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Sandy Springs mayor: Negotiations over water system continue By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA

Mayor Rusty Paul addresses more than 100 members of the Greater Perimeter Chamber and community members during the State of the City address hosted at City Hall on Sept. 15.

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — In his State of the City address Sept. 15, Mayor Rusty Paul said Sandy Springs is determined to operate its water system as mediation attempts with the city of Atlanta move forward. Paul said Mayor Andre Dickens knows the city of Atlanta cannot afford the estimated $40 million to $100 million in upgrades to meet current demand. Paul said hotels can’t flush their toilets and hospitals sometimes lack enough water pressure and added, “There has been no investment inupgrading it.” “We have a serious problem – a

lack of capacity in certain parts of the city,” Paul said. Ownership of the water supply and distribution has been an ongoing dispute between the two municipalities since Sandy Springs gained cityhood in 2005. The debate has extended negotiations over Fulton County’s Service Delivery Strategy, which dictates where residents get their utility services. “If we get control of the water system, we can make the investments to make sure that your water system is reliable,” Paul said. Without an agreement, the two cities will lose access to state and federal grant dollars.

See MEDIATION, Page 10

Noise worries lead mayor to deny school’s lights permit By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — After a split city council vote to allow Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School a specialuse permit for a homecoming football game, Mayor Rusty Paul denied the request out of concern for amplified

noise. At a Sept. 15 meeting, Council Members Mary Ford, Andrew Chinsky and John Paulson supported the school’s use of field lighting for its Oct. 2 homecoming football game. Council Members Melody Kelley, Frank Roberts and Melissa Mular opposed the request. The school hosted its first “Friday

Night Lights” homecoming football game last year after it was granted a one-time special-use permit to light its football field. Head of School Paul Barton said the school was able to mitigate traffic and light concerns but said school officials received “constructive feedback” on the sound. The school, located at 805 Mount

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Vernon Highway NW, shared plans to point portable speakers toward the school and away from surrounding neighborhoods to mitigate noise from the music and public-address system. Paul asked Barton if he could assure no use of amplified sound.

See PERMIT, Page 10

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BRENDAN KEEFE/ATLANTA NEWS FIRST

In mid-August, a worker updating this Flock Safety camera in suburban Atlanta — not far from the home of Atlanta News First investigative reporter Brendan Keefe — called 911 after Keefe tried to record video.

Flock installer calls police on reporter filming By EMILY FEATHERSTON and BRENDAN KEEFE Atlanta News First MILTON, Ga. — Flock Safety has felt the heat this summer from coast to coast as criticism of its automated license plate readers and AI-powered security technology has increased, and a growing number of alleged misuse cases have further turned up the temperature on the debate. The company announced changes it said address the heart of the majority’s concern — privacy — but civil rights activists and many community leaders remain unconvinced. Numerous communities have canceled their contracts with Flock in recent weeks, and lawmakers at all levels of government have discussed or already implemented outright bans on ALPR technology in response to public pressure. However, there are many places where local law enforcement’s relationship with Flock and its network of roughly 120,000 license plate readers have continued or been reaffirmed, with the company telling one trade publication its growth has outpaced cancellations 10-to-1. That means new devices continue to appear as jurisdictions add to their inventory or upgrade their equipment, including one that was being installed on Aug. 19 on a suburban street outside of Atlanta, not far from the home of Atlanta

News First Chief Investigator Brendan Keefe. Three police cars ended up in the national investigative reporter’s rearview mirror that Wednesday afternoon after he tried to film the technician installing an upgraded camera on a public street. The stop is one of at least two documented cases this year in which those working for Flock Safety called police on people engaging in the same category of public recording into which the company asserts its technology fits. Police stop ANF reporter in Milton After a family member spotted the Flock camera being worked on, Keefe drove to the location to document the camera being set up. Keefe parked on the public street at a distance, donned a yellow safety vest and a hat emblazoned with the logo of Atlanta News First, displayed a press placard on his dashboard and then pulled out a camera to record the installation. As Keefe began to shoot video, the installer saw him and immediately packed up his equipment and drove away, so Keefe also returned to his car and followed several cars behind, hoping to document the next stop. The technician called 911. “I work with Flock Safety. And I called originally because I’m getting followed,” the installer can be heard telling a dispatcher in the recording of the call obtained by Atlanta News First Investigates. “I was getting harassed,

pretty much. Taking videos and pictures. And now, the same vehicle that pulled over where I was working at has been following me.” He described Keefe’s car and, later, Keefe himself, down to his hat and highvisibility vest. Minutes later, after entering Milton, a police officer pulled Keefe over and was later joined by two other units. When the officer approached, Keefe explained who he was and what he was doing. “I’m a member of the press, and I was following at a distance because I’m documenting them putting up Flock cameras. I’m an investigative reporter,” Keefe can be heard saying on video from both his own dashboard camera and police body camera obtained from police. Body camera footage shows that while Keefe waited on the shoulder, the officer called a supervisor to explain the situation. “When I came up to them, he was behind him but not like right on his bumper,” the officer said as she reported the details to the supervisor. “He said that, yeah, he was following him to where he was trying to catch this person on video setting up the Flock cameras, but it was not to where you know so close as to break any laws or give the appearance he was stalking him, or anything like that. Yeah, he was following him, but he was not chasing him.”

See FLOCK, Page 7

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | September 24, 2026 | 3

4 | September 24, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

NEWS

Students petition to remove Flock cameras at Alpharetta High By PATRICK QUINN Atlanta News First ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Students at Alpharetta High School are petitioning to have Flock Safety cameras removed from campus, saying the cameras infringe on their privacy. Flock cameras are installed outside every entrance to the school, capturing footage of each car that comes on and off campus. “We hope that Fulton County takes down every Flock camera,” said Aditya Manchanda, 17, a senior at Alpharetta High School. Manchanda and Henry Jones, 17, started the petition this week. They said they believe the cameras violate the Fourth Amendment, which protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures. “I think the school has a responsibility to protect the privacy of its students. And Flock cameras are directly contradictory to that,” Jones said. Petition cites cost and privacy concerns The petition, titled “Remove flock cameras from Alpharetta High School,”

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Students at Alpharetta High School are petitioning to have Flock Safety cameras removed from campus. was created Sept. 1 and, as of this report, has 92 signatures. The petition is backed by the Alpharetta Young Democratic Socialists of America. Organizers are calling for the cameras’ removal and proposed alternatives, including increased patrols by security personnel, communitybased safety programs, and efforts

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are installed at all 104 schools districtwide. According to a Fulton County Schools bulletin published Sept. 23, 2022, the cameras are automatic license plate readers, which capture computer-readable images of license plates and vehicle characteristics, not people or faces. According to the district, the system compares plate numbers against those of stolen vehicles or vehicles linked to people suspected of criminal activity and sends real-time alerts to law enforcement when a vehicle associated with a wanted suspect or endangered person passes the camera. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone feels safe on their school campus,” District Superintendent Mike Looney said in the 2022 bulletin. “We are constantly thinking about ways to secure our campuses and protect students and staff, while protecting their privacy.” According to the bulletin, captured camera data is owned by Fulton County Schools and is not sold or shared with third parties, except when shared with other law enforcement agencies.

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DUNWOODY HOME TOUR

Modern Marvel Designed for Gathering A Contemporary Sandy Springs Showplace Provided by the Dunwoody Woman’s Club When the owners purchased this Sandy Springs property in 2019, they envisioned more than a house—they sought to create a modern retreat for celebrating life with family and friends. The result is a striking, newly constructed estate that masterfully blends sleek contemporary design, cutting-edge smart technology and resort-style amenities. This beautiful home is one of the featured residences on the 53rd Annual Dunwoody

Woman’s Club Home Tour taking place Friday, October 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Proceeds from the tour support the Dunwoody Woman’s Club’s charitable initiatives and community projects. Home tour tickets are available through several convenient purchase options, listed at the end of this article. From the curb, the home’s bold architecture commands immediate attention, combining crisp white surfaces, expansive glass, warm Nichiha panels, brick and stucco into dramatic geometric lines. A gated entrance, three car garage, and massive pivot front door make a grand statement, offering a fitting introduction to the exceptional scale and craftsmanship found throughout. Upon

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entering, a serene crystal garden instantly sets a calming tone, while a private elevator provides seamless access across all three levels. Inside, the home embraces a sophisticated palette of whites, grays, chrome and glass. Oversized windows bathe every room in natural light, ensuring the interior feels bright, airy and deeply connected to the outdoors. The main floor features gleaming porcelain tile, soaring ceilings and floor-toceiling windows that create a gallery-like atmosphere. Nearby, a unique powder room showcases a sculptural waterfall faucet that transforms an everyday space into a work of art. Even the family pets are pampered, thanks to custom dog doors that lead to a dedicated outdoor dog courtyard. Engineered for effortless entertaining, the gourmet kitchen boasts high-gloss cabinetry, dramatic stone countertops, professionalgrade appliances, and a massive waterfall island, all complemented by a hidden catering pantry. Multi-panel folding glass doors seamlessly erase the line between indoor comfort and outdoor luxury, opening to a private backyard oasis. Here, a covered lanai with a fireplace and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen overlooks a pristine pool and spa. The main-level primary suite offers a luxurious escape, complete with a spainspired bath, freestanding soaking tub, oversized shower, and intricate custom tilework. Upstairs, the sleek contemporary aesthetic continues across multiple bedrooms and en-suites, offering ample privacy for family and guests. Two of the upstairs bedrooms share a deck, providing a remarkable outdoor retreat. The lower level dramatically expands the home’s footprint, hosting additional guest quarters, a home gym, a craft room and a playful surprise: a custom recreation of the iconic Central Perk coffeehouse from Friends, complete with the signature orange couch and brick backdrop. Striking yet deeply welcoming, this home perfectly fulfills its original purpose: bringing people together in exceptional style and comfort. The Return of Our Popular Raffle! Our popular raffle returns with three spectacular prizes:

Available on Tour Day Only! Raffle tickets will be available for purchase exclusively during the Home Tour. In addition, guests can shop one-of-a-kind artwork at one of the other featured homes, where en plein air artists will be painting in the gardens and a boutique gallery will showcase additional artwork for sale. Be sure to bring cash or a credit card to enter the raffle and shop for original artwork during the tour. Purchase Tickets Purchase tickets in any of the following ways: Online: www.dunwoodywomansclub. com/event-tickets/ In Person: The Enchanted Forest (Dunwoody Hall Shopping Center) or Judy & Grace Boutique (The Shops of Dunwoody) From a Club Member: Purchase directly from any Dunwoody Woman’s Club member. Dunwoody Farmers Market: Brook Run Park, September 12, 19 & 26, 9a.m.-12p.m. QR Code: Scan the QR code to purchase tickets instantly. Will Call Tickets purchased online may be picked up at the Spruill Center for the Arts, located in the Dunwoody Cultural Arts Center (5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody). If you need more home tour tickets, they will be available for sale during this time: • Monday–Thursday September 28– October 1st: 1:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. • Friday October 2nd (Tour Day): 9:30 a.m.–12:00 noon The Spruill entrance is located in the center of the building. Parking is available directly in front of the entrance and on the right side of the building near the Dunwoody Library. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 on tour day. We look forward to seeing you at the home tour and appreciate your support. Remember, profits of the tour help fund our charitable projects. Buy your tickets today! www.dunwoodywomansclub.com/eventtickets/ For more information about the Dunwoody Woman’s Club go to www. dunwoodywomansclub.com

Flock: Continued from Page 2 The officer told Keefe the installer was concerned about being identified. “He said that he did see you coming out, bringing your camera out and everything,” the officer said. According to the officer, those given the job of installing Flock cameras have been “told just to not engage” in such situations. The officer said the installer was also concerned about privacy. “And his worry more than anything is that, you know, he’s just an employee. Anybody like you and me. And now he’s going to be in the news and he doesn’t know if it’s going to be targeted at him or his family,” the officer said. Keefe asked if the officer was suggesting the installer was entitled to privacy while working in public. “So just to be clear, he’s entitled to his privacy in a public place?” Keefe asked. “Isn’t that the whole argument that people are criticizing Flock for?” “I’m not saying that. I’m just letting you know what he’s concerned about,” the officer said. “I’m not telling you how to interpret that.” However, during the exchange, the officer did make a comment about press coverage. “I know, media, you know, the First Amendment and all of that,” she said. “But also, we should probably be a little more careful on who we put on TV and stuff like that.” About 17 minutes after the stop began, the responding officers returned to their vehicles and Keefe was allowed to drive away. In an emailed response to our questions about documenting installation of Flock devices and if the company has guidance or policies surrounding how employees or contractors are instructed to respond, a spokesperson said: “We do not object to members of the public or press photographing Flock cameras or personnel in public. Employees and contractors working in the field are expected to prioritize their safety and may contact law enforcement when they believe they are being threatened, harassed, followed, or otherwise face a safety concern.” Content creators questioned after filming at distribution center The Milton stop was not the first time this summer someone working for Flock Safety summoned police over a camera. On June 5, police in Smyrna responded to a 911 call from a Flock employee after a group of YouTube creators began filming outside the company’s distribution center located in the Atlanta suburb. In the recording of the 911 call, the

PUBLIC SAFETY caller identifies himself as a Flock Safety employee, going on to note the company’s relationship with law enforcement. “What’s the name of the business?” the dispatcher asked. “It’s Flock Safety. We do the license plate reading cameras that solve 20% of crime across America,” the caller replied. “Fantastic. Of course, of course,” said the dispatcher. “And we appreciate y’all.” “No, thank you,” the caller said in return, laughing. “We need a favor.” The caller claimed the group filming had “been driving around the perimeter, basically harassing everyone” working at the facility. “Three young white males, probably mid-20s, I’m not sure if they’re armed. And they’re carrying filming equipment as well,” the caller said. Three times during the call he raised the possibility the people filming might be armed; although, when asked, he told the dispatcher he had not seen any weapons. When police arrived, body camera footage shows the employee was inside the building, but over the phone identified himself as James Boyce, the distribution site’s quality manager. Boyce, holding a cellphone, said he was recording. “Everybody’s recording,” the officer replied. During the encounter, one of the YouTube creators confronted Boyce on how calling the police about being filmed seemed hypocritical. “That’s what you guys do to us, without our consent,” he said. “And I think it’s interesting, when you guys have this happen, you call the police and make us get stopped. But then you do it and it’s okay?” In their emailed statement, a Flock spokesperson claimed the trio’s encounter occurred shortly after another incident at the company’s headquarters where the spokesperson alleged individuals had claimed to have an interview with CEO Garrett Langley and attempted to gain access to the building. “That understandably raised legitimate security concerns for our employees and our facilities. Those concerns also exist in a broader environment in which Flock employees and contractors have received threats or been subjected to violent rhetoric,” the spokesperson said, referencing social media threads and the arrest of a California man who is accused of threatening a Flock camera installer with a knife and vandalizing the installer’s vehicle. “We fully support people expressing criticism, asking tough questions, and making their voices heard. Threats of violence, or rhetoric that encourages or celebrates violence against employees, should never be part of that discourse,” the spokesperson said. No one was charged in the YouTuber group, though the individuals were

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | September 24, 2026 | 7

Researcher cites ‘absurd’ situation Benn Jordan was among those outside the warehouse and identified himself to officers as a security researcher working with the YouTube creators. Jordan, an online content creator himself, has been digging into a variety of privacy and security concerns across the technology spectrum for the last few years. Months before the incident in Smyrna, Jordan spoke with Atlanta News First about his previous video report that identified encryption vulnerabilities that would allow anyone to access dozens of Flock camera feeds. Flock said it determined the vulnerability was present in just 60 to 70 of its AI-powered video cameras and blamed an internet service provider for sending the wrong SIM cards. Even after the encryption vulnerability was fixed, use of that type of camera in certain sensitive public venues continued to draw scrutiny. Jordan said during the interview that growing negative attention has led some within the company to take extreme measures to hide their personal information. “That’s the most absurd part of it ... their response to this controversy is scrubbing data as a company that literally collects data every single time you pass a camera and sends it to law enforcement,” he said.

from rolling out the red carpet at the company’s annual law enforcement conference. Held Aug. 18-20 in Atlanta, Flock Forward 2026 was billed as a chance for public safety and security professionals to gather for “three days of real cases, practical playbooks, and peer-led conversations.” Jordan tried to attend the conference but was ultimately turned away, as was Atlanta News First. In a video he released following the event, Jordan detailed how his registration and hotel booking were canceled four days prior to the event. Drone video and photos taken by ANF from an elevated public walkway that provided a view into a rooftop reception at the event showed law enforcement officers, including some wearing their badges, socializing and perusing Flock items on display. When ANF inquired about attending in a journalistic capacity — a common practice and one that other national law enforcement events offer — a spokesperson said: “Flock Forward is a customer event and not open to the media.” During an interview in April, Keefe actually asked Flock Safety’s Chief Communications Officer Josh Thomas whether the company considers law enforcement agencies to be its customers or citizens. “So ultimately, I would argue that the whole community is our customer,” Thomas said at the time. But while Flock as a private company had the ability to limit documentation of its multiday event — where promotional materials said public safety entities would be able to discuss with the company “how to prepare for city council conversations” and leave with “practical takeaways” such as “ideas for investigations, deployment, connected response, and measurable impact” — frustration continues to grow in many communities where it’s largely impossible to opt out of Flock’s technology documenting everyday movements. “Why can’t I opt out? Why can’t the spouse or ex-spouse of a police officer opt out of this kind of data collection on their movements?” Keefe asked Thomas during the April interview. “Why can’t the person opt out? It’s because if your car gets stolen, if something were to happen, moreover, the government requires you to have a license plate. It’s the law. And it’s plain-view information,” Thomas said. “Your license plate is part of the plain view. And so why can’t you opt out. You can, if you want to opt out of society.”

Flock blocks press from law enforcement conference The heat of growing public backlash — and above-average Georgia summer temperatures — didn’t deter Flock

This article was republished as part of a content sharing agreement with Atlanta News First. The station first published this story on their website, atlantanewsfirst. com, Sept. 8.

That’s what you guys do to us, without our consent. And I think it’s interesting, when you guys have this happen, you call the police and make us get stopped. But then you do it and it’s okay?” — YouTube creator ordered to leave Flock Safety distribution center premises after filming ordered to leave the premises under an official trespass warning.

8 | September 24, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

OPINION

Our trip down the Danube – river of dreams My wife, Christina, and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary on one of those riverboat tours floating down the Danube. We started in the Czech Republic, RAY APPEN in Prague. But Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com before the boat, we celebrated with a vow renewal at our church, Alpharetta Presbyterian — a most wonderful openhearted church with broad welcoming shoulders. It was a fitting celebration of a first pass at this thing called life together, and the beginning of a second wind — looking and moving forward into the unknown. A river of dreams, then. Sometimes full of light, but other times without light — like banks of dark and threatening thunderheads wrapped in chaos. Black dogs, the old name for the darkness that settles over a person and won't lift. The light or the darkness, both reflections in a mirror. One is a point in time — "now," this hour, this minute. The other is sometimes a thousand years prior, like a matrix in concurrent but unequal layers. Since we have only limited travel experience, these nearly two weeks on the Danube with Gate 1 Travel guiding our itinerary were all new. Everything. I think we went through five countries — the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Slovakia and Hungary — ending in Budapest. The boat crew numbered about 30. We passengers were around 125. By the end, we all knew one another, and we made friends we will see again. In each city, our guides lectured as we walked and listened and tried to absorb where we were, how and why. Our guides made the trip. Their knowledge — the canvas for the paint — provided the context, the beating hearts of the humanity we witnessed. It's so different from reading about or studying history and geography, or people, from books or via lectures in a classroom. This, in contrast, was in many ways real time — see it, touch it, feel it, sense it, imagine it. Thousand-year -old churches that changed sides every few centuries or so. Narrow cobblestone streets. Church organs with thousands of pipes. Stained-glass windows of infinite color. Kings and queens, wars and empires. Plagues. All close, all almost within arm's reach. All

Ray and Christina Appen at the Lennon Wall in Prague.

PHOTOS BY: RAY APPEN/APPEN MEDIA

Our travel brought us closer to a reality that was not - and never has been - on our personal radar. It drove home that we — the US — is not the center of the universe. It helped us recognize that we are collectively one village - a village that aspires, lives, and dies the same way.” somehow personal, relevant. Our guides took us to Terezin — known to the Nazis as Theresienstadt — about 40 miles north of Prague, where we passed through iron gates to tiny cells with and without light. We walked the hard stone floors. We saw the photographs: in the ghetto, the condemned Jews awaiting transport; next door in the Small Fortress, the Gestapo's political prisoners, the Czech resistance fighters and the others who fought back or opposed. All of them chattel, crated, boxed, packaged, ready for disposal. Terezin was a "transit" concentration camp through which prisoners passed on the way to the extermination camps, including Auschwitz, Treblinka and Chelmno. It was the camp where 51 prisoners, primarily young resistance fighters in their 20s, were executed May 2, 1945, over a two-hour period — three days before the SS guards abandoned the camp and six days before Soviet troops liberated it. Karl Rahm, the last commandant of the ghetto,

was hanged in April 1947. Heinrich Jöckel, who ran the adjoining Small Fortress, was hanged in October 1946. Walking through Terezin was chilling. We saw things made of stone and steel, as well as ideas made from values and faith. And we saw the spoils of those who won and those who lost — the things that obscured, the cataracts of history. We just had no idea. We were blindsided by Hungary, where we spent a day touring the shelters, the bunkers, the radiation-proof underground escapes that were everywhere in Budapest. Today, we listen to the news about the war in Ukraine daily; we all do, I think. There are the wars in Iran and Gaza, too. But those wars, and that trauma for all the humanity involved, stay remote, out of reach, impersonal — and almost not real. The shelters we experienced in Budapest erased much of that distance for us. Many of the bunkers in Budapest were built during World War II. Some were large enough to hold 20,000

Plzen, also known in English and German as Pilsen, is a city in the Czech Republic people for weeks, if not months. Many others were built during the Cold War of the 1950s and '60s in anticipation of a nuclear war. There were bunkers for the military and civilian leaders, and they tended to be better equipped. There were bunkers for the general population. Underground hospitals, schools, kitchens, power stations, food storage, living quarters, water storage and systems and dining halls. We spent more than an hour in one of the bunkers, going through it room by room. What made these bunkers so powerful to me was twofold. No. 1: the sheer quantity of the shelters. Our guide told us Budapest alone has an estimated 3,000 shelters today, with the capacity to hold about 490,000 people. No. 2: the bunkers and shelters, especially those built during the Cold War, are only roughly 60 to 70 years old. That is, this "way of life" — this living in the shadow of a probable nuclear war, as evidenced by the bunkers — is, or was, so real and so much a part of life, especially for baby boomers in Budapest and Hungary, today. Our travel brought us closer to a reality that was not - and never has been - on our personal radar. It drove home that we — the US — is not the center of the universe. It helped us recognize that we are collectively one village - a village that aspires, lives, and dies the same way.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | September 24, 2026 | 9

The graying of North Fulton County Look around north Fulton. The people who built our communities are getting older. And the young adults who will become the next generation of homeowners, parents, workers and civic leaders aren’t arriving — or staying — at the same rate. It is a demographic shift that deserves our attention. North Fulton is made up of six cities: Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs. The latest census estimates show that these six communities now have approximately 49,200 residents between the ages of 25 and 34. They also have approximately 51,500 residents age 65 and older. For the first time, older adults outnumber young adults in the six-city north Fulton area. That isn’t necessarily bad news. An aging population reflects people choosing to stay in the communities they love. Many of north Fulton’s older residents have lived here for decades. They have raised children, built businesses, volunteered, paid taxes and invested their time and money in making these communities successful. We should celebrate that. But we should also ask an uncomfortable question: Where will the next generation of north Fulton residents live? People in their late 20s and early 30s are typically beginning careers, getting married, starting families and buying their first homes. They are teachers, nurses, police officers, firefighters, small-business owners, engineers and professionals working in the companies that make north Fulton one of Georgia’s economic engines. Yet many increasingly face a difficult choice: pay a substantial premium to live here or move somewhere else. That isn’t simply a housing problem. It is a workforce problem. It is an economic development problem. And ultimately, it is a community problem. North Fulton has been extraordinarily successful at building attractive communities of single-family homes. But many of those homes are large and increasingly expensive. Between an apartment and a large detached house, there are surprisingly few choices. That’s what housing planners call the “missing middle.” It includes smaller homes, townhomes, duplexes, triplexes and accessory dwelling units — housing that can provide a bridge between renting an apartment and buying a large single-family home. The need

ISTOCK

exists at both ends of the age spectrum. Consider the older couple whose children have grown up and left home. They may have four bedrooms, a large yard and a staircase they no longer want to navigate. They may want to downsize without leaving the neighborhood where they have spent 30 or 40 years. Now consider their adult children. They may want to move back to north Fulton. They may have a good job. They may want to raise their own children here. But they may not be able to afford the house next door. An accessory dwelling unit could provide one answer. A smaller starter home could provide another. Townhomes and other forms of modest, carefully designed housing can provide additional choices. None of these solutions requires north Fulton to abandon the characteristics that made these communities successful. The issue isn’t whether north Fulton should become dramatically denser. It is whether we can make room for earlycareer families by building more kinds of homes. That distinction matters. If we want older residents to have the option of aging in the communities

they helped build, we need housing that works for them. If we want young adults to become homeowners and raise families here, we need housing they can afford. And if we want north Fulton businesses to continue attracting the workers they need, those workers need somewhere to live. The demographic trend gives us a warning. The latest census data show that the number of residents 65 and older has now surpassed the number of residents between 25 and 34 across north Fulton’s six cities. That doesn’t mean young people are disappearing. It means the balance is changing. And that change should cause us to rethink what we mean when we talk about housing. Housing isn’t just about where people sleep. It determines who can live in a community, who can work there, who can raise a family there and whether the people who grow up here can afford to come home. North Fulton doesn’t need to become Atlanta. We can preserve the character of our cities while making room for the next generation. The people who built north Fulton deserve choices that allow them to age here. And the young adults who will carry

north Fulton into the future deserve choices that allow them to live here, too. The question isn’t whether north Fulton is getting older. It is. We are in a talent battle with surrounding cities and counties. They all have jobs for nurses, teachers and public safety people. They have great schools and wonderful amenities. The communities that offer housing options that meet the budgets of these essential workers will win. Because communities don’t remain successful simply because the people who built them stay. They remain successful when the next generation can afford to become part of them.

— Kathy Swahn, Nancy Diamond and Jack Murphy

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 decennial census; U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 20192023 5-Year Estimates, Table S0101 (Age and Sex). Six-city totals calculated by combining age-group estimates for Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs. Because ACS estimates are subject to margins of error, figures are rounded to the nearest 100 in the article.

10 | September 24, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

Petition:

NEWS the suspect within hours of the shooting. “Even if they’ve helped in investigations, the cons outweigh the pros,” said Manchanda.

Continued from Page 4 The bulletin states the data is encrypted, stored in a cloud and permanently deleted after 30 days, and that the cameras are intended to maintain campus safety rather than to enforce minor traffic or parking violations. The district-wide camera installation cost roughly $626,300, paid for through ESPLOST funds, according to a 2022 Flock blog post. The district said at the time it planned to have cameras installed at all schools by January 2023. The school board also authorized an additional $6 million that fiscal year to enhance safety measures further, according to the report. In 2022, Looney said the cameras were intended to track people convicted of sex crimes, those barred from having a gun and those banned from school grounds. “We want to make sure that we are prepared, that we’ve made smart decisions, and we have trained to be ready to respond,” Looney said in a 2022 interview with Atlanta News First.

Permit: Continued from Page 1 Barton said it would be hard to host the game and halftime homecoming court presentation without it. “I want to be very respectful about the noise and the sounds,” he said. “At the same time, I want it to be able to function as a game, and I’m willing to definitely make compromises … I just don’t know if I can go so far as to say no amplified sound.” The permit application was initially denied by the city’s community development director and City Manager Eden Freeman because only the city council has the administrative authority to temporarily alter zoning conditions. The pre-K through 12th grade private school operates within a single-family zoning district and follows strict conditions agreed upon in its 2009 conditional-

Mediation: Continued from Page 1 The deadline for the new strategy has been extended to Dec. 31, and the city cannot share specifics of the negotiations at this time. Ongoing connectivity Mayor Paul spoke about the upcoming construction of City Springs

APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

Alpharetta High School is located on 3595 Webb Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

Students plan to bring petition to principal The students said public safety should not come at the cost of public privacy. They said they hope their effort brings change to schools across Fulton County and beyond. “Hopefully if we start with our campus, it can spread to the wider Alpharetta and hopefully the rest of the United States, and we can get more regulation on these kinds of cameras,” Jones said. Students have also raised concerns about who has access to the camera footage. The district did not specify who has access to the footage but said it audits the system to ensure it is being used appropriately. The two students plan to continue gathering signatures and hope to bring the petition to their principal within the next week.

Police chief says cameras support investigations Fulton County Schools Police Chief Mark Sulborski provided a statement on Thursday in light of the petition. “Fulton County Schools installed Flock cameras at Alpharetta HS and across the district in 2022. The cameras are now located at all FCS schools and facilities and have supported a variety of safety and investigative matters,” Sulborski said. “Flock cameras are only one component of the district’s comprehensive safety strategy, but they provide an important additional

layer of security around the exterior of our campuses. They help our police department identify vehicles connected to potential threats, criminal activity, missing or endangered individuals, and other investigations while supporting our broader goal of protecting students, employees and visitors,” Sulborski said. “FCS has an established audit protocol to ensure the technology is used appropriately and for authorized public safety purposes,” Sulborski said. Earlier this year, following a shooting outside Palmetto Elementary School, school police used Flock cameras on campus, which helped identify and locate

use permit. Opposing council members expressed concerns with the school continuously using a special-use permit to circumvent agreed-upon zoning conditions. Mular said this type of permit should not be able to provide an alternate route to the city’s land-use appeals process. Kelley agreed, saying she hoped last year’s special-use permit would have started a discussion around permanent lights at the school. In a statement to Appen Media, Barton said while they are disappointed by the council’s decision, school staffers are grateful for the consideration and to have had the opportunity to share what last year’s homecoming experience meant to students, families, alumni and broader school community. “We also heard an important message during Tuesday night’s discussion,” Barton said. “There appears to be meaningful interest in finding a longer-term solution that balances opportunities for

our students with our responsibility to be a good neighbor. “We intend to take some time to listen carefully, continue conversations with our neighbors and the city, and better understand what that path could look like before determining any formal next steps regarding our conditional use permit.” Business license revoked Nubia Café & Restaurant’s business license was revoked in a unanimous vote after Senior Detective J.T. Williams presented evidence that it was operating an unauthorized after-hours nightclub and serving alcohol without the required state or local licenses. Sandy Springs police officers arrived at the Roswell Road business around 6 a.m. Aug. 15 in response to a gunshot call. An investigation at the scene revealed the business was open with 70 to 80 people inside at the time of the shooting. According to police, a source described

the business as an “after-hours joint in Sandy Springs that was serving alcohol.” The source said his group bought a bottle of tequila from the business for $150. A representative from the business told police they do not sell alcohol but allow guests to bring their own, for which they charge a fee. Williams described a “chaotic” scene in the parking lot of the business, with spilled alcohol and red Solo plastic cups all over the pavement. Two surrounding business owners spoke with police and said the parking lot is trashed often, and there are people at the business in the early-morning hours. The business owner’s lawyer argued the plastic cups found at the scene were being used for juice and that the owner cannot be held responsible for what occurred in the parking lot “outside the purview of [her] control.” The owner cannot apply for another business license in the city of Sandy Springs for one year.

2.0 – the second phase of the city’s campus at 1 Galambos Way. City staffers are in the final process of selecting a development partner to plan the project. Sandy Springs hopes to have a hotel, more restaurants and shops, and a mix of owner-occupied and rental housing. The area will also connect the city green space, the Heritage Green and City Walk, building upon an area that Paul called the “connective tissue of the community.” The mayor addressed the “eternal

project” underway at the intersection of Johnson Ferry Road and Mount Vernon Highway. Utility relocation – under construction by Georgia Power – has delayed the project’s original completion date until November. Paul said the next project on the to-do list is the Hammond Drive improvements between Roswell Road and Glenridge Drive. Roadway enhancements will reduce cut-through traffic on neighborhood streets and overall congestion along the corridor.

Paul emphasized that these projects are funded through Transportation Special Local Option Sales Tax, which is on the ballot for renewal in November. He said the .75-cent transportation tax that has been collected since 2017 has enabled Sandy Springs to complete many transportation projects, with more planned if there’s a third implementation. “We want to be able to build this connectivity across the whole community,” Paul said. “The TSPLOST is vital to our ability to be able to do that.”

Appen Media partner Atlanta News First published this story Sept. 3.

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | September 24, 2026 | 11

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Connect-It

Sandy Springs Crier......................September 24, 2026 | 12

Dunwoody Crier 9/10/26 Crossword

Across

1 Figure out 6 Ice cover 11 Bawl 14 Bay window 15 Dog-___ 16 Hasten 17 Falling stock prices, at times 19 Belief 20 Sphere 21 Pick up the tab 22 Evita role 23 ___ gin ﬁzz 25 Soft leather 28 Boy 31 Cockpit reading (Abbr.) 32 Honey maker 33 Self-image 34 Walk through wet snow 37 Wedding rings 40 Harbor boats 42 G.I. entertainers 43 Stir up 44 18-wheelers 46 ___ cotta 49 Altdorf is its capital 50 Broke bread 51 Nurse a drink 52 Asian holiday 53 Medical image 57 1961 space chimp 59 ___ Baba 60 Heart valves 62 French possessive 65 Apart (Preﬁx) 66 Certain sweaters

17 20 23 29

50 55

4 39

56 61

62 67

Creators

64 68

8 Mountain nymph 9 Brawl 10 Six-pointers, for short 11 Back down from a ﬁght 12 Hindu sage 13 Red Sea land 18 Coral reef 24 ___ Tunas, Cuba 26 Abate 27 Scorch 28 Permits 29 Chills and fever 30 Zealots 35 Compass pt. 36 Roughhousing

9/10/26 Kakuro PuzzleJu How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle Dunwoody above has Crier three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is 1. first Pooh creator. Nervous. Tempest. the 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 Kakuro, alsoLittle known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, a crossword grid. The rules are easy 2. Resting place. English race place. Lulu for 3 answers on thepuzzle, line. Buteach here’s the catch! The clues are creator. not in order - so the first clue in Line solved 1 mayin(or may not) style actually To the solve the Sudoku row, column and above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of it. A number below the diagonal li be the second or the thirdnumbers answer in1that line. Got it? Good luck! boxformust contain to of 9. the white squares in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in an 3. Not crazy. Addy Capp creator. Former spouses. 4. School assignment. Frost. Popeye creator.

1 See 11 Across 2 Creme cookie 3 Yarn spinner 4 Action words 5 Stately tree 6 Uncover through investigation 7 Gardening tool

Down

1. Pooh creator. Nervous. Tempest. 2. Resting place. English race place. Little Lulu creator. 3. Not crazy. Addy Capp creator. Former spouses. 4. School assignment. Frost. Popeye creator. 5. Dracula creator. Burden of proof. Ready to pick. 6. Large sword. Out for the night. Garfield creator. 7. Sherlock Holmes creator. Ballet attire. Everglades wader. PuzzleJunction.com

Dunwoody Crier 9/10/26 Sudoku7 58

69 Rodent 70 On the briny 71 Eagle’s home 72 Sharp curve 73 Microscopic 74 Feather

CREATORS

Each line in the puzzle below 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 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!

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38 Calamitous 39 Buttonhole, e.g. 41 Grabs a chair 45 Dry, as wine 47 Wash cycle 48 G.I.’s address 53 Inner circle 54 Assumed name 55 Critical 56 Hospital ﬁgure 58 Girder material 61 British gun 63 Beige 64 Remove cream 66 Make lace 67 40 winks 68 Behold

65. Dracula creator. Burden of proof. Ready to pick. 6. Large sword. Out for the night. Garfield creator. 97. Sherlock Holmes creator. 3 7 Ballet attire. 1 Everglades 5 wader. 3 4 5 1 3 8 6 9 7 5 1 2 5 4 3 2 4 How to Solve: Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. 7 1 The rules are easy: A number above the diagonal line in a Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com

See puzzle solutions on Page 28

How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of it. A number below the diagonal line is the sum of the white squares in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence.

Solution

Is Your Company Hiring? Solution

6 9 5 7 4 1 3 2 8

1 2 7 3 6 8 9 4 5

3 4 8 2 5 9 6 1 7

5 6 1 9 3 2 7 8 4

4 3 9 5 8 7 2 6 1

8 7 2 6 1 4 5 3 9

7 8 6 1 9 3 4 5 2

2 1 3 4 7 5 8 9 6

9 5 4 8 2 6 1 7 3

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2026 BEST OF NORTH ATLANTA • Sponsored Section

Plus Alpharetta wins Best I’m so grateful Mobility Mobility Store in North Atlanta Brought to you by – Family Solutions Counseling

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2026 BEST OF NORTH ATLANTA • Sponsored Section

Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery • Medical Der

Honored to be Voted Again in 2026! Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist WINNER 2017

2017

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bestofnorthatlanta.com | September 24, 2026 | 17

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18 | September 24, 2026 | bestofnorthatlanta.com

2026 BEST OF NORTH ATLANTA • Sponsored Section

Premier Dermatology – Providing Excellence. Every Patient. Every Time. Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology Congratulations to Premier Dermatology and Mohs surgery of Atlanta for its ninth year in a row of being voted Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist of North Atlanta! Since opening in 2017, Premier Dermatology has quickly become the go-to dermatology practice for Mohs surgery and comprehensive dermatologic care. As in years past, I decided to sit down with Dr. Brent Taylor to get his take on his success and to learn a bit more about him. Alyssa: Hey you two! Thanks for meeting with me again. Winning the Best Dermatologist and Best Vein specialist for nine years in a row means you must be doing something right! To what do you contribute your continued success? Dr. Taylor: Thank you! Well, I believe that my patients understand our sincerity and our dedication to their healthcare. Kathryn and I and our amazing team all honestly care about our patients and their well-being. I hope that that sincerity comes through during our interactions. We always strive to give our patients our complete attention and to learn more about an individual as a person as well as a patient. There are plenty of times when a patient brings something to our attention or when a case compels us to do additional research. Kathryn and I are constantly collaborating and advocating on our patients’ behalf. I believe that comes through. Kathryn: I agree with everything that Dr. Taylor said, our team really is wonderful. And we have received a lot of compliments that the practice has a personal and “boutique” feel, even as we deliver care that is scientific and academic. Alyssa: Do you have a patient care moment or a diagnosis of which you are exceptionally proud? Dr. Taylor: Well it is always our goal to deliver outstanding dermatologic care. Regarding diagnoses that I’m proud of, the first instances that come to mind involve catching a disease that is technically outside my specialty. For example, a patient looked a bit yellow, and I ordered a liver function test and caught acute liver failure. I helped another patient discover that one of his ureters had been accidentally cut during a surgery at the hospital. Within my own specialty I’m often most proud of how simply being thorough can be critical to a patient’s care. By being thorough, I have caught melanomas on the scalp and bottom of the feet of patients who were sometimes surprised I asked them to take out a

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hair tie or take their socks off. Likewise, photography helps us monitor moles for change, and just last month we caught a melanoma early because a slight change from a previous photo prompted an early biopsy. Alyssa: Is there a funny medical fact that you have learned? Dr. Taylor: Actually I have a good one! An ENT professor in medical school told us that as men age they lose the ability to hear higher pitch sounds, and, as women age, their voices increase in pitch. Thus, men naturally lose the ability to hear women with time. So the next time your wife accuses you of ignoring her: blame biology, not the football game! Alyssa: If you could tell your 16 year old self something, what would it be? Brent: To not put too much stock in timelines. I was raised very traditionally, and I thought that I was going to meet my wife in college, get married right after we graduated then start a family a few years later, and it made me worried when I hadn’t met the right person by the time that I expected. My advice to the teenage me would be to just pour yourself into positive and worthwhile

activities and that the result would be becoming who you are supposed to and meeting who you are supposed to all in its own time. Kathryn: Stop stressing. You’ll make it happen. I was so focused on my future, worrying about not achieving my goals, and how I was going to put myself through school that I didn’t stop to enjoy being 16. In hindsight, I realize that having a bit more faith would have gotten me to the same endpoint without all of the pressure I put on myself. Alyssa: Do you have a pet peeve of which patients or staff are guilty? Dr. Taylor: I really don’t get frustrated easily. I understand that everyone has a life and everyone’s lives have struggles about which we often know little. If someone is being rude, I usually chalk it up to unseen struggles. That being said, I do wish that certain patients would realize what a marvel Mohs surgery really is. My primary pet peeve is patients mistreating my coworkers. Sometimes, patients get frustrated waiting on their tissue to process during a day of Mohs surgery. And they sometimes take it out on my medical assistants, who are wonderful and caring and

are in healthcare for the right reasons. There is a comedian who has a bit on youtube called “everything’s amazing and nobody’s happy.” He talks about how upset people get on airplanes when just a few hundred years ago a trip across the country was like the videogame Oregon Trail – the journey took months, and half of the wagon party died of cholera on the way. Like air travel, skin cancer treatment nowadays is miraculous. Prior to Mohs surgery, far more skin cancers routinely caused disfigurement and even death. Now, Mohs surgery offers a cure rate of 99% for most skin cancers, and the aesthetic results are often outstanding. Modern skin cancer care truly is fantastic. Unfortunately, the same day shipping world in which we live has made people expect immediate results, and they sometimes take out their frustrations on my coworkers. The world can always use a little more kindness, patience and grace. Thank you to Dr. Brent Taylor and Kathryn Filipek PA-C for sharing a little more about themselves and congratulations again for winning both Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist in North Atlanta for 2026!

2026 BEST OF NORTH ATLANTA • Sponsored Section

bestofnorthatlanta.com | September 24, 2026 | 19

A place to gather, discover, and celebrate Brought to you by – Chattahoochee Nature Center Being recognized in this year’s Best of North Atlanta is especially meaningful for Chattahoochee Nature Center as we celebrate 50 years along the Chattahoochee River. For five decades, this has been a place where people come together — to explore trails, encounter native wildlife, learn something new, and spend time with the people who matter to them. Today, that same spirit of discovery and connection is shaping the next chapter of several gathering spaces across our 127-acre property. Recent renovations to Kingfisher Hall, the Meadow Learning Center, and River Welcome Center are creating refreshed spaces for celebrations, meetings, and other gatherings, all within the landscape of the Chattahoochee River watershed. Each space offers a different way to experience the Nature Center. Step outside and the setting becomes part of the gathering: native plants changing with the season, wildlife moving through nearby habitats, and the River just beyond the trails. It’s a setting that can make a meeting feel a little less ordinary and a celebration feel distinctly connected to this place. The renovations are part of a larger moment for Chattahoochee Nature Center. As we mark our 50th anniversary, we’re celebrating the generations of visitors, families, students, volunteers, members, and community partners who have made this place what it is — while continuing to grow for the years ahead. We’re grateful to the North Atlanta community for recognizing Chattahoochee Nature Center in this year’s Best of North Atlanta. Whether you come for an afternoon on the trails, a program along the River, or a gathering with colleagues, family, or friends, there’s always something new here to discover. Fifty years of roots — and still growing.

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THANK YOU for voting for us 2026

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Chattahoochee Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) nonproﬁt organization

9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, GA 30075 | chattnaturecenter.org | (770) 992-2055

20 | September 24, 2026 | bestofnorthatlanta.com

2026 BEST OF NORTH ATLANTA • Sponsored Section

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10 years of excellence, helping you thrive Brought to you by – Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs For the tenth year in a row, we extend our sincere thanks for honoring us with the distinction of Best Home Care for Seniors - a milestone that reflects both our unwavering commitment to exceptional care and the deep trust our clients, their families and our community place in us. This comes at a time when aging in place has become the defining preference of older adults. Today’s seniors overwhelmingly want to remain in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by familiar routines, meaningful possessions, friendships and the independence they value. Latest surveys show that 88% of adults 65+ say they want to remain in their home for the rest of their lives. Even

more striking, 95% of adults 55+ say aging in place is a deeply important personal goal. Over fourteen years ago Hilary and Greg Eldridge had a different vison of in-home care, not as a one-size-fits-all service, but as heart-centered support that honors each client’s evolving needs. At Home Helpers we believe that home is not just where seniors want to be - it’s where they thrive. We offer inhome care designed to help you or your older loved one at every stage of aging. Whether someone is active and independent, managing chronic conditions, or navigating memory changes, a well matched and heart-centered caregiver provides skilled in home care that adapts to meet them exactly where they are. With daily routines unique to your needs, in-home care doesn’t replace indepen-

dence; it protects it. Caregivers step in where needed, offering support that empowers seniors rather than limiting them. Equally important is the emotional well being home that in-home care nurtures. Older loved ones stay connected to their pets, neighbors, favorite chair, garden, or morning ritual - meaningful anchors that give life continuity. Caregivers provide companionship that combats isolation, offering conversation, encouragement, and genuine human connection. This emotional support is one of the strongest predictors of thriving in later life and reflects the importance of comfort and familiar surroundings. Nearly 1 in 4 Americans now provide care to an older adult, often balancing work, family and medical needs. At Home Helpers we become partners with

families, easing stress and providing the peace of mind they need, and the sense of independence their loved one seeks. Whether home is a private house, assisted living community, apartment, or recuperating in a health facility, we’re here to help. Our skilled caregivers can assist with all personal needs, help around the house, support recovery from an injury or surgery, or upon a return home from a rehabilitation stay or stroke. Along with specialized Alzheimer’s, Dementia or Parkinson’s care, we now have Nursing Services as an added support for families. From four hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 care, we can support your care needs. For a free consultation call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 6810323.

2026 BEST OF NORTH ATLANTA • Sponsored Section

bestofnorthatlanta.com | September 24, 2026 | 21

Thank You From Home Helpers Best Home Care for Seniors Exceptional Care Customized For You

2021-2026 WINNER

2017-2026 WINNER

Best Of Perimeter

Best Of North Atlanta

Dunwoody • Sandy Springs Brookhaven

Presented By

6th Straight 10th Straight Year Year At Home Helpers, our focus every day is matching the right caregiver with each of our clients. We guarantee a good match. Finding the right caregiver is much more than just seeking a professional with great skills. It’s about finding a caregiver with the heart and spirit to make a difference in someone’s life.

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22 | September 24, 2026 | bestofnorthatlanta.com

2026 BEST OF NORTH ATLANTA • Sponsored Section

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We focus on personal, compassionate care Brought to you by - Modern Obstetrics and Gynecology of North Atlanta Modern Obstetrics and Gynecology of North Atlanta provides individualized and compassionate care while also ensuring exceptional medical and surgical care. Founded by husband-and-wife team, Dr. Ingrid Reyes and Dr. John Reyes, have developed a team of physicians, midwives, nurse practitioners and physician assistants dedicated to exceptional patient care. The physicians of Modern OB-GYN— Dr. John Reyes, Dr. Ingrid

Reyes, Dr. Natu Mmbaga, Dr. Zin Alonso, Dr. Miranda Long, Dr. Shelley Zippay, Dr. Whitney Cook, Dr. Nicole Habibe and Dr. Shae Boguslawski—continue to increase the value of expert medical care while maintaining the focus on quality patient relationships. The role of the OB-GYN physician throughout a woman’s lifespan is immeasurable. Our physicians are devoted to establishing and building strong relationships with our patients. Our practice focuses on ensuring that every patient feels valued, appreciated, listened to, and cared for at every visit,

every time. Our patients can trust that they will receive exceptional, insightful medical care, but just as importantly, are valued as individuals. As leaders in our community for minimally invasive and robotic gynecologic surgery, the physicians of Modern OB-GYN provide women with safe and effective options for gynecologic concerns. While able to provide the most up-to-date, robotic surgeries, our physicians are also able to address gynecologic conditions with medical management or nonsurgical approaches. As obstetricians, Modern OB-GYN recognizes the

unique aspects of every pregnancy and works with the patient to address their goals and to provide healthy outcomes for moms and babies. Our team recognizes that personalized, attentive care is incredibly important to ensure a positive experience throughout a pregnancy. Proudly serving metro Atlanta for over 15 years, Modern OB/GYN has six locations in Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Cumming, Sugar Hill and Sandy Springs (opening September 2026). We are proud to offer personal, compassionate care to the women of our community.

2026 BEST OF NORTH ATLANTA • Sponsored Section

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24 | September 24, 2026 | bestofnorthatlanta.com

2026 BEST OF NORTH ATLANTA • Sponsored Section

The difference of independent, physician-led cancer care Each cancer experience is unique. Every patient has their own journey. Discover the difference at Piedmont Cancer Institute. Brought to you by – Piedmont Cancer Institute Founded in 1987, Piedmont Cancer Institute has remained committed to providing compassionate, personalized care and support for individuals diagnosed with cancer. What began as a single practice has evolved into a community-based oncology practice with seven locations, including our newest location in Johns Creek, supported by 18 medical oncologists and 21 advanced practice providers (APPs). As an independent, physician-led private practice, PCI puts the focus where it belongs: on the patient. Our physicians are able to make decisions based on clinical expertise and individual patient needs, while our community-based approach allows us to provide comprehensive cancer care in a setting that feels personal, accessible, and connected. For patients and families, that means having an experienced oncology team beside them throughout their treatment journey—not simply treating a diagnosis but caring for the person behind it. By combining advanced treatments with individualized care, Piedmont Cancer Institute continues to stand by patients and families at every step of their cancer journey. “As cancer diagnoses continue to rise, the demand for skilled medical oncologists is intensifying within an already complex healthcare climate,” said Dr. Eric

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Mininberg, CEO of Piedmont Cancer Institute. “Patients face not only the challenges of disease but also the pressures of rising costs, fragmented systems, and disparities in access to care. To meet these realities, we must think boldly—leveraging new technologies, expanding precision therapies, and delivering them directly at the point of care. “At PCI, we continue to anticipate the future of oncology by expanding into new markets and welcoming additional oncologists, ensuring that advanced,

patient-centered care remains accessible and affordable. As an independent, physician-led practice, we are uniquely positioned to adapt quickly, innovate meaningfully, and make decisions with our patients and communities at the center. This model allows us to remain focused on what matters most: delivering exceptional cancer care with compassion, accessibility, and a personal connection—today and for generations to come.” PiedmontCancerInstitute.com

2026 BEST OF NORTH ATLANTA • Sponsored Section

Appen Media Wins 2026 Georgia Press Association General Excellence Bringing Journalistic Excellence to North Atlanta 1st Place

Page One – Staff Layout & Design – Staff Education Writing – Jim Bass Serious Column – Carl Appen

2nd Place

Local News Coverage – Staff Business Writing – Staff, Dan Whisenhunt, Dean Hesse, Jim Bass Education Writing – Jim Bass and Zoe Seiler Feature Photograph – Dean Hesse Serious Column – King Williams Humorous Column – Pat Fox Feature Writing – Dan Whisenhunt

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Health Care Ad – David Brown Food Ad – David Brown Home Furnishings/Appliances Ad – David Brown Classified Section/Page – Staff Signature Page – David Brown

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AppenMedia.com 770.442.3278

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26 | September 24, 2026 | bestofnorthatlanta.com

2026 BEST OF NORTH ATLANTA • Sponsored Section

Designed for the Way You Live Brought to you by – Kat Nelson Designs Inc. No two families live the same way, so Kat Nelson believes no two homes should look the same either. For Kat, thoughtful interior design begins long before fabrics are selected or furniture is placed. It starts with getting to know the people who will actually live in the space—their style, favorite colors, daily routines, activities, needs, and even the small preferences they may have never considered important to a design. “We do a lot of homework upfront,” says Kat. “I want to understand not only what my clients want their home to look like, but how they want to live in it.” That philosophy has become a defining part of Kat Nelson Designs. Rather than pushing a particular aesthetic or signature “look,” Kat approaches each project with a fresh perspective, allowing the client’s personality and lifestyle to guide the design. “It’s not about what I personally like—it’s about what will make you

happy for years to come,” Kat says. “You are the one living in the space, so I want to do whatever is needed to make it yours and exactly what you want. Of course, I may encourage you to color outside the lines a little, but at the end of the day, the client has the final say.” The result is a portfolio in which no two projects feel the same. From the beach to the mountains, traditional to modern, masculine to feminine, each home tells a different story because each is designed around the people who live there. Kat’s own design perspective has been shaped heavily by years of world

travel and experiencing different cultures, lifestyles, architecture, materials, and ways of living. That broad range of inspiration allows her to see possibilities beyond a single design style and bring unexpected ideas into each project. But beautiful design, Kat believes, is only successful when it functions just as beautifully. The goal is not simply for a space to photograph beautifully. It should make everyday life easier, more comfortable and more enjoyable. It should anticipate the way a client moves through a room, where they

need storage, how they entertain and what they want to see and feel when they walk through the door. After more than two decades of creating homes for clients with vastly different tastes and lifestyles, Kat’s philosophy remains remarkably simple: listen first, design thoughtfully and make it personal. Because the best-designed home should never feel like a designer came in and imposed a look. It should feel like you—only better than you ever imagined it could. www.katnelsondesigns.com

2026 BEST OF NORTH ATLANTA • Sponsored Section

10 Years in a Row! Thank You For Voting For Us.

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2017-2026 WINNER

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katnelsondesigns.com Let’s be social:

“Our projects include new construction, major renovations and interior design. Establishing a professional team of resources and relationships with contractors and vendors always ensures the best results. Kat’s strength is her ability to interpret her client’s vision and discern their needs to create beautiful homes with approachable and liveable interiors.” – Kat

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Continued innovation in digital media has changed the ways in which people buy, sell and interact with products and services. It has caused businesses to reassess the ways in which it communicates with potential customers and advertises its products. It has been well documented that these changes have had a destructive impact on local newspapers, which continues to be a primary source for local news, but is no longer a primary source for local advertising dollars – historically the lifeblood for reporters and their coverage. At Appen Media Group we want to address this conflict head on, and build new and innovative approaches to monetizing local news and creating a sustainable future for local journalism in metro Atlanta.

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BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR (Part-Time) Alpharetta Presbyterian Church Seeking an organized, detail-oriented professional to support church operations and staff. Position is 2025 hours per week, M-F, on-site. Qualifications: • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree required • Strong computer and organizational skills • Experience in office administration, operations management, HR, or related field preferred • Excellent communication skills and ability to maintain confidentiality • Successful criminal records/child abuse background check required

Responsibilities include: • Human resources administration and staff support • Church operational and administrative functions • Technology systems coordination and support • Insurance, compliance, and records management • Vendor and contractor administration To apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to alpharettajobopening@gmail.com

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Equal Opportunity Employer. T:\Obits Death Notices\2026 Death Notices

DEATH NOTICES James Exparza, age 91, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on September 7, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

LuAnn Gumkowski, age 73, of Roswell, GA passed away on September 15, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Clement Pereira, age 81, of Roswell, GA passed away on September 7, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Karen Freeman, age 87, of Milton, GA passed away on September 14, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Pauline Hahn, age 97, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on September 13, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Tyler Preston, age 30, of Roswell, GA passed away on September 9, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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Ross: City should have residents pick fiscal fate

Public Service Commission race headed to runoff election

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Wills Park brims with area visitors on Fourth of July By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

A girl waves an American flag as she dances to music by Davis and the Love at Roswell Area Park July 4.

PHOTOS BY: SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA

Kendall, from left, John, Brooks and Reid Hill sit on a picnic blanket at Roswell Area Park to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Roswell crowd celebrates America’s 249th birthday By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Food trucks, live music and fireworks were on the menu for America’s birthday in Roswell. A crowd of over 1,000 piled into Roswell Area Park July 4 to celebrate America’s 249th birthday.

Kendall and John Hill travelled from East Cobb to bring their two little ones to the show. “The kids love it,” John Hill said. Baseball fields and multi-use fields were filled with families and friends awaiting the firework show at dusk.

See FOURTH, Page 23

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From left, Traci Foreman, Chris Foreman and John Hanley watch fireworks in Wills Park July 4.

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The heart of the holiday was shining through the music, food and fun of Creek’s Juneteenth celebration. As the sun set on a warm Saturday evening, Midway grandmother Matilda Riles sat in a lawnchair, watching her grandchildren play on the park lawn amid the sound of booming live music and mouthwatering aroma of food trucks. Before the fun started, Riles, who attended with three generations of family, educated the kids about the reason for Juneteenth. “It's a point in time when enslaved people no longer had to be enslaved, and certain places did not relay the message at the time that it should have been relayed,” Riles said. “And, therefore this is a celebration as to when the final group of people were told you no longer had to be enslaved.” Several thousand visitors descended on the city’s annual celebration at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, doubling last year’s attendance. The celebration resembled a giant block party with live music performances, chatting neighbors, plenty of food and rows of arts and craft vendors.

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is working to complete converting an old elementary school into a law enforcement training center. Since October, the training center has hosted a public safety academy as part of a partnership between the sheriff’s office and University of North Georgia. The academy, funded by the

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County restores original funding to cultural arts

Children play in the lawn at Newtown Park during a Juneteenth celebration in Johns Creek June 21. JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

Brandy White holds her 1-year-old daughter, Lennon, at the entrance to her Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company on 13th Street just outside Cumming.

sheriff’s office, provides training for law enforcement officers in Forsyth County and surrounding jurisdictions, Capt. Rob Heagerty said. At an April 22 work session, the County Board of Commissioners discussed a proposal to allocate $47,993 for design services with ar chitectural firm Wiley Wilson to create plans, conduct inspections and

make changes to water heaters. The sheriff’s office wants to install showers and locker rooms at the building at 4805 Atlanta Highway, Heagerty said. The improvements are important because exercise and physical conditioning are essential in maintaining capable deputies, he said. The building already houses classrooms, meeting rooms, a cafeteria,

gym, simulator room and an empty wing where deputies can conduct building-clearing and other training exercises. The work is part of a second phase to transform former Midway Elementary School into a law enforcement training center.

See SHERIFF, Page 12

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ATLANTA — The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to restore funding for a program within the Arts & Culture Department to $3 million a year Sept. 17. While the unanimous vote reflects unity and bipartisanship, some commissioners criticized colleagues for the delay. The item, sponsored by Democratic commissioners Khadijah AbdurRahman and Marvin Arrington Jr. and Republican commissioners Bob Ellis and Bridget Thorne, includes an increase of $1.7 million for a previously requested program and its full $3 million in funding set aside in the 2026 budget.

See JUNETEENTH, Page 10

sions last January and writing false reports about each of the incidents. “The (Justice Department’s) Civil Rights Division has zero tolerance for law enforcement officers who abuse public trust through excessive force and concealing their misconduct,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “We will vigorously safeguard the constitutional

Dunwoody opens doors to refine future land-use By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

PHOTOS BY: HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Front center, Ann Hanlon, executive director of the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, holds the ribbon for phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Road path April 3 while City Councilman Tom Lambert, front right, gets ready to cut it. The Perimeter CIDs and Dunwoody split the project’s $1.5 million construction cost.

Commercial partners and city celebrate new path By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

See FULTON, Page 20

Fulton jail staff faces civil rights indictments By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat ATLANTA — Fulton County Jail employee has been indicted in federal court for allegedly using excessive force against prisoners. The 47-year-old sergeant is accused of repeatedly using tasers on compliant, nonresisting pre-trial detainees on three occa-

April 10, 2025 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | Ser ving the community since 1976

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

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County considers funding for sheriff’s training facility Two-year-old Cameron holds a beach ball at the City of Roswell Fourth of July celebration at Roswell Area Park.

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By JON WILCOX | jon@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The perfect biscuit is like a warm hug, said Brandy White, owner of Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company. “It kind of warms your soul,” White said. “It feels like home to me.” Since 2001, the Sawnee Mountain Biscuit has operated out of a renovated mobile home at 104 13th St., serving perfect pillowy biscuits wrapped around eggs, cheese, bacon and other breakfast staples. With dozens of items on the menu, the restaurant features other tasty offerings from French toast to a house-made pimento cheese. Tucked into a sleepy neighborhood on the edge of Cumming, Sawnee Mountain Biscuit might easily be taken as another house, but locals say the squat, blue-clapboard building is one of the town’s best breakfast spots. Over the decades, the restaurant has earned a cult following in Cumming and the north Atlanta area, serving as many as 400 orders some mornings.

See BISCUIT, Page 6

County delays closing Alpharetta jail site

Pitts: Raising millage rate would be mistake

► PAGE 4

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Thousands filled Wills Park to celebrate July 4 with a bang. Hours before darkness fell, friends and families filled the park’s lawns, Equestrian Center, trails and athletic fields. Everywhere, children played, cartwheeling, running, tossing balls and waving glow sticks. Alpharettan Lindsey Landis, her husband, two children and two dogs were part the crowd, passing the golden hour on a blanket laid out on the grass.

Residents celebrate, remember meaning behind Juneteenth

Greenhouse complex- Across from the Skate Park in Brookrun Park, Dunwoody

rights of all individuals, including those in custody.” “Abuses of power of this kind are unconstitutional, erode our community’s trust, and will be prosecuted,” added Theodore S. Hertzberg, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Solomon faces up to 10 years in prison for each federal civil rights violation and 20

years behind bars for each false report. The FBI’s Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case based on a referral from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.

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Miniature goldendoodle Lexi cools off at the Milton city pool on Sept. 13. Canine companions gathered there to celebrate summer’s end. See the story and more photos from Sarah Donehoo on page 18.

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A look down the completed phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Road path April 3 shows the two-way cycle track parallel to the revamped sidewalk.

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody elected officials, city staff and Perimeter Community Improvement Districts Executive Director Ann Hanlon cut the ribbon April 3 on phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Road path. “We’re super proud to partner with the city of Dunwoody on building this trail project,” Hanlon

said. “And we’ll look forward to many more phases to come.” A little over two years ago, the group gathered at the same spot near the corner of Ashford Dunwoody Road and Hammond Drive for phase one’s groundbreaking. Phase one of the corridor’s path includes a two-way raised cycle track separated from traffic by a wide landscape buffer

See PATH, Page 17

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The City of Dunwoody is streamlining development rules and updating its vision for the city’s future as part of a state-mandated overhaul. City officials and representatives from consulting firm TSW Design, which was tasked with creating a plan, gave a two-hour presentation about the changes April 1 during a special meeting at Vintage Pizzeria on Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Residents received and discussed the creation of a unified development ordinance and changes to the city’s comprehensive plan. Dunwoody is updating its comprehensive plan as part of a state mandate that requires an overhaul every five years, said Allison Stewart-Harris, an associate principal and planner at TSW. Stewart-Harris presented the changes to about 30 residents who attended the meeting.

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs announced that the Billboard Music Award-winning band Lit is headlining Friday night Sept. 26 at the third annual Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival. The festival will take place in the heart of Sandy Springs Friday, Sept. 26, from 4-10 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Lit is an American rock band from Orange County,

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California, formed in 1988. They are best known for their platinum-selling 1999 power-pop punk album “A Place in the Sun” and its massive hit single “My Own Worst Enemy.” The band is set to headline the main stage Friday night at 8 p.m. In addition to Lit, the family-friendly festival features music all day long across multiple stages, an artist market with more than 80 vendors and a Kids Zone.

See LIT, Page 9

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Motorists line up at the Boylston Drive signal to turn left onto Hammond Drive Aug. 14. Sandy Springs will begin work in September to realign Boylston to the east and eliminate a nearby traffic light.

Realignment construction begins on Hammond-Boylston intersection

CITY OF SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED

Sandy Springs said Billboard Music Award-winning band, Lit, is headlining this year’s festival Sept. 26-27 at City Springs.

October 23, 2025 | Decaturish.com | Locally Sourced News | An Appen Media Group Publication | Volume 1, No. 13

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs contractors are set to begin work in September on realigning the intersection of Boylston and Hammond drives and removing a redundant traffic light. The city says work will last around 15 months, and the intersection will remain open during construction, but there will be occasional lane closures so crews can get the work done safely. Initially, city officials expected the project

to begin in mid-August. No explanation was given. Currently, there are two separate sets of traffic lights less than 100 feet away from one another, one at the Hammond Glen Retirement Community’s driveway and another at the office building next door. The new configuration will shift Boylston Drive to the east, aligning it with the Hammond Glen driveway and eliminating the traffic light at the driveway to the office building at 325 Hammond Drive.

Indicted superintendent resigns

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Hundreds attend Intown Ace Hardware’s annual Ladies Night

Early voting ends Oct. 31 for municipal elections ► PAGE 4

See story on Page 22

Wild Nest Bird Rehab finds roost at Legacy Park

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About 30 residents fill a dining room at Vintage Pizzeria on Chamblee Dunwoody Road April 1 to hear a presentation by TSW Design planner Allison Stewart-Harris, who spoke on the city’s future land-use strategy.

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