Planning Commission Meeting November 1, 2011

 

The Planning Commissioner recommended approval of the Greater Hidden Hills Overlay District. The unanimous vote occurred on November 1st at 9:35 p.m. The next and final step is to win the Board of Commissioners approval Nov. 15.

 

There were more than 20 steadfast community supporters in the room to offer visible encouragement to the commission last night. Thank you, neighborhood activists, for attending. Several planning commissioners questioned the plan, but the presence of the residents helped to sway them in favor of the proposal.

 

Thanks, also, to DeKalb County Senior Planner Madolyn Spann for shepherding this process through the final round of hearing.

 

Please attend the Board of Commissioners meeting Nov. 15. This is your opportunity to show your commitment. And, you will experience a significant moment that will make a lasting impact on our community.

 

Nov. 15  6:30 p.m.    DeKalb County Board of Commissioners

Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur (parking after 5 p.m. is free in the garage across the street)

 

We started working on this project in 2007. With the help of the DeKalb County Planning and Sustainability Department and the Atlanta Regional Commission, we crafted a community vision and created an overlay of zoning codes that add to our quality of life. Here is what the overlay district will do:

·         Encourage economic development and smart growth

·         Attract preferred types of businesses

·         Conserve greenspace

·         Create design standards for new buildings, signage, landscaping, streetscaping, and parking lots

·         Improve connectivity on foot, by bike, and by motorized transit.

 

Please show your support at the Nov. 15 meeting.

Jan Costello

Coordinator, Greater Hidden Hills Overlay Committee

 

DeKalb Board of Commissioners Meeting November 15, 2011

 

The DeKalb Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the Greater Hidden Hills Overlay District. Thank you, Commissioners! We now have the tools we need to shape the development of a better community.

 

We thank the DeKalb Planning and Sustainability Department – particularly Madolyn Spann, Andrew Baker, and Sydney Douse – for their sound guidance and expertise throughout the process. We also thank the Atlanta Regional Commission for providing expert planning resources earlier in the process.

 

Many communities helped shape this overlay, and thanks to all of the residents and businesses that provided input, encouragement, and commitment. We especially thank the people who came out tonight to show support.

 

We now have a new blueprint for how the Greater Hidden Hills community will develop. We have a viable, beautiful vision. This is a moment to savor. And soon, we will begin building on this victory as we work to attract the right development to our area.

 

Best regards,

 

Jan Costello

Greater Hidden Hills Overlay District Committee, Coordinator