Steve points out that the City Schools of Decatur were the only local school district in the metro Atlanta area that didn’t see an increase in high school dropouts under a new, stricter graduation rate formula recently imposed by the State of Georgia. Here’s the AJC’s bar chart of old and new graduation rates..

And here’s the AJC’s more in-depth article about the new dropout formula’s effect on the metro Atlanta region. I’m seeking comment from CSD on this recent finding.

East Ponce de Leon Ave @ Church Street, Decatur GA (pic submitted by Julie)

At tonight’s Decatur City Commission meeting, commissioners will take up zoning for some of the finer things in life.

The commission will take up revisions to the city’s alcohol ordinance to specify the allowance of “craft breweries” inside the city limits in C3 commercial districts.  As described in an early July post, it was suggested by the City’s attorney that the commission clarify the alcohol ordinance to establish a license category for the manufacture of beer in the heavy-commercial C3 district.  Currently, the only C3 district in the city exists in the East College Avenue/New Street area around and behind East Decatur Station.

In related and always exciting zoning news, the city commission is being asked this evening to also specify the allowance of “bed & breakfasts” inside the city in R60 and R85 residential districts.  As stated by a note from Asst. City Manager Lyn Menne, the city has long-allowed bed & breakfasts, however the use needs clarification since it is subject to state licensing.

According to Ms. Menne’s note, a B&B is “defined as an owner-occupied residence offering no more than three bedrooms for a short-term rental and providing breakfast as part of the rental service. The term of the rental may not exceed 14 days.” Ms. Menne goes on to state that “The City of Decatur offers an ideal location for successful small B&B operations because of our proximity to Atlanta, access to MARTA and the location of Agnes Scott College, Columbia Seminary and Emory University.