I had the pleasure to see the results of a community that works together to improve itself. Today, I attended the Groundbreaking ceremony for the North Dekalb Senior/Community Center in Chamblee. And old office-type warehouse building will be torn down and replaced with a new 15, 000 sq. ft. building.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Attended by Dekalb County Officials and Chamblee Mayor
On hand for the event was Burrell Ellis, CEO of DeKalb County, Kathie Gannon, Commissioner, District 6, Jeff Rader, Commissioner District 2, and Sharon Barnes Sutton from District 4. Additionally, Mayor Eric Clarkson of Chamblee addressed the cold but excited audience of some 60 people who were in attendance. Also, Former Mayor Evelyn R. Kennedy addressed the group, obviously proud of the progress Chamblee has made with new development around the Chamblee MARTA station. (This new building is directly across from the 3400 Malone Condominiums which have some prime first floor commercial opportunities available!)
New Community Center Will Offer Variety of Services and Activities
The facility will have a commercial kitchen, community meeting rooms, a computer lab, fully equipped fitness room, access to walking trails and senior sitting areas both inside and around the grounds of the building. (I’m not sure what constitutes a “senior sitting area??”)
The Main Dining Hall will accommodate up to 120 people for dining and is designed to easily convert and serve as meeting space for educational seminars, and community/civic events.
Activity rooms will be made available for ceramics, billiards, and games such as chess, bridge and backgammon. A large social lounge will also be part of the facility.
While located in close proximity to the Chamblee MARTA station, it may be to much of a walk for anyone with a disability. But it certainly will be a great addition to the area, and the neighboring cities of Doraville and soon-to-be Brookhaven should be green with envy they did not land such a great addition to the community and what will sure to be a well used facility for Seniors!
