DeKalb CEO Wants To Move Government Center Out Of Decatur
DeKalb County’s Government Center could move from downtown Decatur to Memorial Drive. DeKalb CEO Lee May announced the relocation proposal today during his state of the county address.
CEO May says the move is needed because it would spur redevelopment along the Memorial Drive corridor. He believes that’s essential for DeKalb’s future.
“This vision is about giving attention to a part of the county that has been neglected for decades.”
May envisions a “Downtown DeKalb,” which would include offices, retail and nearby housing. He says the government center would be moved onto land the county already owns, close to the Kensington MARTA station. As the footprint of unincorporated DeKalb County shrinks as more new cities are created, May says the relocation would move the center closer to residents, Stone Mountain and the Georgia Capitol.
“Memorial Drive is the heart of Dekalb County, it’s both the geographical center, as well as [the population center] of our county.”
The possible move out of Downtown Decatur doesn’t concern city officials. Decatur Mayor Jim Baskett says as long as the county courthouse stays, it won’t hurt the city economically. A county spokesman says there are currently no plans to move the courthouse, only the government center. A proposal on the move is expected within a year. May wants to partner with the private sector to help fund the new center.
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