Council reviews proposed map for Stonecrest–Lithonia industrial CID; parcel and owner lists requested

Mayor Pro Tem presented a concept map for a proposed Stonecrest Lithonia Industrial Community Improvement District (CID) at the July 14 work session and said the map focuses on industrial parcels north of Covington Highway along Lithonia Industrial Boulevard. The presenter outlined the general steps required to form a CID under the city charter — designating a geographic area, adopting a consenting resolution, obtaining landowner consent, securing county tax-commissioner certification, electing or appointing a CID board, and executing a governing agreement. He characterized the map as a first step for council consideration and asked staff to provide parcel-level detail for owners in the proposed footprint. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about who prepared the draft boundaries and whether the footprint overlaps other CIDs; the presenter said the proposed area was developed in consultation with industry stakeholders familiar with the Lithonia Industrial Boulevard area and asserted that the parcels shown are not part of an existing CID. Several members requested a list of Stonecrest Industrial Council members and the parcel owners inside the proposed boundary so council can confirm who would be asked to opt into the CID. Councilman Fai and others asked about the CID’s local benefits. The discussion noted that CIDs typically finance and maintain streets, sidewalks, lighting, stormwater and parking improvements and can coordinate public-safety and economic-development activities. The city manager said staff will compile additional detail on projects the new grants administrator will pursue and will supply a parcel/owner list for the proposed CID area upon request. Multiple councilmembers asked that proponents and interested business owners appear at a future meeting to outline specific projects and commitments. Staff said they would provide the map and an owner/parcel listing to council and that the list is public information. No vote or resolution was taken on July 14. Councilmembers and staff agreed to further outreach to affected property owners and to schedule follow-up briefings that would include parcel ownership, vote thresholds, and proposed projects before any formal petition or resolution is filed.