Tucker, GA — Tucker is making several changes to city code, including an effort to limit the number of new convenience stores in the city.  

A memo states that an influx of convenience stores are looking to open in Tucker, many of which do not offer affordable and nutritious foods, especially in food deserts.

“Staff and DeKalb PD have also seen a lot of crime associated with convenience stores within the city,” the memo reads. 

Issued by Director of Community Development Courtney Smith, the memo suggests adopting a moratorium on new permits, certificates of occupancy, occupational tax certificates, or other approvals for convenience stores through Nov. 14 “to allow time to research regulations for convenience stores which may include a requirement for nutritious food and video surveillance.” 

The Tucker City Council will vote on the moratorium at the second read on Aug. 8. 

Tucker staff is also revising the appeal process for occupational tax certificates (OTC) denied due to a zoning issue. The current process requires an appeal to go before a hearing officer if an OTC is denied for any reason, but Planning and Zoning Director Courtney Smith said an amendment would allow for zoning decisions to be appealed to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The city council will vote on the amendment at the second read on Aug. 8. 

Lastly, the city council voted unanimously on July 11 to amend the city code to allow childcare centers to be managed by a third party in places of worship. The new code will allow for the opening of the Turning Sun Smoke Rise campus at Eastminster Presbyterian Church on Hugh Howell Road. 

In other news:

– Tucker’s finance department was recognized by the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association with a Certificate of Excellence in financial reporting, the highest form of recognition in government accounting and financial reporting.  

– A new effort to promote health, socializing and community is being formed by Tucker Civic Association’s Lifelong Community. Tucker Walks will kick off at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 23 at Church Street Greenspace, 4316 Church Street in Tucker. More information can be found at www.tuckercivic.org. 

The Tucker Observer is a community news website owned by Decaturish.com. We provide locally sourced news about Tucker, Clarkston and Stone Mountain.