Decatur Heights Neighborhood (Decatur, GA)

Possible medians on Sycamore Dr at Grove St

As most reading this know, our neighborhood has, for some time, been pursuing every possible means to make our streets (especially our main street, Sycamore Drive) safer for our neighbors and guests.

Neighbors (led by a DHNA drive) petitioned the City (during 4Q 2010) to consider traffic calming measures at the curve at Sycamore Drive and Grove St.

The City Engineer has developed a possible median design for the neighborhood's consideration. The sketch, an aerial satellite view, and actual street photos of the intersection as it appears now are in the continuation. 

The medians insure passing cars stay in their lanes (which they don't always do now). They also tend to slow down traffic. The resulting traffic lanes are still the regulation 11 feet wide, but they appear more narrow to drivers. The most important objective to most drivers is to not damage their vehicles.

Raised medians also have two negatives:

a) A few will only be able to pull into and out of their drives in one direction.

b) Less on-street parking will be allowed at the dividers and approaching them in both directions.

These obviously weigh more heavily for those directly impacted.

ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE IS A 3-WAY STOP

Per Deane in a 1/29 Google Group post: "As I shared at the [1/24] meeting, we'll likely go with a stop signs trial first." So, in the comments and on the Google board, we can discuss the two alternatives.

Nothing is in concrete yet (pun half intended). Your input, here and on the neighborhood Google Group (where a discussion topic will be started soon), is encouraged.

To see a similar median design, and the accompanying markings, see the intersection of Commerce and Columbia south of College. (An aerial image is at the bottom of the continuation.)

THIS MAY, OR MAY NOT, EVER BE DONE.  IF IT IS DONE, THE FINAL DESIGN MIGHT BE QUITE DIFFERENT.

The design for consideration is in the continuation, along with aerial and street views.

Looking at some examples of neighborhood group organization

In the 1/24 DHNA meeting, Peggy and Fred suggested we look at two examples of neighborhood organization in Decatur, which are at opposite extremes in terms of formality.

Oakhurst Neighborhood Association (ONA) is very formal.  It has elected officers, registered membership, many standing committees, and an elaborate printed and distributed monthly newsletter. 

The Winnona Park Neighborhood Association (WPNA) is more laid back. It does have a registered membership with nominal dues, but Fred tells us it has a less formal feel. It only has two regular meetings a year. It's by-laws are online.  It has a board, which consists of the officers and the the committee chairpersons. That sounds like a good idea of DHNA, but adds some complexity.

A example near us, but outside the City, is the Medlock Area Neighborhood Association (MANA).   It's incorporated and very structured, with a number of officers and a board.

There are many other examples of neighborhood associations, of course, and I'll be adding others here gradually. If you have some good ones to suggest, please comment with a link.

A distinction can be made between a neighborhood association and a homeowners association, like Sycamore Ridge has, although there is much overlap. DHNA considers all living inside our bounders, be they homeowners or renters, included.

As was stated in the discussion in the 1/24 meeting, it's great when nearby organizations: e.g. Decatur Heights, Sycamore Station, and Sycamore Ridge; can work together and share activities (like neighborhood watch) and events together.

Proposed DHNA organization

Dave Kell presented the proposal for DHNA structure/organization in the continuation during the open discussion segment of the 1/24/2012 DHNA meeting. It's intended only as a starting point for discussion. You're encouraged to shoot at it and proposealternatives.

The discussion during the meeting indicated we need to decide the degree of formality and complexity needed for our neighborhood.  Personally, I want the most eloquent solution, meaning the simplest which can get the job done, no matter what arises.

Others have also discussed this independently. Hopefully, they will post their comments here or on the DH Google Group.

If you're interested in being on a committee to work on this, contact Deanne or so state in a comment, as she reads this blog.

Crime in Decatur Heights 2012 through 1/15

Source: CrimeReports.com

Walmart opposition group to meet

From the Decatur-Avondale Patch:

"A group ... plans to meet Tuesday, Jan. 17, under the banner, "Good Growth DeKalb: Suburban Plaza," at North Decatur Presbyterian Church, according to an email sent to residents in the Decatur Heights neighborhood. The meeting begins at 7pm at the church at 611 Medlock Rd."

The meeting is open to anyone.

January DHNA meeting on 1/24/2012

The January meeting of the Decatur Heights Neighborhood Association (DHNA) will be 7-8:30PM Tuesday, 1/24 in the Community Room (right door, near the gym) of the Church at Decatur Heights. Here's the agenda, as posted in the Neighborhood Google Group by Deanne:

 

 

During the open forum, Dave will present, for discussion, his ideas on the Sign design and Neighborhood Slogan contests. The objective will be to leave the meeting ready to proceed with both contests.

The meetings are open to any neighbors, as well as City and County representatives.

January DHNA Newsletter

The January 2012 DHNA Newsletter is in the continuation. 

See also the official DHNA website for updates and news.

Theft by Taking - 400 Block of Sycamore Drive

This crime was reported to CrimeReports.com by the DPD:

The DH.com editor saw a DPD car pull up around 11:30PM, and stay for a while, but that could just be coincidental.  A red light could be shining forward. That might be some sort of speed detection equipment.

Should more details become available, this post will be updated.

Timber!

Here are images of the dead tree which elected to fall last evening, 1/2/2012, a little after 7PM (click to see a larger view). Those nearby were lucky. Please check your trees (and your neighbors) and deal with any problem ones before they possibly deal with you.