Advisory: Schools Back in Session Tomorrow. Plan Accordingly.

From Decatur PD’s Sgt. Jennifer Ross…

Don’t forget that school starts back up in Decatur this Thursday, August 1st. That will result in more traffic in general to include school buses, cyclists and pedestrians. Please slow down and pay extra attention. It is easy to get accustomed to the lighter summer traffic and commute times. However, many of us need to plan for a little extra time getting to where we need to go so we don’t speed through the school zones or drive more aggressively out of frustration because we are now running late. There will be an increased presence of Decatur officers in and around the school zones to remind everyone school is back in session. DeKalb County Schools start back Monday, August 12th and Atlanta Public Schools start back Wednesday, August 7th.

Decatur’s Taco Mac Closing Temporarily for Extensive Renovation

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The good folks at Taco Mac Sports Grill were good enough to send along an announcement and some renderings of renovations from Atlanta-based design studio ai3 that will be undertaken at Decatur’s Taco Mac at the corner of West Ponce de Leon Ave and Commerce Drive starting August 5th.  A bit more info from the release…

The restaurant will be temporarily closing for the renovation project at close of business on Sunday, August 4.
The restaurant is planned to reopen in October with a fresh and exciting look. The interior  design renovation features a new street-front patio along Ponce de Leon Avenue; an all-new  and expanded bar area featuring 100 draft beer taps; new, more comfortable seating and  upgraded LED HDTVs throughout the restaurant and bar. The project is expected to take 12-14  weeks to complete.
“After 12 years, it’s time to refresh this Taco Mac,” said Bob Campbell, Taco Mac CEO. “ We’re  looking forward to the fresh, new look of this restaurant and the excitement we think it will bring  to Decatur. We’re proud to be a part of this community and committed to investing in the Decatur Taco Mac.”
A couple more interior renderings after the jump.

Heirloom Market BBQ Owners’ Opening “Decatur’s Korean Southern Diner” on Clairmont Road

James points us to a recent post on Eater Atlanta, which references a tweet from Heirloom Market from July 13th…

Sobban- Small wooden table reserved for humble meals; most popular during the Lee Dynasty. Decatur’s Korean Southern Diner.

As reported here previously, the Heirloom Market BBQ owners recently lease the old Arby’s-turned-Kitsch’n 155 on Clairmont Road.

Dog Missing From Lake Claire Neighborhood

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Judah writes in…

…Bella, escaped from my watch and into the community of Lake Claire. I am not sure which direction, it was very dark and chasing her is not a good idea, she is very timid. A friend suggested that I send a description and email a picture in the hopes that you may be able to help. She is 20-30lbs, black and white, harness is on and tag is stamped with “BELLA”, ears stick straight up and she is considered a Basengii mix. Any info or advice would be helpful, regardless.

New Sidewalks Going in on Westchester Drive

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Travis sends in a pic of new sidewalk installations taking place along Westchester Drive.

 

Decatur Police Detail Recent Arrests in Response to Resident Feedback

Sgt. Jennifer Ross sent around this information late yesterday…

One of the things we have consistently heard while attending recent community and neighborhood meetings and speaking one on one with Decatur residents about the issue of crime, is that many residents would like to hear more about when our officers make arrests.  We have a habit of answering calls, conducting investigations and making arrests and simply moving on to the next call or investigation.  Officers make arrests almost daily in Decatur for everything from traffic offenses to assaults to theft.  In response to the interest that has been expressed, here are a few recent arrests made by Decatur officers.

–          On 07/22/13 at approximately 1:46 pm, Decatur officers responded to the Decatur Library in reference to a report of public indecency.  The complainant, a library security officer, reported a male suspect exposed himself to a staff member in the elevator.  The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Justin Worthy of DeKalb County, was arrested and charged with public indecency.

–          On 07/23/13 at approximately 3:22 am, a Decatur officer conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of Church Street for disregarding a traffic control device (red light).  Further investigation revealed the driver to be in possession of suspected cocaine and suspected marijuana.  The driver, identified as 24-year-old Jonathan Carle of Fairburn, was arrested and charged with VGCSA (Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act) possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana less than one ounce and disregarding a traffic control device.

–          On 07/24/13 at approximately 8:06 am, Decatur officers responded to the parking lot of Kroger in reference to a motor vehicle theft in progress.  The complainant reported her vehicle keys had been stolen from a counter top and a co-worker alerted her that an unknown male was in the parking lot sitting inside of her vehicle.  The complainant located the suspect inside of her vehicle attempting to leave the parking lot and confronted him.  Officers arrived and the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Jerrel Hairston of Atlanta, was arrested and charged with theft by taking and theft by taking a motor vehicle.

Decatur Police Update: Charges Filed Against Burglary Suspects

From Decatur PD’s Sgt. Jennifer Ross…

Update on Winonna Park/South Candler Street/Oakhurst Burglaries:

On Friday, July 26, 2013, Decatur Police filed a burglary complaint with DeKalb County Juvenile Court against a 15-year-old male for a burglary that occurred on June 19, 2013 in the 100 block of West Hill Street.   Investigators are still working with DeKalb Police to identify additional suspects and physical evidence is still being examined in the series of related burglaries.  The most recent burglary that appeared to be related to this series occurred on East Lake Drive on July 8, 2013.

Update on Previously Arrested Burglary Suspect:

On July 29, 2013, a third burglary charge was filed against 18-year-old Antonio Bernard Harris of DeKalb County for a burglary that occurred on May 27, 2013 in the 1100 block of South Candler Street.  Harris was caught by Decatur officers on June 2, 2013 shortly after a burglary was reported in the 900 block of South Candler Street and later charged with an additional burglary that occurred in the 400 block of East Pharr Road on May 20, 2013.  The additional cases were solved through physical evidence.