It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Conyers, GA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always have helped me a lot i have had ”
“Always best have always provided me with some of the most caring”
“Always Best Care has been a blessing to us wonderful people great staff Mr Duke”
“Always Best Care Senior Services is an excellent service. They have an incredible staff who”
“I am a current client of this provider They have good attitudes. I like that they are”
“I am a current client of this provider If you need an additional person, they are”
“I am a current client of this provider I have good days and bad days, but”
“I am a current client of this provider They make sure he is comfortable and he's”
“I am a current client of this provider They bathe him and I get the chance”
“I am a current client of this provider There are things I cannot handle with my”
“I am a past client of this provider They did well once they were there. They”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver they send that takes care of”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency has made my life easier by”
“We can have more hours. They can have more caregivers and have replacements.”
“I am a current client of this provider It helps the clients feel safer at home. I”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped me the most in doing”
“My parents needed care after my elderly mom was discharged from the hospital . Latasha”
“I am a past client of this provider When they did send someone most of them”
“I am a current client of this provider They have been very helpful and courteous. They always”
“I am a past client of this provider My experience was positive because the caregiver was”
“I am a current client of this provider They come 3 days a week and they”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregivers that have come have had positive”
“Always have helped me a lot i have had some wonderful nurses that' came to see about me but the person that really enjoyed was my buddy. Mr Duke he is the most wonderful caring person that there is thank you my dear friend”
“Always best have always provided me with some of the most caring care givers. They show alot of compassion and care for my father has been with them for 2 years. I would like to send a special thank you to Duke,Ericka, Debbie and Latoshia for the care that you have provided for our family.”
“Always Best Care has been a blessing to us wonderful people great staff Mr Duke is the most amazing and wonderful ???????? person ???? they have always sent good people for my husband thank you Always Best Care”
“Always Best Care Senior Services is an excellent service. They have an incredible staff who are dedicated to providing outstanding service to in need. I would highly recommend this company.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have good attitudes. I like that they are consistent with the people who come in every day.”
“I am a current client of this provider If you need an additional person, they are good to fill in when someone calls out. I like that they are straight forward with their pricing.”
“I am a current client of this provider I have good days and bad days, but the services have helped me the most with moving around better. It prevents me from falling. One of the caregivers did not want to do anything and stated that it was too much. I had to do the cleaning by myself and I did not feel good. Now I have another caregiver who provides better services.”
“I am a current client of this provider They make sure he is comfortable and he's clean. Thery are always on time and make sure he is comfortable.”
“I am a current client of this provider They bathe him and I get the chance to do other things. The caregiver provides great services.”
“I am a current client of this provider There are things I cannot handle with my husband, and before I had them I was there twenty-four hours a day to the point of a mental breakdown, it's everything to me. I like the person that I have most of the time, she's very good, very qualified. I feel very fortunate.”
“I am a past client of this provider They did well once they were there. They help prepare my meals and get things for me because I was immobile. They also helped with my bath. They could have the caregiver give me a call if they're going to be late, so I'm not wondering if they're coming or not.”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver they send that takes care of him is a good match. I would recommend them because they person they send is quite qualified and caring.”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency has made my life easier by providing excellent care. I like that the agency always has someone to cover if someone is not able to make it.”
“We can have more hours. They can have more caregivers and have replacements.”
“I am a current client of this provider It helps the clients feel safer at home. I really like the caregiver that's with the clients, she's smart.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped me the most in doing things around the house and doing things they are supposed to. I like that they are understandable and have good workers.”
“My parents needed care after my elderly mom was discharged from the hospital . Latasha was very responsive and caring while helping us secure the right person to help them during a difficult transition in their lives. Duke, the interim care provider was extremely well liked by my parents . They felt super comfortable and safe with him while Latasha worked to find a longer term caregiver. I really appreciate all of them ! Thank you Always Best Care”
“I am a past client of this provider When they did send someone most of them were quality caregivers. They could have done better with scheduling and making sure their clients were covered.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have been very helpful and courteous. They always ask if I need anything.”
“I am a past client of this provider My experience was positive because the caregiver was very effective and willing to take care of my needs. I would recommend them because they were available, professional and willing.”
“I am a current client of this provider They come 3 days a week and they do everything I need for me. They have bettered her quality of life. They have been responsive when I need to make changes.”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregivers that have come have had positive attitudes. I think they need more staffing and have more people available to come to other locations.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Conyers, GA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Conyers, GA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Conyers, GA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
CONYERS, Ga. - A beloved pizzeria in Conyers has received a national spotlight — and a $50,000 boost — thanks to viral TikTok food reviewer Keith Lee and restaurant tech company Toast.What we know:Sharpiros Pizzeria, known not just for its Buffalo-style pies but also its unwavering community support, was selected as the national winner of a campaign recognizing restaurants that embody the spirit of service. Th...
CONYERS, Ga. - A beloved pizzeria in Conyers has received a national spotlight — and a $50,000 boost — thanks to viral TikTok food reviewer Keith Lee and restaurant tech company Toast.
What we know:
Sharpiros Pizzeria, known not just for its Buffalo-style pies but also its unwavering community support, was selected as the national winner of a campaign recognizing restaurants that embody the spirit of service. The award, backed by Toast, celebrates eateries that "know it’s the little things that count." Sharpiros rose to the top from among submissions across the country.
Lee personally surprised the owners with the $50,000 check earlier this week, praising their efforts beyond the kitchen.
What they're saying:
"What stood out wasn’t just the food," Lee said. "This place is a pillar of the community — from mentoring local kids to rewarding students for academic achievement with free pizza."
Sharpiros’ community work includes its "boy discipline" mentorship program for youth growing up without fathers. The restaurant also offers school supplies, meal assistance, and a 10% discount to first responders, teachers, and government employees. Three times a week, they hold $500 customer giveaways, and leftover food is donated to the unhoused.
The nomination came from a local supporter, Tany B, who called the restaurant a "community hub."
"The owner is always present with a big smile and willing to support any idea to uplift others," she wrote in her submission.
Sharpiros is also recognized for its innovative menu, with standout pizzas like the jerk oxtail pizza, Michael Angelo Supreme, spicy shrimp pizza, and a Philly cheesesteak-inspired "Renaissance." Other offerings include hoagies, fried fish, Italian fried rice, and a full dessert lineup featuring fried Oreos and red velvet cake.
While Sharpiros received the top prize, Lee also awarded $5,000 each to two other Georgia restaurants — including The Wing Suite in Lawrenceville — as part of his broader mission to spotlight under-recognized eateries.
The backstory:
This isn’t Lee’s first time making an impact in Georgia. In 2023, he visited Tacos y Mariscos Ofelia in Warner Robins, where he paid the restaurant’s rent for three months and donated $900 for free meals after learning the business was struggling.
Lee’s presence in Atlanta has drawn attention before. Last year, he publicly ranked Atlanta at the bottom of his national food city list, citing poor service and order difficulties. The backlash included online threats against both the restaurants and Lee's family.
Though he canceled a planned "Redemption Tour," he returned quietly in April to give away food at a local pop-up.
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What's next:
Lee is also scheduled to appear at Blavity Fest, a two-day celebration of Black culture and innovation, taking place May 31–June 1 at Lee + White in Atlanta.
Blavity Fest will feature speakers and performers including 2 Chainz, Kirk Franklin, actress Marsai Martin, podcast host David Shands, Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche, and Mayor Andre Dickens. For tickets and more information, visit blavity.com/events/blavity-fest.
It was a part of Toast's "It's the Little Things" campaign, highlighting restaurants that go above and beyond.CONYERS, Ga. — TikTok sensation Keith Lee made another stop in metro Atlanta, but not to review food. He surprised two metro Atlanta restaurants as part of a partnership with Toast.Lee stopped at Shapiro's Pizzeria to recognize the owners, Michael and Monalisa Sharp, and staff for their service to the community, giving the owner a $50,000 check.It was a part of Toast's "It's the Little Things...
It was a part of Toast's "It's the Little Things" campaign, highlighting restaurants that go above and beyond.
CONYERS, Ga. — TikTok sensation Keith Lee made another stop in metro Atlanta, but not to review food. He surprised two metro Atlanta restaurants as part of a partnership with Toast.
Lee stopped at Shapiro's Pizzeria to recognize the owners, Michael and Monalisa Sharp, and staff for their service to the community, giving the owner a $50,000 check.
It was a part of Toast's "It's the Little Things" campaign, highlighting restaurants that go above and beyond.
"What we love about the winner goes past food; this restaurant is built for the community," Lee said. "Not only do they offer mentorship programs to the kids in the neighborhood, they also offer a free pizza to kids who have good grades."
Shapiro's Pizzeria was recognized for its "boy discipline" program for those who don't have a father, providing them with meals, school supplies and more. The restaurant also offers a 10% discount for first responders, teachers and government workers.
They also do $500 giveaways to customers three times a week and donate their leftover meals to the unhoused.
"Small gestures like these can make the biggest impact on your community," Lee added.
Tany B, the woman who nominated the restaurant for the campaign, stated in her post that "they've turned a pizza joint into a community hub."
"The owner is always here when I come. She is always here with big smiles and able to support any kind of thing or idea to her restaurant," Tany said.
As Lee gave the check to the owners and staff, he complimented the chef, saying the wings were his favorite.
"The kitchen is my home, and with my team that I got, it makes it greater for us," the lead chef, Victor Martinez, stated.
"First, we must give HONOR to GOD and our Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST, for without HIM, none of this would be possible. We are so honored, grateful, and thankful to @keith_lee125 and @toasttab for selecting us as the GRAND PRIZE WINNERS of the Little Things giveaway," the owners of Shapiro's Pizzeria said in an Instagram post.
They also thanked the woman who nominated them.
"We had no idea we would win!! You are an amazing person for thinking so highly of us. This is just part of the testimony of the long and prosperous journey that God has for us," the restaurant said.
He also surprised The Wing Suite in Lawrenceville, whom he also surprised with $5,000 as part of the campaign.
Watch the full surprise below.
CONYERS, GA — Big Haynes Creek Nature Center (BHCNC) has been spotlighted as one of the top hiking destinations near Atlanta in the newly released.Guide, “Hiking Atlanta’s Hidden Forests: Intown and Out,” by outdoor experts Jonah McDonald and Zana Pouncey.To celebrate the honor, the community is invited to the Nature Center’s outdoor classroom for a meet-and-greet and book signing on Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m.,followed by a walk with the authors designed for all ages and sk...
CONYERS, GA — Big Haynes Creek Nature Center (BHCNC) has been spotlighted as one of the top hiking destinations near Atlanta in the newly released.
Guide, “Hiking Atlanta’s Hidden Forests: Intown and Out,” by outdoor experts Jonah McDonald and Zana Pouncey.
To celebrate the honor, the community is invited to the Nature Center’s outdoor classroom for a meet-and-greet and book signing on Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m.,
followed by a walk with the authors designed for all ages and skill levels. This event is part of the authors’ book tour, which features stops at highlighted trails throughout the metro area.
Pouncey, an advocate for environmental equity and community engagement, helped shape the book’s inclusive and accessible approach to exploring nature.
McDonald’s detailed entries include maps, GPS coordinates, hiking and driving directions, and even tips for accessing trails via public transit. The guide showcases 60 hikes within 30 miles of downtown Atlanta—from strolls under a mile to challenging treks more than 12 miles long.
“Big Haynes Creek Nature Center is thrilled to be included among the region’s most treasured green spaces,” said Dawn Tanner, event and conservation manager at the
Georgia International Horse Park. “This book highlights the incredible natural beauty we have right here in our community, and we’re honored to be included.”
The Big Haynes Creek Nature Center, located at the Georgia International Horse Park, is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Admission is free.
About the Authors:
Jonah McDonald is an Atlanta-based writer, storyteller, historian, and naturalist. He is the author of Secret Atlanta: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure and the original edition of Hiking Atlanta’s Hidden Forests. As a DeKalb County park naturalist, Jonah brings his passion for the outdoors to life through education, adventure, and storytelling. Whether traveling by bike, canoe, or on foot, he’s always searching for the next great story.
Zana Pouncey is a native Southerner and has lived in Atlanta for more than 10 years. She loves city life with all her heart but is a passionate environmentalist at her core. Connecting people to nature is her calling.
CONYERS, Ga. — People in a Rockdale County neighborhood said they found out about the development plans for their neighborhood from a sign that appeared in front of the property in question.They say they’re concerned about development plans near their homes, ones they say they weren’t consulted about and that could severely impact the county, Channel 2’s Tyisha Fernandes reports.“No one asked for our input, no one asked us to be involved, and no one asked us to make any suggestions or recomm...
CONYERS, Ga. — People in a Rockdale County neighborhood said they found out about the development plans for their neighborhood from a sign that appeared in front of the property in question.
They say they’re concerned about development plans near their homes, ones they say they weren’t consulted about and that could severely impact the county, Channel 2’s Tyisha Fernandes reports.
“No one asked for our input, no one asked us to be involved, and no one asked us to make any suggestions or recommendations,” said Bob Nesbitt, who lives off Flat Shoals Road in Conyers.
Nesbitt lives across the street from where a new subdivision will be built if Rockdale County Commissioners rezone this land that Rockdale Baptist Church is selling.
Church officials say a developer approached them about buying 30 acres of land that’s all trees right now.
The developer plans to build nearly 100 homes, with a pickleball court, a dog park and plenty of open space.
“If we add additional homes or drivers to the road, it’s going to be congested. But it’s far bigger than traffic congestion. We have one hospital here in Rockdale. Now if you go the ER you’re going to wait several hours before you’re treated. Now with more people, that’s going to be a longer wait,” Nesbitt said.
JaNice Van ness is the current Rockdale Commission chair.
She’s also a member of Rockdale Baptist Church, which concerns neighbors, who feel like the rezoning is being pushed on them.
Van Ness said she’s staying out of it, recusing herself from the vote.
“I want to make sure I’m fair and impartial,” she said.
She also said commissioners will consider what comes out of the traffic feasibility study, infrastructure and what the school district says about overcrowding.
“I’m concerned about the water runoff – the sewage," said Sandra Weatherly-Richardson, a neighbor who said she already has problems with runoff from that land. If the trees are removed, it’ll be worse.
“We live here. We’ll be the ones with a lack of infrastructure. We’re the ones whose children who will be educated in trailers and may not catch up with their peers,” Weatherly-Richardson said.
There’s only one public hearing left, and then commissioners will vote.
For Rockdale, there’s only three commissioners, and with that one commissioner recusing herself, that means there’s one left.
Channel 2 spoke to a church spokesperson who said they’re open to making changes and revisions, but the neighbors say they’ll believe it when they see it.
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Updated 5/28/25 with BioLab's comment.Federal investigators say BioLab was storing nearly 14 million pounds of water reactive chemicals when the storage warehouse in Conyers, Ga., caught fire Sept. 29, more than twice the amount the company initially intended to store.The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released its second investigation update Friday, revealing that water ...
Updated 5/28/25 with BioLab's comment.
Federal investigators say BioLab was storing nearly 14 million pounds of water reactive chemicals when the storage warehouse in Conyers, Ga., caught fire Sept. 29, more than twice the amount the company initially intended to store.
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released its second investigation update Friday, revealing that water reactive chemicals were stored in large bulk bags, known as "super sacks," each holding about 2,750 pounds of material. The super sacks were stacked high, and in some cases stored outside designated racks.
Plant 12, where the fire occurred, had two sections separated by a firewall designed to help contain or slow the spread of fire between areas of the warehouse. Investigators said nearly 3 million pounds of chemicals were stored outside the firewall. The CSB also reported the bulk chemical bags were not separated from other materials and were often stacked together in racking systems alongside other dry chemicals.
The report also notes that a firewall meant to contain the flames failed, allowing the fire to spread further through the warehouse.
In a separate report released in April, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said that improperly stored chemicals led to the fire that broke out at BioLab’s Conyers warehouse and proposed a $61,473 fine. OSHA cited multiple serious violations related to chemical storage, emergency response and worker protection.
The CSB investigation also found corrosion on a sprinkler pipe near where the fire is believed to have started. Investigators said that’s not surprising, given the corrosive nature of the chemicals being stored.
“The impacts from storing corrosive material at the storage warehouse became visible shortly after BioLab started using the new building,” the CSB report states. "[Trichloroisocyanuric acid] storage began in the storage warehouse bunker on November 5, 2019, and photographs indicated that there was corrosion on metal structure components and sprinkler heads as soon as December 30, 2019."
In the initial 911 call placed the morning of the fire, a BioLab employee reported that a sprinkler head had burst inside the facility. CSB investigators found corrosion on a sprinkler pipe near the area where the fire is believed to have started. Whether that corrosion contributed to the fire or compromised the facility’s fire suppression system remains under investigation.
That finding echoes concerns raised by Randy Garcia, a former engineer who worked at BioLab from August 2022 to April 2024. Speaking to GPB prior to the CSB’s latest update, Garcia said that he was the only engineer on site and had questioned the use of a water-based fire suppression system in a facility storing chemicals known to react with water.
“I brought up questions about 'Why do we have a water-based fire system over water-reactive chemicals?'” Garcia told GPB. “I brought the risks that could come about, but we got approvals on everything. Management was like, 'No one is forcing us to change it.' [Rockdale] County's OK with it, they say OSHA gave the OK, nobody really raised any red flags, so nothing was really done about it.”
Garcia said he replaced about 40 sprinkler heads during his time at the plant.
“A lot of the sprinkler heads were just faulty," he said. "So, I spent a good amount of money replacing them.”
The CSB also noted that a large amount of water was already flowing out of the building before firefighters arrived, suggesting the fire suppression system may have activated.
Additionally, investigators reported that the facility’s roof was leaking, raising the possibility that stormwater entered the building and contributed to the reaction.
“The more we learn about this unacceptable incident, the more disturbing it is,” CSB chairperson Steve Owens said in a press release. “This is a stark reminder of the very serious dangers that can occur when enormous amounts of reactive and corrosive chemicals are stored without proper safeguards in place.”
Earlier this month, BioLab announced the Conyers plant would not resume manufacturing but would continue to operate as a distribution facility. The company also said it had completed remediation work following the September fire. The response to the announcement from residents was mixed.
The CSB investigation is ongoing. A final report with formal safety recommendations is expected later this year.
BioLab did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the latest CSB report. On May 27, a BioLab spokesperson said in a statement that the company “will continue to cooperate with the CSB’s ongoing investigation, although we disagree with many of CSB’s statements.”
For more on the 2024 fire and GPB’s investigation, listen to “Manufacturing Danger: The BioLab Story” wherever you get your podcasts.
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