[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6640432,"mediaKeyId","2555973-15c93a7264e9afa219e6c9bd38bc957a","parentId",2555973,"title","Board adopts DeKalb County Trails & Greenway Master Plan; vision network prioritizes connectivity, estimates $225–$265M capital cost","audioSeconds",865,"startMs",3220000,"endMs",4085000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2555973-15c93a7264e9afa219e6c9bd38bc957a&start=3220&end=4085","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2555973-15c93a7264e9afa219e6c9bd38bc957a/thumbnail_3220000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6640432/DeKalb-County/Georgia/Board-adopts-DeKalb-County-Trails-Greenway-Master-Plan-vision-network-prioritizes-connectivity-estimates-225265M-capital-cost","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640432-96c7efcf051c4c3ad82ed6f8fcc14ef1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775180672&Signature=YSDMT6RAt481p14b8uinmFqanuzZwkyS7nVJa4w44--ueDbhjd8UQQi2v-VY7TUXYCw7BjJSX0wS52Xz1JVpYZjlCDKfIS~zPp4IySewF4jz6BpkmJ2RMVp6g-UpF-Va3-7AqQf8kCLAm5yO4idg7vwsB~Aa2oFQ4iAlC73vA0nUiPbqb5-MZSO4VnjFpTo9VinvCP-fqHx471TzW3jPDMbfI9QuxSq43DAsnd05lIlkUBxhZqMD16pFj68Vdi808mSRVgrqe85o4gb~eBLtBMZ6NXYcALw~bdaAhMTGOctw0U0qri~Hfu1clpxAYEuTHYqrwpFQ8MBhTqGje7n~gg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","DeKalb County","date","2025-03-11T00:00:00Z","article","DeKalb County commissioners voted to adopt the DeKalb County Trails and Greenway Master Plan after a multi‑department presentation from Parks & Recreation staff and the plan’s lead consultant, Tool Design Group.

The presentation emphasized connectivity across the county, citing the county’s 2022 Comprehensive Transportation Plan and the 2050 Unified Plan as planning predecessors. Consultant Eric Childs and staff described an intensive public‑engagement process that included five open houses, pop‑up events, intercept surveys, guided walking tours, and 10 stakeholder interviews with 44 local leaders, county staff and municipal partners. Project staff said existing plans and municipal trail efforts were incorporated to build an “unconstrained” vision network that the county can prioritize and phase.

What the plan proposes: staff said the vision network would add up to 111 linear miles to the countywide trail and greenway network, resulting in a total system of approximately 176 miles; the consultants also said the implementation would add about 65 linear miles specifically in unincorporated DeKalb County. Staff described a weighted prioritization process that scored segments by trip potential, proximity to transit and activity centers, equity, and public input to produce a prioritized project list.

Cost estimate and maintenance: the consultant presented a full implementation capital estimate in the range of $225 million to $265 million and estimated annual maintenance costs of roughly $2.3 million once the network is complete. The presentation cited regional precedents — for example, a 2013 economic analysis of the Silver Comet Trail — to illustrate potential long‑term economic benefits such as property‑value gains, tourism and recreation spending, and health benefits.

Funding sources discussed included federal opportunities (RAISE, ATIP), state recreational trails grants, local SPLOST allocations, general obligation bond options and other grant programs. Staff noted that DeKalb already programs local funding for trails (the presentation referenced a $16 million SPLOST line item for trails, sidewalks and multipurpose paths) and emphasized that project feasibility and funding strategies will be determined at the segment‑level during subsequent studies. Commissioners repeatedly pressed staff on funding, maintenance of existing trails, and cost‑sharing with municipalities. Commissioner Terry asked whether the plan’s maintenance estimate covered existing trails (staff said the quoted maintenance reflects new construction) and recommended follow‑up feasibility and financial analyses to connect the vision network to capital improvement planning and potential funding vehicles such as TADs, special service districts or a parks/green space bond.

Next steps: staff said the plan provides design standards, maintenance guidance, and a scoring framework for prioritizing segments; they recommended follow‑up feasibility studies for prioritized segments and pursuing identified federal, state and local funding streams. The committee approved the plan and staff will bring feasibility and funding proposals forward as projects move toward implementation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","DeKalb County - PECS Committee Meeting - Mar 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","DeKalb County commissioners voted to adopt the DeKalb County Trails and Greenway Master Plan after a presentation that proposed a countywide vision network, extensive stakeholder engagement, and an estimated $225–$265 million in one‑time capital costs to fully implement.","taxTitle","DeKalb County, Georgia","taxId",3571,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6640437,"DeKalb awards $680,000 contract to Kimley‑Horn for zoning and sign code rewrite; 70/30 split, broad public engagement planned",272,1128000,1400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2555973-15c93a7264e9afa219e6c9bd38bc957a&start=1128&end=1400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2555973-15c93a7264e9afa219e6c9bd38bc957a/thumbnail_1128000.jpg","/articles/6640437/DeKalb-County/Georgia/DeKalb-awards-680000-contract-to-KimleyHorn-for-zoning-and-sign-code-rewrite-7030-split-broad-public-engagement-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640437-5ecead67449516c0d85c038e879512c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775180672&Signature=lu6hK0JGp2hct--e2hass67MqxNxh5hsxHzf5Xp6dNSMZ21WZ6j4L5DnIVPbWXfmwveVQovV3NPSlRR1gEfp1oD5DGJ7GcVISaX8rAe27ZdUcn1o3hqGW5kaYdMBrf3Ey8i-FrmJOPp7ZCKSO4re2mili5yX4Cggp9tUW-MCm-eBt3G3P8ARYfvUR50o9zaZ8tA-zM1o8uobEr4Ox6A-Mf84b7LZlrIbvo3mLJ0bfbFjOjCM~S9XVBFaSCfJZrJtlaFTy~eKSy4UzekbJpAq4dR7o42RHllxyXXgBNANRdnurKKiv69L~YcDQ3sCRLsNu-Dc7py2OD11qU-kNIt41A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning, Economic Development & Community Services Committee recommended awarding a contract to Kimley and Horn and Associates Inc. to perform a comprehensive update of DeKalb County’s zoning ordinance and its sign ordinance, with a contract amount not to exceed $680,000.

Brandon White, deputy director for Planning and Sustainability, told commissioners the county has not updated the zoning ordinance since 2015 and the sign ordinance in roughly 20 years. The rewrite follows the county’s 2050 Unified Plan and the 2022 Comprehensive Transportation Plan. White and project manager Yvonne Trammell described a three‑phase scope: public involvement, project management, and deliverables, and said the consultant’s tasks would include updating the use table, refining development standards (including mixed‑use and missing‑middle housing), adding illustrations and reader‑friendly formatting, and producing digital ordinance deliverables.

Trammell outlined the public‑engagement plan: 80 to 100 community engagement events, targeted outreach to students, millennials, older adults and people with disabilities, five stakeholder seats reserved for community councils on a 12‑member stakeholder committee (one representative from each community council, one from the planning commission, three from the development oversight committee, and others to be appointed), and digital engagement through the county’s EngageDecalb platform.

Commissioners asked whether the sign ordinance work could proceed more quickly on a parallel track; Commissioner Ted Terry said he was concerned about delaying signage updates “for 2 years” if possible. Trammell said staff would discuss a parallel delivery approach with the consultant and could deliver sign elements earlier where feasible. Commissioners also asked about training for boards and commissions; staff said they plan a targeted refresher course for new board appointees and more extensive training if budget allows.

Procurement details presented to the committee showed three initial respondents to the RFP; one was later deemed nonresponsive, leaving two proposers. The county used a scoring panel that included colleagues from GIS and Parks & Rec; Kimley and Horn scored highest and received the recommended award as the responsive, responsible proposer.

Next steps: contract execution (March–May 2025), project tasks May 2025–August 2027, with final delivery tentatively scheduled for December 2027. Staff and the consultant will refine delivery sequencing and community outreach plans during the kickoff phase.","The Planning, Economic Development & Community Services Committee recommended awarding a contract to Kimley and Horn and Associates Inc. to update DeKalb County’s zoning ordinance and sign ordinance for an amount not to exceed $680,000.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6640440,"Decide DeKalb reports $27.9M in combined TAD assets; advisory committees forming",270,91000,361000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2555973-15c93a7264e9afa219e6c9bd38bc957a&start=91&end=361","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2555973-15c93a7264e9afa219e6c9bd38bc957a/thumbnail_91000.jpg","/articles/6640440/DeKalb-County/Georgia/Decide-DeKalb-reports-279M-in-combined-TAD-assets-advisory-committees-forming","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640440-88484f14c8a13720ac3e6e5424026a05/orig.mp4?Expires=1775180672&Signature=BxfNhwRQIL~gOLAo3SOAX3nVMFkZnHB4fw8rRZBLVoI-ZxsoiC-LJF31KohdNBKMHdKk7CYoeSYEV3BUFPEGJ-FLugqAhka33Qyh389bQYu~v8od3~6tID2cp05lg0S7vogkTUKnFLRv-cAnGQyyfKfKjYjclBOkgvzLDqhNUpK5ZGPJnD0TnOUH2zHxxGecKvBTq-tx5CWesMocnibLV~RWdTeKWF5PSxd7E8C-xqbgd8dm8ZEoyj4AxpvVv4heHRl3xTNWTL4BfGUuue-khZVMLm1h7GPFqVXt7ZotPGlrPkH3uppxpjyVqd3jPcYf8Ae0MOWbXHar0EBXeYpt4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Decide DeKalb’s redevelopment team gave the Planning, Economic Development & Community Services Committee a Q4 2024 update on the county’s five tax allocation districts, reporting combined TAD assets just under $27,900,000 and tax‑increment revenue of just over $8,000,000 for calendar year 2024.

The presentation, delivered by Tiffany Willis, vice president of redevelopment for Decide DeKalb, spelled out five TAD funding mechanisms open for applications: a predevelopment loan fund, an urban renewal fund (upfront financing for acquisition/construction/renovation), pay‑as‑you‑go reimbursement, TAD bonds (upfront financing that would require Board of Commissioners approval), and a small business property improvement grant. Willis said small business grants can cover eligible equipment such as point‑of‑sale systems and grease traps, and confirmed that “those funds can be used for code violation[s]…Yes. That’s correct.”

Why it matters: TADs are a financing tool that captures future property tax increases to support redevelopment today. The TADs and their programs can fund property acquisition, renovation, and small business capital needs in targeted areas; decisions about bond issuance would come back to the full Board of Commissioners.

Details from the presentation noted that interest income and expenses were modest (almost $200,000 in interest and roughly $231,000 in expenses), yielding net TAD income in 2024 of about $7,900,000 subject to audit adjustments. Willis said Briarcliff/North Druid Hills produced a notably larger increment this year because several private projects came online there; some of those projects did not use TAD funding. By contrast, Kensington and Avondale have seen slower redevelopment. The Market Square and Southwest DeKalb TADs were created more recently (2022 and 2023) and have been managed by DeKalb since inception, Willis said, which is why there is no separate DeKalb asset line for those districts.

Committee members pressed staff on how TAD advisory committee members will be chosen. Willis said the county is finalizing the legal structure and will deliver the document to commissioners this month. Commissioners may nominate advisory members: the county recommended nominees be identified within two weeks to a month. Commissioners raised concerns about a strict requirement that nominees both live within a TAD footprint and that some TADs contain little or no residential property; Commissioner Ted Terry said that could be “very limiting” for TADs that intentionally avoid residential lots. Willis said staff would confirm whether commissioners must formally record appointments on the county record or whether the Decide DeKalb board process can handle approvals, and that staff were open to flexibility on geographic buffers (for example, considering nominees who live within one to three miles of a TAD footprint) to address districts with few residences.

On bonds, Willis reiterated that TAD bonds provide upfront funding but “will require additional approval from the board of commissioners, as they will be the conduit issuer for the bonds for those transactions.” Committee members asked staff to return with details about nomination deadlines, feasibility of staggered onboarding/training sessions for advisory committee members, and whether the small business grant program could reach capacity if demand is high because applications are being accepted on a rolling basis.

Next steps: Decide DeKalb will finalize the legal structure for the TAD advisory committees and deliver it to the commissioners this month; commissioners were asked to identify nominations within the requested timeframe so onboarding and training can be scheduled.","Decide DeKalb presented Q4 2024 tax allocation district (TAD) finances to the PECS committee, reporting combined assets just under $27.9 million, tax increment revenue of just over $8 million in 2024, multiple funding programs open for applications, and a timeline for forming TAD advisory committees with nominations requested from commissioners.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6640427,"Votes at a glance: PECS committee actions on contracts, grants and plan adoption",5069,1131000,6200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2555973-15c93a7264e9afa219e6c9bd38bc957a&start=1131&end=6200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2555973-15c93a7264e9afa219e6c9bd38bc957a/thumbnail_1131000.jpg","/articles/6640427/DeKalb-County/Georgia/Votes-at-a-glance-PECS-committee-actions-on-contracts-grants-and-plan-adoption","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640427-75e8b0b036185e40f02486626bc59e82/orig.mp4?Expires=1775180672&Signature=mqGkiEIALiHPHxRHY5aTdjBW6FTWhSzF9VYroLXGyu1nciDfuDdqQS8GaQCpNFTpUOeX3tbbuxOzrMzTp0dUyJjyyrfKuIFOEsXJA9E15FCr4-bahCrhhSzp4uj0DdVOnEt0tPRIl-~HpzpwY481foXEiIaqDEpmfK~PE2Dft~3b0XbotIwbVVJHZPVfUbjcUoq~FCiecxq9vbMw5oYFH9DC9ifdJWtz6asnZ6MfgpHeCE5JjaDIc5y9y7rfgo0QKeQTuepGXKtgdUtRMHJ75ysTbRKpYMuHl3evkptnQbvf8On39vEbNam836i6C4pzNJ~jPbyoVMAxIe23AFZYrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Below is a concise list of formal actions taken during the Planning, Economic Development & Community Services Committee meeting, as recorded in the meeting transcript. Where the transcript did not capture individual roll‑call tallies or recorded every name for mover/second, the committee’s outcomes are reported as presented on the record.

1) Minutes: Motion to approve item (minutes) — Passed (voice vote: aye).

2) Zoning and Sign Ordinance RFP (award): Recommend award to the highest scoring responsive and responsible proposer for the zoning ordinance and sign ordinance update; Kimley and Horn and Associates Inc.; amount not to exceed $680,000. Committee recommended approval (motion/second recorded; voice vote: aye). (Agenda reference: RFP item as printed in meeting materials.)

3) Irrigation maintenance and repair services (annual contract; ratify 60‑day term; first renewal option): Contract number 1374826 for irrigation maintenance and repair services, awarded to Atlanta Irrigation Services LLC; amount not to exceed $68,900. Committee approved (motion/second; voice vote: aye).

4) Hamilton Mill Recreation Center roof replacement (Sourcewell purchase/construction): Purchase through competitively let Sourcewell contract GAA0140820KBR; awarded to Brown & Root Industrial Services LLC; amount not to exceed $929,680.65. Committee approved (motion/second; voice vote: aye). Funding noted as coming from an Improving Neighborhood Outcomes grant.

5) EZ‑GO golf cart repair (annual contract, second renewal): Contract number 1318919; second renewal to Fat Boys Golf Carts LLC; amount not to exceed $50,000. Committee approved (motion/second; voice vote: aye).

6) Change order — Restroom and shower facility purchase/installation (Sourcewell): Change order number 4 to contract 1289411, awarded to Roam Tech Inc.; additional funding requested due to escalation in materials and labor; amount not to exceed $257,220.03. Committee approved (motion/second; voice vote: aye). Staff noted state grants will cover much of the project cost.

7) Adoption — DeKalb County Trails & Greenway Master Plan: Committee voted to adopt the Trails & Greenway Master Plan. Staff will pursue feasibility studies and funding strategies for prioritized segments. Committee approved (motion/second; voice vote: aye).

8) Resolution re: ICE action (resolution condemning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids dated 01/26/2025): Motion to defer the item for two weeks — Passed (motion/second; voice vote: aye).

9) Horse manure removal (annual contract, second renewal): Contract number 1322551 for hauling horse manure from Little Creek Horse Farm to Seminole Landfill; awarded to Complete Facilities Services LLC; amount not to exceed $49,000 (as listed in agenda notes). Committee approved (motion/second; voice vote: aye).

10) Park Pride grant awards: Zenolite Park (Park Pride grant) — approved; Briarcliff Park (Park Pride grant) — approved.

11) Authorization for staging area (contract 0305 reference in agenda): Approve use of staging area; committee approved (motion/second; voice vote: aye).

Notes on procedure and sources: The transcript records many approvals by voice vote with the response “Aye” rather than a roll‑call or named tally. When contract or award amounts were stated in the transcript or agenda notes, those amounts are recorded above. If the transcript provided an ambiguous numeric string for an agenda reference (for example, an RFP numeric label that was not clearly enunciated), the article uses the proposer name and the dollar amount as recorded in the staff presentation.

Selected actions (structured) are included in the actions array below for reference.","Summary of motions and committee outcomes from the PECS meeting, including contract awards, renewals, a change order, adoption of the Trails & Greenway Master Plan, and a two‑week deferral of a resolution concerning ICE activity.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board adopts DeKalb County Trails & Greenway Master Plan; vision network prioritizes connectivity, estimates $225–$265M capital cost

DeKalb awards $680,000 contract to Kimley‑Horn for zoning and sign code rewrite; 70/30 split, broad public engagement planned

Decide DeKalb reports $27.9M in combined TAD assets; advisory committees forming

Votes at a glance: PECS committee actions on contracts, grants and plan adoption