reporternewspapers.net
APRIL 2021 • VOL. 15 — NO. 4
Sandy Springs Reporter
SUMMER CAMPS P27 - 30 1
HEAD FOR THE HILLS P20- 25
Voters may see mayoral battle, new North End council member
Sweep the Hooch
AROUND TOWN
A Dunwoody mural artist’s American Dream P17 WORTH KNOWING
Canines comfort kids at Children’s Healthcare
BY BOB PEPAL IS AND JOHN RUCH
P18
PHIL MOSIER
COMMENTARY
Hate crimes show need for equity in education P16
George Flynn balances baskets on his kayak as he scoops litter out of the Chattahoochee River above Morgan Falls Dam March 27 as part of the annual “Sweep the Hooch” volunteer cleanup. He was among hundreds who joined in the event at many sites along the river and its watershed, organized by the nonprofit Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. This year’s edition had limited attendance and social distancing due to the pandemic. The Morgan Falls site drew eight volunteers on foot and three in kayaks.
Diversity task force members seek housing affordability reviews BY BOB PEPALIS
The Sandy Springs Reporter is mail delivered to homes on selected carrier routes in ZIPs 30327, 30328, 30342 and 30350 For information: delivery@reporternewspapers.net
A Housing and Transportation subcommittee of the city’s new Diversity and Inclusion Task Force wants every development or redevelopment that requires city approval to undergo a housing affordability impact study.
The subcommittee held its first virtual meeting on March 24, with members saying that they learned that increasing rent costs are causing a big wave of displacement in Sandy Springs’ minority communities, creating an urgency for their work. For that reason and because the city is about to See DIVERSITY on page 15
Voters may see a competitive mayoral race and a new City Council member for the seat representing the redevelopment hot spot of the North End as campaigns for this fall’s municipal elections are taking an early shape. Two-term incumbent Mayor Rusty Paul stepped back from earlier talk of retirement by announcing a bid to run for reelection on March 15, saying he has unfinished business. He has a challenger, Dontaye Carter, a public relations consultant and former journalist who announced his campaign March 22. District 2 Councilmember Steve Soteres announced in late March he will not run for reelection. That opens the way for a new candidate to take the seat that serves a large portion of the North End. Two candidates – Melody Kelley and Jason Hamilton – had already joined the race. District 4 incumbent Jody Reichel and District 5 incumbent Tibby DeJulio, who is the lone remaining member of the original City Council, earlier this year announced they will run for re-election. District 6 incumbent Andy Bauman joined them March 26, saying he will run again to support first responders, increase community connections, and work on issues of diversity, incluSee VOTERS on page 14
Gold is
EVERYWHERE
this season See our ad on page 8
POSTAL CUSTOMER
PRSRT STD ECRWSS US Postage PAID Monroe, GA Permit #15