A new movement has begun in South DeKalb County. A grassroots organization, the South DeKalb Improvement Association Inc., has taken on the major issues facing businesses and residents to improve the economic viability of the region. And it’s making a difference.
Association board members began to talk and collaborate in early 2013, when Kathryn Rice offered economic development workshops to residents. Elsewhere in the county, Kevin Chapman was trying to clean and maintain Wesley Chapel Road through an organization he started, the Wesley Chapel Curb Appeal Task Force. Individuals came together and in June 2013, the South DeKalb association was borne. A structure was developed, priorities determined, bylaws created and board spots, composed entirely of residents, filled.
In January, committees formed for five priorities: education, code compliance, safety, economic development and housing. Within three months, each committee developed a vision, project and metrics and had them approved by the larger community.
The results have been remarkable.
The housing committee has collected data that reveals an unexplainable disparity in housing values and maintenance in South DeKalb, leading the association to collect evidence for possible legal action. The code compliance committee has held clean-ups and passed out educational flyers on the fourth Saturday for six consecutive months as part of its year-long campaign. As a result, the committee has partnered with local government and multiple organizations and been featured on television and radio and in newspapers.
The safety committee held a successful public forum with representatives from the sheriff, police and prosecutor’s office to explain how to improve safety in South DeKalb. The education committee is about to release a groundbreaking parent and student survey, which will be used to assess how both groups perceive their educational experience in South DeKalb. And the economic development committee has brought in expert speakers and hosted a visit to Georgia Power. A public meeting will be held Aug. 31 to finalize a South DeKalb Bill of Standards for business development.
The residents of South DeKalb are pleased. The South DeKalb Improvement Association represents about 3,130 residents; attendance at meetings averages about 60 to 70 people. The chair, David George, leads a committed board that includes Ken Taylor, Peggy Hobdy, Kathryn Rice, Kevin Chapman, Robert Douglas, Wayne Early and Gina Mangham. Work thus far has been done without much resources or support.
Separate from the association, I have taken on the issue of cityhood. I’ve studied and written about municipal incorporation/cityhood for several years until it hit my doorstep. Now, I help lead the effort for a city of South DeKalb. Thus far, in two meetings, audiences have unanimously agreed something needs to be done. Time will help clarify the final destination, but it is clear that change is afoot in South DeKalb.
Kathryn Rice is founder of the South DeKalb Improvement Association.
