Dunwoody Crier - July 10, 2025

Page 1


Pay raise goes into effect for Dunwoody city staff

DUNWOODY, Ga. — In a continued effort to support its full-time employees, Dunwoody has implemented a 4.9 percent mid-year pay increase effective July 1.

The Dunwoody City Council approved the measure last October.

The city says the pay raise reinforces its commitment to maintaining a highperforming and well-supported police force, emphasizing the increases for

sworn officers over other employees. Since 2021, the city has increased pay eight separate times for police in a push to make the department more competitive with surrounding jurisdictions.

Dunwoody Police Chief Mike Carlson told Appen Media in June that his department is just a couple of sworn officers away from being fully staffed. Base salaries for Dunwoody police

Thousands line streets for 4th of July parade

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Fourth of July morning in Dunwoody means a few things: thousands lining Mount Vernon Road, hundreds of floats and a party at the Village.

As event organizer, Dunwoody Homeowners Association members told the Crier they think the organization will break even this year.

To keep community traditions like the Fourth of July Parade going, they said, there needs to be buyin from longtime residents,

community cornerstones and new-to-town businesses.

Platinum sponsor Big Play Atlanta, located in the former Lidl grocery store at 2480 Mount Vernon Road, served as staging ground for many of the floats. The All Saints Catholic Church parking lot across the street teemed with Corvettes and local politicians.

Gubernatorial candidate Jason Esteves, Sandy Springs state Sen. Josh McLaurin and DeKalb County CEO Lorraine CochranJohnson were all spotted soaking in the sun.

See PARADE, Page 13

officers will range from $62,301 to $99,682, with additional pay available for officers with college degrees. New hires are also eligible for a $15,000 signing bonus, which is distributed over time.

City Manager Eric Linton said public safety remains the highest priority for elected officials in Dunwoody.

See RAISE, Page 10

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody City Council approved the city’s 2025 property tax rate June 30, maintaining a 3.04-mill levy.

Most homeowners with homestead exemptions will see no change in their city tax bill.

The city expects property taxes to increase 3.61 percent for commercial, rental and non-homesteaded properties.

Out of around 12,600 residential properties in Dunwoody, fewer than 2,000 will see an increase in city taxes because of the assessment freeze for homesteaded properties baked into the city’s charter.

The city has kept its millage rate flat since 2022 when elected officials approved raising it to the cap of 3.04 mills.

More than 85 percent of homeowners also have a homestead exemption, automatically lowering the rate to 2.04 mills. A tax rate of 1 mill represents a tax liability of $1 per $1,000 of assessed value on property.

RATE, Page 10

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Mayor Lynn Deutsch waves to patrons as she heads down Dunwoody Village Parkway during the Fourth of July Parade.

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POLICE BLOTTER

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Dunwoody woman arrested for theft at Perimeter store

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police arrested a 54-year-old Dunwoody woman June 27 after Target loss prevention allegedly caught her “skip scanning” more than $750 in merchandise.

At the time of the report, an officer said the suspect’s felony shoplifting warrant was pending.

Skip scanning is a form of shoplifting, typically practiced in self-checkout lanes, where individuals intentionally avoid paying for merchandise.

Target loss prevention told the officer that the woman entered the store off Perimeter Center Place around 1 p.m. and went through self-checkout some three hours later. An employee said she also concealed some items in a white Target handbag while in a fitting room.

The officer said security footage showed the woman bypass the scanning process by placing items on the cash register and then putting them directly into her shopping cart.

After Target employees detained her inside the store, employees reported the stolen merchandise totaled $768.

The woman was transported to DeKalb County Jail June 27. According to county records, she was released without bond June 30.

Stone Mountain man suspected of mail theft

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police arrested a 34-year-old Stone Mountain man June 25 who allegedly has eight arrest warrants related to mail theft.

A Dunwoody detective said he was notified that the suspect’s maroon Honda Accord had entered the city around

9:25 a.m. The detective listed four cases involving the man and stated he had several active arrest warrants.

The detective said the Stone Mountain man was located and arrested inside city limits without incident.

After transporting the man to DeKalb County Jail, the detective said his vehicle was towed to headquarters for a search, pending a warrant.

According to jail records, the man has six second degree burglary charges through the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. The charges out of Dunwoody are for financial transaction card theft, second degree burglary, possession of methamphetamine and theft by possession of stolen mail.

The department’s report shared with Appen Media omits details about the suspect’s arrest and prior incidents.

According to DeKalb County Jail records as of July 7, he remains in jail.

— Hayden Sumlin

Public safety ambassador speaks with fraud victim

DUNWOODY, Ga. — A public safety ambassador spoke with the daughter of an 82-year-old Dunwoody woman who was allegedly the victim of an attempted fraud.

While no losses were reported by the woman’s daughter, a 57-year-old California resident, an officer said she was concerned her mother may have been induced to send her personal and financial information to someone.

The daughter told officers that her mother received a phone call from an unidentified person claiming there was fraud on her account.

The caller told the victim that she had multiple charges and needed to send them her driver’s license and potentially, her Social Security number.

The victim’s daughter said her mother could not remember whether she had shared her Social Security number or banking information.

The ambassador said the daughter had frozen her mother’s bank accounts and credit. After providing the family

with a case number, the ambassador labeled the case “inactive.”

— Hayden Sumlin

Officers arrest two men after fight at restaurant

ROSWELL, Ga. — Police arrested two 45-year-old men, one Roswell resident and a California native, after they got into a fight June 27 at a Canton Street restaurant.

An officer said he arrived at the restaurant after the two men were separated by employees shortly after midnight June 28 and reviewed security footage of the altercation.

The officer said the Roswell man is seen on camera with his group of companions, including two women from Cumming.

The women said the California man approached them several times and harassed them throughout the evening.

The officer also said footage showed the California man approach different women in the group.

At one point in the night, the Roswell man, the Cumming woman and the California man were sitting at the bar close to one another.

The officer said the Cumming woman began arguing with the California man after he pushed into her shoulder. The next moment, the Roswell man stepped in between them and punched the California man in the face.

Eventually, the officer said the men were separated after exchanging a couple of punches.

After transporting both men to the Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, the officer said he obtained warrants for misdemeanor affray, or fighting and disturbing the peace.

The Roswell man was released from Fulton County Jail June 28, but there is no record of the California man’s arrest.

The officer said the California man was still awaiting clearance from the hospital when he wrote the report around 5 p.m. June 28.

— Hayden Sumlin

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Setting the record straight, Sandy Springs Shopping Center

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

Columnist

A few weeks ago, I wrote about Sandy Springs Shopping Center, the first shopping center in the community. The location I described for the shopping center was incorrect.

Thanks to Linda Oglesby, who has lived in Sandy Springs all her life, I can now describe the correct location of the shopping center. It was on the east side of Roswell Road, between Hammond Drive and Hilderbrand Drive, according to Linda.

She remembers when the shopping center first opened and recalls the early stores.

“I visited Sandy Springs Pharmacy often where I met both Bob Ney and his wife Hilda,” Linda said. Bob and Hilda Ney were owners of the early pharmacy.

Forrest Five and Ten was where Linda had her first job. The dime store did not have a lunch counter or soda shop as other similar stores had. Around Easter, the store sold baby chicks dyed in a variety of colors.

She shopped at other stores in Sandy Springs Shopping Center regularly, including Swofford Shoes and Tappan’s Record Shop.

Tappan’s was one of the locations where concert tickets could be purchased in the 1960s. When the Beach Boys were coming to Atlanta for a concert in 1965, Tappan’s sold tickets to the Municipal Auditorium concert. Another ticket

location was Jim Salle’s record store in Buckhead, which Linda also remembers. (Atlanta Journal, April 4, 1965)

She remembers the Big Apple grocery store and a hardware store at Sandy Springs Shopping Center. Linda also recalls that the post office was located there. Today, there are apartment buildings at the former location of Sandy Springs Shopping Center.

Sandy Springs Plaza, where Trader Joe’s, Roasters, Henri’s and other businesses are today, was built later by Maurice Womack. Womack owned an electrical contracting company called Bales and Womack. One of Linda’s favorite places in Sandy Springs Plaza was Hospitality House, which sold gifts, stationery, greeting cards and invitations with monogramming available.

Swofford Shoes later moved to Sandy Springs Plaza.

Linda Oglesby recalls the shopping center I mistakenly identified as Sandy Springs Shopping Center as Cromwell Square. It was on the west side of Roswell Road between Sandy Springs Circle and Cromwell Road. Oglesby also recalls Hancock Fabrics and a much-loved home décor store called Larry Lucas.

Thank you to Linda for providing history and the accurate location of Sandy Springs Shopping Center.

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

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Dunwoody student repeats as spelling champ

DUNWOODY, Ga. — At 11 years old, Dunwoody native Sarv Dharavane has more spelling bee accolades than the number of years he has been competing.

Dharavane is coming off two straight Georgia Spelling Bee firstplace finishes and placed third during the nationally televised 97th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee Championships on May 29 in National Harbor, Maryland.

He was the youngest finalist at this year’s competition and the first finalist representing Georgia in 28 years.

“That’s definitely my biggest achievement so far,” Dharavane said. “I’m really so proud of it.”

Under the bright lights and the endless cameras pointed in his direction, Dharavane smiled and joked on stage during his turns.

“The main thing I did to calm myself down is before I went up on the stage to spell my word, I used to

think about all the people cheering me on and all the preparation I did, and then I clenched my fist and I solidified myself,” Dharavane said.

Completing fifth grade at Austin Elementary School in May, Dharavane has always been a big reader, but his talent for spelling began only two years ago after his teacher passed out a 50word spelling bee study guide.

“I wanted to memorize them, and since I like reading, I said, ‘I like words, why not try this?’” Dharavane said.

Dharavane’s current study routine involves reading from the dictionary for one hour and reading from a book checked out from the library for an hour, six days a week.

After winning the Austin Elementary spelling bee in fourth grade, Sarv’s mother, Shilpa Tupe, and father, Shailesh Dharavane, received a call from the school that he would be advancing to the county spelling bee.

“We were happy and surprised at the same time. I mean, we knew that he was smart, but like, at this age,

NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION CITY OF DUNWOODY, GEORGIA

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT the City of Dunwoody, Georgia will hold a Municipal General Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, for the purpose of electing three (3) members of City Council. The City Council posts to be voted on are City Council District 1, Post 1, currently held by Catherine Lautenbacher, City Council District 2, Post 2, currently held by Rob Price, and City Council District 3, Post 3, currently held by Tom Lambert.

Qualifying will be held Monday, August 18, 2025 – Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Dunwoody City Hall,4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338, in the Office of the City Clerk, during the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm each day during the qualifying period. The qualifying fee for a city council seat is $360.00 (three hundred sixty dollars.)

If a runoff election is necessary, the runoff election would be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

The last day an unregistered person may register and be eligible to vote in the November 4, 2025, Municipal General Election is Monday, October 6, 2025 (Georgia Election Code 21-2-224(a)).

Advance voting for the November 4, 2025, Municipal General Election is October 14 - October 31, 2025.

The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday November 4, 2025.

For questions or for more information please contact Sharon Lowery, City Clerk, at 678-382-6711 or Sharon.lowery@dunwoodyga.gov.

Sharon Lowery

of Dunwoody, Georgia

SHILPA TUPE/PROVIDED

Sarv Dharavane hoists the first-place trophy after winning the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) State Spelling Bee for the second year in a row.

going this far was definitely a miracle for us,” Shailesh Dharavane said. “Then he kept doing that consistently for the regionals and the state, and then even qualified for the nationals. He definitely made us proud.”

Winning at his first attempt in the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) State Spelling Bee, he made it to nationals, finishing in 22nd place after reaching the semifinals in 2024.

“I knew it was pretty rare that somebody who tried the spelling bee for the first time would get into nationals, and it’s even rarer that they would get first place in their state spelling bee, so I was really happy,” Sarv Dharavane said.

Coming off of the previous year’s victory, Dharavane felt more pressure to succeed, but just tried his best and made it even further with a third-place finish this year.

“It was a little nerve-wracking because I had expectations. I was in fifth grade this time, and I already made it once, so everybody was expecting me to make it again,” Sarv Dharavane said. “I tried my hardest again, and I did make it.”

Sarv Dharavane progressed through 19 rounds in this year’s national spelling bee before the word “eserine” brought his lengthy run to an end. His third place earned him a $15,000 prize and admiration from Scripps National Spelling Bee’s head judge Mary Brooks.

“Your age, at 11, has motivated so many young people to this very high level and it’s inspiring to so many spellers out there. Very, very proud of you, congratulations.” Brooks said.

Life off the stage

Born and raised in Georgia alongside his three siblings, Sarv Dharavane also spent two years in India. The family has received a wave of encouragement from the community following Sarv’s success.

Shailesh Dharavane said that neighbors, the city of Dunwoody, officials at competitions, other participants and participants’ families have all been supportive throughout the journey.

“When we go to nationals with all the other kids and their parents, it’s kind of like a spelling family,” Shailesh Dharavane said. “A huge family that comes together and celebrates it.”

Although Sarv has been learning through the experience, Shailesh Dharavane said that both he and Tupe have as well.

“We even started learning more about words,” Shailesh Dharavane said. “We learned differently, but the spelling bee opened new horizons for us. It’s given us some time to read the books and broadened our knowledge. So I think it’s not just for kids, it’s for parents as well.”

Outside the classroom and off the stage, Dharavane has a plethora of hobbies including playing several sports, swimming, taekwondo, cubing, origami, building Legos and playing piano.

There were 242 participants in the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, but Dharavane cheered each of the participants, often rallying his peers.

“I used to give a high five every time a person went out,” Sarv Dharavane said. “I used to reach over and give them a hand as they walked off the stage.”

He expressed gratitude for his experiences over the past year and thanked Scripps for everything they offered, which helped connect him with other participants. Activities this year involved seeing the Boston Dynamics dog, an escape room and a tour of Washington, D.C.

Sarv Dharavane is eligible to compete again in next year’s spelling bee. Although he has already reached the highest level, he is approaching next year with a positive mindset.

“My main goal now is to try my best and see what it takes me,” Sarv Dharavane said. “In this competition, the great thing is, you are not competing against your fellow scholars. You are all competing against the dictionary just to see who can do it the longest. Everybody’s a champion here because we are all very fluent in the dictionary.”

number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

SNACK FOODS

1. Bank document. Ring-shaped sweet snack. Bath powder.

2. Peruvian capital. Room at the top. Snack of sweet confections

3. Mexican cash. Snacks with dips, maybe. Astute.

4. Round cake snack. Blue shade. Pillow cover.

5. Fencing sword. Small sweet treat. Large-scale.

6. Mand member. Mystique. Health snack.

7. Crunchy snack. Egg carton measure. Eros.

1 Bank document. Ring-shaped sweet snack. Bath powder

2. Peruvian capital. Room at the top. Snack of sweet confections.

How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

3. Mexican cash. Snacks with dips, maybe. Astute

4. Round cake snack. Blue shade. Pillow cover

5. Fencing sword. Small sweet treat. Large-scale.

CONGRATS DAWGS! BACK TO BACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

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UV Safety Awareness Month with Dr. Kehinde Olumesi

As a board-certified dermatologist, I see firsthand the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the skin every day. While sunshine has its benefits—boosting our mood and helping our bodies produce vitamin D—unprotected exposure to UV rays is the leading cause of premature skin aging and skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form.

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to recommit protecting your skin. Whether you’re outdoors for just a few minutes or enjoying hours of summer fun, your skin remembers every sunburn, tan, and unprotected exposure. Over time, this damage accumulates and can lead to significant consequences.

The good news? Sun protection is simple and effective. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it’s cloudy. Reapply every two hours when outdoors. Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a widebrimmed hat.

And don’t forget your annual skin check. Early detection of skin cancer can be life-saving, and regular visits with a dermatologist help keep your skin healthy year-round.

Protecting your skin today helps preserve your health and appearance tomorrow.

Wellstar Achieves elite national recognition in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cardiothoracic surgery team earns top ratings in all categories, placing it among the nation’s best programs

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Wellstar has achieved a rare milestone in cardiac care, earning the highest possible rating—three stars—in four categories evaluated by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). This distinction places the cardiovascular surgery program, based at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, among the elite cardiac surgery programs in the U.S. and Canada.

The STS Star rating system is one of the most rigorous, verified and respected measures of quality in healthcare, based entirely on objective patient outcomes and implemented medical care processes. The latest analysis covers a three-year period, from January 2022 to December 2024, and evaluates performance in four key areas: isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG or open-heart surgery), aortic valve replacement (AVR), AVR + CABG, and multiprocedural cardiothoracic surgeries. Wellstar Ken -

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Rate:

The city says many of the remaining 15 percent of dwellings are used as a second home or a rental property.

Dunwoody officials have repeatedly said the state law, requiring notification of the tax increase, was intended for cities that don’t have a property assessment freeze.

Mayor Lynn Deutsch said the city is not increasing its millage rate this year, but she acknowledged some new homeowners and commercial owners will pay more this fall.

While residents spoke for and against the 2025 millage rate during two public hearings June 16, no residents gave comment June 30.

A homeowner’s tax bill contains line items for DeKalb County Schools, fire and rescue, sanitation and bonds as well as Dunwoody’s operations, stormwater system and streetlights.

According to a presentation from city staff, 80 percent of a tax bill goes to the DeKalb County School District and 5 percent goes to city operations.

Assistant Finance Director Delisha Robinson said the city must hold three public hearings because it is increasing property taxes, even though it is not increasing the rate.

“The city has an assessment freeze in place where if the county property appraiser raises your home values, your city taxes do not go up,” Robinson said.

State law requires the city calculate a “rollback millage rate” that would generate the same property tax revenue for the city as last year.

Instead of offsetting commercial and non-homesteaded increases with a millage rate of 2.934 mills, the city is keeping it the same. That means commercial property owners and those without a homestead exemption, like recent homebuyers, will pay more to the city this fall.

Based on values from the Board of Tax Assessors, the city expects new estimated revenue to grow from $11.6 million to $12.3 million, a $700,000 increase to the general fund. The estimate does not include possible losses on appeals and collections.

Because of the city’s increasing operational costs, namely insurance and employee salaries, maintaining its property tax rate can reduce any potential deficit.

To balance the city’s current budget, it drew $1.26 million from its reserves. The Dunwoody City Council must approve the 2026 budget before the end of October.

“This ‘Notice of Property Tax Increase’ is one of the required advertisements by state law … so we’re not allowed to

change any of its wording,” Robinson said, referencing one of the city’s advertisements in the Dunwoody Crier. “Although the city is not proposing a millage increase, the state considers any millage above the rollback rate as a property tax increase.”

Former City Councilman Danny Ross has penned several Letters to the Editor this year opposing maintaining the mill levy at its current rate.

Ross said the city’s tax revenue will increase more than $1 million, or 9 percent, based off legal ads that do not factor in the 1-mill exemption for around 85 percent of homeowners.

In response, Mayor Deutsch refuted the claim.

“While the millage rate is unchanged, total property tax revenue is projected to grow by about 3.6 percent from rising assessments on commercial properties and on homes not covered by the assessment freeze,” Deutsch wrote. “This modest growth will likely shrink as assessed value appeals are filed and decided in favor of large commercial property owners.”

Susan Blackwell, a 51-year Dunwoody resident who has owned a home in the Kingsley neighborhood for more than three decades, was at the third and final public hearing June 30 but did not speak during public comment.

Blackwell brought her property tax estimate, which did not include her 1-mill reduction, and asked why she was paying more than $260 like last year.

months while discussing Dunwoody’s financial situation. There has been more mention of the city’s structural deficit or budgeted use of reserves, spending one-time federal grants on recurring operational expenses and how to generate more revenue.

Elected officials and senior staff discussed ways to increase property taxes, with and without a citizen referendum, at their March retreat.

City Councilman John Heneghan was the only one to voice opposition to any increase above the millage rate cap without a referendum, citing transparency and the spirit of the city’s charter.

Questions to city officials about a potential special tax district or an increase to the property tax levy have been met with assurances that the city will be open and involve the community.

While some residents say they think the city has a spending problem, a regional comparison of Dunwoody’s property tax rate indicates it’s more complicated, involving expenditures and revenues.

Mayor Deutsch said Dunwoody homeowners pay less than residents who own homes of similar value in surrounding cities and unincorporated areas.

“The expectations of our residents and our businesses have grown through the years, and we work hard to meet and exceed expectations. At some point, it may become necessary to consider changing our revenue structure,” Deutsch wrote. “Should a change become necessary, we will hold public meetings, provide clear data and seek input from across our community to ensure any decision reflects our shared vision for Dunwoody.” Continued from Page 1

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Assistant City Manager Jay Vinicki sat down with her and explained what she was seeing on her tax bill.

Afterward, Blackwell said she was happy her city taxes are staying flat.

Elected officials have gradually changed their tune in the past 18

Raise:

Continued from Page 1

“Year after year, that commitment is reflected in our budget,” Linton said. “Compensation is a critical piece of the overall package that ensures Dunwoody Police remains competitive in hiring and retaining high-quality officers.”

The city says benefits are paired with a highly supportive work environment, citing the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s recent recognition of the city of Dunwoody as one of the “Best Places to Work” for 2025, based on employee feedback.

Some residents and former employees, however, have criticized the city’s work environment, citing documented cases of sexual harassment and issues with the Open Records Act.

Dunwoody Police benefit from a comprehensive package that includes:

• A take-home vehicle program

• An $800 monthly housing stipend for living within city limits

• 100 percent city-paid employee medical and dental coverage beginning on the first day of employment

• 90 percent city-paid family medical coverage also starting on day one

• Employer retirement contribution up to 21.2 percent

• 100 percent city-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance

• Up to $4,000 a year in tuition reimbursement

• 15 paid holidays annually

• $2,500 specialty pay for SWAT operators

• $4,000 a year specialty payment for CID, K-9, Crime Response Team and Community Outreach roles

For more information visit www. dunwoodyga.gov/government/ departments/human-resources/careeropportunities

— Hayden Sumlin

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The City of Dunwoody Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Dunwoody City Hall, which is located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338, for the purpose of due process of the following:

RZ 25-06, 4500 N Shallowford Road: Dogwood Innovative VSO, LLC requests a rezoning from O-I (Office Institution) to C-1 (Local Commercial) to allow an animal hospital/veterinary clinic.

Should you have any questions, comments, or would like to view the application and supporting materials, please contact the City of Dunwoody Community Development Department at 678-382-6800. Staff is available to answer questions, discuss the decision-making process, and receive comments and concerns.

Parade:

Continued from Page 1

Community institutions, like the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, Dunwoody United Methodist Church, Tilly Mill Goodyear Auto Center and Rotary Club wowed the crowd with Independence Day-inspired costumes and floats.

The Dunwoody Homeowners Association took over the parade from the GFWC Woman’s Club years ago, according to Sue Ellis, who serves on the organization’s board. The event now attracts more than 2,500 participants from all over Metro Atlanta and some 35,000 spectators.

Parade co-chairs Matt Weber and Penny Forman make the parade a reality, spending months organizing with vendors and sponsors to ensure everyone has what they need.

Still, sometimes the unforeseen happens.

About an hour into the morning parade, the driver of a Ford F-150 Lightning with a trailer and pedestrian was involved in a crash after switching drivers.

Dunwoody Police Sgt. Michael Cheek said no one was seriously hurt, but one adult and several children were injured and transported to local hospitals.

“During the switch, the new driver mistakenly hit the accelerator, which caused the vehicle to lurch forward,” Cheek wrote in a statement. “The vehicle struck a pedestrian, knocking her to the ground. When the driver hit the brakers, the trailer disconnected from the truck and caused

THE CITY OF DUNWOODY, GEORGIA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Freddie Falcon, the official mascot of Atlanta’s professional football team, waves to thousands of visitors and residents lining Mount Vernon Road during the 2025 Dunwoody Fourth of July Parade.

several people on the trailer to fall off.”

Immediately, police officers and DeKalb County firefighters took off to render aid.

This year’s Grand Marshal, former Dunwoody High School football coach and athletic director Mike Nash traded shouts of “Go Wildcats!” with the crowd from his convertible as it made its way to the Village.

Nash wrapped up his decade at the helm of the high school football program with back-to-back playoff appearances before passing the reins to Matthew Schmitz.

City Councilman Joe Seconder upped his cycling game this year as well, popping a few wheelies and setting the pace for the city’s elected officials.

Despite the crash incident with minor injuries, it was another successful Fourth of July morning in Dunwoody.

THE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City of Dunwoody City Council will meet on Monday, August 11th, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Dunwoody City Hall, which is located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338, for the purpose of due process of the following:

The City of Dunwoody City Council will meet on Monday, July 28th, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Dunwoody City Hall, which is located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338, for the following purpose:

Review and consideration of the draft 2025-45 Comprehensive Plan Update: In accordance with the Georgia Minimum Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning (Chapter 110-12-1), each community in the state must conduct a public hearing once an update of the plan is drafted and made available for public review, but before transmittal to the Regional Commission for review. The current City of Dunwoody Comprehensive Plan must be updated by October 31, 2025 to maintain the City’s Qualified Local Government (QLG) status.

The purpose of this hearing is to update the community on the contents of the plan and provide an opportunity for residents to make final suggestions, additions, or revisions. At this hearing, City Council will consider approval to transmit of the draft plan to the State of Georgia’s Department of Community Affairs and Regional Commission for review.

Additional information, as well as a full copy of the draft plan document, can be found at: dunwoodyga.gov/compplan

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact the City of Dunwoody Community Development Department at 678-382-6800. Staff is available to answer questions, discuss the decision-making process, and receive comments and concerns.

RZ 25-02, 4570 Ashford Dunwoody Road : Raising Cane's, LLC requests a rezoning from O-I (Office-Institution) to PC-1 (Perimeter Center)

RZ 25-03, 4891 Ashford Dunwoody Road: Dominium c/o Dillard Sellers requests a rezoning from O-I (Office Institution) to PD (Planned Development) to allow the construction of an age-restricted multi-unit rental building.

RZ 25-04, 64 & 66 Perimeter Center E : WSPT Perimeter GA LP requests a rezoning from O-I (Office Institution) to PD (Planned Development) to allow the conversion of 64 Perimeter Center E into residential condominiums and 66 Perimeter Center E into an age-restricted rental residential use, and develop additional for-sale residences on the properties.

SLUP 25-03 , 4515 Chamblee Dunwoody Road: Toxaway Automotive Group, c/o The Galloway Law Group LLC, requests a Special Land Use Permit to allow a drive-through oil change facility and two concurrent variances to allow relief from the building setback requirements and the stacking lane setback requirements.

Should you have any questions, comments, or would like to view the application and supporting materials, please contact the City of Dunwoody Community Development Department at 678-382-6800. Staff is available to answer questions, discuss the decision-making process, and receive comments and concerns.

CITY OF DUNWOODY, GEORGIA
PHOTOS BY: HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
The over 50’s Stayin’ Alive Crew, winner of the 2025 Best Spirit Award, moves to the beat of classic rock hits on their way down Dunwoody Village Parkway during the Fourth of July Parade.

Don’t

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Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 OFF Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell. Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE Qoute: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing

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Vice President of Client Programs

NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Vice President of Client Programs position. The Vice President of Client Programs (VPCP) is a senior leader responsible for creating and implementing the Client Services department strategy for NFCC. This includes creating programs and services, monitoring their effectiveness and ensuring funds are distributed appropriately. The VPCP also leads a team of 13 client services staff who handle client intake, case management, impact and outcomes data, education (GED/English classes) and workforce development programs.

If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org

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Matthew the Handyman - Carpentry, painting, drywall, plumbing. Electrical and small jobs. 404-547-2079.

Workforce Development Coordinator

NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Workforce Development Coordinator position. The Workforce Development Coordinator serves as a crucial link between NFCC clients, Volunteer Coaches, and local employers.

The Coordinator collaborates with community businesses to identify hiring opportunities while working closely with Volunteer Coaches who deliver career readiness services including resume writing, job application assistance, and interview preparation. Through these efforts, the Coordinator helps clients improve their employment prospects that may lead to greater financial stability.

If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org

Remote/part-time/flexible/contract work for seasoned accountants/bookkeepers. Non-Profit/ For-Profit Clients. QBO and payroll expertise required. Sue@playbook-cloud.com

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