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Community Corner

Tucker Historical Society March Update

Harry Powell, President of Tucker Historical Society, writes about Save Tucker.

This update of Monday's meeting is a bit long but I wanted you to know what we heard and what to expect at the March 25 meeting and in the coming months.

Kathy and I saw several of our members and friends who attended last night's meeting to discuss the future of Tucker, its neighborhoods, schools, and the Tucker community at large.

The meeting, led by Michelle Penkava, a Livsey parent, was informational regarding the most current map of the proposed Lakeside City. The boundary line that cuts through Tucker raises many concerns and the majority of those in attendance last night were very vocal in their opposition to it and what it could mean to the Tucker community.

Find out what's happening in Tuckerwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The meeting was about two hours long with brief discussions surrounding the reasons LCA (Lakeside City Alliance) wants so much of Tucker in their map. As I understand it, the following Tucker/Dekalb County assets are a part of their current map: Henderson Park for Greenspace, Midvale and Livsey Elementary Schools to feed into Lakeside High/Northlake Mall and some other surrounding retail businesses, restaurants, hotels, etc.- a critical commercial tax base.  

Last night's meeting was an effort for everyone in Tucker to be prepared for the March 25 meeting (next Monday) at Tucker Middle School at 7 p.m. It will be hosted by Commissioner Elaine Boyer with some additional speakers. Lakeside City Alliance leaders will be in attendance also.

Find out what's happening in Tuckerwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I have been asked to take a few minutes to talk about Tucker's history and how Tucker Historical Society has worked over the years with our other Tucker groups and associations developing a strong community through various projects and programs.

You may have already contacted the senators, representatives or Commissioner Boyer to voice your thoughts. Here is a list with contact details if you have more questions, comments or want to get in touch with them.

Sen. Fran Millar, Dist 40, 404-463-2260, fran.millar@senate.ga.gov.
Sen. Steve Henson, Dist 41, 404-656-0085, steve.henson@senate.ga.gov.
Rep. Michele Henson, Dist 87, 404-656-7859,lmichele.Henson@house.ga.gov
Rep. Scott Holcomb, Dist 82, 404-656-6372, scott@repscottholcomb.com
Rep. Billy Mitchell, Dist 88, 404-656-0126, billy.mitchell@house.ga.gov
Commissioner Elaine Boyer, Dist 1, elaine@commissionerboyer.com 

There is a Facebook page called Save Tucker from Lakeside City Alliance to see the ongoing conversation there. Midvale PTA has a website or email them at midvalepta@yahoo.com. Here is Judy Spain from Tucker High School's email address 

You will also want to visit LCA's website to see the current map and what they are proposing for their idea of cityhood. You can see the map well enough, but I could not print it. It sounded like the map has already gone through some changes, so you may want to check back there as we go through this process.

A bill will be dropped by one of their representatives to make a placeholder for Lakeside City very soon. Once that is done the LCA leaders can hire the Carl Vinson Institute for a feasibility study and hold more community meetings. The vote for cityhood could happen in Fall 2014. Only the residents inside that defined border will be allowed to vote at that time.

I know this may feel like Information Overload, but the Tucker Historical Society Board of Directors wants all of our members and friends to be aware of this proposal by the Lakeside City Alliance. As usual, Tucker Historical Society is in the midst of working on our 2013 spring time events - Tucker Plant Swap & Share on April 20 and Tucker Historical Society's Garden Tour on May 18.   

Join us in celebrating Tucker's 121st anniversary in 2013! 

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