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Greenspace & Conservation in South West DeKalb: A Presentation

Updated: Nov 21, 2025

Greg Ramsey, Village Habitat Design


The Bouldercrest Corridor is at a turning point. With only 2% of undeveloped land remaining in DeKalb County, choices made today will shape the future of South DeKalb for generations. That’s why the Bouldercrest Corridor Community Survey 2025 is so important — it gives you, the residents, direct influence over how our community grows, what gets protected, and what gets built next.

At our October 23, 2025 community meeting, Greg Ramsey of Village Habitat Design shared a compelling vision for the Bouldercrest Corridor — one rooted in walkability, forest conservation, health, and neighborhood-based economic development. His insights make one thing clear: a community-designed plan is the best plan.


Below, we break down the key themes from his presentation and why your survey response matters now more than ever. See Ramsey's full presentation pdf below.



Designing the Bouldercrest Corridor by the Community, for the Community


🌳 Why Bouldercrest Must Act Now


Protect the Last Forests and Natural Lands

Greg highlighted that DeKalb County has lost most of its forests, with car-dependent subdivisions, gas stations, and industrial sprawl being the primary culprits. Only 2% of undeveloped land is still available — meaning the opportunity to preserve natural spaces is quickly disappearing. (page 3)


Core principle:

“Preserving forests increases economic value… to preserve forests, cluster development into neighborhood and village centers.” (page 2)

Designing for Walkability and Health


Greg emphasized that Bouldercrest lacks safe, walkable destinations:

  • Kids can't safely bike or walk to school

  • Residents have few places to walk, gather, or build community

  • Many essential services require driving


Walkability isn't just a convenience — it builds social connection, improves public health, and strengthens the local economy.


Neighborhood-Based Economic Development


Greg’s presentation shows that residents are missing:

  • Neighborhood grocery options

  • Local restaurants and cafés

  • Health care and wellness services

  • Small businesses that create jobs right here in the community

  • Gathering spaces and pocket parks

His examples highlighted successful models like Serenbe and Pendergrast Farm, where walkable village centers create vibrant local business ecosystems while preserving surrounding forests.


Community Wellness + Nature Access


Greg emphasized that community health improves when neighborhoods have:

  • Walk and bike paths

  • Nature trails

  • Community gardens

  • Programming for youth and elders

  • Access to fresh produce


Creating these amenities requires intentional planning rooted in resident priorities — which is why your feedback is crucial.


📌 What This Means for the Bouldercrest Corridor Small Area Plan


Based on Greg’s analysis, the emerging priorities for Bouldercrest include:


✔ Preserve forests and green buffers

✔ Cluster development into neighborhood centers

✔ Create walkable destinations (restaurants, markets, cafés)

✔ Build spaces for community gatherings and youth programs

✔ Improve pedestrian safety and trail connectivity

✔ Ensure development benefits current residents


🗣️ Your Voice Will Shape the 2025 Bouldercrest Corridor Small Area Plan


Greg’s planning recommendations will only be implemented if community members speak up through the survey. Urban planners, county leaders, and Village Habitat Design will use these results to:


  • Draft the first version of the Bouldercrest Corridor Small Area Plan

  • Create zoning recommendations

  • Identify priority projects

  • Protect land and guide future development


Without community input, decisions may not reflect what residents truly want.



TAKE THE SURVEY TODAY —


Help Shape Bouldercrest’s Future


The survey takes less than 10 minutes, and every response helps ensure our plan represents you and your neighbors — not outside developers.


The future of the Bouldercrest Corridor should be built by the community, for the community — and this moment is our opportunity to make that happen. Greg Ramsey’s presentation gives us a clear roadmap, but your voice is the fuel that moves the plan forward.


Let’s work together to create a safer, greener, healthier, and more connected Bouldercrest for generations to come.


Complete the survey. Share it with your neighbors. Shape Bouldercrest's future.


 
 
 

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