CorinthHills.org

The U.S. Geological Survey has stated that the flooding experienced in north Georgia was “extremely rare, epic, stunning and off the charts”. Statistically it was the type of flood that is only projected to be experienced once every 500 years.

Average annual rainfall for metro Atlanta is around 50 inches. Many locations received rainfall totals approaching the 20 inch mark during the 24 hour period of September 20th through September 21st. That equates to 40% of an average annual rainfall in one day.

Scientists are describing the September flooding as one of the worst flood events experienced in the U.S. in the last 100 years.

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The Stone Mountain Target store located on West Park Place will close January 30th, 2010. The store opened in March of 1999, but a recent company press release stated that the long-term financial viability of this particular location was questionable.

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Recent real estate listings for 30087 as provided by RealtyTrac. These listings will be automatically updated on a regular basis as they become available.

Qualified firearm owners are now allowed to bring their weapons into Stone Mountain Park. Anyone, except felons and those who have been involuntarily committed for mental illness, can have guns inside the park. However, those without a carry permit must leave their weapons in their car.

In May 2008 attorneys for GeorgiaCarry.org filed a lawsuit challenging a Stone Mountain Park ordinance that prohibited firearms inside the park.

On July 1, 2008, a new Georgia state law allowed guns in state parks and other places they had not been allowed before. About six months later, at the end of last year, the Stone Mountain ordinance was tweaked letting those with carry permits bring their guns into the park as long as they first told the park police they were armed.

The settlement of GeorgiaCarry.org’s May 2008 lawsuit allows for guns inside the park without notification.

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The following are comments from members of the Stone Mountain Memorial Association (SMMA) from recent board meetings regarding the status and fate of the Stone Mountain Tennis Center

All SMMA board meeting minutes can be reviewed at StoneMountainPark.org

• A meeting of the Stone Mountain Memorial Association was held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2009, at Evergreen Conference Center, Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, Georgia.

TENNIS FACILITY LEASE WITH GWINNETT COUNTY
Mr. Branscome (Curtis Branscome, SMMA C.E.O.) reviewed the terms of the lease which was provided in the agenda materials. The lease provides for the operation of the tennis facility by Gwinnett County after the stadium is demolished. This is a 50 year lease which is permitted between governmental entities. The SMMA staff recommends the approval of the lease.

Finance Committee Chair Bill Chappell moved for the approval of the lease. Mr. Baxter stated that the Finance Committee has recommended the lease for approval, therefore no second is required. The SMMA Board unanimously approved the tennis facility lease.

• A meeting of the Stone Mountain Memorial Association was held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2009, at Evergreen Conference Center, Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, Georgia.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Lee Baker (Lee Baker, Executive Director, Gwinnett Sports Council) addressed his concerns regarding the demolition of the Tennis Stadium. He requested that the SMMA Board reconsider the decision to demolish the stadium. Mr. Baker understands that SMMA has not had any success in utilizing the Stadium over the past years. His belief is that the facility must be transitioned to a multi purpose facility with a roof or a bubble to remove the weather element in order to market it effectively. Mr. Baker listed many events that could take place at the venue if it had a roof. This facility could serve crowds that would not be accommodated by a 2,000 seat high school gymnasium.

He has reviewed the structural assessment report prepared by Rosser international which notes deterioration that has occurred but poses no immediate threat to the continued operation of the facility. The report was dated two years ago. To spend $2 million to demolish the stadium is hard to accept.

He asked if SMMA had done a feasibility study on putting a roof on the stadium and what benefits this would have for the area. SMMA’s response has been that this would be pouring good money after bad. Would if be worth verifying with a study, that would cost less than $50,000, to either confirm the decision to demolish or find that a multi-purpose facility could not only sustain itself but bring thousands of new visitors to the Park each year? The Stadium is positioned at the Gateway to the Evermore CID, which would welcome the visitors to the shops, restaurants and hotels in the area. By partnering with the Evermore CID, it could serve as a catalyst for a rebirth of the area.

Mr. Baker understands that an agreement has been signed with Gwinnett County to demolish the Stadium and turn the remaining tennis courts over to them. He is sure the county would reconsider its position on the conversion if an economic impact study shows that benefits would be substantially greater for all than using the area as a tennis park. Mr. Baker asked the Board to reconsider its actions or to share additional documentation that supports the decision. He requested the Board to allow a group led by him to inspect the facility. He has checked with Gwinnett County and they have told him any inspection would be SMMA’s decision.

Mr. Baker requested a reasonable amount of time to follow through with this discovery and make it as public as possible so no one can question what would be in the best interest of the citizens and taxpayers of the area.

Mr. Baker thanked the SMMA Board for allowing him to make the proposal. Mr. Branscome stated that the SMMA Board and the Gwinnett County Commission has approved and executed a fifty year lease on the tennis property with the stipulation that the Stadium be demolished. If Gwinnett County comes to the SMMA Board and requests that the agreement be amended to delete the requirement to demolish the Stadium, then SMMA would consider not spending monies on demolition. The agreement is legally binding and the fate of the facility is solely in the hands of Gwinnett County. Mr. Baker inquired as to whether a study had been done to determine the feasibility of putting a roof on the stadium. Mr. Branscome replied that to his knowledge no study had been performed. Mr. Branscome said that he envisioned that a roof would cost millions of dollars and that if the Evermore CID had funds for this they should present them to Gwinnett County along with their proposal.

Mr. Baker also asked who would need to decide to perform a feasibility study. Mr. Branscome stated that the binding agreement was with Gwinnett County and any study would need to come from them.

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If you were wondering what was going on in our local Wal-Mart, wonder no more… The store will soon be sporting the latest and greatest shopping design and customer service experience that corporate Wal-Mart has to offer.

The new layout is directly based upon consumer feedback and will feature a brighter, more open floorplan in every department. Wider aisles, lower profile product shelving, brighter lighting and improved signage are all on tap.

It’s a mess right now, but the makeover is scheduled for completion this coming September.

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There will be a multi-family yard sale held on Corinth Court in Stone Mountain on June 19th and 20th.

Friday, June 19, 2009
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday, June 20, 2009
8:30 AM - 2:00 PM

• Click here to view a map of the area and to get directions…
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By Camie Young
Senior Writer
Gwinnett Daily Post

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

LAWRENCEVILLE - An Olympic venue will become a county park.

Commissioners agreed Tuesday to operate the Stone Mountain Tennis Center, though the center’s 8,000-seat stadium will be demolished before the county takes over the location.

“That’s the gateway to our county along (U.S. Highway) 78,” Commissioner Mike Beaudreau said. “It’s a really good thing.”

For a decade after the Olympics, the Stone Mountain Memorial Association attempted to bring success to the center, but after a $1.5 million loss on a tournament in 1997 and annual losses of $200,000, it was padlocked two years ago.

Recently, officials attempted to market the stadium as a potential concert venue, but Curtis Branscome, CEO of the association, said there were no takers.

“We just couldn’t make it work, so we wanted to get some use out of it,” Branscome said. “I would rather it be successful and useful and functional.”

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, the stadium had water leakage problems and had a high cost to maintain, Branscome said.

The 15 tennis courts, though, are in good shape, and Branscome said the county parks department, which has experience in running tennis facilities, will be better suited to managing the center.

Commissioners engaged in a 50-year lease with the association, at a cost of $1 a year. Branscome said the 24.5 acres must remain a recreational venue, but the association has approval rights for any further development of a park.

Phil Hoskins, director of Gwinnett’s community services department, said the county will take over the tennis center on Jan. 1, but it would likely open to the public in mid-2010.

History:
• Stone Mountain Tennis Center Improvements Cut - CorinthHills.org March, 2009
• RaiseTheRoofGwinnett.com - CorinthHills.org December, 2007
• Stone Mountain Tennis Center - Wikipedia

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3 Responses To “Gwinnett Acquires Stone Mountain Tennis Center”

1. circlek71 Says:
   May 20th, 2009 at 9:29 AM

   I wish they could make the tennis center an amphitheater like in Suwannee with a nice park surrounding it. I am just not sure how much space is around the center.

2. CorinthHills.org Says:
   May 21st, 2009 at 8:33 AM

   I meant to include this in the history segment:

   ATLANTA — (SportsWire) — June 9, 1999

   The NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons have signed a letter of intent to pursue moving the team’s headquarters and training facilities from Suwanee, Georgia, to Stone Mountain Park in suburban Atlanta. The agreement was made between the Falcons and Silver Dollar City, Inc., and includes responsibilities from Knoxville-based developer Partners & Associates, the Stone Mountain Memorial Association, and DeKalb County. The facility would open for the 2000 season.

   The move would make the Falcons the first professional sports team to house its offices and practice facilities at a major attraction. Stone Mountain Park attracts four million visitors annually, making it Atlanta’s (and Georgia’s) most popular attraction. The Park is owned by the State of Georgia and operated by Silver Dollar City, Inc., through a long term lease with the Stone Mountain Memorial Association. The commitment to the Falcons is part of an effort to upgrade the attractions within the park and build attendance to six million.

   “We believe a move to Stone Mountain Park could provide Atlanta with the showcase facility in the NFL,” Falcons president Taylor Smith said. “Having a setting that already attracts four million people gives us some unique marketing opportunities. Also, to be located in a natural setting at the base of one of the world’s natural wonders provides a very dramatic setting for our home.”

   The initial plan is for a 70,000 square-foot building that will include the Falcons offices as well as locker rooms and workout facilities. The site will also include three outdoor fields and one domed practice area. A Falcons/NFL museum and other Falcons related attractions are also being considered as a part of the sports complex.

   Under the terms of a proposed contract, the team would lease a 30-acre tract of land that was formerly part of the old Stone Mountain Airport, which has been closed since 1996. The site is between West Park Place and Bermuda Road, near the Olympic Tennis Center, and within the boundaries of the Stone Mountain Park.

   The letter of intent provides for a period of time for the developer to meet a selection of objectives, including successfully marketing sponsorships and naming rights. Says John Russell, vice president & project manager of Partners & Associates,” The combination of the Atlanta Falcons and Stone Mountain creates unique and unusual marketing opportunities that can be leveraged to benefit promotionally oriented businesses. Sponsorship contracts will, in turn help to finance the construction of the facility.”

   Silver Dollar City, Inc. won the long-term lease of Stone Mountain Park in a State conducted competitive bid process completed in 1997. In addition to significant capital improvements to the property that have already been completed since the acquisition of the lease, Silver Dollar City officials estimate that an additional $50,000,000 to $75,000,000 will be invested at the property by their company over the next three to five years. “We are obviously very committed to this property,” says Ned Stancliff, Senior Vice President of Silver Dollar City. “We believe that Stone Mountain has the potential to be a national caliber destination attraction, and our association with Falcons can help us to achieve that goal.”

   Silver Dollar City’s landlord agrees. “We are excited about the partnership between Silver Dollar City and the Falcons” says Curtis Branscome, chief executive officer of the Stone Mountain Memorial Association. “It is one that can be good, not only for SDC and the Park, but also for the Stone Mountain community, DeKalb County and the City of Atlanta.”

   In addition to SDC and SMMA, DeKalb County was instrumental in the negotiations resulting in the Letter of Intent.

   “I am delighted that the Falcons are considering DeKalb County as the home for its new training facility,” said DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Liane Levetan. “We would welcome the Falcons as part of our DeKalb family. Their presence at Stone Mountain Park will certainly add to this outstanding, world-class park and its current attractions.”

   The arrangement was actively endorsed by the Atlanta Sports Council, the Metropolitan Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the DeKalb County Development Board, the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, the DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism.

3. bwilson Says:
   May 22nd, 2009 at 5:17 AM

   I don’t understand Beaudreau. He appears to be the only decent one of the bunch, but I still don’t know if I’ll vote for him again. He claims that he struggled with his decision to vote for the stadium project. I want a commissioner that goes with his gut. Mr. Beaudreau, how much is this tennis center project going to cost us? Demolition, maintenance? Beaudreau recently fought the BoC on another greenspace purchase and was the only opposing vote. He seems to be all over the place.

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There was an armed robbery at the Walmart on Rockbridge Road. It happened at 2140 hrs (9:40 PM) on 05/11/09. Three suspects entered the Walmart and approached the service desk. They asked a clerk if they sold lottery tickets. Before the clerk could answer, they pointed a handgun at the clerk and demanded money. One suspect ran behind the counter and grabbed a bag of money. All three suspects fled on foot. Nobody was injured.

Thanks to:
Major M. C. Bayreuther - GCPD South Precinct Commander
Officer A. J. Morales #819
and Noel Bennett for the heads-up…

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A $60 million medical campus being mapped out for Stone Mountain could include a first in the Southeast - a freestanding, acute care hospital focused entirely on emergency medicine.

Plans for the campus call for a 50,000-square-foot hospital, an assisted-living center and three medical office buildings that would house specialty practices, including gastroenterology, neurology and cardiology.

The hospital, a joint venture between Stone Mountain Hospital Inc. and Arizona-based Gilbert Hospital, would help address the emergency room crisis in Georgia by trimming wait-times and alleviating ER overcrowding, CEO Larry Gold said.

As the uninsured population surges, patients often use hospital emergency rooms as their primary care provider. That’s because, hospitals, by law, must stabilize patients in the ER, regardless of their ability to pay. Swamped with many non-emergency cases, ERs are overcrowded, leading to long patient wait-times.

Stone Mountain ER will be focused on delivering emergency care to local residents in a consistent and acceptable wait time, often under 30 minutes but never more than 30 minutes after arrival. Another main focus will be solving healthcare dilemmas and working out adminstrative post care details. Also planned are general care services designed to meet payment obligations and budgets.

Highlights of planned services:
• Emergency Physicians on site 24/7
• Short waiting times to see a doctor
• Complete Imaging Center for onsite diagnostic support
• Completely equipped Surgery Center and a suite of surgeons on call.
• Post trauma beds on site and trasfer agreements to nearby general hospitals with ambulance or air ambulance support on site.

The facility is to be located on a 31-acre parcel just east of the Yellow River. Another local consideration is that Gwinnett County owns the land north and south of the proposed hospital site. This could mean a potential 90-acre mixed-use development being built around the hospital campus someday that would amount to millions of dollars in investment.

Estimated opening is mid to late 2010.

• Stone Mountain Hospital, Inc.
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The 2009 Parkview girls soccer team has won the Georgia 5A state championship. This marks the third straight state championship for the girls.

Both the girls and boys varsity soccer teams were Region 8-AAAAA champions.

• Parkview High School Soccer Website
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Remember to kiss a kicker!…

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Catherine Ice, a Corinth Hills resident and neighbor, is planning a yard sale event to be held April 30th thru May 2nd, 2009. Usually community yard sales or multi-family sales bring many more prospects and have better turn outs than single family events. Additionally, yard sales traditionally do better during tight economic times. This would be a great opportunity to make a few extra bucks, clean out your house and to spend some quality time with your neighbors.

For additional information please contact Catherine Ice:
1707 Fremont Dr, SW
Stone Mountain, GA 30087
cice_2077@yahoo.com — email is the best way to get in touch with me!

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Mr. Protsman’s Antique Auto Museum at Stone Mountain Park will be closing soon. The Stone Mountain Memorial Association (SMMA) states that Mr. Protsman is “ready to move on to other ventures…”. An auction will be held March 22-23, 2009 to liquidate his remaining inventory. Some of the antiques cars and memorabilia have already been sold to private investors.

The Antique Car Museum was opened in 1963 by Tommy Protsman to showcase his private collection of antiques and cars. The museum had housed forty antique cars and over 4000 pieces of memorabilia. The museum included such rare cars as a 1948 Tucker and a 1928 Martin. Car Collector Magazine voted the museum one of the top ten car museums with fifty cars or less.

One Response To “Stone Mountain Park’s Auto Museum Closing”

1. j.q.public Says:
   March 7th, 2009 at 5:50 PM

   No doubt Silver Dollar City is squeezing him out so that they can construct some other monstrosity that obstructs the beauty, nature and history of the mountain. The Great Lawn is completely useless now that their snow blowers are taking up all of the space. I hope that this snow blowing venture is seasonal and short lived.

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One of the casualties of Gwinnett’s 2009 budget cuts was the takeover and management of the Stone Mountain tennis center. The Stone Mountain Memorial Association (SMMA) who currently controls the venue had been negotiating with Gwinnett County for a $1 per year long-term lease. The 2009 Gwinnett budget had provisions for $300,000 in improvements for the old Olympic stadium, but this was slashed due to the current deficit situation.

Phil Hoskins, the director of Gwinnett County Community Services stated that despite the funding cuts negotiations would continue.

=== History ===
In June of 2007 Curtis Branscome, SMMA CEO, stated that SMMA has completed discussions with DeKalb County administration regarding an acceptable agreement. The agreement has not been presented before the DeKalb County Commissioners. There is a constitutional provision that states one county cannot operate a facility or provide a service in another county physically without the consent of that county. A Gwinnett County District Commissioner is not in favor of the agreement and this impacts approval from Gwinnett. Mr. Branscome sought guidance from the committees on the future of the tennis facility. The preferred option to date has been for DeKalb County to assume operation and full responsibility for maintenance of the facility.; Next, there is a good possibility that if the stadium were demolished, Gwinnett County would be willing to operate the fifteen courts and pro shop. Mr. Branscome’s recommendation has been consistent over the last few years. He has advocated demolishing the stadium and planting trees. However, after receiving information from engineers, he has changed his mind. The demolition is estimated at $2 million. The breakdown on the estimate is $750,000 for demolition and $33 per ton or $1.3 million to dispose of all the concrete and steel in a dry landfill. The land is about 23 acres and current value is about $100,000 per acre or $2.3 million for the parcel. Based on these prices, this does not make economic sense and the best course of action may be to lock up the property and let it sit if SMMA cannot negotiate an equitable deal. The on-going operating costs are negligible, but the stadium will continue to deteriorate. Another option would be to put the property on the open market for a long-term land lease with a developer.Page 3

Mr. Branscome stated that he had received regulations last week regarding creating a dry landfill. Commissioner Holcomb stated that it would be difficult for the Association to create a landfill based on the location of the facility. DeKalb County would like to have a dry run at the facility for the Blues and Jazz Festival in July. Mr. Branscome has agreed to let them use the facility “as is, where is”. Mr. Baxter inquired about Gwinnett County and any interest they may have regarding the facility. Mr. Branscome stated that he has talked with the administrative staff at Gwinnett and they will take direction from the Board of Commissioners. However, Gwinnett is only interested in the facility if the stadium is not included. The stadium presents a liability issue and they do not need that type of facility. Mr. Baxter inquired if there was any land that could be separated from the facility. Mr. Branscome stated that there is enough space between courts to double the size to thirty courts. Georgia Perimeter College has expressed interest in the facility for their tennis program. But, there is an issue of whether they can afford to operate and maintain the facility. The committees concluded with further discussion regarding demolition. Mr. Baxter suggested that perhaps Gwinnett County might be willing to participate with landfill availability to dispose of the debris. Mr. Branscome said he would wait to see how the DeKalb County agreement works out with Gwinnett County. If that fails, then he will talk with Gwinnett about their interest in operating the tennis courts, but that SMMA will not demolish the stadium without their participation in that effort, and if that option does not work out, he will present the committees with a demolition proposal to return the property to trees. The committees agreed with this plan.

…well, at least we have the Gwinnett Braves and all that they will bring to our humble little community,… right?…

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By Camie Young
Senior Writer
Gwinnett Daily Post

STONE MOUNTAIN - While a trip to Stone Mountain Park’s Christmas Village could be too much for a family to afford this holiday, the city’s Village will have a free festivity.

The annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Stone Mountain Village is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving.

The event will give people a chance to shop the local markets, while enjoying the historic downtown.

According to a press release, Main Street Stone Mountain will be decorated, and Christmas carols will accompany the hustle and bustle.

Kids and adults can roast marshmallows and sip hot chocolate at some of the refreshment stands, and officials have added the Stone Mountain Market to the Christmas Celebration. The market will feature crafts, baked goods and unique gifts.

At 6 p.m. a parade of Athol bagpipes, antique fire trucks, floats and a procession of elves and marching bands will lead in the grand marshal all the kids have been waiting for: Santa Claus.

Kids will be able to send their wish lists to the Jolly Old Elf, as they write letters to him at a writing station, where Jeff the mailman will deliver them to St. Nicholas.

The event will end when Santa lights the Stone Mountain Christmas tree, beginning a fireworks show at 8 p.m.

For more information, call Main Street Stone Mountain at 770-498-7334 or e-mail mainstreetstone@bellsouth.net or visit www.mainstreetstonemontain.com. Details on Stone Mountain Market can be found at affps.com/stonemountain.html.

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