DeKalb leaders discuss renewed efforts to revitalize Memorial Drive corridor between I-285 and Hwy. 78
DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw says in the past, people have written off Memorial Drive – but a new day has come. Bradshaw, who is leading renewed efforts to reimagine and revitalize the Memorial Drive corridor between I-285 and Highway 78, says his office is in execution mode.
With sustained political engagement and sustained community engagement, the commissioner is hoping to set the right conditions for the developers to act.
“The community wants more walkability,” said Bradshaw. “A lot of what they want is more restaurants, nicer choices in that regard—and they want a better sense of community.”
Bradshaw was one of several guests on Monday’s special edition of “Closer Look.”
During the program, show host Rose Scott talked with guests about disinvestment that happened to the East Memorial Drive area over the past three decades and what’s now being done to fuel investment for the roughly 5-mile stretch of the road that lacks commercial development, mixed-use buildings, new housing options, green space, and economic growth.
First, Bradshaw, who has lived near Memorial Drive for the past 30 years, discussed the Memorial Drive Revitalization Corridor Plan and how county officials are working with community leaders and business owners to execute the plan.
Bradshaw also talked about efforts to create more affordable housing options and how he plans to make sure the revitalization project is equitable for everyone through zoning.
Scott then talked with Shanta Lana Hereford, the founder of the East Memorial Drive Revitalization Foundation, Deanna Cauthen, the coordinator for the East Memorial Drive Pop-Up Market and Deniece Williams, a vendor and the owner of Deniece-Camille Natural Lifestyle Products, about the importance of community engagement in the revitalization process and how local businesses can drive economic development along the East Memorial Drive corridor.
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