Metro South CID supports development project in DeKalb County to eliminate blighted properties

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners held a zoning meeting on May 22, 2025, to discuss a significant development project within the Metro South Community Improvement District (CID). The meeting featured various stakeholders expressing their support and concerns regarding the proposed project.

The session began with a presentation from a representative of the development team, who expressed confidence in the project's potential benefits to the community and industry. The speaker emphasized their readiness to address any questions or concerns from the audience.

Larry Kaiser, the executive director of the Metro South CID, spoke in favor of the project, highlighting that it would be the first development approved in the CID area since Shadowbox Industries. Kaiser noted that a large majority of the 215 property and business owners in the CID supported the initiative. He praised the development for its thoughtful planning, particularly regarding stormwater management and transportation, and emphasized the importance of cleaning up blighted properties in the area.

Beverly Dabney, a board member of the CID, echoed Kaiser's sentiments, stating that the project would enhance property values and generate additional revenue for DeKalb County. She highlighted the CID's ongoing efforts to improve the industrial area and expressed hope for the project's approval.

Brenda Pace, a local resident, also voiced her support, while raising concerns about the approval process for developments in the community. She criticized the community council's decision-making, suggesting that it often lacked adequate knowledge of the projects being approved. Pace called for a review of the approval process to ensure that community interests are prioritized.

The meeting then shifted to opposition, with Nicole Murado representing the Starlight Heights neighborhood. While she did not reiterate previous concerns, she indicated that she would address additional points regarding the project.

The discussions highlighted a mix of enthusiasm for the development's potential to revitalize the area and apprehension about the approval process and its implications for the community. The meeting concluded with a call for further dialogue and consideration of the concerns raised, as stakeholders sought to balance development with community needs.