I’m willing to admit that I wasn’t an ardent fan of forming the city of Stonecrest. My argument was that creating another layer of government red tape wasn’t going to necessarily bring about positive change in an area that has so much potential for economic development and positive growth.
But I don’t live within city limits, so I wasn’t in on the vote. Being right next to the new city, though, I’ll either reap the benefits or be caught up in the ensuing drama. Now that it’s a done deal, however, I want the vision to become a reality. I want to enjoy nice, dine-in restaurants that don’t require an hour’s drive from my house. I want to see something other than empty lots or vacant storefronts during my commute.
And many of my neighbors feel the same way.
I was at a barber shop located on the outskirts of the new city earlier this week. As it is with teens, my son didn’t tell me about Tuesday picture day until Sunday night. So on a not-so-busy Monday afternoon I filled in for my husband who was working late. Once the required basketball talk wrapped up (Hawks, March Madness), the conversation turned to the future of the community.
With heavily-traveled thoroughfares of Covington Highway and Panola Road, not to mentioned I-20, there should be bigger and better development in that area, the room agreed. Although the patrons couldn’t speak for the entire city, small neighborhood gatherings are often a true litmus test of the community as a whole. Many South DeKalbites see how Brookhaven, Dunwoody and Chamblee have made it work and conclude there’s no reason why it can’t be a success on this side of the county.
“I’m expecting to see restaurants and retail stores all along here,” said our barber Jeffrey Mabry as he pointed out the window to the busy intersection of Covington Highway and DeKalb Medical Parkway. He went on to marvel at the proposed soccer fields planned for the vacant property adjacent to Stonecrest Mall. And the fact that Stonecrest City Hall may occupy one of the vacated stores on mall property.
“It’s definitely a step in the right direction,” he added. “New growth is what this area needs. And since there will be a concerted effort to make it happen, I hope it will happen.”
Mabry lives within the new city boundaries and as a small business owner, he stays on top of what’s happening in the community. He said he’s often discouraged by economic development announcements for projects in the northern part of the county and wonders when the southern end will get its piece of the pie.
“I’m not worried that the corruption and other problems that plagued the county will trickle down to Stonecrest,” he said. “Too many people want this and I think we can govern our own city.”
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