Welcome to the Neighborhood: Business openings, expansions and economic development news

If you’ve traveled near the corner of Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road and Rockbridge Road lately, you’ve seen that the new YMCA at is taking shape nicely.

The framework is up for the Y, which will be a 60,000 facility with two pools, childcare, indoor track, aerobic studio and many other amenities, is an estimated $20 million project.

The facility is scheduled to open next summer.

Sassy's opening soon in Stone Mountain Village

Joan Sharpe is hoping to open to her new store, Sassy's, in early November.

The store, named after Sharpe's dog, will have gifts, jewelry and antiques, Sharpe said.

Sassy's is going in where Glitzy Dazzle Boutique used to be, Sharpe said. The address listed for that store was 5346 E. Mountain St. in Stone Mountain.

Speaking of Glitzy, according to its Facebook page, the business is now Lady Luxury Boutique and Make-up Lounge located at 3983 Lavista Rd., Suite 183 in Tucker.

Stonecrest Business Alliance Clean Up Days

The Stonecrest Business Alliance will hold its first "clean up days" at the interesection I-20 and Turner Hill Road on Saturday, Oct. 29, and at I-20 and Evans Mill Road on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 8 a.m. until about 10 a.m.

The newly formed group is creating "a solid front to show we're serous about combating a lot of different issues in the area," said Lem Howard, the alliance's marketing spokesman and part of the formation working group.

"We're interested in cleaning things up, public safety and code enforcement, to drive our membership in the area. We want to make sure everybody knows we're here, make sure everyone knows we're taking these issues seriously," Howard said.

Commissioner Lee May, whose district includes parts of Stone Mountain, and other business leaders have encouraged the .

If interested in participating in the clean-up or for more information about the alliance, e-mail Howard at agent@lemhoward.com.

Mast Arm Project in Stone Mountain Improvement District

The has a major mast arm project underway in the corridor.

Mast arms are an upscale way to hang traffic lights and street signage, explained Stone Mountain CID president Emory Morsberger. They can be found in other metro Atlanta areas such as Ashford-Dunwoody and 285, he said.

Stone Mountain Bakery Adds More Options, Customers

in Stone Mountain Village has been growing.

The business, which opened last May, has added breakfast and lunch; provides cakes to the restaurant, also in the Village, in addition to on Rockbridge and King Seafood on Memorial Drive. The bakery also has done a luncheon for the .

How to do Business with DeKalb County

Representatives from the DeKalb Office of Contract and Compliance will answer questions about completing certification applications, registering as a vendor/supplier, and more at the “How to Do Business With DeKalb County” program Tuesday, Oct. 25. from 10-11 a.m. at the Maloof Administration Building, 1300 Commerce Drive, Room 202, Decatur.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, send an e-mail to: contract@co.dekalb.ga.us

Know of a business that's newly opened, coming to Stone Mountain-Redan or Lithonia, or moving away from the area? How about local networking and business education opportunities? Send me an e-mail with the information for "Welcome to the Neighborhood": Leslie.Johnson@patch.com