Mold Remediation in Decatur, GA

Decatur, GA — The Georgia Department of Transportation plans to lower the speed limits on the state routes in Decatur by five miles per hour.

GDOT is also planning to implement “no turn on red” at 26 locations in the city. The agency presented these plans to the Decatur City Commission in July.

At its Oct. 21 meeting, the city commission authorized the mayor to submit a letter to GDOT supporting the lower speed limits and adding “no turn on red” at some intersections. To see the full list of intersections, click here.

State officials sought a signed local letter of support from the city so the GDOT’s District 7 team could work through the agency’s approval process.

GDOT has recommended lowering the speed limits on the state routes that pass through Decatur to 30 to 35 miles per hour, depending on the road.

The state routes in Decatur are College Avenue (State Route 10), Scott Boulevard (State Route 8), South Candler Street (State Route 155), and Clairemont Avenue (State Route 155). A portion of Commerce Drive, between College and Clairemont avenues, is also part of State Route 155.

Here are the speed limit recommendations:

– Lowering the speed limit on College Avenue from 35 miles per hour to 30.

– Reducing the speed limit on State Route 155 from 35 miles per hour to 30.

– Changing the speed limit on Scott Boulevard from 40 miles per hour to 35.

The city of Decatur requested that GDOT evaluate the speed limits and “no turn on red” in light of several crashes involving pedestrians since November 2023.

Decatur’s 2020 strategic plan and 2018 community transportation plan prioritize safer infrastructure and recognize the importance of implementing a safe system approach.

“These recommendations have been proven to reduce the frequency and severity of fatal or severe encounters between vulnerable road users and motor vehicles by reducing speed or physically separating crossing movements by time and/or space,” Assistant City Manager Cara Scharer said.

City officials are pleased to see the recommendations moving forward, saying it represents a “philosophical shift” for GDOT.

Mayor Patti Garrett told Decaturish that historically, state roads have been connectors to communities and designed for faster travel.

“As counties became more urbanized, it took some time to adjust to some of these roads being considered residential streets and the need for a different sort of usage,” Garrett said. “Transportation engineers focused primarily on vehicular movement.”

She added that standards have changed over time, and there’s more recognition that pedestrians and cyclists use roads, and complete streets are needed not only on smaller residential streets but also on state roads.

“From the GDOT I knew 10 or 15 years ago, this is good progress, and it’s been a good process,” Commissioner George Dusenbury said during the meeting. “I’m really happy to see all of these recommendations move forward that will make our roads and community safer.”

He also wondered about lowering Commerce Drive to 25 miles per hour. City Manager Andrea Arnold said these changes should be a phased approach.

“Let’s take this, let’s run with it and get it in place, but certainly, we are not going to stop here. There are going to be some locations on this list that we’re going to want to see lowered or foresee changes to,” Arnold said.

GDOT still needs to approve the recommendations. Arnold added that there would be a warning period before traffic citations would be issued for implementing any new speed limits.

In other business:

– The city commission amended a few agreements with the Decatur Housing Authority for phase two of the south housing village development at Legacy Park. In the end, the project will be 132 units of affordable housing. Phase one of the project is under construction and DHA is working on financing for phase two.

An amendment to the intergovernmental infrastructure funding and development agreement adds information about the infrastructure and funding for phase two, including the driveway improvements. The city will receive $750,000 in federal community project funding for infrastructure work.

Another amendment to the intergovernmental agreement between the city and DHA allows for any future recapitalization to renovate or revitalize phase two. The city commission also approved the ground lease for phase two, which covers about three acres of the development site’s total 6.5 acres.

— Garrett read a proclamation for the Original Collard Greens Cultural Festival, which will be held on Oct. 26 from 12 to 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Avenue.

The proclamation says the festival “celebrates the strong traditions, culture, and historic contributions of African Americans and others from the diaspora” and “the festival promotes family unity and the importance of healthy eating and living.”

For more information, click here.

– The Decatur Wine Festival is Nov. 9 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. on the Decatur Square. The Decatur Arts Alliance hosts this event.

“This is our one dedicated fundraiser,” said Angie Macon, Decatur Arts Alliance executive director. “Tickets are on sale now, $60 and $70 at the door. Our big sponsor and benefactor is Decatur Package Store.”

According to the Decatur Arts Alliance’s website, each ticket holder will receive a commemorative tasting glass. Over 350 wines will be available, and about 70 tasting tables will be set up. For more information, click here.

– West Ponce Music Stroll was rescheduled and will be held on Nov. 16 along West Ponce de Leon Avenue.

“During the event, we have music artists that come out throughout the day and play in front of different businesses,” said Kalia Morrison, executive director of Decatur Makers, an organizer of the event. “We have chalk artists come out and pick a spot along West Ponce to create their art. The night wraps up with a band in front of The Marlay.”

The event starts with a 5K and dog walk at 8 a.m. and music performances kick off at 11 a.m. in front of Dancing Goats. The makers market will be open on the lawn of Sharian Rugs, located at 368 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, click here.

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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Decatur-Avondale Estates|Local Event

Witches!? in Salem?!

Wed, Oct 16, 2024 at 7:00 PM

Decatur High School, Performing Arts Center, 310 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA, 30030

A darkly comedic, yet (mostly) historically accurate take on the Salem Witch Trials and all the (mostly) historically accurate horrors which may occur when populism runs rampant, injustice is a day-to-day occurrence, and a rigid religious minority sets the laws of the land. You know, old-timey problems. Witches!? in Salem?! is presented by special arrangement with Uproar Theatrics. Performances Oct 16,17 & 19 at 7pm. Oct. 20 at 2pm.

Tickets at decaturperforms.org

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Early voting in Georgia begins on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Here's a breakdown of how to find your polling locations.

Credit: flysnow - stock.adobe.com

GEORGIA, — Georgians will soon head to the polls to cast their ballots for the 2024 Presidential Election.

Early voting in Georgia begins on Tuesday, Oct. 15, while Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Here's a breakdown of how to find your polling locations.

It's important to note that depending on the county you're voting in, your polling location may change depending on whether you're voting early or on Election Day.

RELATED: 11Alive 2024 election county-by-county voter guide | Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Cobb and Clayton

First day of early voting in Georgia

The first day of early voting in Georgia is Tuesday, Oct. 15.

When does early voting end in Georgia?

You can vote in person before Election Day until Friday, Nov. 1. Dates and times may vary by polling location.

Where do I go to vote?

You can find your polling location through the My Voter Page. Once you log into your account, you'll find the name and address of your voting precinct.

On your My Voter Page, you'll find information on early voting and absentee ballot drop box locations. You can also look at a sample ballot before you head to the polls.

RELATED: Here's what you need to bring to vote in Georgia | List

Scroll below for the list of early voting locations in the "Core 5" metro Atlanta counties: Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Cobb and Clayton. For more information on polling locations across Georgia, log into your My Voter Page.

Early voting locations in Clayton County

In Clayton County, drop box information can be found online here. See below for hours and early voting polling locations.

Monday- Friday from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sundays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Early voting locations in Cobb County

In Cobb County, early voting locations and dates and times for voter precincts are listed below. For drop box locations, see the flyer online here.

Monday- Friday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Saturdays from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Sundays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.

No voting on Saturday, Nov. 2- Monday, Nov. Nov. 4

Early voting locations in DeKalb County

Voters in DeKalb County can cast their ballots before Election Day at the locations listed below:

Monday – Friday (Oct. 15 – Nov 1), 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturdays (Oct. 19 & Oct. 26), 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.Sundays (Oct. 20 & Oct. 27), 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

*These sites are also drop box locations

Early voting locations in Fulton County

During advance voting in Fulton County, voters can cast their ballot at any of the Fulton County Advance locations listed below. However, on Election Day, voters must report to their assigned Election Day polling location to cast their ballot. To find your Election Day polling location, click here.

Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.Saturdays, October 19 and 26, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.Sundays, October 20 and 27, from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.

*Asterisk indicates absentee ballot drop box locations

**Double asterisk indicates office location

Early voting locations in Gwinnett County

There are a dozen advance voting polling locations in Gwinnett County. According to the county's elections website, drop boxes are not available at all voting locations and are only available during voting hours and days. Be sure to check your polling location for a drop box ahead of time if you're dropping off an absentee ballot.

Hours may vary depending on the polling location

11Alive is committed to helping you vote confidently by understanding the 2024 election issues that impact you. Our goal is to educate and inform our audience about the election process. We plan to do that by verifying facts, providing context, and explaining the system. Get more election resources here at 11alive.com/vote.

Update as of 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 27:

Our partners at Atlanta News First reported that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency for Georgia to address health impacts from Hurricane Helene.

“We will do all we can to assist Georgia officials respond to the health impacts of Hurricane Helene,” said Secretary Xavier Becerra. “We are working closely with state and local health authorities, as well as our partners across the federal government, and stand ready to provide additional public health and medical support.”

The death toll from Hurricane Helene has risen to 43 people, ANF reported.

A wind advisory is no longer in effect for DeKalb County, but the National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook that includes DeKalb and Fulton counties.

“River flooding will continue across much of the area,” the outlook says. “Otherwise, standing water will gradually recede. Gusty south to southwest winds may down additional limbs into the evening across most of the area, with gusty winds lingering through most of the night across the extreme north. Please use caution if traveling and avoid crossing any flooded roadways.”

Atlanta Public Schools also postponed the following events that were scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28

– GO Team Summit at Tuskegee Airmen Global (TAG) Academy

– Hispanic College & Career Fair at Agape Community Center

– 2024 Flag Football Media Day at Booker T. Washington High School

School-based activities will proceed, as feasible, and individual school leaders will communicate to their families on the status of those activities/events.

Here is our previous story:

DeKalb County, GA — As Tropical Storm Helene moves out of the state, DeKalb County remains under a wind advisory until 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, according to Georgia Emergency Management and the National Weather Service.

Across the state, residents can anticipate winds around 15–25 miles per hour, with possible gusts up to 40 mph.

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects,” the advisory says. “Tree limbs could be blown down and additional power outages may result.”

The National Weather Service hazardous weather outlook from 2:50 p.m. additionally warns that river flooding will continue, but standing water will gradually recede.

According to the Georgia Office of the State Climatologist, Atlanta had the highest 48-rainfall record over the last two days as about 11 inches of rain drenched the area. The previous record was 9.59 inches in 1886.

Here are some important phone numbers:

– Report life-threatening emergencies, downed trees and power lines or localized flooding to 911.

–Report other non-life-threatening emergencies to DeKalb County at 404-294-2911

– Water outages and sewer spills should be reported to DeKalb Watershed at 770-270-6243.

– Power outages should be reported to Georgia Power at 1-888-891-0938. To see more information about outages, click here.

– Seniors needing assistance can call the Senior Link Line at 770- 322-2950.

– Persons in DeKalb County who need homelessness assistance or housing services can contact DeKalb County Coordinated Entry at 404-687-3500.

– Contact the American Red Cross if you are displaced or need assistance at 404-876- 3302.

– In the city of Decatur, report storm-related hazardous conditions and non-life-threatening situations to the Decatur non-emergency number at 404-373-6551.

– For downed trees in the city of Clarkston, call Clarkston Public Works at 404-428-4528

– In Tucker, downed trees can be reported to Tucker Public Works at 678-597-9040 or online. To submit a public works request online, click here. The city is asking residents to include the address in a service request when reporting a downed tree. When reporting a signal failure to include the intersection where the traffic signal is locate and specify if it’s flashing or completely dark.

Weather shelters remain open through Saturday, Sept. 28, at the following locations:

– Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road, Atlanta 30316. This shelter will remain open 24 hours a day during the event.

– Center for Pan Asian Community Services Inc., 3510 Shallowford Road NE, Atlanta. This shelter opens today at 4 p.m.

– New Life Community Alliance’s auditorium, 3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur. This shelter opens today at 5 p.m. and will remain open 24 hours a day during the event.

– Tucker First United Methodist Church’s activities center, 4315 Church Street, Tucker. This shelter opens today at 7 p.m., until further notice. There is limited occupancy at this location.

Contact the DeKalb Emergency Management Agency at 470-927-7025 for transportation coordination to and from severe weather centers.

Hurricane Helene made landfall as a category 4 hurricane in south Georgia on Thursday, Sept. 26. Metro Atlanta has experienced heavy rain, high wind, fallen trees, downed power lines and significant flooding. Here are some updates from around the county on Friday evening:

– The city of Chamblee has blocked off a sinkhole at 5383 New Peachtree Rd in the Chinatown Mall parking lot and selected a contractor to make repairs.

“A stormline collapsed due to the storm. No one was injured. It’s been blocked off by Public Works, and a contractor will start repairs after the storm has passed,” a spokesperson for the city said on Sept. 26.

On Sept. 27, a contractor temporarily secured the sinkhole with barrels, caution tape, and an orange safety fence.

“The storm pipe that collapsed is 17 feet to 22 feet deep,” the spokesperson said Friday evening. “A ‘sidewalk closed’ sign will be installed by the end of today. Contractors will begin mobilizing their equipment on Monday or Tuesday. Work could take up to a month to complete. We are asking the community to avoid the area.”

A tree and power lines are down on Mercer University Drive in Chamblee.

– Several roads are closed in the city of Decatur due to fallen trees and power lines. Here’s what is closed:

– Hickory Street

– Scott Boulevard at Superior Avenue

– Drexel Road and West Ponce de Leon Avenue

– Mount Vernon Drive

– Pinetree Drive

Coventry Road at N. Parkwood Road

– SR8/Scott Boulevard between Clairemont and Superior avenues

Also, sanitation and recycling services for Friday on Decatur are rescheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28.

Mead Road Park is closed until further notice due to storm damage. Decatur’s recreation centers will continue normal operation on Saturday, Sept. 28.

– The intersection of Market Street and Rogers Street in Clarkston is closed due to hazardous conditions. The city is urging drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes.

– Our partners at WABE said that Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens declared a state of emergency, which includes the assignment of additional employees to the Department of Transportation, 311 and more.

UPDATE: Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens declares a state of emergency in the aftermath of #Helene.

It includes the assignment of additional employees to the Department of Transportation, 3-1-1 and more. #atlpol

Read the latest from the WABE News Team here: https://t.co/2xpB9uXnAd pic.twitter.com/zpThiS1I9L

— Rahul Bali (@rahulbali) September 27, 2024

Here’s a look at some of the storm damage in Avondale Estates, Greater Decatur and Tucker:

This is a developing story. It will be updated as more information is available.

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Decatur, GA — Christmas is three months away, but a local real estate news website predicts Decatur residents will have a reason to celebrate early.

Tomorrow’s News Today, a local real estate website known for getting top-shelf scoops, says it has insider information linking Trader Joe’s to a mixed-use development at the Baby Kroger site in downtown Decatur. The property is expected to have a grocer occupying about 14,500 square feet.

“Multiple real estate sources confirmed to ToNeTo Atlanta that Trader Joe’s is the planned grocer, but the deal is not yet 100% done,” Tomorrow’s News Today reported while noting the size of the grocer is “far smaller than any traditional grocer but is basically the exact size of a prototypical Trader Joe’s.”

To read the full story, click here.

Dan Bara, chief operating officer of Pope and Land which owns the property, declined to comment about the Tomorrow’s News Today story saying there’s “nothing to discuss at this time.”

Bara previously declined to confirm to Decaturish whether the tenant was a long-coveted Trader Joe’s store, but advised, “Don’t read too much into it.”

“We never deny or confirm,” he said.

He said he hoped he could share more information in October or November.

Pope and Land hired AMLI Residential to develop a mixed-use development on it. The 4.3-acre site is located at 720-750 Commerce Drive. Decatur’s Baby Kroger on Commerce Drive has been vacant since December 2022. The building at 750 Commerce previously housed offices for the Decatur and DeKalb housing authorities.

The Decatur Downtown Development Authority, on Sept. 6, approved a resolution of support for the proposed project with conditions. Assistant City Manager Angela Threadgill has been in conversations with Pope and Land for over a year as they were making plans for the property.

The DDA conditions were that the developers would come back before the board with the design and housing plan before permitting, create an entrance to the grocery store off of the planned public plaza, and create a connection point between the property and the Decatur Cemetery.

Plans for the project include 358 multifamily units, a 642-space parking deck, and 26,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor. Bara said the project is being designed and oriented toward the grocery store and said a grocer had been identified.

He did not say who the grocer is, but he said they are reputable, and he thinks the community will be excited about the tenant.

“They want to be in Decatur. They want to be at this site, and they want to be in this project,” Bara said previously. “There’s a lot of excitement on both ends of the table. We think the project is going to require it. The project’s going to happen with them or the project is probably not going to happen, realistically, because it’s a critical component of the project.”

For more information about the mixed-use project, click here.

Assistant editor Zoe Seiler contributed to this story.

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