Residents of DeKalb County are rallying against a controversial roundabout and sidewalk project at the intersection of Crestline Drive and Chrysler Drive, expressing concerns over lack of community input and potential environmental impacts. During a recent Board of Commissioners meeting, local residents voiced their frustrations, highlighting that they were blindsided by the project details, which were only communicated through land acquisition offers delivered shortly before Thanksgiving.

Tom Steele, an architect and project manager, criticized the engineering team's approach, stating that they failed to engage with the neighborhood and did not consider the unique needs of a suburban community. He emphasized the importance of typical suburban amenities, such as 4-foot sidewalks and proper drainage solutions, which he argued were overlooked in the current design. Steele called for the project to be halted entirely and redesigned with community input.

Mark Capps, another resident, echoed these sentiments, describing the proposed land plan as "incompetent" and "insulting." He raised concerns about the removal of over 47 trees and the unnecessary expansion of the right-of-way, which he argued would disrupt the neighborhood's character. Capps pointed out that the roundabout was not requested by residents and that simpler, more cost-effective solutions, like lowering the speed limit, had been ignored.

Lynn Tetline, a long-time resident, also expressed her disapproval, stating that the project does not address the actual safety concerns of the community. She urged the commissioners to meet with residents to better understand the potential impacts of the project.

The overwhelming sentiment among residents is clear: they want a halt to the current plans and a fresh approach that prioritizes community feedback and environmental preservation. As discussions continue, the future of the Crestline Drive and Chrysler Drive project remains uncertain, with residents advocating for a more thoughtful and inclusive planning process.