Brookhaven Reporter www.ReporterNewspapers.net
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Sky is not falling PDK head talks safety PAGE 3
Perimeter Business PAGES 7-11
MAY 29 — JUNE 11, 2015 • VOL. 7 — NO. 11
VALS & SALS 16-17
We’re on our way!
House election means changes at City Hall BY JOE EARLE
joeearle@reporternewspapers.net
Jessica Encarnacion, left, with Monserrat Reyes-Rubio, are all smiles as they prepare for the Cross Keys High School commencement ceremony in Adams Stadium on May 22. See additional graduation photos from area public and private schools on pages 18-19.
PHIL MOSIER
Let the political dance begin. The appointment of former Rep. Mike Jacobs (R-Brookhaven) to a DeKalb County judgeship created an opening for a new state lawmaker to represent District 80, which covers most of Brookhaven and parts of Sandy Springs and Chamblee. A special election is scheduled for July 14. The race to succeed Jacobs could result in changes at City Hall. Candidates officially file with the Secretary of State’s office from June 1 through 3 to run in the special election for the District 80 seat. After the announcement of Jacobs’ appointment, three candidates quickly announced they planned to run for the seat – lawyer Taylor Bennett; lawyer Catherine Bernard, who ran against Jacobs in 2014; and lawyer and Brookhaven Mayor J. Max Davis. Davis’ candidacy will start a game of poliical musical chairs at City Hall. Once Davis files to run for the House seat, he must resign as mayor, Brookhaven City Attorney Tom Kurrie said. Davis announced during the Brookhaven SEE ELECTION, PAGE 4
Residents give input on bike, trail pathways BY TIM DARNELL More than 100 people turned out in Lynwood Park on May 19 to give their opinions on Brookhaven’s plans to develop bike and pedestrian trails throughout the city. “Where in Brookhaven do you want to go?” Richard Fangmann, an engineer with Pond and Company, asked the group. “That’s what this meeting is all about, getting your first comments and input into this process. “This is a starting point for us.” Brookhaven has a $96,000 contract with Pond and Company to develop a comprehensive bicycle, pedestrian and trail plan for the city. The project’s focus will be developing a map for future development as well as a prioritized list of feasible and cost-effective projects. The meeting was the first in a series of community input sessions. “This huge turnout is evidence that transit and pedestrian issues are important to us,” said District 3 City Councilman Bates Mattison, whose district includes Lynwood Park. “The results of this effort will give us a clear path as to what
future steps we need to take.” Residents first had the chance to prioritize projects, such as bike paths, sidewalks and multi-use trails, on a series of maps. Attendees then participated in a series of workshops with Pond and Company personnel to further what the community wants in terms of bike and pedestrian paths and trails. “Our goals are to gain a variety of perspective on bike paths for both kids and adults, and running and walking trails,” Fangmann said. “I was at the recent Brookhaven Bolt, and I was amazed at how many people were in attendance. It shows how much this community is engaged in walking and running activities. “And we want to develop ways of integrating biking, walking and running into our overall transit plan.” Mattison said Brookhaven has many thoroughfares — such as North Druid Hills, Clairmont, Peachtree and Ashford-Dunwoody roads — that are clogged by commuters SEE BROOKHAVEN, PAGE 4
PHIL MOSIER
Julie Minor gives her son Pierce, 3, some cheering help while he encourages his dad Richard, running in the eighth annual Brookhaven Bolt on May 16. All proceeds from the 5K race go to Ashford Park Elementary School.