Tucker, GA — From new COVID-19 statistics to urban camping in Tucker, City Council covered a wide range of issues in the month’s first meeting.

Mayor Frank Auman presented new data on the pandemic with a reminder to wear a masks, social distance and practice good hygiene. Auman reported 1.1 million vaccines have been administered in Georgia as of Feb. 7. He said 8.6 percent of the population has received one shot, and 2 percent is fully vaccinated.

“I’m hopeful. It’s certainly been a relief over the last month to watch those numbers go down on cases, death rates and hospitalization,” Auman said.

Auman proposed and council unanimously approved the renaming of two parks in Smoke Rise neighborhood in honor of Tucker residents Bill Rosenfeld and Bill Probst. Smoke Rise Bath and Racquet is now named Rosenfeld Park after original City Council member Rosenfeld, who died last month. Smoke Rise Park has 10 acres of natural landscape and trails. It is now Probst Park, named for the visionary of Smoke Rise.

In other City Council business:

– James Tsismanakis, executive director and CEO of Discover DeKalb, presented a report on COVID-19’s effects on tourism in Tucker. He said while the pandemic hit hotels and hospitality, Discover DeKalb created social media and marketing campaigns to drive traffic to culinary and outdoor recreation. To heighten awareness and interest in Tucker, Restaurant Week will be held Feb. 24-28 with 17 participants. Ten billboards can be seen advertising the event around DeKalb County.

– City Council unanimously approved the adoption of the Tucker-Northlake CID’s Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) five-year update which draws from 21 studies and plans in economic development, land use and transportation.

Matthew Lee, Tucker-Northlake CID executive director, said LCI is a funding mechanism for Atlanta Regional Commission to invest in city centers like downtown Tucker and Northlake.

– City engineer Ken Hildebrandt and Kimley-Horn planning firm presented an update on the I-285 Major Mobility Investment Program with Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). Proposed costs for standard lighting, fencing and parapet for Henderson Road totals $320,000; enhanced lighting, fencing, PATH trail barrier and parapet for Northlake Parkway totals $760,000; and enhanced lighting, fencing and parapet with branding for LaVista Road totals $520,000.

Tucker plans to request an InterGovernmental Agreement with GDOT and negotiate pricing and scope of the project for approximately $1.6 million. Construction is set to begin in 2024.

– City Council unanimously approved a resolution to appoint Zoning Board of Appeals members Jason Burton, Bob Espy, Neal Stubblefield. Each member will serve a two-year term.

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