Lately around Decatur it’s felt like we’re in the midst of a season of paving, as the whole of College Ave and selected neighborhood streets have gotten a fresh coat of asphalt.  Not to mention the random bouts of paving along Clairemont Avenue the last couple of months.

Well, GDOT is ready to accept next year’s list of residential paving around the city.  Here’s the list of streets that Asst. City Manager David Yunger is submitting to the city this evening…

• East Parkwood Road from West Ponce de Leon Avenue to West Parkwood Road intersection – .55 miles
• Fairview Street from Sycamore Drive. to Lockwood Terrace – .07 miles
• Lenore Street from Adams Street to South McDonough Street – .15 miles
• Springdale Street from Sycamore Drive to east end of street – .12 miles
• Vidal Boulevard from Lamont Drive to Lamom Drive – .35 miles
• West Hill Street from end of Oakhurst Streetscape project to South McDonough Street – .31 miles

The AJC reports that Decatur school enrollment has reached a record high of 4,334 students, surpassing the previous high in 1969-70 of 4,268 students.  This handy chart from CSD in 2012 above provides you with a good overview of the system’s historical enrollment trending.

The enrollment has only grown by 5 students since the last time we reported this data, but the historical context here is obviously the interesting piece.

The blurb also notes that the city’s enrollment size will grow to 7,398 if the current year-over-year growth trend continues through 2019-20, which is what CSD is currently projecting.  All future estimates do not currently account for any future city annexations.

• Greg Germani gives a thumbs up, benefit in November [MANA]
• Swastikas drawn on Emory Jewish fraternity walls [Emory Wheel]
• Photos! Atlanta Makers Faire in Decatur [Decaturish]
• How to find and hike Atlanta’s Hidden Forests [Saporta Report]
• Speed limit changing on the top end of the Perimeter [AJC]
• Uber improves life, economists agree [NYT]

The City of Decatur City Commission meets this evening and  – as promised 5 weeks ago when the measure was tabled –  is taking up the Compassionate Decatur action plan to address the issue of diversity within the community.  A letter from City Manager Peggy Merriss notes…

Data, personal observations and community experiences show us that Decatur is changing and change can be both unsettling and exciting at the same time. The definition of what it means to be a diverse community is continually expanding and evolving; yet, it still must incorporate and
respect traditional descriptions of diversity. Diversity includes age-based issues; economic opportunities and income; recognizing the capabilities of persons with disabilities; life-style choices, family structures and household types; national origin, culture and language; as well as race and ethnicity, gender and differences between newcomers and longtime residents. In order to draw on the experiences and knowledge of the community, our efforts need to be comprehensive, intentional and take a holistic approach to develop a community action plan that  appreciates diversity and supports a community of inclusion and compassion based on justice and equity.

According to the City Manager’s note, the city is now proposing to break the plan into two phases, the first of which includes…

• Establish a steering committee to act as a core leadership team
• Create, organize and prepare the internal dialogue process, which includes all the logistics for setting up meetings to discuss the topic
• Organize background materials and info

The second phase would develop a budget and begin looking for outside sources of funding.  The city still recommends working with the Decatur-based organization, The Art of Community, to start up and facilitate the process.

Ms. Merriss notes that for the process to be “effective” it cannot be rushed and will take place over the next 12 months.  She continues…

It takes significant energy and time to inform and engage a broad cross-section of the community to assure active participation. Efforts must include continued outreach and feedback to maintain interest and meeting schedules must work around community calendars to avoid conflicts. Reports require adequate time for community feedback. We need to take the time and make the effort to get it right.

The city recommends establishing a $25,000 budget for Phase I, with funds available in the current budget.