Druid Hills residents irate about plans to cut down trees and clear land for a controversial development off Clifton Road are planning to break out their “Deny Clifton Ridge” badges for a zoning appeals board hearing on Wednesday.
The hearing in Decatur is the latest turn in the fight over attorney Robert Buckler’s plan to carve three properties into a seven-lot subdivision in the old neighborhood laid out by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who designed Central Park in New York City.
The Druid Hills Civic Association has sued to stop the Clifton Ridge project, arguing it will erode the historic character of the neighborhood. Last year, at least two DeKalb County commissioners also pushed for further review.
According to an email circulated Monday by the civic association, a temporary restraining order from DeKalb County Superior Court that blocked Buckler’s crews from cutting trees could be lifted within days if the zoning appeals board sides with him over the civic association on Wednesday.
“That’s why we must have a strong show of community support at the hearing,” organizers wrote to residents.
The civic association is soliciting donations to a legal fund.
Bruce MacGregor, president of the Druid Hills Civic Association, said the county issued an improper land disturbance permit, which would allow for excavation, sidewalks and a variety of other work around the proposed cul-de-sac. The association wants the permit rescinded and seeks to protect the area — characterized by long, deep lots — from being converted into higher-density uses.
“This part of the neighborhood is on a national register, on a national level of significance,” MacGregor told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Tuesday. “This is the core of Druid Hills. Our position has been, ‘You’ve bought three lots. You can build three houses.’”
Buckler, an attorney with Troutman Sanders, could not be reached for comment Tuesday. He previously said that the project had obtained all proper permits and that he expected work to continue.
Staff writer April Hunt contributed to this article.
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