Here is my recap of the April 11 work session and my thoughts.
~50 people attended the meeting, the most since I’ve been on Council. I loved seeing the full room; we had to bring in extra chairs! The 2024 Chamblee 101 class was in attendance as part of their homework. We had a big agenda, with six items during the public hearing and nine under the staff action items.
You can find the full agenda and live stream using this link: https://chambleega.new.swagit.com/videos/302518
Public Hearing
1. 4118 West Johnson Circle – Stream Buffer & Front Yard Setback Variance
The applicant requested approval of variances for the construction of a new single-family home.
The variances include encroachment into the stream buffer and the contextual front yard setback reduction from 40 to 20 feet. Because of the topography challenge, the lot has remained vacant for 60 years. A resident spoke against the project because the home does not conform to the neighborhood's character.
Staff has recommended denial due to the massive encroachment into the Nancy Creek Stream Buffer.
2. 3715 Longview Drive – Variance And Waiver Application
The applicant proposes to complete interior renovations of the existing two-story building for a place of worship and has requested four variances and two waivers. Parking is an issue, and they are proposing the creation of 17 parking spaces and 35 shared parking spots. Additionally, this project will encroach on Nancy Creek.
People spoke for the project and against it.
Staff has recommended approval with conditions.
3. 700 Century Center Blvd – Medvet The applicant proposes to renovate an existing office building into a veterinary animal hospital and has requested seven variances and six waivers. They are investing ~eight million in this project.
Staff has recommended approval with conditions.
4. 2685 Johnson Road NE – Dumpster Enclosure Variance Yes, a dumpster variance. This is municipal government.
We recently changed our ordinance regarding dumpsters to beautify the City. Dumpsters must be behind the building and enclosed. If they cannot accommodate, they must apply for a variance. This property is located between two roads and does not have a back lot. Staff has recommended approval.
6. 5588 New Peachtree Road – Dumpster Enclosure Variance Same issues with this property as the Johnson Road dumpster variance. Staff has recommended approval with conditions.
7. 105 Peachtree Boulevard – Block & Drum Accessory Structure Variance The applicant, Justin Staples, and Salt Lick Partners, the owner, request a variance to increase the permitted number of accessory structures for commercial kitchens from three to seven.
I love this project, and it’s transformative for the area. It is the first step in turning the Rail Trail into the Beltline by providing walkable entertainment options adjacent to it.
Staff Action Items
1. ARC TIP Application - Peachtree Blvd Realignment & Gateway And Chamblee Tucker Multiuse Path
We're prioritizing which project we want to support in our application for the 2024 Transportation Improvement Project (TIP) funds from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC.)
While both projects are great, the Chamblee Tucker Multiuse Path should be our top priority. I will always prioritize pedestrians over car projects. Additionally, this path will connect the City's east and west sides, which are currently bifurcated by the Peachtree-Dekalb airport—something that is sorely needed.
There will be a dollar match requirement for either project, and we could get grants from the ARC for both. However, that's not likely.
2. Broad Street Scape The City issued an RFP to develop the design and engineering for the Broad Street Streetscape project in front of City Hall. The selection committee has determined that Axis Infrastructure is better suited to perform the city’s requirements for this project.
3. Public Facilities Authority (PFA) Reimbursement Resolution
Staff are requesting the Mayor and Council to approve the reimbursement resolution for
Staff is requesting that the Mayor and Council approve the reimbursement resolution for the pending land acquisition at 3220 Cumberland Drive, which will be used as the Public Works Facility and is scheduled to close in June 2024. The City will issue financing later in the Fall. Once proceeds are received, this resolution will reimburse the General Fund.
What is a PFA?
The purpose of this Authority is to create a governmental entity by which a municipality can, through contractual relationships, lease space for terms over one year by using the Authority to serve as a financing and ownership partner for significant city developments.
Although the Georgia Constitution limits the City's ability to contractually commit to the expenditure of public funds beyond one year, the state constitution does grant the City the right to enter contractual obligations with other governmental bodies to perform governmental services. The City can make enforceable financial commitments for up to 40 years through such contracts.
Thus, the Authority is a partner with the City, whereby the City can agree to pay rent to the Authority for public facilities. The Authority can then use the contractual pledge of future rent payments to raise capital through the issuance of bonds, which capital is then used for the acquisition, design, and construction of public facilities. This arrangement also keeps the ownership of these facilities within public entities.
4. Q4 23 and Q4 Budget Amendments||
Per the City's financial policies, the budgetary level of control is at the departmental level, thus requiring adjustments to any departmental budgets that are not balanced or are over budget.
The main cost is from the Council's approval of upgrading the body cameras for the Chamblee PD.
5. Real-Time Crime Center (Phase 1)
From the agenda packet: The City was awarded Grant funding for $1,368,793.80 from the Public Safety and Community Violence Reduction Grant. The State-approved funds will be used to deploy a Real-Time Crime Center in the City. The First phase of the project is to install cameras throughout the City. Also included, are camera feeds that will integrate into the FLOCK operating system to provide a robust network that will allow for voluntary participation from residents and businesses. The system will also integrate with the Police Department’s AXON Dash Cameras, providing GPS locations for all patrol units and reducing response times to calls as dispatches can view the closest unit to a call for service.
The Cameras will enhance safety and monitor specific areas designated by the Chamblee Police Department, like the Downtown Entertainment District and the Rail Trail.
6. Glass Recycling I ran on bringing more recycling options to Chamblee, and I’m extremely proud to make this happen. We don’t currently offer glass recycling, and this will allow for a viable option. Glass is currently collected as municipal solid waste (MSW) and makes up between 10% and 20% by weight of the MSW. Less material going to the landfill is a win for the city and the environment.
7. Discover Chamblee Advisory Committee Appointees The City of Chamblee Mayor and City Council established a Discover Chamblee Advisory Committee in 2019. The committee oversees the budget and assists in developing projects overseen by Discover DeKalb, DeKalb County's Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The committee meets every other fourth Wednesday at noon. It consists of two (2) members of the Council, two (2) members of city staff, two (2) members of Discover DeKalb, two (2) Chamblee hoteliers, and two (2) Chamblee residents.
There are three applicants and only one vacancy. I'm on the Board, and more info can be found by following the link below:
https://www.chambleega.com/community_engagement/discover_chamblee.php
If you have any questions, I can be reached at jfurst@chambleega.gov and 770-901-1121.
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