Issuu

Council candidates pitch ideas to voters

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — There are two contested City Council races in Dunwoody this November, and residents got a chance to hear from the incumbents and challengers Oct. 22 at Stage Door Theatre.

Candidate forum questions revolved around the failure of

the city’s 2023 bond referendum, city finances and property taxes, housing and development.

For the most part candidates agreed with one another on key issues like zoning and density, public safety and working with the Central Perimeter business community.

None of the candidates endorsed raising the city’s millage rate cap, which would

increase property tax bills, or putting another bond referendum on ballots.

While the incumbents expressed more of an interest in missing middle housing, a special tax district and path projects, the challengers advocated for a reprioritization of city spending.

See FORUM, Page 10

City leaders talk housing, economic development

By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com

DECATUR, Ga. — Municipal leaders in DeKalb County gathered for a City Summit on Oct. 21 to discuss affordable housing, economic development, and placemaking.

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce hosts the event each year, which brings together city leaders in the county to network and host panel discussions on a variety

of topics. This year, the event was held at the Courtyard Marriott in Decatur. Decaturish was a sponsor.

Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett participated in a panel discussion about affordable housing and the initiatives cities are implementing to address rising housing costs.

Decatur is about 4.5 square miles, and the cost of land is prohibitive at times, Garrett said.

See CHAMBER, Page 11

ZOE SEILER/APPEN MEDIA

Doraville Mayor Joseph Geierman, Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch and Clarkston Mayor Beverly Burks discuss economic development during the DeKalb City Summit on Oct. 21 at the Courtyard Marriott Conference Center in Decatur.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

City Councilman Tom Lambert, at right, reintroduces himself to the crowd at Stage Door Theatre for the Dunwoody Homeowner Association’s Oct. 22 Candidate Forum at Stage Door Theatre. Lambert is running for reelection to the Post 3 seat against challenger Wendi Taylor, sitting to his left.

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More than 200 people gather in front of the Brook Run Park Veterans Memorial in May to commemorate fallen heroes during Dunwoody’s annual Memorial Day ceremony. The city is holding a special Veterans Day ceremony and dedication of its new memorial at 10 a.m. Nov. 11.

Dunwoody invites all to Veterans Day at new memorial

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody is commemorating Veterans Day with a special ceremony and dedication of the city’s new Veterans Memorial Nov. 11 at Brook Run Park.

All are welcome to attend the city’s Veterans Day ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. within the park at 4770 North Peachtree Road.

Dunwoody officials and residents have made it clear that the Veterans Day ceremony is rain or shine.

“Our Veterans Day Ceremony is an important tradition, and this year will be extra special,” Mayor Lynn Deutsch said. “The new Veterans Memorial is a beautiful tribute to the courageous men and women who made great sacrifices to defend our country and uphold our freedoms.”

The Dunwoody Parks and Recreation began planning for the revitalization of the memorial in 2022. After County Commissioner Robert Patrick allocated

$100,000 from his district discretionary funds to its design, the renovation of the more than 20-year-old DeKalb County memorial started picking up steam.

The new memorial will feature marble plaques, service flags, an eternal flame and the Soldiers’ Cross, a symbolic tribute with a rifle, helmet and boots representing the fallen.

A small path connects the Veterans Memorial with the Vietnam War Memorial, which was dedicated last year.

The featured speaker at this year’s ceremony will be U.S. Navy Capt. Wayne Radloff, a longtime Dunwoody resident who served more than 30 years of active duty as a flight officer.

During his military career, Radloff commanded the Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron, called VQ-5, at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California and Naval Air Facility Misawa in Japan.

Before that, he led NROTC Units at Georgia Tech and Morehouse College. His wife, Debbie Radloff, is also a Navy veteran.

This year’s Veterans Day program is hosted by Dunwoody Parks and Recreation with support from the Dunwoody/Sandy Springs VFW Post 10822 and the Dunwoody Woman’s Club.

Dunwoody Police Chief Mike Carlson, a retired captain in the Georgia National Guard, will serve as the master of ceremonies.

Councilman Joe Seconder, a retired U.S. Army major, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Rev. Shannon Dill, associate pastor at Saint Luke’s Presbyterian Church, will offer the invocation and benediction, and the Callanwolde Concert Band Brass Ensemble is leading music.

— Hayden Sumlin

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Zaxby’s proposed drive-thru gets Planning Commission approval

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody Planning Commission recommended approval of permit Oct. 21 allowing a new double drive-thru Zaxby’s restaurant at 125 Perimeter Center West on the edge of the Ashford Lane shopping center.

After public hearings scheduled in November, the Dunwoody City Council will vote on a drive-thru permit, which would allow Zaxby’s to develop its next flagship location.

City staff is recommending approval of the permit with four conditions, requiring Zaxby’s adhere to existing site plans, install outdoor heaters and install crosswalks, while restricting future modification.

The site is a former PNC Bank, which city staff says has been out of operation for around two years. The application does not require a rezoning because office-commercial-residential (OCR) allows restaurants.

Zaxby’s is an Athens-based chain of fast casual restaurants, offering all things chicken and operating with more than 900 locations primarily in the South. Access to its proposed flagship location off Perimeter Center West is only from within the Ashford lane shopping center.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation is the latest update in a months-long process with changing building designs, an updated traffic study and some community opposition.

In May, Dunwoody Homeowner Association President Tim Brown told Planning Commission members that his board welcomed Zaxby’s plans after it addressed concerns about drive-through volume.

Based on data from a queuing study of a Zaxby’s location in Brookhaven, the applicant increased the capacity of the double drive-thru lanes from 13 to 18 cars.

In July, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend deferral of a permit to give the applicant time to update a traffic study.

When the application came before the Dunwoody City Council for a public hearing in September, officials sent it back to the Planning Commission.

Dunwoody Senior Planner Madalyn Smith said staff recommended sending it back to Planning Commission because of significant changes to the building’s architecture between the July recommendation and City Council’s September public hearing.

CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED

A rendering shows updated building designs for a new Zaxby’s near Ashford Lane at 125 Perimeter Center West. The Dunwoody Planning Commission voted unanimously Oct. 21 to recommend approval of a permit required for double drive-thru facilities at the fastfood chain’s next flagship location.

“The design has essentially reverted to what it was previously,” Smith told Planning Commissioners at the October meeting.

A spokesperson apologized on behalf of Zaxby’s for the “horrible” change in the renderings, stating the restaurant is going to be one of the chain’s flagship locations with outdoor seats and sidewalk connections to abutting properties.

One aspect of construction involves “an expensive sewer relocation,” but the spokesperson said she thinks collaboration with the city and residents has led to a better project.

Two years ago, the city amended its code to require all new drive-throughs to obtain a special land use permit, allowing proper review of potential negative impacts.

Staff cited long lines that block traffic and pedestrians, the abundance of asphalt and incompatibility with planning documents calling for greenspace and walkability.

Sustainability Committee member and attorney Anne Hicks and a few surrounding residents are opposed to the drive-thru because of its impact on traffic, the environment and loss of parking spaces at Ashford Lane.

“The stream of traffic circling through this area will threaten the safety of folks trying to safely reach their vehicles and contradicts what the city is trying to achieve with a more walkable, welcoming community,” Hicks wrote to city leaders in May. “Surely we can do better in attracting healthier, more eco-friendly options for those sites.”

Crier readers lend hands contributing road history

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

In 1997, Dunwoody Crier Past Tense author Jim Perkins asked readers for help with the origin of road names. A list of road names published in the newspaper resulted in new information.

Bernadette Bondell wrote in with the history of Auden Trail and Spender Trace. She said these streets were named for poets W. H. Auden and Stephen Spender. Bondell was living on another road at the time but had previously lived on Auden Trail.

Katherine Kilgore shared the source of the name Kellogg Springs Drive. The Kellogg family lived on the land before North Springs subdivision was built. A spring on the property was filled in to prepare for construction.

Since that time, I discovered Forrest and Allie Kellogg moved to Dunwoody from Wisconsin. The entire family were active members of the community. Their daughter Dorothy won six first prizes for canning at the Southeastern Fair in 1928. Canning was a part of vocational and home economics training at Chamblee High School, which Dorothy attended.

The street named Shadow Bend was named for a horse called Shadow. Shadow belonged to Roy and Anna Head who lived along Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Their land is now the location of the Buckline Crossing and Boxwood neighborhoods. Jane Mobley shared this history with Perkins.

Luray Drive, Front Royal Court and Strasburg Court, three streets that are

located off Peeler Road, are all towns in northwestern Virginia. Karen LaBar reported the source of these names.

Bunky Way, located in the Mill Glen neighborhood, was named by developer R. W. Tills. Bunky Wilder was a farming contractor who previously lived at the northwest corner of Chateau Drive and Chamblee Dunwoody Road. This information was contributed to Perkins by Malcolm Powell.

Powell also shared that Martina Way and Martina Drive were named for the previous owner of the land, Martina Doster.

After several years of research and asking local citizens, Jim Perkins uncovered the origin of the name Vanderlyn, as in Vanderlyn Drive and Vanderlyn Elementary School. Bruce Newman suggested that Jim talk to Moe Wammock, who had worked with Newman in the early development of the community. Wammock told Jim Perkins the name came from a street in Boston, Massachusetts.

There are street names for which Perkins never received community input. Those streets include Aurora Court, Mockwell Court, Northwold Drive, Weldstone Court, Sandell Drive, Saffron Drive, Mary Briggs Court, and Cherring Drive.

If you know the source and history of any of these names or are curious about another local road name, please write to me at pasttensega@ gmail.com.

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.

Homeowners Association pitches itself to younger generations

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody Homeowners Association has never really been just a homeowners association, and its leadership is focusing on a revamp to attract the next generation of community leaders.

Homeowners associations are often legally mandated organizations that enforce rules and collect fees to maintain shared neighborhood spaces, while civic associations are voluntary groups focused on community events and advocacy.

President Tim Brown, who took over in February after Bob Fiscella’s four years at the helm, is leading a revamp. Brown said the Dunwoody Homeowners Association is more of a citywide civic association than a HOA.

“Dunwoody has evolved and continues to evolve, both as a city, and with the people who choose to call Dunwoody home,” Brown told Appen Media. “The DHA is a multi-faceted organization that is not an advocate for just one cause. We, for example, have the ability to affect planning and zoning issues probably better than any other organization in existence.”

The DHA hosted a City Council Candidate Forum Oct. 22 at Stage Door Theatre just a couple of days after sponsoring the Sounds of Dunwoody festival within the Village.

With more City Hall advocacy and communication via social media, Brown said little will change with the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, though he’s hoping for some new faces.

The Dunwoody Homeowners Association rolled a new logo earlier this year as a part of its post-pandemic revamp and efforts to attract new members. President Tim Brown discussed what the DHA has done well in its 50-year history and what it looks to continue doing throughout Dunwoody.

DHA advocacy goes back

The Dunwoody Homeowners Association has been around since 1970, serving as a de facto local government in northern DeKalb County. Many of the city’s elected officials first got involved with the community through the DHA.

The Dunwoody Homeowners Association played a significant role in lobbying the state of Georgia to

allow residents the right to their own government before incorporation in 2008.

Dunwoody’s inaugural Mayor Ken Wright was president of the DHA from 2003-05 during the push for cityhood.

Longtime residents and former elected officials all say the same thing: Dunwoody became a city because of residents’ desire to have a say in zoning, taxes and policing.

The community was already established with schools, churches and local landmarks, but many of the decisions about development were being made by the DeKalb County Commission.

A wave of more than 2,300 apartments in the 1990s and intensifying zoning battles led the grassroots creation of Wright’s “Citizens for Dunwoody,” which morphed into “Dunwoody Yes.”

When the Dunwoody City Council honored Wright and his family in April before their move out of the city, it symbolized a changing of the guard.

The bread and butter

Brown said he thinks that members were largely responsible for some recent planning and zoning decisions made by the City Council this year, including the denial of a rezoning request for agerestricted, affordable housing.

“We have been very vocal where the new Comprehensive Plan is concerned,” Brown said. “But we are also participating in other community events such as the Sounds of Dunwoody.”

See DHA, Page 10

DUNWOODY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION/PROVIDED

Connect-It

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, with 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!

LIVING QUARTERS

1. Moonfish. Kind of shark. Earth covered Navajo lodge.

2. Beach sight. Rustic digs. Wanderer.

3. Hyphenated snow house. Facts and figures. Collar type.

4. Rot. Domed residence. Worn out mentality.

5. Martini addiction. Sound rebound. Parson’s home.

6. “Beowulf”, e.g. Swiss mountain dwelling. Beer buy.

7. Barber’s supply. One of many residential units. Sheep-like.

1 Moonfish. Kind of shark. Earth covered Navajo lodge

2. Beach sight. Rustic digs. Wanderer

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. Hyphenated snow house. Facts and figures. Collar type

4. Rot. Domed residence. Worn out mentally

5. Martini addition. Sound rebound. Parson’s home

6. “Beowulf,” e.g. Swiss mountain dwelling. Beer buy

7. Barber’s supply. One of many residential units. Sheep-like.

Free ‘Crush the Scale’ event to celebrate body kindness

ATLANTA — The Eating Disorder Information Network (EDIN) and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP) invite the community to come together for a joyful, empowering and free fall celebration: ‘Crush the Scale: Unweigh Yourself — A Celebration of Body Kindness.’

This unique event encourages participants to literally smash diet culture and redefine what it means to care for themselves and others. The gathering will feature a ‘scale-smashing’ activity, creative art stations, music, snacks and opportunities to connect with local organizations dedicated to mental health, body acceptance and eating disorder recovery.

The event will be Sunday, Nov. 2, 199 Armour Drive NE, Unit E, Atlanta, GA 30324. It is free and open to all ages. Online RSVP is optional but encouraged at crushthescale.eventbrite.com.

“Crush the Scale is about reclaiming joy and rejecting the

shame that diet culture promotes,” said Chandler Appen, EDIN copresident. “We want everyone to walk away feeling lighter, not because of a number on a scale, but because they’ve let go of something that no longer serves them.”

Whether you are navigating your own healing journey or showing up in solidarity, this event offers a welcoming space to practice body kindness, engage in creative expression and find community connection.

Come cozy, come curious, and come ready to celebrate yourself, exactly as you are. Together, the group will break what’s broken and build something beautiful.\

The Eating Disorder Information Network (EDIN) is a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, dedicated to preventing eating disorders through education, outreach, and support. Learn more at edinatl.org.

— Carl Appen

FOR THE

TREATS FOR THE TROOPS TREATS

TROOPS

Once again, trick-or-treaters are invited to bring their excess candy to Dentistry with a Difference “Drop Off” November 3-11 Doctors Nordone and Oh will donate all to our service men and women. The candy must be unopened – no bites!

Dentistry with a Albert P. Nordone, D.D.S. Hannah Oh, D.D.S. 5548 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. Dunwoody, GA 30338 770-393-9450

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DeKalb County Schools can’t return to business as usual

Intuition is a funny thing. I knew Superintendent Devon Horton wouldn’t have the job long after the board announced him as a finalist. He simply came with too many questions and too much baggage, allegations of behavior that seemed destined to catch up with him.

But nearly two years into his tenure, I began to question my intuition. For the first time in what felt like forever, things seemed to be getting better in DeKalb County Schools. Graduation rates were increasing and the school board was receiving recognition for not being a dysfunctional mess like its predecessors.

Then it all came to a grinding halt on Oct. 9, when we heard that Horton had been indicted on allegations that he participated in a kickback scheme at his previous job. The board swiftly placed him on paid administrative leave and named Norman Sauce as acting superintendent, making him the district’s seventh superintendent since 2013.

I’ve already opined that the board should’ve fired Horton. The board accepted his resignation on Oct. 15. That the board wavered on letting him go is a symptom of the larger issues that have dogged the school district. Too often, it has been a silly board run by silly people. While board members always talk a big game about being here for the

students, we’ve had board members who were equally concerned with themselves and their egos.

It says something that the current board is probably the best we’ve had in a decade and they gave Horton a contract extension through 2028. I have no evidence that they knew that Horton’s indictment was imminent. Some members have assured me they did not know. Regardless, that decision has blown up in their faces.

Some of those same board members were here when the district hired Horton in 2023. Allegations of unethical behavior were known at the time. The school board hired him anyway, in part because that board was so jacked up that they couldn’t do any better. One board member routinely stripped the bark off superintendents, employees and sometimes fellow board members during public meetings. The board before that one abruptly fired the previous superintendent, Cheryl Watson-Harris, for reasons that to this day aren’t entirely clear. No one worth anything wanted to come work for a district as dysfunctional as ours.

We were in a vulnerable spot in 2023 and we’re in a vulnerable spot today. However, there is a silver lining. While this might be a surprise to some, we actually do have a board that’s better than the one that hired Horton and capable of making good decisions.

However, it will require pressure from our state legislators and our community. If left to its own devices, the board will follow the same flawed processes previous boards followed for years—the ones that got us seven

Opinions

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superintendents in 12 years. How’s that working out for us?

What’s needed is bold action, including structural reforms of the board and the school system itself. It requires the current board's commitment to hiring someone who will fix the district’s internal processes while holding accountable central office employees who want to maintain the status quo.

More importantly, for readers who are hopping mad right now, it’s going to require money — probably more than we’re used to paying — to attract the caliber of superintendent needed to fix our current mess. That’s unfortunate, but it has to be done.

Hiring a traditional superintendent, managed by part-time school board members who make $25,000 a year, isn’t going to fix this.

In the coming weeks, I will

publish editorials suggesting ways our legislative delegation could reshape the school board to make it more accountable and effective. I will also propose steps the current board should consider taking to avoid similar situations in the future.

These proposals won’t be business as usual, or anything resembling it. We are beyond that. We need to get off this merry-go-round of nonsense. Our school board and legislative delegation need to pump the brakes. Other DeKalb County leaders, including city and county officials as well as the business community, need to apply pressure to ensure that happens.

As a community, we must hold our school system to a higher standard. Schools are the lifeblood of DeKalb County, and we let them deteriorate at our peril.

Mediocrity and being better than we used to be isn’t going to cut it anymore. We pay way too much in property taxes to get the kind of services we’re getting from our school district. We deserve and should demand the best. Voters should hold any elected official who disagrees with that accountable in the next election.

DAN WHISENHUNT Editor, Decaturish Ink dan@appenmedia.com

DHA:

Continued from Page 5

The revamp of the DHA is two-pronged. Leadership is looking to re-enter the local land-use conversation while finding new members to carry on and expand its established community traditions.

“A lot of people do not know that the DHA puts on the 4th of July Parade, this is the type of thing we have excelled at for 50 years,” Brown said. “If you are a longtime resident, or if you are a newer resident who wants the best for Dunwoody today ... and 10 years from now ... you should be a member of the DHA.”

Another one of the DHA’s signature events is Light Up Dunwoody, set for Donaldson-Bannister Farm at 4831 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Nov. 16 from 2 to 6 p.m.

“This year we are partnering with Dunwoody Preservation Trust, a partnership

Forum:

Continued from Page 1

The first question of the forum asked candidates to consider what the City Council has done well since Dunwoody’s incorporation in 2008 and what still needs to be addressed.

City Councilman Tom Lambert, a two-term incumbent in east Dunwoody’s Post 3 seat, is running for reelection against challenger Wendi Taylor, an engineer and first-time candidate for public office.

Lambert said he thinks the City Council has done a good job, citing continued low property taxes with increased services, public safety funding and the buildout of parks, during his eight years in office.

“So 15 years, we’re kind of beyond

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

I am personally excited about reigniting,” Brown said. “The face of Light Up Dunwoody is Jimmy Economos, who along with his wife Leah, are an integral part of several DHA events.”

Like Penny Forman and Matt Weber’s work on the 4th of July Parade or Su Ellis and the Farmers Market, Brown said the Economos family pours their heart and soul into the showcase.

“We are also grateful for the efforts of Mayor Deutsch for assisting us in making this year's version of Light Up Dunwoody a reality and hopefully a huge success,” he said.

Brown makes post-pandemic changes

The Dunwoody Homeowners Association estimates there are around 10,500 homesteads within the city.

Brown said dozens of new members are needed to fill some looming gaps on the organization’s Board of Directors, learn about how to organize its community

the toddler phase and started to kind of walk on our own and take big steps as a city,” Lambert said. “I think we’ve been very responsive to our residents. My priority always starts with what the residents want.”

Taylor said she thinks the city is requiring unreasonable sacrifices from current residents and businesses. She said she opposes 12-foot-wide concrete paths, how the city handles stormwater management and the City Council’s budgeting.

“Initially, we had very specific goals, and we had a very, very good City Council who paid attention,” Taylor said. “I think our priority has been misguided. In recent years, we have not been focused on a lot of the basics that really need to be handled.”

City Councilman Rob Price is running for his second term in central Dunwoody’s Post 2 seat against David

The City of Dunwoody Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council of Chambers of Dunwoody City Hall, located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338, for the purpose of due process of the following:

ZBA 25-18, 1945 Chartridge Court, Dunwoody, GA, 30338: Two variances: one from Sec. 27-58 to allow a porch to encroach into the rear setback and one from Sec. 27-58 to exceed the maximum lot coverage to allow construction of a porch.

ZBA 25-19, 1336 Manget Way, Dunwoody, GA, 30338: Two variances: one from Sec. 27-58 to exceed the maximum lot coverage to allow construction of a pickleball court and one from Sec. 27-269 to allow retaining walls to encroach into the rear setback.

Should you have any questions or comments, or would like to view the application and supporting materials, please contact the City of Dunwoody Community Development Department at 678-382-6800. Members of the public are encouraged to call or schedule a meeting with the staff in advance of the Public Hearing if they have questions or are unfamiliar with the process. The staff is available to answer questions, discuss the decision-making process, and receive comments and concerns.

events and take the DHA into the next decade.

Specifically, Brown said younger members are needed.

Meanwhile, the frozen state of the national housing market is not providing the DHA with an abundance of new residents and prospective young families.

Before Brown took over as president, he said an issue came up. Brown, a former Dunwoody homeowner, is currently renting a single-family residence in the city.

“We realized there were a lot of people in town who would like to be a member and more important, be an active member, and could not,” Brown said. “We elected to make a change in the bylaws to accommodate people who had maybe downsized or moved to town and chose renting a home rather than buying one.”

Brown said he thinks the change is for the better, opening membership opportunities to long-term renters and encouraging Dunwoodians of all backgrounds to join

Ziskind, a local business owner and first-time candidate.

Price said he thinks the city’s needs have changed over time, suggesting more funds for arts, culture and parks. He also said the city needs to anticipate change, like a potential redevelopment of the Georgetown area.

“When the city first started, we were focused on the basics,” Price said. “I think now we have finally reached the point where we are caught up, and we can start doing what I call the extras.”

Ziskind said he thinks the city has done several things well, zeroing in on police, paving and parks. He said he thinks City Council can do better with financial stewardship, listening and long-term planning.

“What we can do better … financial stewardship,” Ziskind said. “Better job of listening, better job of long-term strategic planning and really fostering trust, listening to what people want, and being able to deliver on that.”

City Councilwoman Catherine Lautenbacher is running unopposed but came out to share her thoughts on local government with interested residents.

“I’m humbled that I will get four more years, but after that, that will be it for me,” Lautenbacher said. “I need to encourage all of you to consider running. City government is not a spectator sport. We have to all be involved … I think that what unites us is much more than what divides us.”

Just under 70 residents sat for the roughly hour-long candidate forum at the city’s Cultural Arts Center off Chamblee Dunwoody Road.

The forum saw candidates answer a series of questions from Bob Fiscella, former president of the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, and Reporter Newspapers’ Managing Editor Cathy

the city’s chief community-based organization.

Over the past few months, Dunwoody native Zach Humphries has been criticizing the DHA, its members and history during public comment opportunities at City Hall. For an organization trying to revamp its membership after the pandemic, a vocal young man accusing them of poor behavior is not ideal.

Brown said he’s been aware of the comments.

“He has that right, but I believe his cause or the way he approaches his cause, is likely falling more and more on deaf ears,” Brown said.

Heading in 2026, the Dunwoody Homeowners Association is ready for an action-packed holiday season and looking for more neighbors to get involved.

An updated website is in the works. Meanwhile, visit dunwoodyga.org/.

The DHA also posts regularly on Instagram and Facebook.

Cobbs.

Dunwoody elections are held every four years and staggered, meaning only half of the City Council seats come up for vote each cycle.

Because the Post 1, 2 and 3 are local seats, only citizens from within the district the council member will be representing can cast a vote.

The Post 4, 5 and 6 seats are voted on by all residents but are not up for reelection until 2027.

Several local elected officials who are not up for reelection attended the forum, including Mayor Lynn Deutsch, City Councilman Joe Seconder, DeKalb County School Board member Andrew Ziffer and former Mayor Denis Shortal. Jimmy Economos, a DHA member and organizer of Light Up Dunwoody, helped with technical production of the candidate forum, which was livestreamed.

Economos, who is more involved in the community than at City Hall, said he thinks all the candidates have very different ideas.

“I feel like that bond referendum just keeps coming up,” Economos said. “It seems like that was a sore spot or a spot of contention.”

Dunwoody’s last election in 2023 saw two incumbents run unopposed and another two sitting members reelected. However, the surprise of the night was the resounding defeat of a $60 million bond referendum, which would have funded the construction of parks and trails in the city.

“Some are running for it, and some are running against it,” Economos said. “I think it has a lot of political weight.”

Readers can find the Crier’s questionnaires from the candidates at appenmedia.com/Dunwoody. Election day is Nov. 4 and the early voting period has already begun.

Chamber:

The city has implemented some strategies like establishing a land trust, re-allowing missing middle housing, adopting an inclusionary housing ordinance and working with developers.

“For the first time, we have given some tax breaks for a particular development just to make the numbers work, and we think it will certainly be beneficial to the residents over time,” Garrett said. “But we are hampered some just simply by the lack of available land.”

In 2023, the Decatur City Commission amended the unified development ordinance to re-allow duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes in single-family zoning areas.

for city goals, like a connection to the Peachtree Creek Greenway.

“Nationally, housing is an issue. Regionally, housing is an issue, and what we’re finding is people want to have a quality of life,” Mayor Pro Tem John Funny said. “People want to age in place, but what’s going on within our cities is we have that missing middle.”

He added that developers need to make sure their numbers and financing work out; otherwise, they won’t build.

“As a city, we’ve been able to implement some policies where we actually partner with the developer to help them with their pro forma,” Funny said.

“For example, on Buford Highway, we acquired 3 acres, so when it comes to development, the developer can immediately take that land cost off of their pro forma, which makes the delta smaller.”

housing panel. Lithonia Mayor Shameka Reynolds said the city’s housing challenge is shaped by a lack of available land, aging infrastructure and a desire to preserve historic properties.

“We have a historic identity, while larger cities may focus on a large scale of redevelopment, our approach centers on strategic infill context, sensitive design, and preventing displacement of our long-time residents,” Reynolds said. “Our primary housing goal right now is to maintain the fabric of our close-knit community while creating new housing options that are attainable.”

Clarkston Mayor Beverly Burks, Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch and Doraville Mayor Joseph Geierman followed the housing panel with a discussion about economic development and what makes their communities unique.

commercial, and retail in Doraville.

Geierman said the city council has been working to align the city’s zoning code with its comprehensive plan.

“If you were looking to develop multi-family housing or a particular type of housing development, like we heard about before, you can look at our zoning map and know exactly what we have zoned is what we want to see there,” Geierman said.

Deutsch mentioned that Dunwoody is at the top end of I-285 and Ga. 400. The city has a large commercial area, as well as a lot of office space and a regional mall.

“There was a lot of angst and hand-wringing when you did that, but I checked the numbers just about a month ago, and we have had three that have been built, and we have four more in permitting,” Garrett said. “It is not an onslaught of many multi-family units being built in a single neighborhood, and they already exist in our neighborhoods. We were just re-allowing those things.”

He said helping developers can’t be a handout; they need to provide something that benefits the community.

Doraville is at the intersection of I-85 and I-285 and is home to a portion of Buford Highway, Geierman said.

“We’re at kind of an intersection of a lot of different ways to connect Metro Atlanta,” Geierman said. “I think, just from a location perspective, one of the best locations you could find anywhere, just in terms of being able to access it from MARTA, access it from Buford Highway, access it from the freeway.”

“We just approved the conversion of two office buildings at 64 and 66 Premier Center East,” Deutsch said. “One will be a 55-plus apartment complex. Continued from Page 1

The city of Brookhaven is also working to attract developers and advocate

Third and Urban is converting a 32acre office park into the largest mixeduse development Brookhaven has seen since 2010. According to Rough Draft Atlanta, the project, Corporate Square, is just off Buford Highway along Interstate 85 and along the Peachtree Creek Greenway.

The city of Lithonia was the smallest of the ones represented on the

Businesses, customers, and employees would be able to access them easily. There’s also a mix of industrial,

“We also have some smaller commercial areas in the rest of Dunwoody. But if you were to look overhead at Dunwoody, there is a really clear divide where our neighborhoods are and our commercial area is,” Deutsch said. “We landed the largest Metro Atlanta state economic development project with Trinet, which we announced earlier this year. It’s 750 new jobs coming to Dunwoody and DeKalb County.”

She added that vacant office space has been a challenge for the city, but things are changing.

See CHAMBER, Page 12

Donald William Weber, 89, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, passed away peacefully in his home on October 5, 2025 after celebrating his 89th birthday with family and friends. Born on October 4, 1936, in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, Don lived a full and remarkable life defined by his generosity, integrity, and kindness. He graduated from Bellevue High School in Butler, PA, before proudly serving his country in the United States Army, where he was trained as a helicopter mechanic. Following his military service, Don attended Duquesne University and graduated in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Don began his professional journey at Arthur Andersen before joining Continental Telephone Company, later known as Contel. Through hard work, vision, and strong leadership, Don rose through the ranks, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. In 1987, he was appointed President/CEO of Contel, guiding the company through a period of significant growth and innovation before the company was acquired by GTE. After retiring from Contel, Don’s entrepreneurial spirit was awakened and continued to shine. He founded Viewstar Entertainment Services, which brought DIRECTV to eight counties across North Georgia. Beyond his business accomplishments, Don remained deeply involved in his community and industry, serving on the boards of the Atlanta Auditory Association, Matria Healthcare, ITC Holding Company, Powertel, and

In Memoriam

Chamber:

Continued from Page 11

Headhunter.net. Don was preceded in death by the love of his life, Rose Mary Gaugler Weber, whom he married in April of 1964. Together they shared 55 blissful years of marriage filled with laughter, devotion, and unwavering partnership. He was also preceded in death by his father, James Weber, his mother, Hazel Frederick Weber, and his brother George Weber. Don is survived by his children, Jennifer Weber Major (Chuck) of Alpharetta, GA; Steven Weber (Susan) of Dunwoody, GA; and Christopher Weber (Gale) of Atlanta, GA. He was the proud “Pop Pop” of Allison Nicole and Joshua Scott Major, Anna Elizabeth and Ryan Sheppard Weber, and Charlotte Rose and Gavin Martin Weber. His family was the joy of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Don will be remembered not only for his remarkable professional achievements but also for his sharp intellect, thoughtfulness, and steadfast love for family and friends. His life was a testament to hard work, perseverance, and ability of making connections that matter. He was genuinely interested in others and made everyone feel seen, valued, and appreciated. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at All Saints Catholic Church in Dunwoody, GA, with a luncheon to follow at Dunwoody Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of Don’s favorite charities, Lekotek of Georgia, 1901 Montreal Rd., Tucker, GA 30084, which helps children with disabilities. Donald

Newspaper

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The other is scheduled to be condos with townhomes. It has two parking Decks. It has a lot of excess parking, and there’ll be townhomes built on that excess parking.”

The city of Clarkston is also off of I-285, just south of Dunwoody and Doraville. The city’s industrial area is located off the interstate exit. Clarkston is another small city, at just under two square miles.

“But that makes us unique in terms of, I like to call our indie businesses, in terms of customization, boutique-type businesses,” Burks said. “We’re doing a lot of things in terms of that transformation and our envisioning for [downtown].”

Clarkston has also adjusted the software to make it easier for business owners to use, and they are working with DeKalb County to ensure a smooth transition “between a municipality business working alongside DeKalb County.”

“We’re very unique in terms of our small businesses, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have the space, even though we’re 1.8 square miles, to grow,” Burks said. “We are growing.”

Tune-Up Projects

Kitchen Tune-Up

Paint Cabinets

New Countertops, Sink & Faucet

New Backsplash

Cut Down 2-level

Island

Bathroom Tune-Up

New Countertops, Sink & Faucet

Enlarge Shower

Shower Glass

Shower Safety Full Remodel

Kitchen Remodel

Total Cabinet Replacement

Large Island

Optimize Cabinet / Appliance Locations

Open Concept –Move Walls

9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat

Showroom – Design Center 10591 Old Alabama Rd. Connector Alpharetta, GA

Projects

Bathroom Remodel

New Larger Shower

Vanity Replacement –Cabs, Counter, Sink

Free Standing Tub

Floor Tile, Wall Tile

Plumbing Fixtures

Part-time

Truck Driver

Bilingual (English / Spanish) Donor Operations Supervisor

ESL Contractor Instructor (Evening)

Bilingual (English / Spanish) Donor Operations Supervisor

The Bilingual (English / Spanish) Donor Operations Supervisor (Full-time) manages the donation door process and delegates tasks to staff, volunteers, and community service workers. As the face of NFCC, they provide excellent customer service while greeting donors and ensuring donations are properly removed from vehicles and sorted in designated areas. They are responsible for maintaining the security of merchandise and keeping all areas clean and organized.

NFCC is seeking a Truck Driver (Donor Operations Services Associate II) to join our Facilities team. Our Truck Driver collects scheduled donations from businesses, residential locations, and special events while serving as a key point of contact for donors to coordinate pickup appointments. As the face of NFCC during donor interactions, this role requires maintaining a professional and a welcoming presence that reflects the organization’s values. Additionally, this position contributes to facility maintenance operations as needed.

The Truck Driver works Monday through Friday 9am – 2pm and periodically on Saturdays or Sundays for special events.

If you have 1-2 years of Box Truck delivery experience, maintain a valid Ga Driver’s License free of any traffic violations for the past 3 years and enjoy providing excellent customer service, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org

The Supervisor must be able to lift up to 75lb frequently and be on their feet most of their shift. They must enjoy staying busy, training and influencing others to work as a team in a professional manner. Must have the ability to work Tuesday through Saturday 9am – 5pm. An extraordinary Total Rewards Package is included with this opportunity! If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org

NFCC is seeking an Evening ESL Contractor Instructor to teach English classes through our Adult Education program, serving students throughout North Fulton and surrounding counties. Our ESL Program runs three sessions annually, with comprehensive lessons covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, along with regular assessments to track student progress.

We’re looking for an instructor who is available to teach evening classes. The ideal candidate will be committed to maintaining strong enrollment of at least ten students per class and who can create an engaging learning environment that supports adult learners in achieving their English language goals.

If you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in TESL, TESOL, English with a TESL certificate, linguistics or applied linguistics with a TESL certificate, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org

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