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eKalb County is reviewing a land‑swap reversal that occurred in 2021 with Blackhall Real Estate. At its September 23 meeting, the Commission will vote on a resolution that backs the county’s plan to reclaim the property. The session begins at 9 a.m. at the Government Services Center, 178 Sams St., Decatur. The agenda and livestream links are posted on the county website.

    Public comments can be made in person or emailed (no longer than one page) to [email protected]. Emails must arrive between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on the day of the meeting; only those received in that window will be read aloud. In‑person speakers must submit a speaker card to the clerk before the public‑comment segment starts. Cards are accepted on a first‑come, first‑served basis until the comment period opens; thereafter no more cards will be taken.

    The resolution, introduced by Commissioner Ted Terry, originally called for the county to recover the land traded to Blackhall if the developer failed to meet contractual obligations and to reopen Intrenchment Creek Park. The current draft supports the administration’s move to negotiate reacquisition. In 2003, the county bought 136 acres that became Intrenchment Creek Park, a forested area in the South River Forest Region. The 2021 swap gave Blackhall 2,235 Bouldercrest Rd. in exchange for three nearby parcels, including 2,055 Bouldercrest Rd. Blackhall was required to perform park improvements and pay $100,000 to the county. The county now seeks to regain 2,235 Bouldercrest Rd. and keep 2,055 Bouldercrest Rd. The resolution also requests the repeal of Thurmond’s 2023 executive order that closed the park and directs trail‑funding toward its restoration. The park has been closed since March 2023.

    Other items on the docket include:

    * A zoning‑code amendment to lower the minimum square‑footage for homes in R‑75 and R‑85 zones (currently 1,600 sq ft and 1,800 sq ft, respectively). If approved, the change would apply to all homes in those zones. Commissioners discussed moving the process to an administrative variance rather than a formal variance request.

    * Public hearings on rezoning proposals for a residential development at 4,743 Flat Shoals Parkway, townhomes at 2,381 Snapfinger Road, and detached homes, duplexes, and townhomes at 3,803 and 3,815 Glenwood Road.

    * Reallocation of $115,000 to the Decatur Legacy Project for phase two of the John Lewis Memorial project on Decatur Square.

    * Amendment to the fiscal‑year 2025 budget to create nine new positions in the District Attorney’s Office.

    * Approval of a $21 million contract to clean the sewer system and prevent future spills.

    Residents can sign up for the daily Decaturish newsletter or support the fall fundraiser by visiting the provided links.