and community vision can transform an area into a thriving city. Mayor Jazzmin Cobble, the city’s leader, speaks with unmistakable pride about her municipality. “I believe that we are the best city on the planet,” she declares, her enthusiasm evident as she explains the city’s unique characteristics. Though young, Stonecrest has quickly established itself as a regional powerhouse. At 38 square miles, it holds the distinction of being DeKalb County’s largest city both in area and population. But size alone doesn’t define Stonecrest’s identity. “It’s the diversity in our community, our culture, our business industry, our constituents that make us have that unique experience of Stonecrest,” Mayor Cobble explains. She points to the varied elements that create the city’s character: a vibrant business corridor, recreational opportunities, and rich cultural life. According to Mayor Cobble, what makes Stonecrest particularly special is how these elements combine to foster a close-knit community feel despite the city’s considerable size. The contrasts within Stonecrest create its distinctive personality. Here, urban amenities coexist with natural spaces and modern development blends with community traditions. As Mayor Cobble puts it, “There’s a sense of a Stonecrest community that’s unique because of the diverse experiences.”This mix has helped create a place where residents find both opportunity and connection. BUILDING A CITY CENTER In many established cities, downtown areas evolved organically over decades or centuries. Stonecrest faces the unique opportunity – and challenge – of purposefully creating its central hub from the ground up, with a clear vision for blending commercial success with community connection. “Being a new city, we are still creating what is going to be our sense of place,” Mayor Cobble explains, describing plans centered around the city’s regional mall, a 20-year-old landmark that anchors a larger business corridor. “We are well on our way into creating what will be our city center. We will probably coin it more of a city center, but just really focusing on how we create that sense of place for our community where they can gather.” The vision for this area extends far beyond traditional retail. Economic Development Director Christian Green, who helped craft the city’s strategic economic development plan, outlines an ambitious project to transform the area into a cultural nucleus. The development will integrate City Hall with an entertainment district west of the mall, positioning Stonecrest as East Atlanta’s premier destination for experiential retail. “Products like Topgolf and Chicken and Pickle and Ready Motorsports are what 115 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 STONECREST, GA
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