Regional planning agency director touts projects that connect people
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA, Ga. — Great things are on the horizon for the Atlanta Metro area, Anna Roach, executive director & CEO of the Atlanta Regional Commission, said at the
State of the Region address Nov. 1. Roach is optimistic about progress in a number of areas, from the green manufacturing industry to regional transportation projects.
This year’s State of the Region, held at the Georgia World Congress Center in
Back-to-back victories
Atlanta, welcomed hundreds of officials from counties across north central Georgia. They enjoyed breakfast at the gala-style function while listening to presentations from representatives from the ARC and other organizations.
The ARC is about connecting communities, Roach said.
“When I travel across this region, I hear neighbors from all corners say that they are eager to break this cycle of the prosperity divide, and it’s because that
CONNECT, Page 24
Roswell raises budget for consulting partner
Council debates accuracy of economic growth pitch
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Seer World, an economic development consulting firm working with the City of Roswell, is getting another payout.
Under a multi-year parent contract, Seer has been tasked with four scopes of work, each with a limited budget that together fall under an annual $2 million threshold.
The city’s relationship with Seer has sparked controversy since the City Council passed the contract in April, with residents questioning the cost and the work product as well as the city’s trajectory of finding revenue streams
outside of property taxes.
The first scope of work, budgeted at $275,000 including a $55,000 contingency, asked the firm to draft an economic development strategy and explore plans for an entertainment district. By that point, the company’s founder and CEO Peter Sorckoff had already secured negotiations with the United Soccer League.
While several deliverables haven’t landed, that budget has been exhausted and will likely be more than doubled with an increase of $330,000, backed by the city’s General Fund.
The proposal to increase the
BUDGET, Page 24
Senior outside hitter Cait Kilkelly congratulates senior outside hitter Brooke Boyles after a kill in the first set against North Cobb Nov. 2. Boyles led the Raiders in kills with 16 on the match. See story, page 20.
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POLICE BLOTTER
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Milton woman arrested for two driving violations
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 41-year-old Milton woman who was allegedly driving in an emergency lane was arrested Oct. 22.
Police stopped a white Lexus RX in the northbound lanes of Ga. 400 near the Windward Parkway exit, according to an Alpharetta police report.
Officers determined the woman’s drivers license had been suspended.
The woman was arrested on misdemeanor charges of driving in an emergency lane and driving while license suspended.
Officers searched the woman and took her to the Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta. Her vehicle was impounded, and her license confiscated.
Jon Wilcox
Wanted man charged with drug possession
ROSWELL, Ga. — Police arrested a 44-year-old Marietta man Oct. 25 after a traffic stop off Ga. 120 turned up crack cocaine in his vehicle.
An officer said he saw a black Chevrolet Silverado with defective diver-side brake and tail lights and ran its license plate through regional crime databases.
The officer said the driver of the vehicle had an active warrant out of the Cobb County Police Department for possession of schedule I and II controlled substances.
After pulling over the Silverado, the officer said he placed the driver in handcuffs because of his active
warrant, which dispatch confirmed with Cobb County.
When the officer asked the suspect if he could retrieve his phone from the truck, the man told him no.
The officer said he then asked the suspect if there was anything illegal in the vehicle.
Because the suspect said he had a marijuana pipe on the center consol, the officer said he had probable cause to search the vehicle with a K9 unit.
A search of the vehicle yielded six baggies with a crystallized substance, two iPhones, a glass pipe, $120 in cash and a small metal rod commonly used for crack smoking.
The white, rock-like substance tested positive for cocaine and weighed 7.2 grams.
Officers charged the suspect with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanors for his failed brake and tail lights.
The suspect was transported and lodged at Fulton County Jail.
Hayden Sumlin
Man reports items stolen while parked at Quik Trip
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 28-yearold Alpharetta man reported a gun, laptop and numerous other items stolen from his truck Oct. 26.
Police were dispatched to a QuikTrip on Windward Parkway about 10:15 p.m. on a reported theft, according to an Alpharetta Police report.
A man told officers his silver Dodge Ram pickup was unlocked as he was purchasing a case of beer. After returning to his truck, he noticed his backpack was missing.
Inside the backpack were a 9mm Glock pistol, three magazines for the gun, holster, his work Hewlett Packard laptop, passport and medications. His medications included Lexapro, Xanax and insulin.
According to police, the man appeared intoxicated and smelled of alcohol. He told police he suspected a man and woman, who had struck up a conversation with him while he was leaving.
The man could not provide a serial number for his firearm, which he said belonged to a deceased friend who was a Marine.
Jon Wilcox
Man sought for failure to return U-Haul truck
ROSWELL, Ga. — Police are looking for a suspect in the theft of a $40,000 U-Haul truck from 2840 Holcomb Bridge Road after a renter ceased communication with the business in October.
An officer said the spoke with the owner of the U-Haul facility Oct. 26 who said a 15-foot Ford truck had been rented to the suspect Sept. 25.
The owner said the renter was supposed to return the vehicle that same afternoon, but they agreed to extend the rental period to Oct. 8 after it was not returned on time.
The owner said the renter’s card on file declined and he stopped answering any communication from the U-Haul facility after that.
The officer said the business sent a demand letter to the suspect’s given residence, which was confirmed to have been delivered Oct. 15.
The owner told officers that the suspect’s home address on paperwork did not match with the one on his driver’s license.
The officer said there are two photos of the renter at the facility, which confirms his identity matched his provided name.
After officers failed to contact the suspect, they sent Gwinnett County Police to the Norcross residence with no luck.
Officers said they got warrants signed for felony theft by conversion.
— Hayden Sumlin
Roswell Fire Chief: City is on track to full-time department
New firefighters look forward to novel 48/96 work schedule
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Since the City of Roswell began its transition to a fulltime fire department, around 60 new firefighters have joined, and others have been promoted.
The city swore in its first full-time fire captains in December 2022.
“We are on track, and it’s just continuing to hire,” Fire Chief Joe Pennino said.
In late October, Mayor Kurt Wilson swore in the newest cohort, totaling 17 firefighters. Two individuals are replacing roles left by those newly promoted.
The department also has 113 parttime field personnel. Pennino said the city is slowing down filling those positions amid the five-year transition.
Including best-in-class pay, the transition is projected to cost $6.8 million annually.
While he wants to check the box of having a full-time department, Pennino said there’s more to it than that — a
new mission and vision, outlined in the department’s 2022-27 Strategic Plan.
“As we bring people on, doing it strategically and ensuring that we maintain a very healthy culture and a high standard within the organization,” Pennino said. “For me as the fire chief, that is the biggest concern.”
Some of that is offering additional training. Pennino said the city just sent three senior fire officials to Florida for a two-day lithium-ion battery symposium.
He also said the department was just selected to be one of the beta testing sites for a prototype fire helmet with a flip-down display, featuring thermal imaging and messages.
“That's how you become and stay world class — you have to always be out there making sure that you are staying on the cutting edge of what's going on in the fire service,” Pennino said.
High attrition rate
The Strategic Plan featured a gap analysis, arguing for full-time personnel. It noted a high attrition rate, with 32 percent leaving before the two-year mark.
The issue has persisted into this year, though, according to open records obtained by Appen Media. While three fire personnel tendered their resignation in 2023, another 25 have resigned this year, through late June.
The alleged impacts of the department’s part-time status led to a couple of lawsuits. One filed in 2017 was upgraded into a class action lawsuit. Another suit was filed in 2022. Communications Director Julie Brechbill said both lawsuits are still pending.
Pennino described a host of issues that come along with employing a parttime fire department, like the struggle to regularly build a schedule from scratch and fill shifts during holidays to the general lack of cohesion.
The COVID-19 pandemic, and most recently, Hurricane Helene, accentuated the need for full-time fire employees.
“Picture having part-time personnel from 23 other full-time departments in the metro, and they come together on any random day,” Pennino said.
Firefighters were coming together, used to working with different equipment, having different policies.
“I like to say firefighting is very much a team sport,” Pennino said.
More family time
In May, the city launched a sixmonth pilot program for a new 48/96 work schedule, moving away from the standard 24/48, or 24 hours on and 48 hours off. The intent was to provide firefighters uninterrupted rest at home.
Pennino said the department is the biggest in the state to make the change and that only a couple more cities have tried it out.
Initially, he dismissed the idea without having the research to back it up. But, Pennino came across information that showed its benefits, so long as the department’s call volume isn’t too high, and he checked that box.
A sleep study, examining impacts of the 48/96 model, is underway at the city — pulling data together but also looking at the subjective benefits, like being present at home.
With the schedule change, several firefighters in the newest cohort are looking forward to spending more time with their family.
Before joining the department, Daniel Colburn was with Cobb County Fire for almost 15 years and for five of those years, he worked part time for Roswell.
Colburn had one day off in between his back-to-back 24-hour shifts with both departments.
“When I talk about opportunities, not only is it work opportunities, but it’s life and personal opportunities to get back with my family, get back with my kids,” he said.
Colburn said a work-life balance had been hard to find.
“I don't think you realize it because this job is fun, and when you're having fun, you got your head down and you're just moving, and then you look
PHOTOS BY: AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson swears in 23 firefighters who joined or advanced within the ranks of the Fire Department at the Oct. 28 City Council meeting.
Roswell firefighters John Wayne Jr., Jody Jamison and Daniel Colburn are members of the latest cohort to join the department full time.
Home development approved for connection to Alpha Loop
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta City Council voted unanimously Oct. 4 to approve a request to connect a residential development with the Alpha Loop.
The connection will make a 5.7-acre subdivision at 600 Chiswick Circle more attractive to residents by improving their access to the path, which connects Avalon, the downtown and other popular destinations, said Chris Ryan, representing developer Empire Communities.
“It’s just more connectivity to more park space, walking trails and the activity of downtown,” Ryan said.
The Alpha Loop provides residents and visitors an opportunity to exercise outside through its miles of walkways, said Michael Woodman, Alpharetta Planning and Development Services manager. It also offers an alternative to driving and parking.
But the pathway provides another benefit, he said. It can boost the value of nearby properties and makes the city as a whole a more attractive place to live and visit.
“If you looked at a map and saw where all the development is occurring,” he said. “It's probably going to be really close to the Alpha Loop.”
Tracy Morton, a real estate broker
with HOME Luxury Real Estate and president of the Alpharetta Business Association, said connectivity to the Alpha Loop can increase a property’s value substantially. Properties often boast of their proximity to the trail on the Multiple Listing Service.
“It is something people want,” Morton said. “It is very desirable.”
Many of the residential properties near the trail demand premium prices, she said.
“These properties that connect to the Alpha Loop, you can see they all start with a 1 and have digits behind them,” she said.
Morton said she and other real estate brokers have worked with clients who seek properties near the trail. That’s in large part because the pathway is connected to so many popular destinations in the city.
When Morton arrived in Alpharetta in 1992, she said there were far fewer restaurants and businesses to visit. Over the years, that has changed dramatically, she said.
“They created places for people to want to go,” she said. “People want that walkability. That’s a huge thing.”
As the city has grown, so has its traffic, making walking an even more attractive option, she said.
“We live in the South,” she said. “We have a temperate climate. We like to be outside.”
CITY OF ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED
An aerial view shows a subdivision under construction at 600 Cheswick Circle in Alpharetta. The developer requested better access to the Alpha Loop at a Nov. 4 meeting.
Every parking spot is taken along Milton Avenue at Canton Street on Nov. 1. Owners of nearby businesses like Aria Salon and Sis + Moon’s said parking is too difficult for customers to find.
Residents, businesses address parking pinch in downtown Alpharetta
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Residents and business owners got a chance recently to weigh in on Alpharetta’s long-running problem with downtown parking.
Tasked by the city to develop solutions, Alpharetta-based consulting strategist Pivot Parking held two meetings in City Hall at 6 p.m. Oct. 29 and noon Oct. 30 to field public comments and begin drafting plans to remedy the problem.
The meetings attracted several dozen community members, who identified issues and gave opinions about potential solutions.
Gary Means, Pivot executive vice president and a certified administrator of public parking, said the conversations will provide the basis of their strategy proposals.
The company also will gather real-time data using a license-plate-reader equipped vehicle, questionnaires and one-on-one interviews, Means said.
Information gathering should continue through December, he said.
In mid-January, the company plans to share an initial plan with the city and the community.
After implementing feedback, their plan is to finalize a strategy in February with implementation in the spring.
Means said community participation is vital to their process, which may include decisions about a program’s logos and branding.
Pivot, which describes itself as a
“nimble boutique” firm, is uniquely equipped to tackle the parking problem, Means said.
“There are competitors who may have some of the same ideas as to how to do things,” he said. “But, because we have team members who live here and own property here, we have a more passionate concern for success.”
Business owners and residents said they are eager for Pivot to find a solution.
Aria Salon
Aria Salon owner Matthew Khodayari said he sometimes parks in front of his business just so he can give his spot to a customer who needs it.
The parking near his business at 41 Milton Ave., is so bad Khodayari is convinced it has hurt his salon’s bottom line. He said customers have told him: “It’s not because of you but because of your parking.”
“I have lost business, clearly,” said Khodayari, who has been in business since 2000. “I have lost employees because if they have a clientele who are used to parking more conveniently, they are afraid of losing their customers.”
Customers routinely struggle to find parking near the salon, sometimes walking 10-15 minutes to get to their appointment, he said.
One of his clients, Alpharetta resident Bonnie Steadman, 77, said she could not find parking or even a handicapped spot nearby when arriving for her appointment on Oct. 29.
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
State law draws more ‘slot machines’
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — With legal, skill-based “slot machines” popping up at convenience stores across the state, some Metro Atlantans want to know how they work.
A new law passed during the 2024 legislative session expanded the kind of rewards machines could offer players, inviting an increase of awards-based gaming in stores around town.
Coin-based amusement machines, different than slot machines in Las Vegas and Native American casinos, are classified as skill-based games in state law.
Instead of pressing a button and randomly winning a prize, coin-based operating machines, or COAMs, require players to make a decision before any prize is awarded.
It’s a small, but important step that avoids the language of a bet for money.
State statute defines two types of coin-based amusement machines. Class A ones, like typical arcade games, kiddie rides and pool tables, do not allow players to carry over points after a play or game.
Class B coin-based amusement machines are also games of skill that may allow a successful player to carry over points won on one play to a subsequent play or plays.
For retailers, the licensing for a Class B machine is 400 percent more than Class A machines.
Class B machines, often resembling Vegas slots, are what has folks’ attention.
Most forms of gambling, including sports betting and Vegas-style table games, are illegal in Georgia. Since the early 1990s, the traditionally conservative state has been relaxing its gambling laws.
In 1992, voters approved an amendment to the Georgia State Constitution that allowed a governmentrun lottery. Former Gov. Zell Miller signed a bill the same year creating the Georgia Lottery Corporation with the mission of supplementing traditional education funding in the state.
Revenue collected through the state lottery funds the Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally Scholarship. It also funds the state’s Prekindergarten program for 4-year-olds.
The HOPE Scholarship program provides Georgia students with a 3.0 GPA or higher with an opportunity to attend a public college or university at a fraction of the price.
Since 1992, the Georgia Lottery Corporation has transferred $28.3 billion to Georgia students.
Les Schneider, an attorney and
At a gas station in Metro Atlanta’s Central Perimeter, a woman plays one of the store’s coin-based amusement machines, which resemble Las Vegas-style slot machines. Under state law, these types of coin-based amusement machines are legal because of their skill component.
lobbyist for the Georgia Amusement and Music operators Association, said legislation surrounding coin-based amusement machines is all about ensuring the well-performing industry is efficiently regulated and legally operated.
In 2013, the Georgia General Assembly passed legislation regulating the coin-operated industry under a division of the Georgia Lottery Corporation.
The COAM Division oversees strict licensing standards, financial responsibilities and communication. It says awareness and education are fundamentals for license holder, which is especially important after the General Assembly passed House Bill 353 during the 2024 legislative session.
The new state law allows valid COAM Location License holders to award winners with non-cash redemption gift cards, which can be redeemed anywhere in the state for a product.
Previous law only allowed winners to redeem their prizes for merchandise sold in the store where the machine they played is located.
Schneider said one of the arguments in favor of the bill anticipated increases to state sales tax revenue because of the gift card initiative.
Opponents of the bill say that the gift cards create more incentives for people to play Class B machines, which can be destructive and addictive to those who use them.
The bill also changes when COAM Location License holders report their gross retail receipts from a monthly to a
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based amusement machine 100 times, the most you can win is $500.
In October, Appen Media went to a gas station along Roswell Road (Ga. 9) in Metro Atlanta’s Central Perimeter to check out some of the Class B machines.
When players sit down at a Class B machine, they are shown grand prizes of a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars. The problem is that most players think they’re sitting down at a Vegasstyle slot machine and have a shot at winning the jackpot on a spin.
For a player to be eligible for a $2,000 payout, they’d have to play 400 times at a minimum.
quarterly basis.
Schneider said the best thing that reform bill did was to regulate and bolster the Georgia Lottery Corporation’s education revenue. He said he thinks the state may get the funding for universal pre-K as a result.
The bill also increases the tax rate, divided evenly between machine owners and retailers, from 10 percent to 13 percent.
Schneider said Class B coin-based amusement machines are not Vegas-style slots for a handful of reasons.
For one, the most you can win per play is $5. If you play a Class B coin-
The reality of gambling or any skillbased game is that players will lose. Not all games from the same manufacturer require the same level of skill or decision-making, and often, the required action is a simple as clicking a button.
When your reporter went to cash out his $5 in prizes, he received a scratch off lottery ticket, one of the options for “winners.”
With an original stake of $10, the reporter lost all his cash. The lottery ticket didn’t yield an early retirement. While there are some ethical questions about how Class B machine makers design and create their skillbased games, the legal ones seem to be cleared up.
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
And they’re theater kids, they’re naturally dramatic. You want to be careful, cautious, sensitive and push them at the same time, so it’s kind of balance of that.
JENNA GAMERL, education director, City Springs Theatre Company
8 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | November 7, 2024
Theatre program prepares students for the big stage
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Collegiate musical theater programs from around the country travel to Sandy Springs to audition local youth talent developed by the City Springs Theatre Conservatory.
Tucked within the Northridge Commons office park in north Sandy Springs lies the City Springs Theatre Company and its Studios.
While some Metro Atlantans are familiar with Broadway-quality productions at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, fewer know about the City Springs Theatre Conservatory.
After just two performances during its 2018 inaugural season in the Byers Theatre, the local nonprofit launched its Conservatory to develop the next generation of performers and technicians in musical theater.
The Conservatory offers prospective students options through its arts education programming, allowing a middle schooler to try out an acting lesson or take a high school junior step-by-step through the
college audition process.
It also offers a traveling competition team, 10-week classes on skill-based techniques, one-on-one lessons and summer programs.
The programing offers performance and training opportunities, both essential to music theater, to meet prospective students of all ages where they are.
While the professional theater company performs at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, the magic would not happen without rigorous, weekly training in Suite 136 at 8601 Dunwoody Place, a state-ofthe art training facility.
With renovations completed in late August, there are three new private lesson rooms with soundproof walls for acting and voice training.
More importantly, the addition of two new dance studios allows students and professional actors to train at the same time.
Students get flowers
Studio rehearsals for productions like September’s “The Music Man” ran from around 5-11 p.m.
Natalie DeLancey, executive director of the City Springs Theatre Company, said a problem arose because students with the Pre-Professional Company, the Conservatory’s flagship theater program, get out of school and are available for rehearsals at the same time as the professional actors were using the facility.
“We were competing, so whenever we would rehearse a mainstage show, we’d have to tell the kids … ‘hold on a
minute,’” DeLancey said. “Well, that’s like the worst message ever for kids who want to train in this field.”
DeLancey gave special thanks to the Zeist Foundation, which donated funds needed to renovate the City Springs Theatre Studios.
“They do everything in here,” DeLancey said. “Now we have two studios, which is a big deal.”
The main stage actors, like vocal teacher and competition team director Haden Rider, often teach classes at the Conservatory.
“It’s that crossover, which is really cool to see,” DeLancey said. “Because then the kids get to see their teachers doing what they’re telling them to do.”
The Conservatory’s PreProfessional Company is an auditionbased, year-round program that requires middle and high school students to tape their vocal, acting and dance auditions.
The idea is that a Pre-Pro Company student will get a taste of everything musical theater, so if a skill is required down the road, they will have it.
Once accepted, students are placed in training classes based on talent level, experience, age, maturity and professionalism.
In just six years, the City Springs Theatre Conservatory and its programming has collegiate musical theater programs flying into Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport for a chance to audition Metro Atlanta high schoolers.
DeLancey said the Pre-Pro
From left, City Springs Theatre Company Executive Director Natalie DeLancey and Education Director Jenna Gamerl stand inside the recently renovated City Springs Theatre Company studios at Northridge Commons office park in Sandy Springs.
PHOTOS BY: CITY SPRINGS THEATRE CONSERVATORY/PROVIDED
City Springs Theatre Conservatory students are all smiles after an intensive class covering musical theatre dance during the Pre-Professional Company’s 2023 fall semester. The objective of the Pre-Pro Company is to provide students with weekly training from highly qualified industry professionals.
Program:
Continued from Page 8
Company is unique.
“Since we started doing college process, we have an 85 percent callback rate,” DeLancey said. “From there, we have been able to place kids at the top musical theater programs in the country.”
This past year, students received $7 million in college scholarships.
Kaitlin Hopkins, founder of the top-ranking musical theatre program at Texas State University, said the Conservatory consistently turns out exceptional students.
Programs create professionals
Bob Adams, Kristine Reese, Billy Tighe and Katie Berger Wood serve as directors for the Pre-Pro Company, also overseeing the college audition process.
Reese and Tighe have performed on Broadway, and their faculty is required to have a college degree in some aspect of musical theater education.
Tony Award-winner Shuler Hensley is the theater company’s artistic director, bringing Broadway
talent and expertise to City Springs productions in the Byers Theatre.
He’s the first one to laud the talent coming out of the Conservatory’s youth training programs, which he said simply didn’t exist a generation ago.
The Pre-Pro Company has increased its class size 50 percent since accepting about 50 students its first year.
It divides students into classes based on their skill levels first.
Because the Pre-Pro Company has students ages 12-18, instructors say it’s beneficial for younger students to see and understand the program’s trajectory.
Last fall, the Conservatory announced the creation of its Pre-Pro Tech program for students interested in set design, lighting, sound and stage management out of the City Springs Theatre Company’s new production facility in Marietta.
Both programs come together to put on the Pre-Pro Company’s end-ofyear showcase in the summer.
The Conservatory’s private lessons and weekly elective classes are not a part of the Pre-Pro program, but its students are encouraged to take them.
In-person auditions for the 202425 Pre-Pro Company are closed with a waitlist, but interested students
must prepare vocal, acting and dance videos for consideration.
The nonprofit is still looking to continue expanding its mainstage musicals and education programs, which have served more than 175,000 patrons and 135,000 students.
Excelling program has origins
Jenna Gamerl, education director of the City Springs Theatre Company, brought the idea of creating a Pre-Pro Company to DeLancey’s attention in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
DeLancey said she initially thought it was a bad time with the world shuttered, but Gamerl convinced her of the demand for youth activities.
“She couldn’t have been more correct, [and] we had no idea where it was going to go,” DeLancey said.
Coaching and developing the next generation of actors, singers and dancers on the mainstage is the focus of the City Springs Conservatory
“We had high expectations going into it, and I think those expectations have always been maintained through the years,” she said. “Seeing over 100 students come out and audition every year to be a part of the program, that’s the moment.”
As the Conservatory increases the size of its Pre-Pro Company, it must also balance the value of one-on-one
coaching, individual development and artistic quality.
Gamerl meets with students and parents at least twice a year to go over their progress, changes to their voices or bodies and help planning their careers.
“And they’re theater kids, they’re naturally dramatic,” Gamerl said. “You want to be careful, cautious, sensitive and push them at the same time, so it’s kind of balance of that.”
DeLancey seconded Gamerl’s perspective on training middle and high schoolers in the performing arts. She said the only drama allowed is on stage.
Both described the Pre-Pro Company as a tight knit family. There won’t be any reality TV shows depicting drama-filled dance classes and squabbling parents filmed at the theater company’s studios.
Even if Pre-Pro Company students or class participants do not pursue a career in musical theater, Gamerl and Delancey said they’re still getting skills like public speaking, teamwork and discipline.
“Ultimately, we want a triplethreat, well-rounded performer who can walk out of here and feel like they can go to any audition with confidence,” Gamerl said. “We have success and enjoy that, but it’s really about the student.”
The Kloster Group Proudly Supports Area Non-Profits
Hope thru Soap’s Holiday Drive
Supporting community through essential services and a Thanksgiving wishlist
Brought
to you by
– Allison Kloster, Associate Broker, Home Real Estate
As the holiday season approaches, local nonprofit Hope thru Soap is stepping up its efforts to support vulnerable individuals and families in the community. With three impactful programs — Hope thru Soap Mobile Outreach & Shower Program, Miller’s Market Food Pantry, and their Thrive by Hope Youth program Initiative — Hope thru Soap provides essential services year-round. This Thanksgiving, the organization is launching a holiday donation drive to collect items for those in need, bringing hope and comfort to community members during this special time.
Mobile outreach brings essentials directly to the community
Hope thru Soap’s mobile outreach team provides mobile showers, food, clothing, and hygiene kits to those experiencing homelessness. “We bring essential resources directly to the community, meeting people where they are at” explains Program Manager Mike Cardin. “With winter approaching, the need is even greater right now.”
Meeting basic needs with Miller’s Market
At the heart of Hope thru Soap’s food insecurity outreach is Miller’s Market, a community food pantry that provides fresh produce, pantry staples, meat, dairy and hygiene products for food-insecure neighbors. “Miller’s Market exists to ensure everyone has access to healthy nourishing food,” explains CEO Megan VandeBogert.
“We want all of our neighbors to know they’re cared for, especially over the holidays.”
Youth empowerment with Thrive by Hope
Thrive by Hope focuses on equipping young people with their basic needs of shelter, food, and hygiene, plus essential life and workforce skills. Through workshops, job readiness programs, and partnerships with local businesses, Thrive by Hope opens doors for youth experiencing homelessness to pursue stable futures. “Supporting youth with the tools needed to succeed is one of
our greatest priorities,” says Megan.
Thanksgiving Wishlist: Help us help others
Hope thru Soap is calling on the community to make a difference this Thanksgiving by contributing to their donation drive. The organization seeks non-perishable food, winter clothing, jackets, and small blankets. Below is the full wishlist:
• Winter clothing: Winter Jackets, gloves, hats, and scarves
• Blankets
Donations can be dropped off at Hope thru Soap (2650 Pleasantdale Road Ste 14 Atlanta, GA 30340) from November 1st to November 20 Tuesday- Thursday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. For those unable to donate items, monetary contributions can be made on Hope thru Soap’s website hopethrusoap.org, where they’ll be used to directly purchase needed items for the holiday drive.
With your support, Hope thru Soap can continue to bring warmth, dignity, love, and hope to our community this holiday season.
How to winterize your outdoor oasis
Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Colder months are upon us, and it is time to think about prepping your backyard and indoor-outdoor spaces for winter. Whether you have a cozy patio, a lush garden, or a small urban balcony, winterizing these spaces ensures they remain beautiful and functional through the colder season. Here are a few of our best tips for year-round comfort and style, even when the temperature drops:
1. Protect plants and greenery. Start by identifying any sensitive or tropical plants that may not survive freezing temperatures. These can be moved indoors or into a greenhouse if possible. Plants that must stay outside may benefit from a bit of insulation, such as burlap wrapping or frost blankets. Add a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and protect the roots from freezing.
2. Winterize water features. Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc with plumbing if water is left to stagnate, so begin by draining fountains, hoses and any other water elements to avoid water freezing inside and causing cracks or other damage to pumps and pipes. If your water feature has a pump, remove it, clean
it thoroughly and store it indoors to extend its life.
3. Prioritize comfort.
There’s nothing nicer than enjoying colder temperatures in comfort. Start by layering your furniture with weatherproof cushions and keep blankets handy for warmth. Incorporate heat sources like fire pits and outdoor heaters, and consider adding outdoor rugs to provide warmth underfoot and insulate against the chill of hard surfaces like stone or concrete. To create a more intimate atmosphere, add soft lighting with string lights, lanterns or candles that complement the cozy vibe.
4. Plan for seasonal activities.
Think creatively about how you want to utilize your space during winter. From making s’mores to watching birds at the feeder to hosting a holiday get-together, each activity transforms your space into your home, because you put a piece of yourself into it. This is the key to transforming your outdoor area into a magical winter retreat.
As winter approaches, taking the time to create a cozy outdoor retreat ideal for cold-weather use is a smart way to deepen your connection with your environment and enjoy a stylish home year-round. If you need assistance renovating your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you!
Compiled and edited by Angela Valente,
Marketing Copywriter/ Copyeditor
Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad
luxury retirement living
of Alpharetta
The role of family meetings in estate planning
Brought to you by – Estates Law Center USA
Family meetings play a crucial role in estate planning, offering a platform to address and align everyone’s expectations, prevent misunderstandings, and minimize conflicts down the road. Engaging in open, honest conversations about your estate plans can demystify your intentions and clarify how your assets will be distributed. By discussing your plans with family members, you can ensure that all parties are informed and involved, reducing the risk of disputes and fostering a sense of unity. These meetings also provide an opportunity to address any concerns or questions your family might have, allowing you to
adjust your plan in response to their feedback.
Ultimately, a well-conducted family meeting not only smooths the transition of your estate but also strengthens familial bonds by demonstrating transparency and respect for each member’s perspective. This proactive approach ensures that your wishes are honored and helps maintain family harmony during what can otherwise be
legacy?
• How do I remain in control?
Workshops:
• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?
New Homes Division Big Winners at 44th OBIE Awards
Brought to you by – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division
The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association hosted the 44th annual Professionalism (OBIE) Awards Saturday, October 19th at the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division, led by President Lori Lane, and their builder clients took home an astounding 22 gold and 6 silver awards. With over 100 different categories, the OBIE awards celebrate outstanding achievements in homebuilding and highlight those in the homebuilding industry for excellence in building, marketing, and personal achievement. This year Berkshire Hathaway’s New Homes Division was honored to receive
14 gold and 2 silver marketing awards including Best Website - Community, Best Website – Associate, Best Online Banner Ad, Best Interactive Tool, Best Social App, Best Marketing Campaign, Best Brochure, and Best Newspaper ad to name a few. In addition to winning numerous marketing accolades, Berkshire Hathaway’s builder clients Trilith Development, Patrick Malloy Communities, JW Collection, McKinney Builders, Baker Homes, Vision Development Partners, and David Patterson Homes all received top honors.
Lori Lane has earned her reputation as a powerhouse in the new home construction industry. Alongside her dedicated team, she has crafted innovative strategies for the marketing and sale of new construction, resulting in the accumulation of hundreds of
industry awards.
As a testament to their unwavering determination and tireless efforts, the New Homes Division also continues to deliver outstanding sales results. For the past 18 months, the New Homes Division has consistently held the position of the #1 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices office in the region. It also earned a prestigious spot as one of the top 30 offices across the entire Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices global network.
Lori Lane, the President of the New Homes Division at BHHS Georgia Properties and Senior Vice President of Luxury and Global, attributes this success to the team’s unwavering commitment. She emphasizes, “True success is a journey fueled by dedication and passion; it’s about building not just homes, but
lasting relationships and a legacy of excellence.” Lane expresses her deep gratitude for the opportunity to work with builder and developer clients she respects and enjoys.
Lane and her New Homes Division are redefining the landscape of new home and luxury real estate sales and marketing in Atlanta. Their continuous contributions are leaving a lasting impact on the city’s real estate industry.
The success of the New Homes Division reflects the resilience and commitment of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties as a whole. The division’s unwavering dedication to excellence in sales, marketing, and client relationships has propelled it to the top ranks of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices regional and global network. BHHSGANewHomes.com.
LAKE LANIER
Morgan Stanley expands Alpharetta’s resident workforce
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Morgan Stanley, now Alpharetta’s largest resident employer, celebrated the opening of a new office in October.
With about 2,500 in-town employees, the company now employs the most Alpharettans, according to city officials. AT&T employs about 2,200 Alpharetta workers, making it second, and ADP is third with about 2,100.
When you also include employees based at Halcyon, Morgan Stanley boasts more than 3,000 staff members in the greater Alpharetta area.
City Council members and other officials attended a ribbon-cutting marking the opening of a new office space at The Edison office complex Oct. 16. The more than 200,000-squarefoot space houses staff from a variety of departments, from tech services to wealth management.
The company moved into a second building at the complex in September after an initial lease was started there by E-Trade, which Morgan Stanley acquired in 2020. About 2,400 staff work at the complex.
The new office offers many improvements, said Matthew Feldman, a Morgan Stanley spokesman.
“The new space in 1 Edison provides an upgraded employee experience, featuring modernized workspaces, more conference rooms and collaboration spaces and upgraded amenities,
which include fitness center, café and food program, new event spaces and artwork curated by the Morgan Stanley Art Collection,” Feldman said.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mayor Jim Gilvin thanked the company for choosing Alpharetta and highlighted Morgan Stanley’s commitment to the city. He also praised the Alpharetta’s business-centered culture and
diversity.
John McGrory, head of North America Global Centers for Morgan Stanley, said he is proud for his company to play a part in the city’s ongoing business growth.
“Alpharetta is our fastest-growing global center thanks to the city’s large, diverse talent pool, proximity to globally recognized universities
and variety of career opportunities for professionals in all areas,” McGrory said. “As an Alpharetta resident myself, I believe the area offers an ideal environment to live and work, so it’s no surprise how quickly it is growing. Morgan Stanley and our thousands of staff that call Alpharetta home are proud to play a part in the city’s continued growth.”
Veterans Day ceremony scheduled for Roswell Area Park
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell will celebrate U.S. armed forces veterans with an Honor Walk & Ceremony at Roswell Area Park Pond from 8:3010 a.m. on Nov. 11.
Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed annually since 1954. The occasion was called Armistice Day prior to 1954, which commemorated
the end of World War I.
Admission to the Veterans Day Honor Walk & Ceremony is free.
The arrival of attendees and veterans is slated for 8:30 a.m. The Honor Walk will commence around 9:15 a.m., followed by the ceremony at 9:30 a.m.
In the event of inclement
weather, Honor Walk & Ceremony will be moved indoors at the Bill Johnson Community Activity Building.
The city is encouraging those who wish to attend to RSVP by 5 p.m. on Nov. 8. The RSVP form includes a place for residents to upload a photo of a veteran they wish to honor, to
be displayed during the Honor Walk. To RSVP, visit the dedicated webpage on roswell365.com.
For more information, contact Roswell Special Events Manager Christine Ward at 770-594-6271 or cward@roswellgov.com.
Support group plans packages for troops during the holidays
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An Alpharetta veterans support group plans to send goodie packages to support military service members overseas this holiday season.
The Blue Star Support Group will support several hundred troops deployed in Saudi Arabia in December, according to the organization. The
parcels will include items such as games, books, toiletries, snacks and holiday cards.
Created about 15 years ago, the group’s mission is to support U.S. troops and veterans. They also mow grass and perform home repairs for deployed soldiers and babysit veterans’ children.
In the coming weeks, the organization will collect supplies and gather to package them before mailing them to Kuwait and then Saudi Arabia.
Founding member Bonnie Steadman said she participates because her family has always been patriotic. Steadman has two sons who have served in the Army, a staff sergeant and colonel. Both
sons have been deployed. “I love veterans,” she said. “When you think they might lay down their life for us to live the way we do, it’s staggering. In my mind, whatever we can do to help veterans feel our gratitude, we will do it.”
— Jon Wilcox
MORGAN STANLEY/PROVIDED
Mayor Jim Gilvin cuts a ribbon at Morgan Stanley’s new office at The Edison office complex.
AMERICAN LEGION POST 201 EVENTS
Alpharetta volleyball to compete for back-to-back state titles
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga — Alpharetta swept North Cobb 3-0 in volleyball to claim back-to-back state titles for the 6A division, but not without a serious defensive fight from the Warriors. The Raiders came out on top, outworking their opponents to take home the championship for the second year in a row.
“North Cobb has great defense and the ball kept coming back,” but “regardless our girls worked and refocused and played each point, they did great,” Alpharetta coach Grace Fossier said. “We had a blast this season and I’m so proud of them.”
The Warriors’ defense was one of the best Alpharetta has faced this season. Junior libero Hannah Nicholson made dig after dig, tallying 18 on the match. Junior defensive specialist Jenesys Moctezuma grabbed 11 digs.
Alpharetta seniors Brooke Boyles, Cait Kilkelly, Madison McLin, and Abigail Li made the most of their last high school match. The air felt heavier between the second and third sets of the day, knowing that it was their last set together with their Raiders teammates.
“It was definitely very emotional. We wanted to come in to have fun and cherish our last moments of high school volleyball,” McLin said.
Li agreed.
“We all came in this season wanting to go backto-back, showing out in every single game,” she said. “We held each other to the highest standards, so it’s amazing knowing this work paid off.”
The first two sets had the same final score, 2516. Boyles sealed off both sets, the first with an ace and the second with a kill.
“I felt confident in our ability to win,” Boyles said. “We’ve worked so hard these last couple weeks
From left, juniors Kennedi White, Audrey Simpson, Stephanie Payne, and Kailey Leonard are hyped after a Raiders point during the third set of the state championship against North Cobb at Lake Point Sports Nov. 2.
and it’s just been a dream come true to win back-toback.”
The third and final set of the match was a nailbiter at times as North Cobb felt the pressure to avoid a sweep. Warriors junior outside hitter Mia Goldbach heated up with a few clutch kills, but the Raiders battled back with key plays by McLin, Li, and junior middle hitter Audrey Simpson.
A clean sweep for the Raiders ended with a final score of 25-19 for the third set to make for an undefeated season en route to their second straight
6A championship.
Front row, back row, you can count on Boyles, Li, and junior outside hitter Kennedi White to get it done, with 6, 8, and 8 digs respectively. The trio also combined for eight aces in the match.
Raiders junior libero Kailey Leonard posted 16 digs. The Tulane commit will return to Alpharetta next year in hopes of a three-peat along with five other juniors on the varsity squad.
Coach Fossier is confident in the team’s abilities next year, declaring, “they’re in great hands.”
PHOTOS BY: ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
The Alpharetta Raiders celebrate their second straight Georgia 6A title at Lake Point Sports Nov. 2. Alpharetta swept North Cobb 3-0 en route to an undefeated season with a record of 36-0.
Milton takes regional title and first seed to playoffs
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga — The Roswell Hornets traveled to The Nest at Milton High School Nov. 1, and feathers flew in the regional title game against the defending state champions.
Milton senior and inside linebacker Hayden Tumminia recorded his 200th career tackle during the game, helping the Eagles defeat the Hornets for the sixth consecutive meeting. The 35-20 win also secures Milton’s seventh straight undefeated region title.
Roswell got on the board first with a 32-yard field goal by junior Balint Vorosmarty. Milton battled back with a 40-yard touchdown to senior wide receiver Tristen Payne.
The second quarter began with a receiving touchdown by Roswell senior Synkwan Smith, who grabbed an interception on the Eagles’ next drive. The Hornets increased their lead with a 48-yard field goal, bringing the score to 13-7.
The Eagles went back on top with a rushing touchdown by senior running back TJ Lester.
With a minute left in the half, Milton quarterback Luke Nickel concluded a long drive with a 4-yard rushing touchdown. Roswell responded quickly with an 80-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Nytrevain Davenport, reaching the end zone within 15 seconds of game clock after Milton’s touchdown.
With the score 21-20 at the half, the 70-yearold rivalry heated up in the third quarter. At one point in the third frame, both teams received unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
The fire on the field was no surprise for Eagles running back TJ Lester.
“It’s always heated, it’s always a big game between
the two,” he said, crediting the coaching staff and the offensive lineman for great blocking all season.
Milton head coach Ben Reaves was no less surprised.
“Two historic programs, we knew the emotions would be there tonight,” he said.
Milton’s defense held the Hornets scoreless in the second half, while the Eagles notched two more touchdowns in the third quarter, both coming from senior tight end Ethan Barbour.
Milton goes into the playoffs as the first seed and defending champions. After the game, Eagles head coach Reaves told Appen Media, “I’m proud, I don’t want to take any win for granted.”
Both teams will have a bye next week because of delays in south Georgia caused by Hurricane Helene.
The first playoff games are Nov. 15. Milton will play at home against the fourth-ranked seed from Region 6, Woodstock (7-3). Roswell will face River Ridge (7-3).
PHOTOS BY: ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Milton’s defense squares off against Roswell in their region title match Nov. 1 at The Nest in Milton. The Eagles topped the Hornets, 35-20.
Roswell quarterback junior Trey Smith slings a spiral from the pocket Nov. 1 at Milton High School. Smith threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.
Chastain Park Conservancy hosts annual auto show
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — A quarter mile south of the Sandy Springs city limits, a few hundred car enthusiasts enjoyed classic hot rods and fall weather Oct. 27 at the Chastain Park Auto Show.
The Chastain Park Conservancy, a community nonprofit with a mission to maintain and enhance the 268acre park, came up with the idea for an outdoor auto show during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now in its fourth year, the Chastain Park Auto Show brought dozens of young families and their children to the Red Lot across from Cadence Bank Amphitheater.
While Chastain Memorial Park and its Conservancy operate in the city of Atlanta, more than 3.2 million people from Metro Atlanta and around the country visit the park each year.
The Conservancy says it ensures the park’s amenities are clean, safe and green for the diverse community it serves.
Karen Meinzen McEnerny, former Sandy Springs City Council member, submitted her award-winning 1963 Austin Healey 3000 BJ7 Mark II Sports Convertible into the auto show Oct. 27 for the first time.
McEnerny, known during her years as an elected official for tree advocacy, said it took some convincing for her to take “Lucky Lady” out of her garage.
She said organizers of the Chastain Park Auto Show approached her earlier this year about submitting her Austin Healey at the show and placed the classic in the six-car Inner Circle.
The Austin Healey 3000 is a British sports car built from 1959 to 1967. Records show only around 6,100 of the Mark II BJ7 sports convertibles were built in August 1962.
The story of “Lucky Lady” spans two restorations over more than five decades in the McEnerny family.
Bob McEnerny, Karen’s brother, first restored the British sports car in 1971 after the family purchased it for her. In 1973, an at-fault driver struck the front of the car and totaled it.
The Austin Healey sat for more than 40 years in the McEnerny family garage before Karen was able to get it restored. She credits restorationist and Powder Springs resident George Pope with getting the first car she ever owned back on the road.
Pope, who McEnerny calls “Michelangelo,” completed the fourand-a-half-year restoration with an entirely new frame in 2017.
Since then, “Lucky Lady” has won a couple awards at auto shows in
Savannah and Atlanta. McEnerny, the longtime southern Sandy Springs resident, took home the Chastain Park Auto Show’s 2024 Best in Show award alongside Pope and her brother Rob.
“A rags to blue ribbon story over 53 years,” she said.
The Chastain Park Conservancy passed six additional awards, while patrons enjoyed food trucks, dozens of additional classic hot rods and a beautiful fall day in north Atlanta.
Rosa McHugh, president of the Conservancy, said the Chastain Park Auto Show started out with around 75 cars in 2020.
The number of participating vehicles, whether they be all-electric 2024 Rivian R1S or a 1940s Ford Super DeLuxe, has more than doubled since the inaugural year, McHugh said.
Butler Tire, one of the Roswell Road (Ga. 9) landmarks as motorists cross from Atlanta into Sandy Springs, sponsored the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser.
The free community event is one of a few initiatives and events that the Conservancy puts on to support and expand park operations.
After work over the summer and fall, McHugh said the Chastain Park Conservancy will submit its comprehensive plan update to the City of Atlanta early next year.
Some of the capital projects under consideration are streetscape and
pedestrian safety improvements at park gateways, improvements to the under-developed Northwoods section and activation of the wooded Palisades area abutting Chastain Park Golf Course.
McHugh, who has led the
Conservancy for about a decade, said community input and involvement are what she’s looking for from neighbors.
To learn more about the Chastain Park Conservancy and its comprehensive plan updates, visit www.chastainparkconservancy.org/.
PHOTOS BY: HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
A young car enthusiast snaps photos of his favorites Oct. 27 at the Chastain Park Auto Show off Powers Ferry Road. The president of the Chastain Park Conservancy said proceeds from the fall gathering go toward capital projects at the park.
Chastain Park Conservancy President and CEO Rosa McHugh stands behind the Auto Show awards table Oct. 27.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — American Legion Post 201 will host its annual Veterans Day cruz-in Nov. 9.
Much like a car show, the cruz-in will allow owners to showcase their classic, exotic and other notable vehicles,
Fire:
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up one day and your kids are driving and you're watching your kids grow up through a Ring doorbell, and you're like, ‘Okay, what? Let's time out,’” he said.
People focused
So far, Colburn said his experience feels like the city is gearing everything
according to the American Legion post. Owners will not be required to register their vehicles or pay a fee.
The cruz-in is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the post, 201 Wills Road.
Dozens of vehicles are expected to be
toward the team, evidenced by the new model but also a new 11 a.m. start time, a decision that followed a traffic study.
“Everything that they've said they're going to do, they've done, and I've had that opportunity to watch back as a part-time employee, to see how it works out,” he said. “And, when you can trust a department — that definitely made that transition going full time a lot easier.”
Like Colburn, firefighters Jody Jamison and John Wayne Jr. also
shown.
American Legion Post members will sell food and beverages, including hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork and Brunswick stew. Sales will help fund the organization’s efforts to support veterans
worked part time in Roswell while serving full time elsewhere.
Jamison spent the last 15 years with the Bartow County Fire Department, his grandfather as its former chief. It has 14 stations, compared to the seven in Roswell.
“You're not treated as a number. You're treated as a person here,” Jamison said. “… I truly enjoyed coming here. It really sparked that love for the fire department again.”
Wayne left his pension at DeKalb County Fire to join Roswell, which
and their families.
For the first time, the cruz-in also will feature a baseball game. Carl Black Buick GMC is providing support for the cruz-in, Jon Wilcox
offers a 401(a) plan. DeKalb Fire has 26 stations.
“How much everybody melds here, and how you're treated is completely night and day from what I was used to,” Wayne said. “Everybody knows who you are, from the top chief all the way down to the brand-new rookie.”
He shared his kids’ excitement over the new work schedule.
“They were like, ‘What? You're gonna be home for four nights in a row?’” Wayne said. “Man, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.”
Parking: Legion post plans cruz-in to celebrate Veterans Day
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The handicapped spots were occupied by vehicles that had no placards, leading her to wonder how the violations are enforced, she said.
Alpharetta’s police officers can issue citations for drivers who take advantage of the spots, a city spokeswoman said. Steadman uses a walker after two surgeries following a fall from a horse.
After driving around the block a couple times, she said she ended up parking near the Alpharetta Animal Hospital, more than 600 pain-filled feet from the salon.
“It is hard to walk that far,” she said. “It just makes me mad.”
After her appointment, Khodayari picked up Steadman’s vehicle and drove it to the shop to save her the walk back.
It’s something he does routinely, he said.
The parking problem has existed for years in the downtown, Khodayari and Steadman said.
Khodayari said he doubts the problem can be solved any time soon, but suggested the city could incentivize employees of local businesses to park farther away to free up customer parking. He said he has left notes on employees’ cars, but often the notes are ignored. He has also helped organize a petition with 200 signatures about the issue.
“I want the best for the city,” he said. “I want to retire here, and sometimes I get very passionate.”
Sis + Moon’s
By the time Sis + Moon’s opens at 10 a.m., almost all of the nearby parking spots on Milton Avenue are filled, owner
Two women walk down the sidewalk along Milton Avenue on Nov. 1 in Downtown Alpharetta. Strategy firm Pivot Parking was hired by the City Council to research downtown parking, develop solutions and implement a plan to alleviate the problem.
Christine Tamisin said.
“That’s why you hear frustration in our voices,” Tamisin said. “We have been dealing with this for so long. It’s unfair that we have been paying so high rent, and our customers can’t get to us.”
A large lot with about 80 spots sits behind the art retail and studio space at 24 Milton Ave., but they are almost always filled on weekdays by office workers who park there for the entire day, she said. Tamisin estimated a single spot occupied for a day could cost her business as much as $700.
The problem has persisted since at least 2014, she said.
“It’s affecting our business,” she said, adding, “Parking spots need to be like tables in a restaurant. They need to be flipped.”
Some customers simply want to pop into the business to buy a gift, she said, but many tell her that they circled the
block for 30 minutes without finding parking.
On weekends, the parking shortage seems to worsen, she said.
“We hear it all the time,” she said. “They are not going to park 1,000 feet away. It’s ridiculous.”
Tamisin said she is optimistic about Pivot’s work. She said she thinks the parking problem could be alleviated through education, communication and cooperation.
There are enough parking spots, but they just need to be used more efficiently, she said.
Tamisin recommended business owners ask employees to park farther away, freeing nearby spots for customers. Drivers who expect to spend most of the day working in offices could park farther away.
Signage and parking spot counters could tell drivers when a parking garage
has spots available.
She said she also is open to the idea of fining businesses whose employees break the rules.
“I’m super excited,” Tamisin said. “I felt very hopeful after the meeting.”
The view from a resident Downtown Alpharetta is an incredible place, but without proper parking, visitors cannot experience it, said resident Erik Rowen.
“We want visitors to linger longer, and not just come in and have dinner and leave but go and see some live music and get ice cream or get coffee,” he said. “That’s not just nighttime. That’s during the day, because there are so many great options.”
Rowen, who lives downtown, said he routinely enjoys a night on the town with his wife and friends. They love to grab dinner before walking to another spot to meet with friends.
He said valets could make things easier.
When a visitor goes downtown for dinner, they are often ready to spend the extra buck on a valet or paid parking, he said. A valet could even go further by letting a driver drop off their vehicle at one location and pick it up at another.
For such visitors, time and convenience are a premium, he said.
“These people who are coming in from outside Alpharetta, it’s important they have convenience when they come in for dinner,” he said. “If they are spending a lot of money for dinner, they will pay money for the convenience if there is a valet.”
It would also free up street-side parking for customers who briefly visit shops.
“It would bring the downtown district together,” he said.
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
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budget for the first scope of work went before the council at the Oct. 29 Roswell Administration and Finance and Recreation and Parks Committee meeting. The committee meetings are where items related to Seer World are initially discussed in public view.
New contract
Tuesday evening, the City Council also advanced the latest scope of work with a budget for $210,120, to a formal vote at a future regular meeting. The item tasks Seer World with developing the Hill Street district, though some work has already been done at a cost of $22,000.
Because the Police Department will vacate its current headquarters on Hill Street for a new space off Holcomb Bridge Road, the city is planning to enter into a land use agreement with a developer for a mixed-used site in that area.
In a July presentation, Sorckoff previewed plans for a $102 million, 7-acre mixed-use development characterized as “baby Avalon.”
Seer will be tasked with recommending the design of the district overlay. Council members initiated the process to create an overlay for the district Oct. 15.
As part of the latest task order, the firm will also be expected to solidify a public-private partnership with the developer and provide a financial analysis of the land transaction as well as to integrate a parking model. Work to date
According to the second quarterly presentation Oct. 29, the city has spent nearly $420,000 with Seer World since
Connect:
they know, like all of us in this room, knows, that when we finally accomplish that, the entire region is going to be better,” Roach said. “Our economy will grow, and we will be stronger as a region.”
The Atlanta Regional Commission is a planning agency serving 11 counties in Metro Atlanta, including Fulton, DeKalb and Forsyth.
Interstate highways, rail networks and other transportation infrastructure play a vital role in cities’ growth, but they also divide, Roach said. With local government partners, the ARC has received more than $500 million in grant funding to bridge communities, Roach said, citing the Flint River Gateway Trails as one example.
Through a $64.9 million federal grant, the project will connect College Park,
the parent contract was passed in April.
Sorckoff found the city’s new COO, former aviation industry executive Don Stephens. The city hired Stephens in September.
Seer had also been tasked with creating a parking business model, budgeted for $143,000. At the committee meeting, city officials said the project would be sent over to city staff in the next couple days before the Nov. 1 deadline.
The fourth and latest scope of work, signed off in August, was for “USL Site Utilization,” with a budget of $35,500.
The item did not go before a council vote. The parent contract with Seer stipulated the city administrator’s ability to sign off on task orders up to $100,000, though the city’s Purchasing Policy currently limits the staffer’s spending power at $25,000.
City Administrator Knighton told Appen Media Oct. 1 that the city is currently working on updating its Procurement Ordinance, which would also affect the Purchasing Policy, a guideline for how the ordinance is implemented. He had estimated a draft to come before the council in the next 60 days.
An open records request for the fourth task order is pending.
Increased budget
City Councilwoman Sarah Beeson, who continues to take issue with spending parameters surrounding Seer World, cast a dissenting vote on most every item related to the firm.
Beeson asked about the status of its deliverables at the Oct. 29 committee meeting.
“We have the economic development strategy, also have delivered the [letter
East Point, and Hapeville with almost 15 miles of multi-use trails, according to ARC.
“It will connect these communities in an entirely new way, making it easier to access jobs and services, and most exciting, it will feed into and connect to the Beltline and complement existing and planned transit in this area,” Roach said. “The Flint River Gateway Trails is a game changer for our region.”
Roach also lauded progress made in other projects.
The Atlanta Gulch Redevelopment Project is breathing new life into Atlanta’s historic downtown. The 50acre revitalization project aims to bring 8 million square feet of commercial and residential space, including multiple hotels, Class-A office space and homes to the Centennial Yards District.
The city is experiencing a boom in green manufacturing as the electric vehicle and battery industry continues to develop, Roach said.
“I heard one consultant call us the
of intent] as it relates to the stadium,” Economic Development Director Darryl Connelly said. “There are some items on here that have not been completed at this point, but this additional funding would help to move that forward.”
City Councilwoman Christine Hall chimed in to attribute the delay to “time shifts,” characterizing the scope of work as a “living document.” She, again, used her consulting career outside of city government as a reference point for what’s considered typical.
Deputy City Administrator Jeff Leatherman added that Seer has had to stop work on some of the deliverables.
“We’ve essentially stopped work because we’ve reprioritized certain activities as they’ve come up,” Leatherman said.
Beeson doubted the “boundary lines” for engaging with Seer World.
“It’s not to say that I don’t think using the vendor is inherently worthwhile when it comes to these specific line items,” she said. “However, when we outlined the original work products … I’m hearing from you guys that it was deprioritized.”
While the intention behind Seer’s economic development work is to offset the need for property taxes, Beeson said the amount budgeted so far may not measure up to a return on investment.
Shoring up deals
In response to Beeson, Mayor Wilson recalled a council meeting in August when Deputy City Administrator Sharon Izzo provided a list of the city’s other multi-year, multimillion-dollar consulting contracts, which numbered more than two dozen.
None exceeded a total value of $5.5 million, as Seer World’s does, and most were related to infrastructure work. But,
battery belt,” she said. “Imagine that. These jobs offer good wages and benefits while addressing climate change, which is a critical issue.”
Roach also highlighted transportation projects, including an “innovative design” Ga. 400 interchange at North Druid Hills and bus rapid transit projects in Clayton County and elsewhere in the city.
Roach also discussed ongoing challenges, noting rising home prices and rents.
According to the results of the Metro Atlanta Speaks survey, nearly two thirds of respondents said they could not afford to move to another home in their current neighborhood.
The hybrid phone and online 2024 survey, administered by Kennesaw State University’s A.L. Burruss Institute of Public Service and Research, polled 4,081 adult residents across 11 counties in Metro Atlanta.
It also found transportation, once consistently a top issue, has taken a backseat as the region’s fourth top
the purpose of Izzo’s presentation that night was to convey that Seer’s contract isn’t an anomaly.
On Oct. 29, Wilson said the city is “tougher” on Seer and dismissed Beeson’s qualms as “political.”
“...The vendor that we spend the most time on, actually managing the budget on and managing their time on and having conversations about, ironically, is the one who’s actually delivering the most by far, and that’s Seer,” he said.
But, Beeson said all the contracts Izzo showed did not exceed their 20-percent annual cap, contrary to the contract with Seer. Once the City Council officially approves the two Seer items on the committee meeting’s agenda, the city will have budgeted more than 65 percent of the firm’s annual $2 million cap. About half a year is left until the next cap goes into effect.
The city, she said, has not been able to clearly define success for economic development.
Agreeing with Beeson, City Councilman Allen Sells said Sorckoff “opened a floodgate of opportunities and that the “city had no catcher’s net.” He said that while a flow of deals is coming, the process for managing them is simultaneously being built.
Deputy City Administrator Leatherman added that the “pipeline” has been a challenge.
“There is a little bit of nebulousness right now there,” Leatherman said. “I will not argue that. It’s part of getting our traction together on really what makes sense and what makes sense to prioritize as we move forward.”
challenge.
A plurality of about 42% of respondents also said they felt artificial intelligence would mostly have a negative effect on society.
Local officials from Dunwoody and Forsyth County who attended the event said the commission’s partnership with their governments has provided numerous benefits.
“The biggest reason for the importance of staying involved in the ARC is the transportation piece of it,” Forsyth County Manager David McKee said. “ARC is responsible for the regional transportation dollars and helping distribute (them).”
Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch said the ARC’s work is special because of its regional focus, which benefits many communities.
“I love the theme of connection,” she said. “I think in a big city, whether it’s Dunwoody or Metro Atlanta, it’s critical for people to feel connected to each other.”
The story of how the City of Milton came to be
From a nondescript rural crossroads in the 18th and 19th centuries to a thriving, bustling community today, the City of Milton has become one of the most desirable places to live in Georgia. This week I will go behind the scenes to look at the forces at play that resulted in Milton’s creation.
The impetus for creation of the new cities of Milton and Sandy Springs was longstanding public dissatisfaction with the services provided to residents of unincorporated areas of North Fulton County.
I am indebted to State Representative Jan Jones, a Milton resident who played a dominant role in the creation of the city. She made an outstanding presentation on the subject at the Milton Library early in October which is available on the Milton Historical Society’s website, www. miltonhistoricalsociety-georgia.org.
Thanks also to the first Mayor of Milton Joe Lockwood who served in the position for 15 years and to his successor and current mayor Peyton Jamison, to citizen Ron Wallace who played a decisive role and to many others too numerous to mention who overcame obstacles and worked together to accomplish what many people thought would be impossible.
Two issues in the legislative process could have derailed the creation of the city at the last minute. Representative Jones introduced a draft city charter to the legislature in 2005. It was calculated to give residents time to study the proposal to create a city the following year. The proposal included creation of town halls for public discussion of the proposal.
Finally, the charter was ready to go to the floor for consideration. Jones says she was in her office the day before the bill was to go to the floor when she heard a knock on the door. “It was the head attorney from the legislative council, the department that writes all legislation,” she said. “He had a grim look on his face.” It turned out that due to a clerical error the bill establishing the city lacked the proper signatures.
Jones says, “I had to draw up another completely different bill that night.” Then she had to run it through the required process again: advertise it in the legal newspaper the Fulton Daily Report, introduce it the day after publication, move it through the proper committee and then the Rules committee, pass the bill on the floor and then send it to the senate where it had to go through their process. The legislative session was due to end in a few
days. Jones declares “It was approved March 9, 2006, and signed into law by the Governor on March 28, but I still have PTSD from this experience.”
The second challenge concerns the allocation of land parcels between Milton and Roswell. Jones, representing the legislature, and city leaders negotiated the allocation of parks and unincorporated areas between the two cities giving residents in certain areas the choice between having their properties in the existing city of Roswell or the new city of Milton.
A citizens committee was formed by residents in 2005 to examine the requirements of a new city. It was composed of Karen Thurman, Rick Mohrig, Bill Lusk, who became members of the first city council, and Chris Lagerbloom who later became Milton City Manager and is now in the same role for Alpharetta.
A referendum on cityhood was held in July 2006 and passed by 86%.
Elections for the first City Council took place in November. The city was officially incorporated on December 1, 2006.
The legislation called for the creation of a Governor’s Interim Committee to begin planning the new city. Governor Sonny Perdue appointed Ron Wallace, Greg Mishkin, Brandon Beach, Daniel Phelan and Cecil Pruett to the commission. The Governor appointed Wallace as chairman. Jan Jones called the first meeting to order and then turned it over to the six individuals who would define the new city. The commission’s assignment was to evaluate options including services, facilities, finance, city government structure and public safety. The commission met regularly for three months, often in Wallace’s home office.
Legislation to create the City of Milton required a public referendum which was held in July 2006. It was approved by 86% of the voters. Here three of Jan Jones’ four children Tram, Peyton and Shelby hold signs on election day encouraging voters to support the proposed city.
Public meetings were held in the Alpharetta courthouse.
Wallace recalls purchasing sixteen police cars and three fire engines for the city and parking them in his driveway for several weeks. The private consulting firm CH2M Hill was hired to help launch new city services. The committee completed its work in three months and the city was turned over to its new government on December 1, 2006.
Joe Lockwood was elected first mayor. He says the first year was a challenge: “It is hard to go from zero to 55 miles per hour.”
The city council made major decisions with input from CH2M Hill. Many different proposals were put forward. “What I enjoyed most was working together to solve
all the issues associated with a new city.” Peyton Jameson, Milton’s current mayor, served four years on the city council and credits Lockwood for establishing a strong foundation for the city. The new mayor’s priorities include emphasis on improvements to Highway 9 and the Deerfield Road corridor while preserving the rural characteristic of the city. Clearly, Milton has what it takes to continue on its successful path.
Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@ bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
BOB MEYERS Columnist
KELLEY TRAVERS/ALPHARETTA NEIGHBOR
Members of the Milton Interim Government Committee meet August 2006 to discuss steps necessary to create the newly approved City of Milton. From left are Committeemen Greg Mishkin, committee attorney Mike Scott, Committee Chairman Ron Wallace, Cecil Pruett and Daniel Phelen. The fifth appointee, Brandon Beach, is not shown.
PROVIDED
Don’t we wish they could stay that way forever
Mickey –actually it is Minnie- and there are three of them – all dancing –all sewn into the comforter she is sitting on – red polka dot dresses, yellow slippers, red bows in their hair. Her bed is made.
She sits in the middle - near her pillows. But then, her bed is always made; she doesn’t like to disturb the covers. She is a very “just-so” – a five-year-old who likes order.
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
A box of crayons lay under her elbow as she puts the finishing touches on the rainbow on her sketch pad – green, yellow, orange, blue, then crested in a bright fire engine red - under a Carolina blue sky and facing emerald-green blades of grass. Dark colored birds fly above
and close to the rainbow. Their wings are jagged. Her focus is steady, poised, and still – so much so that she is unaware of where she is or time.
You make me happy
I study the picture and realize that her focus remands me of that intense focus of a cat – frozen, but advancing, in that moment just before it lunges at the robin in front of it on the ground.
Her room is as quiet as her rainbow now. It is a quiet that is all and only hers. The silence fills the room, permeates the comforter, the paint on the walls, her pink shirt, the carpet, and the pile of picture books on the floor by her bed that she practices “reading” almost every night.
It is an insulated quiet that she wills into being – without effort or intention. It’s bedtime – her time just before sleep. and after her long, hot, busy, loud Saturday.
When skies are gray Her teeth are brushed; her hair combed and still damp from her bath. Her thoughts have begun to diminish and fade. Her respiration slows and her heart pumps softly. She has selected her pink princess tee shirt for the night, and soon she will stop coloring with the red crayon and pause. Then she’ll put it back in the box, and stare. She’ll study her rainbow and the birds.
Maybe she’ll hear crows.
Then her eyelids will begin to slip – heavy and heavier until they softly close - and dreams will begin to leak into her room, into her rainbow picture – into her night, displacing the silence and filling it.
Rabbits. Brown bunnies. Pink princesses. Water slides and puppies. Goldfish. A tent in the back yard and how dark the night is. Noises outside. Unfamiliar smells – scents. Food. Ice-cream. Her playground and
her friend Poppy. Balloons. I’m not inviting you to my birthday party and you can’t be my best friend.
Slips. Falls. Floats. Runs. Clings to her daddy. Calls out for mama. Is lost then found. Pulls her sheets higher until they cover her up until just some of her brown hair is visible under the sheet.
You’ll never know dear, how much I love you
Tosses and turns. Reaches for her pillow and squeezes it. Remembers. Changes her mind.
So please don’t take Its ok, you can come to my birthday party.
My sunshine
I want you to be my friend forever. Away
This week’s tip? Hold on for one more day
This week’s pop hit is Wilson Phillips 1990 “Hold On”. The song starts with “I know there’s pain” …which cannot be truer when watching what mortgage rates have done over the past 30 days. Mortgage rates have soared to their highest levels since early July on some interesting interpretations of economic data and “betting” by our “Wall Street Warriors” on the election results. The more interesting part is that things have not changed over the past 30 days when rates were heading
towards the 6% mark. It appears that inflation continues to head towards lower levels and while we did get a somewhat surprising employment number last month, it was not a barn burner that the economy has turned around. We have still seen the unemployment rate rise from 3.4% to over 4% in a 12-month time frame. Car sales for the past year are down 12% which includes a drop of 17.7% for passenger cars. Housing sales are at their lowest levels since 1995. Housing prices are beginning to fall. Sellers are beginning to pay towards closing cost for new buyers which is sign that we are entering back into a “buyers” market, and we have not seen this for years. None of these things are signs of a “robust”
economy, and rising rates will not help the situation either.
Our “Warriors of Wall Street” continue to be betting on a “RED” sweep next Tuesday which is interesting…interesting in that it could happen…and if it did… not sure how this happening will reverse all that we are currently experiencing and how pushing rates higher helps the economy to grow??? I somewhat get the “macroeconomics” to this theory, but this would assume a dramatic turn in the economy which I don’t believe can be accomplish is a short period of time. The US economy is still reeling from what the Fed has done to rates over the past several years, and the unwinding of their unprecedented hikes will take some time. I don’t
think we will get back to under 1% on FED funds, but another 1% to 1.5% in rate cuts by the FED may get us back on our feet, and we just might hit the “soft landing” that no Federal Reserve has ever achieved in the past. We need to “Hold On” just one more day, and maybe by next week’s report we will begin to see mortgage rates begin to move back down again.
D.C. Aiken is vice president, producing production manager for BankSouth Mortgage, NMLS # 658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com.
The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of BankSouth Mortgage or its affiliates.
RAY APPEN
Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
Georgia oak trees are magnificent and essential
AL BURRELL Guest Columnist
Oak trees, Fagaceae: Quercus (Family: Genus), grow around the world with prominence in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Oaks grow in a multitude of landscapes and ecosystems with different species thriving in the different settings. The trees are most frequently identified by their lobed leaves (though there are numerous exceptions) and the acorns that are the seeds of all oak species. Oaks, especially since the loss of the American Chestnut, are the dominant species in forests east of the Mississippi River and even farther west. The wood of the oak is prized for its strength, beauty and water resistance. Its uses include housing, furniture, ornamentation, ship building, and wine and whiskey barrels. Cork oak bark is commonly employed in the milling of stoppers for wine and other bottles.
The fruit of oak trees are acorns that vary in bitterness and edibility. The nuts are a staple in the diet of deer and squirrels. The less bitter acorns of the white oak are occasionally eaten by humans. Indigenous Americans would grind the washed nuts into a meal that was cooked into cakes. The flowers, bark, limbs and leaves are used by a wide variety of insects, amphibians, birds and mammals for shelter and food.
For popular classification, some in the U.S. divide the dozens of oak species into two main groups: white and red. White oaks are the tallest and most noble of the oaks with spreading crowns. They are also the most common oak species found in North Georgia.
The leaves of red oaks are stunning with leaves turning deep red and golden brown in the fall. Northern and southern red oaks are somewhat smaller and are a favored tree for ornamental uses. The trunks are distinguished by the perpendicular white ridges that are sometimes called ski slopes.
In Georgia, there are more than 30 native species from the oak family which support more forms of wildlife than any other tree in the state, or east of the Mississippi for that matter. The oaks in Georgia are home to hundreds of moth and butterfly species, whose caterpillars are a staple in the diet of hatchling birds each spring. Acorns provide food for many of Georgia’s mammalian residents: bears, deer, racoons, and squirrels. Without these acorns, many species would face starvation. While beneficial to Georgia’s wildlife, be aware that the tannins in acorns can be toxic to horses and cattle if eaten in quantity.
When incorporating oak trees in their yards, homeowners should be aware of certain facts. White oaks grow to be large trees capable of reaching heights in excess of 100 feet. Red oaks and scarlet oaks tend to be significantly shorter at 60 to 80 feet at maturity. All
OAK RED OAK
About the author
A recent transplant from the City of Decatur, Al Burrell now lives in Milton. Al is a third generation Atlanta area resident who has witnessed amazing changes in the region. His gardening passion centers around incorporating trees into urban and suburban landscapes and encouraging the propagation of native plants and flowers to support the embattled populations of birds and insect pollinators that add so much enjoyment and beauty to our lives. Al completed the Master Gardener course in April 2024, and he looks forward to supporting the UGA Extension Service in spreading the word on the best practices for gardens, yards, farms and forest throughout Fulton County.
species are considered shade trees, and as they grow, the canopies will make the maintenance of healthy grass lawns difficult for the areas beneath. The ground underneath the canopies covers the roots required for healthy trees, so consider tree placement carefully if sidewalks, driveways or street widening are future possibilities. Your oak will provide the amenity of shading your home from sun and protecting it from wind. Keep in mind the ultimate height and width of the tree and its canopy and root requirements, and plant it an adequate distance from the house and its foundation. Placement of the trees outside the east and west walls provides more cooling in summer and wind protection in winter.
Oak trees can be considered Georgia’s most environmentally essential and important plant species. Oaks should be preserved in yards when both feasible
and possible and planted when conditions permit and owners desire. Careful planning and proper maintenance will be required for the homeowner to enjoy the beauty and benefits of this keystone species.
Happy Gardening!
North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net.
Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https:// appenmedia.com/opinion/columists/garden buzz/.
WHITE
Randy Knighton City of Roswell Kurt Wilson City Administrator Notice of Public Hearing Mayor
The following items will be heard at a Mayor and City Council Meeting on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 7:00 PM for the First Reading and Monday, December 9, 2024, at 7:00 PM for the Second Reading in the Roswell City Hall Council Chambers, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, Georgia.
a. UDC Text and Map Amendment
A text and map amendment to the Unified Development Code by modifying Article 8, Hill Street Overlay, land lot 414, for the following properties: 25, 39, 111,115, and 121 Hill Street; 791, 801, 821, 825, 833, and 839 Atlanta Street; 16, 42, 60, 90, 108, 122, and 897 Oak Street; 826, 830, and 846 Ellis Street; 800, 808, and 820 Community Circle.
b. UDC Text Amendment
An ordinance to amend the Unified Development Code by modifying Article 10, Section 10.3.27, Signs Requiring a Permit, and Section 10.3.32, Crown Signs. Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or 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.
During these turbulent times, we would like to highlight the continued courage and commitment of everyone who works in the health care, law enforcement, childcare, food service and utility sectors. We are extremely grateful.
CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The following item will be considered by the City Council on Monday, December 2, 2024 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
a. PH-24-18 Unified Development Code (UDC) Text Amendments – Signs Consideration of text amendments to Section 2.6 of the Unified Development Code (UDC) to amend regulations pertaining to Signs.
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 considered by the City Council on Monday, December 2, 2024 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
a. Z-24-08/V-24-08 306 Thompson Street
Consideration of a rezoning and variance 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 to Appendix A Subsection 2.8.7 to allow a variation to the 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.
b. V-24-27 1555 Harvest Lane Setback Variance
Consideration of a front setback variance to allow for an addition on the front elevation of a single-family home. A variance is requested to Unified Development Code (UDC) Subsection 2.2.5(D) R-15 Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’, Residential, District Regulations to reduce the front setback from 35’ to 12’. The property is located at 1555 Harvest Lane and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1246, 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.
Appian Infotech Inc. in Alpharetta, GA is seeking Solution Architect (s) to Design, architect, develop, implement & modify storage solutions, apps & utility programs. Travel & relo possible to unanticipated client locations throughout the U.S. Salary: $142002
To apply: Email resume & position applied for to: Lavanya Arunkumar, Director – Legal & Immigration, immigrations@appianinfotech.com
Head of Marketing Strategy, Ruminants, Alpharetta, GA. Responsible for developing brand strategy for our company’s animal feed used to feed ruminant animals, including creating and deploying brand strategy to differentiate our products vs competition’s products from a technical and marketing point of view; train global and regional marketing managers, regional technical and sales managers on technical brand content. Must possess Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or PhD in dairy nutrition, dairy science or agriculture plus 5 years progressively responsible work experience as a marketing manager or business manager in the dairy industry using amino acid balancing in feed rations. 20% international and domestic travel to affiliated companies. Apply with Adisseo USA, Inc. online at www.adisseo.com/en/join-us/.
Distributed Database Specialists (Alpharetta, GA): Plans computerized d/b’s, incl base definition, structure, documentation, long-range reqs, operational guidelines & protection. Establishes & maintains security & integrity controls. Formulates & monitors policies, procdrs & standards relating to d/b mgmt. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, Associate Director, HR Risk and Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus, GA 31901. #SM897307
JOB OPPORTUNITY: Group Product Manager
Job Loc: Alpharetta, GA.
Duties: Respsbl for strat vision, dsgn, execution & fin perfrmnc of portfolio of digi prdcts serving Architect, Eng & Owner (AEO) & Bldg Product Manufacturer (BPM) mkt segments. Define core product vision, strat, goals, roadmap, backlog & reqs for digi solutions connecting construction specs, preconstruction & construction admin process w/ broader construction lifecycle. Telecommute from any loc w/ in the U.S., rprting to co. HQ in Alpharetta, GA.
Reqs: Master’s deg in Civil Eng, Construction Mgmt or closely rltd deg & 36 months’ exp as a Group Product Mgr, Product Mgr or closely rltd pos. Exp which may have been obtained concurrently must incl 36 months’ exp dvlpng digi product solutions for A/E/C & land dvlpmt ind incl SaaS pltfrms & 36 months’ exp in use of Atlassian suite, MIRO & Autodesk Revit. Mail resume to: Ms. Brenda Silverman, RIB Software North America, Inc., 800 North Point Pkwy., Ste 475, Alpharetta, GA 30005.
Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk 1L (Building and Grounds/Custodial/ Maintenance) (part-time position) to perform facility maintenance and grounds keeping duties. Requires some heavy lifting, high school diploma or equivalency and a valid GA driver’s license. Related experience with outdoor maintenance equipment and a valid CDL are preferred. Hours: Availability for alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours.
Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, November 8, 2024. Apply online: www.sawnee.coop/ careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females, Minorities, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.
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Childcare Associate: The NFCC Childcare Associate has the critical role of providing a safe and welcoming environment for children from the ages 2 to 11 while their parents attend classes in the NFCC Education Programs. Contract position with competitive hourly rate, Evenings 5 – 8 pm. Contact Carol Swan at cswan@nfcchelp.org to apply.
Solution
CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The following items will be considered by the Design Review Board on Friday, December 13, 2024 with a workshop commencing at 8:30 a.m. and regular meeting commencing at 9:00 a.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
1. DRB240041 Mozaika Mezze
Consideration of new awning for the business. The property is located at 2560 Old Milton Pkwy and is legally described as being in Land Lots 0749 & 0802, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia
2. DRB240046 Wills Park Vet Clinic
Consideration of signage. The property is located at 11770 Haynes Bridge Rd Ste. 703 and is legally described as being in Land Lot 0695 and 0696, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia
3. DRB240047 Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar
Consideration of new signage. The property is located at 9 South Main St and is legally described as being in Land Lot 1269, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia
4. DRB240048 Kingsley
Consideration of new residential construction. The property is located at 296 & 304 Thompson St and is legally described as being in Land Lot 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.
