Douglas County News

I'm not Eliza

2007-11-01T11:03:00.000-04:00

Hey, all, I'm not Eliza, I'm her sometimes fill-in Jule. I guess she's got finals going on so she hasn't posted in a while. Some interesting things of note......

www.atlantawatershortage.com is a site dedicated to, you guessed it, the drought situation. The Governor etc really don't seem to have any backup plan at all if we run out of water, kind of scary. So put a brick in your toilet tank and don't wash your car.

I read in the AJC that the Douglas county folks were in talks with the planners of the Echo project over noise pollution concerns. Since the concert wasn't held in our county, we didn't have a say in the planning, but it seems they will take steps to change some things for next year. I read that they have a 10 year agreement to keep holding the concert. We sure heard the dull, distant noise from our house, and I can't imagine what it must have been like for those who live off hwy70.

I attended one of those transportation meetings they held a while back. They seemed well put together and organized. They were asking us what large, conceptual plans we wanted to put our money towards. It seems that they have to have a plan, then submit it to the state and region and feds before they can ever think of starting work. It could take 5, 7, 10 years to get a project working, but that's the price of Federal transporation dollars. There were a couple of people there who had specific concerns about their one intersection and this was not the forum for those concerns to get addressed. Nonetheless, I thought it was a worthwhile meeting.

Just like last year, we had not a single trick or treater, but I was smart and bought the sort of candy I don't like, so I won't be tepted to plow through the whole bag myself. My husband can take it to work when he's back from deer hunting.

That's it. How are y'all?

Suspect Shot In East Point Died

2007-10-05T14:46:00.001-04:00

CBS46.com is reporting that the suspect that was shot by Douglas County police officers in East Point has died. Here's the article from CBS46.com:

The robbery suspect shot in Thursday night's police chase in Douglas County has died.

The incident began late Thursday when an employee at a Subway restaurant in Douglas County called police after spotting a man believed to have robbed the deli last month, authorities said. The suspect then tried to rob a nearby hotel and hit an employee there in the head with a gun.

Deputies chased the suspect along Interstate 20 eastbound and followed him to Interstate 285 before the suspect jumped out of his vehicle and began shooting at law enforcers, who returned fire.

The suspect, whose name was not immediately released, died Friday at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.

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Scanner Happenings

2007-10-04T23:37:00.001-04:00

A busy day (and night) for officers.

10:19pm Assault reported as a result of a domestic problem—someone hit someone else on the head.

10:22pm Domestic problem reported.

10:23pm Two units at Cracker Barrel and two at Hampton Inn—will check in archives later to see what happened. The Hampton Inn crime is detailed at the end of this post.

10:25pm Someone locked their keys in their car at a restaurant.

10:26pm Officer asking for a photographer to take pictures of 10:19pm assault.

10:32pm Someone's been arrested.

10:36pm Grace Personal Care Home on fire. Evacuation in process of all residents.

10:36pm 10:19pm assault victim being taken to hospital.

10:38pm Fire department on way to personal care home.

10:44pm GBI arrived at a scene.

10:44pm Officer says no fire at personal care home.

10:44pm Domestic—someone threw someone else off a second floor balcony. Victim is injured and it happened somewhere else in the county from where victim is calling from, not city, but city is responding.

10:49pm Person who threw person off balcony is intoxicated. Either city or county keeps asking if a county officer is enroute.

10:53pm Two 10-28s.

10:54pm Officer looking for person who threw person off balcony.

10:54pm One 10-28 comes back as suspended.

10:57pm Two more officers going to apartment complex where person who threw another off balcony has not been found.

11:01pm Something about the Waffle House and a body repair shop. Was cut off.

11:01pm Residential alarm in Anneewakee Trails—neighbor called in and said alarm has been going off for an hour.

11:02pm 10-28

11:06pm One more officer going to join officers at balcony crime to look for suspect.

11:08pm Officer asking officers to kill their siren.

11:09pm Officers are behind a car wash.

11:10pm One person arrested (not balcony crime)

11:12pm Intoxicated driver on Thornton Road.

11:12pm 10-28

11:13pm 10-27

In addition an officer was chasing a suspect on I-85 in East Point and the suspect began firing shots at the officer, who then fired shots at the suspect. Suspect was injured. GBI was called out.

There was also an armed robbery shortly before 9pm at a Subway and then at the Hampton Inn on Thornton Road. Both by the same person.

Also this afternoon one person was arrested for shoplifting in Dillard's.

In addition, a business on Thornton Road and the McDonald's on Hwy 5 were the victims of a counterfeit crime. In both crimes, the suspects fled before officers arrived.

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Man Dragged Through Parking Lot Saturday

2007-10-04T01:28:00.001-04:00

I got an email a couple of days ago asking if someone had been dragged by a vehicle Saturday night near the courthouse. I didn't want to continue this rumor, so I had no way to confirm this other than asking if something had happened near the courthouse. It turned out to be true. It wasn't too far away from the courthouse--it was at Big Lots--but I hope you'll understand why I'm wary about posting things that people have "heard." Without listening to the scanner feed archives, there's no way to confirm it actually happened. There was also a rumor of a gang fight at a business near Big Lots--so I guess the fight mentioned below is what the person heard. But I can't confirm it was a gang fight.

Here's the Sentinel article:

Bond denied on fight, assault charges

By Bobby Moore
Staff Writer

Posted: Thursday, October 4, 2007 1:04 AM EDT

Santos Bonilla was denied bond Wednesday by Judge Susan Camp on charges of affray(Editor's Note: If you've never heard of the word, it's defined by wikipedia as "A person is guilty of Affray if he uses or threatens unlawful violence towards another and his conduct is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety.) and aggravated assault that stem from a Saturday night incident in the Big Lots parking lot.

According to officials, a man ran into another man in the parking lot with a motor vehicle and dragged him over 600 feet across the parking lot and onto Fairburn Road.

Bonilla's stepson, Elmer Alvarez, was given a bond of $12,000 for charges of affray and aggravated assault. Alvarez was allegedly involved in a fight prior to the alleged aggravated assault incident.

In other news, Sheshone Musgrave received an $8,000 bond for charges of first degree forgery and six counts of second degree forgery that are linked to an alleged Internet scam.

A bond of $4,000 was set for Luis Delgado for a felony charge of theft by taking that stems from alleged thefts that occurred when Delgado was an Office Depot employee.

Clint Wilson was given a bond of $2,500 for charges of possession of dangerous drugs, possession of drugs not in their original container and a seat belt violation.

Olivio Sanchez received a $2,500 bond for a charge of carrying a concealed weapon.

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From the Douglas County Sentinel

2007-10-02T01:47:00.001-04:00

One reported injured in fight

From staff reports

Posted: Tuesday, October 2, 2007 1:03 AM EDT

One person was reported injured in a fight yesterday afternoon as some students were getting off a school bus near the Villas apartments on Lee Road in east Douglas County.

According to reports, a Lithia Springs High School student was knocked unconscious in the altercation, and two other students were reportedly taken into custody.

The incident was investigated by the Douglasville Police Department, but no other details were available by press time.

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Fight at AHS on September 12

2007-10-01T19:53:00.001-04:00

I didn't get a chance to report this because I was knee-deep in final exams at the time. This fight happened at Alexander on September 12--and the Sentinel did not report it. There is a lot of gossip going around the internet about it so I thought I'd listen to the feed archive and post the facts that were heard on the scanner. Parents are saying it was a gang fight, but the actual word "gang" was not mentioned on the scanner so I can't confirm it was a gang fight.

Two kids were sprayed with pepper spray. Two were unconscious(not sure if the two unconscious were the two who were pepper sprayed). Four officers went to the school and the ambulance went to the school.

There was a mention of a 10-95 but I don't know if it was at AHS or not.

An officer said he needed more handcuffs. He said he was going to get his zip ties. So if there was a larger fight, this was most likely when it happened.

More officers went to AHS.

All of the above happened before 12:17pm.

Two suspects possibly arrested if this is related to the AHS gang fight.

I heard nothing else about it from about 12:20pm-12:38pm.

I then listened to the Fire/Ambulance scanner, which said two students were sprayed--and then said nothing else. The dispatcher called the ambulance to the school for an "evaluation" of the students. They were dispatched before 12:08pm.

At least one student was taken to Cobb Hospital.

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Saturday

2007-10-01T18:38:00.001-04:00

Did anything out of the ordinary happen at the courthouse on Saturday night? I'm listening to the feed archives and the only thing I've heard thus far is that someone called in to complain about the concert being too loud. The deputy or sheriff's response was that no one was to respond--that it was being hosted by the commissioners and the citizen could contact them to complain.

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Heard On Scanner

2007-09-30T17:18:00.000-04:00

Police were called out to Woodland subdivision where racial slurs were spray-painted on a leash law sign. Not sure if they've arrested anyone or not.

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Scanner Happenings

2007-09-30T12:15:00.001-04:00

11:50am 10-28

11:51am Domestic problem

11:52am 10-28

11:52am Business alarm.

11:58am Business alarm being responded to.

12:02pm someone flagging down an officer.

12:03pm Domestic problem inside Mirror Lake Publix—someone harassing someone else.

12:04pm person that flagged down officer—a child found wandering in that person's backyard. No id, since he's a child, so they have no idea who he is.

12:05pm Villa Rica PD will be enroute to Publix.

12:10pm Dispatcher does not approve a 10-42 (Ending Tour of Duty)

12:13pm Child returned to grandmother.

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Scanner Happenings

2007-09-29T14:26:00.001-04:00

1:47pm Possible tractor trailer on fire at Racetrac.

1:47pm 10-27

1:49pm Tractor trailer not on fire.

1:51pm Police wanting Villa Rica's help with motorcycle ride from Hiram.

1:51pm A hold being put on a suspect.

1:55pm Someone obstructed an intersection.

1:56pm Domestic problem.

1:58pm Officer beginning tour of duty.

2:01pm Dispute reported.

2:02pm Officer checking retention pond for tresspassers.

2:02pm Reported burglary last night at Fred's.

2:04pm Funeral procession at Cobb/Douglas line—officer needed.

2:06pm Someone's dog possibly dug up a human bone. One officer at scene—another on the way.

2:10pm Residential alarm in Tributary—no one answering phone.

2:11pm Funeral procession—another officer needed.

2:12pm Someone tailgating someone else.

2:13pm 10-28

2:16pm Dispute reported in an apartment complex.

2:18pm 10-28—wanted for arrest in another county.

2:19pm Heard a location of a construction site (Belmont Park), then an officer said to let Hightower know. Make of it what you will. Didn't hear anything else.

2:22pm Accident on Fairburn Rd near Chick-Fil-A.

2:23pm Requesting warrant for arrest.

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Today's Sentinel

2007-09-29T12:18:00.001-04:00

The Douglas County Sentinel is reporting that the Dog River Reservoir has 57% of the reservoir capacity remaining. There is grass growing where water should be. And the executive director of WSA, Pete Frost, says that there is a limit on the amount of purchases they can make regarding buying Cobb County's water. And Frost says the lower the reservoir is, the worse our water will taste, smell, and look. Currently the Dog River Reservoir is 94 inches below the top of the dam.

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Scan Douglas

2007-09-29T11:42:00.001-04:00

A big shout out to http://thetdesigner.com/ of the Bill Arp area for encouraging passersby, via their sign, to check out http://www.scandouglas.com!

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Scanner Happenings

2007-09-28T21:18:00.001-04:00

8:16pm Two car accident with injuries on I-20 near Burnt Hickory Rd bridge. Car door stuck.

8:17pm Several power lines in the middle of a road. Not sure where.

8:22pm somebody locked their keys in their car.

8:27pm Hit and run occurred in parking lot of gas station.

8:29pm missing juvenile reported.

8:30pm Accident at John Bleakly Ford.

8:38pm Someone caught w/ expired license.

8:38pm 10-27

8:49pm Bank alarm

8:51pm one person arrested.

8:53pm Fireworks off Maroney Mill Rd.

8:53pm Larceny reported in Aneewakee Falls.

8:56pm subjects seen walking behind a building in a shopping center.

8:58pm Austell PD reported to Douglas PD a wreck at Hwy 6 and Hwy 78.

9:08pm Intoxicated driver last seen at Hwy 5 and Rose Avenue. All city police busy—county will have to find.

9:09pm Two people arrested.

9:10pm Flagview Mobile home park—landlord causing problems.

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Poll

2007-09-28T16:30:00.001-04:00

Once the poll gets 100 votes, I'm going to take the top four options and make another poll. I might add some other options to this new poll--anyone have any constructive suggestions (besides the ones listed in the poll) on what Douglas County needs? This could be anything--a specific business or service the county does not offer, a restaurant you'd like to see come to our county, etc. I might add Captain D's because Douglasville no longer has one. They have great shrimp. I went to the new location in Bowden not too long ago--it was much nicer than the one we had.

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Chapel Hill High School

2007-09-28T16:14:00.001-04:00

Received this from the county:

The Douglas County Sheriff's Department has confirmed that there was NOT a shooting at Chapel Hill High School this morning, and another one has NOT been threatened to occur this afternoon. The Sheriff's Department has investigators at Chapel Hill High School to try to determine who started this rumor. Students at the school are not in danger.

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More Info On Body Found

2007-09-27T12:51:00.001-04:00

I found this on B 92.1 FM's website:

Body Found
Thursday, September 27, 2007
(WLBB RADIO) The Douglasville Police Department is investigating a possible murder in connection with a body floating in a shallow pond yesterday morning. An Arbor Station maintenance employee reportedly located the body off of Arbor Parkway. An autopsy is reportedly being conducted today on the body which is described as a black male approximately 30 years in age. Major Oliver Fladrick says this was a recent incident but officers cannot speculate what the cause was, just continue to follow up on leads. (Copyright 2007 by Gradick Communications; LLC all rights reserved)

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Body Found In Pond

2007-09-26T17:43:00.001-04:00

From WSBtv.com:

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. -- Douglasville officials said a body was found in a pond Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities were called to the pond in front of the Arbor Station Subdivision at the corner of Highway 5 and Arbor Parkway.

Police officials have not yet released further details.

Channel 2 has a crew headed to the scene and will have more on this developing story on Channel 2 Action News at 5.

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City Council Meeting Agenda

2007-09-26T17:34:00.001-04:00

CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Legislative Work Session
September 27, 2007
7:30 p.m.

AGENDA
1. Call to Order

2. Invocation

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Public Safety Committee/Dennis McLain

a. Request in a change in the agent outlet manager for the alcohol beverage license for Ruby Tuesday #2734 for the on premises sale and consumption of wine, malt beverage, and spirituous liquor at 9579 Georgia Highway 5. Application by Ruby Tuesday, Inc.

b. Adopt a resolution concerning parades, marches, and other events using City streets and requiring deployment of City Police Department personnel for traffic safety and traffic control.

5. Community & Economic Development Committee/John Schildroth

a. Adopt a resolution concerning requests from the Irish Bred Pub restaurant, to be located at 6682 East Broad Street, for placement of a second story emergency exit and for outdoor dining on the City of Douglasville's O'Neal Plaza.

b. Authorize removal of shrubbery in the City of Douglasville's O'Neal Plaza adjacent to a section of the building at 6680 East Broad Street and accessibility to said building from O'Neal Plaza.

6. Planning & Zoning Committee/Michael Carter

Tabled from September 17, 2007:
a. Request for a change in zoning from R-2 (Single Family Detached Residential District) to CG (General Commercial District) certain tracts through which the planned Bright Star Road Connector will pass on approximately 6.68 acres. Application by the City of Douglasville.

New Business:

b. Consider the request for interpretation of the City Zoning Ordinance, filed by Jennifer Outwater for Historic Ghost Tours.

7. Parks & Recreation Committee/Roy Mims

8. Finance Committee/Henry Mitchell III

a. Authorize the City of Douglasville to offer surplus property for sale on Saturday, November 10, 2007, through an auction to be held at the Douglasville National Guard Armory and conducted by Elrod Auctioning.

b. Authorize the expenditure of funds for purchase and installation of insulation and heating/air conditioning equipment in the bay area of the former fire station in the downtown area, now used by the City Police Department, and for a warranty on said department's new emergency generator.

9. Information Technology Committee/Henry Mitchell III

a. Authorize the Mayor to submit a grant application to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency for a Fiscal Year 2007 NTIA/DHS Public Safety Interoperable Communications Grant for a radio communications project.

10. Maintenance & Sanitation Committee/Charles Banks

a. Adopt a resolution proclaiming Monday, October 29, through Thursday, November 1, to be the 2007 Douglasville Recycles Week, sponsored by Keep Douglasville Beautiful and the City's Sanitation Department.

11. Transportation Committee/Michael Carter

a. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement for design and engineering services for intersection improvements at Georgia Highway 92 (Dallas Highway) and Malone Road.

12. Personnel & Organization Committee/Roy Mims

a. Adopt an ordinance and authorize the Mayor to sign an Adoption Agreement and Addendum with the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System, modifying the retirement plan for City employees to allow purchase of retirement credits for qualified military service, and to subject non-vested rehired employees to the same rules as new hires for vesting of benefits.

b. Establish the position of Arborist in the City Planning Department and adopt a job description for said position.

13. Ordinances & Intergovernmental Committee/Callye B. Holmes

a. Approve the form for a background information questionnaire for applicant appointees to City boards, commissions, and committees.

14. Other Business

15. City Attorney/Joel Dodson

16. Chief Assistant City Attorney/Suzan Littlefield

17. City Manager/Bill Osborne

18. Comments from Citizens and Delegates

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Update

2007-09-26T17:17:00.000-04:00

Channel 2 news reports the body found at Arbor Station subdivision was a 46 year old man with no visible signs of trauma was found by mowers just before lunch today. An autopsy will be performed. There was no indication at the scene of what the man was doing there.

Heard on the news

2007-09-26T17:08:00.000-04:00

I just heard on the channel 5 news that a body was found this morning in the pond at Arbor Station off Hwy 5. That's all they said. Updates when we get them.

Scanner Happenings

2007-09-26T13:30:00.001-04:00

1:12pm Someone reportedly riding a bike through Beall's parking lot shouting at customers not to shop there.
1:15pm Domestic problem reported--Rent a Center driver and homeowner.
1:16pm Someone caught driving w/o license and is on probation.
1:17pm 10-28 on I-20.
1:17pm Child locked in vehicle at a gas station. Fire dept busy--police will respond.
1:17pm 10-95
1:18pm 10-28
1:21pm bike suspect apprehended.
1:21pm 10-27 (2)
1:22pm 10-95 - requesting transport unit. Possession.
1:25pm Domestic problem at a business.
1:26pm 10-28
1:27pm Someone on the way to hospital.

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More Info On Anneewakee Creek Death

2007-09-26T00:00:00.001-04:00

I got this in my inbox today:

"I read on your blog "Heard something on the scanner" I wanted to give you a few details on it but please do not mention my name. A friend on mine's ex husband had been missing since Thursday and they found his body Monday afternoon in Anneewakee creek off of Tackett Road. They are not sure of all of the details yet from what I understand it was an accident. Anyhow the DOT found his body while bush hogging on Monday. So that is what was heard on the scanner. Again this is a friend of mine so please do not publish my name....."

Condolences to this man's friends and family.

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BOC/P&Z Meeting

2007-09-25T19:00:00.001-04:00

PLANNING & ZONING BOARD AND BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING AGENDA

October 2, 2007

APPROVAL of MINUTES
- September 4, 2007

AGENDA

S2007-48 | Tab [1] Mary Jo Tanner – Request for a Special Use Permit (RENEWAL) to allow an in-home manicurist's shop at the property located at 3796 Longview Drive: Land Lot(s) 82, District 1, Section 5, Parcel(s) 66. Lot size: 0.33 acres.

S2007-49 | Tab [2] Ronald B. & Kathryn L. Edenfield – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow a garage apartment at the property located at 4191 Cole Road: Land Lot(s) 83, District 2, Section 5, Parcel(s) 11. Lot size: 10.36 acres.

Z2007-50 | Tab [3] Douglas County BOC – Request for a rezoning (administrative) from R-LD to C-H to bring the property into conformance with the Future Land Use Map and the historic use of the property at the property located at 4281 Highway 78: Land Lot(s) 653, District 18, Section 2, Parcel(s) 4. Lot size: 0.445 acres.

ADJOURN

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Mall Evacuated Tuesday Morning

2007-09-25T15:08:00.001-04:00

Someone reported on the Topix message board that the entire mall was evacuated this morning after the alarms went off. I listened to the police scanner and heard nothing; however, upon listening to the EMS feed I heard that a subject was cornered in a bathroom and had weapons. They did not specify what kind of weapons. They do not mention that this is in the mall but since the person mentioned the time, this report corresponds with the time that the subject was mentioned on the feed. Nothing else was mentioned in the span of several minutes about this. If anyone has any more information please post a comment.

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Overnight Accident

2007-09-25T02:48:00.001-04:00

There was a one vehicle accident with injuries at Dorsett Shoals and Kings Hwy. It happened about 12:46am. Two young people were involved, one of whom is a minor. Both are injured. Both are pinned in the car which overturned. Two EMS units were en route to the accident. One unit apparently passed the accident scene and was told to turn around.

1:14am One lifeflight helicopter has landed in the parking lot of Pray's Mill Baptist Church. Another one is on the way to the same parking lot.
1:18am The second just flew over my house.
1:30am Quiet feed. Haven't heard helicopters take off yet.
1:32am Beeps--usually this means there is a new call, but it's followed by silence.
1:38am Silence, regarding both the feed and the helicopters.
1:39am Heard someone on feed but part of what they said was cut off.
1:40am Someone wants a dispatch time. Apparently it was dispatched at 12:46am.
1:43am Silence.
1:45am First person has been extricated from the vehicle.
1:49am Lots of static on the radios from the accident scene. It's cutting off the EMS workers. One EMS unit with one patient (I guess) is on its way to the church for the patient to be lifeflighted to hospital.
1:59am A helicopter has taken off.
2:03am More beeps.
2:12pm Someone asked if extrication was complete and the answer was no.
2:29am Close to extricating second person, someone says.
2:32am More beeps.
2:35am Another unit responding to a child who is having difficulty breathing.
2:41am They've just completed extricating the second person about two hours after the accident happened.

2:44am About seven minutes away from the second person being taken to the church.

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Heard On Scanner Last Week

2007-09-24T16:27:00.001-04:00

This comes from one of my regular readers:

"I heard a strange thing on the scanner it was last week, I think it was last week. Someone in the road department found something near Sitka off Tackett Rd. Whatever it was, the person who found it was "shaken up" and there was hardly anything said on the scanner after that. I even went back and listened to the feed again, because I thought I had missed something – but it never said what was found…I did hear more than one person respond and ask for directions to the location –

To me the whole thing implied whatever was found was important and gross."

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El Pollo Loco Coming To Lithia Springs

2007-09-21T18:36:00.001-04:00

From QSR.com:

Competitors Converge on Georgia's Chicken Chains

Bojangles and El Pollo Loco move forward with aggressive expansion plans for Georgia.

By Mark A. DeSorbo

El Pollo Loco Inc. and Bojangles Famous Chicken and Biscuits are expanding into greater Atlanta with plans to open more than 130 new restaurants in that already thriving quick-serve market.

Atlanta is already home to several major quick-serve chicken chains, including Chick-fil-A, Mrs. Winner's, and Popeyes, but officials at Irvine, California–based El Pollo Loco and Charlotte, North Carolina–based Bojangles are confident there is plenty of room for business in the city, saying they can distinguish themselves from the hometown competition.

"Georgia is our highest growth area," says Eric Newman, executive vice president of Bojangles. "We have critical mass in the Carolinas, and we have had a presence in Georgia since the inception of the company. The culture and the local palate make Georgia a natural fit for us."

Steve Carley, president and CEO of El Pollo Loco, says that like the West Coast, Atlanta offers an equally lucrative market for its citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken.

"Atlanta is a terrific market for us, and while there are numerous other chains that offer chicken in the Atlanta area, none offer what El Pollo Loco does," he says.

In early August, El Pollo Loco announced that it plans to open 50 locations in metro Atlanta within the next six years. On August 27, the city of Hiram became home to the Southeast's first El Pollo Loco, unveiling the company's new building concept, which features "contemporary Mexican design with multiple textures, geometric shapes, natural wood, and Aztec design elements."

"We are very excited about our expansion momentum underway," Carley says, adding that five stores are under construction throughout metro Atlanta—Gainesville, Marietta, Lithia Springs, Roswell, Lithonia, and Chamblee.

For the rest of the article, click here: http://www.qsrmagazine.com/articles/exclusives/0907/chicken-1.phtml

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Cold Stone Creamery

2007-09-21T18:25:00.001-04:00

I had someone come to my blog after asking a search engine why Cold Stone Creamery closed. I hadn't realized they had closed. I knew the franchise owner was trying to sell it--perhaps no one would buy it? After all, there are two Dairy Queen locations, Bruster's, Ben & Jerry's, Baskin-Robbins (if there's still a location on Fairburn Rd) so there was plenty of competition.

I would love to see a gelato place come to Douglasville. Gelato is Italian ice cream, and it is so much richer in flavor than ice cream is. Yummy European Cafe has it but theirs cannot compare to the gelato I had once on vacation in Destin, FL. Wal-Mart sells Blue Bunny Gelato--I've had the chocolate, and it's pretty good. Or frozen custard--now that's good stuff. There was a frozen custard shop in New Orleans by the name of Chelsea's that had been open since the 1950s and my great uncle would take me and all of his grandchildren for frozen custard when we were there on vacation. It closed several years ago. I still remember how it tasted.

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Scanner Happenings

2007-09-21T16:32:00.001-04:00

3:58pm 10-50 in front of Dunkin Donuts.

3:59pm Reckless driver at I-20 near Post Rd.

4:05pm House fire with a child inside. Child is injured—is going to local hospital and then will be lifeflighted. Police are working to clear traffic so the ambulance can get to Douglas General. Looks like the house fire was in Villa Rica.

4:07pm 10-27

4:07pm 10-28

4:14pm Two intoxicated individuals behind Kroger on Hwy 5.

4:15pm Officers all along route to hospital to clear traffic for ambulance.

4:16pm Four minutes until the lifeflight helicopter lands at the hospital. Ambulance is on Dorris Rd.

4:18pm 10-28

4:20pm No one seems to know where the helicopter is going to land at the hospital. Apparently they have a landing pad but they don't know if it's going to land on the pad.

4:21pm Dispatcher says helicopter is 2 minutes away; officer responds they're landing now.

4:22pm Someone tells the fire department they did a good job.

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Chaunce's Seafood~Steaks~Spirits

2007-09-21T12:48:00.001-04:00

Recently found the owner of Chaunce's on MySpace and he provided me with the link to the restaurant's website. He says it's 75% complete. The lunch menu is very affordable--hopefully the dinner menu will be posted soon. The address is http://chauncestavern.com

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Stewart Mill Road

2007-09-20T16:27:00.001-04:00

I emailed the county yesterday and got the following response today:

This road is being repaired and will then be resurfaced under our current SPLOST program. This work is done by two separate crews. The repair or patching crew is mobilized to do the necessary repair work to the roads that are on the contract in that area. The contractor has told us that the repair work should be completed by tomorrow. They will then mobilize the resurfacing crew and road striping crew to complete this paving project. Weather permitting, they should be completed with this project by the end of next week.

We apologize for any inconvenience and we appreciate your patience as we continually strive to make your drive throughout Douglas County one that will not only be "Safe" but also one to be proud of.

The Douglas County Department of Transportation welcomes your comments and concerns. Please feel free to email us @ www.douglascountydot.com

Editor's Note: There's some interesting traffic reports on the above page, which is part of www.celebratedouglascounty.com.

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Scanner Happenings

2007-09-20T12:55:00.001-04:00

12:32pm Domestic problem at Folks.
12:32pm 10-28
12:33pm Evicted apartment robbed by people who were evicted. Damage.
12:34pm Terroristic threats made toward a person.
12:35pm Assault to a child reported at a dentist office in Douglasville.
12:40pm 10-28
12:42pm possible stolen trailer stopped by officer.
12:45pm - 12:35pm incident reported again.
12:49pm - possible arrest.

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SPLOST Comments

2007-09-19T17:04:00.000-04:00

I'm glad the SPLOST failed. There were too many, as others have said, "pork projects" included, such as the performing arts center (a business could have paid for this) and the YMCA. And we do not need a dog and horse park when Clinton Nature Preserve already apparently allows dogs and horses. That is a HUGE park with miles of trails and at the end of the trails there are fantastic views--I know. I walked down to the end of one trail this afternoon and at the end of the trail, I stood on the top of a hill underneath the high voltage power lines and saw for miles in four directions.

Yes, we did need a library, but this could have been funded by a grant or by something else. There are plenty of ways to raise money for a library. Whitesburg will soon have or already has a library, and I think they had several companies donate money toward it as well as the electric company and have a large book sale several days a week--if you've never been, go. They have an entire shelf of antique books selling for just a couple of bucks as well as novels, children's books, cookbooks, etc. and most of it is under $5. I found some first editions of old books there. I think citizens donated most of the money.

And there is still the question of if we need a jail. I read an article online that "jail overcrowding" is a myth--most who want jails want the extra beds so they can get extra income from housing federal prisoners. And four beds to a cell seems perfectly fine for those people who aren't there for extremely violent crimes. Jail is jail, not your home. You're there because you committed a crime. A person is not supposed to be comfortable in jail. People will argue that we'll get it anyway--but those who voted no yesterday have shown that they still do not want a jail or do not want the jail the sheriff is visualizing (or either don't want the pork projects). We don't need a fancy jail to show off to other counties. We already have a fancy courthouse. If we do need one, we need one more like the one in Carrollton that someone on the comments section of today's SPLOST article of the Sentinel said was built with $20 million. Maybe not that high, and definitely not right in the city. Imagine if someone escaped. I hear about someone escaping from the DC jail about once a month, and I think there was an article in yesterday's Sentinel regarding a woman who escaped by putting someone else's name on her release papers.

Any comments about yesterday's failed SPLOST?? Post a comment!

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FINAL RESULTS

2007-09-18T21:23:00.001-04:00

No: 3,357 51%

Yes: 3,188 49%

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Results So Far

2007-09-18T21:04:00.001-04:00

Boundary Waters

Yes 59

No 43

Total:

Yes: 2,812 49.38%

No: 2,883 50.62%

In The Majority:

The Precincts Voting Yes: 8

The Precincts Voting No: 13

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Results So Far

2007-09-18T20:58:00.001-04:00

By Precincts:

Mirror Lake Elementary

Yes 99

No 90

Golden UMC

Yes 39

No 63

Stewart Middle

Yes 32

No 47

Total:

Yes: 2,582 49.36%

No: 2,649 50.64%

In The Majority:

The Precincts Voting Yes: 7

The Precincts Voting No: 12

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Results So Far

2007-09-18T20:45:00.001-04:00

By Precinct:

Beulah Elementary:

Yes 120

No 141

Bright Star UMC:

Yes 144

No 119

Dorsett Shoals Elementary:

Yes 119

No 156

Chapel Hill Middle

Yes 97

No 119

Chestnut Log Middle:

Yes 75

No 73

And currently DCTV is deceiving to its viewers by rounding up the "Yes". This is what it looks like on celebratedouglascounty.com:

Yes: 2,322 49.83%

No: 2,338 50.17%

In The Majority:

The Precincts Voting Yes: 6

The Precincts Voting No: 9

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Results So Far

2007-09-18T20:27:00.000-04:00

By Precincts:

Factory Shoals Elementary:

Yes 79

No 85

Bill Arp Elementary

Yes 198

No 231

Annette Winn Elementary

Yes 111

No 150

Deer Lick Park

Yes 63

No 113

Total:

Yes: 50.82% 1911

No: 49.18% 1849

In The Majority:

The Precincts Voting Yes: 4

The Precincts Voting No: 6

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Results So Far

2007-09-18T20:09:00.001-04:00

By precinct:

Old Courthouse:

225 Yes

193 No

Arbor Station Elementary:

110 Yes

92 No

Holly Springs Elementary:

179 Yes

247 No

Lutheran Church

179 Yes

164 No

Colonial Hills School

12 Yes

29 No

Ephesus Baptist:

245 Yes

175 No

Absentee:

366 Yes

251 No

Total:

1,316 Yes 53.34%

1,151 No 46.66%

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Traffic To Avoid This AM

2007-09-17T09:08:00.001-04:00

My mother has reported an overturned cement truck at Hwy 5 and Douglas Blvd. Alternate routes to Chapel Hill Road are Central Church Rd to Stewart Mill, Bright Star to Central Church to Stewart Mill, Hwy 5 to Hwy 166 to Chapel Hill, Dorsett Shoals to Chapel Hill, and I'm sure there are others. Don't forget about the backroads--there are plenty of alternative routes to get to where you're going.

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Scanner Happenings

2007-09-15T12:05:00.001-04:00

10:49 AM - something is in the road.
10:49 am 10-91x3 to jail.
10:50am 10-91 to jail.
10:53am damage to car poss. by juvenilles.
10:56am Mechanical breakdown I-20 westbound.
10:57am verbal warning given to someone who was soliciting.
10:58am county dispatches officer to mechanical breakdown.
11:01am reckless driver I-20 westbound east of north county line bridge.
11:03am domestic problem
11:11am 10-28

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Scanner Happenings

2007-09-13T12:38:00.001-04:00

11:32am 911 hangup at JB Hunt on Bankhead Hwy
11:33am Business Alarm on Bankhead Hwy
11:37am Residence alarm at Charleston Place Subdivision.
11:39pm 10-28
11:46am Gas leak somewhere in county--GA Power will not arrive until around 1pm.
11:51am 10-91 at the Sentinel office--10-91 is pick up prisoner/suspect. Not sure what this is about.
11:52am Residence alarm.
11:52am Power is out in Lithia Springs.
11:54am Runaway from LSHS.
11:56am Person shot possibly sometime this past weekend at an apartment complex. Already gone to hospital but now having medical problems.
11:59am Officer needed to direct traffic at Temple St. and Humphries Hill
12:00pm Domestic problem.
12:19pm Austell police are closing intersection of Temple St. and Humphries Hill--not sure why. Rerouting traffic back to Thornton Rd.
12:22pm Domestic problem at a business with a customer.
12:23pm Residence alarm.
12:25pm Residence alarm.
12:26pm Two people from LSHS taken to juvenile court services.
12:29pm Forgery occurred.

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Cheaper Gas

2007-09-13T11:27:00.001-04:00

Sunday, September 16th: Price of Gas Got You Throttled? Hope Community Church Wants To Help!

10:00 a.m., Shell Gas Station, 4081 Anneewakee Road ~ 20 cents off each gallon for the first 2000 gallons

Courtesy of Hope Community Church and its Members showing their love for God in a practical way to their neighbors
www.Hope4Douglasville.org

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Soldiers' Angels Benefit Concert At Brookshire's

2007-09-13T11:02:00.001-04:00

Brookshire's Taste of Nashville presents the Soldiers' Angels "Christmas For The Troops" Benefit Concert, on September 27, 2007, featuring the Southpaw Band! Doors will open at 8pm and the show will start at 9pm.

Join us for a night of music & fun while helping us to raise funds towards providing Christmas stockings for 20,000 of our Georgia-based troops currently serving in war zones. Admission is $10 at the door and there will be a silent auction and Soldiers' Angels merchandise for sale as well. Food & drinks are available from Brookshire's.

Brookshire's is located at 5778 Fairburn Road in Douglasville, GA. For directions call 678-391-1487.

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Winston Man Wins Chuck Wagon Cookoff

2007-09-13T10:58:00.001-04:00

From The Sand Mountain Reporter:

Hundreds flock to Chuck Wagon Cook-Off

By George Jones
The Reporter

Published September 11, 2007

The second annual Old West Day Chuck Wagon Cook-off at Albertville's old Civitan Park on Saturday was a sellout success.

"We sold all 280 $10 meal tickets for folks to sample the results of the contestant's cooking," said Susan Denham, wife of the event's founder, David Denham.

"The only thing we had left was a few beans."

This year's overall winner was "Fair Play," a wagon owned by Charley Holloway, from Winston, Ga.

The wagon won top honors for best wagon authenticity, while its four-member cook-team won three first-place finishes and one third-place in the cooking events.

The team of Ken and Peggy McClure, Frank Wood and Jerry Maxwell all were from Georgia.

David Denham, owner of the now-closed Denham Feed Mill in Albertville, initiated the Old West Days.
A member of the Marshall County Cowboy Church that meets in the old feed mill each Sunday, he said, "I saw something similar on a trip, and our church was looking for an outreach program and this has become it.

"It brings folks together. It gives Christian families something different to do."

Looking like a western character from a Hollywood movie set, the lanky, mustachioed Denham added, "It's something from the past you don't see anymore."

Joel Hayes, of Douglasville, Ga., looked right at home in his 10-gallon hat and long grey handlebar mustache as he stood next to a group of old fire-blackened iron kettles and skillets being licked by an early morning fire.

For Hayes, the event satisfies his "love of history – love of people, and just the fun we have when friends come together."

"The respect and admiration is what keeps us coming back."

Although a community effort, Hayes — who cooks a mean chicken fried steak made of flour, cracker crumbs, an egg wash, some Texas Pete hot sauce and Essence of Emerald (Editor's Note: I think he means Essence of Emeril) — said, "I was the one who had to stay by the fire and get cooked."

Judging by the size of Saturday's crowd, there were a lot of people enjoying the fun together with Hayes.

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Peachtree City and Douglasville Police Work Together To Arrest Slovakian Man

2007-09-13T10:54:00.001-04:00

PTC arrest man for child exploitation

Wed, 09/12/2007 - 8:48pm

By: John Munford

A cruise ship waiter has become the 21st person arrested by Peachtree City police in an undercover sting targeted at people who use computers to prey on children, police said.

Zoltan Ferencz, 27, of the Republic of Slovakia, was arrested Tuesday after he traveled to Peachtree City to meet with an undercover officer whom he thought was a 14-year-old girl.

The Peachtree City investigation was conducted with help from the Douglasville Police Department and the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, police said.

Police said Ferencz is charged with one count of violation of the computer pornography and child exploitation act.

Ferencz, who is currently in the U.S. on a tourist visa, is employed as a waiter on Princess Cruise Lines where he has worked for the past five years, police said.

Although 21 people have so far faced charges in the undercover sting since May 2004, not all of them have been brazen enough to come to Peachtree City to meet up with the "girl" they think is 14. Some, however, have shared pornographic images with the undercover detective via instant messaging or e-mail.

Peachtree City Police Chief James Murray encourages parents to insure their children only access the home computer in places where their activity can be observed. Parents can take advantage of special software that can provide copies of e-mail, instant messaging and other correspondence on-line.

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Home Invasion News

2007-09-13T10:38:00.001-04:00

Some actual news in this article--there is, apparently, no second suspect. Someone on the Topix forum mentioned Thompson was also charged with kidnapping, and it was added to the list of charges this Sentinel article mentions.

Resident scares off two burglars

Posted: Thursday, September 13, 2007 1:20 AM EDT

A Highway 166 resident came out of the shower Wednesday morning to find two burglars in his house.

The two suspects fled the scene when they realized the man was at home, said Douglas County Chief

Deputy Stan Copeland. He said no goods were taken from the home and nobody was injured in the 11 a.m. break-in.

He described the incident as an attempted burglary, rather than a home invasion.

"They had broken in through a lower basement area, but were scared off when the man came out of the shower," Copeland said.

Officials have posted a lookout for the suspects described as two young, black males, driving an older model white Honda or similar car, last seen headed westbound on Highway 166 toward Carroll County.

Wednesday's attempted burglary was not related to a Monday morning home invasion, officials said.

A pregnant woman and her boyfriend were attacked and severely beaten by a baseball bat-wielding home invader early Monday morning at their Central Church Road home. Douglas County officials later arrested Justin Thompson, 25. He faces charges of aggravated assault, aggravated battery, kidnapping with bodily injury, burglary and armed robbery.

Copeland said an earlier second suspect is no longer believed involved in the robbery and is not being sought.

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Thompson Denied Bond

2007-09-13T10:27:00.000-04:00

Excuse me for not posting a summary instead--I have two tests due today and don't have time.

Bond denied on charges in home invasion case

By Bobby Moore
Staff Writer

Justin Thompson, charged in Monday's home invasion on Central Church Road, was denied bond Wednesday by Judge Susan Camp.

Thompson faces charges of two counts of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, two counts of kidnapping with bodily injury, burglary and two counts of armed robbery.

Two men broke into the home early Monday morning and attacked a pregnant woman and her boyfriend with a baseball bat, officials said.

The men, who reportedly attended a party at the house earlier in the weekend, allegedly returned to the home Monday to steal electronics.

"This is probably the most vicious home invasion we have seen in a long time," District Attorney David McDade said at the bond hearing.

Both victims were airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.

In other news, Daniel Sawyer was denied bond for charges of burglary, impersonating a public officer and false imprisonment.

The charges are linked to an ongoing investigation regarding crimes allegedly committed when Sawyer was working as a security guard at Arbor Village Mobile Home Park.

On Aug. 31, Sawyer was denied bond on charges of false imprisonment, battery, kidnapping and impersonating an officer.

Antoine Parker received a $17,500 bond for charges of second degree forgery, habitual violator, fleeing/attempting to elude and reckless driving.

Parker was also given a preset bond on a speeding ticket after being caught allegedly driving 85 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone.

According to the police report, Parker is wanted in Virginia on unrelated charges.

A bond of $9,500 was set for Joseph Oliver on charges of fleeing/attempting to elude and reckless driving in addition to a preset bond for charges of driving unlicensed and driving on the wrong side of the road.

Jeffery Jenkins, Ruthie Spencer and Marquez Glover each received a $10,000 bond for a charge of burglary. The charges are linked to an incident that occurred Tuesday around 10 p.m. on Cambridge Drive, officials said.

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Sentinel Writes About Home Invasion

2007-09-12T11:08:00.001-04:00

There's a short article about Monday's home invasion--but it looks like all they did was rewrite the WSB Radio article as there is no new news in it. I posted a comment yesterday on their website asking why they didn't cover the home invasion--and it was published.

But it's not newsworthy if all the writer does is rewrite an article. If there was new information, if he had said, "As of Tuesday afternoon the female victim was in___condition and the male victim was in ____condition..." it would have been a better article. If he had interviewed one of the victims' relatives about the horrific crime who begged the accomplice to turn him or herself in, it would have been a better article. It looks like he did talk to Sheriff Phil Miller, who apparently told him the same thing as Lt. Bruce Ferguson told the WSB Radio article writer. But again, rewriting an article that has already been published on another website--that's not good newspaper etiquette, and it's not good newspaper writing.

Here's the Sentinel's article about it. Bolded in the Sentinel article is the same sentence or phrase that was in the WSB Radio article.

--------------------------------------------------------

One charged, one sought in home invasion

By Winston Jones
Staff Writer

One man was arrested and a second one is sought after an early Monday morning home invasion that seriously injured a couple living on Central Church Road.

Justin Thompson, 25, has been charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault and aggravated battery in connection with the incident, according to Douglas County Sheriff Phil Miller.

The pair is accused of using a baseball bat to attack a pregnant woman and her boyfriend early Monday morning in their home. The suspects, who attended a party at the house over the weekend, allegedly came back to the home early Monday morning to steal electronics.

The pregnant woman is listed in critical condition at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, while her boyfriend, also at Grady, is listed in serious condition.

------------------------------------------------------------

And here's the WSB Radio Article:

(WSB Radio) -- Authorities investigating a violent home invasion in Douglas County have one suspect in custody and are looking for another.

25-year-old Justin Thompson and an accomplice are accused of attacking a pregnant woman and her boyfriend early Monday morning in their home on Central Church Road off of Highway 5 in Douglasville.

Douglas County Sheriff's Department Lt. Bruce Ferguson says the victims were beaten with a baseball bat.

The suspects, who had attended a party at the house over the weekend, allegedly came back to steal electronics.

Thompson is charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault and aggravated battery.

The pregnant woman is in critical condition at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Her boyfriend is listed in serious condition.

11 September 2007

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Old City Of Douglasville Website

2007-09-11T20:08:00.001-04:00

Is anyone seeing the previous version of the City of Douglasville's website??

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Home Invasion

2007-09-11T16:12:00.000-04:00

More info about the home invasion that happened yesterday from WSB Radio:

Douglas Co. Home Invasion

(WSB Radio) -- Authorities investigating a violent home invasion in Douglas County have one suspect in custody and are looking for another.

25-year-old Justin Thompson and an accomplice are accused of attacking a pregnant woman and her boyfriend early Monday morning in their home on Central Church Road off of Highway 5 in Douglasville.

Douglas County Sheriff's Department Lt. Bruce Ferguson says the victims were beaten with a baseball bat.

The suspects, who had attended a party at the house over the weekend, allegedly came back to steal electronics.

Thompson is charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault and aggravated battery.

The pregnant woman is in critical condition at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Her boyfriend is listed in serious condition.

11 September 2007

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Question For All: Fast Food?

2007-09-11T13:56:00.001-04:00

I was watching MSNBC a few minutes ago and they said the city of Los Angeles is considering a two year moratorium on fast food restaurants so people can eat healthier. Do you think something like that should be done in Douglasville? I don't think it would go over well with the city and I don't think they'd approve it since they're always trying to bring new commerce to Douglasville, but we would still have multiple McDonald's and other fast food places so there would still be options for those who just have to have a burger.

I think it's a good idea. We have too many fast food places already. I'd love to see a good healthy restaurant come to Douglasville. Most of what we have now is "southern cooking" like Cracker Barrel, Folks, and Michelle's, all favorite places of mine, but it's not the most healthy thing in the world. I would like to see a Piccadilly come to Douglasville--they have some healthy items, like salads, fruit, fish, and chicken.

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Gangs In DC

2007-09-11T09:34:00.001-04:00

I wasn't off by much several months ago when I told you I had found a list online of 16 gangs in Douglas County. Officers now say there are 24 active gangs in Douglas County, as the Douglas County Sentinel reports today. They also mention that there was a PowerPoint presentation at the meeting on Friday--why can't this be added to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office website so more would have a chance to view it?

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City Council September 13 Meeting Agenda

2007-09-10T19:47:00.001-04:00

CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Legislative Work Session
September 13, 2007
7:30 p.m.

AGENDA
1. Call to Order

2. Invocation

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Public Safety Committee/Dennis McLain
a. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with the United States Department of Justice for a
Fiscal Year 2007 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistant Grant to the City Police Department of
$23,592.00 to purchase a "mobile plate hunter license plate recognition system" and a spike strip
system to help end vehicle pursuits.

b. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Douglas County Rogue Runners to use certain City streets for
the 2007 Moonlight Run on Saturday night, October 27.

5. Community & Economic Development Committee/John Schildroth
a. Adopt a resolution concerning activities in Downtown Douglasville on the weekend of Friday,
October 26, to Sunday, October 28, including the Cultural Arts Council's 2007 Chili Cook-Off and
the Rogue Runners' 2007 Moonlight Run.

b. Consider appointing an individual to the Post 1 position on the City's Downtown Development
Authority to complete a term which extends through March 22, 2010.

c. Authorize the Mayor to sign the necessary documents for closings on certain parcels needed for
construction of the City of Douglasville's Plaza East project, primarily to be funded from the
Georgia Department of Transportation through a Transportation Enhancement grant.

d. Consider the sealed bids for construction of the stage cover in O'Neal Plaza in Downtown
Douglasville, and the possible selection of a contractor for this project.

6. Planning & Zoning Committee/Michael Carter
Tabled from September 4, 2000:
a. Request for a change in zoning from R-2 (Single Family Detached Residential District) to CG
(General Commercial District) certain tracts through which the planned Bright Star Road
Connector will pass on approximately 6.68 acres. Application by the City of Douglasville.

New Business:
b. Request for a change in zoning from CG (General Commercial District) in the City's Historic
District to CG (General Commercial District) with a Special Land Use Permit for a church on
approximately .76 acre at 6472 Church Street. Application by Mark Twyman.

c. Request for a change in zoning from CG (General Commercial District) to CG (General
Commercial District) with a Special Land Use Permit for a church on approximately .65 acre at
8957 Georgia Highway 5. Application by The Redeemed Christian Church of God Praise
Chapel/Oluremi Fisayo.

d. Request for a change in zoning from IL (Light Industrial District) to IL (Light Industrial District)
with a Special Land Use Permit for a modular unit on approximately 99.558 acres at 1444
Municipal Parkway. Application by Prince Ventures, LLC.

e. Request for a change in zoning from CG (General Commercial District) to CG (General
Commercial District) with a Special Land Use Permit for a church on approximately .69 acre at
5728 Georgia Highway 92 (Fairburn Road), Suite F. Application by Believer's Harvest Church.

f. Request for a change in zoning from R-2 (Single Family Detached Residential District) to R-2
(Single Family Detached Residential District) with a Special Land Use Permit for a day care center
as an accessory use to a church on approximately 11 acres at 9190 Campbellton Street. Application
by First Presbyterian Church.

7. Parks & Recreation Committee/Roy Mims
a. Authorize the Mayor to sign an amendment to the City's agreement with Breedlove Land
Planning, Inc., for preparation of more detailed plans for the City's planned new park on Bright Star
Road.

8. Finance Committee/Henry Mitchell III
a. Adopt an ordinance to amend the Fiscal Year 2006 - 2007 City of Douglasville budgets.

9. Information Technology Committee/Henry Mitchell III
a. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with MCCI for hardware, software, software support,
laptops, and related services in order to establish a paperless system of providing information to the
Douglasville City Council.

10. Maintenance & Sanitation Committee/Charles Banks

11. Transportation Committee/Michael Carter
a. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with Bron Cleveland Associates, Inc., to provide
design services for sidewalks to be scheduled for construction after July 1, 2008, along Arbor
Parkway and along sections of Stewart Parkway, Malone Road, and Dallas Highway with Georgia Department of Transportation funding assistance.

12. Personnel & Organization Committee/Roy Mims

13. Ordinances & Intergovernmental Committee/Callye B. Holmes

14. Other Business

15. City Attorney/Joel Dodson

16. Chief Assistant City Attorney/Suzan Littlefield

17. City Manager/Bill Osborne

18. Comments from Citizens and Delegates

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Scanner Happenings

2007-09-10T19:04:00.001-04:00

I've decided to continue doing scanner happenings, since those really give citizens an idea of what is going on in Douglas County day by day.

6:05pm domestic problem -- police on lookout for car on Bankhead Hwy.

And as I turned on the scanner I heard a 10-39, which is resume normal operations, so I'm going to go back in the archives and see what happened. There was a domestic problem involving a gun in Corncrib. A person is making threats. Person has fled scene. Three people were involved.
6:08pm - Hit and run reported
6:27pm - Traffic on Hwy 92 due to paving.
6:34pm - threats to a person reported.
6:38pm - bag found weighted down with rocks in a lake on Milam Rd.
6:39pm - Residential alarm.
6:41pm - Accident--vehicles pulled into Quicktrip at Chapel Hill.
6:40pm Vehicle registration check.
6:44pm - someone stole from a purse at DCHS.
6:47pm - Person buying alcohol for minors at a convenience store on Burnt Hickory.

7:02pm - Door kicked in at Jessie Davis Park.

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Four Dead From Carbon Monoxide

2007-09-09T08:35:00.001-04:00

From 11alive.com:

Douglasville authorities say that four people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning in a home at the Stonecrest subdivision off of Cave Springs Road.

The victims – all adults – were in a home where the power had been disconnected. According to police, there was a generator in use at the home, and carbon monoxide ended up filling the air inside the home, asphyxiating the adults there.

Police say the bodies were found at around 6:30 p.m. Friday by a coworker who came to check on the four people.

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2006 GBI MSA Report

2007-09-08T11:01:00.001-04:00

This is for the county--I don't know if this includes Lithia Springs and Douglasville.

2006:

Population: 116,381 (up by 6,211)
Murder: 2
Rape: 6
Robbery: 23
Aggravated Assault: 95
Burglary: 359
Larceny: 741
Motor Vehicle Theft: 74

2005 stats:
Population: 110,170
Murders: 3
Rapes: 17
Robberies: 135
Aggravated Assaults: 223
Burglaries: 797
Larceny: 4,192
Motor Vehicle Thefts: 475

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Drug Bust At FedEx

2007-08-29T12:00:00.000-04:00

According to someone on the Topix message board, there was a "big drug bust" at the FedEx across from Target yesterday. There were five five-gallon buckets of marijuana confiscated.

What is our county coming to???

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City Council Agenda...And a Possible New Restaurant

2007-08-27T21:44:00.001-04:00

CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE
CITY COUNCIL

Legislative Work Session August 30, 2007
7:30 p.m.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Public Safety Committee/Dennis McLain
Tabled from August 20, 2007:

a. Adopt a resolution authorizing Wisekidz Learning Solutions, LLC, to use certain City of Douglasville streets on Saturday, October 6, 2007, for a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk starting at 9:00 a.m.

New Business:

b. Request for an alcohol beverage license for Chaunce's for the on premises sale and consumption of wine, malt beverage, and spirituous liquor and for live entertainment at 9340 The Landing Drive. Application by The Chapel Hill Landings Restaurant Group, LLC.

c. Adopt a resolution providing for installation of stop signs for 3-way stops at the intersection of West Strickland Street and Cedar Mountain Road and of Cedar Mountain Road and Cedar Forest Drive.

d. Adopt a resolution providing for a City Police Precinct to be located in the downtown area following the move of the City Police Department to a new Public Safety and Municipal Court Building to be constructed on a site on Fairburn Road near Interstate 20.

5. Community & Economic Development Committee/John Schildroth

a. Adopt a resolution, as recommended by the City's Downtown Development Authority, to endorse and support the application by The Irish Bred Pub for a $170,000 loan from the Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to help with financing for a restaurant at Broad Street.

Editor's Note: This looks to be a local franchise. There's one in Rex , one in Atlanta, and one in Newnan. Website address is http://irishbredpub.com/ . It looks like it will mainly compete with Taco Mac as they also have biker nights, trivia nights, karaoke, pool, and live concerts.

b. Consider appointing an individual to the Post 1 position on the City's Downtown Development Authority to complete a term which extends through March 22, 2010.

c. Consider appointing two individuals to the City's Convention and Conference Center Authority, one to the Post 6 position for a five-year term which extends through June 1, 2012, and one to the Post 7 position to complete a five-year term which extends through June 1, 2010.

6. Planning & Zoning Committee/Michael Carter
Tabled from August 20, 2007:

a. Request for change in zoning from HG (Heavy Commercial District) in unincorporated Douglas County to CG (General Commercial District) in the City of Douglasville for approximately 3.44 acres at Thornton Road and Interstate West Parkway. Application by Nat Patidar.

b. Request for an amendment to the Future Land Use Plan from Commerce Center in unincorporated Douglas County to Regional Activity Center in the City of Douglasville for approximately 3.44 acres at Thornton Road and Interstate West Parkway. Application by Nat Patidar.

c. Request to annex approximately 3.44 acres at Thornton Road and Interstate West Parkway. Application by Nat Patidar.

d. Request for a change in zoning from R-2 (Single Family Residential District) to CG (General Commercial District) certain tracts through which the planned Bright Star Road Connector will pass on approximately 6.68 combined acres. Application by the City of Douglasville.

New Business:

e. Request approval of a revised final plat for Tributary at New Manchester Parcel D, Section 1 on Riverside Parkway. Application by Steve Osberbur of Douglasville Development.

7. Parks & Recreation Committee/Roy Mims

a. Authorize the Mayor to sign an amendment to the City's agreement with Breedlove Land Planning, Inc., for preparation of more detailed plans for the City's planned new park on Bright Star Road.

8. Finance Committee/Henry Mitchell III

9. Information Technology Committee/Henry Mitchell III

a. Authorize the Mayor to sign a Domain Name Registration Agreement with NeuStar, Inc., for amended registration of the City of Douglasville's .us locality domain names due to change in website host.

10. Maintenance & Sanitation Committee/Charles Banks

a. Appoint Angela C. Smith to the Post 6 position on the Keep Douglasville Beautiful Board to complete a term which extends through December 31, 2007.

11. Transportation Committee/Michael Carter

a. Consider selection of a construction company to improve four intersections on Chapel Hill Road and one intersection on Stewart Mill Road, in accordance with the City's request for sealed bids which are to be opened August 30.

12. Personnel & Organization Committee/Roy Mims

13. Ordinances & Intergovernmental Committee/Callye B. Holmes

14. Other Business

15. City Attorney/Joel Dodson

16. Chief Assistant City Attorney/Suzan Littlefield

17. City Manager/Bill Osborne

18. Comments from Citizens and Delegates

CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE CITY COUNCIL

Special Meeting

August 30, 2007
7:30 p.m.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Planning & Zoning Committee/Michael Carter

a. 22-07-87 - Request the City of Douglasville Zoning Board to change the zoning from R-LD (Low Residential District) in unincorporated Douglas County to CG (General Commercial District) in the City for approximately 21.3 acres on Fairburn Road (Georgia Highway 92), located in Land Lot 82, District 1, Section 5, Parcel 1. Application by the City of Douglasville.

b. 22-07-88 - Request for an amendment to the Future Land Use Plan from Mixed Use Corridor in unincorporated Douglas County to Community Activity Center in the City of Douglasville for approximately 21.3 acres on Fairburn Road (Georgia Highway 92), located in Land Lot 82, District 1, Section 5, Parcel 1. Application by the City of Douglasville.

c. 22-07-89 - Request to annex approximately 21.3 acres on Fairburn Road (Georgia Highway 92), located in Land Lot 82, District 1, Section 5, Parcel 1. Application by the City of Douglasville.

d. 22-07-90 - Request the City of Douglasville Zoning Board to change the zoning from R-LD (Low Residential District) in unincorporated Douglas County and R-2 (Single Family Detached Residential District) in the City to CG (General Commercial District) in the City for approximately 99.58 acres on Bright Star Road and the planned Bright Star Road Connector, located in Land Lot 158, District 2, Section 5, Parcel 12, in Land Lot 162, District 2, Section 5, Parcel 22, and in Land Lot 163, District 2, Section 5, Parcel 12. Application by the City of Douglasville.

5. Information Technology Committee/Henry Mitchell III

a. 25-07-15 - Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) for placement of certain DPS radios on the City's 800 MHz radio communications system.

6. Maintenance & Sanitation Committee/Charles Banks

a. 26-07-17 - Adopt a resolution to submit a list of City of Douglasville streets to the Georgia Department of Transportation for consideration for funding assistance for resurfacing under GDOT's 2007 - 2008 Local Assistance Road Program (LARP).

7. Other Business

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For Sale/Lease

2007-08-26T14:23:00.001-04:00

I found on Loopnet that the former Wal-Mart location where the OBT Flea Market is now is being subleased. Asking price is $3 per square foot per year. There is no mention of the location being a flea market, yet it says that the building is at 57% occupancy. I went in there one time and will not return.

There's also two spaces--one office, one retail--for lease at 560 Thornton Road (The Pointe At Lithia Springs).

Arbor Connection's ad still says there are 14 spaces for lease, so it either hasn't been updated or no one has leased a space yet.

There is one space for lease in the Arbor Square shopping center at the corner of Douglas Blvd and Hwy 5(K-Mart). They want $21 per square foot per year.

The Shoppes At Chapel Hill is for sale. The ad says that 14 tenants, including five restaurants, will be in the shopping center. The asking price is $8.5 million. Some of the tenants already in the center include Planet Smoothie, KnuckleUp Fitness, Century 21, Bliss Hair Salon and day spa, and opening later, a dentistry for children and a veterinary hospital (both of which are outparcels and not included in the sale).

Jewels restaurant near South Douglas Elementary on Hwy 166 is up for sale. The ad mentions it would be an ideal place for a strip mall(it would be a shame if a strip mall was put there), yet it is only 1.33 acres. The asking price is $210,000.

Brookmont Estates is selling five acres across from the clubhouse and are asking $489,000 for it.

The daycare at the corner of Hwy 5 and Alexander Pkwy is for sale. Asking price is $695,000. It's zoned C-N Neighborhood Commercial.

The old building at the corner of Hwy 78 and Post Rd in Winston is for sale. Asking price is $325,000. It was built in 1940. Most likely if anyone buys it, it'll be torn down because it needs renovations.

There's another "please do not talk to the employees" ad for the Chevron at Bankhead Hwy. Asking price is $800,000.

The corner of Mack Road and Fairburn Road is up for sale for $1 million. The ad shouts, POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL! AWESOME LOCATION!

2.2 acres on the corner of Slater Mill and Pope Road are up for sale--and it's zoned General Commercial. The price is not diclosed. The ad says it is a "hotly sought after area."

There are 28 acres of land for sale at 1527 S. Burnt Hickory. It's zoned R-2. From the ad: "Future Land Use Map shows Urban Residential which allows for townhouse density." Douglas County does not need any more townhouses.

The historic mill is still for sale on Hwy 78. Seems like the price has gone down--it's now $1.1 million.

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Bay Breeze

2007-08-25T18:45:00.000-04:00

We ate there last night. Except we ate at their other location, which is on hwy78 in Mableton. It reminded me of one of those places in Florida where I ate once with my Grandparents. Lots of fried and broiled seafood, but no bar. The Douglasville location will have a bar, I am told. They will open this coming Wednesday and serve both lunch and dinner. It didn't rock my socks, but my husband really enjoyed his plate. Any locally owned restaurant I wish all the luck in the world. Go check them out!

From The Moulton (AL) Advertiser

2007-08-22T12:17:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, James Andrew Cagle, 64, Douglasville, Ga., was stopped by Lawrence County Sheriff's investigators Sgt. Dennis Sharp and Lt. Tim McWhorter on Ala. 157 for a traffic violation.

The vehicle was searched for contraband. Officers found a total of a half pound of marijuana individually packaged in one ounce amounts, rolling papers, digital scales and plastic sandwich bags.

Cagle is charged with first degree unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

His bond was set at $11,000 said Sheriff Gene Mitchell.

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Douglasville Man Charged With Unlawful Use of Meth Precursor in Meth Lab Arrests

2007-08-18T09:53:00.000-04:00

Police News : Police discover meth lab during drug roundup

By the Daily News (Bowling Green, KY)
Thursday, August 16, 2007 11:47 AM CDT

During Wednesday's drug roundup, a methamphetamine laboratory was found at 74 Marcum Lane in Scottsville.

Tracey Roark, 36, and James Roark, 38, who live at the address, were each charged with unlawful possession of a meth precursor. Denatured alcohol, ether, acetone and other meth laboratory ingredients were found at the residence.

Additional charges are pending against the Roarks, according to a report from Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement Special Investigations West.

A total of 15 people were taken into custody Wednesday after being indicted earlier. Three people had also been charged before the roundup.

Everyone arrested in the roundup has been charged with unlawful possession of a meth precursor. They are: Brandi Meredith, 25, 601 W. Main St., Scottsville; Jennifer Clement, 34, 707 Landmark Drive, Scottsville; John Michael Carter, 21, 217 N. Welch St., Scottsville; Robert Dewayne Carter, 24, 749 Woodlane Circle Drive, Scottsville; Sara Keen, 38, 216 S. Dixon St., Scottsville; Joie Meredith, 37, 346 Papa Court, Brownsville; Truman Meredith, 40, 137 Vincent St., Brownsville; Fred Clayton, 35, 284 Hayden St., Park City; Sean Gosnell, 39, 2593 Plantation Way, Douglasville, Ga.; Richard Lindsey, 41, 927 Barber Way; Windy Lindsey, 927 Barber Way; Linda Barnett, 41, 1402 Parkside Drive Apt. B; and Crystal Moorehead, 25, 1412 Clayton Circle.

The three people charged prior to the roundup were Angela Harris, 33, 1010 Hardway Court, Lot 43, Franklin; Jacquline Spivey, 44, 1550 Craft Road, Franklin and Jerry Bellar, 32, 2013 Anderson Store Road, Lewisburg.

A 26-year-old Bowling Green man said he had a gun fired at him at 9:47 p.m. Wednesday in an alley in the 1100 block of Kentucky Street, according to a Bowling Green Police Department report.

The victim stated he had been involved in a verbal altercation with another man and the man pulled a small handgun and fired one shot, according to the report. The man then fled the scene. The victim did not know the identity of the person who shot at him.

Arrest - Deric Antoine Carter, 29, 1021 McElroy Way, was charged with four counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instruments at 4:14 p.m. Wednesday at the Warren County Regional Jail at 920 Kentucky St.

Carter was interviewed at the jail and admitted to forging the four checks, according to a city police report.

He remains in custody on $22,500 bond.

Theft - A computer was stolen between 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday from Sam's Club at 3200 Ken Bale Boulevard.

The computer was taken by a man described as being about 5-foot 10-inches tall, weighing about 165 pounds and is in his 30s. The man is also bald and was wearing a sportscoat, blue jeans and a white dress shirt when seen on camera at the store, according to a city police report.

The computer was valued at $1,000.

Theft - Dry wall tools, valued at $2,800, were stolen between 9:30 p.m.. and 10:10 p.m. Tuesday from a truck pared at Best Value Inn at 250 Cumberland Trace Road, according to a city police report.

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City Council Agenda

2007-08-13T19:28:00.001-04:00

Not sure what this means to Chapel Hill Village (aka The Village At Chapel Hill) by changing to Regional Activity Center. Let's hope it doesn't become a strip mall.

CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE
CITY COUNCIL Legislative Work Session August 16, 2007 7:30 p.m.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Public Safety Committee/Dennis McLain

a. Request for an alcohol beverage license for the Hunan Chinese Restaurant for the on premises sale and consumption of wine and malt beverage at 6105 Fairburn Road (Georgia Highway 92). Application by Fa Zheng, Inc.

b. Request for an alcohol beverage license for the Kegun Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar for the on premises sale and consumption of wine and malt beverage at 6599 Church Street. Application by Kegun, Inc.

c. Request for a change in the agent outlet manager for the alcohol beverage license for T.G.I. Friday's for the on premises sale and consumption of wine, malt beverage, and spirituous liquor at 9300 The Landing Drive. Application by Georgia Holding, Inc.

d. Request for an ownership change, a change in the agent outlet manager, and a transfer of the license for the alcohol beverage license for Shell Food Mart for the retail package sale of wine and malt beverage at 9415 Georgia Highway 5. Application by Shivam Jeram, LLC.

e. Adopt a resolution authorizing SHARE House to use that section of Dorris Road south of Hospital Drive on Saturday, September 22, 2007, for a benefit walkathon starting at 9:00 a.m.

f. Adopt a resolution authorizing Wisekidz Learning Solutions, LLC, to use certain City of Douglasville streets on Saturday, October 6, 2007, for a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk starting at 9:00 a.m.

g. Authorize the Mayor to sign a new two-year agreement with the Douglas County Board of Commissioners and the Douglas County Sheriff for the housing, custody, and care of persons arrested by the City Police Department and/or under sentence from the City's Municipal Court.

h. Authorize the Mayor to sign a $8,500 Special Project Local Assistance Grant agreement with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for assistance in purchasing in-car video cameras for certain Police Department vehicles.

5. Community & Economic Development Committee/John Schildroth

6. Planning & Zoning Committee/Michael Carter

a. Request for a change in zoning from CG (General Commercial District) in unincorporated Douglas County to CG (General Commercial District) in the City of Douglasville for approximately .95-acre at 3026 Chapel Hill Road, with special stipulations for Ordinance No. 2006-53. Application by Chapel Hill Village, LLC.

b. Request for an amendment to the Future Land Use Plan from Community Village Center in unincorporated Douglas County to Regional Activity Center in the City of Douglasville for approximately .95-acre at 3026 Chapel Hill Road. Application by Chapel Hill Village, LLC.

c. Request to annex approximately .95-acre at 3026 Chapel Hill Road. Application by Chapel Hill Village, LLC.

d. Request for change in zoning from HG (Heavy Commercial District) in unincorporated Douglas County to CG (General Commercial District) and IL (Light Industrial District) in the City of Douglasville for approximately 3.44 acres at Thornton Road and Interstate West Parkway. Application by Nat Patidar.

e. Request for an amendment to the Future Land Use Plan from Commerce Center in unincorporated Douglas County to Regional Activity Center in the City of Douglasville for approximately 3.44 acres at Thornton Road and Interstate West Parkway. Application by Nat Patidar.

f. Request to annex approximately 3.44 acres at Thornton Road and Interstate West Parkway. Application by Nat Patidar.

g. Request for a change in zoning from R-2 (Single Family Residential District) to CG (General Commercial District) certain tracts through which the planned Bright Star Road Connector will pass on approximately 6.68 combined acres. Application by the City of Douglasville.

h. Request approval of a final plat for Braylen Manor on Cedar Mountain Road. Application by Braylen Manor, LLC.

i. Authorize the Mayor to sign a Settlement Agreement with CBS Outdoor, Inc., settling a civil lawsuit with the City of Douglasville.

7. Parks & Recreation Committee/Roy Mims

8. Finance Committee/Henry Mitchell III

9. Information Technology Committee/Henry Mitchell III
a. Authorize the City Manager to request the Federal Communications Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, to modify and extend the City's license to add Slow Growth under FCC Rule Section 90.629.

10. Maintenance & Sanitation Committee/Charles Banks
a. Authorize the City Sanitation Department to conduct the Fall Citywide Cleanup Week on Monday - Thursday, October 15 - 19, 2007, for residential sanitation services customers at no additional cost to said customers.

11. Transportation Committee/Michael Carter

12. Personnel & Organization Committee/Roy Mims

13. Ordinances & Intergovernmental Committee/Callye B. Holmes

14. Other Business

15. City Attorney/Joel Dodson

16. Chief Assistant City Attorney/Susan Littlefield

17. City Manager/Bill Osborne

18. Comments from Citizens and Delegates

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Special Called BOC Meeting This Tuesday

2007-08-12T15:33:00.001-04:00

SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
AUGUST 13, 2007
10:00 A.M. – CITIZENS HALL

BUSINESS
1. Approval of Benefit Committee recommendation of payment of claim and coverage limitation for appeal filed on behalf of 2 minor dependent children.

2. Clarification of the Retiree Health Benefit Plan as written in the SPD (Summary Plan Description) in Section III. Eligibility Provisions (Page 9). This is in compliance with the Defined Benefit Pension Plan enacted January 1, 2006.

Medicare Part B

Current: Employees (and spouses if applicable) must maintain Medicare Part B coverage to maintain the County's Medical Plan.

Proposed: Employees (and spouses if applicable) must maintain Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B coverage to maintain the County's Medical Plan.

Current: Coverage is secondary to any available medical coverage.

Proposed: Delete.

3. Approval of amended SPLOST/Bond Resolution and related documents in order to meet publishing deadlines for the September 18, 2007 Referendum.

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RIP Woodie Fite

2007-08-11T09:00:00.001-04:00

From the Sentinel:

Services for Woodie Fite Monday

Long-time Douglasville and Douglas County community leader Doris Marie "Woodie" Fite died Thursday at the age of 77. The funeral is Monday at 11 a.m. at Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home.

One of Fite's major causes was promoting the interests and well-being of senior citizens in the community, and she started the first program for seniors in the county when she was programs director for the Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department. The Woodie Fite Senior Center, which opened in 2005, is named in her honor.

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P & Z Meeting Summary

2007-08-07T19:09:00.001-04:00

PLANNING & ZONING BOARD AND BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
August 7, 2007

APPROVAL of MINUTES

July 3, 2007

S2007-39 Dr. Ajile Rahman/Islamic Center of West GA – Request for a Special Use Permit RENEWAL (permanent) to allow religious services at the property located at 4055 Anneewakee Road: Land Lot(s) 89, District 1, Section 5, Parcel(s) 14. Lot size: 3.28 acres.

Note: No opposition. Application approved. BOC approved it 4-1.

S2007-40 Wellstone Housing, LLC – Request for a rezoning from R-LD to R-TC for senior ranch condominiums at the property located at McKown Road: Land Lot(s) 632, District 18, Section 2, Parcel(s) 3. Lot size: 23.66 acres.

Note: This was moved to Tab 1 and was withdrawn without prejudice.

S2007-41 Shepherd of the Hills UMC – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow a church at the property located at Dorsett Shoals Road: Land Lot(s) 41, District 1, Section 5, Parcel(s) part of 1. Lot size: 24.47 acres.

Note: Three buildings planned and total sq ft will be over 100,000. Buildings will be built one at a time. P&Z is recommending approval with five stipulations. Detailed discussion from Joe Fowler about driveways, turn lanes, sidewalks, etc. Church does not want to build a sidewalk(this is one of the stipulations). No opposition. One of the P&Z board asks about the environmental impact regarding the trees. The pastor says he wants to keep as many trees as possible. Concerns about buffers--one BOC commissioner wants an extra five to ten feet of buffer due to a neighbor's concerns. The pastor says "absolutely." Application is unanimously approved by P&Z board and unanimously approved by the BOC.

S2007-42 Merritt & Barbara Gilbert – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow an in-law suite at the property located at 6532 Fox Run: Land Lot(s) 111, District 3, Section 5, Parcel(s) 12. Lot size: 5.12 acres.
Note: This was moved to Tab 2 and the application was withdrawn.

Z2007-43 United Retail Development Company, LLC– Request for a rezoning from R-LD to C-G for a retail establishment (Walgreen’s) at the property located at Central Church Road & Chapel Hill Road: Land Lot(s) 59, District 1, Section 5, Parcel(s) 15, 16, 17 & 18. Lot size: 1.87 acres.

Note: P&Z recommends approval with 11 conditions. It sounds like they're trying to landscape it so it will try to "blend in", but this is a mostly residential community. And there is a pharmacy right across the street at Kroger. Joe Fowler says the subdivision has been there for over twenty years. Fowler claims the Future Land Use map labels that area as community village center and drugstores are apparently allowed under this label. He holds up a framed picture of the planned Walgreen's and claims it is a newer prototype of Walgreen's. The county wants the entrance to line up with Blockbuster across the street so it will look "neater." Detention will be underground.

Fowler says the developer has concerns with two stipulations. Walgreen's uses channel lighting and wants to use channel lighting instead of the recommended halo effect lighting. They have an alignment issue with the exit onto Central Church and claim that they would have to have a variance approved later on. DOT says they will have to put in a left turn lane--they were notified about this last Friday. They say this left turn lane is very expensive and wants to use the DOT's contractor to build the turn lane to save money.They had a meeting with neighbors who are concerned about traffic. Fowler says there will not be a traffic problem. Some want the entire subdivision to be rezoned commercial.Amy Brumbelow adds a twelfth condition to the stipulations.

The only person to speak in opposition has two questions. One is about forcing a left turn signal at the intersection. He says some of his property will be taken by the turn lane. DOT says there is a current project to widen Central Church Road.I cannot believe no one showed up to speak in opposition. I heard several people online saying this drug store did not need to be built there--why didn't they go to the meeting to speak in opposition?

It sounds like Walgreen's is having a problem accepting that they will have to build a left turn lane. One of the BOC members says they should not have to accept a piggybacking deal with the DOT as a condition of rezoning. He says "it would be a mistake." So Walgreen's is having a problem with three of the conditions. Amy Brumbelow says channel lighting is not allowed. The developer says they will "reluctantly consent" to the halo lighting, then says they will consent to the other two conditions. The developer tries to make excuses by saying there is channel lighting across the street and then says "I'm not going to lose a deal over this."

Amy Brumbelow rereads conditions three and four to make them clear.

One of the BOC members, Charlie Camp, is concerned about speeding around the curve. He wants the speed limit lowered to 25 on Central Church Road. He says it is a congested area and there is "a lot of traffic there." He said they couldn't put a traffic signal there. He wants Walgreen's to pay $75,000 to pay for the signalization--he doesn't believe taxpayers should have to pay for it and says it should be included in the stipulations. The DOT says including it would make them have to do a lot more work and they don't have the time to include it. Mr. Camp is concerned about the turn lane being a stacking lane, which the DOT representative says it is. Mr. Camp repeats that the taxpayers should not have to pay for it. He says the developer needs to pay for part of it--he said if it was his decision he would want them to pay for the whole thing. The turn lane will cost $150,000 and is funded with SPLOST funds. A lot of murmuring now.

A motion is made to approve the application with the TWELVE conditions. Two on the P&Z board oppose the application. It's then passed to the BOC, who makes a motion to approve the application. Mike Mulcare says he received emails of concern from citizens about traffic. Mulcare says he is confident that the "traffic issues are going to be resolved." He also says he opposes encroachment into residential areas and opposed the Kroger and Blockbuster across the street. Mr. Camp doesn't feel it's proper or right to subsidize a development. He says the county needs to stop subsidizing. He's disappointed in it. Mulcare says he's disappointed too. Worthan says they've been pushing for impact fees for years now. He says they should be talked about in the developmental meeting, not the P&Z meeting. The application is approved by the BOC 4-1.

I have a feeling this is going to be a bad intersection once the Walgreen's is built.

S2007-44 Robert P. Brown – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow a 2,400 square foot storage building at the property located at Tyree Road: Land Lot(s) 190, District 3, Section 5, Parcel(s) part of 3. Lot size: 4.99 acres.

Removed: Use was not allowed under Unified Development Code.

Other Business: Consider the following amendments to the Unified Development Code:

Article 3, Section 345 (c) – Retail sales of seasonal items

--this is regarding produce sales from stands--the county wants to require produce stands to get permits so they know exactly where all the stands are. They then want to put a $100 fee on those produce stands who want to sell produce out of season. No one opposes this. Tom Worthan asks Amy Brumbelow to explain the changes again. The amendment changes are approved.

ADJOURN

July New Business Licenses

2007-08-07T15:03:00.000-04:00

Some of the new business licenses for July:

A spa yet to be named at 4040 Chapel Hill Rd, Ste L

Chapel Hill Cleaners at 4040 Chapel Hill Rd, Ste A

Huntington Learning Center at 4040 Chapel Hill Rd, Ste H and I

Enve Boutique N Shoes 4040 Chapel Hill Road Ste N

Strayer University (across from West Central Tech--the building is already finished)

No new restaurants listed, not even Chaunce's is listed. Tavern at the Landing is also not listed.

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Douglasville Depot

2007-08-06T17:09:00.001-04:00

Inland Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc. has finally put a PDF file brochure of Douglasville Depot. It's at http://www.theinsideart.com/inland2/images/newdouglasvilledepot.pdf

The brochure says Douglasville Depot will have over 177,000 square feet of retail development with two out parcels (big box stores).

So has anyone heard what stores will be here? I'm hoping for a Barnes & Noble as one of the out parcels, since Douglasville doesn't have one. I'm guessing the other big box will be either Linen's 'N Things, Staples, maybe a grocery store (but I doubt it since the layout looks to be upscale--unless it was Whole Foods).

This starts a new discussion--what store or restaurant would you most want to see in Douglasville? My list:

1. Whole Foods (I'm really fed up with the quality of produce at the local grocery stores. If they offer organic, it's usually not in the best condition. I bought organic strawberries from Publix once a week for about a month--and their organic strawberries in the past month or two have not been the best quality. Also, Whole Foods offers meals already cooked--this would be of great benefit to those who have to work all day and then come home and have to cook. They also have a great meat and seafood section. I recently saw a report on the news about the big box grocery stores like Kroger and Publix. The ground meat they get is already in packages, not ground in the grocery store like it used to be, and injected with carbon monoxide--and this is not labeled on the package. This way, the meat stays red for weeks at a time--so by the time you pick up that "fresh" package of ground meat at the store, it could be several weeks old.)

2. Barnes & Noble

3. Up the Creek (this is a fantastic seafood restaurant--I think the nearest one is in McDonough)

4. Popeye's (Douglasville was supposed to get one, once upon a time, but I heard the chain was dissatisfied with the way the town built up so fast and the roads did not widen to accommodate the growth)

5. Fresh Market (again, a good meat and seafood section)

6. A farmer's market--I realize there is one at the health center, but they have it at an inopportune time (Thursday mornings) and they only sell produce. There is one in Carrollton that has produce, milk fresh from the farm, farm-fresh eggs, bread, grass-fed beef, cooking demonstrations, live music--why can't Douglasville have something like this?? O'Neal Plaza sits empty most Saturdays during the summer and fall, except when they have concerts at night and occasional food cook-offs. Why couldn't they have it there?

Douglasville Depot, and future shopping centers, should have stores that Douglasville currently does not have. We have three of this and four of that--why not open a store Douglasville doesn't have?

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Also

2007-08-03T15:48:00.000-04:00

The land the music festival is being held on is (or was) owned by Peter Bouckaert the Carpets of Dalton guy who got busted by the Feds for tax fraud. Nothin' to do with nothin' but I did say I had spent forever online looking for info and this is one of the crazy facts I dug up.

That music festival

2007-08-03T15:32:00.000-04:00

Well, Eliza told us about South Fulton approving a music fesitval off 92 highway a while back and ever since I have been burning up my keyboard trying to get some info on it. Well, here it is:

**********************************Rock On

Thu, 08/02/2007 - 4:15pm
By: Ben Nelms
Star studded music festival coming to South Fulton
Plans to bring a large venue music festival to south Fulton County were announced Wednesday. The Echo Project, billed as an environmentally-friendly music and arts festival, will be held along the banks of the Chattahoochee River Oct. 12-14.

An initial sampling of the festival venue includes artists such as the Killers, Phil Lesh & Friends, the Roots, Moe, Cypress Hill, Brazilian Girls, Perpetual Groove, the Avett Brothers, Lyrics Born, RJD2, The Disco Biscuits, Umphrey’s McGee, Perpetual Groove, Spam Allstars, Greenskeepers, Toubab Krewe, the Afromotive, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Stephen Marley, Cat Power & Dirty Delta Blues and others.

Rain or shine, the venue is billed as three days of entertainment, community building and environmental awareness spread across three stages, using alternative energy sources and innovative programs for power creation and consumption.

And here's the link for you: http://www.the-echoproject.com/

What I'm dying to know is, what plans do they have for traffic surrounding the event? How is Douglas county going to plan for it? At least it's a weekend concert, and maybe the groovy-hippie types (sorry if that describes you:) won't be such awful temporary neighbors as we might have got stuck with. I guess being all concerned about the environment like they are they'll at least clean up after themselves!

Maybe we'll go on vacation that week..............

Good Things

2007-08-02T15:40:00.000-04:00

All over the Topix board I see people complaing about the way Douglasville has changed over the years. I imagine there are towns all over the country that are close enough to major cities that the growth caught up to their borders at last and the original residents feel that the small town they once had is gone forever.
So, understanding that the growth just keeps coming, knowing that more people are going to move to D-Ville, Atlanta, Georgia and the Southeast ad infinitum...............what is it that we DO like about living in Douglasville? What are the 10 best things? What's the reson we stay? And I'm only interested in the positive in this post. You can complain over on Topix.
I'll go first: people are really pretty friendly around here.
Got anything to contribute?

BP

2007-08-01T15:49:00.001-04:00

Anyone know if the former BP at the corner of Chapel Hill and Douglas Blvd has been sold? I saw two bulldozers in there today.

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August 7 BOC Meeting Work Session Agenda

2007-07-31T16:48:00.001-04:00

Meeting is 10am in Citizen's Hall at the Douglas County Courthouse.

WORK SESSION AGENDA
AUGUST 6, 2007 10:00 A.M. – BOARD ROOM

CITIZENS' INPUT

PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation of college scholarship awards by the Douglas County Connection. (Gwen Summers Redwine)

2. Douglasville Lady Tigers. (Tanya Jackson)

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3. Regular Commission Meeting of July 17, 2007 and Special Called Meeting of July 31, 2007.

PLAT APPROVALS – FINAL PLAT ACCEPTANCE (Cynde)
4. Kings Bridge
5. Meritage Commons

BUSINESS
6. The Fire/EMS Department received a $1,000 donation from Wal-Mart for fire safety education materials and handouts. The Sheriff's Enforcement Department received $1,350 in donations for the Sheriff's Emergency Response Team's equipment. Amend the budget by increasing Donations by $2,350 and Fire/EMS by $1,000 and Sheriff Enforcement by $1,350. (Jennifer)

7. Juvenile Programs requests $20,000 for restitution and user fees. Funds are collected by Juvenile Programs and deposited into the General Fund to cover the expenses. Amend the budget by increasing Restitution revenue by $10,000; User Fee revenue by $10,000 and Juvenile Programs by $20,000. (Jennifer)

8. The Clerk of Superior/State Court received $72,765 from the Georgia Superior Court Clerk Cooperative Authority resulting from a Clerks' Authority Internet Project and UCC, Deed, Lien, Plat and PT61 internet prints payment. This department is requesting these funds be placed in their budget for the purchase of office supplies, copier, heavy duty printer, chairs, desks and renovation of new office space. Amend the budget by increasing Clerk of Court revenue and Clerk of Superior Court department by $72,765. (Jennifer)

9. The Board of Health requests additional funds to assist in their operating expenses. This is due to the State approving a salary adjustment for all employees, the adjustment for some of the nurse and program assistant positions and the additional expense of a family practice physician. Amend the budget by transferring $17,000 from General Appropriations to the Board of Health. (Jennifer)

10. Approval of Memorandum of Agreement between West Central Technical College and Douglas County Fire and EMS for clinical rotation for EMT students. (Scott)

11. Juvenile Services is applying for $7,500 in funding from the Council of Juvenile Court Judges to purchase psychological evaluation services and drug screening kits for the grant cycle year October 1, 2007 - September 30, 2008. There are no matching funds required. If awarded, authorize the Chairman to sign the contract and approve budget amendment. (Jenny)

12. Acceptance of Family Connection Grant that funds Douglas CORE, authorize Chairman to sign all necessary documents and approve new contract for Amanda Bryant. (Jenny)

13. Authorization for Chairman to execute employment agreement with Jamie Cohran as Assistant to the County Administrator.

14. Authorization for Chairman to sign grant application to renew VOCA grant. (Anne)

15. Authorization for Chairman to execute FY'08 Aging Services Contract with ARC (Atlanta Regional Commission).

16. Authorization to enter into Project Framework Agreement with GDOT for intersection project #0007069 located at SR 5 (Bill Arp Road) and Bright Star Road and authorize Chairman to sign all documents. (Keary)

17. Proposed 2008 LARP List. (Keary)

ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Sheriff Phil Miller invites Douglas County citizens to tour the Douglas County Jail on Saturday, August 18th, from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS

EXECUTIVE SESSION - Personnel, Litigation, Land Acquisition

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City Council Agenda

2007-07-31T09:10:00.001-04:00

CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE CITY COUNCIL

Regular Meeting

August 2, 2007 7:30 p.m.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Public Safety Committee/Dennis McLain
a. Authorize the City Manager to give notice on or before August 10, 2007, of the City's intent to purchase 21.3 acres near Georgia Highway 92 (Fairburn Road) for the purpose of new Police Department facilities, and authorize the Mayor Pro Tem to sign all documents necessary to close said purchase on or before August 20, 2007.

b. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with the Douglas County Board of Education for the School System to compensate the City of Douglasville for the police officer assigned to the new Factory Shoals Middle School as a School Resource Officer (SRO).

5. Community & Economic Development Committee/John Schildroth
a. Authorize the City's Community and Downtown Services Director to re-advertise for sealed bids for construction of a cover over the stage on O'Neal Plaza.

b. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with the City's Convention and Conference Center Authority for providing funds for an option on the property at 6697 Church Street, known as the Hair Barn, in order to expand the City's Downtown Conference Center.

c. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with Fowler Design Associates, Inc., for planning and architectural services for expansion of the City's Downtown Conference Center.

6. Planning & Zoning Committee/Michael Carter
a. Authorize the Mayor to sign the grant agreement and other necessary documents for the City's receipt of $20,000 from the Georgia Forestry Commission's 2007 Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program for an arborist for the City of Douglasville.

b. Appoint selected members of the City Council to represent the City of Douglasville in two annexation cases where the Douglas County Board of Commissioners has filed objections.

7. Parks & Recreation Committee/Roy Mims
a. Authorize the City Manager to give notice to the property owner of the City's intent to exercise its option to purchase approximately 137 acres on Bright Star Road, and authorize the Mayor to sign all documents necessary to close the purchase of said property.

b. Adopt a resolution concerning Labor Day activities scheduled in Hunter Park, downtown Douglasville, and at the West Pines Golf Course on Monday, September 3, 2007.

8. Finance Committee/Henry Mitchell III
a. Authorize the Mayor to sign the City of Douglasville's Federal Annual Certification Report required under the City's Federal Equitable Sharing Agreement with the United States Department of Justice.

b. Announcement of public hearings to be held at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 3, and at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 10, concerning the tentatively adopted 2007 tax millage rate; and announcement of the special meeting of the City Council to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 10, to adopt the 2007 tax millage rate.

9. Information Technology Committee/Henry Mitchell III

10. Maintenance & Sanitation Committee/Charles Banks
a. Adopt a resolution directing the City Manager to notify the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Transportation that, in response to residents' requests, the City of Douglasville is deleting Pinecrest Drive from the Livable Centers Initiative sidewalk program and is asking for the funds to be transferred to other LCI sidewalk projects.

b. Appoint Brian Chesson to Post 1 on the City's Keep Douglasville Beautiful Board, to complete the un-expired term which extends through December 31, 2008.

11. Transportation Committee/Michael Carter

12. Personnel & Organization Committee/Roy Mims

13. Ordinances & Intergovernmental Committee/Callye B. Holmes
a. Adopt an ordinance to enact Section 2 18 of the City's Administration Ordinance, requiring individuals to submit certain background information, to be considered for appointment to any City board or commission.

14. Other Business

15. City Attorney/Joel Dodson

16. Chief Assistant City Attorney/Suzan Littlefield

17. City Manager/Bill Osborne

18. Comments from Citizens and Delegates

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News Snippets

2007-07-30T17:11:00.001-04:00

From the Atlanta Business Chronicle:

Douglasville Depot, off Georgia 92 in Douglasville, is a 150,000-square-foot retail center expected to open in 2008. Schroeder said DDR is in lease negotiations for retailers, but did not disclose the retailers.

From the AJC:

The book "The Absolutely Worst Places to Live in America" offers "dishonorable mentions" to Douglasville and College Park.

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Former Hops Location Finally Sold

2007-07-30T11:59:00.000-04:00

It seems like the former Hops location has been on the market for several years and finally it has been sold. Jamie, one of my regular readers to this blog told me she saw a sign that said Chaunce's Steakhouse was coming soon. Well, I searched for Chaunce's Steakhouse and nothing came up--but an optional spelling alternative did--Chaucer's Steakhouse. If this is indeed it, it's a chain, looks like a Dallas, TX-based chain. However, they have no website. So no info on this place. Jamie, are you sure about the spelling? Anyone else see this sign that could tell me if the spelling is correct? Is it Chaunce's, Chaucer's, or something else?

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Planning & Zoning Agenda

2007-07-27T09:29:00.001-04:00

I encourage ANYONE who does not want yet another Walgreen's in the county, and commercial development at the corner of Central Church and Chapel Hill Road, to attend this meeting and voice their opposition against the rezoning. Tell your neighbors, tell your friends--I think the only way the board would deny it is if they had a LOT of opposition because I'm sure they would approve it just because it will increase retail sales in the county. Also, if you live in a nearby subdivision(I've counted at least six nearby subdivisions, including the Chapel Hills Golf & Country Club), go around to your neighbors' houses and get them to sign a petition opposing this rezoning. This rezoning will make traffic worse than it already is, and we do not need a THIRD Walgreen's location in Douglasville. We already have one on Fairburn Road, one on Hwy 5, as well as one in Lithia Springs...and then we have a Rite Aid on Hwy 5, one on Chapel Hill Road, one on Ridge Road, and one on Hwy 92. So the entire county already has SEVEN drug stores.

The meeting is August 7 at 6:00pm in Citizen's Hall in the Douglas County Courthouse.

PLANNING & ZONING BOARD AND BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING AGENDA
August 7, 2007

APPROVAL of MINUTES

July 3, 2007

AGENDA

Other Business:

Considerthe following amendments to the Unified Development Code:

Article3, Section 345 (c) – Retail sales of seasonal items

ADJOURN

The Bagelmeister

2007-07-21T14:40:00.001-04:00

Haven't found a website for it, which is kind of odd, but did find the following description:

A different kind of sandwich shop! Since 1997 The Bagelmeister has satisfied thousands of picky appetites. Bagels, schmears, breads, croissants, wraps, espresso bar, coffees, ice cream, baked goods, smoothies, WiFi all served up with plenty of far out atmosphere. Stop in today and enjoy!

The hours for the Bagelmeister in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin:

M-F 6am-5pm

Sat 7am-1:30pm

Closed on Sunday

And an ad for another location:

http://adserver1.harvestadsdepot.com/gcorp/ss/055822/023/023.shtml?023_002AD/023_002AD.shtml

The location at Chapel Hill Road is pretty convenient for me, so I may stop there for breakfast. Anybody have any idea when it is going to open?

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More commerce coming

2007-07-20T12:33:00.000-04:00

As has long been expected, there's a re-zoning sign up in front of those houses at the corner of Chapel Hill and Central Church. No surprise that the intersection is about to get even more commercial, but it does make me wonder about all those unsold stores near the new Publix and across from the middle school. More hair, tan, nails coming to the 'ville? What I wouldn't mind is some more locally owned restaurants, though heaven knows, that's a tough business to be in.

Well, to be continued.....

New Food

2007-07-17T16:22:00.001-04:00

I was looking in the Chapel Hill News and Views (what a terrible website! 1 inch of scroll space, 6 of advertising!) for restaurants. They link to a page on the County website that lists 3 caterers and the quasi-English ad for the Yummy Cafe on Chapel Hill. How strange! I was looking for info on the new Bagel Meister behind the Starbucks/Verizon store. They're set to open soon, which is great, but I heard they won't open on Sundays! No call for bagels and lox on a lazy Sunday morning here? There sure is where I come from. What a strange decision. I saw TVs on the wall, maybe they will have news or traffic while we get breakfast on our way to the interstate. Can't wait!

Rite Aid

2007-07-17T16:11:00.001-04:00

Don't know if anyone has noticed, but there is a small sign below the large Eckerd's sign at the Eckerd's on Chapel Hill Road that says a Rite Aid will be coming soon. I believe this will be the first Rite Aid for Douglas County.

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Hi, everyone!

2007-07-16T19:37:00.000-04:00

I volunteered to help out with the blog while Eliza takes classes this semester.

I've lived in the 'Ville for 5 years and I really like it here. Clearly one of the things on everyone's minds on the Topix board is the huge amount of growth we've (y'all have) seen in Douglas County the last 5, 10, 15 years. My husband (a Georgia boy) remembers when this is where the interstate stopped. Though I'm actually a Yankee transplant, I moved here from Henry County and if you want to see poorly planned growth gone wild, take a ride down 75. All things considered, Douglas doesn't do that bad of a job.

Well, I look forward to posting more. I love that we have a local presence on the internet. Yay Douglasville!

Property For Sale In Douglas County

2007-07-12T21:43:00.001-04:00

The Arbor Decks location is for sale for $800,000.

The Chevron on Bankhead Highway is for sale for $800,000. Instructions in the ad: "Please do not talk to the employees."

Former Hops restaurant building on Chapel Hill Road is still for sale for $3.5 million--don't see this selling anytime soon.

39.28 acres on Factory Shoals Road and Camp Creek Parkway is for sale. The price is not disclosed.

Austin Ridge subdivision. 48 acres, $2,961,000.

Laurel Grove subdivision. 57 acres, 47 lots, $2,961,000.

Brentwood Park subdivision. 36 acres, 75 lots, $1,050,000.

5137 Maroney Mill Road for sale. 49 lots, $3,062,500.

River's Edge Residential Subdivision. 59.29 acres, $1.2 million.

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City Council Meeting Agenda

2007-07-12T18:55:00.000-04:00

CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE
CITY COUNCIL

Legislative Work Session July 12, 2007
7:30 p.m.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Public Safety Committee/Dennis McLain
Tabled from June 18, 2007:
a. Request for an ownership change, a change in the agent outlet manager, and a transfer of the license for the alcohol beverage license for the retail package sale of wine and malt beverage for Shell Food Mart at 8279 Chicago Avenue. Application by Glissten Enterprises, Inc.

New Business:
b. Request for an alcohol beverage license for the Sea Breeze Seafood Restaurant for the on premises sale of wine and malt beverage at 9610 Georgia Highway 5. Application by Douglasville Bay Breeze, Inc.

c. Request for a change in the agent outlet manager for the alcohol beverage license for Ruby Tuesday #3606 for the sale of wine, malt beverage, and spirituous liquor at 642 Thornton Road. Application by Ruby Tuesday, Inc.

d. Request for an alcohol beverage license for CVS Pharmacy #154 for the retail package sale of wine and malt beverage at 6031 Georgia Highway 92 (Fairburn Road). Application by Georgia CVS Pharmacy, LLC.

5. Community & Economic Development Committee/John Schildroth
Tabled from July 2, 2007:
a. Authorize the Mayor to sign a $20,000.00 renewal agreement with the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce for the period of July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008, for tourism services in cooperation with the City's Convention and Visitors Bureau.

New Business:
b. Adopt a resolution, as recommended by the City's Downtown Development Authority, to endorse and support the application by Spencer Business Enterprises, LLC (Island Flavas Caribbean Steakhouse), for a $250,000 loan from the Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to help with financing for a restaurant at 6654 Broad Street.

c. Adopt a resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement signed by the City of Douglasville, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and the City's Downtown Development Authority for a Downtown Development Revolving Loan to The Dakim Group, Inc., for acquisition and renovation of the building at 8397 Duncan Street, and authorizing the Mayor to sign said agreement.

d. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign all documents required to execute the Downtown Development Revolving Loan to The Dakim Group, Inc., in the amount of $160,000 to help with acquisition and renovation of the building at 8397 Duncan Street.

e. Adopt a resolution authorizing the City's Community and Downtown Services Director to submit an application to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for a Signature Community Program grant for downtown Douglasville.

f. Authorize the Mayor to sign an Intergovernmental Agreement and related documents with the Douglasville Convention and Conference Center Authority concerning financing, purchase and use of buildings at 6709 and 6713 Church Street for planned expansion of the City's Downtown Conference Center.

6. Planning & Zoning Committee/Michael Carter
a. Request approval of a final plat for Roy Abercrombie at Hollis Street and West Strickland Street. Application by Roy Abercrombie.

b. Request approval of a final plat for the Ashley Falls Subdivision Unit 1 on West Strickland Street. Application by Jerry T. Buckner.

c. Request approval of a final plat for the Ashley Falls Subdivision Unit 2 on West Strickland Street. Application by Jerry T. Buckner.

d. Adopt a resolution modifying the City of Douglasville's moratorium enacted on June 18, 2007, regarding issuance of certain permits, in addition to the modifications set forth in City's resolution on said subject adopted June 28, 2007.

e. Adopt an ordinance to amend the City's Buildings and Building Standards Ordinance to update the list of State Minimum Standard Codes and to adopt the International Property Maintenance Code.

7. Parks & Recreation Committee/Roy Mims
a. Consider authorizing the City Manager to give notice to the property owner of the City's intent to exercise its option to purchase approximately 137 acres on Bright Star Road, and consider authorizing the Mayor to sign all documents necessary to close the purchase of said property.

b. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with Dixie Staffing Services for seasonal staffing in the maintenance area in the City Parks and Recreation Department.

8. Finance Committee/Henry Mitchell III

9. Information Technology Committee/Henry Mitchell III

10. Maintenance & Sanitation Committee/Charles Banks

11. Transportation Committee/Michael Carter

12. Personnel & Organization Committee/Roy Mims
a. Adopt a resolution providing for an Incentive Plan for City of Douglasville employees for the 2007 - 2008 Fiscal Year.

b. Establish the position of Sanitation Accounts Manager in the City of Douglasville Maintenance and Sanitation Department, adopt a job description for said position, and create one job slot for said position.

c. Establish the position of Facilities Maintenance Manager in the City of Douglasville Maintenance and Sanitation Department, adopt a job description for said position, and create one job slot for said position; and eliminate the position of Crew Chief - Property Maintenance in said department, and the one job slot.

d. Amend the job description for the position of Maintenance Department Clerk in the City of Douglasville Maintenance and Sanitation Department.

e. Establish the position Laborer - Sidewalk Construction in the City of Douglasville Maintenance and Sanitation Department, adopt a job description for said position, and create four job slots for said position.

f. Establish the position of Crew Chief (Parks Maintenance) in the City of Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department, adopt a job description for said position, and create one job slot for said position.

g. Establish the position of Laborer (Parks Maintenance) in the City of Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department, adopt a job description for said position, and create four job slots for said position.

h. Amend the job descriptions for the positions of Accounting Technician and Clerk-Receptionist in the City of Douglasville Finance Department.

i. Establish the position of Clerk-Receptionist in the City of Douglasville Administration Department, adopt a job description for said position, and create one job slot for said position.

j. Establish the part-time position of Welcome Center Assistant in the City of Douglasville Community and Downtown Services Department, adopt a job description for said position, and create one job slot for said position.

k. Establish the position of Development/Zoning Official in the City of Douglasville Development Services Department, adopt a job description for said position, and create one job slot in said position; and eliminate the separate positions of Zoning Official and Development Official in said department, and the one job slot for each position.

l. Amend the job description for the position of Civil and Environmental Inspector in the City of Douglasville Development Services Department

13. Ordinances & Intergovernmental Committee/Callye B. Holmes
a. Adopt a resolution setting the date for the municipal election for the City of Douglasville to be Tuesday, November 6, 2007.

b. Adopt an ordinance to provide for the Douglas County Elections Superintendent to conduct the City of Douglasville's Municipal election on November 6, 2007, with the City reimbursing said Elections Superintendent for the actual cost of holding said election and with said Elections Superintendent to have all duties except qualification of candidates, and to authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with the Douglas County Board of Commissioners for this purpose.

c. Adopt a resolution providing that all candidates for office in the City of Douglasville's municipal election shall qualify for candidacy as provided by law with the City Clerk beginning Monday, August 27, 2007, through and including Friday, August 31, 2007, with the hours for qualifying each day being between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon and between 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

14. Other Business

15. City Attorney/Joel Dodson

16. Chief Assistant City Attorney/Suzan Littlefield

17. City Manager/Bill Osborne

18. Comments from Citizens and Delegates

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Villa Rica

2007-07-11T21:45:00.000-04:00

I am taking a break from the blog but will post emails:

"I heard that development is underway around the Villa Rica Goldmine at Stockmar, that a museum is being erected and that access to the old mine site is blocked.

This from http://www.answers.com/villa+rica?cat=travel

*Stockmar Gold Mine -- 1800s-1900s -- presently being preserved as a city park and future gold museum currenlty under construction (February 2007).

Do you have any more info? Just curious."

I don't--does anyone else know anything about this??

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Sea Breeze--More Info

2007-07-08T23:42:00.001-04:00

Bay Breeze owns the Sea Breeze that will open in the former Chili's location.

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Belk

2007-07-06T21:15:00.001-04:00

Arbor Place's Parisian has changed over to a Belk store. I found a website, http://www.belkandparisian.com that says the Belk clothing lines will be in stores by September first. The pdf file can be found at http://www.belkandparisian.com/images/pdf/ArborPlace.pdf

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Restaurant Correction

2007-07-06T20:50:00.001-04:00

I'm sure anyone driving through town has already seen the sign but the restaurant coming to the old Chili's location is not Bay Breeze, it's Sea Breeze. I looked on Google and there is a Sea Breeze restaurant in Austell, but they don't have a website.

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Permits Allowed Again

2007-06-29T11:40:00.001-04:00

Basically the Douglas County Home Builder's Association whined or was up in arms (which is pretty much the same thing, in my opinion) over the moratorium. So the city rolled over last night at the city council meeting and are now allowing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, alarm, building, and sprinkler permits as well as development plan approvals for residential lots. What's left for them to put a moratorium on?? According to the original Sentinel article, there is nothing left. They are putting a limit on the size of certain buildings, but that's about it.

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New Look To Blog

2007-06-28T00:48:00.001-04:00

Someone posted a comment and gave me some good suggestions on how to improve this blog. Email me at douglas@elizacountry.com if you like the new look or if further improvements could be made.

New Restaurant In Alpine's Former Location

2007-06-26T15:28:00.001-04:00

Someone on the Topix message board says the name of the restaurant is The Tavern at the Landing. I've searched Google and haven't found anything about it.

A side note: Arbor Place mall's website still has Alpine Steakhouse listed in their store directory.

Business Coming Soon To Douglasville

2007-06-23T12:56:00.000-04:00

Bear Creek Coffee is currently looking for a place to put a drive through location. You can find out more about them at http://www.bearcreekcoffee.com/

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Question

2007-06-21T11:10:00.000-04:00

I'm sure a lot of you know the answer to this question: are there still any natural springs in Douglas County? I know there used to be one in Lithia Springs, but I'm not sure if it's still there. Are there any in the Bill Arp area? Someone told me there used to be one at Gray Road off Big A Road, but it might be gone.

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Douglasville 2005 Crime Statistics

2007-06-14T12:21:00.000-04:00

Found a new page on the FBI website where they list just Douglasville's crime stats for 2005.

Population: 27,190

Violent Crime: 187

Murder: 1

Rape: 10

Robbery: 65

Aggravated Assault: 111

Property Crime: 2,909

Burglary: 297

Larceny-theft: 2,378

Motor Vehicle theft: 234

Arson: 10

The 2006 stats will be released in September.

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Douglasville City Council Meeting Agenda

2007-06-13T16:25:00.001-04:00

CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE
CITY COUNCIL

Legislative Work Session June 14, 2007
7:30 p.m.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Public Safety Committee/Dennis McLain
a. Request for an ownership change, a change in the agent outlet manager, and a transfer of the license for the alcohol beverage license for the retail package sale of wine and malt beverage for Shell Food Mart at 8279 Chicago Avenue. Application by Glissten Enterprises, Inc.

b. Request for an alcohol beverage license for The Centre at Arbor Connection for the sale of wine, malt beverage, and spirituous liquor at 7475 Douglas Boulevard. Application by Arbor View, Inc. (Editor's Note: Most likely this is either in the strip mall across from the car dealership or the one that is currently being built near the mall, but most likely for the former. But there's a package store right near there...and there's another one down the street, as well as one across from Wal-Mart on Hwy 5. How many do we need???)

5. Community & Economic Development Committee/John Schildroth

6. Planning & Zoning Committee/Michael Carter
a. Request for a change in zoning from R-4 (Single Family Detached and Attached Townhouse and Apartment Residential District) to CN (Neighborhood Commercial District) on approximately .6 acre at 6881 West Strickland Street. Application by Sydney Harden Rangeley.

b. Request for a change in zoning from CN (Neighborhood Commercial District) to CN (Neighborhood Commercial District) with a special land use permit for a Kindergarten, Elementary, and Secondary (Private) School on approximately 4,260 square feet at 8677 Hospital Drive. Application by Kim Banks.

c. Request for a variance from the City's Fire Prevention and Protection Ordinance in order to waive the requirements for installation of an automatic sprinkler system for buildings of any type or occupancy with two or more stories in height for Douglas County Bank at 6100 Stewart Parkway. Application by Billy Mayhew, President, Douglas County Bank.

d. Amend the City Zoning Ordinance to require a special land use permit in the CG (General Commercial District) for automobile sales and service new and used cars. Application by City of Douglasville.

e. In accordance with an agreement authorized by the City Council on May 21, 2007, refer to the City Zoning Board a proposal to rezone from R-2 (Single Family Residential) to CG (General Commercial) certain tracts through which the planned Bright Star Road Connector will pass. Application by City of Douglasville.

7. Parks & Recreation Committee/Roy Mims

8. Finance Committee/Henry Mitchell III
a. Adopt an ordinance adopting a Fiscal Year 2007 - 2008 General Fund Budget for the City of Douglasville.

b. Adopt an ordinance adopting a Fiscal Year 2007 - 2008 Sanitation Fund Budget for the City of Douglasville.

c. Adopt an ordinance adopting a Fiscal Year 2007 - 2008 Convention and Visitors Bureau Budget for the City of Douglasville.

d. Adopt an ordinance adopting a Fiscal Year 2007 - 2008 Conference Center Budget for the City of Douglasville.

9. Information Technology Committee/Henry Mitchell III
Tabled from June 4, 2007:
a. Authorize the Mayor to sign a Franchise Agreement with SynchroNet, Inc., and DoveTel Communications, LLC, for non-cable telecommunications services.

10. Maintenance & Sanitation Committee/Charles Banks
a. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement between the City and Loving Hands Ministry, Inc., concerning the parking lot used by the City Maintenance and Sanitation Department.

b. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement to amend the City's current resurfacing contract with C. W. Matthews to include the additional streets recently approved under the Georgia Department of Transportation's LAU program: Country Club Drive, Duralee Lane, Stonebridge Boulevard, and Ridgemore Court/West Hills Court.

11. Transportation Committee/Michael Carter
a. Authorize the City Manager to advertise for and receive bids for the construction work on projects at the intersection of Chapel Hill Road with Chapel Crossing, Rosemont Drive, Golf Ridge Boulevard, and Grace Lake Drive and at the intersection of Stewart Mill Road and Millstone Trail.

12. Personnel & Organization Committee/Roy Mims
a. Amend the City's GMEBS (Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System) Defined Benefit Plan Adoption Agreement to add an option for City employees to pay for prior military service credit toward their retirement.

b. Amend the job description for the position of Certified Police Officer in the City's Police Department, effective June 19, 2007.

c. Adopt a new organizational chart for the City's Community and Downtown Services Department, effective June 19, 2007.

d. Amend the job description in the City's Community and Downtown Services Department for the position of Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director, effective June 19, 2007.

e. In the City's Community and Downtown Services Department, establish the job titles of Sales Manager and Special Projects Manager, adopt a job description for said job titles, and approve one job slot for each of said job titles, effective June 19, 2007.

13. Ordinances & Intergovernmental Committee/Callye B. Holmes

14. Other Business
a. Announce the Mayor's nominations of the City's appointed officials for 2007 - 2008 to be made during the Monday, June 18, 2007, City Council meeting.

b. Reports on the annual evaluations of certain of the City's appointed officials.

15. City Attorney/Joel Dodson

16. Chief Assistant City Attorney/Suzan Littlefield

17. City Manager/Bill Osborne

18. Comments from Citizens and Delegates

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June 19 BOC Meeting 9:00 a.m. Agenda

2007-06-13T16:17:00.001-04:00

WORK SESSION AGENDA
JUNE 18, 2007
10:00 A.M. – BOARD ROOM
CITIZENS' INPUT
APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Regular Commission Meeting of June 5, 2007.

PLAT APPROVALS – FINAL PLAT ACCEPTANCE (Cynde)
2. C. D. Truitt Business Park

PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER

3. Beer & Wine License (New) (Beverly)
BFJ & Associates, LLC - CS Domino Club
560 Thornton Road, Suites 112 & 113, Lithia Springs, GA
(Licensee: Courtney James)

4. a request to close and barricade a portion of Peachtree Street located in Land Lots 252 and 316, 18th District, 2nd Section. (Randy)

BUSINESS
5. Recently, the Board approved four deputy clerks for State Court in order to operate two courts simultaneously. Because of this, two new Deputy Sheriffs are needed for the security of the court. Create two Deputy Sheriff positions and transfer $43,289 from General Appropriations to Sheriff
Detention. (Jennifer)

6. The Department of Natural Resources Land & Water Conservation Fund awarded Douglas County a $75,000 grant to assist with the acquisition of property along Dog River. Amend the SPLOST budget by increasing State Grants and Park SPLOST Projects by $75,000. (Jennifer) Editor's Note: Most likely this is for the future Dog River Park.

7. The Woodie Fite Senior Center received donations in the amount of $1,655 for a memorial garden and supplies for the paint class. Amend the budget by increasing Donations and Senior Center budget by $1,655. (Jennifer)

8. Award of bid for pavement markers to all firms: Peek Pavement Marking; Crossroads Contracting; and Mid-State Striping, Inc. (Diane)

9. Authorization of the Metro PCS Wireless E911 Phase II Service Agreement.

10. Authorization for Chairman to execute FY'07 Aging Services Contract Budget Amendment with ARC (Atlanta Regional Commission).

11. Re-appointment of Rev. James Chandler, Sr. to the Douglas County Family & Children Services Board. Term: 7/1/07 – 6/30/12.

12. Appointment to the Library Board. Term: 7/1/07 – 6/30/10. (Charlotte)

ANNOUNCEMENTS
COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS
EXECUTIVE SESSION - Personnel, Litigation, Land Acquisition

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P&Z Varience Hearing June 5

2007-05-31T10:47:00.001-04:00

PLANNING & ZONING BOARD

AND

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

MEETING AGENDA

June 5, 2007

APPROVAL of MINUTES

May 1, 2007

AGENDA

M2007-05 Z2007-27	True Vine Land Planning & Engineering of Braselton, Inc. – Request for an amendment to the Future Land Use Map from Rural Places to Community Village Center and a rezoning from R-A to C-C for a daycare center at the property located at 8090 Highway 166: Land Lot(s) 81, District 3, Section 5, Parcel(s) 21. Lot size: 4.0 acres. TABLED AT THE 05/01/2007 MEETING	Tab [1]

Z2007-11	KDP, Inc. – Request for a rezoning from R-LD to L-I for a light industrial development at the property located at 7660 & 7640 Bankhead Highway: Land Lot(s) 153, District 2, Section 5, Parcel(s) 5 & 6. Lot size: 19.6 acres.	Tab [2]

S2007-29	Jesse Harrell – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow outdoor storage for a wholesale distributor of plumbing materials at the property located at 6498 Highway 78 W: Land Lot(s) 189, District 2, Section 5, Parcel(s) 2 & 14. Lot size: 4.55 acres.	Tab [3]

Z2007-30	Cornerstone Development Partners – Request for a rezoning from R-LD to C-C & R-LD for a 26 lot single family subdivision and high end boutique retail at the property located at 4283 Chapel Hill Road: Land Lot(s) 60 & 73, District 1, Section 5, Parcel(s) 6 & 1. Lot size: 17.0 acres.	Tab [4]

S2007-31	Hwei Hsieh – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow placement of a mobile home for a medical hardship at the property located at 7263 Shell Road: Land Lot(s) 145, District 3, Section 5, Parcel(s) 26. Lot size: 20.0 acres.	Tab [5]

S2007-33	John V. & Debra W. Johnson – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow an in-home CPA office at the property located at 133 Mountain View Drive: Land Lot(s) 239, District 18, Section 2, Parcel(s) 9. Lot size: 11.7 acres.	Tab [6]

OTHER BUSINESS

Consider the following amendments to the Unified Development Code:

Article 2, Section 209 – Definitions Related to the Use of Land & Structures

Article 2, Table 2.5 – Accessory Uses

Article 12, Section 1214 – Applications for Future Land Use Map Amendments

Article 12, Section 1216 – Taking Action on Future Land Use Map Amendments

Article 14, Section 1406 – Text Amendment Process

ADJOURN

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Scanner Happenings

2007-05-30T14:54:00.001-04:00

2:06pm - Missing person/runaway juvenile reported in Austell.
2:10pm - Larceny reported.
2:13pm Larceny reported at a pizza place.
2:14pm - Suspect has been arrested.
2:16pm - Someone continually calling either police or 911.
2:16pm - Fight between customer and clerk.
2:28pm - Juvenile compaint.
2:38pm - No fight between customer and clerk.
2:47pm - Suspect with firearms.
2:49pm - Hit and Run at Bed Bath & Beyond. Last seen going towards Rooms To Go.
2:50pm - Mattress in entrance ramp to I-20 at Post Rd.

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Welcome Home, Brian Hall

2007-05-28T22:51:00.001-04:00

This was on 11alive.com:

War Veteran: Flying Flag Is His Duty

Sgt. Brian Hall

Reported By: Jerry Carnes

Web Editor: Michael King

The American flag flies prominently around Metro Atlanta. It can be found everywhere. The sight of Old Glory in one Douglasville neighborhood is especially significant because of the effort it took an Iraqi war veteran to put it there.

It is a salute fitting for this day -- but at Brian Hall's home, flying Old Glory is no small feat.

For Hall, walking and bending over are now difficult chores. For him to piece together and fly this symbol of sacrifice, is a physical and emotional drain.

"I personally bled for this flag, and for what it stands for," Hall said. "It means a lot to me that it's here."

Sgt. Brian Hall was in Iraq only six months when his Humvee met a roadside bomb. He was in a coma for two-and-a-half weeks, injuries to his brain kept him in the hospital for a year.

This year is his first Memorial Day back home -- one he wanted to spend with Old Glory. It took him three painful, meticulous weeks to finish his project -- just digging a hole in his front yard required extraordinary effort.

"It took him a couple of days just to do that," said Hall's wife Jessica. "He couldn't just get out there with a shovel and dig the hole. It took time."

The bracelets on his arm, bear the names of two friends from his unit. That kept him going.

"I personally felt like I owed it to the soldiers that lost their lives for the flag to be perfect," Brian said.

"To him, it's his life," Jessica said. "He sacrificed a piece of himself, and lost friends."

"The entire thing was painful to me," Brian said. "It's a sacrifice I had to make."

This is where pain hits home for those who made it back -- with the memories of those who didn't.

The flag flying in Brian Hall's front yard was given to him by Congressman Phil Gingrey. It once flew at the US Capitol.

Sgt. Hall did have some help erecting his flagpole -- from neighbors and his father, a veteran of both Vietnam and Desert Storm.

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