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Doraville business leaders disgruntled over zoning changes start association
by Gale Horton Gay
gale@dekalbchamp.com
What started as dissatisfaction over zoning changes in Doraville has led to the beginning of an organization of business owners.
The Doraville Business Association (DBA) is only a few members strong now but hopes to draw in hundreds of members from the 1,800 licensed businesses in the city before long.
Late last year the Doraville City Council made zoning changes that ban new wholesale operations in certain parts of the city.
“They made us aware there’s not as clear communication as should be between city leadership and the business community,” said Jack Halpern of Halpern Enterprises.
William D. Brown of Halpern Enterprises said the changes were done very quickly and without input from the business community, and by the time they learned of the modifications, the appeals period was over.
“It just seems very short-sighted,” said Halpern, adding that the city is discouraging businesses interested in opening in Doraville or expanding their operation. Harold Shinn, owner of the Buford Highway Farmers Market, said established businesses like his that sell wholesale are not affected because they are grandfathered in, however, should they sell their businesses to others–even family members–the new owners would not be able to operate a wholesale enterprise.
“We want to make sure the city understands the role that business plays and takes the business community into account more seriously when making decisions in the future,” said Halpern. He added that the divisive zoning issue has “awakened” the business community.
Despite their displeasure with the zoning modification, Shinn, Brown and Halpern say the association’s goals are broader than this one issue. DBA seeks to “serve as advocates for the business interests in the city and to promote Doraville as a unique, vibrant destination in the Southeast,” according to printed material from the group.
While DBA currently has about 12 to 15 members, it has launched a membership drive and plans to hold networking events, an annual “Celebrate Doraville” event designed for residents and visitors and the publication of a shopping and dining guide as well as a directory.
Shinn spoke of the need for DBA as a voice for the business community over the long term. “Certainly Jack and myself intend to have businesses on Buford Highway for a very long time regardless of who’s in office,” said Shinn.
This is not the first attempt at organizing businesses in Doraville, according to the founders of DBA, who said previous efforts could not sustain momentum.
The nine founding members of the Doraville Business Association are planning a press conference and reception to formally launch the group on April 22 at Pung Mie Restaurant, 5145 Buford Highway in Doraville. The reception is scheduled for 5 p.m.
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