Department of Transportation officials are again pushing back their projected completion date for the widening of Ga. 9 in Alpharetta.
The work, along 3.6 miles from Upper Hembree Road to Windward Parkway, is expected to finish by spring 2026, Alpharetta officials said May 21. The delay is attributed to utility delays and design changes.
The $50 million project will add two lanes for vehicles, bikes lanes, on street parking, upgraded drainage and pedestrian lighting among other improvements, GDOT said.
Ga. 9 is a major artery for Metro Atlanta and North Georgia drivers, beginning in Sandy Springs and running 86 miles north into Lumpkin County.
Construction began in April 2021.
“While this is not a City of Alpharetta project, we know it has a daily impact on our community — from commutes to business access,” the City of Alpharetta said in a statement.
Crews have completed widening from Cumming Street to Winthrope Chase Park. A gravel and asphalt mix has been applied to the roadway in preparation for paving.
Work to widen Ga. 9 into Milton also has experienced troubles.
Upcoming GDOT plans
• By July 2025: AT&T will complete utility relocation
• By mid-August 2025: Georgia Power will remove remaining utility poles
• By mid-October 2025: Street and pedestrian lights will be on in the south end of the project
• By March 2026: Median landscaping will be completed
• By April 2026: Main roadway paving and all sidewalks will be finished
The change in schedule comes a year after state transportation officials had pushed the project’s completion date to late 2025.
The widened roadway is expected to ease congestion, improve pedestrian safety and support Alpharetta’s growth, the city says.
Alpharetta councilman announces candidacy for Beach’s Senate seat
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga.
— Alpharetta City Councilman Brian
Will announced June 3 he is seeking the seat of former state Sen. Brandon Beach
and will resign his council seat.
Will said he has qualified for the race as a Republican and plans to resign from his council seat that afternoon.
“We did some amazing things,” Will said of his time serving on the council.
In June 2024, construction halted after fraudulent right-ofway and easement acquisitions were discovered. The fraud delayed the project’s start at least another three years, the City of Milton said previously.
• By May 2026: Lights will be turned on in the north end of the project
• By August 2026: Final paving on side roads will be complete
Roswell council widens powers of City Administrator Knighton
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell City Administrator Randy Knighton has been granted greater authority over the city’s workforce as part of changes adopted to the city code May 27.
After unanimous approval at the May 27 City Council meeting, three
amendments were made to the city code.
“In general, the revisions, modernize the language, reduce redundancies, empower staff, along with the guidance of mayor and council and aligns with best practices and municipal government,” Deputy City Administrator Joe Pennino said.
KNIGHTON,
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
A $50 million project is underway to widen Ga. 9 in Alpharetta from two to four lanes and add other amenities.
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Vandal spray paint Teslas on Upper Hembree Road
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Five vehicles were reported vandalized with spray paint at a Tesla dealership May 26.
Alpharetta police said the vandalism totaled $35,000 in damages to Tesla electric vehicles.
Officers were dispatched to the Upper Hembree Road dealership about 8:30 a.m. Various messages were spraypainted on the vehicles and building.
The vandalism included messages such as “Go home Elon,” and other disparaging remarks toward the Tesla CEO. The vandalism also included swastikas and anarchy symbols.
A manager said he discovered the vandalism after arriving about 8 a.m.
Three of the five damaged vehicles belong to customers.
The painted vehicles include three Cybertrucks, a Model X sedan and Model Y sedan.
The incident was classified as a felony second-degree damage to property.
— Jon Wilcox
Roswell police cite man in hit-and-run incident
ROSWELL, Ga. — Police arrested a 27-year-old Roswell man days after he allegedly struck a vehicle in the parking lot of the Aspen Pointe apartments May 17 and drove off.
An anonymous caller told dispatch that they saw the driver of a Home Depot rental truck crash into a Hyundai Santa Fe, exit the truck to examine the damage and then leave the parking lot.
While en route to the scene, an officer said he saw a truck matching the caller’s description but could not catch up through traffic along Holcomb Bridge Road.
The officer said he noticed damage to the front right passenger door when he arrived and ran the license plate to identify the vehicle’s owner, a 56-yearold Roswell man.
The owner said he wanted to press charges.
Police checked rental truck records at Home Depot and identified a suspect. The police reported the 27-year-old Roswell man rented the truck May 17 and it was due back the following day.
According to a Roswell Police Department arrest report, officers secured a warrant for misdemeanor hitand-run and arrested the man May 23.
— Hayden Sumlin
Restaurant workers flee after customer pulls knife
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 45-yearold Roswell man was arrested after allegedly threatening Waffle House employees with a pocketknife May 21.
Alpharetta police said officers were dispatched to the Old Milton Parkway restaurant about 1 a.m. Officers arrived to find employees fleeing the location in a vehicle.
The employees returned to speak with officers, saying a man inside had threatened to kill them.
Police cleared the restaurant but found no one inside.
Employees said they called 911 after the man had caused a disturbance and made threats. They said the man stabbed a table and menaced them.
Employees also said the man told them police would have to shoot him if they called 911.
Officers reviewed security camera recordings, which showed the man brandishing a knife and trying to jump over tables to attack an employee, police said. The recordings showed
the man leaving the restaurant and walking toward a nearby hotel.
Officers identified the man through the recordings.
Police arrived at his hotel room with weapons drawn and arrested him.
A search revealed a 4-inch knife that matched the weapon captured on video.
The man was charged with felony aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and misdemeanor disorderly conduct.
— Jon Wilcox
Thieves take materials from shuttered business
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell police are investigating the theft of $760,000 in building materials, including copper and electronics, from the former Studio Movie Grill at 2880 Holcomb Bridge Road.
An officer said he spoke with a Kimco Realty contractor May 26 outside the building who said he heard voices coming from the building when he arrived. After further inspection, he told the officer he found no one inside.
Officers searched the building with the contractor, who showed them where copper wire and electronics had been forcibly removed.
According to the contractor, around $360,000 in copper and $400,000 in electronics had been stolen from various areas. He said his team first noticed the theft May 23 after unidentified people started a fire behind the building.
The officer said he contacted the property manager who sent him photos of the areas where materials were removed. Evidence at the scene includes a McDonald’s receipt, a battery with a fingerprint on it and latex gloves.
The officer said he notified the Criminal Investigations Division about the burglary.
According to the latest reports, no suspect has been identified.
— Hayden Sumlin
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Roswell advances applications for federal, state traffic grants
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell officials gave tentative approval May 27 for an action plan to help reduce traffic accidents and fatalities in the city.
The City Council voted unanimously in favor of the measure at the regular Committees of Council meeting, a work session presided over by City Administrator Randy Knighton.
The city received $200,000 for the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2023. To acquire future infrastructure grant funding from USDOT, the city must take measures to improve street safety.
It must create a Citywide Safety Action Plan and adopt a Vision Zero resolution.
Vision Zero outlines the city’s commitment to focus on safe roads, vehicles, speeds and post-crash care.
In the past year, city staff worked with consultants, residents, elected officials and stakeholders to create the plan. It includes an analysis of existing traffic conditions and crash trends that involve fatalities and serious injuries and identifies projects and strategies to improve road safety.
“The safety action plan kind of gives us a good toolbox of things that we can use as a city to slow traffic down,” Transportation Planning manager Mark Dana said.
The unanimous approval will allow staff to pursue additional grants from
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The City Council will vote on the action plan at its next formal meeting June 9. If passed, the city can then apply for a Safe Streets and Roads for All implementation grant that would help pay for strategies outlined in the Safety Action Plan.
The implementation grant can range from $2.5 to $25 million. The city must match 20 percent of the grant award.
The City Council voted to pursue the grant as part of the city’s Slow Down in Roswell initiative.
The Georgia Department of Transportation has also tabbed Roswell to submit a Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant application for the Safety Action Plan.
The city can receive up to $400,000 in grants for safety improvement projects which include improved striping, raised pavement markers, rumble strips, rectangular rapid flashing beacons and pedestrian hybrid beacons.
“I think one of the things that's really exciting about this is the ability that the application, once it's received by GDOT, those funds become immediately available to us,” Senior Vice President of Infrastructure & Deputy City Administrator Sharon Izzo said.
A 30 percent match would be required by the city, which is available through the Bicycle/Pedestrian/ Sidewalk bond program.
The LMIG application was advanced to the May 27 City Council meeting, where it was given unanimous approval.
B. Benson, MD Johns Creek: Tues.,
Milton: Mon., Fri.
Chivukula, MD Johns Creek Only
SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA
Roswell city officials discuss transportation safety grant applications May 27 at City Hall.
Georgia Public Service Commission seats on ballot
By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — The Appen Media team presents this voters guide as a service to our readers voting in the June 17 special primary for the Georgia Public Service Commission.
Producing this guide was a labor of love, and we encourage you to consider becoming a monthly subscriber by visiting appenmedia.com/join.
We’d do this work for free if we could, but we can’t. We depend on your support.
Here is what you need to know about voting in the June 17 primary.
More election coverage can be found at Decaturishvotes.com.
What does the Public Service Commission do?
According to the PSC website, the Georgia Public Service Commission sets “fair and reasonable rates for services under its jurisdiction.” Utilities, like Georgia Power, are typically regulated by the PSC. One of its roles is to govern Georgia Power’s rates and plans.
The PSC is a five-member board that regulates power, energy, natural gas, broadband and railroads, said Paul Glaze, media and public affairs strategist for Georgia Conservation Voters, an environmental advocacy group.
“What the Public Service Commission does, their mandate is that they are supposed to protect consumers, ensure affordability and make decisions that are in the net benefit of society,” Glaze said.
Every three years, Georgia Power and other natural gas companies present their long-term plans and funding proposals to the Public Service Commission.
These plans outline how much electricity the company estimates people will need and how they propose to cover the associated costs.
“The first one is called the IRP or the integrated resource plan. That one is focused on...how much energy are we going to need [and] how do we do it,” Glaze said. “The second one is the rate case. That is where we argue about how much that should cost people.”
Charles Bullock, a political science professor at University of Georgia added that there are hearings for the IRP and rate case so “citizens or representatives of citizen groups can show up and can argue that what the utility is asking for is too much, that the increase should either be denied altogether or perhaps should be scaled back.”
How does the PSC impact me?
The main way the Public Service Commission impacts your everyday life is by determining how much Georgia Power customers pay for electricity.
The PSC sets rates that Georgia Power customers see on their bills, although Glaze noted that rates and bills are not the same, as the commission also approves other fees.
“Since 2023, the average person’s bill has gone up an average of $43 for Georgia Power customers. Of that $43, just under $13 would have been stopped by the [rate] freeze. About $13 was rate increases, about $30 was all these other things,” Glaze said.
When was the last election, and why was it so long ago?
PSC elections were last held in 2020 and have been on hold since 2022 due to
a federal lawsuit alleging the election process for commissioners violates the Voting Rights Act, according to WABE.
The commission is divided into five districts. Candidates must live in the district they are running for, but all Georgia residents vote for each seat. Democrats challenged that setup in 2020, arguing that some cities or counties had to shift to single-member districts because all atlarge seats violated the Voting Rights Act, Bullock said.
“What Democrats were hoping to achieve when they challenged that in court was to have only those voters who live in a district able to vote for a particular PSC commissioner,” Bullock said. “The Democrats thought that if you had single-member districts in which only a majority of the people living in your district could vote for you, that one or maybe two of the seats would elect a Democrat.”
The current commissioners are all Republicans. The PSC has had all Republican members for several years.
The legal challenge paused elections in 2022 and 2024.
“They were enjoined from holding elections until they resolved the question of whether or not the existing arrangement was legal,” Bullock said.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger officially called for the pair of special elections in February, but the plan to put the two commission districts on the ballot this year was created by state lawmakers last year, according to the Georgia Recorder.
A federal district judge sided with the plaintiffs, but that lower court’s decision
was reversed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case last year. Last summer, another lawsuit was filed regarding the constitutionality of the Legislature’s plan to restart the PSC elections and extend the current commissioners’ terms, thereby exceeding the terms for which they were initially elected to serve.
A federal judge dismissed the case earlier this year, Georgia Recorder reported.
Who can vote in these elections?
No changes were made to the election structure following the lawsuits. The candidates must live in their districts, but the elections are statewide, so all Georgia voters can cast ballots in both races.
Here are the candidate Q&A’s:
Public Service Commission, District 2 District 2 includes much of east and southeast Georgia that includes Athens, Augusta and Savannah. The candidates are Republicans Tim Echols (incumbent) and Lee Muns. The winner of the primary will face Democrat Alicia Johnson in November.
Public Service Commission, District 3 District 3 includes the Metro Atlanta counties of Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton. The candidates are Democrats Daniel Blackman, Peter Hubbard, Robert Jones and Keisha Waites. The winner of the primary will face Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson in November.
See BALLOT, Page 24
CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
Notice is hereby given that the following public hearings shall be held before the Mayor and Council of the City of Alpharetta, Georgia regarding the adoption of the budget for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026):
June 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
June 23, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.
June 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
The public hearings are scheduled to be conducted at City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, in City Council chambers.
The proposed budget is available on the City’s website as well as in the Department of Finance (City Hall, 2 Park Plaza) from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday through Thursday) and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Friday).
These public hearings are in accordance with O.C.G.A. 36-81-5. All citizens of Alpharetta are invited to attend, and comment will be heard.
Pride Walk scheduled for downtown Roswell
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Empowered will host the inaugural Pride Walk on June 21.
The walk will begin at 10 a.m. at the Heart of Roswell Park 925 Canton St.
All are welcome to join the walk. Attendees must stay on the sidewalk and follow all local laws.
The group, created by resident Jennifer Donlon, aims to give a voice to those in the community to show them that they are not alone.
To learn more, visit www.instagram. com/roswell_empowered/.
Sarah Coyne
Friends of Roswell Police plan fifth annual car show
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Friends of Roswell Police will host the fifth annual Cops ‘N Cars Show at Lebanon Baptist Church June 7.
The free event invites families and car enthusiasts to view a display of classic and custom cars, alongside police vehicles. Attendees can connect with their city by meeting the drivers.
An array of goods from local merchants and food from local vendors be available for purchase.
If you go
What: Cops ‘N Cars Show
When: Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Lebanon Baptist Church Cost: Free and open to public; Can enter a car in the show with a donation of $30
Proceeds from the event will go toward the official foundation for the Roswell Police Department, Friends of Roswell Police. The foundation’s mission is to inspire hope and strengthen the community, while offering support to Roswell police officers and individuals and families in need. Those interested can enter a car in the show with a donation of $30. To learn more, visit www. friendsofroswellpolice. org/2025copsncars.
Sarah Coyne
NOTICE – ROAD CLOSURES
Notice is hereby given that portions of the following roads will be closed on Sunday, June 16, from 7 am - 9:30 am due to the run4DAD 5K: Wills Rd, Milton Ave, Roswell St., Old Milton Hwy (between Wills Rd and Roswell St).
If you have a small family or even one with some children, I’ll fit in perfectly. Stop looking and come meet me, I’ll warm your heart!
City-developer partnerships play key role in
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Private developers continue playing a substantial role in Alpharetta’s Alpha Loop.
At its June 2 meeting, the Alpharetta City Council approved an agreement that provides impact fee credits to Lakeview Park Development in exchange for building a length of the mutli-use trail.
The agreement stems from a 2019 rezoning approved for a 7.7 acre property to be used for the Lakeview mixed-use project near Haynes Bridge Road and Ga. 400. Lakeview includes homes, green space, 16,500 square feet of retail and restaurant space and 360,000 square feet of offices.
Construction costs for the trail are expected to reach $1.5 million and will grant the developer more than $650,000 in fee credits. Impact fees are one-time payments imposed by local governments to cover the costs of infrastructure and public services.
Lakeview’s 12-foot multi-use Alpha Loop portion, which remains under construction, will connect to an amphitheater open to the public and wind around a nearby lake. It will allow
Alpharetta officials are continuing plans to build out the near-10 mile Alpha Loop trail system.
connections to the North Point Mall area, Big Creek Greenway and other Alpha Loop sites.
Consisting of an inner and outer trail, the Alpha Loop is expected to bring almost 10 miles of milti-use pathways to the city.
The paths are designed to provide routes for pedestrians and cyclists, connecting four major activity centers
— Avalon, Alpharetta City Center, Northwinds Office Park and the North Point Economic District.
Private developers have made significant contributions to the Alpha Loop since Alpharetta began work in 2017, said City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom.
The city has built much of the trail and also provided a vision that allows
private partners to participate, he said.
“This is what happens when you have purposeful planning,” Lagerbloom said. “There had to be a picture of an Alpha Loop that worked for Alpharetta, so that when these development projects that nobody expected at the time came in, they would know there is something to build.”
Lagerbloom said he is aware of numerous other partnerships with developers to build portions of the trail. He said he lives in a Thompson Street neighborhood whose developer constructed a connection to the Alpha Loop.
The city has found similar partnerships with developers such as Providence Group and at projects like Northwinds. A 1-mile section of the trail connecting Avalon to downtown Alpharetta was built by developers. Impact fee agreements also incentivize developers to add other amenities such as green space, enhancing the trail further, Community Development Director Kathi Cook said. The trail connections and improvements also can make projects more attractive to prospective visitors, residents and workers.
“It’s a good partnership,” she said.
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Mercedes-Benz plans to expand Sandy Springs headquarters
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Gov. Brian Kemp announced May 22 that Mercedes-Benz will expand its North American headquarters in Sandy Springs by centralizing and uniting key corporate functions.
Mercedes-Benz is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high-end passenger cars.
The company is expected to move up to 500 jobs to the existing Mercedes-Benz facility, known as “1MB,” in Sandy Springs, and make a multi-million-dollar investment in a future state-of-the-art Research & Development facility nearby.
Mercedes-Benz opened its “1MB” facility off Abernathy Road in 2018. It currently supports around 800 jobs in the state.
“Georgia continues to lead the way in the future of mobility and technical innovation, attracting worldclass companies like Mercedes-Benz that are driving the automotive industry forward,” Kemp said. “We’re excited that a job creator that already has close ties to Georgia is doubling down on that choice and growing their presence here in the best state for business and opportunity.”
Mercedes-Benz North America CEO Jason Hoff said the company is strengthening its position for continued growth and reinforcing its commitment to the U.S. market.
“We thank the State of Georgia for its support in deepening Mercedes-Benz’s roots in the Atlanta area as we bring even more talented team members to this worldclass city,” Hoff said. “Bringing our teams closer together will enable us to be more agile, increase speed to market, and ensure the best customer experience.”
Assistant Director of Statewide Projects Elizabeth McLean represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Global Commerce team on the project in partnership with the city of Sandy Springs, Select Fulton, Metro Atlanta Chamber and Georgia Power.
Mercedes-Benz says the existing facility will house the
Chapel of Reflections
Mercedes-Benz announced it’s planning to expand its North American headquarters at its existing
facility at Abernathy and Barfield roads in Sandy Springs. The company said it will open a new research and development hub, invest millions of dollars and bring some 500 jobs as a part of the expansion.
current sales teams as well as financial services teams and corporate functions. A new state-of-the-art Research & Development hub is set to be located near Sandy Springs.
Mercedes-Benz anticipates the move will be completed by August 2026.
Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said the expansion represents “a wonderful opportunity and a significant milestone for our continued development.”
“Since establishing their headquarters here in 2018, they have been outstanding corporate partners,” Paul said. “Their decision to grow in Sandy Springs highlights
Our chapel mausoleum offers timeless options of both cremation and traditional burial. Contact us for further information on the Chapel of Reflections and our many other offerings.
the success of the city’s recent infrastructure and capital investments which are now clearly paying dividends.”
Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts said having a globally recognized brand like Mercedes-Benz reaffirm its commitment by investing and growing here is a testament to the strength and vitality of the community.
“It proves Fulton County continues to be a destination for corporate solutions, providing major companies an accessible, vibrant, and growing community for their business to thrive in,” Pitts said.
Newspaper Delivery Route Openings with Appen Media Group
We are looking for one person or couple interested in delivering weekly newspapers in South Forsyth, Alpharetta and the Johns Creek areas.
Requirements: Must have a perfect driving record and background check, reliable transportation, honest, hard-working and positive attitude.
For more information or to apply, email heidi@appenmedia.com and include a paragraph or two about who you are and any relevant background/experience. In the subject line of the email please put “Delivery Route Application.”
— Hayden Sumlin
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“1MB”
School district de-escalation simulator finds home at Police HQ
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs City Council approved an agreement with Fulton County Schools May 20 to house the district’s deescalation simulator in the new Police Headquarters off Morgan Falls Road.
The virtual training environment uses simulations to teach individuals, including law enforcement officers, how to de-escalate potentially violent situations. The system employs virtual reality to create realistic scenarios in a controlled setting, allowing safe useof-force training.
According to a Sandy Springs memo, the Fulton County Schools Police Department purchased a stateof-the-art simulator in 2022 to train its officers and to engage students studying criminal justice. After receiving a $100,000 grant from the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, the school district purchased
the simulator from Suwanee-based InVeris Training Solutions.
Sandy Springs Police Maj. Dan Nable said finding somewhere to locate the use-of-force and de-escalation simulator benefits both departments.
“It turns out that they have this wonderful system but no place to keep it,” Nable said. “And, we have this wonderful new building … and nothing to put in the room.”
Recognizing the mutual public benefit, the two governments struck an agreement to share maintenance costs, with Sandy Springs covering utilities and any future system upgrades or additions.
The new Sandy Springs Police Headquarters and Municipal Court, which officially opened April 12, is a 130,000-square-foot facility at 620 Morgan Falls Road. There are future plans for a public safety training facility at the site, but the simulator is set to be in the existing building.
Fulton County Schools officials
gave its approval for the agreement ahead of formal approval from Sandy Springs officials. School Board
President Kristin McCabe and Schools Police Chief Mark Sulborski signed it May 1.
Beginning in July 2027, the city and the school district agree to split the anticipated annual maintenance cost of around $14,000. For the first year of the agreement, the Fulton County Schools Police Department will absorb all the cost.
Nable said most of the maintenance work will involve software upgrades, and the Sandy Springs Police Department has the option to purchase system enhancements.
According to the system’s extended warranty, the weapon attachments
include a pistol, rifle, shotgun, taser and spray.
“We believe [the cost] is minimal compared to the benefit that we get out of this system,” he said, explaining the value of the value of the virtual reality system.
Nable told elected officials that he can take people, sworn officers or civilians, to the gun range and teach them marksmanship.
“What I can’t teach at the firing range is the judgmental portion of it … should you pull the trigger?” Nable said. “Or should you use a different de-escalation tactic? That’s what this system does … help educate our officers.”
He said Citizens Police Academy enrollees will also have opportunity to check it out during the biannual nineweek course.
“We believe that it’s a very valuable experience for just those few thousand dollars each year to keep it up,” Nable said.
CITY OF ALPHARETTA
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
The Mayor and Council of the City of Alpharetta has tentatively adopted an operating (“M&O”) millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes for the General Fund by 6.50 percent.
All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax increase to be held at the City of Alpharetta, Council Chambers, City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, on the following dates and times:
June 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
June 23, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.
June 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
This tentative increase will result in an M&O millage rate of 5.030 mills, an increase of 0.307 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the M&O millage rate will be no more than 4.723 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $700,000 is approximately $42.08 and the proposed tax increase for non-homesteaded property with a fair market value of $1,275,000 is approximately $156.57.
While Alpharetta’s overall millage rate would remain flat under the proposal, there would be some changes to the individual components as follows:
The City is shifting 0.02 mills from the Bond millage rate to the M&O millage rate and investing revenue growth to cover, among other things, public safety, special events, and economic development initiatives.
Attic Avoiders Anonymous
Brought to you by - Rachel Provow,
Realtor/Founding Member, HOME Luxury Real Estate
Hello, my name is Rachel, and I have been avoiding my attic for 12 years. I would consider myself a good homeowner. My husband and I have renovated numerous portions of our house, we perform regular maintenance on our appliances and, not to brag, but I even dust my fans. Overall, we keep everything in close to tip-top shape. Through my work, I attend a lot of home inspections. I can point out most of the items that the inspector is already going to document. This is why I shared with my husband
that I knew our attic wouldn’t pass muster. He quickly quipped back that we weren’t selling. While he is correct that my newfound fascination with our attic wasn’t motivated by getting it market-ready, it still bothered me.
Like many others, when we purchased the home, we had the luxury of doing a full rodent exclusion on our 1978 brick traditional, and we literally shut the door on all thing’s attic-related after that. As I reviewed inspection reports on behalf of buyers and sellers, I couldn’t help but take note of attic insulation levels being inadequate, debris notated in attics, and an array of other items hiding out in these unfinished upper levels. I knew it was time to pull down the ladder and address the situation. While I did, in fact, climb up into the attic to lay eyes on it, I knew my strengths
and called a professional company to take it from there. They came out and removed all of the insulation that had likely been there for 40-plus years and blew in new cellulose insulation. Along the way, they discovered some forgotten treasures, including a waterbed.
My husband honestly didn’t understand why this exercise in home maintenance was important to me. Outside of the obvious answer, that proper insulation helps regulate our home’s heating and cooling levels, I think it just boiled down to the fact that I knew too much. I recognize when clients inspect a home that has been well-maintained; it’s honestly something you can feel. We had neglected this aspect of our home long enough, and I’m glad it finally got checked off the to-do list. It’s quite nice
up there if anyone would like to take a tour.
The reason I share my less-thanexciting attic story is because I am curious which projects might be lingering around your house that you are hoping to avoid. It’s always exciting to redecorate, renovate a space, or upgrade appliances, but it is necessary to keep an eye on the out-of-sight spaces. So, take a flashlight to your crawlspace and see if it’s up to snuff, look under the deck to check on its condition, and last—but certainly not least—pull down the attic stairs and peek.
For more information about listing your home, what it might be worth, or to just contact Rachel with questions, call 678-524-1491or email Rachel@HOMEgeorgia.com.
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PROVOW
Warm weather, welcoming vibes
Make your home a showstopper from the street
Brought to you byCaroline Nalisnick,
Realtor/Founding Member, HOME Luxury Real Estate
Boosting curb appeal is all about making your home look inviting and wellmaintained from the outside—first impressions count, and many buyers decide how they feel about a house within seconds of pulling up. Start with landscaping—trim overgrown bushes, mow the lawn, edge walkways, and add fresh mulch to create a clean, polished look.
Colorful flower beds or potted plants near the entrance bring warmth and vibrancy, making the home feel well cared for. Next, power wash driveways, sidewalks, porches, siding, and even the roof if needed. Removing grime and mildew helps maintain a fresh and tidy appearance.
A new coat of paint or small touchups can make a big difference. Even if a full repaint isn’t necessary, refreshing the front door, shutters, trim, and peeling areas can instantly elevate the home’s look. Swapping outdated house numbers, light fixtures, and mailboxes with modern designs adds subtle yet impactful improvements. These small upgrades signal attention to detail and quality.
Creating a welcoming entry is essential. Adding a clean doormat, seasonal wreath, or cozy porch furniture makes the space feel inviting and livable. Addressing minor repairs also matters—fixing broken fences, squeaky gates, cracked steps, or sagging gutters ensures buyers feel confident in the home’s condition.
Outdoor lighting enhances both aesthetics and safety. Well-lit paths and entrances, combined with solar or string lights, create a warm and welcoming ambiance. Keeping the exterior clutter-free is another important factor. Store bikes, hoses, trash bins, and toys neatly to maintain
a clean and open look that highlights the home’s features. Effective curb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive—it’s about polish, cleanliness, and inviting touches that give buyers the feeling that this could be home. While this is not an extensive list, it is sure to get you started in the right direction! If you have questions on how best to maintain your home or prep your home for a sale, reach out to a real estate professional, for a personal visit and advice catered to you!
If you are interested in our home maintenance guide, please reach out to Caroline Nalisnick at Caroline@ HOMEgeorgia.com.
NALISNICK
Estate Planning isn’t just for people
part of estate planning. Here are three keyways to provide for your pet’s future: Pet Trusts – Set aside funds specifically for your pet’s care, managed by a trustee.
Incorporating Pet Provisions –Include instructions in your estate plan to outline care and expenses.
Choosing a Caregiver – Designate a trusted person to provide love and stability for your pet. A well-structured plan means your furry companion will always be safe, loved, and cared for.
Let us help you create a legacy of love that extends to every member of your family—including the four-legged ones. Join our free webinars to learn more about estate planning for your pets!
English Webinar: Wednesdays, 2 PM https://lnkd.in/ga6h8NQf
Schedule a consultation: https://lnkd. in/gv58cq5p
• Does my Will protect my “stuff”? (It does not.)
• Should I upgrade my Will to a Trust?
• What do I need to know about Revocable Living Trusts?
• How do Irrevocable Trusts work?
• How do I protect my assets for my family and legacy?
• How do I remain in control?
• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?
• How can my family avoid probate?
• Medicaid. What’s true and what’s not? Attend our FREE Educational Workshops. Reserve your Spot and Get a FREE Consultation for attending the Workshop (a $500 Value) CODE: herald2023
HOLLY GEERDES Estate Law Center USA Top 5% Super Lawyer in Georgia ISTOCK
SOLEIL BELMONT PARK
New Homes from $500’s - $800’s Move-In Ready Homes Available
305 Belmont Park Court, Canton, GA 30115 | 770-635-4080 SoleilBP com
DOWNTOWN FAUSETT
New Townhomes from $ 349’s
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New Home on 2+ Acres in Cumming Final Opportunity $ 929,000 Move-In Ready Home 6490 Mockingbird Rd. Cumming, GA 30028 | 404-821-9807 DavidPattersonHomes.com
373 Highway 9 N., Dawsonville, GA 30534 | 678-578-6763 DavidPattersonHomes.com THE HOMESTEAD AT MILTON 3-10 Acre Homesites from $ 900’s to $ 1M+ Only 7 Opportunities Remain 15135 Hopewell Rd. Milton, GA 30004 | 678-578-6740 TheHomesteadatMilton.com LONG HOLLOW LANDING On the Shores of Lake Lanier Lake Homes from $ 1M+
Lori Lane, President | New Homes Division, Luxury Collection and Global Contact us at 404.801.7180 | visit BHHSGANewHomes.com | follow Lori@the_lorilane Buckhead Office, 3744 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342
Luxury Active Adult Living in Canton
Homesite 3 -The Scarlett
Live exceptionally
Discover the latest move-in ready homes by David Patterson Homes
Brought to you by - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division
David Patterson Homes, a name long associated with quality craftsmanship and innovative design, continues to elevate the North Atlanta real estate market with a curated selection of move-in ready homes across some of the region’s most sought-after neighborhoods. With over 18 years of experience designing and building distinctive residences throughout Atlanta and the Lake Lanier region, David Patterson Homes blends timeless European farmhouse elegance with today’s modern comforts in every home they craft.
This summer, the spotlight shines on several exceptional communities featuring their acclaimed Estate Collection, Townhomes and move-in ready opportunities.
Brooks Pond – Forsyth | From the $900s. Nestled in picturesque Forsyth County, Brooks Pond offers spacious two-acre homesites and a serene, private setting perfect for luxurious family living. One
stunning move-in ready home is currently available, showcasing the Estate Collection’s hallmark: refined architectural details, expansive layouts, and modern finishes that balance sophistication with livability.
Scarlett Grace Lane – Gainesville | From the $900s. Now selling, Scarlett Grace Lane is a boutique community of just four homesites on 2–3-acre lots. Two beautifully crafted homes are move-in ready, each featuring three-car garages, covered outdoor living spaces, and European farmhouse-inspired architecture. These homes perfectly blend rustic charm with upscale functionality.
Rhett Run – North Forsyth | From the Mid $800s. Located in the highly rated North Forsyth High School District, Rhett Run offers five exclusive two-acre+ homesites surrounding a scenic community pond. With two homes currently under construction, this enclave features European transitional farmhouse-style designs with square footages ranging from 3,043 to 3,864. Sophisticated yet inviting, this community offers the ideal combination of privacy, elegance,
and top-tier education.
Long Hollow Landing – Lake Lanier | From $1M+. For those dreaming of lakefront luxury, Long Hollow Landing presents one of the last opportunities to own a new home with direct access to Lake Lanier. Only five homesites remain, including a spectacular move-in ready home on Lot 28, complete with a deeded, covered boat slip. With pricing from $1 million+ and up to $45K in incentives on select homes, this is lakeside living at its finest.
Creekside Overlook – Gainesville | From the $700s. Now selling, Creekside Overlook features 32 homesites in the East Forsyth School District. With a tranquil community pond and current incentives up to $45K, this new neighborhood offers the perfect mix of value and craftsmanship in a beautiful natural setting.
Coming Soon – Aspen Grove | Gainesville. Aspen Grove, a future community located off Hwy 53, will offer 31 single-family homes close to Lake Lanier, shopping, and dining. Stay tuned for more on this exciting
new opportunity.
Downtown Fausett – Dawsonville | From the $300s. Ideal for buyers seeking low-maintenance living, Downtown Fausett offers 24 European transitional-style townhomes with several move-in ready options. Priced from the $300s, these 3-bedroom, 2.5bath residences are an incredible value in a prime downtown Dawsonville location.
Sharon Commons – Loganville | From the $300s. This community features both 3- and 4-bedroom townhomes with four move-in ready homes currently available. Enjoy low-maintenance living without compromising on style or space.
With a legacy built on quality, award-winning design, and customer satisfaction, David Patterson Homes invites you to explore a community where your dream home is already waiting. To learn more, go to www. DavidPattersonHomes.com. Sales and marketing by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Room for the grandkids or room to breathe?
The
home buying dilemma no one warns you about
Brought to you by – The Dolan Group
Thinking about buying a new home? Exciting! Before you get swept away by marble countertops and “open concept everything,” let’s pause for a moment and ask the big question:
Do you want extra room for the grandkids (current or future), or do you want to ensure the (adult) kids don’t live with you permanently?
One path may point to a low maintenance cottage near the golf course, full of lazy coffee-time mornings and wine-down evenings. The other? Five bedrooms “just in case” with pool and a huge, fenced yard that magically transforms into “Camp Nana” when the kids visit; complete with bunk beds, juice boxes, and someone always touching the thermostat.
There is no wrong answer. Some folks hit this stage of life ready to downsize and upgrade their sanity:
fewer rooms, fewer chores, more time for the things you love. Others want to be the go-to spot for gardening, sleepovers, holidays, and spontaneous cookie baking (bless you).
What matters is being honest about what stage you’re in and where you want to be. Downsizing doesn’t mean downgrading, and keeping space for family doesn’t mean you’re signing up to be the full-time snack bar.
As a local realtor, I’ve seen it all: buyers who swore they were downsizing but fell in love with a surprise five-bedroom (it was a great deal), and others who fully embraced the minimalist condo life only to install a Murphy bed three months later.
Whether you light up at the sound of little feet on hardwood floors or you’re dreaming of lit candles, an open book and blissful silence… or a bit of both… your next home should fit your life, not the other way around.
Let’s find your next right-sized adventure!
Five ways to fast-track a saltwater pool, plunge pool or custom spa before summer
Brought to you by – Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
If you’re dreaming of floating in your own plunge pool or soaking in a spa with mountain views by July, timing is everything.
With warmer weather approaching fast, here’s how to speed up the process without sacrificing style or sophistication. Done right, you’ll enjoy a resort-level experience all summer long—and boost your property value while you’re at it.
Let’s dive in.
1. Opt for a plunge pool with custom features.
Why it’s a game-changer: Plunge pools are compact, elegant and easier to install than full-size pools. And with the right upgrades—like a tanning ledge, jets or glass tile—they still feel luxurious.
Explore: White’s Pools, based in Atlanta, offers fully customized plunge pools that fit tight spaces without cutting corners on luxury. Shave weeks off your timeline by choosing a fiberglass model with integrated seating and travertine coping.
2. Investigate luxury modular options.
Why it’s a game-changer: Prefabricated modular spas and pools are made off-site and craned into place—cutting construction time dramatically.
Explore: Modpools transforms shipping containers into sleek, temperature-controlled pools that can be installed in just days. Their clients love the quick turnaround and modern aesthetic.
3. Use a design-build firm that specializes in luxury speed installs.
Why it’s a game-changer: The right team can streamline permits, source materials faster, and handle everything from excavation to finish work.
Explore: Georgia Classic Pool, located in Milton, uses a design-build model to deliver custom poolscapes on tight timelines. Their clients enjoy full-service coordination and stunning
results fast.
4. Select materials that are beautiful and time efficient. Why it’s a game-changer: Custom stone is stunning, but long lead times can derail your project. Engineered surfaces and precast materials offer style without the slowdown.
Explore: Belgard’s porcelain pavers are a high-end, quick-install option for pool decks. They mimic natural stone but install faster.
5. Don’t forget smart tech integrations.
Why it’s a game-changer: Smart controls for temperature, lighting, and filtration keep your setup low-effort and high-reward.
Explore: With Sundance® Spas SmartTub™, you can control your spa settings right from your phone. Preheat your saltwater spa on the drive home from work—so it’s ready when you are.
Prioritize smart planning, and you’ll be hosting, relaxing, and recharging in style before the season even hits its stride. If you need assistance renovating your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you!
Compiled and edited by Angela Valente, Marketing Copywriter/ Copyeditor
Sherri Conrad
PEXELS
BINGO – 2 p.m. Sunday, June 8 & 22
Future Games: 2nd & 4th Sunday Each Month
R&B Inc. – Friday, June 6
ALPHA JAZZ BIG BAND – Friday, June 20
Open Dance - 8 p.m., Dance Lessons - 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $12 per person cash or credit
Life Line Health Screening - Tuesday, June 10 Call 888-814-0466 for details, to schedule appointment
For more information visit www.lifelinescreening.com
Dances & Dance Instruction
For all the details visit: www.club201dance.com
each answer (the answers in line 1 are 5, 5 and 4 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
AFRICAN & ASIAN ANIMALS
1. Wind instrument. African & Asian cat-like mammal. No-no.
2. African & Asian carrion eater. Brandy flavor. Sailor’s greeting.
3. Surefooted Asian & African goat. 3rd sign of the Zodiac. Part of a royal flush.
4. Practical joke. African spiral-horned antelope. Family man.
5. Hard wood. Morocco’s capital. Three-toed Asian ungulate.
6. Links sport. African & Asian rock rabbit. Dog command.
7. Large B&W herbivorous mammal of Asia. Trojan War hero. Small three-masted vessel.
& Asian Animals
1 Wind instrument. African & Asian cat-like mammal. No-no.
2. African & Asian carrion eater. Brandy flavor. Sailor’s greeting.
How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
3. Surefooted Asian & African goat. 3rd sign of the Zodiac. Part of a royal flush.
4. Practical joke. African spiral-horned antelope. Family man.
5. Hard wood. Morocco’s capital. Three-toed Asian ungulate.
6. Links sport. African & Asian rock rabbit. Dog command
7. Large black-and-white herbivorous mammal of Asia. Trojan War hero. Small three-masted vessel.
Nature center plans annual Butterfly Festival
ROSWELL, Ga. — The public is invited to the annual Flying Colors Butterfly Festival celebrating the winged heroes of the community.
The Chattahoochee Nature Center presents a weekend full of fun, ranging from encounters with butterflies to educational games.
Attendees can step inside a live butterfly encounter for an up-close experience and learn from pollinator experts to learn about the vital role that butterflies play in sustaining environments, communities and cultures.
Food, live entertainment and games will be available during the event.
Tickets cost $25 per person. Children 2-years-old and younger are free but still require a ticket.
The event will be June 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and June 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To learn more, visit https:// roswell365.com/event/26th-annualflying-colors-butterfly-festival-2025/.
— Sarah
Coyne
Lavender Festival scheduled June 7 at Barrington Hall
ROSWELL, Ga. — Back for another year, the Lavender Festival invites community members to celebrate at Barrington Hall June 7.
The event will feature more than 60 arts and craft booths, food trucks, a bar, music and lavender.
The pet-friendly festival is free to visit and will take place June 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free parking is available on site and along city streets.
Barrington Hall is at 535 Barrington Drive.
To learn more, visit roswell365.com/ event/lavender-festival-2025/.
Sarah Coyne
If you go
What: Lavender Festival
When: Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Barrington Hall; 535 Barrington Drive
Cost: Free and open to public
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Bellmere Garden Club members and city officials stand with new markers honoring veterans and fallen heroes at Newtown Park May 27.
Newtown Park memorials honor veterans
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Newly installed memorial markers at Newtown Park honor those who answered the nation’s call.
A May 27 ceremony marked the installation and was attended by residents and city officials, including Mayor John Bradberry.
A gold star memorial honors families with military service members who died
Ballot:
Continued from Page 5
*Note: Daniel Blackman’s candidacy has been challenged due to the amount of time he has lived in Fulton County. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has disqualified Blackman from the race and the campaign has appealed the decision.
To view the candidate Q&As for both districts, visit Decaturishvotes.com.
Early voting
Early voting begins May 27 and ends June 13.
In DeKalb County, polls are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Polls will be open on May 31 and June 7 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on June 1 and 8 from 12-5 p.m. Voters can cast a ballot at any early voting location.
In Fulton County, polls are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no Sunday voting in Fulton.
Voters can cast ballots early in Forsyth County Monday through Friday, 8
while defending the United States. A blue star memorial pays tribute to all veterans.
North Atlanta’s Bellmere Garden Club raised funds and coordinated the installation. Most of the club’s members live in Johns Creek.
Past President Barbara Taylor said she got the idea for the markers while attending a dedication for a veterans highway marker in Douglasville decades ago.
“It was a project I was wanting to do
a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, June 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting is not available on June 8 or on Sundays.
For more information about early voting in your area, visit decaturishvotes. com
Election Day
Election Day is Tuesday, June 17.
On Election Day, polls are typically open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. but sometimes open later if there are technical problems. Usually, anyone in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast their vote. Also, on Election Day, you must vote at the precinct listed on your voter registration.
How do I view my ballot and find my polling place?
The Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page will show you your sample ballot and polling location. Visit mvp.sos. ga.gov/s/ to see your voting information.
The DeKalb County Elections Board has changed some precinct boundaries and polling locations for the primary. Be sure to check your voter registration to confirm your Election Day polling location. Decaturish.com has more infor -
for 20 years,” Taylor said. “They are just so special, and they only get one day a year. I wanted this to be permanent for them.”
After setting a goal of $3,000, the garden club expanded its vision by adding another marker after raising $8,000 during a fundraising bazaar.
Club members sold baked goods, plants, holiday decorations, toys and home goods.
The installation will join thousands of other veterans markers erected by
mation about the polling precinct and boundary changes.
Absentee Voting
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is June 6. Absentee ballots must be returned by Election Day, June 17.
In DeKalb County, absentee ballot drop boxes will be at the Berean Christian Church, DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections Office, Dunwoody Library, New Life Community Alliance, North DeKalb Senior Center, and Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library. During early voting, absentee ballots can be turned in at any drop box.
Absentee ballots can also be mailed to Board of Registrars, 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur, GA 30032.
In Forsyth County, absentee ballots can be returned to the Elections Office at 1201 Sawnee Drive in Cumming. A drop box is available at the office during early voting.
In Fulton County, drop boxes are available at the Alpharetta Library, Buckhead Library, College Park Library, C.T. Martin Recreation Center, Ocee Library, Sandy Springs Library and Wolf Creek
garden clubs throughout the nation. Gold star markers make up a small portion of those, with 17 in Georgia.
The gold stars serve to let the families of deceased veterans know “they are remembered and appreciated,” the Bellmere Garden Club said.
The stars also have a personal importance with Bellmere Garden Club members, almost all of whom have a service member in their family, Taylor said. Her father served in the 1950s as a Navy supply officer in Guam.
Library. Ballots can be mailed to Fulton County Registration and Elections Absentee Ballot Division, 5600 Campbellton Fairburn Road, Union City, GA 30213
Once early voting ends, absentee ballots can be hand-delivered to your local elections office during normal business hours or until 7 p.m. on Election Day, June 17.
What to bring when you vote
DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections says all voters need to bring the following items when they show up to early voting or at the polls on Election Day:
• A valid ID, such as a driver’s license, passport or voter identification card.
• A mask to help ensure your safety and the safety of the poll workers and voters around you. You may also bring a chair, water and snacks if the site has a long wait line.
• Your absentee ballot if you want to vote in person instead. If you do not have your absentee ballot, you must sign an affidavit stating that you are instead casting your ballot in person.
BELLMERE GARDEN CLUB/PROVIDED
Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra names Cheng as new music director
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra welcomes a new musical director with an international resume.
Henry Cheng was selected to lead the ensemble, which can include as many as 60 musicians on stage, Executive Director Linda Brill said.
Cheng said he is grateful to join the orchestra and looks forward to becoming a part of the Johns Creek community.
“This isn’t about making music. It’s about building something meaningful and lasting, and serving a community that truly values innovation, education and the arts,” Cheng said. “Orchestras grow when they serve, and my vision is for JCSO to become a place where people feel connected, inspired and proud of what we create together, not just on stage, but throughout the city.”
His selection by the orchestra’s
Knighton:
Continued from Page 1
The first article, Article 2.2, which regards personnel, traditionally requires significant changes be approved through a resolution from the mayor and council. The amendment allows the HR director, city attorney or city administrator to initiate any substantive changes.
“These changes actually prevent it from being an overly politicized process, instead puts the hands within the city administrator, who will be called the city administrative officer, [and] puts it more so into the actual managerial roles, and keeps it internal,” City Councilwoman Sarah Beeson said.
Language updates were made to Article 2.2 to reflect the ability to revise based on operational needs, not just legal compliance.
The next amendment change, in Article 2.3, expands the role of the city administrator. Knighton will now have the authority to establish
board and search committee marks a season-long selection process that considered two other finalists.
Cheng replaces the late founder and maestro J. Wayne Baughman, who died November 2023 after battling pancreatic cancer. Beloved by the orchestra and community, Baughman founded the orchestra in 2007.
Titled Three Maestros, One Podium, the 18th concert season featured Chen and two other finalists in at least two concerts each. After each performance, audiences submitted feedback and cast votes.
The other finalists include Paul Bhasin, an Emory University orchestral studies director, and Howard Hsu, music director of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.
Cheng was selected based on the votes of musicians, audience members and the board of directors.
In the coming months, the orchestra plans to release details about its 19th season, expected to launch in the fall.
administrative, operational and personnel policies.
The amendment expands the authority of the city administrator to appoint, suspend or remove department heads, and add, consolidate or dissolve departments to enhance efficiency.
New executive positions will also be reflected in the amendment including a chief financial officer, chief operating officer, chief administrative officer and chief legal officer. All four positions must be appointed and subject to approval by the City Council.
The last amendment brings new language to Article 2.4. Modern language related to committees and departments will simplify current processes to allow for a broader participation for the committees and flexible scheduling.
A revised organizational structure was updated on the city’s website May 19.
“We have a bunch of talented staff that are in charge of the day-to-day operations of the city government,” Pennino said. “We don’t want anything in the ordinance that is going to
the State Senate to become the U.S. Treasurer in March.
Cheng is an internationally recognized conductor who has led performances across Europe, Asia and North America, winning numerous awards.
He is the winner of the Antal Doráti International Conducting Competition and the European Union Conducting Competition.
His career spans a variety of musical styles and artistic forms. He has also collaborated with Justice Desk Africa, a South African human rights organization inspired by Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
“His projects often reimagine the concert experience, whether through ‘Classical K-pop,’ which bridges the worlds of BTS and Beethoven, or ‘Minecraft x In C,’ a music education initiative merging minimalist
hamstring them or make them unresponsive or slow in response to our community and the services that they expect.”
Also at the meeting, the City Council approved on first reading new restrictions on short-term rentals.
If passed on second reading June 9, the legislation will require homes participating in firms such as Airbnb and VRBO to go through the same inspections that commercial operations undergo.
“It’s not necessarily to get rid of short-term rentals in the city or to restrict them in any way at this point in time,” Beeson said. “It’s more so to allow the city to have oversight in their operation and make sure that they are operated safely.”
All short-term rental operators will be required to register with the city. This will allow the Fire Marshal to conduct the inspections annually.
As part of the registration, operators must give public safety and emergency officers 24/7 contact information for emergencies or complaints. The registration administering costs will be offset by the hotel/motel tax that the
composition with digital interactivity,” Brill said.
In addition to his work on the podium, Cheng composes and produces interdisciplinary performances that fuse sound, movement and visual storytelling.
Often developed in collaboration with dancers, technologists and visual artists, his work has been featured at venues such as the Berliner Festspiele, Singapore Art Museum, Steirischer Herbst Festival and Kaohsiung Performing Arts Center. These projects explore themes of presence, memory, and transformation, creating experiences that move across the boundaries of genre and tradition.
“My family and I are looking forward to becoming part of Johns Creek’s cultural and civic life, and to building on the strong foundation JCSO has established, helping it grow artistically, strategically and in service to the people who call this place home,” Cheng said.
city already collects from the rental firms.
If the City Council adopts the legislation, the ordinance will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
In other matters, the City of Roswell Environmental/Public Works Department was recognized for its multiple awards from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals.
“They’re very talented and dedicated individuals, and they keep the water flowing and really make Roswell the wonderful place that is to live, work and play,” said Jennifer Flowers, manager of Leadership Development Programming and Member Relations at Georgia Association of Water Professionals.
Roswell Environmental Educator Liberti Gates received the Education Program of Excellence Gold Award to recognize the department’s superior public education programs.
For the fourth year in the row, the Roswell Water Treatment Plant won the Plant of the Year Award in its category.
The plant also received the Water Treatment Plant Gold Award for the fourth year in the row for having no violations in the preceding year.
Continued from Page 1
“I feel like I can take some of the things we did in Alpharetta up to the state of Georgia.”
Beach resigned from his post in
Gov. Brian Kemp has called for a special election Aug. 26 to replace Beach.
Elected in 2021, Will said he will look back fondly on his time on the Alpharetta City Council.
“We have an amazing City
Council. We are very collaborative in nature,” Will said. “We don’t always agree, but at the end of the day, I believe we make the best decisions for the city, and the things we’ve done have made a huge difference for the citizens and the business owners in our town.”
Will said he plans to run on
a platform that includes fiscal accountability.
“The primary campaign platform for me is Georgia Doge, and it’s transparency in finance,” Will said. “It’s transparency in contracting. It’s basically where did the money go? Who got it? What did they get it for, and how much did they get?”
CHENG
A rare historic gem: Green Store at Autrey Mill
General stores, or country stores, were an integral part of our region’s history. Back in pioneer times most towns had at least one general store. They served as the chief supplier of necessities and as social centers.
Here is a local sample of general stores:
In downtown Alpharetta, Manning Mercantile general store burned down in 1902. It was rebuilt with brick circa 1910 and eventually had a second floor added. Today, the building houses Mercantile Social, a popular bar and restaurant.
Charlie Haygood opened a general store in 1902 on Bethany Way in Milton. The building has disintegrated over the years. Owners David and Stacy Jackson report that the bricks are falling off the remaining walls and that if a lawnmower accidentally strikes one, the brick will turn to dust. The Jacksons are maintaining the remaining walls as long as possible as a tribute to times gone by.
The Pearson’s General Store on Hopewell Road in Milton was owned and operated by Clarence and Mary Pearson. They sold a bit of everything, including kerosene for lamps, gas for cars, clothes, food, seed, salt fish and ever popular Moon Pies. They extended credit to anyone who needed it. The property was sold circa 2015, and the store was demolished.
The Green Store at Autrey Mill
A rare gem of a general store has been preserved and can be visited at the Heritage Village at Autrey Mill, a 46-acre nature preserve off Old Alabama Road in Johns Creek.
The store was built by George Washington Green, Jr. (1858-1956) and his sons in 1922 on land that George and his wife Lona Kemp (1866-1942) bought in 1911 or 1912. The property included a residence and several tenant farmer houses dating back to the 1800s.
Green farmed 44 acres of vegetables, corn and oats and had a few cows. He built a large barn to house seven mules used by his family and his tenant farmers. He had barns for cattle and hogs. He and Lona had five sons and three daughters.
The general store was located across the road from his house. It did not have a formal sign, only a tin CocaCola sign hanging by the door. When customers wanted some provisions, they would bang on the sign and wait for George to appear. The store featured an ice box run by kerosene that was always full of Coca Cola, Red Rock Cola and Dr Pepper. The store served the public until 1958.
Green was entrepreneurial. In addition to the general store and his tenant farmers, he grew sorghum cane and made syrup which he sold in his store. George had bees and sold honey in the store. He made wine which he sold and had a blacksmith shop and a dairy. He bought a machine that removed short fibers from cotton seeds and rented it to other farmers. Seeds with short fibers, or lint, still attached after ginning did not flow well through planting machines leading to irregular distribution of seeds. This led to time-consuming manual transplanting of shoots.
Green was one of the first people in the area to have electric power on his farm long before it came to rural Georgia. He installed a Delco-Light system to provide
A rare Delco House on display next to the Green Store at Autrey Mill. The small building housed a Delco-Light electrical system used to provide electricity to the Green family home and store before electricity came to Georgia.
limited current for his home and store in the 1930s. Most farmers who had generators installed them in small clapboard buildings about 8 feet square with concrete floors and no windows. A generator that ran on kerosene was hooked up to two rows of glass jars containing acid that acted as storage batteries. The few original Delco Houses that exist today, such as the one at Autrey Mill, are of considerable historic importance.
The store today
The store is one of eight historic buildings, a heritage garden, butterfly garden and numerous animals at Autrey Mill. The store is open to the public at certain times and provides a fascinating glimpse into the past.
It is operated by docents Mary Jo Malowney and Janice Millner-Lock and a host of volunteers. Among the objects that were in the store when it was acquired by Autrey Mill are a collection of hand-made quilts with backing made of newspapers from the 1920s, numerous ledgers from 1922 to 1953 with names and purchases of customers and those who bartered farm products for “store-bought” goods, and some 600 letters from Eli Pat McGee to Callie Green, daughter of George Green. The letters began in 1944 and contain many historical references of interest today, such as buying a car when new cars were rare after World War ll, salaries and other descriptions of life in the 1940s.
The shelves of the store are full of products that came with the store, some made by companies that still exist and others by companies long gone.
In 1988, the City of Atlanta – Fulton County Water Resources Commission acquired the property from a developer and the non-profit Autrey Mill Nature Preserve was created under the leadership of Judy Webb and others. Fulton County gained sole ownership of the property in 1993. In 2006 Lynne Riley, at the time a member of the Fulton County Commission, wanted to preserve the property. She led the effort to gain the support of County Commissioners to sell the property to the newly formed city of Johns Creek at the very reasonable price of $100 per acre.
Today the property is owned by the City of Johns Creek and Autrey Mill is managed by the non-profit organization. Judy Webb was instrumental in the many negotiations that took place that led to the move of the general store to Autrey Mill.
For information about Autrey Mill and hours when the store is open, call 678-366-3511.
Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@ bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
BOB MEYERS Columnist
PHOTOS BY: BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA
The Green Store, a well preserved historic general store that is open to the public at Heritage Village at Autrey Mill park in Johns Creek.
Thoughts on tariffs, inflation and consumption
D.C. AIKEN Guest Columnist dcaiken.com
This week, I’m drawing musical inspiration from Ray Stevens’ 1986 hit “Makin’ the Best of a Bad Situation.” The reason? The growing concern among economists and media pundits regarding the potential inflationary impact of tariffs scheduled to take effect later this summer.
On the surface, their argument appears valid. Tariffs are effectively a tax on imported goods, raising the baseline cost of those products. Conventional wisdom suggests that these higher costs will be passed on to U.S. consumers, stoking inflation and potentially slowing economic growth.
But that narrative is only part of the picture — and perhaps not the most likely outcome. Here's where I try to
make the best of this "bad" situation.
As I’ve pointed out before, a price increase only results in sustained inflation if consumers are willing and able to absorb that higher cost. If they are, then yes, inflation takes hold. But the assumption that U.S. consumers will continue purchasing goods at any price is flawed.
In reality, when prices rise, consumers often reduce consumption, seek alternatives or stop buying altogether. That’s the basic principle of “price elasticity.” This elasticity is more relevant than ever. Today’s U.S. consumer is under considerable financial pressure — record-high credit card balances, elevated interest rates, and limited savings are forcing more prudent spending choices. In that context, many price hikes, even if tariff-driven, may be absorbed by retailers or eliminated altogether through reduced demand, limiting their inflationary impact.
There’s another angle to consider:
Where does the revenue from these tariffs go?
If implemented effectively, this could serve a broader fiscal policy goal — perhaps even funding the reduction or elimination of federal income taxes. Imagine replacing income taxes with a broad-based consumption tax collected via tariffs. For many Americans, that could result in a significant increase in take-home pay — potentially $15,000 or more annually for someone earning $100,000.
Even if some of that additional income were redirected toward slightly higher-priced goods, the net benefit to the average worker could still be meaningful. More importantly, a tariff-based system would be universally applied — everyone pays when they consume. No loopholes, no deductions. Even undocumented individuals, who may currently pay little or no federal income tax, would contribute through their purchases.
In essence, a tariff-based system
functions as a universal consumption tax — a model that could simplify the tax code and make tax collection more equitable and transparent. While I’m not an elected official, I would support exemptions for essentials like food and clothing up to a reasonable threshold — ensuring fairness and preserving access to necessities for all.
As Ray Stevens put it: sometimes all you can do is make the best of a bad situation. And with some creative thinking, perhaps what looks bad at first glance could become an opportunity for structural reform and economic resilience.
D.C. Aiken is vice president, producing production manager for CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #3029. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com.
The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC or its affiliates.
Wind therapy, Harrah’s, a perfect cure for stress
MIKE TASOS Columnist
After surviving the loudest lightning strike that sounded like a backyard sonic boom, I thought it wise to make the most of a beautiful pre-Memorial Day Wednesday. After all, we are primed and ready to perspire, knowing the days of pleasant temperatures in the 70s simply won’t last.
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but The Black Beauty (my beloved Harley Trike), sorely in need of a good wash but more in need of a good long ride, beckoned. After a quick bowl of soup at Panera, I decided to head for Murphy, North Carolina. Harrah’s and the local tribe of local Native Americans turned casino operators were calling out for me to donate to their enrichment.
I obliged and spent a couple hours shooting dice, playing threecard poker and a wee bit of roulette. The $120 I netted was miniscule compared to the riches I received on my 190-mile afternoon jaunt.
The Beauty’s GPS knew exactly what I needed and took me to the north Georgia mountains. Billy Rabon, the Frazier’s Harley-Davidson
sales consultant extraordinaire, had planted a seed when he imparted some wise words: “If I have to explain it, you’ll never understand.”
Apparently, those words were once emblazoned on a T-shirt that no longer exists. Wise words indeed for those of us find “wind therapy” a perfect medicine for stress relief and profound thought-inducing sessions with myself.
I’d forgotten what happens when Ga. 400 north ends and after a few turns, morphs into a ride so magical that drives home the point that we are blessed to have such magnificent vistas but a few miles away.
There were enough twists and turns to keep me on my toes, lest me and the trike would have a tragic encounter with a frightening drop of an indeterminable distance. I took my time, rode safely and said a silent prayer of thanks at how fortunate I was to see God’s magnificence in a pristine sensory overload. On the ride, I came to the realization that I was at home in the mountains, which I prefer over any ocean setting.
I’m glad I discarded my Puka shells many years ago.
It was just the relaxation therapy needed, especially after the previous night’s light show and thunderboomers made sleeping an iffy thing, at best. Also, seeing small
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towns with crosses commemorating the town’s fallen military heroes, brought smile-inducing satisfaction that drove home the point that small towns know how to do it right.
There was no relaxation to be had at home either. Cesar Castro, who has never met a tree he couldn’t topple, had his crew of tree choppers in the yard, felling trees that I thought it wise to take down before a goliath-like storm sent a tree trunk into the living room.
The trees he and his crew took care of were all leaning precariously toward the house. While I was in the mood for a little gambling session at Harrah’s, I thought it wise to not press my luck wagering on avoiding a flying oak.
Besides, Cesar has done treetrimming work before, and he knows his stuff. And watching his crew suspended some 30 feet in the air, tethered with a rope that was the only thing keeping a worker from
a one-way trip to terra firma. It truly was amazing to watch, but the constant buzz of a chain saw was akin to a 500-decibel dentist drill, so the marathon ride provided some relief.
Of course, know-it-all authority on absurdity, Burford “Slats” McElroy, questioned my use of Cesar’s services, while I, as usual, questioned the veracity of Slats’ knowledge of tree cutting.
“You should have called my cousin, Seymour “Stump” Grinder,” offered Slats. “He knows his stuff.” I was reticent but had to ask: “Stump is an interesting nickname. How’d he get it?”
Slats didn’t blink an eye, answering: “We always called him that after the unfortunate up close and personal tussle with a 12-foot alligator one day in the Okefenokee Swamp. It was hotter than blazes and Stump wanted to cool off by swimming near the gators.”
As usual, a conversation with Slats made me look for the Goody’s Powder.
Mike Tasos has lived in Forsyth County for more than 30 years. He’s an American by birth and considers himself a Southerner by the grace of God. He can be reached at miketasos55@gmail.com.
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CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The following item will be considered by the City Council on Monday, June 23, 2025 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
a. PH-25-09 City of Alpharetta Capital Improvement Element (CIE) Consideration of a resolution adopting the Fiscal Year 2024 Capital Improvement Element and Annual Report.
b. MP-25-01/CU-25-05 Fulton Science Academy/Cousins Westside MP Pod R
Consideration of a master plan amendment and conditional use to allow a ‘School, Academic’ to re-use an existing office building on a 4.48-acre property in the North Point Overlay. A master plan amendment is requested to add ‘School, Academic’ to the Cousins Westside Master Plan Pod R and a conditional use is requested to allow ‘School, Academic’ for Fulton Science Academy. The property is located at 8995 Westside Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 691, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
The following item will be considered at a public hearing held by the Historic Preservation Commission on Thursday, July 10, 2025 commencing at 3:00 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
a. PH-25-05 John C. Weatherford House/193 Canton Street – Certificate of Appropriateness
Consideration of a request for Certificate of Appropriateness related to the rehabilitation of the John C. Weatherford House. The property is located at 193 Canton Street and is legally descried as being located in Land Lots 1197 & 1252, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
DEATH NOTICES
Jane Atkinson, 62 Roswell, GA passed away on April 21, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Susan Carpenter, 88, Milton, GA passed away on May 23, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
John Daniels, 75, Alpharetta, GA passed away on May 17, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Peggy Donehoo, 93, Roswell, GA passed away on May 25, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Marcalee Endsley, 83, Roswell, GA passed away on May 23, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Helen Scarbro, 85, Roswell, GA passed away on April 21, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
David Kirk, 64, Roswell, GA passed away on May 19, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Nan Simpson, 86, Alpharetta, GA passed away on May 17, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
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NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Vice President of Client Programs position. The Vice President of Client Programs (VPCP) is a senior leader responsible for creating and implementing the Client Services department strategy for NFCC. This includes creating programs and services, monitoring their effectiveness and ensuring funds are distributed appropriately. The VPCP also leads a team of 13 client services staff who handle client intake, case management, impact and outcomes data, education (GED/English classes) and workforce development programs.
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June 12 | Magnolia Express
June 26 | Kobanova
July 10 | GSO Jazz
July 24 | The Electromatics
August 14 | Pussywillows
August 28 | Café Au Lait
September 11 | Sainte Jane
September 25 | Marcella Jones and Brown Liquor Band
