Metro South CID Online Candidate Forum

The Metro South Community Improvement District hosted an online candidate forum on Wednesday, April 29 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. with the candidates running for Super District 6 in DeKalb County.

A recording of the event, which was held via Zoom and Facebook Live, is available by clicking here.

The Forum featured:
– Tharon Johnson as the moderator
– Maryam Ahmad
– Emily Halevy
– Ted Terry

To watch the event recording, CLICK HERE.

AGENDA

Topics for discussion: 

• Let’s Keep Moving; Together as Community slogan 
• Why this meeting is different from other meetings that have been held with county officials: it is just us  
• Means of defining why task force is being assembled 

• Together we want to utilize the growing infrastructure needs and growing economy around the businesses in the area 

• Recognize the importance of property taxes in the area and how they support county services  
• Additionally, members of the CID pay an extra amount collected by the county which goes to the CID as it’s revenue source 
• Neighborhoods and business commerce can work together  
• Discuss how the logistics (trucking, industry, supply chain) and film hubs bring positive recognition to the area 
• Link the voice of voters with challenges and solutions for the Conley area 
• Gain the backing of businesses to support neighborhood needs for the common good of the area 
• Mutually support immediate infrastructure, safety and quality of life objectives together 

Open discussion: 

• What are the main issues/concerns for the area 

• Hear from neighborhood leaders about how to best communicate with neighborhoods 
• How MSCID, CABA, and businesses can be more sensitive to surrounding neighborhoods  
• Define how neighborhoods can support and advocate with the county government and beyond 

What we want to take away from the meeting: 

• We want to facilitate a positive discussion on ways to move forward and leave conversation with a plan of action 

• Generate a list of questions to be answered  
• Create assignments as appropriate among task force members and agency 

Some issues of concern: 

• Tree buffer needed between businesses and residential neighborhoods 
• Zoning/Rezoning needs and enforcement  

• Modification of speed limits in neighborhoods 
• Illegal businesses who need to be shut down or revamped