Lots of Energy, Questions at First Memorial Drive Merchants Meeting

More than 60 people turned out Tuesday morning for a first meeting to organize a new merchants association along Memorial Drive, a move to reduce crime and rejuvenate the corridor.

Many who attended the event at the Memorial Drive Chick-fil-A said they were heartened and energized by the turn-out.

"I can feel that people are interested and want to be empowered," said Greg Palmer of All Access Insurance. "You can tell that people are energized."

The meeting, hosted by DeKalb Chief Executive Officer Burrell Ellis, State Rep. Michele Henson and PRISM, is among a number of efforts underway to do something about the high crime rate and code violations in the area. The movement was sparked by the brutal rape, beating and robbery of a woman in St. Timothy United Methodist Church in January.

"It's unfortunate that it takes a situation that's a catalyst" to change, Henson said at the meeting. "We're going to make it into a positive, positive energy."

The association aims to create one voice to promote economic development along the corridor and to ensure that voice is heard among county officials. 

Business owners had no shortage of questions and complaints for Ellis, DeKalb Police Chief William O'Brien and other DeKalb officials who attended: about driveways being torn up, road work taking too long, and especially about loiterers and panhandlers. 

"I feel bad that we can't feed them all and put a bed under them," said Laura Harris of the Original Pancake House. "But they can't kill my business."

Harris praised DeKalb police for helping when she has asked for it. "I couldn't thank the police more," she said.

Chief O'Brien stressed the importance of calling the police and pressing charges. One of the force's biggest problems, he said, is "most people don't want to get involved." Involvement, he said, could solve the problems overnight.

Extended-stay hotels in the area, often a source of problems and trouble, are being looked into by the district attorney, O'Brien said.

Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton pointed out that the county is working on a plan to develop the area. 

"This is not a new thing. Several plans have been presented," she said. But they are now dated and need to be tweaked. 

"We understand you're in business to get a return on your investment," Ellis said. The county aims "to remove obstacles and get them out of the way so you can do business." 

Nick Goebeler, owner of the Memorial Drive Chick-fil-A, said the meeting is just one of many to come. "It's great to have a meeting, but we need to get back together."

Goebeler has also organized a walk along Memorial Drive this Thursday night, April 28, to bring the community together and raise awareness of the need for action. Walkers will come from all around and meet at Chick-fil-A from 5 - 7 p.m. There will be door prizes, including the chance to win free Chick-fil-A for a year.

If you are a business owner or manager in the corridor and would like to join the merchants association, call Rep. Michele Henson at 404-296-1442 or email michelehenson@earthlink.net.