Fewer education matters make legislative agenda ► PAGE 8
Fe b r u a r y 1 1 , 2 0 2 1 | T h e C r i e r. n e t | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | S e r v i n g t h e c o m m u n i t y s i n c e 1 9 7 6
HOA official blasts city leaders for accommodating developers Group’s outgoing president cites concessions provided in Dunwoody Village master plan By CATHY COBBS newsroom@appenmediagroup.com DUNWOODY, Ga. – Outgoing Dunwoody Homeowner’s Association President Adrienne Duncan has accused city leaders of abandoning the concerns of homeowners as it developed a master plan for Dunwoody Village. “Everyone you would expect to be concerned about the rights of the homeowners abandoned them,” Duncan said. “That’s why our executive board funded an attorney to represent their rights.” In her final remarks at the organization’s annual meeting on Jan. 31, Duncan said as concerns grew among Wynterhall and Branches subdivision residents over reduced buffers between commercial structures and homes in the new master plan, the council gave little guidance on how to register objections. “A handful of owners were contacted after business hours and told to attend a Zoom meeting, and bring a commercial attorney in tow,” she said. “Without the DHA’s intervention, one day these longterm neighborhoods would wake up to several extra stories and high rises and wonder what the hell happened.” Contacted by the Crier for reaction to the comments, Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch said residents were given ample time to register their feedback and that changes were made to the master plan as a result of their concerns.
Everyone you would expect to be concerned about the rights of the homeowners abandoned them.” ADRIENNE DUNCAN Outgoing Dunwoody Homeowner’s Association president
“Over the course of two years, we received input online and in person from more than a thousand Dunwoody residents on the future of the Dunwoody Village,” Deutsch said. “This valuable input led to the development of the Dunwoody Village Master Plan, which was discussed during a series of public meetings. Those meetings included robust public comment, and changes to the plan were made as a result. I’m excited to see what the future holds for the Village.” Duncan said she was also disappointed the council exempted several properties from the overlay district after the DHA-appointed attorney
See ASSOCIATION, Page 2
Development Authority nixes bid for 75% property tax abatement By CATHY COBBS newsroom@appenmediagroup.com DUNWOODY, Ga. – After protracted discussion, the Dunwoody Development Authority rejected a request from High Street developer GID for a 75 percent property tax abatement for the first phase of its mixed-use development near Perimeter Mall. At its Jan.21 meeting, the authority voted 6-1 for a 50 percent tax abatement, which has been customary in previous deals between developers and the city. Greg Killeen cast the lone dissenting vote. Jon Linsley, representing GID Development Group, presented a synopsis of the first phase of the project, which will include 150,000 square feet of retail space, 40,000 square feet of new office space, and 598,000 square feet of apartment housing, parks and greenspace. The development will encompass 16 acres near the MARTA station across the street from Perimeter Mall. Linsley said that 125,000 square feet of the proposed retail space doesn’t compete with the stores located in the mall. “Our intent is to be complimentary, not competitive with the tenants in the mall,” Linsley said. “In fact, most of our retail tenants don’t want to be located in a mall.” While the majority of the board members were supportive of the project, they expressed reluctance to offer such a large abatement. “It’s a terrific project,” Jeff Ackemann said. “For Dunwoody, we get this ter-
SPECIAL
GID Development Group is planning a mixed-use development that includes residential, retail, office and park space on 16 acres near Perimeter Mall. rific sense of place that GID is going to deliver to us. We get the benefit of using those public spaces . . . that’s a pretty special thing.” Board members Susan Mitchell said she also supported the development,
See DEVELOPMENT, Page 3