DeKalb County hears concerns over Entrenchment Creek Park future and gas station safety

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on June 10, 2025, where several pressing community issues were discussed, including concerns about local parks, public safety, and water billing challenges.

One of the most significant topics raised was the future of Entrenchment Creek Park. A speaker highlighted the park's potential extinction due to a land swap with Blackhall Studios that occurred four years ago. The Georgia Supreme Court recently dismissed a lawsuit that had temporarily blocked the studio from obtaining a clear title to the land. The speaker urged the commissioners to reconsider the land swap, citing that Blackhall's promises regarding park amenities have not been fulfilled and expressing fears that the land may be sold for commercial development. A motion to reverse the land swap is expected to be on the agenda for the next commission meeting.

Public safety concerns were also prominent, particularly regarding violent incidents at local gas stations. A resident detailed multiple shootings in the area, emphasizing the need for the board to address public safety measures more effectively. The speaker criticized the lack of action on previously proposed ordinances aimed at improving safety and accountability in the community.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the issue of delinquent water bills in DeKalb County. A resident questioned the accuracy of reported delinquency statistics and highlighted systemic problems within the county's water billing and collection processes. The speaker suggested that a water billing amnesty program could provide a fresh start for residents struggling with unpaid bills, drawing comparisons to successful initiatives in other cities.

The meeting concluded with a call for the commissioners to prioritize community concerns and take decisive action on the issues raised, particularly regarding the preservation of Entrenchment Creek Park and the need for improved public safety measures. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges facing DeKalb County and the importance of responsive governance to address residents' needs.