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🎉 Tucker's New Town Green Opens This Fall

📆 Mark your calendars Tucker! The long-awaited Tucker Town Green will officially open on November 14, Mayor Frank Auman announced at Monday's city council meeting.

The $8.6 million, 2-acre green space near Main Street represents a major addition to Tucker's downtown area. "It's very exciting, really, a huge step forward in Tucker's public facilities right around downtown," Auman said.

The council also heard the first reading of an ordinance that would expand the city's entertainment district to include the Town Green. If approved, visitors could enjoy alcoholic beverages purchased from licensed businesses throughout the green space until 10 p.m.

🏢 Other City Council updates:

• Henderson Park Trail Improvements – City accepted $298,490 federal grant to build safer bridges on the Yellow Trail, improving stream crossings and reducing erosion

• Road Safety Projects – Approved $206,000 contract with Pond & Company to redesign the busy Hugh Howell and Rosser roads intersection

• Traffic Flow Changes – Awarded $100,000 contract to modify vehicle lanes on Chamblee Tucker Road between Britt Road and Tuckersham Lane

• Building Inspections – First reading of ordinance expanding certification types for multifamily building inspectors

• Safety Funding – Deputy finance director designated as city safety coordinator, making Tucker eligible for up to $10,000 in state safety grants

• Infrastructure Maintenance – Approved $17,565 contract amendment for stormwater repairs and $52,489 to purchase right-of-way property on Cowan Road

Read more from the source: Decaturish

🚓 Will Tucker Get Its Own Police Department?

A new study suggests Tucker could create its own police department for less money than residents currently pay DeKalb County – while getting faster response times.

The Tucker-Northlake Community Improvement District commissioned the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police to examine the feasibility of Tucker forming its own department. The findings are eye-opening: Tucker residents paid $15.9 million in county police taxes in 2024, but could run their own 53-officer department for just $10.7 million annually.

More importantly for residents, response times could improve dramatically. The study found DeKalb's 911 dispatch times in Tucker are nearly 5 times longer than in Brookhaven and over 4 times longer than Dunwoody – both cities that run their own police forces. Southeast Tucker, particularly around Juliette Road, sees the worst delays, with more than a third of calls experiencing dispatch delays over 10 minutes.

The timing is notable – Tucker's city elections are November 4, and any police department would require both city council approval and a citywide referendum.

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson responded that her administration has already improved police hiring by 31% and reduced response times by 21% this year. She's also investing millions in 911 upgrades and surveillance technology.

Tucker-Northlake CID Executive Director Matthew Lee praised Cochran Johnson's efforts but said the study gives voters important information as they consider candidates.

Key Study Findings:

• Response Time Gaps – DeKalb police response to high-priority Tucker calls takes 3.2 times longer than Brookhaven and 1.5 times longer than Dunwoody

• Staffing Recommendations – Tucker would need 53 sworn officers and 10 civilian staff working 12-hour shifts for maximum coverage

• Business Impact – Local businesses report crime hurting revenue and customer experience, especially on Main Street with frequent burglaries

• County Impact – Creating Tucker PD would reduce DeKalb's police budget by only 10% while removing 9.7% of their service area

• Data Analysis – Study examined 65,000 service calls over two years and interviewed business and civic leaders

• No County Dependency – Report concludes DeKalb isn't financially dependent on Tucker for police funding

Read more from the source: Decaturish

🚨 Tucker Man Arrested for Bestiality and Child Abuse

Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents arrested a 70-year-old Tucker resident on August 26 following an investigation into child exploitation and animal abuse.

Mark Kershaw was taken into custody at his Edinburgh Estates home off Cooledge Road with assistance from DeKalb County Police. He remains jailed on six counts of child sexual exploitation and one count of bestiality. Court documents allege Kershaw distributed illegal images involving minors and recorded himself abusing an animal.

The case remains under active investigation.

Read more from the source: Decaturish

🌽 Tucker’s Farmers Market: This week’s highlights - September 11

Tucker's Farmers Market is open every Thursday (4-7pm) at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (4882 Lavista Road) until October. Shop from 25+ vendors providing local fruits & veggies, baked goods, and more!

🍎 Apples and cider are officially here!

SNAP/EBT is accepted at Tucker’s Farmers Market, and you can double your benefits on fresh fruits and veggies. More details here.

🎬️ Movie on the Green is back!

Location: Church Street Greenspace (4316 Church Street)
Date/time: 5:30pm - greenspace opens; 7pm - movie starts

Join the community for family-friendly movie nights, featuring special screenings of the following films:

• ✅ June 12th - Mufasa (rescheduled)

• ✅ June 26th - Wild Robot

• ✅ July 17th - IF

• ✅ August 21st - Shrek

• September 26th - Wicked

Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy these movies while indulging in some great vendors. No pets unless they’re service animals. More event details here!

🥘 Get Ready to Feast - Taste of Tucker is Back on Oct 4!

Tucker's most delicious day of the year is coming up! Now in its 16th year, Taste of Tucker is one of Tucker’s favorite annual events—bringing together the best of local food, music, and community spirit in one unforgettable afternoon. What's cooking:

• Food galore - Over 25 local restaurants serving up their signature dishes in perfect taste-sized portions

• Live tunes - Great music to keep the energy high all day long

• Craft drinks - The Tucker Brewing Beer Garden plus wine, cider, and non-alcoholic options

• Family fun - Kid Zone to keep the little ones entertained

• Local shopping - Browse unique vendors from around the community

The best part? Every bite you take helps support two fantastic causes - NETWorks Cooperative Ministry and Camp Kudzu.

Pro tip: Grab your food and drink tickets in advance or snag them on-site - either way, you're in for a treat.

Ready to dive in? Head to tasteoftucker.com for tickets, volunteer opportunities, or to get your restaurant registered. This is one Tucker tradition you absolutely don't want to miss!