Tucker’s City Council met Monday night for the first of two scheduled October meetings at the City Hall Annex. The meeting was highlighted by public hearings on three issues, a mayoral proclamation and a presentation on Tucker’s Parks and Recreation facilities.
The first major issue was a second read and vote on a proposed self-storage multi-warehouse facility on Northlake Center Drive. Council voted 5-0 to approve of a series of variances and a special land use permit (SLUP) that pave the way for the build out of a 94,800-square-foot climate controlled multi-warehouse. That permission is contingent on several conditions that ensure the building is of the highest standards.
Council then voted 5-0 to approve a group of amendments to Tucker’s zoning ordinance. Those changes include:
• Requiring all massage establishments and health spas to be approved by a special land use permit (SLUP) citywide
• Prohibiting linear lighting citywide
• Refining the definition of “family” to better balance protection of our single-family neighborhoods with the changing nature of family
Next, they held a first read and public hearing on amendments to the City’s Land Development Ordinance which includes street, sidewalk, easement and driveway standards. With increasing residential development and demand, staff is updating and further refining this important land development tool.
Earlier in the meeting, Dave Butler from Lowe Engineers presented his firm’s findings on the repair needs for Tucker’s parks. Lowe conducted the extensive study several months ago in anticipation of the City assuming responsibility of its parks from DeKalb County. They found “high risk” improvements in the parks and Tucker Recreation Center would total $674,800. Those costs include repairs to the dam at Henderson Park, the swimming pool at Kelley Cofer Park and the roof at Tucker Rec. According to the study, not all the improvements would need to be made right away.
Mayor Auman also presented a proclamation in honor of World Mental Health Day, which will be observed on October 10. Tucker resident Holly Duncan and a delegation from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the DeKalb Community Services Board (CSB) were on hand to receive the proclamation.
The Mayor and City Council will next meet on Monday October 23 at 7 p.m. at the City Hall Annex (4228 First Avenue). They hold a Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday October 10 at 7 p.m. at Tucker Middle School.
