Commissioners defer plans for 79 cluster homes at Cedar Grove Road amid community input

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on July 8, 2025, where significant discussions centered around tax relief measures and a proposed development project in the Bouldercrest Overlay District.

One of the primary topics was the delay in utilizing $12.8 million from the EHOST reserve, which was intended to provide tax relief for both municipal and unincorporated areas. Commissioner Patrick sought clarification on the implications of this delay, which was attributed to the Tax Commissioner's Office needing additional time to test their system for processing tax credits. This delay could affect not only county tax billing but also school and city taxes, prompting the decision to reserve the funds for future tax bills in 2026.

The meeting also featured a public hearing regarding a special land use permit application for a development project at Cedar Grove Road. The proposal, presented by attorney Michelle Battle, initially included townhomes but was revised to focus solely on 79 detached cluster homes, each with a minimum size of 1,200 square feet. The staff recommended approval with conditions, but community members expressed concerns about the development's alignment with the area's comprehensive plan, which emphasizes mixed-use development and neighborhood centers.

Several residents voiced their opposition, requesting a deferral to allow for further community engagement and discussion with the developer. They emphasized the need for clarity on the project and its impact on the community, highlighting previous petitions against townhome developments in favor of single-family homes.

In response to community feedback, the board decided to defer the decision for two weeks, allowing time for further discussions and adjustments to the proposal. Commissioners expressed their commitment to working collaboratively with the community and the developer to ensure the project meets local needs and expectations.

The meeting concluded with a motion to defer the decision, which passed unanimously, indicating a continued effort to balance development with community interests in DeKalb County.