Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve Glenwood/Candler grocery and retail plaza with conditions after negotiations with developer
Summary
After additional working‑group discussions and added conditions requiring transportation coordination, public plaza maintenance and community art review, DeKalb commissioners approved a major modification and a small rezoning to allow a grocery and retail plaza at Glenwood and Candler.
DeKalb County commissioners approved a major modification of prior zoning conditions and a companion rezoning on May 22 that will allow a consolidated grocery store and small retail plaza at the Glenwood and Candler intersection.
The project, led by Venture South Investments (represented by attorney Michelle Battle), consolidates several parcels and removes an existing no‑access condition to allow access from Glen Hill Place for delivery and patron circulation. The plan envisions a roughly 50,000‑square‑foot grocery anchored at the rear of the consolidated site, with an approximately 11,000‑square‑foot retail building and a hardscape public plaza at the corner of Glenwood and Candler. Site plans include sidewalks on all frontages and pedestrian connections to the store, and applicants said they will coordinate with MARTA to ensure pedestrian access to planned bus stops.
Staff recommended approval with five conditions: installation of the hardscape plaza with written approval from the DeKalb County Transportation Department before a certificate of occupancy; at least three internal pedestrian sidewalks connecting fronting streets to the grocery; a prohibition on access to Eastfield Street; installation of a minimum six‑foot masonry sound attenuation wall along the rear property line prior to CO; and a standard clause that approval of the major modification carries no presumption for other approvals.
Commissioners added conditions during debate. The board required that the plaza design and any streetscape elements in county right‑of‑way be reviewed in writing by the Transportation Department and by the District 3 and District 7 commissioners; it also asked that the applicant be responsible for maintenance of certain existing county‑owned hardscape adjacent to the site, and that any public art for the plaza be reviewed by the two district commissioners prior to installation.
Supporters, including the Metro South CID and local civic leaders, said the project replaces a long‑vacant, blighted corner and would provide neighborhood grocery access. Several adjacent residents and civic leaders spoke in favor, highlighting the need for a full‑service retailer near the corridor.
No speakers testified in opposition at the hearing. The approvals are contingent on the developer satisfying staff and transportation requirements in the conditions list and completing any necessary land‑development permits.
