Residents of DeKalb County voiced urgent concerns during the Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting on July 22, 2025, highlighting pressing issues affecting their communities. Among the most impactful discussions was a plea from Eve Overland, a Stone Mountain resident, regarding the dire state of Lake Michelle, which has been severely damaged since Hurricane Helene struck in September 2024. Overland described the lake as a hazardous mudflat, posing risks to children and pets, and emphasized its critical role in the county's stormwater management system. She urged the county to take action on the property, which has been neglected and is owned by an absentee landlord who has not paid taxes since 2010.

The meeting also featured Lance Hammonds, a member of the Water's Edge HOA, who expressed gratitude for the swift response from county officials to address community concerns about neglected infrastructure. His remarks underscored the importance of communication between residents and local government, encouraging citizens to report issues to ensure timely resolutions.

Public safety was another focal point, with Charles Bailey Musgrave addressing ongoing crime and neglect in unincorporated South DeKalb. He highlighted recent violent incidents and criticized the lack of action from property owners and authorities to maintain safe environments for residents. Musgrave's comments reflected a broader frustration with the perceived inaction on public safety issues in the area.

Housing concerns were also prominent, with representatives from various organizations discussing the urgent need for affordable housing solutions in DeKalb County. Will Butler from Frontline Response International emphasized the importance of stable housing for individuals recovering from homelessness and trafficking, while Beth Stevens from Enterprise Community Partners pointed out the significant housing shortage in Georgia, calling for local policies to expand affordable housing options.

Additionally, Dana Davis proposed a solution to address the overcrowding at DeKalb County Animal Services, advocating for mandatory spay and neuter laws to control the pet population and reduce the number of animals entering shelters.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaborative problem-solving among commissioners and community members to address these critical issues. The discussions underscored the need for immediate action and ongoing dialogue to improve the quality of life in DeKalb County.