InTucker Magazine

City Council Update – April 2020

Tucker’s Mayor and City Council met three times in March, taking action on one very significant land use case. That case, which was voted on at the March 9 Council meeting, asked for a rezoning and two concurrent variances for a 99,000 square foot commercial center at the intersection of Hugh Howell Road and Mountain Industrial Boulevard. The petition was approved on a 7-0 vote. The development, which was brought before Council by Branch Acquisition Company, LLC, will take the parcel from a light industrial zoning designation to a general commercial designation. It calls for a public art component, as well as a grocery store and restaurants.

Also, on March 9 Council voted to approve a resolution of need for the establishment of an Urban Redevelopment Authority. This body would serve as an economic development tool for rejuvenation of blighted or run-down properties in the City. They then approved a contract for a Lawrenceville Highway corridor study. The study will look at traffic and pedestrian improvements, both short-term and long-term, from Cofer Crossing to the intersection of Lawrenceville and Hugh Howell. Council voted to give the contract to consultant VHB for $57,250.

On March 18, Council held a special called meeting for the purpose of discussing emergency powers in light of the coronavirus outbreak. Council voted unanimously to adopt an Emergency Management and Services Ordinance granting the Mayor certain powers in times of emergency, detailing coordination with the DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), allowing leeway to waive procedures and fees, and outlining procedures for instituting curfews.

At the meeting on March 23, Council voted unanimously to approve a text amendment to the City zoning ordinance. The amendment brings about reform to a number of issues, including use regulations for CBD, vape shops, and car washes. It also replaces the City’s Community Council with a new community input process and expands the City’s Planning Commission from five members to seven members.

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for April 13 at 7 p.m. at the City Hall Annex.