Druid Hills Residents Challenge Subdivision Permit

The Druid Hills Civic Association released the following statement on Dec. 31:

Druid Hills Civic Association calls on CEO Burrell Ellis to revoke a subdivision permit within the Druid Hills Historic District and investigate alleged improprieties in its issuance.

On December 17, 2012, a development permit was issued for the Clifton Ridge Subdivision (1142, 1150, 1158 Clifton Rd.). This permit was issued without the required certificate of appropriateness from the DeKalb County Historic Preservation Commission.

“The Druid Hills Civic Association respectfully requests that CEO Burrell Ellis revoke this permit,” said Bruce MacGregor, President of the Druid Hills Civic Association.

The proposed subdivision would divide three single-home lots into a plat that includes seven home sites, a new road, and retaining pond. The three lots lie within the Druid Hills Historic District. DeKalb County regulations require that any development or improvements to the properties is bound by the requirements of the Historic Preservation Code, which a permit first be issued by the DeKalb County Historic Preservation Commission.

Says MacGregor: “The subdivision could spur additional high-density development, in contradictory to the guidelines for building within the Druid Hills Historic District, part of the national register of historic places.”

In an emergency session of its Executive Committee, the Druid Hills Civic Association unanimously approved a motion to request an investigation be conducted into the circumstances leading to the issuance of this permit.

“As citizens, we depend on the County to honor its codes and protect our historic and unique community,” continued MacGregor.

For the past 10 years, the Druid Hills Civic Association has engaged in litigation to prevent the multiple attempts to construct a cul-de-sac subdivision on Clifton Road, adjacent to Emory’s Burbanck Park. The property in question consists of three single-home lots. There have been nine court orders, including three appellate decisions, over the course of this litigation, which have supported the position of the Druid Hills Civic Association.

See also:
Druid Hills Civic Association Hires Lawyer to Fight Development