Brookhaven Reporter www.ReporterNewspapers.net
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Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival
Once a week
Trash collection pared down COMMUNITY 3
Heating up Chamblee seeing development boom
MARCH 20— APRIL 2, 2015 • VOL. 7 — NO. 6
PERIMETER BUSINESS 9-14
Waiting to be called
A SPECIAL SECTION PAGES 15-18
City continues to examine tree ordinance BY ANN MARIE QUILL
annmariequill@reporternewspapers.net
PHIL MOSIER
From left, William Fairris, Brett Senay, Will Pruitt and Noah Arnold, members of the boys’ AA Cardinals baseball team, await their turn during “Picture Day” at Murphey Candler Park on March 14.
When city officials decided to invite residents in to talk about city operations, the first thing the city wanted to discuss was rules about trees. Brookhaven’s tree ordinance has been rewritten twice, but the debate among residents continues. Some residents say they still want better protection for the city’s trees. And city officials say they hear the concerns. “One of the largest topics we get phone calls about is the tree ordinance,” Patrice Ruffin, deputy director of community development, said at Brookhaven City Hall on March 16. She was introducing a new series of workshops intended to teach the public about the inner workings of government. The city launched the series with a session devoted to the city’s tree ordinance. “So many people want to move [to Brookhaven],” resident Sally Eppstein said during the workshop. “I just don’t feel like homeowners are being respected that much. I know you want more density, but please be respectful.” But the city’s Community Development Director, Ben Song, said property rights had to be respected, as well. And, he said, the city wants to encourage “smart development” in the future. “On a staff level we’re just trying to keep SEE CITY, PAGE 5
Brookhaven Fields all about community BY ANN MARIE QUILL
annmariequill@reporternewspapers.net
Halloween parties. Ice cream socials. Wine tastings. Those are some of the things that bring neighbors together in Brookhaven Fields, a group of small neighborhoods behind the Brookhaven MARTA station between Dresden Drive and North Druid Hills Road. Long-time residents Donna Hall and Meredith O’Connor got together one afternoon to talk about why they love their neighborhood. “It feels like you’re in a community,” O’Connor said. “When you come home, you’re not alone. You’re with your neighbors.” Hall’s home office sits on Fernwood Circle and overlooks Fernwood Park. Hall says that community feeling was what sold her on
the neighborhood. “When you walk down the street the neighbors are going to wave at you if they see you,” she said. “Our porches overlook the sidewalk so you can yell out to your neighbors. I’ll step out I see someone walking by.” A real estate agent, Hall says she bought the townhome 15 years ago when showing a client anWhere other home in the same development, built and You designed by Brookhaven Fields resident Jack HonLive derd. “I really love nature,” she said, and added that a commercial real estate developer friend told her that near the MARTA station was where she should buy. Hall listed some of the reasons she fell in love with the neighborhood: “I wanted to be able to look out over a park. SEE BROOKHAVEN, PAGE 6
ISADORA PENNINGTON
Donna Hall loves being close to MARTA and the park-like setting of the area.