Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - May 23, 2024

Code change sparks debate on workforce housing

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell City Councilwoman Sarah Beeson questioned whether Roswell’s brand as the “No. 1 family community in America” could hold true when the council intends to limit multifamily housing in future mixed-use development.

Up for discussion at the Administration and Finance and Recreation and Park Committee meeting May 14 was a text amendment to the city’s Unified Development Code that would require future development along Ga. 9 and Holcomb Bridge Road

to have 51 percent of the square footage dedicated to non-residential use.

“I’m very appreciative of our retirees and those who [have called] Roswell home for decades because Roswell is America’s No. 1 family friendly city,” Beeson said. “Family is grandma, but family is also the grandson who’s looking for a new job and a place to start their family.”

Beeson, currently on track to earn a doctorate in city planning, cautioned the City Council against using an “arbitrary” percentage to dictate future development in commercial corridors that already have significant blight.

She also raised concern about the update contributing to the issue of “missing middle” housing, or the lack of medium-density options.

The city announced at the meeting that it is currently engaged in 19 new projects.

Beeson said the type of mixed-used development the council has said it wants, and the general appetite, is in conflict with the limitation on residential. She referenced The Battery Atlanta which she said is not 51 percent commercial, as an example.

SCREENSHOTS

Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson, left, debates City Councilwoman Sarah Beeson, right, over tighter rules on multifamily housing during a May 14 committee meeting.

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Senior loses $14,000 in computer scam

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police are investigating a felony theft by deception after an 83-year-old reported a $14,000 bitcoin scam May 14 initiated through her computer.

An officer said he met with the victim and her son about a fraud that had taken place the previous day.

The victim said she received a pop-up alert from Microsoft, which provided a phone number to call. The first person, who identified himself by first and last name, asked the victim for a passcode displayed on the pop-up alert. After providing the code, the victim was told her computer, landline phone and bank account had been comprised.

The victim said she called another phone number provided by the first caller, which connected her to a person who claimed to be a representative at Wells Fargo.

The fake Wells Fargo employee told the victim she needed to contact the Federal Trade Commission, and provided her a number.

A person claiming to be a representative at FTC followed the same protocol and asked the victim for her full name, date of birth, Social Security number and address.

After providing the information, the victim was instructed to go to the Shell gas station on Ga. 9 and withdraw $14,000 from her bank account.

After the victim completed the transaction and sent the bitcoin to the scammers, the call abruptly ended.

The officer said images of the bitcoin receipt and its routing address were photographed and submitted as evidence.

The officer told the victim to close her existing bank accounts and credit cards to prevent further fraud.

Officers discover drugs following traffic stop

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police arrested two Stone Mountain men May 11 after a traffic stop turned up cocaine and ecstasy in their car.

An officer said he received a Flock hit on a white Honda van, reported stolen out of DeKalb County, traveling eastbound on Holcomb Bridge Road.

At the traffic stop, the officer said he and another policeman drew their weapons, ordered the driver and passenger to exit the vehicle and detained them separately.

The first suspect, a 31-year-old man in the passenger seat, said the 29-year-old driver purchased the vehicle, which came with the license plate, for his father.

When officers spotted a white powdery substance and a filled jar in the front seat, the passenger claimed the substances solely belonged to him.

Officers later tested the substances, which they said tested positive for cocaine and ecstasy.

They also reported finding an ecstasy pill on the driver, who initially showed no signs of being under the influence of drugs.

During a search of the vehicle, officers found a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun, and requested drug recognition experts to evaluate the driver.

Officers transported the passenger to the North Fulton County Jail and charged him with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

The driver said he would submit to an evaluation from drug recognition experts, which found him to be under the influence of analgesics and amphetamines.

Officers transported the driver to Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center to conduct a search warrant for the driver’s blood.

After the driver was cleared, officers transported him to the North Fulton County Jail.

Officers charged the driver with driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance and theft by receiving stolen property.

Officers arrest man for alleged fentanyl use

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police arrested a 30-year-old Alpharetta man May 12 after Taco Bell employees reported him for drug use on property.

An officer said he located two individuals, a male and female, reported for using drugs behind the business. He said officers recognized the male suspect, who was wanted for failure to appear, and placed him under arrest.

During a search, officers located a piece of tinfoil in the suspect’s possession.

The suspect said he uses the foil to take fentanyl.

Officers said they found different drug-related items in the suspect’s possession.

The suspect said the tinfoil contained fentanyl and told officers where to find the rest of the substance in his wallet.

Officers said the substance was sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for testing.

Because the suspect stated he feared drug withdrawal at jail, officers transported him to Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center where he was treated and cleared.

Officers charged him with felony possession of a controlled substance and transported him to North Fulton County Jail.

The police report gave no further information on the female.

Correction

A previous Appen Media story reported that the cost estimate for the replacement of North Springs High School and construction of a new campus is $108 million. The figure, updated in April, is around $175 million.

Mortgage options to open the front door

Journalists measure loss of UGA Law’s assistance to open up government

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ATHENS, Ga. — Journalists across Georgia are mourning the loss of a crucial service in a new direction taken by the University of Georgia School of Law’s First Amendment Clinic.

Going forward, its staff will no longer provide direct advocacy for open records or open meetings, sources of information that journalists and citizens use to find out what’s going on behind the facades of government.

The First Amendment Clinic was formally launched in August 2020 to “defend and advance the rights of free speech, press, assembly, and petition via regional litigation and advocacy” and to provide law students with realworld experience on First Amendment issues, according to a UGA news release.

In early 2023, the Clinic began reaching out to news organizations around Georgia, ramping up direct advocacy work related to open records after receiving more funding.

The service was free.

“‘Okay, what’s the catch?’” Dan Whisenhunt, publisher and editor of Decaturish, recalled. “I was told, ‘No catch. There’s just money going around. People really care about this sort of thing. So, we’re doing the work.’”

The resource saved Whisenhunt thousands of dollars in legal fees, a big deal for a small business that saw its first full-time employee after seven years of serving residents in Decatur and surrounding areas in Metro Atlanta.

Since Appen Media filed its lawsuit last May against the City of Sandy Springs over access to information on police incident reports, the newspaper has spent more than $35,000 in legal fees.

That figure continues to increase, as Appen Media seeks an appeal to a Fulton County Superior Court judge ruling in December that said it failed to prove it is unlawful for the Sandy Springs Police Department to withhold supplemental information about a crime that police file in a subsequent report, often on the same day and gleaned from the same initial visit to the scene.

The lawyer on the case charges $285 an hour.

Free counsel

Now, Decaturish has three fulltime employees, and the business is profitable, punching above its weight, but Whisenhunt said money is sent toward general expenses and personnel.

“Every spare dollar I have I spend on news,” Whisenhunt said. “News costs money, and it ain’t cheap to produce, especially in this market where we’re in an arms race, where we’re trying to keep people paid well enough so that they can actually live near the communities where they’re covering.”

Whisenhunt said the Clinic had its eyes on two to three Decaturish stories. The Clinic has and continues to offer pre-publication review, giving legal guidance to journalists on stories before they go to press.

He also said the Clinic became involved in his request for open records regarding a fire that targeted a genderaffirming medical clinic in downtown Decatur.

“Decatur has been withholding those records for forever under an exemption in the [Georgia Open Records Act],” Whisenhunt said. “That exemption is pretty broad … that probably should be revisited.”

Ultimately, the City of Decatur did not provide the records to Whisenhunt. But, he said the Clinic continued to fight and advocate on his behalf.

He also said the group had been more accessible than other national organizations that provide the same service and went further than the Office of the Attorney General’s Open Government Mediation Program.

“I don’t know what having an attorney on staff is like, but that’s what it’s felt like to me,” Whisenhunt said.

UGA transfers lawsuit

Remaining an educational resource, University Spokesperson Greg Trevor said the Clinic will “refer open records/ open meetings matters that need direct advocacy and representation to qualified legal professionals or agencies.”

The timing of the refocus coincides with UGA’s decision to transfer the lawsuit filed on behalf of nonprofit Atlanta Community Press Collective and Lucy Parsons Labs against the Atlanta Police Foundation.

Roswell hires new Community Development director

ROSWELL, Ga. — The City of Roswell appointed Michelle Alexander as its new director of Community Development May 6. Alexander has more than two decades of experience in strategic planning and placemaking.

Before joining Roswell, Alexander served as the director of Economic Development and Planning for the City of College Park, where she managed a $70-plus million real estate portfolio and was instrumental in generating land sales for the 300acre “Six West” development.

Her prior roles also include leading the Planning and Development Department in Chamblee, the Community Development Department in Sandy Springs, and strategic planning at The Collaborative Firm, LLC.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Michelle as the City of

Roswell’s Community Development director,” said Mayor Kurt Wilson. “Michelle’s extensive background in strategic planning and community development, along with her proven track record of transformative leadership, makes her the ideal choice to guide our city’s development initiatives.”

In her new role, Alexander will oversee the city’s development initiatives, including zoning, revitalization studies and comprehensive plans.

“I’m thrilled to work with the dynamic City of Roswell,” Alexander said. “It’s a privilege to serve a community that is so invested in its vision for a superior quality of life — whether through trails, parks, the arts, or through smart infrastructure and land planning. I’m excited to be a part of the team as the city works with its sister cities to lead the region.”

Alexander received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Friedrich Wilhelm Universität in Bonn, Germany. She earned a master’s degree in development studies and regional planning and completed

doctoral work at Cornell University. Alexander is multilingual, fluent in Spanish and near-fluent in German. She participates in regional housing policy efforts and is a member of various economic and planning organizations.

At the Administration and Finance and Recreation and Parks Committee meeting May 14, City Councilman David Johnson jokingly told Alexander, “Good luck.” The meeting saw debate over an update to the city’s Unified Development Code related to multifamily housing.

Johnson, who spoke with Alexander the day before for an hour about the UDC, described the zoning code as “convoluted” and “confusing.”

“...Our code is broken,” Johnson said. “It is horrific what happened to the UDC over the last eight to 10 years.”

Alexander’s position had been left vacant since former Director of Community Development Jason Gaines resigned last October, amid a number of other senior staff resignations.

Gaines’ resignation letter was dated one month and two days

after former Deputy Director of Community Development Lenor Bromberg’s resignation letter, according to open records obtained by Appen Media. Bromberg had been with the city for nearly eight years, according to her LinkedIn page.

Jackie Deibel was recently promoted from Roswell’s Planning and Zoning director to Bromberg’s former position.

— Amber Perry

ALEXANDER

Community Party

BIG OPEN-TO-ALL COMMUNITY PARTY ANNOUNCED FOR ALPHA LOOP SATURDAY JUNE 1

Save the date - actually, the entire day – Saturday, June 1 for three big events in Alpharetta. Start your day with a swing by the Alpharetta Farmers Market from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM - one of the most popular Farmer’s Markets in the region - packed with food, crafts, and something for everyone! Next, explore the new section of the Alpha Loop from 10 AM

to noon and celebrate its grand opening with food trucks, music, and face painting- a fun time of the whole family! Last but not least, spend Saturday evening at Alpharetta’s Brew Moon Fest concert and street festival.

For more details about the Alph Loop visit alphaloopfoundation.org

Alpharetta Farmers Market by Alpharetta Business Association

When: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Where: Alpharetta Town Green; 30 South Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009

For more information and a list of vendors, see alpharettafarmersmarket.com

Alpha Loop Grand Opening Party by The Alpha Loop Foundation and sponsored by Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau

When: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Along the new section of the Alpha Loop; Parking and food trucks at 2500 Northwinds Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30009

Want to learn more about the Alpha Loop? Visit alphaloopfoundation.org

Brew Moon Fest by the Alpharetta Business Association

When: 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM

Where: Milton Avenue (between Hwy 9 and Roswell/Canton Street) Alpharetta, GA 30009

Purchase tickets in advance at alpharettabusinessassociation.com

They have defended our liberty and have helped to keep us free. Remember the hundreds of service men and women that served in past wars this Memorial Day.

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Retired major general in Marines to speak at Memorial Day Tribute

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By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Two-star Maj.

Gen. Julian “Dale” Alford, an Alpharetta resident who retired after 37 years in the U.S. Marines, is scheduled to speak at the city’s Memorial Day Tribute May 27.

In addition to sharing stories, Alford said he plans to remind guests the purpose of Memorial Day, honoring those who died in combat.

The program at City Hall will begin at 9 a.m. and feature an invocation, the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance and “Taps.” In its 10th year, the Memorial Day Tribute has seen up to 500 in attendance.

“Memorial Day is about those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Alford said. “... It ain’t to go to the lake, even though that’s a good thing that everybody does, but not enough Americans really understand what Memorial Day is for.”

Alford enlisted in the reserves in 1985, becoming skillful at leading men during tough times and accumulating a number of medals.

His first assignment was in Panama as a rifle platoon commander. Alford also led a mortar platoon during Desert Storm. In 1996, he served as a captain in Liberia, then went on three tours in Iraq and three tours in Afghanistan.

As a major, Alford led a battalion in the March to Baghdad, “a real fight.” Battalions typically consist of 900 members, he said, and leading them was a career highlight.

Alford eventually returned to Iraq and Afghanistan, increasing his rank to colonel. As colonel, he commanded the

Basic School at Quantico, one of three locations Marines are “made.” Alford said the other two locations are Parris Island and San Diego.

He was reminded of how tough it was for his family, a wife and two children — 22 moves in 37 years. Alford said it is a “family business,” though not a good one. His son was in the Marines for five years.

“Every senior officer I know has a kid that was in the Marine Corps,” Alford said.

He endearingly called the Marines the “best brainwashers in the world,” acknowledging how often it is that he sees American flags and Marine Corps flags waving around in front yards.

“We build a culture like no other service does,” he said.

The inception of an annual Memorial Day Tribute in Alpharetta was the idea of City Councilman John Hipes. The inaugural ceremony was held in 2015.

William Perkins, longtime Rotary Club of Alpharetta member and Hipes’ No. 2 on the project, recalled the impact of stories he heard from a World War II veteran as a kid. Perkins, alongside Councilman Donald Mitchell, also came up with the idea in 2012 to install the Veterans Memorial at Brooke Street Park.

“He never talked about it as a sacrifice that he made, but the stories that he told about being in combat and that kind of thing — it just stuck with me my whole life,” Perkins said. “… He went out, and all these other people went out, and … took the risk. Every day, somebody’s out there on the firing line in a cold, dark place to make it where we can have our regular life.”

DALE ALFORD/PROVIDED

Two-star Maj. Gen. Julian “Dale” Alford, guest speaker for the Alpharetta Memorial Day Tribute this year, stands with his son Connor, daughter Alex and wife Jen at his retirement ceremony at Brooke Street Park in fall 2022 after 37 years of service in the U.S. Marines.

Milton, Alpharetta police search for burglary suspects

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta and Milton Police are searching for two burglary suspects after a Milton resident on Highgrove Club Drive reported the incident around 11:40 a.m. May 20.

According to a statement from the Milton Police Department, the suspects left the residence in one of the victim’s vehicles.

Alpharetta Police officers located the abandoned vehicle near North Point Parkway, where the suspects had fled on foot toward the Big Creek Greenway, the statement said.

Milton Police reported that several law enforcement agencies joined Alpharetta Police in pursuit of the suspects, including a helicopter from Fulton County.

The Alpharetta Public Safety Department first asked people to avoid the Big Creek Greenway just after 2:00 p.m. They announced around 4 p.m. the greenway is back open.

Out of an abundance of caution, Haynes Bridge Middle and New Prospect Elementary schools were placed on lockdown during the afternoon while officers conducted their search.

The statement from Alpharetta said the

suspects were not on school property.

Fulton County Schools resource officers told police around 2:50 p.m. parents of students can pick up their children.

Kate Fies, a strategic communications manager in the Alpharetta Public Safety Department, provided an update to Appen Media around 4:40 p.m.

“At this time, no arrests have been made,” she wrote. “Officers conducted repeated, thorough searches of the areas throughout the duration of the incident and believe the suspects have left the area.”

The first suspect is described as a Black male wearing no shirt and black pants with tattoos on his chest. The second suspect is described as a lightskinned Black male with no hair.

Fies reiterated that officers will continue to be watchful over the next several hours.

The Alpharetta Public Safety Department asks for people to call 911 if they see either individual.

For updates, check https://www. appenmedia.com/.

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Cities turn focus to Perimeter market

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Representatives with KDC Real Estate Development and Investments were all smiles May 13 after the Dunwoody City Council approved a rezoning at 245 Perimeter Center Parkway.

The property, the last undeveloped parcel on the Park Center campus, was already entitled to 729,613 square feet of office, 33,586 square feet of retail, and 2,833 parking spaces for a Building 4, under conditions set in the city’s 2015 Overall Development Plan

But, because the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the appetite for new office development, KDC applied to change zoning conditions that would allow residential units and a hotel while reducing its office and retail allocation.

The new rezoning cuts the office allocation by more than half and allows for 175 hotel rooms, 22,000 square feet of retail space and 300 multi-family residential units.

Dunwoody’s 2023 Edge City 2.0 report, which focuses on Perimeter area planning, details a communitysupported vision for Perimeter Center developments and roadmap for the next 20 years.

Dunwoody planners say the Edge City 2.0 report indicates the need for residential development and the proposed mix of uses would be a benefit to the Park Center campus and the surrounding area.

The shift from stand-alone office towers to mixed-use developments with housing, retail, office and recreational spaces is a hot trend.

Unlike the market for commercial office space, which is oversaturated from decades of overbuilding and low interest rates, the demand for a low supply of new live-work-play buildings is promising.

Michael Starling, Dunwoody Economic Development director, said public investments in place-making and private investments in redevelopment can revitalize the commercial market.

The Perimeter market is unique with a community improvement district split between two counties, DeKalb and Fulton, and three cities, Brookhaven, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs.

The Perimeter Community Improvement Districts undertook a rebranding initiative late last year, and with the wrap-up of construction at Ga. 400 and I-285, the market is looking to be competitive in the region.

Fulton County side of Perimeter

During a May 7 Sandy Springs City Council work session, real estate consultant Ladson Haddow with Haddow & Company asked officials to focus on the city’s commercial properties in Perimeter.

Influencing factors on the value of offices include appeals of property values, which can result in a three-year freeze.

An analysis of eight office properties, including the Concourse Office Park, revealed value changes ranging from 3.3 percent to 19 percent, with an average value decline of 14 percent.

While office properties account for roughly 18 percent of the city’s overall property tax revenue, they represent just under 7 percent of all the revenues Sandy Springs receives each year.

Essentially, Haddow said he thinks office building values will continue to fall,

but it will not significantly impact the city’s overall revenue.

“You’re pretty much where you were in 2008, you experienced a pretty significant drop in 2013-15, and yet you managed just fine,” he told councilmembers. “What’s looming or to come has been endured by the city before.”

Unlike the Great Recession and its subsequent economic effect on property values, corporate developers are not scooping up office buildings. Interest rates at a 23-year high and changing work habits have reduced the demand for offices and the ability to acquire the capital to purchase them, Haddow said.

The redevelopment of older office buildings can be encouraged through zoning and other incentives. Removing potential blight, reducing office supply and increasing tax revenue through new developments are ways the city can reduce erosion of the office market and increase its revenue, according to the findings of the Haddow & Company report.

Haddow then discussed what is attracting commercial tenants to properties and what environments have shown the most promise in Metro Atlanta.

The Perimeter office submarket in Sandy Springs contains the highest amount of sublease space and the second highest vacancy rate in Metro Atlanta, behind Buckhead.

The price per square foot for a sublease space is often 33 percent less than rent on a direct lease, Haddow said.

Often when tenants come up for a

See MARKET, Page 11

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Michael Starling, economic development director for the City of Dunwoody, gives the first in a series of quarterly updates on the city’s commercial areas. Starling said public investments in place-making and private investments in redevelopment can revitalize the commercial market.

Atlanta business wins ’24 Good Food Award

PORTLAND, Ore. — Farmers Jam, an Atlanta-based business that creates natural jams sourced from local and organic farms, earned a 2024 Good Food Award at a ceremony in Portland, Oregon.

The business, founded by James Carr — a Milton High School graduate and former account executive with Appen Media Group, earned the award in the Elixir category with its Strawberry Lemon Cocktail Syrup.

Chosen through a rigorous blind tasting and sustainability vetting process from nearly 2,000 entries, the winners rose to the top on the basis of taste while also demonstrating an outstanding commitment to sustainable environmental and social practices.

“It is an absolute thrill to win a Good Food Award,” Carr said. “We’re honored to be alongside some amazing makers and creators who prioritize local sourcing, quality ingredients, and supporting farmers.”

Every sale for Farmers Jam contributes to the organization’s annual fruit tree fund. According to its website, Farmers Jam has helped plant more than 1,800 fruit trees and bushes on family farms since 2018.

The Good Food Awards, in its 14th year, is organized by the Good Food Foundation in collaboration with a broad community of food crafters, grocers, chefs, food writers, activists and passionate food lovers.

Farmers Jam is hosting a local celebration at Parker’s on Ponce in Decatur on May 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be a specialty menu

Market:

renewal of their lease, they reduce their office footprint.

“It’s hard to say what the future holds,” Haddow said. “In our opinion, it’s not a trend that’s going to reverse itself anytime soon.”

Live, work and play

Haddow & Company identified a post-COVID trend in the market, which shows a potential path forward for the commercial real estate industry.

JAMES CARR/PROVIDED

Jason Waters and James Carr, founder of Atlanta-based Farmers Jam, celebrate the business’ 2024 Good Food Award in the Elixir category at a ceremony in Portland, Oregon with its Strawberry Lemon Cocktail Syrup. Waters is the owner of Georgia Routes, a mobile bar that uses Farmers Jam cocktail syrups.

with drinks featuring Farmers Jam Cocktail Syrups in partnership with Cathead Distillery.

Proceeds from drinks purchased will generate donations to Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides emergency assistance for food service workers through financial support and a network of community resources.

not nearly as walkable, that’s a negative moving forward and a reality.”

He mentioned Dunwoody’s Campus 244 and High Street as examples of promising redevelopments.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA

PUBLIC NOTICE

Fiscal Year 2025 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 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025):

June 3, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

June 24, 2024 at 11:30 a.m.

June 24, 2024 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.

T:\ADS_2024\Citty of Alpharetta Legal\ Finance

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 10.84 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 3, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.

June 24, 2024, at 11:30 a.m.

June 24, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.

This tentative increase will result in an M&O millage rate of 5.010 mills, an increase of 0.490 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the M&O millage rate will be no more than 4.520 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $650,000 is approximately $62.09 and the proposed tax increase for non-homesteaded property with a fair market value of $1,300,000 is approximately $254.80.

While Alpharetta’s overall millage rate would remain flat under the proposal, there would be some changes to the individual components as follows:

“Companies are looking for walkability, they’re looking for access to walkable amenities, the Beltline,” Haddow said. “When you look at Sandy Springs’ office stock, it’s older and it’s

The mixed-use developments mirror others in midtown Atlanta, the Old Fourth Ward and Ponce City Market, which Haddow said sport the lowest vacancy rates in Metro Atlanta. City officials can encourage redevelopments through changes to land use and rezoning regulations.

“If I had to guess in the next couple years, the movement is going to be redevelopment of some of these office buildings that are low density,” he said. “Some people refer to it as a fried egg, when you look at a building that’s in the middle of a site that has surface parking all around it… that’s not going to be an office property moving forward.” Continued from Page 10

The City is shifting 0.059 mills from the Bond millage rate to the M&O millage rate and investing revenue growth to cover, among other things, law enforcement initiatives, inflationary demands on salary and contractual obligations, and increases in capital infrastructure maintenance.

Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest to benefit new Wacky World

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Brew Moon Fest, a bi-annual event featuring beer, food and live music, is returning June 1.

In its 11th year, the Alpharetta Business Association’s “Dancing in the Street” party on Milton Avenue downtown will be from 6 to 10:30 p.m. with live music provided by Chuck Martin and the Line Up.

Proceeds from the fest will go toward the ABA’s multi-year donation to the Wacky World rebuild.

Wacky World was a 1-acre wood playground at Wills Park, built by more than 2,600 volunteers over six days in 1997. A farewell party was held April 28 with hundreds of residents in attendance, ushering in the new.

Scheduled for opening in October, the

new Wacky World will be roughly 18,000 square feet. It will include features requested by Alpharetta students, who submitted dream designs on drawing forms.

The playground, to be built by volunteers, will feature a tower, obstacle course, racing slides and zipline. It will also be ADA compliant and feature adaptive equipment.

The Wacky World rebuild is partly funded through the city’s 2021 parks bond referendum, which allocated $4 million for work at Wills Park. It is also receiving help from sponsorships and donations.

Single tickets for Brew Moon Fest are $10. Including admission, a table for six costs $180, and a table for eight costs $240. To purchase tickets or tables, visit alpharettabusinessassociation.com.

Appen Media takes listening tour to Milton

MILTON, Ga. — The newsroom at Appen

Media Group stopped at Six Bridges Brewing in Milton May 16 to listen to residents about how to improve local coverage.

This was the fifth stop in the company’s “Listening Tour,” a seven-month series touching base in each of Appen Media’s coverage areas. So far, staff have made rounds in Dunwoody, Roswell, Johns Creek and Forsyth County in an effort to gain valuable insight from residents on how to strengthen reporting.

Publisher Hans Appen opened the forum with questions to staff about what brings them to work every day and how they view the future of journalism. Appen also asked about the kinds of myths and stereotypes they see about journalists.

The floor was turned over to the crowd of about a dozen, who suggested topics they would like to see covered in the newspaper like health and traffic concerns.

One guest asked about the open records process, wondering how cities can charge for open records that are public information.

Director of Content and Development Carl Appen, who regularly files open records requests on behalf of the newsroom, said state law allows local governments to charge a reasonable fee for time and resources used to gather records, though most do not as a courtesy.

Two more stops are scheduled for the tour, at July Moon Bakery and Café in Alpharetta on June 20 and at Pontoon Brewing Company in Sandy Springs July 18.

Alpharetta Welcome Center offers giveaways to visitors

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Visitors to the Alpharetta Welcome Center May 20-24 can pick up some city swag and enjoy sweet treats during National Travel and Tourism Week.

An annual tradition in the hospitality industry, this marks the 41st anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week.

President Ronald Reagan established National Travel & Tourism Week in 1983 as an annual salute to travel in America.

According to the U.S. Travel Association, the $2.6 trillion industry supports nearly 15 million American jobs while fueling other important industries like manufacturing, health care and agriculture — all dependent on travel to generate business, spur innovation and support education.

Janet Rodgers, president and CEO of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau, said tourism is important to the economic growth of the city.

“It is our pleasure to position Alpharetta as a regionally, nationally and globally recognized tourism destination through creative, innovative marketing and sales strategies,” she said. “Marketing efforts are

executed 365 days a year to attract overnight visitors to our awesome destination!”

Residents are encouraged to “staycation” as a local tourist or invite friends and family to town, showcasing the city’s more than 200 restaurants and shops in Avalon, downtown Alpharetta and North Point Mall.

When guests swing by the Welcome Center May 20-24, they will receive five entries for a chance to win two VIP tickets and a parking pass to see the “New Kids on the Block: Magic Summer 2024 Tour,” July 26 at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre.

The Alpharetta Welcome Center is at 178 South Main Street, Suite 200. Visitors can enter to win in-person during regular business hours.

If folks are unable to make it, they can sign up for the Alpharetta Convention and Visitor Bureau’s e-newsletter and receive one entry into the raffle.

The winner, who must be a subscriber to the newsletter at the time of drawing, will be selected and notified the week of May 27.

For more information about tourism week and the raffle, visit awesomealpharetta.com/national-travel-tourism-week/.

Samantha B. Benson, MD Johns Creek: Tues., Thurs. Milton: Mon., Fri. Kaavya Chivukula, MD Johns Creek Only

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Ray Appen, owner of Appen Media, answers a question posed by Publisher Hans Appen at the newspaper’s “Listening Tour” stop in Milton at Six Bridges Brewing May 16.

BREW MOON FEST

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Memorial Day – Remember & Honor

Monday, May 27, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Visit the Post’s “Walk of Memories”

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Meet Some of Those Who Have Served

“A Tribute to The Ed Sullivan Show“

Friday, May 31, 8 p.m.; Doors Open at 7 p.m.

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Benzoyl Peroxide danger – fact

or fiction?

and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta

Benzoyl peroxide or “BPO” is a dermatologist’s old standby. It is a triedand-true effective ingredient to treat acne including pimples and clogged pores and is found in both over the counter acne washes as well as prescription acne products. Given its extensive use and presence in so many over-the-counter products, it came as a shock to the world and the medical community when a company named Valisure recently argued that BPO too easily breaks down into benzene, a cancer-causing chemical known to cause leukemia and other types of cancer. Valisure advocated for the recall of over-the-counter acne products containing BPO.

Is Valisure right? What is the truth? The answer is complicated and interesting.

BPO’s potential to cause cancer was suggested in the 1980s when animal studies suggested that it might make skin tumors grow. BPO is a very reactive molecule and works at least in part by reacting with proteins of skin bacteria and killing the bacteria that cause acne. BPO has long been known to be destructive. The question is whether it is only destructive to bacteria or also to humans.

In 1991 new concerning animal data caused the FDA to formally declare that additional studies were necessary on BPO safety, but the data was weak, and sales of BPO products continued to be permitted. During the ensuing years, a concerted effort was made through multiple studies to verify BPO’s safety. In 2010, the FDA reviewed available data and voted to label BPO as GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective). Recent data had been reassuring.

Fast forward to the present day and we have a curveball. A company named Valisure studied the potential of BPO to form benzene at elevated temperatures. Valisure tested benzene levels after exposing BPO products to 98.6, 122, and 158-degrees Fahrenheit for two weeks or more. As the temperature went up, so did the level of benzene. These are temperatures that BPO may be exposed to in real life situations such as being left in a hot car or during shipment from manufacturing sites.

Valisure appears to have proven that BPO has the potential to form benzene, particularly if exposed to high temperatures. How often this happens and how frequently this has caused

cancer remains unknown. Even if someone could guarantee that their BPO had never been exposed to heat, BPO left on someone’s shelf for long periods might eventually form significant levels of benzene over time.

Is Valisure a white knight rescuing the public from a serious threat?

One concerning conflict of interest is that Valisure’s president, David Light, filed a patent in 2023 for a method to prevent BPO from breaking down into benzene.

Timelines matter. Did Valisure know of BPO’s potential risks but wait to disclose them and request a recall until after they had filed for a patent for the fix? Valisure’s homepage states that they are a company focused on “transparency,” but Valisure’s mention of its patent application was buried on page 26 of a 34 page “Citizen Petition.” Acknowledgment of this patent application as a conflict of interest was nowhere to be found in that Citizen Petition. Valisure states that their goal is to provide “independent certification” of product safety, but when they stand to profit from finding dangers, then they are not as independent as they should be.

No recall has been issued. At least one manufacturer, Clearasil™, has responded by claiming that its products are safe when stored correctly and stated “The findings presented by an independent lab reflect unrealistic scenarios rather than real-world conditions” according to an article in Chemistry World.

And of course, class action lawsuits have already arisen.

One can argue about whether Valisure’s citizen petition for a recall was premature or whether it is motivated by its patent and a desire to force companies to use Valisure’s BPO stabilizer in BPO products to Valisure’s financial gain. The only thing that is certain is that with the filing of a patent, Valisure ceased to be the independent company that we wish it were.

What are doctors and patients to do? At the least, throw away expired BPO. Throw away BPO that has been exposed to high temperatures. Talk with your doctor about alternatives to BPO. We are in the fortunate position of having many alternatives to BPO available while the true safety of BPO and potential for benzene formation gets sorted out. Two over the counter alternatives to consider are adapalene or salicylic acid. For more stubborn acne including acne that is causing scarring, see a specialist in dermatology. And stay tuned for future updates on BPO.

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Retired local airman receives recognition for serving country

ASK APPEN

MILTON, Ga. — Archibald “Arch” Kielly, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, former diplomat and Milton resident, has spent a lifetime serving his country and educating its younger generations at state colleges.

Kielly received a resolution and words of praise from Lt. Governor Burt Jones March 26 during the Georgia General Assembly’s 2024 legislative session.

The retired combat pilot served as a diplomat to Central America and a political appointee in two administrations after his 39 years in the Navy.

During the Vietnam War, he served in the 7th Air Force Escape and Evasion unit, piloting jet fighters and gunship helicopters.

Over his military career, Kielly received more than 40 medals and

awards for combat, gallantry and service, including four from foreign nations. His work in the federal government includes advising the Chief of the United States Air Force and the Pentagon’s Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Kielly, an adjunct professor of political science at Georgia State University, once taught at the University of North Georgia and Young Harris College.

During his summer breaks, he teaches at European universities.

Without ever graduating high school, Kielly has served as an inspiration for countless Americans.

Debra Kielly, Arch’s wife, said he is traveling to South America this summer, per a government request, to teach at two of its top universities.

DEBRA KIELLY/PROVIDED

From left, state Sen. Shawn Still, retired Lt. Col. Archibald “Arch” Kielly and Lt. Governor Burt Jones are all smiles after reading proclamation March 26 to honor Kielly and his lifetime of service. Kielly, a veteran of three wars, is an adjunct professor of political science at Georgia State University and teaches at various colleges overseas.

PATRIOTS OF LIBERTY CHAPTER/PROVIDED

Housing:

Continued from Page 1

Before the City Council approved its letter of intent to negotiate with United Soccer League for a stadium-anchored entertainment district in March, Mayor Kurt Wilson described the project as “Battery-like.”

At the Tuesday meeting, Wilson characterized the item as more a housekeeping measure to align with the standalone apartment ban passed in 2022.

“I’m not against multifamily as part of a mixed-use development because I have been propagating that since day one,” Wilson said. “I have said to some of my friends who are against multifamily, period, ‘No, it has to be part of a sophisticated mixed-use development.’ The question is how much that is.”

Wilson said Roswell is already disproportionately providing workforce housing in the North Fulton marketplace, adding that it is the only North Fulton city with a housing authority which works on affordable housing, federally defined.

He said his plan is to limit growth to 120,000 people in the next two decades, which he said he understood as the “will of the people” and part of his platform.

He reduced Beeson’s argument as “contrarian” and called the city’s Unified Development Code a “distraction” and an “obstacle” that must be managed on a daily basis. Wilson said the UDC is not the guideline for how the city will enact its long-term economic vision.

City Councilman David Johnson jumped in the debate. While he agreed to approve the item, Johnson said he didn’t want the council to handcuff itself and cited the median income of a Roswell resident, around $52,000 a year.

“That’s a teacher’s salary,” Johnson said. “So, we talk about workforce housing… we’re talking about our police officers. We’re talking about our teachers … We’re not talking about someone who makes $9 an hour. These are professionals who are 25 years old, who need places to live.”

He also described the traffic issues that result from drivers traveling from outside the city to work in Roswell.

“I want our teachers to work in Roswell, to live in Roswell,” Johnson said. “I want our professionals, you know, doctors, to work in Roswell, to live in Roswell.”

The item is set to go before the council in a formal vote May 28.

Community Unit Plan, or CUP, to an agricultural area, or AG-1.

“What was sent to us from the city said nothing.

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School Board members give tentative approval to 2025 spending plan

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By BEECHER TUTTLE newsroom@appenmedia.com

NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – The Fulton County Board of Education May 15 tentatively adopted a proposed budget for fiscal year 2025, one that increases com-pensation for teachers and other staffers despite another projected drop in en-rollment.

The budget, set for final vote June 11, calls for a 4.5 percent raise in compensation for eligible employees in an effort to recruit and retain top talent, according to a detailed recommendation from Schools Superintendent Mike Looney. While the population of Fulton County has increased roughly 10 percent over the past dec-ade, total school enrollment has decreased by 7 percent, or 6,855 students.

The tentative budget passed by a 6-1 vote.

In total, the proposed 2025 spending plan includes an estimate of roughly $2.293 billion in spending from all funds, up from the projected $1.844 billion this year. However, the school allotment guidelines also proposed a property tax rate of 17.13 mills, down from 17.14 mills last year. Property taxes are expected to bring in some $839 million to help fund the 2025 budget.

The final adopted millage rate will depend on the county’s official tax digest –which charts the value of taxable residential and commercial property – due out soon, possibly before the June 11 School Board meeting.

The tentative adoption May 15 will enable staff to post budget figures on the dis-trict’s public website as well as allow staff to work with tax officials to ensure prop-erty tax bills are sent on time.

Meanwhile, the anticipated highlight of

the meeting never quite materialized. Board members were prepared to hear from the public for a second time following the rollout of the initial budget in March and April, but no one raised their hand on Wednesday.

You can find the full FY ‘25 budget recommendation at ful-tonschools. org/budgetservices

School Board President Kimberly Dove said the board takes comment from its constituents outside of public forums, including email. One piece missing from the meeting was Superintendent Looney, who was –ironically – representing Fulton County at the White House to discuss the nation-wide issue of chronic absenteeism among students.

County honors its stars

With the end of school fast approaching, each of the seven board members touched on a few highlights from their district. Some of the most noteworthy in-cluded River Trail Middle School Chess Team winning the 2024 State of Georgia Chess Tournament for the second year in a row; Fulton County Schools College & Career Academy Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Pathway finishing first in the statewide High School Aviation Challenge; and John’s Creek High’s boy’s team winning the Class 6A tennis championship for an unparalleled sixth consecutive time.

Johns Creek Town Center’s Medley adds retail, restaurants to roster

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Toro Development Company announced its next wave of tenants at Medley May 1 to include nine restaurants and retailers. That’s a total of 20 so far set for the Johns Creek Town Center area.

Located at the intersection of Johns Creek Parkway and McGinnis Ferry Road, the 42-acre mixed-use development will encompass 200,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space, a mix of 900

apartments and townhomes, 110,000 square feet of office space and a 25,000-square-foot plaza.

Medley will be adjacent to medical device manufacturer Boston Scientific in the Town Center, a 192-acre area to be anchored by Creekside Park near City Hall.

New tenants include the Atlantabased Thai restaurant 26 Thai Kitchen and Bar as well as Five Daughters Bakery, Drybar Shops, Minnie Olivia, Burdlife, Amorino, Pause, Fogón and

Lions, and Clean Your Dirty Face, according to the announcement from Metro Atlanta CEO.

Toro Development Company, headed by Avalon developer Mark Toro, previously announced Ford Fry’s Little Rey and Fadó Irish Pub, among other restaurants and retailers slated for Medley.

The company recently purchased land for the development, closing in on the groundbreaking scheduled for later this year.

The first phase, expected to open in the third quarter of 2026, will include around 180,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space, 108,000 square feet of office space, 340 multifamily residences, 133 townhomes and the activated plaza.

The company plans to host around 200 events each year, like outdoor wellness classes, live music performances, arts festivals and watch parties.

Kids explore, learn equipment at Johns Creek Touch-A-Truck

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. —Amid a chorus of honking horns from the biggest of its big rigs, families flocked to Johns Creek City Hall for the city’s annual Touch-A-Truck May 18.

The display, which ran from 10 a.m. to noon, featured construction, utility and landscaping equipment, school buses and fire trucks. A DJ and on-site food trucks added sound and smell to the giant visuals that hundreds of visitors enjoyed.

Johns Creek Public Works Director Chris Haggard said the city has hosted Touch-A-Truck since 2010, originally at Newtown Park, and that it’s always scheduled the Saturday before National Public Works Week.

“[Touch-A-Truck] just makes them aware of what we do…,” Haggard said. “They see these types of equipment on the side of the road all the time in their neighborhoods. This gives them a chance to be up close and talk to the actual contractor, touch the trucks, get in them, get photos, feel good about it.”

John Bedingfield, commercial mower specialist with Ag-Pro, and Matt Gerich, branch manager for Yellowstone Landscape, brought a couple of John Deeres. One was a John Deere 5120M series tractor used for roadside cutting, pulling bush hogs, and the other was a John Deere 50 P-Tier excavator used for digging trenches and installing fixtures like light poles.

This was Bedingfield’s third time participating in the city’s Touch-ATruck.

“It’s a great event,” Bedingfield said. “It’s fun to watch all the kids play on the machines. We think of them as a tool to do a job for the public, and the kids see it as a big toy.”

Sang Lee’s family waited in line to hop aboard the 5120M tractor. The Johns Creek resident, a second-time Touch-A-Truck attendee, said the

A man shows a young boy the bucket of Vertical Earth’s Komatsu PC138, a longtail swing excavator with rubber tracks used for city road construction, at the Johns Creek annual Touch-A-Truck event May 18. Hundreds of visitors had the opportunity to explore construction, utility and landscape equipment, fire trucks and school buses, and honk horns, at City Hall.

event allows his 1-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son the experience of riding in big vehicles.

Walking through the rows of trucks, young children, swallowed by earmuffs, scrambled up the tall cabs, looked down and felt around the controls. Many wore orange vests, assuming the role of a construction worker for the day.

One man appeared to show his young son, wearing a plastic firefighter hat, the bucket of a Komatsu PC138.

Jarrod Stanley with Vertical Earth described the PC138 as a long-tail swing excavator used for city road construction. He highlighted its rubber tracks that prevent damage to asphalt.

Last year, Stanley said Vertical Earth brought a dump truck and

The mascot for Georgia 811 gives a young boy a high five at the Johns Creek Touch-A-Truck event May 18. Georgia 811 is a nonprofit that connects utility companies with professional excavators and homeowners to prevent damage to underground utilities.

Johns Creek resident Sang Lee, right, and his family wait in line to hop aboard a John Deere tractor at the Johns Creek Touch-A-Truck event May 18.

wanted to change it up. This was the company’s fifth year showcasing its equipment at the Johns Creek event.

“We’re not just the guys on the side of the highway, tearing up the road, you know,” Stanley said about the importance of community outreach.

Stanley also brought along his 3-year-old son.

“He loves it,” Stanley said.

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Milton Parks and Recreation Board unveils Deerfield park concept drafts

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — The unveiling of conceptual sketches for the proposed active park at 300 Deerfield Parkway drew a few residents to the May 16 Milton Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting.

Board members took time to go over plans for the Deerfield property with Parks and Recreation Director Tom McKlveen.

While McKlveen said the completed park is about two years away, the effort to ensure the property fits the needs of the city has begun.

Right now, Crescent Communities owns the site across the street from the Verizon campus between Ga. 9, Windward Parkway and Webb Road. It’s asking for $8 million.

The sale is pending a 90-day due diligence period, with the clock starting April 22. If the city determines the property is a fit for future ball fields, the closing will follow within 30 days after the due diligence period ends.

The city set aside funds for the purchase in two accounts within the capital improvement plan in its 2024 budget.

McKlveen said the two conceptual sketches presented to the citizen-led board are not a part of the formal design process, which will require requests for proposals later.

The purpose of unveiling the sketches, which McKlveen said he received the evening before, is to get feedback from board members and the public.

The two renderings contain the same amount of active park space, including two large athletic fields, four baseball diamonds, 16 pickleball courts and a couple tennis courts. The plan also calls for three playgrounds, a maintenance facility, multiple driveways and concession stands.

The first conceptual sketch, designated as “interparcel connectivity,” includes a roadway through the middle of the property to the parking lot of the shuttered Fry’s Electronics store. The idea is to connect the active park to Ga. 9.

The second sketch, designated as “maximized recreation,” sets rectangular fields at the back center of the property and includes more parking spaces.

Some of the primary notes and concerns from board members revolved around traffic, parking and children’s safety.

Board Chair Scott Stachowski introduced a scenario where two opposing baseball teams are leaving a field after a game with two more teams headed to the same field. Stachowski said parking and traffic may become an issue during such times.

When McKlveen floated the potential to host pickleball tournaments at the future park, board members reached a

RENDERINGS BY CITY OF MILTON/PROVIDED

A conceptual rendering of the property at 300 Deerfield Parkway shows plans for four baseball diamonds and two rectangular fields. Members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board discussed the number of pickleball and tennis courts, safety measures and connectivity to Ga. 9.

From left, Parks and Recreation Director

Tom McKlveen and Public Works Director Sara Leaders discuss the proposed 21-acre park at 300 Deerfield Parkway. Leaders said the park’s connectivity to Ga. 9 fits with city plans for the commercial area surrounding the site.

loose consensus on carefully pursuing that route, which they said could increase traffic congestion and parking shortages.

Other concerns about a central roadway through the site, seen on the first conceptual sketch, centered around pedestrian safety, especially for children.

Board members seemed to settle on including the “interparcel connectivity” because it may open the Fry’s Electronics site for future mixed-use redevelopment and overflow parking.

Public Works Director Sara Leaders said vehicular connectivity between Ga. 9 and Deerfield would reduce traffic congestion in front of the park. She also said there are city plans for redevelopment of the Deerfield district, which would fit well with the active park.

If there is a roadway through the

An alternative to the conceptual rendering for the property at 300 Deerfield Parkway shows the site without a thoroughfare between the parkway and Ga. 9. Some members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board said they think the alternative may be safer for young children running around the park.

middle of the active park, then speed controls, raised crosswalks, curbside parking and other measures can discourage drivers from speeding through, board members said.

Residents gave diverse feedback on the sketches.

One resident advocated for a velodrome to replace one of the rectangular fields, citing the abundance of cyclists in North Fulton County.

Jon Lundstedt, a frequent attendee of parks-related meetings, said he really wants the opportunity to work out for the city. He also said he thinks canceling the citizen-led committee may be a mistake if the effort to build an active park at 300 Deerfield Parkway fails.

One resident who lives in the Lake Deerfield Townhome Community across

the street from the proposed park said she is worried about increased traffic congestion and the loss of trees on the property.

She also said she understands the city intends to move forward but hopes they decide to save as many trees as possible.

Some board members said they would like to see a tree buffer maintained along Deerfield Parkway and as many trees saved as possible.

McKlveen said he’s just looking for general feedback on the facilities at the active park before the next Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting in June.

“We’re going to go back to the consultants and gather some feedback from today and come back with a final sketch,” he said.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

For sale: TikTok (to anyone other than China)

I try to stay current with my news. That is, I try to know at least a little about what is going on in the world. That being said, I can’t keep this idea about forcing TikTok’s U.S. operations to be sold out of my mind.

As most of you know, in the recent legislation for funding support for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, there is a provision included that requires TikTok – which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance –to be sold or, if not sold, banned in the United States. The fear is that the Chinese government is using, or

could use, data generated by TikTok.

That is the point that I don’t get. How does a change in ownership safeguard any data that TikTok generates? Seriously?

At least five companies have expressed interest at one time or another in TikTok – Microsoft, Oracle, Meta (Facebook), Alphabet (Google) and Amazon – all big tech companies with significant interest in data management, data generation, and directly or indirectly, the sale of data/information.

“Data” today is the oil of yesterday. Data is money, pure and simple. It is where the money is and where the money will go.

“Data” is the backbone, foundation, primary component in AI, Artificial Intelligence. Without data, there is no AI. AI is the future.

Let’s pull together to tackle traffic woes

As our city continues to grow and thrive, it is becoming evident that our roads are struggling to keep up with the demand. During peak hours, traffic congestion has become a significant issue, causing delays, frustration and safety concerns for residents and commuters alike.

I believe that it is essential for us, as a community, to come together and address this issue proactively. Here are some ideas that I think could help alleviate traffic congestion in Alpharetta:

1. Infrastructure improvements: We need to advocate for better infrastructure planning and investment. This could include expanding roads, improving intersections and implementing more efficient traffic management systems.

2. Public transportation: Developing public transportation options could provide an alternative to driving for many residents. Expanded bus routes, park-andride facilities, and even light rail connections could help reduce traffic congestion and improve

It’s driving the stock market right now – the prospect of the massive profits that big tech expects to reap from the build-out of AI throughout our economic system. There can be talk about restricting and regulating the use of AI, but that just isn’t going to happen; that train left the station a long time ago. The “talk” is just that – talk.

So here is the rub. Data is a commodity, just like any other commodity. Since data is arguably the most valuable commodity in today’s world, it will, no matter what, be sold directly or indirectly to the highest bidder – just as oil is today. Just look at the U.S. embargo on Russian or Iranian oil that has now been in place for years. That oil is still getting to market despite the sanctions. It always will. Even

the idea of suggesting that the use of economic sanctions in todays interconnected globalized world has much impact at all seems ludicrous.

Changing who the owner of TikTok is and the data that TikTok generates will not change the availability of the data; it will be sold to the highest bidder even if the buyer is the Chinese government. Does anyone think, for another example, that Mr. Zuckerberg does not sell any/all the data that his social media platforms generate to anyone who is willing to write him the check? Don’t think so.

So, I just don’t get it. It just doesn’t make sense if one is looking for rational logic or a legitimate motive to force ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations of TikTok. Something else must be driving this dance.

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mobility for everyone.

3. Smart growth policies: It’s essential to promote smart growth policies that balance development with transportation needs. Encouraging mixed-use developments that reduce the need for long commutes could help mitigate traffic congestion in the long run.

4. Community engagement: I believe that community engagement is key to finding effective solutions to our traffic congestion problem. I encourage residents to participate in town hall meetings, engage with local officials, and advocate for the changes we need to see in our city.

By working together and advocating for these solutions, I believe that we can make a real difference in addressing traffic congestion in Alpharetta. Our voices matter, and it’s essential that we come together as a community to push for positive change.

Anthony Bechara Boy Scout Troop 1857, Alpharetta resident

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.”

RAY APPEN

Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

The distinguished Mansell family (Part 1)

BOB MEYERS

The Mansell family has been well known in North Fulton for more than a century. They have been successful farmers employing the latest farming techniques. They have been astute and creative businessmen and were committed to their churches, and in some cases, became quite wealthy yet were always frugal. This column is a tribute to this remarkable family.

I am indebted to several people who have documented various aspects of Mansell history. First, Linda Mansell Martin who wrote “The Great Generation of Mansell’s of N. Georgia,” the definitive history of the Mansell family. Her brother Jody Mansell, deceased, wrote stories about his experiences with his grandfather. Maude Dorris Mansell, (1883-1977) had her granddaughter compile some facts of her life for her descendants. Finally, I appreciate the help of Barry Mansell a retired BellSouth executive, Kathy Beck of the Milton Historical Society and many articles in local newspapers about various members of the family.

The Mansell story begins like that of many local families. The first Mansell’s in America came from England, Ireland and some from Germany in the 18th century. They settled in Virginia and the Carolinas. The first Mansell to settle in Georgia emigrated from South Carolina. Robert Henry Mansell Sr. (1820-1862) and his wife Hanna Maude McCollum (1815-1903) settled in Fields Crossroads in Milton County, at one time a thriving community.

Robert Sr.’s grandson, also named Robert Henry Mansell (1873-1950), was born in Crabapple and was married to Maude Dorris Mansell (1883-1977). People called him Bob. He is noted for the farmhouse he built in 1911 on what is now Mansell Road in Roswell from trees grown on his property. He gradually amassed some 700 acres and lived in the house until 1949 when he retired. In addition to farming, Bob was a successful businessman with an interest in two cotton gins and a sawmill. He also sold his produce from the back of a truck with his grandson Jody every Saturday in Atlanta.

Bob gave each of his five children approximately 60 acres depending on its location and built for each child a house with the understanding that they could never sell their property or take out a mortgage on it. The exception was James

of Robert (Bob) and Maude Dorris

l, parents of five children who played an important role in the history of North Fulton. When Bob died in 1950, the Atlanta Journal referred to him as “one of North Fulton county’s most wellknown citizens.”

The Mansell House was built in 1911 by Bob Mansell from trees from his property on today’s Mansell Road. In 1990 the house was donated to the Alpharetta Historical Society. It was moved to its present location on Old Milton Parkway where it was updated and modernized and today serves as a special event facility and headquarters of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society.

Earl Mansell (1910-2002) who received a larger plot because he was the only one of the children interested in farming.

Earl Mansell and his wife Lillian Shirley Mansell [1911-2002] moved into the home. Over the years the Mansells added to the property and raised four sons on the farm: Bob, a retired professor at Florida State University; Marcus, owner of the Mansell Home and Garden Center at Mansell Road and Highway 9 and an extended stay motel in Woodstock (1940-2019); Denny (1948-2013); and Barry. Barry recalls getting up very early every morning to milk the cows before going to school. Before she was married, Lillian Mansell

was a teacher in Crabapple and rented a room in the historic Reese House in the Crabapple crossroads.

Earl sold his 135-acre property to the Herman Miller Company, a manufacturer of office furniture, in 1980 after farming the property for 33 years. The company donated the 10-room Mansell farmhouse to the Alpharetta Historical Society in 1990. The society moved it to its current location on Old Milton Parkway where it serves as a special event facility and headquarters of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society. Earl and Lillian retired to a house on Upper Hembree Road. In addition to Earl, Bob had three other sons, Joe, Walter and

Earl Mansell, one of four sons of Bob and Maude Dorris Mansell lived in the house built in 1911 by his father. For 33 years Earl was a respected and highly successful farmer, land investor and businessman. Here he is shown in 1938 at age 28 in his cornfield.

C.B., and a daughter, Pauline. Bob Mansell’s grandson Jody wrote some short stories about his grandfather who was very close to Jody as he grew up. The stories are included in Linda Mansell Martin’s fascinating book. One story written in 1910 was about Mitch & Madeline, a black tenant farmer and his wife who lived on Bob’s farm. Mitch helped Bob with all his farm work: plowing, planting, harvesting, hog killing – whatever needed to be done. Madeline helped Maude with cooking, cleaning, canning, etcetera. The two couples were good friends.

One day, Jody reported, Bob said to the couple “The two of you deserve a place of your own…lets go see if we can find one.”

Jody recalled that they found a house and that the Martins lived in the house until they passed away years later. After their deaths, their son lived in the house until his death. When Bob died, the Atlanta Journal referred to him as “one of North Fulton county’s most wellknown citizens.”

In the next column I will discuss Bob’s four sons and daughter and some other interesting members of one of the most fascinating families in this area.

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.

Columnist

PHOTOS BY MANSELL FAMILY/PROVIDED

Portrait

Mansel

OPINION

GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA!

Ireland: Road Less Traveled has own set of rules

Ireland! We’ve been here a week, and we are driving. Yes. Driving. As in a car – a car with the steering wheel on the other side. That wouldn’t be too bad by itself, but it turns out that the cars (including ours) are all on the other side too.

In theory, that’s just a little right-toleft conversion. How hard could it be? Yeah.

When we picked up the rental car, it was all fun and adventure till we started across the rental car lot and suddenly realized that, yes, it was gonna be up to us to make an Irish car go where we wanted it to go. Actually, it was going to be up to the not-me part of us. We had decided early on that she would be the driver, and now it was time.

We found our car, settled in, and decided to start out with a little practice.

“Let’s drive around the parking lot a few times,” I offered helpfully. So we did. It was harrowing.

We drove around a few more times. Harrowing still.

After about a half hour, we got to the point where we could drive in a big rectangle without having a heart attack every 30 seconds.

“There!” I said helpfully. “That wasn’t too bad! And may I say that you have a very firm grip on the wheel!”

So lesson one of driving where the wheel isn’t where you think it should be is to practice a bit in a place where the odds of rending metal are. Heed that, Grasshopper, for wiser words were never writ.

But eventually, we knew, we would have to leave the safety of the car park (a bit of Irish for you there) and take to the open road. Our task was to drive from the city of Cork across 69 miles of right-is-left-is-right roadway to our cottage by the waters of Coulagh Bay.

“You’ve got this,” I said, ever helpful. We set the GPS (lesson two of driving where they drive on the other side of the road is to have, and use, a GPS –it means you’ll have one less thing to worry about) and slowly made our way to the exit. It was not on the expected side. We panicked for a minute but adjusted and then…and then… Into the traffic we went.

You think driving mirror-image-style in a parking lot is exciting? Wait till you try it on an actual road.

What’s it like? Well…

Sometimes, there is no right or left way to drive on Ireland’s country roads

“It’s like you’re in a video game,” she said. “You’re driving along and suddenly HEART ATTACK! A car or something just pops into view, and you’ve got to dodge it!”

It’s one heart attack after another for the passenger, too, only their magnitude is compounded by the stacked-stone wall zipping by not 6 inches from your left ear. Fortunately, you’re usually warned of impending wall encounters by the sound of branches scraping down the side of the car. That doesn’t really help things, but it does provide a nice conversation starter. In fact, one time when I gently commented on it, she replied (fairly directly) that whatever they were, those [insert descriptive adjective] branches were probably softer than the front corner of the [insert another descriptive adjective] construction truck which had just zoomed by not 6 inches from HER ear. Which brings us to lesson three: No matter how strong the urge, while sitting in the passenger seat, try if possible to avoid screaming “WALL!”

All that does is upset things, including any nearby sheep who may be within earshot. You do not want upset sheep. And speaking of sheep, here’s lesson four: Sheep do not have any concept of boundaries, at least the kind between pasture and highway, so when it comes to the open road they hold all the cards. It was not at all unusual to round a corner and find the road suddenly blocked by one or two or 200 sheep, all standing there cool as can be and saying “Ba-ha-ha-ha-ha!” That’s Sheep

for “So you enjoyed that roast leg of lamb last night, did ya? Well, who’s in charge of things now, buddy boy?”

Usually, about that time, the nearest sheep will get what I swear is a menacing look in its otherwise friendly eyes and begin to ease inexorably toward your car. Or maybe that’s just my imagination? Or maybe not…

Anyway, passing cars and sheep eventually got a little easier too. Eventually we got to where hearts did not completely stop every time another vehicle passed.

But then came that horrible, awful, terrifying realization: Sooner or later we were going to have to TURN!

Pulling off a right turn

Oh no. You think driving on the other side is hard? Wait till you have to turn from one other side to the other other side. Just wait.

The first time this happened, we just stopped and looked.

“Where do I go?” she asked.

I looked left, and I looked right, and there were cars and trucks and various farm machines coming and going, and sheep, and they were all looking our way...

My brain said “No way” and went back to thinking about escape routes should the sheep attack.

I glanced in the side mirror and saw the face of the driver in the car behind us. He was apparently familiar with drivers trying to drive on the other side of the road, for he smiled a big smile and gave a jaunty wave.

I appreciated that. I really did. But we still had to do something.

“Which way?” she asked again, and my brain kicked back into gear.

“We’re going right, so go to the far lane,” I think I said, or at least I should have. “But look right, then left, then right, or something like that. And watch for sheep, for I’m told they have long memories. And be sure to –”

But she was already in motion. She turned right, rolling smoothly into the far lane.

“There!” I said.

There were a few more turns, and with each one it got easier. We learned to talk through each turn, watching the road and the traffic and whatever sheep were within range and trying against all odds to get our brains to think in upside-down mirror images. Two really are better than one when it comes to driving like this, and that brings us to lesson five: When driving someplace where you drive on the other side, be sure you have a wingman, at least at first. That lets you, the driver, concentrate on driving while your partner concentrates on where exactly that driving should take place.

Try it, and you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

Why are we here?

So now we’ve been in Ireland for close to a week. We have learned to drive, mostly. Yeah, Ireland changes your life.

But back home, I recalled, we had met some who did not understand how that could be or even why we would want to give it a chance to do so.

“Why would you want to do that?” someone said to me before we left for Ireland. “Why would you want to go some place where they don’t even drive on the right side of the road? Why not just stay here in America where we do it like God ordained it, like it’s ‘sposed to be done?”

What an odd thing to say.

It occurs to me this morning, as we drive comfortably and relaxed through the Irish countryside, that the right side of the road is simply a matter of what side of the road is right. I drive on the right side of the road at home. My new fishing buddy Derek, who I met in the past week, is dyed-in-the-wool Irish and drives on the right side of the road too. We are much more alike, and much less different, than we sometimes think. You know? This world of ours could do well to remember that right about now, don’t you think?

Yeah, it sure could. Maybe it’ll help. But I’m still gonna let her drive.

STEVE HUDSON Columnist

STEVE HUDSTON/APPEN MEDIA

Some perspective as a long-time Georgian

Having come to grips that next month, when that page is torn from the calendar and June is upon us, another birthday will be foisted upon me. It is totally appropriate, from this perch, to put some things in perspective.

This year marks our 33rd year in Georgia. Forget about trying to chronicle all the changes. Attempting to do that would have me slobbering, drooling and mumbling to no one in particular.

It’s scary to think that since I became a Georgian in 1991, my personal journey took us from Woodstock to Cumming. We put down roots after being a “corporate gypsy,” where we lived in Bakersfield, Clackamas (Oregon) and Lacombe (Louisiana) before I accepted a job to live here, sight unseen.

Everyone raved about Atlanta, and besides, we were getting the Olympics.

The job that brought me here taught me to always look past the money and focus on the people. The muckety-mucks from the company turned out to be an immoral, sinister bunch. The whole bunch got ceremoniously disgraced, the subject of

PAST TENSE

a cover story in Business Week magazine. The CEO went to prison, and I shouldn’t have taken glee on what happened to the lot.

But I did.

After getting sacked because I refused to fire a rep who was sleeping with that CEO, I collected a hefty severance that was really “hush money.” Instead of leaving Georgia, I had fallen in love with this place, its people and the lifestyle.

Friends thought I’d pack up and leave.

Nope. Georgia had become home.

And it still is.

In the time we’ve been here, we were able to adopt two wonderful infants. We traveled to Russia to get them. At the time, going to Russia was daunting, especially with those machine gun-wielding soldiers in the Moscow airport.

Vicki wasn’t amused at my being a smart aleck at Lenin’s Tomb, where visitors must remain moving at a brisk pace. Can’t stare too long, lest you wise up to the reality that Lenin is made of wax. She probably would have left me in a prison if I would have been “pinch-ski’d” when I asked her: “Where do you reckon they’ll be burying Paul, George and Ringo when they croak?”

Before coming to Atlanta, I was warned that traffic was awful. It was. And still is, so

not much has changed in that perspective. With my current (non)-employment status, I am aloof to numbers like 20, 75 and 85, unless I am playing them in Mega Millions. But there are things I miss. Sadly, these will not be coming back, but I can reminisce anyway:

• Braves broadcaster Skip Caray: Skip knew baseball and knew how to make sound bites that will last forever. His call of Sid Bream lumbering towards home to send the Braves to the 1992 World Series was one I’ll never forget. “Down the stretch he comes.”

• Skip’s post-game call-in show was a “must listen to” event every night. It was a treat listening to Skip get tormented by inane questions about the infield-fly rule. Friends would line up to call and pour on the aggravation.

• I miss opening the Atlanta JournalConstitution and laughing at Lewis Grizzard’s column. There was something comforting about overhearing a “did you read Grizzard today?” discussion. Seemingly, both Lewis and Skip seemed like they’d be with us forever. Until they weren’t.

• I miss my friend Papa Kenny Cagle’s call when he’d comment on my Sunday column. When Papa Kenny said a column was “Grizzard-esque,” I knew he really

liked it. Papa Kenny left without me ever getting a chance to say goodbye. I hope the “Heart-and-soul” eulogy made him smile.

• I miss playing regular Saturday games with the Callahan boys at Lanier Golf Club. Sadly, that homey, pristine track is now an ugly subdivision. I sigh every time I drive past where we played and the boys learned to swim. If their friends had no lunch money, Chris would assure them: “Don’t worry, I’ll just sign for it.”

• I miss Channel 5’s meteorologist Ken Cook. I’d see him at church and ask him if the weather would hold off for our baseball game. On the air, if Ken came on with his shirtsleeves rolled up, it was time to head for the basement. A bad one was coming.

• I don’t miss flying. Delta used to be a great airline that couldn’t do enough to make its customers feel special. I was even awarded “Flying Colonel” status. Now, after more than four million miles flown, I get nary a grunt. Don’t get me wrong, if I must fly, it’ll be on my hometown airline. But I now avoid flying like liver and onions.

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.

McGaughey 1940 home and Serviceman’s Shelter

The story of Effie and Carroll McGaughey and their “Servicemen’s Shelter” has previously been the subject of this column. I recently visited Atlanta History Center’s Kenan Research Center to view the Carroll McGaughey archives. The archives include photographs of their Dunwoody home. The house sat on a road first known as Spruill Road, then Meadow Lane Road, where it met Ridgeview Road. The postal address for the home was RD (Rural Delivery) 1, Dunwoody, Georgia. The archive of photographs was donated to AHC in 1951 by Effie McGaughey. Notes that accompany the photographs describe the Carroll B. McGaughey farmhouse as partly built about 1940 from 100-year-old timbers, brought in from Perry and Marietta. Carroll McGaughey and Effie Yeager married in 1914 in Knoxville, Tennessee. They met several years earlier and rekindled their relationship during

Atlanta’s opera season in the spring of 1914. Carroll McGaughey was in the electric construction business.

The 1930 census shows the McGaugheys living on 15th Street in Atlanta, but by 1940 they lived in Dunwoody, listed as the Shallowford District of DeKalb County on the census. Their sons, 21-year-old Carroll B. McGaughey Jr. and 16-year-old Carrick McGaughey are also listed on the census record.

Effie McGaughey collected donations to construct a shelter at their Dunwoody property, where injured soldiers could relax and enjoy their estate. There was also a swimming pool, built from granite and in the shape of the state of Georgia. (Atlanta Constitution, Aug. 20, 1947, Effie McGaughey-has not forgotten”)

Following the end of World War II, the McGaughey family continued to host wounded soldiers from Lawson General Hospital, Veterans Hospital #48, and Fort McPherson. World War I veterans could also be found convalescing at the McGaughey home. An August 1947 gathering included neighbor Ethel Spruill along with Effie McGaughey and several

M. MCGAUGHEY ARCHIVE, KENAN RESEARCH CENTER/ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER

The 1940 home of Effie and Carroll McGaughey sat along Meadow Lane, where it met Ridgeview Road.

injured veterans.

McGaughey said of her continued veteran support, “When the war ended, people began to ask, do you still need to entertain servicemen? You only have to see one of these parties at the shelter to realize that the need is greater now than ever.” (Atlanta Constitution, Aug. 1, 1947, “McGaugheys Continue War-Born Shelter”)

Effie McGaughey donated a movable kitchen to the Red Cross in 1942. The kitchen was operated by the Atlanta Red Cross Canteen Corps and was able to serve 2,000 meals and 40,000 cups of hot coffee per day. (Atlanta Constitution, June 7, 1942, “Canteen Corps Given Mobile Kitchen Here”)

Inside the McGaughey home were wood plank floors and rooms decorated in a style typical for the 1940s. Many rooms had floral wallpaper and lace curtains on the windows. The living room and two of the bedrooms included built-in bookshelves. Other details include braided rugs, white Chenille bedspreads and silver candelabras.

As you drive down Meadow Lane, in the area across the road from Target, picture the McGaughey home and the retreat the McGaughey family offered to help recovering soldiers and veterans.

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

CARROLL

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

MIKE TASOS Columnist

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City of Alpharetta To Hold

A Location and Design Public Information Open House For P.I. No. 0019211

Fulton County

The City of Alpharetta in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) request review and feedback on the proposed project. We appreciate your participation in this process.

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Alpharetta City Hall, the City of Alpharetta will hold a Public Information Open House concerning the project listed above.

This project proposes to create the North Point Alpha Link Trail, a 12-foot-wide concrete shared use path located on new location to the northwest of and adjacent to State Route (SR) 400 between Encore Parkway and Haynes Bridge Road within the City of Alpharetta, Fulton County, GA. The proposed shared use path will be approximately 6,900 linear feet (1.3 miles). An existing stream which falls within the proposed shared use path alignment will be bridged to minimize impacts to the existing natural feature providing context sensitive solutions.

The purpose of this Location and Public Information Open House is to provide the public with an opportunity to view the project, ask questions, and comment on the project.

The Open House will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. It will be informal, and the public is invited to attend anytime during these hours. There will be no formal presentation. A court reporter will be available to allow the public an opportunity to make verbal comments about the project.

Georgia DOT has placed information about the proposed project at https://www dot.ga.gov/GDOT/Pages/PublicOutreach.aspx From the menu, select Fulton County, click Submit, then select 0019211, North Point Alpha Link Trail, to review the project material. The information on the website is provided in addition to the in-person meeting allowing the public to review the proposed project, provide feedback, or write in with questions.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information: The meeting site is accessible to persons with disabilities. Accommodations for people with disabilities can be arranged with advance notice by contacting the District Planning and Programming Liaison , Joshua Higgins, at johiggins@dot.ga.gov.

Written statements will be accepted concerning this project until Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Written statements may be submitted to:

Mr. Eric Duff

State Environmental Administrator

Georgia Department of Transportation 600 West Peachtree Street, NW – 16th Floor Atlanta, Georgia 30308

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE

PH-24-AB-09

Please note that this meeting will be a virtual meeting, conducted online using Zoom meetings.

PLACE

To Attend the Virtual Meeting:

Using Your Computer, Tablet or Smartphone

Go to: https://zoom.us Meeting ID: 813 5277 7695 Dial In: +1 646 558 8656 US May 24, 2024 at 9:00 A.M.

PURPOSE

Change of Ownership Hotel

Consumption on Premises Specialty Gift Shop

Distilled Spirits, Beer, Wine & Sunday Sales

APPLICANT

Windward Hotel, LLC

d/b/a Doubletree Atlanta - Alpharetta 2925 Jordan Court Alpharetta, GA 30005

Owner: Windward Hotel, LLC

Registered Agent: Michael Sard

Randy Knighton City of Roswell Kurt Wilson

City Administrator Notice of Public Hearing Mayor

The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Mayor and City Council on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Roswell City Hall Council Chambers, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, Georgia.

a. CU 20240809 - 1200 Old Alabama Road

The applicant, Toll Southeast LP Company LLC, is requesting a revision to the approved site plan; land lot 535.

b. CU 20242123 - 600 Houze Way

The applicant, Lakisha Gaines, is requesting a Conditional Use for a Massage Establishment; land lot 483.

c. CU 20230197/CV 20230195 - 400 Vickery Falls Drive

The applicant, J. Alexander Brock/Smith, Gambrell, and Russell, LLP, is requesting a Conditional Use for townhomes with two Concurrent Variances; land lot 383.

Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a City Council member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250), within two (2) years, file a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia Law is available in the office of the City Attorney. The complete file is available for public view at the Roswell Planning and Zoning Office, 38 Hill Street, Suite G-30, Roswell, Georgia, (770) 817-6720, or planningandzoning@roswellgov.com. Refer to www.roswellgov.com.

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DURHAM COUNTY DISTRICT COURT

FILE NO.: 24-CVD-255

Child Custody Complaint

Guadalupe Gomez Valente -v-

Armando Tavira Alvarado

To: Armando Tavira Alvarado

TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above entitled action. The nature of relief being sought is: the custody of your daughter Alexandra Tavira Gomez

You are required to make defense to this pleading no later than forty (40) days from the date of first publication and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This the 13th day of May, 2024.

H. Esteban, Attorney at Law 211 E. Six Forks Road, Suite 122 Raleigh, NC 27609

(919) 703-0470

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE

PH-24-AB-10

Please note that this meeting will be a virtual meeting, conducted online using Zoom meetings.

PLACE

To Attend the Virtual Meeting: Using Your Computer, Tablet or Smartphone

Go to: https://zoom.us

Meeting ID: 813 5277 7695

Dial In: +1 646 558 8656 US May 24, 2024 at 9:00 A.M.

PURPOSE

Restaurant Consumption on Premises Beer, Wine & Sunday Sales

APPLICANT

Ramen N Sushi, Inc.

d/b/a Lanzhou Ramen N Sushi 1055 Mansell Road #200 Roswell, GA 30076

Owner: Ramen N Sushi, Inc. Registered Agent: Qian Zheng

City of Roswell Public Hearing

PLACE: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 215

DATE & TIME: Thursday, June 6 2024 at 10:00am

PURPOSE: Limited Pouring/Beer/ Wine/Sunday Sales

APPLICANT: Melissa Harbers

BUSINESS NAME: Pinkies Up Beer and Wine

BUSINESS ADDRESS: 30 East Crossville Rd, Suite 140, Roswell, GA 30075

Affidavit Claim of Ownership of Certificate of Title(s) COBB COUNTY Deed Book:16198 pg 3192-3221 by: Bridgeforth, Abdullah Al-Hakim AlAmin Held In Trust, All Rights Reserve

CITY OF ROSWELL PUBLIC HEARING

Place: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 215

Date & Time: 10:00 A.M., Thursday June 6, 2024

Purpose: Beer & Wine Package License

Applicant: Jan Venter

Business Name: BEEFSNACKS USA

Business Address: 1058 Holcomb Bridge Road Suite 11, Roswell, GA 30076

CITY OF ROSWELL PUBLIC HEARING

PLACE: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 215

DATE & TIME: 10:00 A.M., Thursday, June 6, 2024

PURPOSE: Full Pouring/Liquor/Beer/ Wine/Sunday Sales

APPLICANT: Xanic I. Dunning

BUSINESS NAME: La Taverna, LLC

d/b/a Madrid Spanish Taverna

BUSINESS ADDRESS: 1055 Canton Street, Suite 110, Roswell, GA 30075

CITY OF ROSWELL PUBLIC HEARING

Place: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 215

Date/Time: Thursday, June 6 2024 at 10:00am

Purpose: Limited Pouring/Beer/ Wine/Sunday Sales

Applicant: Michael McClure / EUG Alpha 1 LLC

Business Name: Eggs Up Grill

Business Address: 270 Rucker Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30004

CITY OF ALPHARETTA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following item will be considered by the City Council on Monday, June 24, 2024 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

a. E-24-04 RaceTrac/2645 Old Milton Parkway Setback and Sign Exception

Consideration of an exception to allow an EV charging station canopy to encroach into the building setback along Westside Parkway, as well as a sign exception to allow for an additional canopy sign and to increase the copy area of the sign. The property is located at 2645 Old Milton Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 801 & 802, 1st 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.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following item will be heard at a public hearing held by the Historic Preservation Commission on Thursday, June 13, 2024 commencing at 3:00 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

a. PH-24-10 Dr. J.L. Morris House/116 North Main Street – Certificate of Appropriateness

Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness to allow for rehabilitation and building addition for the Dr. J.L. Morris House. The property is located at 116 North Main Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1252, 2 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.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, June 6, 2024 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, June 24, 2024 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

a. Z-24-10 Chapman/152 Marietta Street

Consideration of a rezoning to allow for the construction of a 2-story mixeduse building on 0.45 acres in the Downtown. A rezoning is requested from C-2 (General Commercial) to DT-MU (Downtown Mixed-Use). The property is located at 152 Marietta Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 694 & 1270, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

b. Z-24-08/V-24-08/E-24-05 306 Thompson Street

Consideration of a rezoning, variance, and exception to allow for the construction of 2 ‘For-Sale’ single-family detached homes on 1.148 acres in the Downtown Overlay. A rezoning is requested from R-12 (Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’, Residential) to DT-LW (Downtown Live-Work). Variances are requested to Unified Development Code (UDC) Appendix A Subsection 2.4.6 to allow parking between the building and the street and to eliminate the requirement for a street-facing garage to be recessed at least 20’ behind the front building façade, and an exception is requested to Appendix A Subsection 2.8.7 to allow a contemporary architectural style for the proposed homes. The property is located at 306 Thompson Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 802, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

c. MP-24-04/CU-24-06/V-24-16 SEV Laser/North Point Commons Master Plan Pod B

Consideration of a master plan amendment, conditional use and variance to allow SEV Laser to occupy a 1,546 square foot suite in the Stone Walk at North Point shopping center. A master plan amendment is requested to the North Point Commons Master Plan Pod B to add ‘Spa Services’ as conditional use and a conditional use is requested to allow ‘Spa Services’ for SEV Laser. A variance is requested to Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 1.4 Defined Terms, to allow a ‘Spa Services’ business within 2,000’ or less of another ‘Spa Services’ business. The property is located at 970 North Point Drive, Suite B-130 and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 754, 755, 796 & 797, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

d. MP-24-02/CU-24-05/V-24-13 Tractor Supply Company/North Point Business Center Master Plan Pod 7

Consideration of a master plan amendment, conditional use and variance to allow for the re-use of the 34,313 square foot former Ethan Allen building for Tractor Supply Company on 4.6 acres in North Point. A master plan amendment is requested to the North Point Business Center Master Plan Pod 7 to add ‘Retail Establishment, Mixed Sales’ as a conditional use and a conditional use is requested to allow ‘Retail Establishment, Mixed Sales’ for Tractor Supply Company. A variance is requested to Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 2.5 Parking and Loading, to reduce parking requirements. The property is located at 6800 North Point Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 687 & 702, 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.

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Advocacy:

Continued from Page 4

The Atlanta Police Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the Atlanta Police Department and works closely with the City of Atlanta, is largely responsible for funding the $90 million Atlanta Public Safety Training Center set for 85 acres of the South River region in DeKalb County.

The suit, now under the wings of a new pro bono attorney, alleges that the foundation failed to respond to open records requests related to the project, dubbed “Cop City” by critics who say it will fuel police brutality and contribute to climate change by destroying a vital forest.

Deadline to place a classified ad is Thursdays by 4pm

MOVED TO ROSWELL?

Sam Barnes, researcher with the Atlanta Community Press Collective, said plaintiffs were told about the transfer and that the Clinic would “refine its purview” in an early April meeting, and it was at the request of Bo Rutledge, dean of the UGA School of Law.

“I personally have some of my own suspicions on the matter,” Barnes said.

Barnes first requested assistance from the Clinic in fall 2022 after the collective received a “nonparty request” for documents from former Blackhall Studios CEO Ryan Millsap’s attorney, regarding a lawsuit filed by environmental groups that challenged DeKalb County’s swap of parkland with the developer.

With the Clinic’s legal representation, the collective prevailed in the free-press battle.

Necessary step

Barnes continued to seek support from the Clinic in 2023, with calls at least once a week for assistance on open records and open meetings.

It provided guidance to Barnes on entrance to the Capitol when SB63 was being weighed, which has since been signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp to broaden the scope of offenses requiring cash bail and to prohibit individuals and organizations from

posting cash bail more than three times a year, with an exception for bail bondsmen.

Barnes, who uses they/them pronouns, said officials would not grant them a one-day media pass, though it was an open meeting.

“The clinic was very helpful in making sure that happened, and helping me understand what my rights were,” Barnes said.

While the collective is in a better financial position now, Barnes said there was no way for the news organization to afford the level of support the Clinic provided early on, which enabled its work to be what it is today.

Barnes said they have become a better reporter, learning how to negotiate, asserting new knowledge. They began to lean on the group less.

But, Barnes described the unfortunate and often necessary step of leveraging a lawyer’s letterhead on a document to government agencies that provides details of the law they already know.

“And, then it’s like, ‘Oh, shucks, I guess we have to comply with the law now,’” Barnes said.

The Clinic’s decision to move away from direct advocacy has affected Atlanta Community Press’ publishing schedule. Barnes is sitting on a story that has been ready to go for months, but an open records request dating to November has not been filled after back-and-forth with a government agency.

Now, Barnes is figuring out how much it will cost to get legal support, scheduling meetings with attorneys.

“I’m more than happy to pay an open records lawyer an equitable rate, the rate they deserve for the work,” Barnes said. “But, it’s basically going to come down to can we afford to publish this story that is a story that absolutely deserves to be told.”

Empowering citizens

Without the First Amendment Clinic, the McIntosh County Commission may have continued to hold open meetings in the county courthouse — a location that had

become an issue because access is under the discretion of the sheriff.

The Current, a nonprofit news organization that covers counties in Coastal Georgia, sought legal assistance from the Clinic when the sheriff barred the public from taking purses and recording devices into McIntosh County Commission meetings. The meetings concerned rezoning Hogg Hummock on Sapelo Island, the final intact Gullah Geechee community on the Atlantic Coast.

The County Commission would go on to approve larger dwelling sizes up to 3,000 square feet, double previous sizes allowed, posing a threat toward generations-old families who could be taxed off their land.

“You have, you know, about 150 people there representing Sapelo Island, basically saying, ‘We don’t want this to happen,’ … and there was no way to record it except with a pen and paper, and that’s against the law,” said Susan Catron, managing editor for The Current.

Prohibition on recording devices continued through two meetings, lifted on the third, after the Clinic wrote a letter to the county attorney, the County Commission and the Attorney General’s Office.

Commission meetings have been permanently moved to Darien City Hall because of the combined effort of The Current and the Clinic, though the public must be a paid subscriber to the local cable provider to watch meeting recordings.

“We’re working on that part,” Catron said.

Catron said the Clinic had to step into a number of open records situations for the three-and-half-yearold startup, preceding the Sapelo Island zoning case.

“It’s not good for the citizens,” Catron said of the Clinic’s decision to quit direct advocacy. “It’s not good for the journalists, but it’s mostly not good for the citizens.”

The issue is bigger than journalism, she said.

“It’s ensuring everyone’s rights to transparency and documents and the work that their government is doing.”

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“We are retiring after 20 years of serving our Customers. It is with our grateful appreciation that we are offering outstanding values and pricing as we liquidate our inventory through July 31, 2024.”

“We are retiring after 20 years of serving our Customers. It is with our grateful appreciation that we are offering outstanding values and pricing as we liquidate our inventory through July 31, 2024.”

Tuscany Fine Furnishings Announces Their Going out of Business Sale! VISIT OUR SHOWROOM EVERYTHING MUST GO!

Tuscany Fine Furnishings 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd Ste 315

GA 30076 Phone: 770-993-0640 ext. 2

Tuscany Fine Furnishings Announces Their Going out of Business Sale! VISIT OUR SHOWROOM EVERYTHING MUST GO!

Tuscany Fine Furnishings

1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd Ste 315

Roswell, GA 30076

Tuscany Fine Furnishings

Phone: 770-993-0640 ext. 2

1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd Ste 315 Roswell, GA 30076

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