Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☐ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 6
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): Potential for All Commission Districts
A Resolution to Create a Study Committee for the Pole Bridge Wastewater Treatment Property for a Greater Understanding of How to Address Environmental Justice Strategies for This Area and the Many Tributaries That Connect DeKalb County.
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner Edward C. “Ted” Terry
Phone Number: 404-371-4909
PURPOSE:
To create a study committee for the Pole Bridge Wastewater Treatment Property to assess the ecological, clean energy, and green space potential of the 300 acres surrounding the Pole Bridge Wastewater Treatment Property. This includes engaging with stakeholders in the community and providing recommendations to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners on the most effective and efficient ways to utilize the property for environmental and community benefit.
NEED/IMPACT:
DeKalb County Government recognizes the importance of addressing climate change, promoting sustainability, and protecting environmental justice. Improving greenspaces and ensuring they are toxic-free effect DeKalb County citizens as it is generally is a “bridge” connecting neighborhoods, communities, districts, and counties. Pole Bridge is of interest for District 6 because of the potential opportunities the 300 acres of land can have for all DeKalb County residents (park, greenspace, trail opportunities connecting to Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, other DeKalb County parks and greenspace, solar farm, food forest, etc). It has the potential for protecting the environment, promoting clean energy, and providing green spaces for the community in whole.
Storm water run-off and DeKalb County water pant systems have some form of connection from the most northern tip of District 6 to the farthest southern end of District 7. Therefore, as a County it is imperative to have a study conducted to assess this land and soil due to its history to give us a greater understanding on what strategies could address environmental justice issues for this area and create long term benefit here and the surrounding community members.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Fiscal impact not known at this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve the resolution to create a study committee for the Pole Bridge Wastewater Treatment Property and authorize the chief executive officer to execute all necessary documents.