Two highly anticipated additions to the CID are progressing mostly on schedule. The coming expansion of the Emory Genetics Laboratory (EGL) is under construction, but it will not start operations for several months. The EGL agreed to modify their landscape plans on Mountain Industrial Boulevard to more closely match the landscape master plan developed by the CID, and construction is proceeding.

The application for redevelopment of the Sears property at the corner of Mountain Industrial Boulevard and Hugh Howell Road is being handed over to the city of Tucker, according to Jerry Silvio, project manager for developer Macauley and Schmit.

“Our application process is continuing, but we are in the process of updating and improving the plan while we transition our application from a DeKalb County approval process to a city of Tucker process,” Silvio said.

Tucker’s Community and Economic Development Director John McHenry said the city had taken over zoning and land use permitting authority as of July 11. Macauley and Schmit’s request includes a rezoning, a special land use permit and an amendment to the comprehensive land use plan.

“While there are more details to be ironed out, there will be more opportunity for public input before a final decision on approval by the Mayor and Council,” McHenry said. “Right now, we are still waiting on a formal request for the rezoning from the applicant.”

The plan for the proposed redevelopment also requires approval from the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA), and Silvio said he expects a notice of decision from GRTA by the end of August or early September.

“We certainly expect to have that notice in hand before we proceed with an application to the city of Tucker,” Silvio said. “But our transition process has been smooth, and I believe we will be able to easily comply with any changes or requests the city has as we move forward.”

Tucker Summit CID