect information from contributors, advertisers and then assemble newsletter; send final file to the printer. Necessary skills: Experience in graphic design/desktop publishing or willingness to learn; ability to set and enforce deadlines. Commitment: 1 year+ commitment would be ideal. The newsletter is published every 4 months. Given familiarity with the software, it takes an estimated 4 hours to finalize the issue’s layout. Communications with contributors may take another 2–3 hours per issue. Planning for the newsletter can conducted by email (but of course the newsletter editor is welcome at board meetings). If interested, please contact [email protected]

Through the years, we have had a variety of educational programs at the preserve. It has been used by many elementary schools and is consistently used by ecology classes from Emory and Georgia State. In 2000, we began our annual Harvest Festival for the neighborhood and friends of the preserve. As a volunteer non-profit organization, we have relied on many volunteers over the years as members of the board and to help with regular maintenance and improvements at the preserve. Past Presidents include Tom Gould, Dave Butler, Marc Rubenstein, Madeline Reamy, and Chris Beck, all MANA residents.

www.MedlockPark.org

Neighborhood Watch

Cityhood Discussions Continue

Greetings and Happy New Year! Over 25 homes in Medlock installed and/or upgraded their security systems and took advantage of the discounts offered by three different security companies. The last time we checked they were still offering the discounts, so email [email protected] for more information. Thank you to all who have joined the Neighborhood Watch as Coordinators recently. The Grid Coordinators are a vital aspect of the Watch and more than half of the neighborhood is left unrepresented. Is there a coordinator on your block? Please do your part to help keep our neighborhood safe and volunteer to be a Coordinator. It’s easy! The Watch is very simple and is just a matter of emailing and sharing information. We become extra eyes for the police and by becoming aware of our surroundings, we make our neighborhood a safer place. Contact us for more information or to Volunteer by emailing [email protected].

As we all know, DeKalb County government and the DeKalb County School Board continue to be the object of unsettling headlines and investigation. Recent creation of new cities has continued the shrinkage of the county tax base, and many people are unhappy about the responsiveness of county officials. As a result, investigations continue into the possibility of incorporating a new city which would likely include the Medlock area. For example, a public meeting discussing pros and cons was held at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in January. At that meeting participants discussed the requirements and reasons for incorporating and what the affected community of interest would actually be. Helpful information about this issue is available at www.northdekalbcity.blogspot.com . Notes from the January meeting and much more detail about the history of cityhood proposals and meetings is available at http://www.can-dk.org/file-cabinet/government-municipal.

One of the Coordinators in Medlock became suspicious, when a man parked in their neighbor’s drive. The man knew the neighbors were out of town and was robbing their house. However, he acted like everything was fine, said he knew the neighbors and was doing some work for them while they were gone. Luckily, the Coordinator felt he was suspicious and called the police and the man has since been arrested.

This situation is quite fluid and complex. It is quite possible nothing will happen during this session of the General Assembly. However, Representative Mary Margaret Oliver has introduced a bill dealing with requirements for cityhood. Other people and groups continue to study the possibility of actually proposing a new city (the possible name varies, depending on the proposed boundaries) during the 2013 session. This is an issue we need to watch closely.

Be aware of people you do not know. There have been several reports of workers or handymen robbing homes by the distracting the homeowners. A few reports say that the “workers” are claiming to be cutting down trees behind the target’s home. The homeowner walks to the backyard with the worker. In the mean time, another person goes into the house and steals valuables. This is happening to the elderly so please keep an eye on the seniors around you.

NOTE: As of now, the Georgia Constitution does not permit the creation of new and separate school districts within the county, even within newly-incorporated cities, so the problem with the schools is a separate issue from that of cityhood.

Your Neighborhood Real Estate Agents

Lifelong Community

To receive Neighborhood Watch E-letters, once a month and be kept informed of suspicious activity, join the Watch—Get Involved! [email protected]

We live here! We love it! We sell it! We rent it! Call us today!

404-325-4095 [email protected] Georgia Renaissance Realty, LLC

www.MedlockPark.org

Representatives from MANA and the Clairmont Heights Civic Association (CHCA) have begun investigating different ways to create a Lifelong Community in our neighborhoods. Such a community would provide a range of support to older people who wish to remain in their own homes but need some level of outside help. We’ve studied the Village-to-Village concept carefully. We’ve also met with representatives of the Atlanta Regional Commission, NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities), and DeKalb County to gather information about different ways and philosophies of delivering services; these organizations already have experience in helping seniors. Critical to our project is finding out what seniors need now or anticipate needing in the near future, whether it be transportation, meals-on-wheels, social activities, or simply daily check-in phone calls. We will be soliciting those 65+ for their suggestions at an as-yet-undetermined time, perhaps during the summer.

Lifelong Community Continued: Also of interest is the announcement by the county that a new two-story Central DeKalb Senior Center will be built next to the existing (and remaining) Mack Love Center in Mason Mill Park. The stated goal is to complete basic construction by Thanksgiving of 2013. At this point there is no information about what programs will be available.

Real Estate Update Good News! 2012 was the best year for real estate since 2006. The spring market started early and activity did not let up until year end. Spurred by the lowest inventory levels in years and coupled with continuing record low interest rates and the return of buyer confidence, the market saw increases in both volume and price. Sales of detached single family homes in the metro area increased 9% over 2011 and prices were up 5%. Active inventory dropped 44%. Our neighborhood has seen— and continues to see—multiple offers on many homes bidding up the final sales price. Homes that show well and are priced appropriately are selling fast. Demand for in- town homes in convenient, desirable communities like ours is strong. In this area, we did not feel the impact of the 2008 crisis until 2010 when a few foreclosures and short sales started showing up. 2011 was a tough year with home prices hovering around the 2001 level. In 2012 we rallied and prices are moving back up. 78 homes were sold in the MANA area last year with prices ranging from the low $100’s for a foreclosure to $272,500 on the high end. Foreclosures and short sales are now in decline. The demand for rentals continues to be strong. In short, the Atlanta metro area is transitioning to a seller’s market—especially for in-town homes priced under $500,000— our neighborhood. And that’s the good news! Judy and Stephen

New to the Medlock Area? Are you new to the neighborhood? If you would like a Welcome Kit with some handy information about this part of town and about our Medlock Area Neighborhood Association, just contact Kris at [email protected] or 770-715-9496, and we’ll stop by and drop one off.

www.MedlockPark.org

MANA 2013 Membership Form Yearly Membership Dues are $20. One membership covers entire household. Dues renewable in June. Dues paid any time between April 1, 2012 through April 30, 2013 will be applied to 2012–2013 MANA fiscal year membership (which runs June 1, 2012 to June 1, 2013) Name(s): Address: Phone: Home

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Today’s Date:

Check if you are 65 or over and would like to be invited to our annual Senior Dinner Make check payable to Medlock Area Neighborhood Association and mail payment and this form to: MANA, C/O Judy Perras, 2107 N. Decatur Rd. #139, Decatur, GA 30033

2013 MANA Board

To submit an article

Beverly Monroe–President

To Submit an Article: May 10th, 2013 is the deadline for the next newsletter. To submit an article, e-mail: [email protected]

Lynn Ganim–Vice President/ Legislative Chair & Medlock Association Coordinator

2013 Ad Rates

Tanya Myers–Secretary/School Chair Judy Perras–Treasurer & Membership

Medlock Matters is the newsletter of the Medlock Park Neighborhood Association. It is published 3 times per year and hand delivered to approximately 1,000 Medlock area homes.

Other Board and Key Leadership Roles: Theresa Same–Zoning Chair

1/8 page (business card size—3½in x 2in) $35 for one issue $90 for 3 issues

Sharon Johnson–Community Garden Chair Kris Kane–Welcome Kit Chair Pat Camp–E-News & Newsletter Advertising Coordinator

1/4 page (3½in x 4½in) $55 for one issue $150 for 3 issues

Emily Mann–Need Title Cathy Quinones–Website Coordinator Stephanie Ruffin–Spring Newsletter Editor Kathryn Firago–Senior Outreach chair Barbara Dalton–Neighborhood Watch Chair Casey Boudreau–Parks and Greenspace Chair

E-mail Pat Camp at [email protected] for more info. *All ads must be submitted in electronic form: 300dpi/grayscale/JPEG or PDF MANA does not screen or endorse advertisements.

Emily Mann–Volunteer Chair Kris Kane–Welcome Kit Chair For questions, suggestions, or information on how to volunteer, email: [email protected] Please also use this address if you need to contact individual board members, your message will be forwarded.

Want to receive our Monthly eNews? Send an e-mail to: [email protected] with “MANA eNews subscription” as the subject.

www.MedlockPark.org