LLCC's Blueprints Study Incorporated into DeKalb Master Plan

By Henry Batten

In a major milestone in the history of our coalition, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has accepted LLCC's Blueprints for Successful Communities Study and adopted it into the DeKalb County Comprehensive Plan as an amendmnet.

Now, if this news leaves you musing, "Gee, I wonder how big a deal this is?", let me assure you: this is a big deal!

Here's how it unfolded. Commissioner Kathie Gannon of Super District 6 invited LLCC to participate in a commission work session. Katherine Moore of the Georgia Conservancy presented an overview of our Blueprints study at a DeKalb County Commission Work Session. In attendance were LLCC members Henry Batten, Jane Rawlings, Rich Sussman, Jason Stephenson, Steve Patrick, Sally Sears and Ryan Gravel of Perkins+Will.

The presentation was well-received by commissioners, and it was agreed that the goals and recommendations of the Blueprints Study are consistent with the DeKalb County 2025 Comprehensive Plan policies along the corridor. Commissioner Jeff Rader (District 2) moved to accept the report, and commissioners voted to add it to agenda of next regular commission meeting, where a formal resolution was passed amending the Comprehensive Plan to include LLCC Blueprints Study.

The county is required by state law to maintain a 20-year comprehensive plan. Through the planning process, the community develops a vision and assesses its needs in a range of areas, including population, economic development, housing, natural and cultural resources, solid waste management, community facilities, land use and transportation, and establishes strategic solutions to meet those needs. The current DeKalb County Comprehensive Plan, completed in 1996, outlines program goals and objectives through the year 2015. It will be revised in 2010 to fully incorporate LLCC Blueprints Study recommendations, as well as other Blueprints studies and LCI studies.