quality-of-life plan august 2013 the cross keys...

The Cross Keys Sustainable Neighborhood Initiative

THE CROSS KEYS CLUSTER: Rich In Diversity

August 2013QUALITY-OF-LIFE PLAN |

LEGENDCross Keys Cluster Area

AmericanBangladeshiChineseColombian

CubanIndonesian

JapaneseKorean

LebaneseMalaysianMexicanPeruvianFilipinoSalvadoranVietnamese

Table of Contents

Cross Keys Sustainable Neighborhood Initiative......... 1

Vision ...........................................................................2

CKSNI Mission Statement ...........................................6

Convening Agency.......................................................7

CKSNI Steering Committee .........................................8

DSNI Institutional Partners ..........................................9

History .......................................................................10

Fact Sheet: The Cross Keys Cluster .........................12

Focus Area and Community Strategy Process .......... 14

Community Strategies ...............................................15

CKSNI Early Action Project/Kick-off Event ................20Brookhaven

DeKalb HS FY 2013Incorporated PlacesRoadsMajor RoadsInterstatesSchools FY 2013ElementaryMiddleHighNon-Zoned

crOss kEYs Quality-of-Life Plan | August 2013

1

Cross Keys Sustainable Neighborhood Initiative (CKSNI)

The Cross Keys cluster, geographically defined by the Cross Keys High School district, was selected to participate in the DeKalb Sustainable Neighborhoods Initiative (DSNI) through a proposal process. DSNI is a pilot program that seeks to foster a collaborative, cross-sectoral, community-based approach to improving the quality of life of DeKalb neighborhoods. As one

of two pilot clusters selected in the county, Cross Keys will address its community’s most pressing issues, and outline steps to promote community revitalization through the creation of a Quality-of-Life Plan. The plan intends to capture the vision and needs of residents in regard to all aspects of a community, and to eventually transform their goals into achievable projects and programs.

CKSNI Early Action Project/Kick-Off Event (Georgia’s First Solar Car built by high school students)


VisionVision

“I have lived in Doraville for 27 years. The cross keys sustainable

Neighborhood Initiative offers me unique opportunities to support

the children in my neighborhood and also the residents of my city

as well. I hope we can make a difference!”

– susan Fraysse, Oakcliff Neighbors, Doraville Unity Garden

The CKSNI aims to revitalize the Cross Keys neighborhoods, both economically and residentially, investing hope and growth for a prosperous Buford Highway Corridor. CKSNI was developed to address the most pressing needs with an end result of healthy and dynamic Cross Keys neighborhoods.

From each other, with each other, and by each other, we will create sustainable Cross Keys neighborhoods that allow everyone to participate and prosper, relying on the wisdom, voice and experiences of the local residents, organizations and businesses.

Action Project, Forest Fleming Arena at Honeysuckle Park

2


TheCrossKeysHighSchoolclusterwaschosentoparticipateintheDeKalbSustainableNeighborhood

Initiative(DSNI).Itisapilotprogramthatseekstofostercollaborative,cross‐sector,community‐based

approachtoimprovingthequalityoflifeinDeKalbneighborhoods.Asoneofonlytwoclustersselected,

CrossKeyshasbeengrantedtheopportunitytoaddressthemostpressingissuesinthecommunityand

outlinethestepstopromoterevitalizationthroughthecreationofaQualityofLifePlan.Specifically,this

planwillserveasaguideforusingresourcesavailablethroughtheU.S.DepartmentofHousingand

UrbanDevelopment(HUD)fundedprogramsadministeredbytheDeKalbCountyOfficeofHumanand

CommunityDevelopment.

Vision

TheCKSNIaimstorevitalizetheCrossKeysneighborhoods,botheconomicallyandresidentially,

investinghopeandgrowthforaprosperousBufordHighwayCorridor.CKSNIwasdevelopedtoaddress

themostpressingneedswithanendresultofhealthyanddynamicCrossKeysneighborhoods.

MissionStatement

“Deviseacomprehensivecommunicationapproachtopromoteawarenessofandaccesstoexistingand

availablecommunityassets(programs,resources,governments,groupsandbusinesses)thatsupport

human,economicandcommunitydevelopmentintheCrossKeysschooldistrict.”

CrossKeys高中集群參與DeKalb可持續社區的倡議（DSNI）.這是一個試點項目,

旨在促進協作，跨部門的，以社區為基礎的方法來提高DeKalb社區的生活質量。作為兩個

集群中的一個，CrossKeys已獲得机会去解決最緊迫的社會問題, 並以概述的步驟,

通過創造優質的生活計劃，来促進振興的機會.具體來說，該計劃將作為美國住房和城市

發展部（HUD）資助DeKalb縣的人类與社區發展辦公室来管理使用資源的指南.

愿景

CKSNI的目的是振興CrossKeys的社區，包括經濟和居住方面, 希望发展為一個繁榮的

BufordHighway走廊.CKSNI開發是為了解決最迫切的需求,最終成为一个健康和富動態的

CrossKeys社區.

使命宣言

“制定一個全面的溝通方式，促使人們認識和通往現有和合宜的社區資產(計劃，資源，政

府，團體和企業)，来支持人力，經濟和社會發展的CrossKeys的學區。”

3


“크로스키즈고등학교”학군이디캡카운티의지속적건전마을지향전략 (the DeKalb Sustainable Neighborhoods

Initiative‐DSNI)에참여하도록선정되었다.

이것은디캡카운티내각동네의생활지표를높이기위한공조적,전방위적,총체적시범사업이다.

두곳의시범사업중하나인크로시키즈는이지역내의가장절실한문제들을파악하고생활지표향상계획을수립하여

이지역을활성화시킬수있는기회를갖게된것이다.

구체적으로 이 사업을 통해 미연방 주택개발부가 제공하고 디캡카운티 인력 지역발전국이 운영하는 지원금의

사용방향을제시할것이다.

목적

크로스키즈 SNI는이지역내주거환경과상공활동을활성화시키고 희망과성장의씨를심어뷰포드하이웨이를

중심으로번영을추구한다.크로스키즈SNI는이지역의가장절실한문제들을파헤치고궁극적으로건강하고역동적인

마을을형성하기위해조성되었다.

사명 선언문

“크로스키즈학군내인적자원,경제발전,지역활성화등을지원하는이지역의현존하며활용가능한자산 (각종복지

사업,원정,정부기관,단체,업소등)을알리고알선하는총체적소통의길을개발한다.”

ElgrupodelareadelaEscuelaSecundariaCrossKeysfueelegidoparaparticiparenlaIniciativadel

VencindarioSustentableDeKalb(DSNI).Eselprimerprogramaquebuscapromovercolaboración

intersectorial,yacercamientoalacomunidadparamejorarlacalidaddevidaenlasVecindadesen

DeKalb.Comounodedosgruposselecionados,CrossKeystienelaoportunidaddearreglarlos

problemasmasimportantesenlacomunidadycrearpasosparapromoveravivamientocreandounPlan

deVidaconCalidad.Especialmente,esteplanservirácomoguiadecomousarrecursosdisponibleenlos

U.S.ElDepartamentodeDesarrollodeCasasUrbanas(HUB)dispusolosfondosparaprogramas

administradosporLaOfficinadeDesarroloHumanoyComunitariodelCondadodeDeKalb.

Visión

ElCKSNIapuntaareviverlosvecindariosdeCrossKeys,económicayrecidencialmente,esperanzaen

inverciónycrecimientopareelCorredor.CKSNIfuedesarrolladaparasolucionarlasnecesidadesde

mayorimportanciasconunametadevencindariossaludablesydinámicosenCrossKeys.

Misión

“Crearcommunicacióncomprensivaparapromoveratenciónyaccesoarecursosexistentesparala

comunidad.(programas,recursos,goviernos,gruposynegocios)quesuporteneldesarrollohumano,

económicoycomunitarioeneldistritodelaescuelasecundariaCrossKeys.”

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TrườngtrunghọccủaCrossKeysclusterđãđượclựachọnđểthamgiavàochươngtrìnhDeKalbChủ

ĐộngTrongViệcDuyTrìĐịaPhương(DeKalbSustainableNeigh‐borhoodInitiative(DSNI)).Mụcđíchcủa

chươngtrìnhthửnghiệmnàylàđểtìmcáchhợptácgiữacácliênngànhvàcộngđồngtrongviệccảithiện

đờisốngtạicácđịaphươngcủaDeKalb.CrossKeyslàmộttronghainhómđượclựachọnvàđượctrợcấp

đểnêulêncácvấnđềcấpbáchcầngiảiquyếttrongcộngđồng.CùnglúcCrossKeyssẽlậpracáckếhoạch

trongviệcxâydư ngmộtcuộcsốngcóchấtlượnghơn.Kếhoạchcụthểnhưsẽhướngdẫndânđịa

phươngtrongviệcsửdụngcácchươngtrìnhsẵncócủaU.S.DepartmentofHousingvàUrban

Development(HUD),dướisư điềuhànhcủaDeKalbCountyOfficeofHumanandCommunity

Development.

Tầmnhìn

MụcđíchcủaCKSNIlàđểphụchồilạikhudâncưCrossKeysvềmă tkinhtếvàcưtrú.Hyvọngtrongsự

đầutưnàylàsẽlàmBufordCorridorpháttriểnhơn.CKSNIđượcthànhlậpđểgiảiquyếtcácnhucầu

khâ ncấpvớinhữngkếtquảtốtđẹpvàchấtlượngchokhudâncưCrossKeys.

“Thànhlậpcáchvậnđộngtốthơnđểdânchúngnhậnthứcđượccáctàisảncộngđồnghiệncó(nhưcác

chươngtrình,cácnguồnlực,cácdịchvụcủachínhphủvàcácdoanhnghiệp)điềunàysẽhỗtrợdân

chúngtrongsựpháttriểnkinhtếởkhutrườnghọcCrossKeys.”

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“Witnessing so many center for Pan Asian community services youth

successfully move onto college life and beyond, I have become a

stronger believer of quality public education. showcasing our youngsters’

achievements during the cksNI process made me very proud.”

– Dr. Jung Ha kim, Professor, sociology Dept., Georgia state University


CKSNI Mission Statement

Devise a comprehensive communication approach to promote awareness of and access to existing and available community assets (programs, resources, governments, groups and businesses) that support human, economic and community development in the Cross Keys school district.

Quarterly Project at TEA (Together Empowering Asian Americans) Walk with over 1,600 participants

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Convening Agency

To promote self-sufficiency and equity for immigrants and refugees and underprivileged through comprehensive health and social services, capacity building and advocacy —CPACS mission statement

Founded in 1980, CPACS is the first and largest service agency focused on Asian Americans in the Southeastern United States. Based on the belief that “people need people,” CPACS has demonstrated a commitment to providing culturally and linguistically competent direct services, capacity building, and community advocacy since 1980. CPACS is focused on the issues and concerns of Asian Americans, especially those of women, children, and low-income families. CPACS’ goal is to ensure that all immigrants and refugees acquire a skill set that allows them to become self-sufficient. Over time, CPACS has grown and developed services to address the needs of a diverse community, with over 100 full- and part-time employees speaking 16 different languages.

CPACS’ clients are primarily Asian Americans with limited English proficiency. Many of these individuals struggle to find employment. Because of language barriers, many also find it difficult to access services ranging from health care to youth and senior services. CPACS has the unique capacity to offer wraparound services that advocate for these individuals, and enable them to navigate through a new culture, find work, and access needed services.

According to 2010 U.S. Census data, Georgia has the fifth fastest growing Asian population of any state. As this population continues to grow, CPACS continues to be on the forefront of identifying the community’s needs and finding ways to address the unique challenges faced by this population.

Center for Pan Asian Community Services, Inc. (CPACS)

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CKSNI Steering Committee

The CKSNI Steering Committee was convened in early May of 2012 by leaders of CPACS. The Steering Committee met twice a month and sometimes weekly throughout the planning process. The preliminary partnering organizations and institutions include the Chamblee Business Association, City of Chamblee, City of Doraville, Cross Keys Foundation, Cross Keys High School, Sequoyah Middle School, DeKalb County Human and Community Development Department, Halpern Enterprises, Latin American Association, Title Realty Management, The Salvation Army, and others. CPACS thanks all the participants for their contributions.

Abad Ramirez – Resident/Spanish Interpreter, DoravilleAli Brunner – Missions Specialist, Salvation ArmyAlyssa Soluren – Research Coordinator, CPACSBrandon Kwong – Development and Marketing Coordinator, CPACSBrett Hellbrow – Regional Manager, Title Realty ManagementBrittany Cunningham – Principal, Sequoyah Middle SchoolChaiwon Kim – CEO/President, CPACSCynthia Roman – Managing Director of Family Services, Latin American AssociationDr. Jung Ha Kim – Faculty, Georgia State UniversityDr. Niles Ford – City Manager/CEO, City of ChambleeDr. Tasharah Wilson – Principal, Cross Keys High SchoolElizabeth Hagan – Former Built Environment Coordinator, DeKalb Board of HealthJeffrey Tapia – Executive Director, Latin American Association

Jen Price – Consultant, Sycamore ConsultingJimmy Cushman – Property Manager, Halpern Enterprises, Inc.Joe Gebbia – City Council, City of BrookhavenKim Gokce – President, Cross Keys Foundation, Resident Leng Leng Chancey – Former CKSNI MemberLori Harris – President, Chamblee Business Association, ResidentLuke Howe – Assistant to Mayor, DoravilleMarianne Chung – Former CKSNI MemberOscar Sinisterra – Manager, Buford Highway Flea MarketSusan Fraysse – Community Volunteer and ResidentVictoria Huynh – Program Director, CPACSWinston Worrel – Pastor, Northwoods United Methodist ChurchYotin Srivanjarean – Vice President, CPACSZakiya Sloley – Development Director, CPACS

Early Action Project, Cross Keys High School Students Solar Car Team


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DeKalb County GovernmentThe Collaborative Working Group was created in 2011 to strengthen neighborhoods in DeKalb County. The Collaborative Working Group includes representatives from several DeKalb County departments and agencies who meet regularly to discuss how they can more effectively work together to identify opportunities to improve the quality of life in DeKalb neighborhoods. One project that they have supported is the DeKalb Sustainable Neighborhoods Initiative (DSNI). The Collaborative Working Group has provided support to this Quality-of-Life planning process, including the selection of the participating clusters.

Emory University Center for Community PartnershipsEmory’s Center for Community Partnerships (CFCP) has provided technical guidance and logistical support to DeKalb County in this initiative. In particular, Emory’s Community Building and Social Change Fellows worked with the Cross Keys Clusters to assist in the Quality-of-Life planning process and preparation of the Cross Keys Quality-of-Life Plan.

DSNI Institutional Partners

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History The area that now encompasses the Cross Keys cluster was first developed in the early 1800s as settlers moved onto land that once belonged to Native Americans. It became a militia district soon after and in 1832 the Cross Keys Post Office was established. The area is briefly referenced in General Sherman’s field orders during the Civil War as “Old Cross Keys.” The Cross Keys area later transformed into three distinct areas: Doraville (founded in 1871), Chamblee (founded in 1908), and unincorporated DeKalb County.

From its inception until the 1940s, Doraville was “a small agricultural community that served the interests of a larger surrounding farming area.” Chamblee became the home of the Camp Gordon Military Institution in 1917, and many military families moved into town. The mid-1900s marked a period of economic and cultural growth and a steadily increasing popula-tion. The Doraville Assembly, a General Motors plant, opened in Doraville in 1947, and would be a major employer in the area for decades until its closing in 2008. Cross Keys High School was founded in 1958 to support the burgeoning population in the area and continues to serve the evolving needs of the community.

Over the past sixty years, the Cross Keys cluster has become better known as the Buford Highway Corridor. Buford Highway, the main commercial strip of the area, runs through the heart of the cluster and has reflected the cultural and demographic changes of the area. Once a predominantly Caucasian, blue-collar area, the Buford High-way Corridor saw waves of immigrants moving into the area from the mid-1970s onwards. Hispanics, primarily of Mexican origin, were drawn into the area by metropolitan Atlanta’s booming economy. Vietnamese refugees and immigrants also resettled into this area due to Cross Keys’ proximity to the City of Atlanta and its abundance of affordable housing. Middle-class Chinese and Koreans immigrated to the eastern part of the cluster during the 1980s.


Cross Keys High School in the 1970s (DeKalb County Archives)


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While some Chinese and Koreans migrated generations ago, the addition of these newer immigrants helped spur the development of Asian businesses and restaurants along the corridor. Other immigrants from East Asia also settled in the area in smaller numbers.

In the past thirty years, the Buford Highway Corridor has transformed into a rich concentration of Asian and Hispanic businesses. Recently, the area experienced the formation of the new City of Brookhaven within the cluster. With three cities and unincorporated DeKalb all part of the ten-mile by one-mile area, the cluster has divided governance. Language barriers and cultural differences also contribute to the challenges of bridging the community together. The community boasts many strengths – its rich culture, diverse people, and location – but everyone must work together to create a unified vision for a brighter future.

Buford Highway in August 1952 (DeKalb County Archives)

Buford Highway 2013

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Data from 2005-2010 American Community Survey and 2010 U.S. Census

Fact Sheet: The Cross Keys Cluster

Estimate MOE Percent MOE

EMPLOYMENT STATUS (OF LABOR FORCE)

Percent unemployed 7.4% 7.1% N/A N/A

HOUSING OCCUPANCY

Occupied housing units 15,552 +/-675 86.4% +/-1.9%

Vacant housing units 2,449 +/-422 13.6% +/-2.3%

Homeowner vacancy rate 3.7% +/-12.6% N/A N/A

Rental vacancy rate 9.9% +/-3.6% N/A N/A

HOUSING TENURE

Owner-occupied units 4,729 +/-434 30.4% +/-2.5%

Renter-occupied units 10,823 +/-634 69.6% +/-2.7%

INCOME AND BENEFITS (IN 2010 INFLATION ADJUSTED DOLLARS)

Median household income 42,848 +/-1286 N/A N/A

Percentage of people whose income in the past 12 months is below the poverty level 27.5% +/-4.1% N/A N/A

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT (%’S ARE OF ENROLLED POPULATION >3 YEARS OF AGE) Nursery school, preschool 556 +/-206 6.3% +/-2.2%

Kindergarten 295 +/-293 3.4% +/-3.3%

Elementary school (grades 1-8) 3,987 +/-604 45.4% +/-4.8%

High school (grades 9-12) 1,536 +/-360 17.5% +/-3.6%

College or graduate school 2,401 +/-475 27.4% +/-4.5%

Estimate MOE Percent MOE

Total Population 47,264 +/-3,203 N/A N/A

PLACE OF BIRTH

Foreign born 25,019 +/-2,084 52.9% +/-2.6%

Born in Georgia 11,956 +/-1,244 25.3% +/-2.0%

Born in different state 9,613 +/-885 20.3% +/-1.3%

Born in Puerto Rico, U.S. island areas or aboard to American parents 670 +/-290 1.4% +/-0.6%

RACE

Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 26,554 +/-2,747 56.2% +/-4.4%

White 23,463 +/-2,340 49.6% +/-3.6%

Black or African American 5,227 +/-843 11.1% +/-1.6%

Asian 4,385 +/-683 9.3% +/-1.3%

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 142 +/-451 0.3% +/-1.0%

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT (POPULATION 25 YEARS AND OLDER)

Less than 9th grade 7,258 +/-1,733 24.8% +/-5.7%

9th to 12th grade, no diploma 2,858 +/-1,701 9.8% +/-5.8%

High school or equivalency 6,952 +/-869 23.7% +/-2.5%

Some college, no degree 3,441 +/-1,001 11.7% +/-3.3%

Associates degree 870 +/-697 3.0% +/-2.4%

Bachelor’s degree 5,104 +/-642 17.4% +/-1.9%

Graduate or professional degree 2,821 +/-1,302 9.6% +/-4.4%


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Data from 2005-2010 American Community Survey and 2010 U.S. Census

−20.8−30.8

−13.0

17.5

−60

−40

−20

020

4060

8010

012

014

016

0

Cross Keys HS

Non−Hispanic White Non−Hispanic Black Non−Hispanic Asian Hispanic/Latino

Per

cent

85 and over

80−84

75−79

70−74

65−69

60−64

55−59

50−54

15−19

10−14

45−49

40−44

5−9

35−39

20−24

Under 5

30−34

25−29

4,000 2,000 0 2,000 4,000

Males

Females

Cross Keys HS

Cross Keys Cluster Population, Age and Gender

Population Change, 2000-2010

Focus Area and Community Strategy Process

There were originally nine focus areas determined by the CKSNI Steering Committee as a thematic guide for developing and classifying strategies. These nine focus areas were reduced to five priority focus areas based on the results of 237 surveys received from the community. After weighting all the responses, the ranking of the new five initial priority focus areas was:

1. Human and Community Development

2. Community Spaces, Parks, and Recreation Centers

3. Economic Development/Business

4. Education

5. Housing

The pages that follow show the strategies crafted by the CKSNI Steering Committee, based on the initial five priority focus areas and community outreach and survey results. Although there are five overarching strategies, they do not map precisely onto the original five priority focus areas.


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“seeing the diversity and assets of the cross keys community and its

many aspirations in writing creates an enormous amount of anticipation.

I recognize in it the amazing power of our people and their energy.”

– kim Gokce, President, cross keys Foundation14


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Community Strategies

1.1 Promote more active participation in community-wide events in festivals such as Taste of Chamblee, the CPACS (Center for Pan Asian Community Services) TEA (Together Empowering Asian Americans) Walk, school events, multicultural celebrations, and existing events throughout the community/cluster. Create a community calendar for the events.

1.2 Document a registry or points of contact for a community asset map, and create a centralized method for updating the map. Make it accessible and navigable via computer and/or mobile phone applications.

1.3 Utilize media to strategically release culturally and linguistically appropriate information to broader groups and document a communication plan including a media distribution list.

1.4 Create a Cross Keys neighborhood district portal utilizing links to municipal and community neighborhood websites.

1.5 Create new community centers and parks that are easily accessible to the public.

1.6 Support human and community development through the identification of community assets that support educational opportunities, such as adult ESL and GED programs, etc. (See Strategy 4).

1.7 Communicate and inform people about community spaces and facilities (community centers, parks, gardens, recreational centers).

Strategy 1 – Promote the positive assets and identity of the Cross Keys community. Strategies

2.1 Partner with the cities of Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville, the DeKalb County Collaborative Working Group, DeKalb Workforce Development, local law enforcement, DeKalb County, business groups, faith-based entities, and civic and community-based organizations.

2.2 Create a welcome center/partnership with ONE DeKalb.

2.3 Work with municipalities to develop programs that ensure proper maintenance of local parks and recreation centers (e.g. Friends of Parks groups, etc.).

2.4 Engage Cross Keys residents and community groups to become more involved in park and community facility improvements.

2.5 Work with local code and law enforcement to increase safety at local parks and recreation centers.

2.6 Work to improve and expand recreational programming through partnerships at parks and recreation centers.


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Strategy 2 – Cultivate partnerships that increase community cohesion. St

rate

gies

“I have learned the importance of an open forum for people to

share experiences and expertise to enhance the neighborhood and

a small group of dedicated people can move a mountain.”

– chaiwon kim, cEO/President, cPAcs

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3.1 Support existing business associations, create a corridor-wide Chamber of Commerce, and increase collaboration with the DeKalb Chamber.

3.2 Ensure CKSNI representation on the DeKalb County Sustainability Committee (Green Commission).

3.3 Strengthen collaborative planning by supporting Livable Centers Initiatives and other comprehensive sustainable planning efforts and increase public awareness by promoting CKSNI in future planning efforts.

3.4 Promote Community Improvement Districts, Tax Allocation Districts, and opportunity zones development.

3.5 Communicate with members of the Collaborative Working Group within DeKalb County.

3.6 Collaborate with DeKalb Workforce Development in the creation of strategies for job development for youth and adults.

3.7 Improve the appearance and façades of businesses throughout the cluster by implementing corridor design standards regarding signage and aesthetics, promoting cohesive code compliance across the cluster, improving sanitation, developing standards regarding language usage on business signs and documents (such as menus), and partnering with DeKalb County Planning and Sustainability and cluster municipalities to initiate a discussion about standards. Correspond with elected officials regarding these issues.

3.8 Provide incentives such as discount cards for shopping on Buford Highway (CKSNI area).

3.9 Develop art incubators in the community.

3.10 Educate and inform the community about existing loan programs for small businesses (e.g. DEBCO) and identify potential new programs.

3.11 Work to improve security and pedestrian and bike safety in commercial areas (see local Active Living Plans).


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Strategy 3 – Develop sustainable structures to establish and promote investment and enhance commercial corridors in the Cross Keys cluster. Strategies

4.1 Improve school facilities and increase school manpower and community involvement through school cleanup events such as Cross Keys Beautification Day, by partnering with Keep DeKalb Beautiful.

4.2 Create supplemental and enrichment programs to promote community pride and environmental awareness by partnering with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.

4.3 Support advocacy for the school district, strengthen relationships with school board members, and increase funding and resources through business partnerships and creative funding projects or partnerships such as Box Top Drive and discount programs.

4.4 Strengthen the Cross Keys Foundation and increase its focus on advocacy for funding and resources for schools by coordinating petition and letter-writing drives and promoting public relations.

4.5 Increase school safety by promoting a positive image and perception of the community, increasing pedestrian safety, coordinating with the Safe Routes to School Program, raising awareness of student safety, and collaborating with Neighborhood Watch programs.

4.6 Promote creativity in students’ learning through entertainment (“Edutainment”) by partnering with local businesses and communities to integrate business, economic development, and financial literacy education.

4.7 Increase partnerships with local technical colleges such as Georgia Piedmont Technical College.

4.8 Increase awareness and support and expand after-school and summer programs within the CKSNI to reduce unsupervised students during non-school hours by seeking support from the DeKalb Human and Community Development Youth Summer Voucher Program, creating a resource guide of available programs, and encouraging the use of existing Joint Use Agreements between the YMCA and schools.

4.9 Increase PTA engagement and parent involvement with culturally and linguistically appropriate education (supporting adult ESL and other programs). Empower parents to become leaders by building strong parent resource centers within the schools. Increase students’ leadership roles by empowering them to advocate to parents and community about the school system and school quality.

4.10 Promote awareness and strengthen adult education partnerships with local colleges by increasing Memorandums of Understanding and facility-use agreements to provide educational opportunities in local schools. Reach out to some of the 26 Atlanta diplomatic missions and consulates to provide educational opportunities.

4.11 Increase transportation options for students and parents to facilitate participation in activities that support academic achievement and for student safety purposes. Extend student discounts on MARTA trains and buses, and other bus services to qualifying adults to attend school and other related activities.

4.12 Encourage investment in parent centers at area schools.

4.13 Encourage community and parental engagement in local schools.


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Strategy 4 – Make high-quality education for youth and adults the cornerstone of the Cross Keys community.St

rate

gies


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Strategy 5 – Revitalize residential corridors by working with elected officials, property owners and the CKSNI community.

5.1 Educate and communicate with tenants on codes and the rights and responsibilities of tenants, landlords, and property managers with culturally and linguistically appropriate information. Encourage landlords to provide incentives to tenants (rent reduction, gift cards), and encourage landlords, tenants, schools, police, and others to assist in property improvements.

5.2 Create municipal registries of foreclosed and bank-owned homes, and find ways to increase available resources towards code enforcement.

5.3 Organize more neighborhood cleanups by promoting service learning opportunities and by working with local apartment management companies.

5.4 Work with DeKalb County Human and Community Development’s Housing Division to identify resources that support home ownership.

5.5 Promote the formation of neighborhood watch groups to improve community safety.

5.6 Advocate for the development and improvement of affordable, quality housing through existing programs.

5.7 Work with local code enforcement and compliance efforts to improve quality of life within the community.

5.8 Identify existing and potential programs to help rehabilitate older homes in the community.

Strategies


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CKSNI Early Action Project/Kick-off Event

CPACS and CKSNI hosted an Early Action Project/Kick-off Event around the unveiling of Georgia’s first solar car, nicknamed Endeavour. The car, built by the DeKalb Engineering Team, a group of approximately two dozen students from Patrick Gunter’s Manufacturing and Material Science class at Cross Keys High School, made its way through the Cross Keys cluster on Saturday, July 28. Escorted by the DeKalb, Chamblee and Doraville police departments, Endeavour’s route included Buford Highway and stops at Cross Keys High School, the Buford Highway Flea Market, and a final celebratory demonstration at Doraville’s Forest Fleming Arena at Honeysuckle Park.

The solar car stopped at each of these three locations for an hour, while the public was informed about CKSNI and feedback and input was solicited from the community through interactive exercises and events. The event was a celebration of the community, with food, entertainment, and prizes, and sought to actively engage

community residents, youth, leaders, and stakeholders. This celebratory event successfully brought attention to the many ongoing initiatives in the cluster, such as the CKSNI’s Quality-of-Life Planning Process and the work of Cross Keys’ talented students. CPACS and CKSNI also participated in the popular TEA (Together Empowering Asian Americans) Walk along Buford Highway in October to continue to inform the public about the initiative.


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For More InformationCenter for Pan Asian Community Services 3510 Shallowford Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30341 Phone: 770-936-0969, Fax: 770-458-9377 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] Website: www.cpacs.orgChaiwon Kim, CEO/PresidentYotin Srivanjarean, Vice PresidentZakiya Sloley, Director of Development

Special Thanks ToDeKalb County Government Department of Human and Community Development Chris Morris, Director David Wu, Planning Manager Rodney Reese, PlannerEmory University Center for Community Partnerships Michael Rich, Executive Director Kate Grace, CBSC Director Moshe Haspel, Director of Research Nathaniel Smith, Director of Partnerships and Research for Equitable DevelopmentCommunity Building and Social Change DSNI Fellows: Jenna Everly, Nasir Kanji, Julia Kortrey, Madhavi SethChief Editor and Writer: Ryan Hicks, Senior Research Specialist Copy Editor: John Baker Brown

Content Produced By

The CKSNI Steering Committee (page 8)

The Cross Keys Sustainable Initiative thanks CPACS as the lead agency in making this plan possible.

Center for Community Partnerships

Promoting Civic Engagement through Scholarship, Learning, and Service

www.cfcp.emory.edu

www.cpacs.org

The Vision

The Cross Keys sustainable neighborhood initiative aims to revitalize the

Cross Keys neighborhoods, both economically and residentially, investing

hope and growth for a prosperous Buford highway Corridor. CKsni was

developed to address the most pressing needs with an end result of healthy

and dynamic Cross Keys neighborhoods.

From each other, with each other, and by each other, we will create

sustainable Cross Keys neighborhoods that allow everyone to participate

and prosper, relying on the wisdom, voice and experiences of the local

residents, organizations and businesses.

quality-of-life plan august 2013 the cross keys...

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