Medlock Matters Medlock Area Neighborhood Association (MANA) Newsletter

In this issue President’s Letter

Lifelong Communities Committee Dissolves Central DeKalb Senior Center Spring Block Party Neighborhood Fun Run School News Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve Join Nextdoor! The Medlocks of Medlock Park Zoning Update Recycling Medlock Park Greenspace

Time to Renew! It’s that time again. Please use the form on the back of this newsletter to join or renew your MANA membership for 2015-16.

Read Medlock Matters Online In addition to delivering printed copies to your doorstep, all issues of Medlock Matters will be available online. To read or print your newsletter online, go to http://www. medlockpark.org. In the menu on the right, select Newsletters and Photos. An announcement will also be on the MANA homepage at http:// www.medlockpark.org when new editions become available.

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.

Summer 2015 No. 35

President’s Letter Hello Neighbors, In this time of year we delight in longer, temperate days before the oppressive heat of mid-summer sets in. Bluebirds and wrens nest, hummingbirds return and, of course, our very own (for the moment) sheep and lambs make us smile. It’s also when school ends and we re-live (if briefly) the feeling of freedom we had when we were children. We remember those days when we were “young and easy under the apple boughs” and had very little sense of the passage of time except as something to enjoy without the schedules and requirements of the school year. If we’re lucky, those memories remain and continue to make spring and summer a special time for us—even if we can’t actually take a break from our responsibilities. At the risk of destroying this more relaxed mood, we should review some concerns that do not take vacations. Most of you know about the legislatureapproved referenda for the proposed cities of LaVista Hills (LVH) and Tucker. We are directly affected only by LaVista Hills, which bizarrely includes parts of Hunting Valley and North Hills Drives. If the LVH referendum passes, Senator Elena Parent has committed to helping residents de-annex from that city if that’s what they prefer. Incidentally, although we did not always agree with their decisions, local legislators were impressively open and available to us as we tried to defend Medlock’s interests. Two annexation efforts failed during this session, although they can

come back up in 2016. The first was proposed annexation, which included Clairmont Heights, Medlock, and Sargent Hills, into the City of Atlanta. Decatur’s unreasonable attempt to annex business areas surrounding our neighborhood also failed. Thus, for now Medlock remains untouched by the chaos that surrounds us. We must continue being alert for whatever develops. This summer MANA will be working with the Clairmont Heights Civic Association to help improve the terrible traffic situation on North Decatur. Elsewhere in this issue are updates of the many, seemingly endless, zoning and development issues that affect us; the schools; and other areas of interest, including discussion about developing the FEMA-purchased lots along Scott Circle. We’ve not forgotten the annual MANA pool party. If you’re interested in helping out, please contact [email protected]. Many MANA volunteers continue to work in numerous ways to maintain our prized quality of life. Please continue your support through volunteering and renewing your membership by completing the form on page 8 and paying your dues, which, among other things, make possible the printing of this newsletter. Have a great spring and summer. Sincerely, Lynn Ganim MANA President

2015 Community Meetings Monday, June 29 – 7pm – North Decatur Presbyterian Church Monday, October 19 – 7pm – North Decatur Presbyterian Church

www.MedlockPark.org

Lifelong Communities Committee (LCC) Dissolves By Becky Welty The Lifelong Communities committee (LLC) is bringing its work to a close. Under the leadership of Kathryn Firago, the group has been engaged in activities to identify ways we could better the life of seniors in Medlock Park and Clairmont Heights. Working with a task force of Emory graduate students we helped survey senior residents. Focus groups were also included. The study showed that the self-identified most pressing needs of seniors are to make connections to others and to age gracefully within the neighborhood as long as possible. Responding to the need for making connections and thinking there might be gaps in needed services for seniors, we looked for and identified many local resources which provide services for seniors, as well as educational and volunteer opportunities. All are ways to connect with others. As we were discovering all this, the new Central DeKalb Senior Center opened – almost on our doorstep – next door to the Toco Hills library. This facility will provide many opportunities for seniors to connect through classes and activities as well as address needed services. We encourage all seniors to take advantage of its resources. Originally we thought our neighborhood had a higher than average number of seniors, but learned through research at the beginning of our work that our senior population was close to the percentages in the rest of the county. Over the course of our work, though, we have seen a change in the demographics of the neighborhood. Many older residents have passed away

or moved to more suitable living arrangements and there has been an influx of young families. Most seniors now in the neighborhood are independent and well able to address their own needs. The members of the LLC want to thank Kathryn for her initiative and leadership of this group and for her genuine concern for seniors. She provided us with focus and kept us on task. Together, we feel we have done some excellent work!

Welcome – Central DeKalb Senior Center

Dancers Linda, Renee, Susan, Jenny and others participate in the WorlDanz Class led by Sandy Bramlett. A wealth of activities are attracting DeKalb County seniors to the Central DeKalb Senior Center located on McConnell Drive in Mason Mill Park near the Avis Williams Library and the DeKalb Tennis Center. Seniors, age 62 and older are eligible to join the Senior Center. Membership fees of $60 per year entitle participants to sign up for any of the weekday programs. Additional costs for some programs may apply. Some recent activities included: Swing Into Summer with dancer Pat Korn teaching some swing, two step, rumba, and other dances WorldDanz with Sandy Bramlett introducing salsa, bellydance, bollywood, and maybe the stroll Line Dancing with Denise Clark teaching the latest urban line dances as well as some classic hits Jam Session – an informal way to meet other musicians and have fun with instruments Central DeKalb Song Circle and Hootenanny with John Miller introducing music from Stephen Foster to the Eagles Lets Do Lunch – a new event offering catered meals to seniors who enjoy socializing while enjoying good food So, Seniors, stop by your Central DeKalb Senior Center and pick up a current schedule. It’s a place to network, have fun, make friends, relax, and make learning a life-long activity. To receive emails on activities or to volunteer, call 770-492-5465.

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www.MedlockPark.org

Spring Block Party

Neighborhood Fun Run!

By Barb Dalton

By Alexandra Mercante On April 25th residents from Sanford, Eastway, Wineleas, Wendan and Suzanne streets had their Third Semi-Annual Block Party. 

Zara and Emmitt enjoy water play while their parents meet their neighbors.

A group of volunteers hand delivered invitations to 150 homes about a month before the event.

Everyone was asked to bring a dish to share. Tables were set up for food. A kids’ area provided a wading pool, bubbles and other fun activities.  As always, it was great to see old neighbors and meet new neighbors who have moved in recently.

Medlock area friends and neighbors gathered at Medlock Park on Saturday, April 4th at 8am to run the Easter weekend “Scary Bunny 5K”. The event was hosted by amFIT, a neighborhood boot camp that focuses on high intensity whole body conditioning and training. Runners and walkers of all abilities and ages participated in the 5K run/walk through our beautiful neighborhood, and were welcomed by coffee and doughnuts at the finish. The course started gradually uphill, along Gaylemont, Wood Trail, and Harrington, before bombing down Woodridge. Runners had to quickly recover from going back up Woodridge toward Medlock before facing the dreaded Vistamont Hill! After Vistamont, runners turned down Willivee and went toward the park through the winding PATH. The winning runner ran the hilly course in a blazing 23minutes, 31seconds. Stay tuned for more 5K runs hosted by amFIT. It’s a great way to connect with neighbors for fitness and fun and all are welcome to participate! For more information, please check the amFIT and Medlock Area Roadrunning Community Facebook pages at http:// www.facebook.com/groups/medlockrunners/ or contact Leigh Hopkins, Founder & Head Coach, [email protected].

Medlock Park neighbors enjoy a relaxing afternoon sampling food and engaging in friendly conversation.

www.MedlockPark.org

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School News ByTanya Myers The DeKalb County Board of Education has concluded the superintendent search process with the announcement of R. Stephen Green as the finalist candidate. Dr. Green will start in his new position on July 1, 2015. The May 13 press release from the board includes information regarding Dr. Green’s most recent accomplishments in Kansas City: Dr. Green is credited with leading Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) back to provisional accreditation within two years of being named its superintendent in 2012. He had previously served as KCPS interim superintendent for several months. Under Dr. Green’s leadership, KCPS earned 92.5 points towards the state of Missouri’s school achievement standards in 2014. That was 8.5 points more than the school district earned in 2013, and a 54.5-point increase from the 2012 results. In August 2014, Missouri’s Board of Education recognized the district’s gains by granting KCPS provisional accreditation. Earlier this year, he was recognized for his achievements by being named Missouri’s 2015 Pearce Award winner – “Best Superintendent of the Year” – by his peers the Missouri Association of School Administrators. Reports from Kansas City indicate that Dr. Green was wellliked and respected for his work there. As the school year winds down, it is great to see the search process concluded with a well-qualified candidate who brings a breadth of education experience to DCSD.

Laurel Ridge Elementary Registration Dates for new students enrolling for 2015-2016: • May 26 - June 3, 8:00 am – 2:30 pm • June 9 – July 23, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 - noon *** Please bring your child’s original birth certificate, proof of residence (utility bill: water, electric or gas), and a valid ID. Druid Hills Middle School Camp Dragon: Rising 6th Grade Registration for Camp Dragon! The fun-filled DHMS Camp Dragon for rising 6th Graders will take place June 25, 2015, 8:00am-1:30pm at DHMS. Registration is $15 (cash only, no checks), and includes all camp materials, lunch, and a limited edition Camp Dragon t-shirt! Please complete your registration and payment in the DHMS Counseling Office by May 22. Late registration may be made for $20 from May 23-June 5. Open House dates for DCSD schools will occur the first week of August and will be announced on the school websites.

Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve Celebrates 20th Anniversary Upcoming Events: Some exciting events are being planned in celebration of the 20th anniversary. Please mark your calendar: Nature Scavenger Hunt, July 25, 1-3 pm - Search the Preserve for natural treasures and then cool off with a King of Pops popsicle – a fun family event! Harvest Festival, Sept 26, 5-9 pm - Fun for the whole family as we celebrate 20 great years!

Join Nextdoor JOIN US on Nextdoor.com:   We now have over 520 residents signed up on our Nextdoor page!  Nextdoor offers an opportunity for discussions that only include residents of Medlock Park and Clairmont Heights.  Other neighborhoods around us can also be contacted if you would like a broader audience.  You can email neighbors who are members, invite neighbors who are not, see the neighborhood resident directory, and start discussions on topics relevant to our community.  Only people who actually live in Medlock Park are eligible to join Nextdoor and everybody has to use their real identities to join, which is essential for keeping the quality of conversations on the site high.  To join the Medlock Park Nextdoor community, sign up via  https://medlockparkga.nextdoor.com/login/. Page 4

www.MedlockPark.org

The Medlocks of Medlock Park: A Brief History By Dianne Medlock Joy and Tommie Medlock Nichols William “Buck” Medlock purchased the land now known as Medlock Park in 1882.  The family home sat at the corner of what is now Medlock and Sunnybrook. If you look behind the home at that intersection, you can see a few very large trees that were the original trees that sat in front of the house.    Buck and his wife, Vilenah Antoinette Mason (of the same family that provided Mason Mill Park) had a daughter, William Vilenah who was known as “Willie V.”  This is where the road Willivee Drive got its name.” Willlivee Drive is named after Willlie Vilenah This is an old Medlock, seen here wearing her mourning photograph of her dress, in 1905, at her Oakdale Road home.  from 1905.  

William Parks, along with three of his brothers, fought for the Confederacy. During the summer of 1864 his parents and siblings abandoned their plantation farm and fled Atlanta. After Sherman left Atlanta, they returned to ruined land.  William Parks came home to a burned home, with its fruit and shade trees all cut down. He was “badly hurt, has lost his left hand and fore-finger on his right hand, neither amputated,” according to a letter written by his mother to her daughter Martha, who had moved to Texas. Since most of the fighting had been from Atlanta to Decatur, families living in that area supported themselves by picking up lead from spent ammunition and selling it.  My grandfather remembered helping his father, William Parks, pick up lead, mostly miniballs, on their Medlock farm.  The Medlock family grave site is at the curve on Commerce Drive in the Decatur Cemetery.  William Parks planted four magnolia trees at the corners (only three still stand) of the family plot when the Medlock graves were moved from Ponce de Leon after that property was bought by William Arnold Hemphill, one of the founders of the Atlanta Constitution. William Parks was later buried in the same family plot in Decatur cemetery. (Sources: Atlanta’s Ponce de Leon, a History by Sharon Foster Jones and Vanishing DeKalb pictorial history by the DeKalb Historical Society.) 

The Medlocks were pioneer settlers in the area. William Parks Medlock was the son of John Williams Medlock and Sarah Jemison Ware, who had 11 children. He and all his brothers and sisters were born in Gwinnett County, but they moved to Atlanta, Land Lot Forty-eight in the late 1840s. This land was on Ponce de Leon Avenue near a spring near Monroe Drive. 

www.MedlockPark.org

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Zoning Update By Theresa Same Zoning Code Dekalb County has been working on a much needed, updated Zoning Code for quite some time. On May 12, the Board of Commissioners again deferred the vote for adoption, this time until July 14, 2015. I know many of you are frustrated by this delay, but this time has allowed neighborhood groups and residents to present and suggest needed changes that will improve the proposed codes. The new Zoning Code will have a big impact on the future and development of Dekalb County, so it is important to take time to get it right. Medline Study Implementation Members of the Medlock Area Neighborhood Association (MANA), Clairmont Heights (CH) and Good Growth Dekalb (GGD) have been meeting with County representatives and Planning Department employees to review the comprehensive overlay suggested by the Medline Study. Though MANA generally supports the vision presented, there were many contradictory, unclear and undesirable suggestions laid out in the report that must be reconciled. The center of the study area is destined to contain high-density and mixed use developments. MANA is most concerned with how the zoning overlay will be handled at the edges of the study area. We will continue to work on this issue and others as we work toward the adoption of an overlay for the Medline area. To see the full Medline Study report, go to www.medlockpark.org. Suburban Plaza The renovation and redevelopment of Suburban Plaza is fully

underway. Walmart and many of the new stores hope to be open by Thanksgiving of this year. The new retailers confirmed at the Plaza are Ross, Home Goods, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store, La Fitness and Starbucks. Moe’s, Pizza Hut, the Uniform Store and Hearing Aid Company will remain. I am sad to report that Suburban Lanes has closed. Fuqua Developments – Phase 1 After a significant delay, demolition permits have been obtained and demolition of Scott Boulevard Baptist Church and the now abandoned homes on Barton Way will begin immediately. The area which is currently the Church will be replaced by a large apartment building as Phase 1 of the new development. The homes on Barton Way, which were rezoned for townhomes will now be wrapped into Phase 2 – which is a mixed use development (discussed below). Fuqua Developments – Phase 2 The Cross-Neighborhoods Committee (which includes representatives from MANA, GGD and other nearby neighborhood associations) has been meeting with Fuqua Developments over the last several months to review the plans for a proposed 12 acre mixed use development adjoining the already approved apartment development in Phase 1. The area includes the homes on Barton Way, all the homes on Blackmon Drive (between N. Decatur and Scott Boulevard) and the homes that front Scott Boulevard and N. Decatur between Barton Way and Blackmon Dr. The proposed development includes a natural food store, 2 banks, 5-10 restaurants, office and retail space, a one acre park, surface and decked parking and a large apartment building (up to 450 units). It also proposes a new road between N. Decatur Road and Scott Boulevard with traffic signals at each intersection and a continuation of the sidewalk and streetscape plan agreed on in Phase I. The latest site plan has taken into account feedback from the community and Committee.. This Phase 2 development requires a land use plan change, rezoning, Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) for height of the apartment building (proposed to be 5 stories) and a SLUP for a restaurant with a drive-through (which the developer plans to withdraw after the Planning Commission and Planning Staff recommended denial). The Community Council has recommended deferral while the Planning Commission, in a tight vote, recommended approval of everything except the drive-through SLUP. The application is scheduled to be voted on by the Board of Commissioners on May 26, 2015. MANA and the Cross Neighborhoods Committee have been negotiating conditions for this development and hope to have an agreement in place by the May 26 date to ensure significant funds for offsite improvements are received. Proposed improvements include sidewalks, a pedestrian crossing on Scott Boulevard at Blackmon Drive and remediation for Blackmon Drive residents (between Scott and Medlock). Please stay informed and see the MANA website for the most up-to-date zoning and annexation news. www.medlockpark.org.

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www.MedlockPark.org

Recycling

Medlock Park Greenspace

By Kris Kane

By Casey Boudreau

Dekalb County currently picks up recycling at the curb for residences. The supplies required – a blue bin and special blue bags – are free and can be requested (call 404 294 2900) or picked up at the County’s Sanitation Division Central Transfer Station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur, 30032. *

About 40 neighbors and Medlock Park users attended the meeting on Thursday May 23 to hear the presentation by Kaizen Collaborative on the process and plans to develop ideas for the Scott Circle vacant lots. Details on the available space and limits on options were provided, then input from participants was solicited. After lively debate to create a list of ideas and the opportunity to vote on top choices, the group came up with the following 3 suggestions: 1) places to sit/passive recreation in a natural setting, 2) gathering areas/places to congregate, and 3) butterfly garden. Other ideas include planting of fruit trees, installing new play structures, and adding a gazebo and/or benches.

It’s as easy as 1-2-3. 1. Sort your recyclables; use the blue bin for mixed paper, the blue bags for glass, plastic and metal. 2. Set your bin and blue bags at the curb and Dekalb Sanitation will pick them up. 3. Save energy, water usage, and natural resources when you recycle. * News: Thanks to overwhelming community support for this service, deliveries of extra blue bags will resume for all customers enrolled in the Single Stream Recycling Program. * The program is called Single Stream because the County’s recycling partner – SP Recycling – allows the combination of blue bags and the mixed paper from the blue bin in one County vehicle. SP Recycling’s processes sort out the various recyclables when they are received at their facility. In March, the Dekalb County Commissioners voted to implement one-day collection, to replace the current twoday collection schedule for solid waste (“regular” garbage). Information about the specific procedures by neighborhood are expected to be announced at the end of May or beginning of June. Some changes expected include free solid waste receptacles for county residents and recycling picked up on the same day as solid waste.

To expand the pool of neighbors and park users providing input, the presentation was posted on the MANA website and eblasts were sent out via various social media outlets to encourage others to send in their ideas via email. Kaizen is in the process of creating a conceptual plan based on the information they have received and will present it at another meeting, tentatively sheduled for Thursday June 18, 7pm at the North Decatur Presbyterian Church. After a second round of comments from the neighborhood, the plan will be finalized and presented to DeKalb County for approval. Once the County has signed off on the proposal MANA will be requesting help from neighbors and park users to fundraise and provide labor as needed to implement ideas. Please check the MANA website as well as Nextdoor and Facebook for regular updates and to provide your feedback and ideas.

If more residents recycle it will: • help to control rising sanitation costs • decrease the amount of solid waste in the Seminole Road landfill • create more green jobs in DeKalb County * Some recycling specifics: • Paper mills use 40% less energy to make paper from recycled paper. • A recycled aluminum can takes 95% less energy to manufacture and can be back on store shelves in 60 days. • A ton of paper made from recycled fibers conserves 7,000 gallons of water. • Recycling one glass bottle creates 50% less water pollution than when a new bottle is made from raw materials. • One third of plastic bottles recycled in the U.S. gets used in Georgia carpet manufacturing. On a per ton basis, sorting and processing recyclables sustains 10 times more jobs than landfilling or incineration. * * Information from the Dekalb County Dekalb Recycles webpage: http://www.co.dekalb.ga.us/dekalb_recycles/why_ recycle.html

www.MedlockPark.org

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MANA 2015-16 Membership Form

Yearly Membership Dues are $20. One membership covers entire household. Dues renewable in June. Dues paid any time between June 1, 2015 through May 31, 2016 will be applied to 2015–16 MANA fiscal year membership (which runs June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016) Name(s): Address: Phone: Home

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E-Mail:

Check to subscribe to our monthly eNews mailing list

Today’s Date:

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

2014-15 MANA Board

To submit an article

Lynn Ganim–President

September 25, 2015 is the deadline for the next newsletter. E-mail: [email protected] with your ideas.

Sharon Johnson–Vice President

2015-16 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

Kris Kane–Welcome Kit Chair Pat Camp–E-News & Newsletter Advertising Coordinator Cathy Quinones–Website Coordinator Barbara Orisich–Newsletter Editor Casey Boudreau–Parks and Greenspace Chair Neighborhood [email protected] 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.

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

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