Johns Homestead: Down to the Wire

After attending a BOC meeting this morning to hear more information regarding the proposed locations of the new animal shelter, we were presented with the conceptualized renderings for the animal shelter; 1 at the PDK site and 2 for Johns Homestead.

Unfortunately, the former truck/car dealership site on Lawrenceville Highway was not part of the presentation because the architect (in his opinion) didn't think it was a good location and obviously the BOC was fine with that too. The discussion by the landscape architect presenter, a rep from PDK, a DeKalb County lawyer and the BOC covered various items from their visions of where to place the shelter on the property to how money would be moved around when the 5 acres for the shelter would be sitting on designated GREENSPACE. They have to figure out what account(s) the Greenspace money will go to since an animal shelter is not Greenspace. The BOC's like JHP because it will be 1.2 million less to be 1.2 million less to build than the PDK space.

Commissioner Boyer also envisions a dog park in the future. The June 25 meeting will most likely be the decision day from the BOC. Many people have now Liked the Friends of Johns Homestead Park site and that is great - but more work and help is needed. This meeting on the 25th will be the last chance to show your concern for Johns Homestead and that it remain (all 50 acreas) as the Greenspace that we voted for years ago. I believe the conceptualized renderings are being made available and between Friends of Johns Homestead and Tucker Historical Society we will try to have these posted so everyone can take a look at the proposed plans.

After the meeting, we met with Commissioner Sutton and Commissioner Boyer's chief of staff, looking over the drawings offered by the architect. It was an emotional time for many of us trying to figure out how the historic homestead and endeared forest of wildlife would be saved and preserved, if it would be saved. Their comments were that yes it would be saved - that remains to be seen.

Work is continuing to Save Johns Homestead Park and we need your help by attending next Tuesday's meeting in that effort! Please show your support by attending that meeting on Tuesday, June 25 at Maloof Auditorium in Decatur.