InTucker Magazine

From the Mayor

One of the prime goals of incorporating the City of Tucker back in 2013 through 2015 was to improve the quality of life for all of us. Usually when we think of that phrase, we think of safe streets and neighborhoods, new economic development, plenty of shops and restaurants, and beautiful parks, some full of activities, and others with peaceful places of respite. Our reasoning for cityhood rested on the idea that there were many government responsibilities we could execute better for ourselves as a local government than could a larger, more distant government. We had a vision that harnessing a locally controlled Code Enforcement Department along with our own Planning and Zoning decisions and Parks and Rec could elevate quality of life here better than any other means. But before you can do any of that, there are sometimes greater threats that have to be attended to as a top priority. It turns out two of the dams in our parks fall into that category.

When we assumed responsibility for our parks system from DeKalb County, we very intentionally left responsibility for the dams at Henderson’s Lake Erin and John’s Homestead’s Twin Brothers Lake with the County. They and we had long been aware of urgent needs for repairs at both. Over the next few years, we learned just how great the need was: The Environmental Protection Division classified the Lake Erin dam in Henderson Park as Category 1 and several inspection reports cited numerous deficiencies including seepage through the dam, vegetation along it, an inadequate outlet control structure and an outdated emergency spillway. Eventually (in 2020) the EPD issued a Notice of Violation and rated the dam to be in poor condition, noting the potential for catastrophic failure and potential loss of life in such an event. Twin Brothers didn’t pose that extent of danger, but it was certainly in jeopardy of failure that could result in millions of dollars of damage and was already damaging nearby property.

When the City took over responsibility for Public Works last year, we also took responsibility for repairing these dams. Immediately, we started the work to learn the full extent of need and negotiate with the County to share the cost since the maintenance had already been deferred for many years. The County ultimately pledged $1.4 million of ARPA funds to aid in the rehabilitation of the Lake Erin dam. Although we were left to deal with Twin Brothers on our own, our Parks leadership was able to secure a $2.5 million grant to cover a large portion of that cost.

Just a few weeks ago, the Council approved the construction contract for the rehabilitation of the Lake Erin dam. In addition to the money pledged by the county, the City budgeted $1,171,450 in the FY25 capital fund. This project is big. One of the biggest we have ever done when it comes to level of importance to the life, health and safety of our residents, as well as length of time and impact on our daily lives. Part of our largest and most visited park will be closed to the public for about eight months starting in late February or early March. The closure includes the playgrounds, pavilion and lower parking lot of the Livsey Road side of the park.

In order to restore the dam, lake and wetlands at John’s Homestead, we will also be closing parts of that park for an extended period, which is another huge undertaking. To learn more and keep up to date on the progress of the projects we will be hosting a Public Information Open House on January 16 at City Hall, and you are encouraged to attend. To stay up to date on all our capital projects, including these two, go to tuckerga.gov/projects.

On the bright side, this will be a great opportunity to explore parts of the trails in Henderson Park that may be new to you and, moreover, to take the opportunity to explore our other beautiful City Parks. To learn more about all of our parks visit tuckerga.gov/parks

See you out there!