Medley contractors at work on Johns Creek’s ‘third place’
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Medley is making its mark on Johns Creek, repurposing an old corporate campus to create a destination.
Medley is a $560 million mixed-use project within a 42-acre triangle within McGinnis Ferry Road, Lakefield Drive and Johns Creek Parkway. It’s set to feature 200,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment; 110,000 square
feet of Class A office space; 150 owner-occupied townhomes; a 175-key boutique hotel and 750 luxury apartments.
After groundbreaking this January, a tentative grand opening is set for Oct. 29, 2026. Medley is part of a larger 192-acre Town Center masterplan, which is set to include City Hall, public parks and pathways on both sides of Johns Creek Parkway.
See MEDLEY, Page 20
County residents unite to nix property tax hike
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — Residents from all corners of Fulton County cheered one another during a 10 a.m. public hearing July 9, urging the Board of Commissioners to keep the property tax rate flat.
At the first of three public hearings to set the millage rate on property this year, county leaders heard from more than 50 residents, all opposed to an increase.
While the rate won’t be adopted until the final public hearing Aug. 6, the Board of Commissioners voted 4-3 June 18 to allow for a 1 mill increase in the levy. If adopted, the 1- mill increase would raise an additional $79 million in property tax revenue and represent more than a 12 percent tax increase over the current mill rate of 8.87 mills.
One mill represents a tax liability of $1 per $1,000 of assessed value on property.
Speaking at the July 9 public hearing, Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry said it’s time for Fulton County to “tighten up” and asked the board to not raise the millage rate.
Creek Mayor John
Fulton County Board of Commissioners July 9 during the first public hearing on the county’s property tax rate. Bradberry said many North Fulton cities keep their tax rates flat, which should be the county-wide standard.
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA Johns
Bradberry lobs criticism at the
See FULTON, Page 23
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Hoar Construction Senior Superintendent Brian Keaton and Toro Development Company Partner John Kelley stand in front of the heart of Medley, a 43-acre mixed-use destination in Johns Creek.
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Wallet reported stolen from backpack at gym
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek man reported his wallet had been stolen from a locker at a gym on Johns Creek Parkway June 29.
The man told police that he placed his wallet inside his backpack and put the items into the family section lockers. Around 8 p.m. he returned to his locker to retrieve his belongings.
When he got home, he noticed his wallet had been removed from his backpack. The man reported his Georgia driver’s license, student ID, gym card and $287 in cash missing.
The man said that he contacted the gym for camera footage but had not been successful.
— Sarah Coyne
Large amounts of tequila stolen from liquor store
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police responded to a burglary at a liquor store on Jones Bridge Road June 30.
Upon arrival, police found no suspects located inside the business. The case was handed over to detectives and crime scene investigators.
Detectives found one glass door shattered and a cash register open and emptied. The owner’s brother arrived on scene and said a large amount of tequila had been stolen, but no cash was inside the register that night.
After further investigation, detectives found that at approximately 3:12 a.m. a black Infinity arrived at the location. In camera footage, detectives observed five males enter the location.
The men left three minutes later.
The investigation is ongoing.
— Sarah Coyne
Vehicle reported stolen from Townly Court home
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 58-year-old Alpharetta man reported his car stolen from his home June 26.
Alpharetta police said they were dispatched to the man’s Townly Court home about 8:30 a.m.
The man said he last saw his vehicle about 9:30 p.m. June 25 when his wife came home. He noticed it was missing about 6 a.m. the next morning.
He said the keys had been left in the car, a black Lexus with scratches on the driver’s door and front bumper.
A neighbor told officers they had video of a suspicious person pulling door handles and looking through windows about 2 a.m. June 26. Flock security cameras recorded the car at Haynes Bridge Road and Westside Parkway about 2:20 a.m.
The vehicle was tracked to Dallas, Ga. at 6 a.m.
The incident was classified as a felony theft of a motor vehicle.
— Jon Wilcox
Sandy Springs couple arrested in traffic stop
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police arrested a couple living in Sandy Springs July 7 after a traffic stop along Holcomb Bridge Road (Ga. 140) turned up controlled substances and a firearm in their vehicle.
An officer said he noticed a black Dodge SUV with a temporary tag indicating the registered owner, a 37-year-old Sandy Springs woman, had two active warrants. He said one warrant was out of Gwinnett County for failure to appear in March for
prostitution and trespassing charges, the other out of Atlanta in February for theft by taking.
The officer said he initiated a traffic stop at Warsaw Road and Sway Branch Drive after confirming a female matching the registered owner’s description was sitting in the passenger seat.
While speaking with the vehicle occupants, the officer said he noticed the odor of marijuana. He also said the 43-year-old male driver displayed physical signs of nervousness like sweating and body tremors.
While reviewing the driver’s criminal history, the officer said he had an expired driver’s license and an extradition warrant out of Ohio. Because of an extradition limit, the officer said no action was taken.
After backup units arrived, the officer said they arrested the Sandy Springs woman on the outstanding warrants.
The officer’s report omitted details about the woman’s active warrants from neighboring jurisdictions.
The officer said he spoke with the driver, who allegedly admitted there was marijuana and methamphetamine inside the vehicle. A search turned up around 7 grams of meth, less than ounce of marijuana, a Winchester-branded shotgun registered to the driver and multiple marijuana vapes, or electronic cigarettes.
The officer said the driver was transported to police headquarters, then to Fulton County Jail. His charges include possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana and expired license. According to records as of July 8, he remains in jail.
The woman was transported to the Gwinnett County Jail, where she remains as of July 8.
— Hayden Sumlin
How can I get involved with community groups?
You may have noticed a certain tab on Appen Media’s website titled “Ask a Question.” At Appen, community engagement is essential, and we want to answer your questions. Here are a few recent inquiries we can answer for you.
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Community engagement is an essential part of Appen Media’s newsroom strategy.
That’s why reporters for the Herald and Crier newspapers seek out all sorts of reader questions. Sometimes those inquiries don’t lead to standalone stories because of time restraints or, more
simply, the answers can be short. Here is a question Appen has received and the answers your reporter has dug up:
I want to get involved in a local grassroots organizations in Roswell. Do you know of any or where I can find something about them?
In the past six months, two local grassroots organizations have popped up. The groups are made up of ordinary citizens advocating for government transparency.
Roswell Women Rising, founded in February by Lyndsey Coates, Lia Bertelson and Anne Smith, consists of local women working to create a strong, inclusive community through civil en-
Have a question?
Send your story tips and ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com. Ask questions about the community at appenmedia.com/ask and we’ll do our best to find the answer.
gagement, advocacy and connection.
The group has grown to just under 450 women. The women gather monthly at a member’s house to listen to a speaker and support a charity. A weekly coffee meetup also takes place for women to connect.
Coates hopes that her work with the
group can show women to pay attention to municipal politics.
“It’s a safe space for us to come together, build community from the inside out,” Coates said.
Another resident, Jennifer Donlon, founded Roswell Empowered. The organization has grown to over 150 members since its creation in early May.
The group aims to give representation to members of the community who need to be heard. Donlon plans to eventually transform her group into a nonprofit.
“You’re only as strong as your weakest member,” Donlon said.
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Officials throw light on tax assessments
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne hosted a two-hour virtual town hall July 8 discussing property assessments and the 45-day appeal window ending Aug. 1.
County staff read off some comments from town hall attendees, while others had an opportunity to ask an appraisal manager a question.
One resident said that one to make to the process easier would be to eliminate property taxes, especially if a home is paid off.
“That would great,” Thorne said, after county staff passed on addressing the comment. “I’m not sure if it’s possible, but that would be great.”
Because the Georgia General Assembly needs to adopt laws to create property tax exemptions, including school-based ones for seniors found in surrounding counties, the Fulton County government is unable to make immediate changes.
James Whitman, deputy chief appraiser with the Fulton County Tax Assessor’s Office, said there is an important difference between a property’s assessed value, which is 40 percent of its fair market value, and a property’s taxable value.
“Sometimes there’s a little bit of confusion because people hear that their value can increase more than 3 percent year after year,” Whiteman said. “Regardless of how high the fair market value increases and subsequently the 40 percent [assessed] value … the actual value that you used to calculate your tax bill is capped to that 3 percent and that’s the mechanism whereby taxpayers are protected from spikes in the fair market value of their property.”
The state’s new floating homestead exemption caps the year-over-year increase in the taxable value at the annual rate of inflation, typically tied to the Consumer Price Index. It means homeowners with a homestead exemption will pay taxes on the original base year value of their property, the year before they qualified, plus the
capped annual inflationary increase.
Homeowners and commercial property owners can appeal if they think their valuation is inaccurate, tax-exempt or if they missed exemptions.
Fulton County has a homestead freeze for seniors over the age of 65 with a household income below $39,000, which applies to county operations and bond debt.
One town hall attendee was thrilled to learn that she and her husband qualify, even though one is below the age of 65. There is another full-value exemption for seniors over the age of 70 with income below what they receive from Social Security.
Regarding a potential millage rate increase the county is considering, Thorne said she thinks it will create a compounding effect on residents’ pocketbooks, whether they own property or not.
Thorne has come out against raising the county’s property tax rate.
She said she is excited about senior tax exemptions for Fulton County Schools on ballots this November.
If passed by voters, seniors aged 65-69 will qualify for a 25 percent exemption from school-based property taxes, while residents ages 70 and older will qualify for a 50 percent exemption.
Most of the questions during the town hall related to specific valuations of homes in North Fulton cities.
Some homeowners said recent sales in their neighborhoods have been “flips,” which involves buying a property, renovating it and then selling it for a profit. Because homes in their neighborhood sell for higher prices, the valuation of their property has jumped.
Others told county officials that they take issue with the appraisal methodology and the lack of available information related to appeals. A Johns Creek woman described her crumbling 1950s brick ranch doubling in value year-over-year and said there must have been a mistake.
See THORNE, Page 21
Key dates in Fulton County’s property assessment and appeals process:
• Jan. 1: Deadline for property valuations
• April 1: First deadline to apply for a homestead exemption
• June 17: Annual assessments are mailed, starting a 45-day appeal window
• July 1: Deadline for mailing annual assessment notices
• Aug. 1: Deadline for 2025 property value appeals (and homestead exemption applications)
• Sept. 1: Deadline to submit annual digest
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Northern Ridge District welcomes May Eagle Scouts
ALPHARETTA, Ga.— The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District (cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton) is proud to announce a new round of Eagle Scouts who completed their Eagle Board of Review May 22 at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.
Top row, left to right:
Samuel Hadjiconstantinitis, of Troop 51, sponsored by American Legion Post 20. His project was the design and construction of an outdoor firewood storage shed, 2 benches, and a general cleanup of the firepit/picnic area of Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.
Brody Shields, of Troop 51, sponsored by American Legion Post 201. His project was the design and construction of a rock patio with benches for the congregation of Temple Beth Tikvah.
Elias Kidd, of Troop 51, sponsored by American Legion Post 201. His project was the design and construction of two dirt berms and armoring the trail with large stones and gravel at the mountain bike trail at Big Creek Park.
Jackson Barker, of Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist
Church. His project was the design and construction of three picnic tables, three benches, and leading the cleanup of the nature trails at Milton High School.
Jay Hackett, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta First United Methodist Church. His project was the collection of books for the Friends of Alpharetta Library Program, to use for their book sales. Jay collected more than 2000 books for the book sale and more than 700 books that were not sellable but instead donated to Books for Africa to help students in Africa.
Bottom row, left to right:
Samuel Ansley, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. His project was the design and construction of two percussion shelves and a podium for the Concert Band of Pinecrest Academy.
Aryan Shetty, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. His project was the renovation of the outdoor shed at Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. Aryan scraped and repainted the double swinging doors, resetting and
replacing the wooden window/sill, replacing damaged sheets of plywood on the shed, and replacing the fascia and part of the roof from a previous truck accident.
Srikar Jujala, of Troop 1459, sponsored by St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church. His project was the design and construction of 2 benches and a fence, with a gate around the garden area at River Eves Elementary School.
Zachary Anderson, of Troop 841, sponsored by St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. His project was the design and construction of a rain barrel collection system, including stands, educational signs about rain barrel collection systems for three City of Milton Facilities.
Evan Clements, of Troop 431, sponsored by Roswell United Methodist Church. His project was the design and construction of wooden trail markers, every quarter mile for Alpharetta Parks Greenway Trail. Evan also designed and constructed a bench for the trail.
Brady Berry, of Troop 1486, sponsored by North River Baptist Church. His project was the design and construction of two picnic tables for Fellowship Christian School.
Alpharetta jail closure delayed two months
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The county jail annex in Alpharetta is continuing operation after its planned closure was postponed to September.
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office notified the City of Alpharetta June 3 that the original plan to close the North Annex Jail by July would be delayed another two months, to Sept. 1.
The decision to close the annex, which serves law enforcement agencies throughout North Fulton County, was part of a plan to address concerns about the county’s jail operations raised by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The jail, 2555 Old Milton Parkway, is owned and operated by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office to allow Alpharetta and other nearby cities, like
The North Annex can hold about 70 inmates, although it often houses as few as a dozen. Alpharetta pays $60 for each inmate at the facility but nothing for inmates sent directly to the downtown jail.
Its closure could require police officers to take inmates to the Fulton County Jail, 901 Rice St. in Atlanta. The trip to the jail can take as long as an hour, said Deanna McKay, Alpharetta Communications and Engagement manager.
“The increasing demand on officers’ time will be like when the jail was closed by the sheriff in 2020,” McKay said. “We are very actively exploring the option of opening the jail by Alpharetta staff and would seek to enter into agreements with the other north Fulton cities to provide for this service locally.”
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Johns Creek, Roswell and Milton, to house inmates.
APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO
Public safety officials in Alpharetta are exploring ways to keep the Fulton County Jail Annex operational after the Sheriff’s Office closes the facility in September.
A Performing Arts Center for Johns Creek: You decide!
Johns Creek was recently named the best city to live in the country by US News & World Report and before that by Travel and Leisure magazine. In its write-up, US News noted that while Johns Creek may not be the cheapest place to live, it offers the best value. This important distinction is one that we should take great pride in.
My goal as mayor is for Johns Creek to have the best and smallest city government possible, i.e. delivering value. To me, this means ensuring our government is as efficient, effective, accountable and
transparent as possible, while keeping taxes low without sacrificing our priorities – safety and quality of life.
I have worked to keep Johns Creek’s millage rate low. Today, we maintain the lowest millage rate of any city in Fulton County by far. This is intentional. I have always said that the government should have what it needs, but not everything it wants. By keeping our base millage rate low and putting the Performing Arts Center (PAC) referendum before the voters, residents can decide the potential value of a PAC to them and our community. Funding for the PAC is a big decision that warrants more than just a vote of the City Council.
It would be easy and certainly within our ability for the council, per the City Charter, to simply vote yes or no on the
PAC ourselves. However, at the June 26 meeting, the City Council voted to authorize a bond referendum for potentially funding a PAC. If approved, a home in Johns Creek with the median-assessed value of $550,000 would pay an additional $83 in taxes each year.
I voted to authorize the referendum because I believe that after 10 years of our city talking about building a PAC, it was time for the residents of Johns Creek to decide. Putting this important matter in the hands of the voters in a referendum is the right and fair thing to do. A referendum is in line with my goal for the Johns Creek government to remain transparent and accountable to the citizens.
This question of building a PAC deserves careful consideration. It has been studied and analyzed by professionals hired by the Legacy Center Task Force, then by the Mayor's Working Group, and finally by the full City Council and city staff. There is definitely a need and demand for this type of facility in our community. It is an important opportunity, but not without a cost.
The project cost is estimated at $60 million. Forty million dollars would come from the proposed bond (if approved by voters), with the balance funded through strategically identified city cash – without
using reserves or delaying any current projects.
My hope is that our community will have an honest and truthful discussion based on the project's merits rather than incorrect information going around online.
A few important points to keep in mind:
· Johns Creek has a AAA bond rating, which we expect to maintain if the bond is issued.
· No reserve funds would be used for the PAC. The city will maintain our current 3-months of operating reserves, robust maintenance accruals and a cash flow stabilization fund.
· No current city projects would be interrupted.
The city already owns the land for a future PAC location in Town Center.
· Reflecting good management and wise choices, the city’s position is stronger today than in 2016 when voters approved the $40 million parks bond referendum.
I have always wanted our taxes to stay as low as possible. As I have often said, the only way that I could support a tax increase is for an emergency or a demonstrated public safety need. That's why I am probably the only mayor in
See BRADBERRY, Page 21
JOHN BRADBERRY
Johns Creek Mayor
National Recreation Area to weigh Roswell projects
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is enlisting the help of the public for an environment assessment for the Roswell Gateway and Vickery Creek Unit Access Improvements from now until July 31.
In partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration and the City of Roswell, the National Park Service is evaluating proposals for two transportation projects, the Hwy. 9 Pedestrian Bridge and Hwy. 9 reversable land removal and widening adjacent to the Vickery Creek Unit in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
The two projects would require the transfer of the National Park Service managed lands for transportation use. This process will require an authorization by the National Park Service through special use permits and a federal Highway Easement Deed.
A spokesperson for the National Park Service said that both projects will have long-term adverse impact to park resources.
The mitigating actions to improve the Vickery Creek Unit Access could offset the effects of the conversion of
the National Park Service lands and resources into transportation use. The improvement to enhance accessibility to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area will help to protect cultural and natural resources and create a better connection within the unit and across Vickery Creek.
Two alternatives, along with analysis of their potential impacts will be presented in the environment assessment.
The first and preferred alternative aims to improve traffic flow, access and construct a pedestrian bridge. The alternative will convert around 2.49 acres of the National Park Service’s land to transportation use along Hwy. 9., construct a multi-use trail and pedestrian bridge over the Chattahoochee river on the eastside of Hwy. 9 and update and create new trails, footbridges and a parking lot.
The second alternative will provide no action and will not authorize any of the changes.
To learn more and submit a comment on the environment assessment, visit https://parkplanning. nps.gov/RoswellHistoricGatewayEA.
— Sarah Coyne
APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO
Cumming hair stylist finds niche in alternative looks
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Joely Simmons loves when clients see themselves in the mirror.
“When you turn them around in the chair and they see it, and they're like, ‘Oh my gosh. This is amazing,’” Simmons said. “That feels great.”
The 24-year-old Ball Ground resident has only been out of cosmetology school since February, but she has already cut a niche for herself at Salon AF, 100 Turner Road Suite C in Cumming. Her black business cards read “alternative hairstylist,” which speaks to a specialty in unique and sometimes admittedly crazy-looking haircuts and colors.
Her clients range from creatives, such as musicians, bartenders, estheticians, tattoo and other artists, to those with more conventional occupations, like nurses, accountants and Realtors.
Requests vary from a Luke Skywalker haircut with 6-inch Padawan rattail to vampire fang bangs, pixie cuts, mohawks and very long mullets. She also specializes in custom, sometimes hand painted colorings like neon shades or animal patterns like cheetah fur.
Some clients show pictures of looks they want her to capture. One person brought a picture of a moth. Another was inspired by a betta fish.
See SALON, Page 11
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Joely Simmons displays one of the tools of her trade at Salon AF in Forsyth County. Simmons has built a reputation around creating unique looks.
JOELY SIMMONS founder of Salon AF
BUSINESSPOSTS
Salon:
Continued from Page 10
Simmons admits some of the looks she creates may seem strange, but she thinks the motivation behind them are something everyone can understand.
It’s all about having your appearance reflect how you feel inside, she said.
“As lame as it's gonna sound, whether people admit it or not, most people care a lot about their hair,” Simmons said. “Even for nonalternative people, their expression definitely, really matters.”
As one of a handful of hair stylists at Salon AF, Simmons works in a space occupied by several other salons in a lonely building just off Ga. 400. Clients often are surprised to find her chair tucked inside in the clean-looking, modern suite, which resembles a pastelcolored wellness spa stacked with chic hair products.
That’s in part why Simmons decided to meet her clients on their own terms.
“I knew right off the bat that no one was just gonna walk in and be like, ‘I want a green mullet,’” she said. “That just was not going to happen.”
To get the word out, she began regularly posting advertisements on social media platforms from Facebook to Instagram to Reddit.
She also uses herself as a walking
Neon colors and specialty patterns are some of Joely Simmons specialties. Custom color jobs can take as long as 10 hours, Simmons said.
media, she said, chuckling.
“She’s killing it,” Richards said. “She's on all the social media. She's promoting herself. She's doing all the things that she's supposed to be doing to gain clientele, which is amazing.”
Achieving success through hard work is nothing unusual for Simmons. Before she went to cosmetology school, she ran her own pet grooming business beginning at age 18. Now, she also finds time to periodically work as a special effects artist.
Her calling as an alternative hair stylist is something that feels natural, Simmons said.
Since she was a youth, she has always had a penchant and passion for hair.
billboard, attending events that are sure to draw alternative crowds like emo, punk and metal concerts and frequenting gay bars.
Simmons said she has long loved showing off an alternative look, and whenever she goes out, she is sure her appearance is on point. On a Thursday at work in the salon, her copper-colored hair was accented
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with blond highlights and featured a raccoon print on one section. Dressed in black from head to toe, she admitted that day’s look was more on the professional side.
“I'll get tons of compliments when I go out,” she said. “When someone comes up to me and says, ‘Oh, my God, I love your hair,’” I say, ‘Yeah, thanks. Here's my card.’”
That bold marketing strategy has paid off immensely, and Simmons said she now serves several hundred regular clients. Some drive hours just to see her.
April Richards, owner of Salon AF and Simmons’ boss, said that motivation has deeply impressed her, as has the young hair stylist’s skills.
All too often, stylists spend more time scrolling than they do advertising on social
She also has long had a desire to look different.
“I've had every rainbow color you could possibly imagine, like since as young as I was 10,” Simmons said. “I always did my hair, my friends’ hair.”
She hopes to continue with that passion but is not sure where it might lead her.
Richards said one thing is for certain. She will go far and perhaps one day run her own salon.
For now, Simmons said she loves where she’s at, doing what she does.
At the end of the day, it’s all about giving someone a look that means something special to them.
“Sometimes haircuts are literally life changing for people,” she said.
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PHOTOS BY: JOELY SIMMONS/PROVIDED
A customer sports a vampire bang cut by Joely Simmons.
The Cottage School Career Center opening Fall 2025
Brought to you by – The
Cottage School
The Cottage School (TCS), dedicated to building a sense of self for students with special learning differences through academic and experiential programming, is excited to announce The Cottage School Career Center, reinforcing its mission to prepare students to become confident, productive, and independent adults.
The TCS Career Center, spearheaded by Director Kyle Jarczynski, is open to all TCS high schoolers that will include classes that cover job readiness, financial literacy, and essential life skills. Students will have the opportunity to participate in electives featuring hands-projects, certifications, (e.g., CPR, ServSafe, HVAC, and Drone Aviation), and real-
world application both on and off campus. Seniors benefit from a dedicated cohort model providing internships, personalized job coaching, and post-secondary planning.
The Cottage School (TCS) celebrates over 40 years of creating success stories for students who learn differently. With an additional campus added in Roswell, they continue to expand their growth as an accredited K-12 school, with a 10:1 studentteacher ratio, and 100% of their students graduating with a postsecondary plan. For more information about The Cottage School Career Center or if you would like your organization to partner with TCS, reach out to Director Kyle Jarczynski or visit our website cottageschool. org.
Nurturing growth in body, mind, & spirit
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Our early STEM program sparks curiosity and builds a strong foundation for future learning—all through a faith-based approach. With hands-on experiments, problem-solving activities, and creative exploration, children develop critical thinking skills while discovering the wonder of God's creation.
Our purpose goes beyond education— we believe in fostering an environment where young minds and hearts can truly flourish. Schedule a tour today to see our facilities, meet our director, and learn more about how we nurture the growth of your child!
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Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child. Our leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan prepares students for each stage of life and provides them with the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them. Wesleyan’s school motto is JOY-Jesus, Others, Yourself, and every aspect of school life is oriented to reinforce this philosophy of putting Jesus first and others ahead of ourselves.
A college preparatory environment, students have access to a wide range of academic opportunities along with athletics, arts, service and other extracurricular activities. Wesleyan’s 85-acre campus provides stateof-the-art academic facilities along with on-campus practice space for athletics and arts.
Located just outside of I-285 in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan enrolled 1,206 students in grades K-12 for the 2023-2024 school year. Wesleyan offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area. Supervised care before school is included in the cost of tuition and after care is available (K-8) until 6 p.m. at an affordable rate.
The Wesleyan School
5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-448-7640 https://www.wesleyanschool.org/
Does my child’s bedtime matter during the summer?
Brought to you by – Sarah
Mixson, M.S.W.,
at Summit
Counseling Center
When school is out and summer begins, it’s natural for routines to shift. Bedtimes are often stretched later, screens stay on longer and sleep habits can fall by the wayside. While summer brings more freedom and fun, consistent sleep is still crucial for your child’s mental and emotional well-being. Going to bed late and waking up late can disrupt their internal clock which can lead to increased irritability, trouble focusing, mood swings and even anxiety. Children and teens thrive on routine. Without it, their sleep patterns can become erratic which can affect their behavior, energy levels, and ability to regulate emotions.
Here are a few helpful tips to keep sleep habits on track during the summer:
1. Set a “summer bedtime range” this gives flexibility while keeping things predictable
2. Create a wind down routine that remains the same each night, even if it starts later than usual
3. Limit screens at least an hour before bed
4. Start adjusting bedtime slowly a few weeks before school starts again to avoid a stressful transition
Remember sleep isn’t just rest, it’s repair and regulation. Keeping sleep habits in check is one of the most important ways to support your child’s mental health all year long.
SARAH MIXON
Your legacy your way
Smartest estate planning starts with
Who will inherit what? It’s one of the most personal—and often difficult—decisions you’ll make in your estate plan. But having clarity now prevents confusion, disputes, and unintended consequences later.
Here are key considerations when deciding who should inherit your assets:
✓ Family Dynamics – Choose beneficiaries thoughtfully, especially in blended families or complex relationships.
✓ Fair vs. Equal – Fair distribution doesn’t always mean equal; make decisions that align with your values.
✓ Contingency Planning – Always name backup beneficiaries in case someone predeceases you.
✓ Communicate Clearly – A well-written plan prevents misunderstandings and helps maintain harmony.
✓ Update Regularly – As your life changes, so should your beneficiary designations.
Your legacy isn’t just what you leave behind—it’s how you leave it. Join our workshops to learn more.
•
•
PRESERVING THE PAST
Celestine Sibley, a woman of achievement
Celestine Sibley was not born in Georgia, but she was a Georgia treasure. She spent an important part of her life in and around Crabapple and through her writings helped establish the community as a special place, enriching many lives in the process. This week’s column pays tribute to her accomplishments, enthusiasm for life and for the people she inspired along the way.
Celestine Sibley (1914-1999) was the author of nearly 30 books beginning in 1958. Her final published book was “Spider in the Sink,” released in November 1997. She was a reporter for the Atlanta Constitution from 1941 to 1982 and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 1982 to 1999. She wrote more than 10,000 columns for the newspapers. She had a no-nonsense approach to writing yet could instill a touch of homespun humor.
When asked how long it took her to write a column, she nonchalantly replied “about 15 minutes.” That was because she said she would go through the day thinking about it, “sort of mentally writing it.”
When she first started out as a political reporter, she could turn out 10 stories a day plus a column, which did not mean that they were any good, she said, but it got the job done. That was her way, quick and thorough, and that made her a model for other young journalists.
When she died of cancer in 1999 the Atlanta Journal-Constitution printed page after page of tributes to her for many days and printed 1.5 million copies of a 24-page supplement. The famous and not famous poured their hearts out in tribute to the remarkable woman who inspired a whole generation of writers and ordinary people.
Former President Jimmy Carter wrote “For as long as Rosalynn and I can remember, she has shared her spirit and soul with the people of Georgia. Her common sense and wisdom reminded us that, although our lives have become very complicated, we are surrounded by simple beauty and unchanging truths – if we only take the time to recognize them.”
When reporter Rheta Grimsley Johnson joined the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 1994, she said, “Celestine Sibley already had a lifetime’s worth of friends with whom to share her wit and wisdom. Yet Celestine was one of the first, the few, to drop by my desk, welcome me to town and invite me to lunch.”
Lee Walburn, who was for a longtime editor of Atlanta Magazine and a highly regarded journalist with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, is a great admirer of Celestine. He told me that she was idolized by all who knew her.
“Most people know her as a writer,” he says, “but she was also one of the greatest reporters of the Georgia Legislature. She was hard working and tough and didn’t take any foolishness from anybody.”
Celestine was very close to her granddaughter Sibley Fleming who has written several awardwinning books. Both women wrote extensively about each other over the years.
In an interview Sibley Fleming described to me a book she wrote, “Celestine Sibley, a Granddaughter’s
BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA
Sweet Apple, the name Celestine Sibley gave to the rustic cabin she purchased in the 1960s near today’s Crabapple community.
PROVIDED
Celestine Sibley as a child with her mother at Pensacola Beach. The photo appears on the back cover of her 1988 memoir, “Turned Funny,” by Celestine Sibley, published by Harper & Row.
Reminiscence.”
“The book is a personal account of a special grandmother through the eyes of her granddaughter,” she said. “She was a great role model for me and my little sister, Betsy. We both followed her around — albeit a generation apart — attached to her apron strings. She imbued in us both a love of nature and books and a keen sense of compassion for the underdog.”
The Georgia Writers Association named Fleming Georgia Author of the Year for the book. Sibley Fleming is currently editor in chief of the Urban
Institute’s Urban Land quarterly magazine. The organization is a think tank in the areas of social and economic policy.
Celestine Sibley’s cherished cottage is located in the North Fulton countryside area of Milton, near Roswell and Alpharetta. She lived there for the final 36 years of her life. She and a partner purchased the rustic cottage and 1 acre in the 1960s for about $1,000 and called it Sweet Apple according to the Georgia Encyclopedia. The log house was built in1844 and may have served originally as a schoolhouse.
She wrote about the house in her 1967 book, “A Place Called Sweet Apple.” To Celestine, the cottage symbolized a kind of life rooted in simplicity and community which she feared was slowly vanishing in Georgia. She lovingly restored the ancient cottage, but as new housing developments moved closer and closer, she used the cottage to record and critique the gradual disappearance of the rural South.
But the cabin symbolized more than that as it served as backdrop to some of her mystery novels. It became a kind of battleground where the forces of change and greed clashed with the values of tradition and honesty. She felt that unchecked growth threatened Southern life and traditions, and she made her views known through her writing. In some of her plots she highlighted the tension between preserving the past with land disputes, greedy developers and the decline of community values. The house still stands today as a private residence.
Celestine Sibley was a pioneer. She never slowed down, and she never quit. The result is a lasting body of work that will guide those who love history or a good yarn for generations to come.
Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
BOB MEYERS
Columnist
the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 5, 5 and 4 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!
GROUPS
1. Royal flush card. Burglar. Group of birds.
2. Group of cattle. Passe. Dining room cabinet.
3. Texas shrine. Work group. Wax-covered cheese.
4. Sporting group. Kick out. Evening wear.
5. Stringed instrument. Education group. Football play.
6. Musical group. Big cat. Break in friendly relations.
7. Gung-ho. Western group. Envelope part.
1 Royal flush card. Burglar. Group of birds
2. Group of cattle. Passe. Dining room cabinet.
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. Texas shrine. Work group. Wax-covered cheese
4. Sporting group. Kick out. Evening wear
5. Stringed instrument. Education group. Football play
6. Musical group. Big cat. Break in friendly relations 7. Gung-ho. Western group. Envelope part.
Medley:
Continued from Page 1
Before he branched out on his own, Mark Toro led development of North American Properties’ mixed-use destination Avalon off Ga. 400 at Windward Parkway in Alpharetta.
Now, Toro Development Company is working to bring some of its strategies to create a “third place” in Johns Creek.
Sociologists refer to a third place as a social environment where people can build community bonds, which is not in their homes (first place) or at work (second place).
While the larger Avalon will remain a regional draw for Metro Atlantans, developers say Medley is about culture, community, connection, convenience and charm for the people of Johns Creek.
Johns Creek native Allie Cyr, who toured the construction site in early July with Appen Media, said having a spot close to home for neighbors to build connections is exciting.
Brian Keaton, senior superintendent at Hoar Construction, will manage construction.
Keaton, who started his career installing door frames at the State Farm office campus on the same site in 1990, said a lot has changed in the woods between Peachtree Corners and Alpharetta.
“It is so fulfilling to return to the same site I worked on 35 years ago,” Keaton said. “There has been so much change since then — I remember standing in line in the rain for my physical paper check and testing the robotic mail
Members of Medley’s construction, development and marketing team stroll across the mixed-use project’s main entrance July 8 during a tour of the 43-acre site. Developers are repurposing one of the existing buildings at the former State Farm campus and constructing a couple others to create a mixed-use destination for existing residents and newcomers.
cart to make sure it could fit through the doors.”
To make way for the new project, the team has demolished one of the State Farm buildings and is incorporating the other into the Medley site plan. The remaining building is being repurposed to include ground-level retail on both sides with other floors remaining office space.
“I am proud to be back at this site where it all began and play a larger role
in transforming this property into a mixed-use destination that we know will serve the incredible community of Johns Creek,” Keaton said.
He knocked out one of his longstanding traditions earlier this year by tossing a coin into the first slab of concrete poured on the site for good luck.
Because of the site’s elevation changes, the main plaza is above portions of the site abutting McGinnis Ferry Road and Lakefield Drive. While most of the construction work and infrastructure is underground, the exciting stuff is beginning to sprout.
Building heights are capped at four stories for the office and multifamily buildings on both sides of the planned Medley Boulevard, cutting through the center of the site. It will resemble Avalon, with pedestrian friendly streetscapes, “jewel box” retailers with activated rooftops, open-air shops and restaurants with outdoor patios.
In early July, Hoar Construction made progress on the first floor and foundation of the multi-family building with hundreds of construction workers on-site.
Keaton said finding labor is difficult,
DEATH NOTICES
Jacqueline Boling, 94, of Roswell, passed away on July 6, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Lester Dorsey, 85, of Roswell, passed away on June 30, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Michael Miralles, 69, of Alpharetta, passed away on July 1, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors &
but it’s a nationwide problem. He said his team does a great job, glancing over to his son and smiling.
Dividing the townhomes from the retail hub, offices and main plaza are a set of two-story buildings, allowing patrons to use a staircase to trek between the two sections of Medley.
Empire Communities is building some 150 townhomes on the southern end of the site, while Hoar Construction has the reins of Medley’s first phase of mixed-use development.
While most trees on the site have been cleared, developers plan to replant more than a thousand and have saved a pine oak near the main boulevard and a couple of others around the site.
The two entities are not partners, but the concepts support one another.
Caroline Simmel, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Empire, said Medley’s residences represent a new category in housing — upscale homes that offer owners all the benefits of an urban lifestyle, while still living in the suburbs.
To learn more and keep up with Medley’s construction, visit medleyjohnscreek.com.
Arrangements
Crematory.
Peter Oswald, 80, of Alpharetta, passed away on July 5, 2025.
by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Thorne:
Continued from Page 4
Fulton County Appraisal Manager Brian Gardner, who has more than three decades of experience in his role, said an appraisal is an opinion of value.
“It is completely fine to have an opinion different from the Board of Assessors,” Gardner said. “That is literally why the appeal process exists.”
When appealing a property assessment, owners should submit all evidence with the initial appeal form, including sales in 2024 of similar homes in the same neighborhood, comparable properties that sold nearby, current property appraisals, documentation of current conditions and a contractor estimate of repairs.
Staff recommends evidence showing a property’s value differing from similar homes in the neighborhood, specific
Ask:
Continued from Page 3
In June, they hosted Roswell’s first ever pride walk, where hundreds of people showed up and over 10 local businesses showed their solidarity with the group.
Bradberry:
Continued from Page 8
Georgia who submits an annual budget based on the rollback rate, instead of one with a built-in tax increase. When assessments go up and the millage rate stays the same, that is a back-door tax increase. Only the rollback rate prevents existing property owners from experiencing a tax increase. Whether the council chooses to adopt the budget based on the rollback rate as I proposed, or adopts the higher tax/steady rate, Johns Creek will likely remain the lowest millage rate of any city in Fulton County.
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne reads a proclamation recognizing Disability Awareness Day at the July 9 Board of Commissioners meeting before the first public hearing for the 2025 property tax rate. Thorne said homeowners should check the “net taxable value” on their assessment, not the 40 percent assessed value.
physical conditions and inaccuracies in the recorded property details.
Roswell Empowered and Roswell Women Rising worked together in July to help the Roswell Housing Authority obtain new AC units and fans for the residents, after a mother came to the city’s open forum night June 30. The mother told City Council that her family had been without air for weeks and that nothing had been done.
“You could just hear the desperation
The rollback rate is an important principle to me. My goal has been to keep the general millage rate low enough so that it leaves room for you, the voter, to decide on the PAC in a referendum. The new budget I just presented for FY2026 is also based on the rollback rate. Full transparency: it includes funds for design work on the PAC that would only be expended if the voters approve the referendum in November.
I will continue to look for ways to make our city government more efficient and effective, prioritizing accountability and transparency, all while pursuing the greatest value for our residents. Whether a PAC should be part of our community's future is your call. As Reagan said, this
City of Johns Creek Board of Zoning Appeals, Public Hearing: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.
City of Johns Creek Council Chambers 11360 Lakefield Drive Johns Creek, Georgia 30097
The following variance proposals are scheduled for Public Hearing as stated above:
Case Number: V-25-0005
Property Address: 9470 Dominion Way, Johns Creek, GA 30022
Current Zoning: R-4A (Single-Family Dwelling District) Conditional
Petitioner: Mandie Garner
Variance Request: Encroachment into the 75-foot stream buffer to construct a deck in the rear yard
Commissioner Thorne represents most of the east side of Ga. 400 in North Fulton County, and District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis serves most of the western half north of I-285.
A part of District 1 bleeds over Ga. 400 into parts of Roswell, and District 3 includes all Sandy Springs residents south of I-285 and some just north of it.
Thorne, who owns a home in North Fulton, said its taxable value is not much higher than the year before.
“For most people it’s just shocking to see the value of your home and how it’s gone up and up,” Thorne said after the townhall. “We need to really assure people that even though your home values are going up, your actual taxable value is not going to go up that significantly.”
Thorne has another town hall scheduled for July 29, giving property owners a couple of days to learn more about the property valuation and appeals processes before the Aug. 1 deadline.
in her voice, just pleading for somebody to come by and look at the conditions,” Donlon said.
The group was able to donate $370 to Grove Way for the Roswell Housing Authority.
To join the grassroots groups, email ro swellwomenrising@gmail.com and join the Roswell Empowered group on Facebook.
is your government. It belongs to the people. You decide how big it is, where it's going, and how fast or slow it goes.
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE PURPOSE
An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on June 19, 2025, for Consumption on Premises of Wine and Malt Beverage
BUSINESS NAME
WZ Hospitality Group LLC
DBA
Royal Tadka
11105 State Bridge Rd Suite 230
Johns Creek, GA 30022
OWNER/OFFICERS
WZ Hospitality Group LLC
DBA
Royal Tadka
11105 State Bridge Rd Suite 230
Johns Creek, GA 30022
Owners, Jay Shah
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
Hospitalist Physician – 24 ON Physicians, P.C. –Alpharetta, GA. (Mult Positions Avail) Diag & prov nonsrgcl med trtmnt of diseases & injrs of ntrnl organ sys’s to hosptlzd patients of all ages. Mst hv an M.D., D.O., or frgn equiv deg. Mst be brd cert or brd elgbl in Intrnl Med. Subj to perdc xfers to vars unantcptd loctns in the U.S. Mst hv lgl auth to wrk in the U.S. EEOE. Send resumes to Crystal Fann, HR Director, 24On Physicians, PC, 13000 Deerfield Pkwy, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30004, or email to cfann@incompasshealth.com. Pls ref job title + AI25 in cvr ltr or eml subj ln.
Lead Software Engineer, UKG Inc., Alpharetta, GA (Hybrid):
Serve as a member of the Notifications team within the FleX Foundations domain and take part in building a Notifications platform to be used by all UKG products. Will work alongside other Software Developers, Quality Analysts, and Product Management Specialists on an agile software development team. REQ: Bach (or foreign equiv.) in Comp. Sci., Comp. Info. Systems, or closely rel. field. & 7 yrs of exp as a Software Engineer. Hybrid position working 3 days/week in the UKG Alpharetta Office & 2 days/week from a home office. Review full job descr. & reqs. & apply at https://www.ukg.com/about-us/careers [REF: LEADS014643].
General Motors seeks a Micro Services Developer, in Roswell, GA to lead & generate technical solutions, including specifying requirements, functional decomposition, analysis, development & testing for current, new & major programs. Hybrid Role - 3 Days In-Office, 2 Days Work from Home. Must be able to report to local office. See full req’s & apply online: https://search-careers.gm.com/en/jobs/ Job Reference: 202510554.
Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk III –Customer Service to assist in a high-volume call center. Requires high school diploma or equivalency, computer, communication, and general office skills. Requires one (1) year experience in a customer service call center or service-type organization, utility, finance, banking, or equivalent industry. Bilingual is preferred, fluent in English and Spanish (written and verbal).
Position is full-time; must be flexible to work irregular hours, to include evenings, weekends and holidays.
Applicants must complete an application prior to 5PM, July 18, 2025 . Apply online: www. sawnee.coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363, extension 7568.
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Protected Veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.
Primerica Life Insurance Company seeks Pega Senior System Architect to develop/implement business applications using Pega PRPC to provide Pega guardrails/guidelines/security standards. At least $149,760/year. Job in Duluth, GA and allow remote work from anywhere within the U.S. following EST hours. Health/Dental/Vision ins., 401(K), PTO, Life/Disability Ins. & more. Apply at https://primerica.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PRI. JOB #R-258:052025.
Andritz, Inc. seeks Inside Sales Rep/ Customer Service Rep for its office in Alpharetta GA. Provide sales and customer service support related to ANDRITZ recovery boilers and auxiliary equipment, such as furnace walls, steam/water drums, super heaters, evaporative surfaces, economizers and steam/water air preheaters. 5% travel to domestic customer sites. Submit resumes to Suzanne.Fulton@ andritz.com. Reference job title in subject line.
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
Part-time
www.homefields.com is looking for artsy people to paint and assemble it’s unique replica stadiums. Good piece rate. ksmall@homefields. com or 404-664-4411
If you love working with children, Midway Preschool is hiring Assistant Teachers.Call Beth @ 770-752-0440 or email beth@midwayumc.org
place a classified ad,
CALLING ARTSY FOLKS
Fulton:
Continued from Page 1
“You also know … we were elected by the people to be the leaders that they hoped that we would be, to make the tough decisions [and] to set priorities,” Bradberry said. “We can’t fund everything that we would like to … every year, I submit a budget to the council, billed on the rollback rate, and we are able to make great success and gains in quality of life for the people of Johns Creek by doing what we can on less.”
New state laws provide some protection with a floating homestead exemption that limits how much an owner-occupied home can increase in taxable value each year. The increase is generally capped at the Consumer Price Index – or the inflation rate.
At the June meeting, Commissioners Khadijah Abdur-Rahman, Marvin Arrington, Jr., Dana Barrett and Mo Ivory voted for the cap rate at 9.87 mills. That’s a full mill higher than the current rate and county staff’s recommendation.
Commissioner Ivory cited the need to fund jail improvements and other
It’s a power move.
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AAPPEN PRESSCLU
potentially shelved programs amid cuts to federal funding.
Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts and North Fulton commissioners Bob Ellis and Bridget Thorne voted against the 1-mill increase cap, saying staff had already declared the 2025 budget could be funded without raising the property tax rate.
Public comments and the millage rate hearing ran nearly three hours at the morning meeting with residents expressing frustration with a potential property tax increase.
A 75-year-old woman on fixed income told commissioners that the take hike would drive seniors like her out of their homes, which will then be purchased by corporations and private equity.
A senior who recently moved to Fulton County from Massachusetts to be closer to her grandchildren said she
fears being driven out of another community because of high taxes.
A self-described “Grady baby” in his 50s told commissioners that his community association in west Atlanta is staunchly opposed to the 12.5 percent hike.
Citizens of Fulton County made one thing clear: they do not want to pay a higher tax rate on their residential properties amid large increases in assessed values.
Sandy Springs City Councilwoman Jody Reichel, who is a home and rental property owner, said the proposed tax increase will hit every homeowner, landlord and tenant in the county.
“For many, it’s the difference between stability and displacement … many of my tenants have been with me for over 15 years,” Reichel said. “These are families, seniors and individuals who take pride in their homes. I’ve worked hard to keep rents affordable … but this tax hike
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that will force landlords like me to raise rents, and tenants like mine will have no choice but to leave.”
While homesteaded property owners have some protection from spikes in assessed value, renters are likely to see the tax hike in the form of increased monthly payments even if the rate stays flat because of increasing property valuations.
At the same time, many citizens voiced frustration about the county’s tax abatements and incentives for corporations like Microsoft and X. They asked why homeowners are being asked to pay more to the county government, which cuts tax liabilities for corporations.
For homeowners north of Atlanta, typically more than half of their property taxes go to Fulton County Schools, around 30 percent goes to the county’s general fund, another 10-15 percent goes to cities and the rest goes to various bonds.
After the county millage rate is adopted Aug. 6, Tax Commissioner Arthur Ferdinand will take the appraised value and the exemption status provided by the Board of Tax Assessors, along with the millage rates set by other governing authorities, to calculate taxes for each property.
