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Dunwoody weighs design ideas for I-285 overpass By CATHY COBBS newsroom@appenmediagroup.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody City Council on Jan. 25 deferred a second hearing until Feb. 22 zoning changes that would allow construction of a mixed-used development that would include 220 age-restricted housing units. The proposal would require a rezoning, as well as the acceptance of 20 other conditions in order for building to begin. The council did not discuss the proposal, except to defer all five action items, which included a rezoning, two Special Use Land Permits, an exception to setback requirements and an exception that would allow for both residential and commercial uses on the ground floor of the building.
Council members spent most of their time listening to a presentation regarding possible enhancements to the I-285 bridge that crosses over Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Although the Georgia Department of Transportation will fund the actual improvements, the city would be responsible if it decides to upgrade the areas around the bridge. These improvements could include landscaping, fences and lighting which could cost from $500,000 to $2 million, according to Winston Mitchell and Eric Bosman of Kinley& Horn, the consulting firm overseeing the improvement project. Boseman and Mitchell asked the council for its wish list for the look and feel of the bridge, and they provided several examples of projects around Atlanta.
Most council members listed landscaping, natural stone and lighting as top priorities, but all stressed that the final look will be dictated by price. They emphasized the need for a look that will mirror that of nearby I-285 overpasses whose enhancements are being funded by the Perimeter Center Improvement Districts. Boseman said the firm will return with several renderings of improvements based on the council’s feedback, as well as pricing for each enhancement. In other action at the meeting, council members discussed sidewalk construction that will begin on Olde Village Run and Olde Village Lane. Dunwoody Public Works Director Michael Smith said the project estimate of $318,000 is well within the $500,000 in budgeted funds.
In other action, the council: • Was informed that, because of paving projects coming in under budget, the city will be able to move up about a dozen paving projects in and around the Dunwoody North subdivision. Paving will begin in early spring. • Honored retiring police officer J.B. Tate, one of Dunwoody’s first police officers, who is retiring after more than 30 years in law enforcement. • Heard from Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton who reported that car breakins are on the rise within the city. • Listened to a report that 19,000 pounds of food was gathered through the city’s participation in the Souper Bowl of Caring.
Picnic table initiative earns state recognition By CATHY COBBS newsroom@appenmediagroup.com DUNWOODY, Ga. – Thanks to its innovative efforts to help restaurant merchants throughout the city, Dunwoody was awarded the Visionary City Award by Georgia Trend magazine and the Georgia Municipal Association at its virtual summit on Jan. 25. The award was given to cities that institute visionary projects to create positive change across Georgia. Dunwoody, which won in the large city category (over 25,000), was lauded for expanding outdoor dining capacities with its Picnic Table Project.
Dunwoody joined eight other city recipients, including Brookhaven, which was recognized for increasing outreach and accessibility for its Latino population. Statesboro, Douglas, Auburn, Griffin, Hahira, Tybee Island and Woodbury were also recognized for their efforts for a variety of community initiatives. “If ever there was a time for unity and togetherness, it is now, and these nine cities have illustrated this unity through their visionary projects,” GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson said. “It’s our privilege to honor the elected officials, city staff and community leaders who made these initiatives possible.” Dunwoody’s application, submitted
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in October 2020 by Rosemary Watts, the city’s Business and Cultural Development manager, described the Picnic Table Project as one “that started as a simple solution for increasing outdoor seating that quickly became a summerlong project that brought art, color and spirit to the community.” Home Depot donated 25 picnic tables, which were decorated by different organizations and distributed to restaurants and other community areas throughout Dunwoody. The city also developed an app that identified the locations of all the tables, placed a map
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Dunwoody was awarded the Visionary City Award for expanding outdoor dining capacities with its Picnic Table Project.