Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 7
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): District 7
An Item to Allocate an Amount Not to Exceed $50,000 of the District 7 Reserve for Appropriation Funds to Arabia Alliance for Historical Preservation of Lyon Farmhouse.
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner LaDena Bolton
Phone Number: 404-371-2899
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this Agenda Item is to allocate an amount not to exceed $50,000 of the District 7 Reserve for appropriation funds to Arabia Alliance for historical preservation of Lyon Farmhouse.
NEED/IMPACT:
The Arabia Alliance plays a critical role in preserving the Lyon Farmhouse, one of DeKalb County’s oldest homesteads and a cornerstone of Georgia’s African-American heritage. Built in the 1820s and later expanded, the farmhouse not only reflects early agricultural life but also holds deep historical ties to the Flat Rock community-formed by formerly enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the land. Without intervention, the site faced irreversible decay and loss of cultural memory. Through stabilization efforts, interpretive signage, and ongoing restoration of outbuildings like the smokehouse and sorghum mill, the Arabia Alliance ensures that this vital piece of history remains accessible, educational, and meaningful for future generations
FISCAL IMPACT:
An Item to allocate an amount not to exceed $50,000 of the District 7 Reserve for appropriation funds to Arabia Alliance for historical preservation of Lyon Farmhouse.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve the allocation of an amount not to exceed $50,000 of the District 7 Reserve for appropriation funds to Arabia Alliance for historical preservation of Lyon Farmhouse and authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute all necessary documents.