Metro South celebrates 10 years of revitalizing a corner of south DeKalb

At an April 8 event celebrating the 10th anniversary of Metro South Community Improvement District (MSCID), Executive Director Larry Kaiser recalled a trip through the district soon after he took on his current role. “I was shocked to find that there were three illegal landfills in the district—three illegal landfills! How did that happen?” Kaiser asked. 

“CIDs are created so that business owners can tax themselves to make their communities better,” Kaiser continued. “This is especially important in areas that have been neglected, and I’m proud of what we have accomplished in 10 years and continue to accomplish.” 

In 2004, the Conley Area Business Association (CABA) was created to address issues in the geographical corner where south DeKalb County abuts Clayton and Henry counties, Kaiser explained. CABA initially focused on public safety, lighting, and code enforcement. As it became clear that more was needed, the organization that started as Conley Industrial CID and later rebranded as South Metro CID was created in 2016.  

“This started as a grassroots effort,” Kaiser said. “Business owners were willing to tax themselves to stop a downward trend. That’s a real commitment.” 

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, a Republican, acknowledged that the area the CID serves is largely a Democrat stronghold but said economic growth is a concern for all Georgians regardless of their location, background, or political affiliation. “I’ve always been willing to reach across the aisle to implement a good idea, no matter whose idea it is.” 

The celebration was held at Shadowbox Studios, whose chief development officer Jeff Weber was among the speakers. Weber said when he first met Kaiser and other MSCID officials, he was approaching them to complain about the millage rate at which area businesses were taxed.  

“Larry explained how the CID works and I quickly realized they were doing a lot with a small budget,” Weber continued. He said that a chance conversation with the executive director of another CID made him appreciate what was being done in the area where his Constitution Road business is located. “They were accomplishing more with heart than with cash,” he recalled.  

“This was a community that needed investment,” commented DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran–Johnson. Recalling a visit to the area years ago, she said, “Code enforcement was a major problem. I saw enough that I could have written 60 code enforcement citations. I see all that changing. My grandfather used to say, ‘If you want to know what’s important to people, look at where they spend their time and their money.’ A CID is a self-taxing vehicle. People who are in a position to see the needs are investing their money in meeting those needs.” 

District 3 Commissioner Nicole Massiah said that many truckers around the Bouldercrest Road entrance to I-285 were at one point openly ignoring the law. “They were brave and bold, but we are showing them we can be braver and bolder in enforcing the law,” she said.   

A presentation reviewed some of the CID’s major accomplishments during its 10 years of existence, including strategic infrastructure investments to improve mobility, safety, and freight efficiency. “Over the past decade, Metro South CID has successfully leveraged partnerships with local, regional, and state agencies to secure funding that advances critical infrastructure, safety, and beautification initiatives throughout the district,” the presentation stated. 

“As a critical logistics hub serving businesses with direct access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the I-285 and I-675 corridors, the district’s roadway network must safely accommodate heavy truck traffic and high daily volumes,” the presentation noted. 

“Because right-of-way maintenance within the CID boundaries is not currently performed by DeKalb County, the CID has taken a proactive role in preserving the district’s appearance and functionality,” stated the presentation, adding that activities have included picking up trash in the county and state right-of-way, mowing county and state right-of-way, removing graffiti, cleaning roadway gutters and applying fertilizer and herbicides to the Moreland grass median. 

The district has also strengthened security efforts by implementing private patrol services “that provide an additional layer of visibility and communication with property owners,” according to the presentation.