12-13-2013 Dunwoody Reporter

Inside Park proposals Board discusses North Shallowford park facilities COMMUNITY 3

Demographics Proponents of a new school system compare populations COMMUNITY 4

Dunwoody Reporter www.ReporterNewspapers.net

DUNWOODY DON ATES pag e 18

DEC. 13 — DEC. 26, 2013 • VOL. 4 — NO. 25

Right on cycling

Botched job Letter writer says volunteers saved day on Brook Run work COMMENTARY 8

Lawn Barbies

Council delays dog park decision

BY JOE EARLE

joeearle@reporternewspapers.net

Some members of Dunwoody City Council say they object to the location of the controversial dog park in Brook Run Park, but they’re not too crazy about the city’s plans for an alternative, either.

The current location “is the wrong place for this dog park to be,” Councilwoman Lynn Deutsch said. “[But] we don’t have a perfect solution.”

At the council’s Dec. 9 meeting, council members apparently decided to keep looking. They deferred a vote to hire a company to build a new dog park in a different part of Brook Run. Old Mountain Contracting Co. bid $290,983, later reduced through negotiation to $255,983, for the work. The city had budgeted $195,000.

Pop Art aficionados share their love of the dolls AROUND TOWN 9-10

SEE COUNCIL, PAGE 6

Police tips

Parents form GLASS to lobby for schools bill

Advice on how to avoid being a holliday crime victim PUBLIC SAFETY 30

BY JOE EARLE

joeearle@reporternewspapers.net

PHOTO BY PHIL MOSIER

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On the first Sunday of every month at 2:30 p.m., cyclists gather at Bruster’s Ice Cream in Dunwoody Village for a meet and greet and safety review before starting an hourlong, 5-mile ride in the neighborhoods.

Dunwoody residents Dona Cardenas, and her son Nico Cardenas, 8, who is a third-grader at Kingsley Elementary prepare to take off.

Ten parents gathered over coffee in a Dunwoody restaurant one morning this week to start putting together a lobbying campaign they hope will foster new Georgia school systems.

The group, organized by Erika Harris and Allegra Johnson of Dunwoody, hopes to convince the state Legislature to approve HR 486, a proposal to amend the state Constitution to allow new systems to be set up in cities created since 2005 and cities adjacent to them.

“We’re still in a 1945 school system,” Johnson told the group gathered at Café Intermezzo in Dunwoody on Dec. 9. “We need to bring it up to a new century.”

Rep. Tom Taylor (R-Dunwoody) last year introduced the legislation that would alSEE GLASS, PAGE 5

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DEC. 13– DEC. 26, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

DUN

COMMUNITY

Parks design debate continues

BY JOE EARLE

joeearle@reporternewspapers.net

Dunwoody city officials continue public debates over what features should go into a new, 5-acre park planned for North Shallowford Road.

After a public meeting Nov. 19 and a discussion at the November meeting of Dunwoody City Council, consultants redrew the park’s preliminary plans to add areas to play basketball, to reduce the size of the playground and to change a proposed amphitheater into a band shell.

“We’re taking all the comments from the council and the public and tried to address all that,” city Parks and Recreation Manager Brent Walker told council members.

The new design includes a basketball court and two half-court basket-

ball areas instead of the single multi-use court originally proposed. It also added a fountain or water play area.

At Dunwoody City Council’s Dec. 9 meeting, some council members suggested more revisions to the plan for the park at North Shallowford and Pernoshal Court.

Councilwoman Lynn Deutsch suggested removing the water play area, which she originally had promoted. “I don’t think that, given the needs in other areas of the city, this is the best use of city funds,” she said. “The more I have thought about this place, the more I’d like to see activities. I’d really like my splash pad, but I don’t want it here.

We’re spending an awful lot of money in one section of the city.

Dunwoody Government Calendar The Dunwoody City Council usually meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Dunwoody City Hall located at 41 Perimeter Center East Suite No. 103.

For a complete and up to date schedule of Dunwoody City meetings, visit http://www.dunwoodyga.gov/Residents/Calendar.aspx

CITY OF DUNWOODY

Dunwoody city officials redesigned a planned 5-acre park on North Shallowford Road to include more places to play basketball and a water feature. More changes are likely after recent city discussions.

City officials propose to build the 5-acre park as part of the redevelopment project known as Project Renaissance.

The 35-acre project in the Georgetown area of the city includes housing, shops and parks.

Councilman Terry Nall proposed that the city develop a list of priorities

for its parks so council members would know what residents wanted included in the park. “The bigger problem we have tonight is we don’t have priorities,” Nall said. “We’re here tonight to decide what is the unmet priority. ... It’s not clear to me what is the unmet priority we’re meeting here.”

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DEC. 13– DEC. 26, 2013 | 3

COMMUNITY

Dunwoody school demographics would differ from DeKalb’s

BY JOE EARLE

joeearle@reporternewspapers.net

If the city of Dunwoody creates its own school district, its students would be more likely to be white or to speak a language other than English at home than students in the present DeKalb County school system, a new study shows.

Robert Wittenstein, president of Dunwoody Parents Concerned About Quality Education, told members of Dunwoody City Council on Dec. 9 that the same study that shows a Dunwoody system could produce a $30.7 million operating surplus also shows that about 51 percent of the 6,000 students in the system would be white, compared with 11 percent in the DeKalb system.

Seventeen percent of Dunwoody’s students would be black, compared with 68 percent of the students in DeKalb, he said. Students with Asian backgrounds would make up about 12 percent of Dunwoody’s students, compared with 11 percent in the county system.

About 26 percent of the Dunwoody students would come from homes where a language other than English

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was spoken, compared with 18 percent of DeKalb’s students, Wittenstein said.

The study, financed by the city, found the Dunwoody system would produce $78.7 million in revenue from local property taxes and state and federal funds but would have only about $48 million in operating expenses, leaving a $30.7 million surplus. It would be up to a future school board to decide what to do with the surplus, he said. He said startup expenses for the new system were estimated at about $5 million.

Dunwoody’s departure from the DeKalb system, he said, would cost the county schools a net of about $27 million, or about 3 percent of its budget, he said.

If a legislative proposal allowing creation of a Dunwoody system passes in 2014, he said, it’s possible a new system could open in August 2016. But, he said, the legislative process probably will take more time, so it’s more likely a Dunwoody system would not open until August 2018.

DEC. 13– DEC. 26, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

DUN

COMMUNITY

GLASS formed to lobby for passage of new school systems bill CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 that a Dunwoody school system was low Dunwoody and other cities creatfinancially possible, Harris and Johned since 2005, such as Sandy Springs son launched a new advocacy group to and Brookhaven, and cities adjacent push for the legislation. Leaders of the to the “new cities” to organize new advocacy group, called Georgians for school systems or to join other cities Local Area School Systems, or GLASS, to organize new school systems. If apwant to organize parents in several proved, the bill would allow creation communities to push for passage of of new systems in the new law.

16 cities, includ“This is an iming Atlanta, said portant startPage Olson, Taying point,” Harris “There is nothing lor’s chief of staff. said.

Dunwoody more important for GLASS will parent Tom Lamraise money and the community than bert said he atorganize parents education and it’s not tended the Dec. to attend legislaworking right now,” 9 meeting betive meetings to cause he thought push for approvpassing HR 486 al of the proposal, – TOM LAMBERT would be “imporHarris and JohnDUNWOODY PARENT tant for the local son told memcommunity and bers of the board the state.” of the Dunwoody “There is nothHomeowners Asing more important for the commusociation during their Dec. 1 meeting. nity than education and it’s not work“We need to have volunteers ready to ing right now,” he said. “This is the go to the Capitol,” Johnson said. “They first step. I believe a local school sysneed to see the support is there.” tem that’s more responsive provides Harris and Johnson said they hoped for greater opportunities for the comparents in nearby cities also would join munity.” efforts to promote the legislation. They When a recent study determined planned to hold organizational meet-

ExcEpTiOnAlly EvEn pErFOrmAncE On EvEry lEvEl.

a proper job of educating the parents of Brookhaven, they’ll be supportive,” he said.

GLASS representatives also planned to meet with supporters after a community gathering scheduled for 2 p.m.

Dec. 15 by Dunwoody Parents Concerned About Quality EducaJOE EARLE tion, the nonprofit Erika Harris (left) and Allegra Johnson are the leaders that commissioned the school feasiof Georgians for Local Area School Systems (GLASS) bility study. Dunings in Sandy Springs and Brookhavwoody City Counen after the one in Dunwoody. “This cil contributed money to pay for the is not just a Dunwoody issue,” Johnstudy. son said. “This is for the entire state.”

Dunwoody Parents Concerned Johnson said she had expected more plans to publicly present the findings people to attend the Dec. 9 meeting. of the school system feasibility study She said the group’s Facebook page has during the Dec. 15 meeting at St. recorded about 160 “likes” so far.

Luke’s Presbyterian Church in DunShawn Keefe of Brookhaven, preswoody. Johnson had headed the Dunident of the Ashford Park Education woody Parents Concerned group, but Foundation, said he thought parents resigned to start GLASS. Former Dunin his community would help push woody City Councilman Robert Witfor the legislation. “I think if we do tenstein succeeded her as president.

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DEC. 13– DEC. 26, 2013 | 5

COMMUNITY

Council delays work to move controversial Brook Run dog park CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“They need to go back to the drawing board,” Beverly Armento, past president of the homeowners association of the Lakeview Oaks subdivision, which lies just across the fence from a portion of the park, said after the council voted to delay action on the park. “Maybe Brook Run is not the right place. Let’s just consider where’s the best place in Dunwoody to have a dog park.”

City staff members say the dogs using the present dog park damage trees and cause erosion. “Because of its popularity, the area that the current dog park resides in is in need of extensive rehabilitation,” city Parks and Recreation Manager Brent Walker wrote in a memorandum to the council.

City officials propose to move the 4-acre dog park from the edge of Brook Run, where it is near a neighborhood, to a slightly smaller site nearer the entrance to the park. They say the park should be managed so it creates less damage.

Dog park supporters, who regularly call the existing park one of the best in the metro area, say the city’s plan will ruin the park. Many turned out to fill the council chamber for the vote Dec. 9. “Once you decide to move the dog park, for me, it’s over,” Dunwoody resident Marie Christiansen told the coun-

The old-fashioned way:

cil. “I’m not going to have a dog park anymore.”

Other supporters of the current park say they like the location among Brook Run’s trees argue the new location for the park could create safety issues because it is close to a playground and skate park.

“It’s ideally located now,” Nancy Woodruff told the council members. “It’s a destination for people and dogs.”

But residents of the Lakeview Oaks subdivision, which lies just over the fence from the dog park, see it as a nuisance and say they city already has agreed to move it. “The council has already voted to move the dog park,” Armento said. “This is a decision you made based on knowledge.”

Council members questioned whether moving the park to the location near Brook Run’s entrance might not simply create a problem for residents of a different neighborhood. They asked city staff members to determine how far it would be from the new location to nearby homes.

Deutsch also said she objected to dog park users being forced to share parking at the new location with other park users. She questioned whether the problem may be that the dog park is too big and too popular.

“One of the challenges we have with

CITY OF DUNWOODY

The plan for a new city dog park in Brook Run Park divides the park into areas for large and small dogs. City officials say the park would be managed to reduce damage to the trees and soil.

our dog park is it is regional in nature,” she said. “That’s a problem. When people say to me, ‘But we love it so,’ I say, ‘Go home to your communities and replicate what you love.’ We owe it to the neighborhood to remove this.”

Other council members seemed to think a solution could be found.

Raising The Standard of Care

“This is a dispute between a neighborhood and a dog park,” Councilman Doug Thompson said. “This cries out for compromise. I’ve seen some movement from the dog park [supporters].

I’m not sure I’ve seen the neighborhoods have been very flexible. ... I think both sides can negotiate.”

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DEC. 13– DEC. 26, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

DUN

COMMUNITY

Councilman-elect gets an earful

BY JOE EARLE

joeearle@reporternewspapers.net

Councilman-elect Jim Riticher meets with constituents.

Dunwoody City Councilman-elect Jim Riticher hosted a public meeting to listen to what his constituents think of City Hall.

He heard plenty.

More than 50 people attended the two-hour meeting at All Saints Catholic Church on Dec. 3. Many questioned or objected to the city’s direction or to an array of current city plans or projects.

Residents criticized city projects ranging

from a 12-foot-wide multipurpose trail being built in Brook Run Park to Project Renaissance, the public-private redevelopment project under way in the Georgetown community, to consideration for a roundabout at the intersection of Vermack and Womack roads.

“I encourage you to fight the forces that want to turn Dunwoody into Decatur or the Highlands,” Steve Gebhardt said. “Let’s keep Dunwoody what made Dunwoody great — a small community.”

Some residents also complained that city officials ignore their critics. “If they want us to be involved, they need to be listening and they’re not,” Adelina Alberghini said.

Riticher ran as one of three candidates proposing a “clean sweep” of the three Dunwoody City Council seats on the ballot in the November election. Riticher, the only one of the three running in a district without an incumbent, was the only one to win election. Incumbent Councilmen Denny Shortal and Doug Thompson won re-election in their districts.

On Dec. 2, Riticher told members of his audience that they should remain involved in city politics. “This is not a one-man thing,” he said.

After the meeting, he said he would consider hosting similar gatherings in the future.

“I learned some things I didn’t know when I walked in,” he said.

City Councilwoman Adrian Bonser, left, receives a resolution from Mayor Mike Davis.

Council says farewell to one of its originals Dunwoody City Councilwoman Adrian Bonser departed the council Dec. 9 with a resolution honoring her tenure on council and a promise she will be repaid $1,777 in legal fees she incurred fighting ethics charges she claimed were politically motivated and that eventually were dismissed as frivolous.

“My husband asked me if I’ll miss this,” Bonser said. “No. I’m getting my life back.”

But Bonser, elected in 2008 as a member of the city’s first governing body, said in an emotional farewell that “I’ve had some of the most wonderful life experiences since becoming a council member.”

Council members publicly wished her a fond farewell. “Congratulations,” Councilman Denny Shortal said. “And the big thing - go enjoy your life.”

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DEC. 13– DEC. 26, 2013 | 7

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All I want for Christmas is a little feng shui It’s December, and once again I am decking my halls with Christmas clutter while asking myself the perennial question: Why do I do it? Why do I spend so much energy each year with nutcrackers and knick-knacks? What is it about this month that inspires me to make my house and hands smell like a fir tree? Well, it’s tradition, of course. And it’s expectation. If it’s a week past Thanksgiving and I haven’t pulled out the Advent wreath and the Christmas village, my kids will notice. And they’ll ask for it. But most of all, it’s me. Just as I wouldn’t mail a letter without signing it, I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t spread a little of my own signature fa-la-la around our home each December.

Yet, as I surround myself with the sights and scents of the season — and bargain-hunt for Christmas pajamas — I am tempted to simplify. What I really want is a feng shui Christmas. (I’ll admit here that I don’t know a lot about feng shui, except that it’s pronounced “fung schwey” and my father used to say that “feng shui is bull shui”; but it has something to do with order, balance and simplification, ROBIN JEAN and that’s my only point.)

MARIE Simplify, after all, is the buzzword of this generation — along with yolo and podcast. Simplifying the month of December, however, is a bit of a challenge. But I want to do it. I want to feng shui a little GUEST COLUMN “less is more” into the season; I want to nurse my chai with a cup of tea and give my minivan a break.

So I’m culling the buying and the baking. I’m decking only some of the halls, and I’m letting the crate of snow globes and the four boxes of ornaments go unpacked. I’m weighing wants vs. needs and giving accordingly. I’m simplifying the wish list, and I’m starting with myself.

And that brings me to socks. Personally, all I want for Christmas is a pair of really good socks. So in that way (and in that way only), I am similar to the wise and feng shui-ish Dumbledore. In “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” he famously looks into the Mirror of Erised (that’s code for Mirror of Desire for the two of you out there who didn’t already know that) and claims that the most coveted object of his desire is a pair of thick woolen socks. I can understand that, because a great pair of socks is so hard to find. The irony here is that my husband’s first Christmas present to me when we were dating was, in fact, a pair of thick woolen socks. At the time I was not impressed; a pair of socks was not the gift I was hoping for — especially from him. But I married the man anyway, and I still wear the socks. And now, as I’ve noted, I’d really like a second pair.

It’s not a lot to ask for. And I’ll admit that I have — in the spirit of order, balance and sanity — added a few more items to my simple wish list for the season: From my energy-efficient light bulbs: that extra three years of power that you promised.

From my washing machine: whiter whites and brighter brights. Really.

From my dryer: all of our missing socks.

From my hair: frumpy to fabulous while I sleep.

From yard crews everywhere: silent leaf-blowers.

From my laptop: complete obedience.

From my husband, Mr. Studfinder: the pictures. Hung on the wall. Finally.

From my teenage twin boys: a clean bathroom.

From my son and daughter, who are studying in lands as foreign as Chile and New York: a safe trip home.

Just those things … and world peace.

Robin Jean Marie is a writer and mother of four who lives in Dunwoody. She can be contacted at robinjm@earthlink.net

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Company botches Brook Run trail; volunteers fix damage

wide, two-lane “trail,” they failed to correct the negligence of the city-hired company, which jeopardized even more trees.

Mulched debris was “disposed of ” by piling it against these trees, in some places more than a foot deep over an area extending five feet from either side of the cement. This not only To the editor: caused mold to infest live trees but meant that rain was prevented from penetrating to tree roots yards from the trunk. (While Kudos to all the volunteers who helped mitigate the damthe top several inches of mulch was heavy with age at Brook Run Park caused by the irrerain, the dirt under it was bone dry.) sponsible conduct of trail construction workToxins leaching from buried asphalt under ers and lax or non-existent supervision by city LE TTE RS TO this mulch added to endangering trees already management of the paving project.

THE E DITOR stressed from the construction.

On two occasions, mulch, debris and Now, these men, who already intend to chunks of asphalt that had been piled around E-mail letters to spend hundreds of thousands of our tax dolthe remaining trees along Phase One of the editor@reporternewspapers.net lars knocking down more trees, paving addianti-nature trail, were painstakingly raked tional miles of parkland, further endangering away by volunteers in an effort to save trees wetlands and subsidizing builders and bullfrom bark mold and thirst. dozers, want to spend tens of thousands more of our tax dolThe pitiful condition of the construction zone long aflars to move the existing Brook Run Dog Park in the interest ter the completion of Phase One highlights the hypocrisy of saving trees from dogs walking around them. of Councilman [John] Heneghan and Mayor [Mike] Davis I am certainly not an expert in dog-walking soil compacfeigning concern about soil compaction around trees in the tion, but recent reports about the issue say that two of three existing Brook Run Dog Park. certified arborists consulted do not believe the dogs there Apparently it does not bother them that after cutting down cause a problem. One article also points out that the mayor 335 trees and depriving moisture to many hundreds more by selecting an impermeable surface (concrete) for the 12-footCONTINUED ON PAGE XX

DEC. 13– DEC. 26, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

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A holiday display on Hilderbrand Drive composed of Barbies, Kens and GI Joes takes a Christmas theme.

Fun with Kens and Barbies brings happiness to Hilderbrand Like many streets in Sandy Springs, Hilderbrand Drive displays colorful signs of the holiday season.

Houses are decorated with bright, colored lights. A giant inflatable Homer Simpson Santa glows through the night from one yard. A pair of light-covered deer graze in front of another home just down the street. In another yard, Barbies sing.

Wait, Barbies?

Barbies, indeed. At 438 Hildebrand, Barbie’s the thing. For Christmas, there’s a holiday display tucked into a streetside corner of the front yard. More than 30 dolls – mostly Barbies and Kens, with the odd GI Joe -- dance, skate or sing to welcome the Christmas season.

There are skating Barbies, angel Barbies, a Barbie in a Santa suit, a Barbieand-Ken nativity scene complete with Wise Men and Shepherds, and Barbies dancing around peppermint candy canes as holiday tunes are piped through

speakers behind the display. A giant Barbie stands at the end of the driveway greeting passersby.

“We love Pop Art,” said Brandon Lyn, AROUND who helped TOWN set up the display. “Barbies JOE EARLE are Pop Art.” Besides, Barbie offers a touch of fantasy to everyday life, Lyn said. “We don’t get to be astronauts one day and doctors the next. We have to go to work,” Lyn said.

“I may not be able to dress up as an astronaut to go to work, but Barbie can.”

It started last summer, shortly after CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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DEC. 13– DEC. 26, 2013 | 9

COMMUNITY

Fun with Kens and Barbies brings happiness to Hilderbrand

PHOTO BY JOE EARLE

A sandy flowerbed in front of a house on Hilderbrand Drive is the venue for seasonal displays, starting with a Barbie beach, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and winter scenes.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Lyn moved onto Hildebrand.

In Turin, Ga., a small town near the town where Lyn’s cousins lived, someone set up a “Barbie Beach,” a place where dolls frolicked in the sand. “I remember going to the original when I was a kid.” he said. “I was like, ‘That is so hilarious.’”

When pulling up ivy in their yard, Lyn and his housemate uncovered a small, walled area apparently intended to be used for nty r r a f™ a r w P r o o ler ye a a 15 - Stain nt Se r e n fo a m Pe r

We 1 on 0 yea can of any r con warra fer n str uct ty ion .

Before Construction

planting a flowerbed. With the addition of some sand, their version of Barbie Beach was born. They started collecting dolls at thrift shops. Family and friends donated some. Lyn said sometimes patients at the doctor’s office where he worked have donated.

At first, they put out a beach scene. As the holidays approached, they changed the display to holiday themes, including a scene for Thanksgiving. They thought the neighbors might object, but so far, they said, they’ve had no complaints.

Neighbors walk their children over to admire the bevy of Barbies. Between displays, “people stop and say, ‘Where are the Barbies?’” Lyn said.

One recent morning, as Lyn and his housemate were out cleaning the dolls after a strong rainstorm had washed sand and leaves onto their clothes. Neighbor Jim Strong spotted them as he was driving past, stopped and wished them well.

“I think it’s fun,” he said.

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Before

After Serving your community for 15 years

Some of the dolls used in the displays were donated.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Bringing the tailgate party to Shepherd Center were Kate Aspinwall (front, from left) Megan Walker, Elizabeth Christopher, Rebecca Christopher. (back, from left) Allison E. Maloney, Christina Sirockman, Allison Christopher, Ellen Williams, Molly E. Kittrell, Sarah Langsfeld, Abby H. Ballinger, Natalie Fulghum SPECIAL

Phoenix debutantes throw football party for Shepherd

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Arguably, Thanksgiving weekend has is a very small organization, but they some of the best football games of the make a huge impact in the community.” year.

Before the debutantes are formally But for people in the hospital, small presented at the annual ball, they are recomforts such as watching football can quired to volunteer their time with the seem out of reach. two organizations the Phoenix Society So, women from supports: the High an organization Museum of Art and Do you know an organization or called the Phoenix the Shepherd Center. individual making a difference Society planned a “They work so in our community? Email tailgate party recenthard and give a great editor@reporternewspapers.net ly for patients at the deal of their time,” Shepherd Center so Minnich said. they could enjoy beTucker said it was ing with their families and watching her experience of volunteering at the a good old-fashioned football rivalry: Shepherd Center with the Phoenix SoUniversity of Alabama vs. Auburn Uniciety that ultimately led her to work versity. full-time at the hospital for spinal cord “We had a barbecue dinner catered injuries. for patients and their families. I would “I thoroughly enjoyed my my volunestimate we served at least 200 people,” teer time here very, very much,” Tucksaid Lauren Tucker, senior major and er said. planned gifts officer for Shepherd CenTucker was part of the Phoenix Soter Foundation. “It was awesome.” ciety’s debutante class of 2002, after she Tucker, who raises money for the graduated from Holy Innocents’ EpisShepherd Center Foundation, made her copal School in Sandy Springs and Furdebut with the Phoenix Society. The man University. She now serves on the Buckhead-based philanthropic organiPhoenix Society’s board of directors. zation celebrates its 50th anniversary As a liason between the two groups, this year.

Tucker says she loves seeing the debu“Phoenix Society was formed by tantes getting excited about their volungroup of gentlemen that not only wantteer work at the Shepherd Center. ed to present their daughters to the “I hear their favorite part time and community but expand opportunities time again is being able to volunteer for community service in Atlanta,” said with Shepherd. It’s just heartwarming Saundra Minnich, who has been infor me to hear,” Tucker said. volved with the organization for many Tucker said the Phoenix Society years. gives financially to the Shepherd CenWhat sets the Phoenix Society apart ter, as well. from other debutante groups is their “The Phoenix Society has been able commitment to helping the communito make very generous cash contributy, Minnich said. tions,” Tucker said. “It was neat to see “This organization is more about serparents giving back financially while the vice and philanthropy than presentagirls are volunteering their time.” tion to society,” Minnich said.

Minnich said she really enjoys that Minnich said the organization is family aspect of the Phoenix Society. small and membership is by invitation She said families will come togethonly. Fathers are nominated to join, and er to show their support for the debutheir daughters may make their debut tantes at this year’s ball, scheduled for to society as debutantes between the Dec. 22 at the Cherokee Town Club in ages of 18 and 22.

Buckhead.

“They are very pleased to see their “It’s family-oriented and service-orichildren joining the service ranks in the ented,” Minnich said. “I think in today’s community,” Minnich said. “Phoenix society that’s particularly important.”

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COMMUNITY Maps for the proposed cities of Briarcliff, Lakeside and Tucker are slightly different but overlap in the Northlake Mall area.

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As the 2014 General Assembly nears, advocacy groups are eagerly awaiting or brandishing new studies that will show if their desires to create new cities in their community are feasible.

Currently, three are groups vying to incorporate cities in north-central DeKalb County. Maps for the proposed cities of Briarcliff, Lakeside and Tucker are all slightly different, but they overlap in the area around Northlake Mall.

The Lakeside City Alliance recently received a report from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia that its proposal would make a viable city.

Sonja Szubski of Tucker 2014 said her organization is concerned because many of the neighborhoods she considers to be part of Tucker are included in the Lakeside map.

“With just the proposed city of Lakeside, we overlap in the heart of our Tucker neighborhoods,” Szubski said. “They go from I-85 all the way down Chamblee Tucker Road and they include Henderson Park, which historically has been maintained by a Tucker volunteer group and surrounding and supporting neighborhoods.”

She said Tucker has always been a defined community and they’d like to solidify that by incorporating.

“The impetus for Tucker is to retain our community,” Szubski said. “We have a heart in terms of a main street and a thriving business community.”

Szubski said the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University is studying the feasibility of a city of Tucker. The feasibility studies for the proposed cities of Lakeside and Briarcliff and Stonecrest in Southeast DeKalb are being conducted by the Carl Vinson Institute.

“The team we have working for us is top notch. They’ve been willing to work with us and give us a very in-depth

study,” Szubski said. “It might have some features that the others may not.”

In a press release, Allen Venet, the president of the City of Briarcliff Initiative, said advocates of Briarcliff are eager to compare the results of their own feasibility study to the other study results.

He said the completion of the studies will be an opportunity to reconcile the issues and divisions among the competing proposals.

“The residents of each area that actively raised thousands of dollars for these studies deserve a chance to vote on whether they want to incorporate as new cities — not just Lakeside but Briarcliff, Tucker and Stonecrest,” Venet said.

“We hope that the Legislature will give everyone in the area the right to choose the style of government that they prefer. The people of central DeKalb County and their civic associations want a voice in creating their futures. Completion of the feasibility studies is important, but it is just one part of a process that should end by allowing everyone the opportunity to vote.”

The City of Briarcliff Initiative is hoping to create a city between I-85 and the city of Decatur.

Szubski said she realizes getting legislative approval to create a city will be more challenging this year. In the past, when cities such as Brookhaven and Dunwoody were approved by the Georgia General Assembly, there were no other cityhood bills competing for legislators’ attention.

“It certainly is going to be a unique situation this session because there are a total of four cityhood bills that need to be looked at, and I believe several annexation bills from existing cities in DeKalb County,” Szubski said.

“The committees that will be making these decisions will certainly have their plates full.”

COMMUNITY

Sandy Springs plans to support MARTA rail extension on west side of Ga. 400

Overvi Ge

During their Dec. 3 work session, the Sandy Springs City Council said they’d support a MARTA extension with any new stations and rail lines on the west side of Ga. 400.

BY DAN WHISENHUNT

danwhisenhunt@reporternewspapers.net

MARTA is asking cities to go on record about whether they support extending service north of the Chattahoochee River and beyond the North Springs station.

During a work session on Dec. 3, Sandy Springs City Council sounded ready to support the extension, provided MARTA keeps any new stations and rail lines on the west side of Ga. 400.

“We are totally united it should be on the west side,” Mayor Eva Galambos said during the work session.

MARTA is examining building a line on the east side of Ga. 400, and that’s stirred up residents living in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody neighborhoods that could be affected by the construction.

There’s a proposal for a station at Northridge Road, and MARTA is considering adding other stations farther north as the transit system extends the north line to Alpharetta.

MARTA is examining three options: bus rapid transit, light rail and extending the current heavy rail line north from Sandy Springs. The agency is considering adding stations at Northridge Road, Holcomb

Bridge Road, Mansell Road, North Point Mall, Old Milton Parkway and Windward Parkway.

The reason MARTA is looking at a rail line east of Ga. 400 is simple: cost. Each crossing of Ga. 400 is projected to add a few hundred thousand dollars to the expense. If the train crosses to the west side of Ga. 400, it will at some point have to return to the east side.

Preliminary estimates show the bus option is expected to cost about $460 million, compared with $1.8 billion for light rail and $1.6 billion for heavy rail. The heavy rail option is less expensive than light rail because the heavy rail extends the current line.

Some Sandy Springs residents spoke during public comments prior to the Dec. 3 City Council meeting and said they were against work on the east side of Ga. 400.

City Council members said they would support a resolution in favor of the extension on the west side and suggested adding language that would make it clear that the council means both the new stations and any new rail lines.

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Oglethorpe University Art Museum is extending its show until Dec. 21 featuring commercial artist Haddon Sundblom’s Coca-Cola Santas.

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Santa Claus extends his visit to town

BY JOE EARLE

joeearle@reporternewspapers.net

Santa Claus is scheduled to appear during December both in paintings and in person at the Oglethorpe University Art Museum.

The museum has extended through Dec. 21 its show of portraits of Santa by

Haddon Sundblom, a commercial artist who conjured the familiar red-coated holiday symbol that appeared in numerous ads for Coca-Cola. The show, which opened in September, includes 10 paintings, many coupled with the colorful ads in which they appeared. The show includes Sundblom paintings done from 1929 through the 1960s.

“People will disparage art done for advertising, but he was an incredible painter,” said Elizabeth Peterson, the museum’s director and curator of the show, which is composed of paintings from the Coca-Cola Co.’s archives. “The folks at Coke compare him to Norman Rockwell and I don’t disagree.”

On Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, the museum will host an appearance by a live Santa and his associate, an elf named Evie. They are scheduled to be on hand from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. to meet and chat with children who come to the museum. Parents are encouraged to take photos, the museum says on its website.

“No lines. No waiting,” Peterson said.

Peterson selected the paintings on display at the museum, which is known as OUMA. She said some museum-goers who have come in to see other shows have disparaged the Santa show as simple commercialism. “I love that we had it here and we had it cheek and jowl by [a show of works by 20th century French painters Fernand] Leger and [Georges] Braque,” she said. “I’ve had people come in say, ‘I love Santa Claus,’ and I’ve had people come in who were very condescending.”

She said she hopes the Sundblom show will help dispel that belief that advertising art should be seen as “less than” fine art. She also thinks it’s valuable for art students, especially those hoping to find a way to make a living. Sundblom, who was born in 1899 and died in 1976, worked for an ad agency in Chicago, Pe-

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Brookhaven residents Kim Christmas, above left, and Angela Nelson, as well as Jenny Shoemaker and her 3-year-old daughter, Vivian, below, visited the exhibit earlier this month.

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terson said.

“Advertising art is an extremely important and relevant field” for students, especially those working with new media, she said.

“Advertising and new media, in particular, is a very lucrative and hot version of what you can do with an art degree.”

Besides, she said, the show fits the season.

“Personally, I wanted to do it because I’m a Christmas fanatic,” she said. “I firmly believe that living in the world of your imagination is something that people discount. They value it, but they discount it. ... Using your imagination is important. I think adults should learn to play again.”

Santa Claus to meet children at Oglethorpe Museum of Art An exhibition of paintings of Santa Claus that artist Haddon Sundblom created for Coca-Cola ads has been extended through Dec. 21. Santa Claus and Elf Evie will appear at the museum to greet children on Dec. 14 and Dec. 21.

Photography of Santa, the elf and children is encouraged.

When: Santa appears Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. The museum is open to the public from noon until 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.

Where: Oglethorpe University Museum of Art, located on the Oglethorpe University campus at 4484 Peachtree Street NE in Brookhaven.

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Stage Door Players Ruby Anniversary Season

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Free Play Day Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. –

or Holmes for the Holidays

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Directed by Robert Egizio www.stagedoorplayers.net

box office770.396.1726

DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 22

Have some last-minute holiday errands to run?

Cookies to bake? Presents to wrap? The Dunwoody Nature Center wants to help! Children ages 4-9 are invited to come and play, and join their friends for games, crafts and other winter activities. Pizza, carrots and apple slices provided.

Space is limited; advance reservations required. $20 members; $25 nonmembers. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody, 30338.

Call 770-394-3322 or visit: www.dunwooodynature.org to learn more.

Christmas Day Fun

KidzArt Camp Monday, Dec. 30, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – KidzArt Camp offers students the opportunity to experiment with a wide variety of mediums including three-dimensional sculpture, painting, working on unique surfaces, elements of art, principles of design and much more! All art supplies provided. Bring a snack, lunch and drink each day. For ages 5-12. Dates: Dec. 30, Dec. 31; Jan. 2 and Jan. 3. Fee: $115 for 4 days; $35 daily. Hammond Park, 705 Hammond Dr., Sandy Springs, 30328. For more information or to register visit: http://sandyspringsga.gov/registration or call 770-730-5600.

Wednesday, Dec. 25, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. – All are in-

vited to the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta on Christmas Day for family entertainment and fun. The day begins with a sing-along, followed by several family-friendly movies in the center’s theatre. Kids will enjoy assorted inflatables, ride-on toys, table tennis, basketball, the indoor pool and playground. The fitness center and gym also open from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Free.

5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody, 30338. For additional information email: rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org or call 678-812-4161.

Engineering Camp Monday, Dec. 30, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Kids are

introduced to science, technology, engineering and math in a fun and challenging way! Program helps children build problem-solving skills, discover how things work, and is a motivator to learn math and science concepts. Camp dates: Dec. 30, Dec. 31; Jan. 2 and Jan. 3. Ages 4-grade 2: junior LEGO, $80 (1 day); grades 3-8: video game design (4 days), $330. Campers must bring a lunch. Hammond Park, 705 Hammond Dr., Sandy Springs, 30328.

Register by Dec. 16 by going to: http://sandyspringsga.gov/registration or calling 770-730-5600.

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DEC. 13– DEC. 26, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS

Stage Door Players Through December 22 – Dunwoody’s profes-

sional theatre company continues its 40th anniversary season with “The Games Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays,” by Ken Ludwig. It’s December 1936 and Broadway star William Gillette has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of holiday revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Stage Door Players perform at the North Dekalb Cultural Arts Center, located at 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road in Dunwoody 30338. Performance times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 with a Sunday matinee at 2:30. For reservations, call the Box Office at 770-396-1726 or for information visit www.stagedoorplayers.net .

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Thursday, Jan. 2 – Silk paintings from the collection of Martha Andreatos and the Georgia chapter of the Silk Painters International go on display a the Sandy Springs Library branch, 395 Mt Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, 30328. Exhibit is open through Jan. 31. For more information, go to http:// afpls.org/events/art-exhibitions.

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9 Strings Act3 Auditions Saturday, Dec. 21 & Sunday, Dec. 23, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. – Act3 Productions

is inviting students from kindergarten through 12th grade to audition for ShowStoppers 2014, the annual youth talent competition sponsored by ArtSSprings. They are seeking singers, dancers, musicians and actors. Soloists and group acts are welcome. Those interested may present their talent for up to 2 ½ minutes on either day. Auditions are by appointment only and there is an audition fee of $15. Act3 Playhouse is located behind Trader Joe’s in Sandy Springs Plaza, 6285 Roswell Road. To make an appointment, contact Patti Mactas at act3productions@aol.com.

Sunday, Jan. 12, 4 p.m. – 9 String

Theory, a musical col“Buckhead’s Best Kept Secret” for over 30 Years laboration between Angelina GalashenChildren’s and Maternity Clothes kova-Reed, a virtuoso on the Russian long-necked string 800 Miami Circle, Atlanta, Georgia 30324 ~ 404-261-7519 instrument called the domra, and classical guitarist John Huston. $10 donation suggested. Chapel of Dunwoody United Methodist Church, 1548 Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody , 30338. To find out more, go to www.dunwoodyumc.org.

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Breastfeeding Moms Thursday, Dec. 19, 6-9 p.m. – The key

to making enough milk is building a supply and teaching your baby how to effectively breastfeed.

Northside Hospital’s international, board-certified lactation consultants help you learn key points about positioning and latch, discuss pumping, and answer your questions. Bring water and a snack to class. $56. Interchange Building, Suite 400, Classroom 425, Atlanta, 30342. Call 404-845-5555 with questions and visit: https://classes.northside. com to register.

Chattahoochee River Film Saturday, Dec. 28, 11:30 a.m. – Stop in and see “Chattahoochee: Re-Imagine Our River.”

Also showing at 3:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 30, 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. In the Cowie Weiss Theater, lower level of the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Discover Center. Free with general admission purchase. 9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell, 30075. Questions? Call 770-992-2055 or go to: www.chattnaturecenter.org

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Dunwoody donates Dunwoody Elementary collected 700 pounds of nonperishable food items 700, estimated to feed at least 500 families, for donation to Atlanta Community Food Bank and 11 Alive Can-A-Thon, during which Elaine Mach’s second grade class newsstyle research and report presentations on poverty were featured on 11 Alive News with Donna Lowry.

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Atlanta International School held an open-air German Christmas market, above, on Dec. 7. Among the musical lineup were violinists from Herrad Welp’s afterschool lessons, including Lindsey Alexander, a fifthgrader, and second-grader Nicholas Decoufle.

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Cyclists on a regular roll As they do on the first Sunday of every month — even December — bike riders met at Bruster’s Ice Cream in Dunwoody Village at 2:30 p.m. for a one-hour community ride through the neighborhoods. Marking his final ride as organizer, Joe Seconder greeted riders and went over safety and rules of the road before leading the ride at 3 p.m. on Dec. 1. The 5-mile route starts and ends at Dunwoody Village.

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A bit of Bethlehem Guided by the shepherds, a live Nativity at St. John United Methodist Church in Sandy Springs told the Christmas story. Playing the roles of Joseph and Mary were Hunter Langford and Nora Stout, at right. Below, Caroline Sanders, 8, reaches to pet a camel.

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COMMUNITY

LED lights can make that holiday glow a little cheaper

BY MELISSA WEINMAN

melisssaweinman@reporternewspapers.net

Jason Sheetz is a serious Christmas enthusiast.

Last year, the owner of Hammock Trading Company in Sandy Springs adorned his rooftop with an inflatable Santa Claus in a hammock between two palm trees. Icicle lights dangled from the galvanized steel roof.

The display caught the attention of judges from the city of Sandy Springs’s holiday lights competition. They recognized the business with an honorable mention in the annual contest known as Sparkle Sandy Springs.

This year, he’s considering testing LED Christmas lights as a way to cut down on his need for extension cords.

“I can’t believe the price difference in what you save really makes up for the price difference between LEDs and incandescent [lights],” Sheetz said. “But it looks like they’re coming down in price.

We might try one or two sets.”

LED technology is already pervasive in light bulbs and headlights, but it’s now becoming more common in the jolly world of Christmas decorations. LED, which stands for light-emitting diode, allows light bulbs to provide bright light while using a fraction of the electricity needed for traditional bulbs.

Allen Dawson, owner of Ace Hardware in Buckhead, said there are several advantages to using LED Christmas lights.

“You don’t have to worry about blowing fuses on your lights or extension cords or anything like that,” Dawson said. “Your electric bill goes down dramatically.”

For those who like to connect many strands of lights together, LED may be the way to go, Dawson said.

“The normal ones, even commercial ones, you can usually only hook six

PHOTOS BY JOE EARLE

Light-emitting diode (LED) lights are finding their way to more holiday displays this year.

Jason Sheetz of Hammock Trading Company considered using them this year.

lights together, which would be like 600 lights,” Dawson said. “LEDS, even with 100 lights, you can hook like 43 sets together.”

The lower electricity demand reduces the need for extension cords needed to make multiple strands of lights connect.

He said one of his customers went with LEDs to make a 25,000 outdoor display.

LED technology isn’t new, but it’s only recently become affordable for many people. Dawson said he started selling LED holiday lights at Ace three or four years ago, but “they really started catching on last year or the year before.”

Dawson said he expects to sell more this year. Depending on the type of lights, LEDs typically cost about 25 percent more than traditional Christmas lights. But they’ve also gone down in price. Dawson said in the past, LEDs were really expensive for many custom-

ers. But this year, the price will be a little more in line with regular lights.

“Just like any new technology … price eventually does start going down,” Dawson said.

Another advancement in the LED technology is that they now have the warmer light of incandescent bulbs, rather than the bright, bluish light often associated with LEDs. “Some had a purple-y tinge to them, others were so bright white.

They’ve adjusted them, where they’re more traditional-looking now,” Dawson said. “There’s some they call ‘pure white,’ some they call ‘traditional white,’ which are just like the oldtimey ones.”

Sheetz said the color is one reason he’s hesitated to try the LED lights.

“I don’t have a lot of experience with the LEDs. But I will tell you, the rea-

son I’ve stayed away from LEDs is the way they look — they’re a little blue,” Sheetz said.

However, he likes to hang multiple strands of lights and is intrigued by the possibility of using fewer extension cords.

“Here’s something I think is cool about them, that’s always been an inconvenience about other lights, is they use so little power you can make a longer run of them,” Sheetz said.

Regardless of what type of lights he uses, Sheetz planned to go all out with his decorations again this year.

“We’re going to see if we can add a larger lit structure in our front lawn area, along Roswell Road, in addition to Santa in the hammock and lights,” Sheetz said. “We’re going to see how far we can push it, how big we can get without offending all the neighbors.”

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DEC. 13– DEC. 26, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Morgan Brewton-Johnson Pace Academy No one is a stranger to Morgan Brewton-Johnson.

She is involved in practically every service, extracurricular and academic pursuit at her school and goes out of her way to help others, whether they’re among Atlanta’s homeless, her peers at school, or strangers.

Every other Sunday, Morgan cooks dinner and eats with the residents of Trinity Knight Table Service, a Pace program to provide dinners for a homeless shelter operated by a church in downtown Atlanta.

There, she has listened to stories that have opened her eyes to the reality of poverty in her life and her community. After hearing one articulate man describe how he fell into the downward spiral of cocaine addiction, she realized that “a lot of times, in Buckhead, we expect that things like that don’t happen to people here, but it definitely can and I think that’s a really important message.”

Morgan said she wants to do what she can to make sure people’s basic needs are met. “It’s a shame that we can sit here in this lovely place,” she said, “with cars worth more than some countries will ever see. ... I feel like we’re so privileged that there’s no reason that basic needs like health and water shouldn’t be available everywhere.”

Morgan has extended this understanding to school, where she is a member of the Student Advisory Board, which organizes events to raise student awareness about mental health and other issues.

She has pursed other leadership opportunities as well, such as membership in the yearbook staff, the Pace Academy Student Support program, the varsity basketball cheerleading team, and a position as a counselor at Pace Camp during the summer.

She also works constantly to get to the heart of a subject in order to relate textbook material to her own life.

“To Morgan, the subject matter of history and political science is not just words, names, or terms. She understands the real people behind the social movements, street protests, political party formation, or impact of economic austerity measures, for example,” said Helen Smith, Morgan’s Advanced Placement Comparative Government and Politics teacher.

“If asked to summarize why Morgan is such a strong student, my answer is simple: She reads. She is always reading — a wide variety of subject matter, international authors, fiction and nonfiction, reality and fantasy. She shares her knowledge and enthusiasm and enlivens discussions with examples from her reading. Above all, she exemplifies the word ‘student.’”

Despite her heavy extracurricular and academic schedule, Morgan manages to pursue personal projects and experiences that have opened her heart even more to the people around her.

A photographer, Morgan is working on a project in which she takes a portrait of a person and overlays a handwritten note by her subject of what is important to him or her.

Her project began after a conversation with a man she once worked with at a fast-food restaurant. “He had this amazing story, and it seemed like he really wanted to be heard,” she said. “I was glad that I’d asked.

“From that point on, I want to make sure I ask people because everybody has something they’re really passionate about and I want to make sure that I don’t miss that when I’m interacting with people.”

What’s Next: Morgan said she hopes to attend Brown University and pursue a philanthropic career with a focus such as global health that will enable her to directly aid people around the globe.

This article was reported and written

by Margaret Langford, a student at Atlanta Girls School.

View our Digital Editions on your smartphone or tablet

ReporterNewspapers.net

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EDUCATION Student Profile:  John Gabianelli  The Galloway School, senior It is hard to downplay John Gabianelli’s success in high school as an athlete.

He has been a member of the Galloway baseball team, varsity basketball team and varsity golf team.

Although he enjoys playing a variety of sports, he said, “golf is my favorite when I’m playing well.”

And he has the honors to show that he often plays well.

He’s been crowned champion of the 2013 Atlanta Junior Masters golf tournament, champion of the high school regional golf tournament and two-time Bobby Jones award winner at Cherokee Country Club.

In comparison to other plays, golf moves at a slower pace, he said, and requires more concentration.

Also, the game has various components that John finds are relatable to events in life. “You have to overcome mental issues and obstacles that can handicap your life as well,” he said.

John’s golf skills provided him with an outstanding opportunity this past summer. He was captain of a team that traveled to England for the Colonial Cup, a Ryder Cup-style golf tournament.

John’s friend, Marist School senior Will Kesterton, was a member of the team. John attributes some of his success to Will, saying he provided a “good friendly competition” when the two play golf together.

John also attributes some of his success to his coaches, notably Josh Burr, the former assistant athletic director at Galloway and the assistant varsity boys

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basketball coach and head varsity boys golf coach.

Burr, who has known John since he was in the sixth grade and coached him since ninth grade, calls him “a coach’s dream, for sure.”

“He comes ready to work and has a great attitude,” said Burr, who now works as athletics director at The Howard School. Burr said the young athlete’s best assets were his “personality, his people skill and ability to lead others.”

What’s Next: John has applied to many colleges, including Dartmouth College. He is considering trying to play competitive golf at whichever school he chooses.

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DEC. 13– DEC. 26, 2013 | 25

The Needlepoint Experts

COMMUNITY

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DEC. 13– DEC. 26, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

People in Ashford Park are angry.

On a recent evening, they gathered in front of a neighbor’s house to talk about the house under construction next door -- a house they believe is being built too close to the road and against the city’s zoning regulations.

They said they all felt like progress was being made. The city had issued a stop work order on the house, listened to residents’ concerns, and promised to work toward a resolution, they said. But then, on Dec. 2, work began again on the home.

According to Brookhaven’s Planning Director Susan Canon, the stop work order for construction at 2802 Ashford Road was lifted because the house was in compliance with the setback.

“I think that the council has been very concerned about the situation and the city attorney’s opinion was issued and we were looking at whether there were other options available to us to help resolve the situation,” Canon said.

“But at the end of the day the house was legal and in compliance, with the exception of the retaining wall, and therefore the stop work order was lifted.”

But the neighbors feel like they’ve been let down by a new city that promised to provide better zoning and code enforcement services.

“You have a whole group of people running our city that won’t stand up for the taxpayers and it’s a damn travesty,” said Ronnie Mayer, president of the Ashford Park Civic Association.

The group is now considering suing the city of Brookhaven over its position on the controversial, partially built home.

But Larry Cook, who lives across the street, said: “I shouldn’t have to hire a lawyer for the city to stick up for our rights.”

According to the DeKalb County zoning code that Brookhaven adopted, each zoning classification has a

minimum setback requirement, which dictates how close a house may be to the road. But some areas also have an “average setback,” which means a property owner must take an average of the setbacks of the homes on either side of them, so houses on the street line up.

Brookhaven issued a permit to build the house according to the minimum setback of the residential zoning district, not taking the average setback requirement into account.

After a stop work order was issued, the city’s attorney researched the situation and decided that the permit was not issued in error. In a written opinion, he stated that because the houses on either side of the home under construction are in different residential zoning districts, he doesn’t believe the owners are required to abide by the average setback requirements.

Doug Dillard, an attorney representing the owners of the property, said he’s glad his clients will be able to continue work on the house.

“The zoning classifications are inconsistent on each side of the house and therefore the averaging ordinance does not apply. The city attorney agreed with us, and staff obviously agreed with us, so they lifted the stop work order,” Dillard said.

In a letter to Ashford Park residents signed Brookhaven Mayor and City Council, the officials said they tried to find solutions to the issue. They said the city offered to share the cost of moving the house back from the street, but the builder declined.

At the council’s Dec. 10 meeting, Interim City Attorney Tom Kurrie further clarified the city’s reasoning for allowing construction to continue.

“I looked for ways to argue [the average setback] did apply. There were no valid ways to say it did,” Kurrie said. “So the permit was issued and it was a valid permit.”

DUN

COMMUNITY

Brookhaven deals with zoning map trouble

BY MELISSA WEINMAN

melissaweinman@reporternewspapers.net

Brookhaven officials are scrambling to correct a flawed zoning map they adopted earlier this year.

City employees have discovered there are inconsistencies and missing files for many zoning changes made in DeKalb County before Brookhaven became a city.

“We believe there’s 20 years of missing case files from the county that were not transferred to us,” City Manager Marie Garrett said.

Council members voted Nov. 26 to begin a formal audit of the city’s zoning map. Garrett said staff is looking into bringing on an additional employee who will be dedicated to vetting the map. They do not know the extent of the inconsistencies.

“We will have to go parcel by parcel to vet this map. It will be a lengthy process,” said Planning Director Susan Canon.

Brookhaven officials say the official zoning map they adopted from DeKalb County was incorrect. But DeKalb County Planning and Sustainability Director Andrew Baker said there is no such thing as an official DeKalb zoning map - yet.

“The county does not have an official zoning map that shows each parcel with related zoning on it,” Baker said. “We’ve never had an official zoning map.”

Baker said the county has older maps and software systems that are used to record data about each of the parcels in the county. As part of the zoning code rewrite process, the county is upgrading to a Geographic Information System, or GIS, map. This electronic mapping would serve as an official zoning map and is expected to be completed by March 2014, Baker said.

Baker said what was given to Brookhaven was all of the zoning data and files related to parcels in the city limits.

“We never have had a zoning map to transfer to Dunwoody nor to Brookhaven,” Baker said. “It’s up to those jurisdictions to create a zoning map or zoning code or whatever they would choose to adopt.”

The problem with Brookhaven’s zoning map was highlighted by Ashford Park residents, who came to the council’s Nov. 26 meet-

ing concerned about a home under construction in their neighborhood.

The residents told the council that while researching zoning in the neighborhood, they discovered that many of the lots had different zoning designations on the city’s zoning map than they did on the map on file in DeKalb County’s planning department.

Ashford Park resident Meredith Sasser said she wants to know how the lots in the neighborhood were changed when the zoning data was handed over to the city.

“At some point earlier this year it was [zoned] R-100 and now it’s R-85,” Sasser said. “What I want to understand is how it was rezoned?”

Councilman Jim Eyre, who represents Ashford Park, attributes much of the confusion to the rush to get the city started.

“In haste to get our zoning code up and running, we didn’t take time to verify that zoning map we were given matched the zoning map on file in the Planning Department,” Eyre said. “We took what DeKalb sent and ran with it.

Now that map, with all its warts and problems, is the official zoning map of Brookhaven.”

Brook Run trail work botched, fixed CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

does not believe in “experts” ... unless, of course, it is the one who agrees with him.

While I am not necessarily against relocating the dog area, I am outraged, as I hope all taxpayers are, at channeling tax dollars sorely needed elsewhere to do so.

I would just like to point out to the mayor and council that the top priority of at least one taxpayer is not moving a dog park, but fixing the potholes on Chamblee Dunwoody and Mount Vernon [roads], and repairing broken sidewalks around the city. It would be lovely if the city-owned Donald-Bannister Farm House had a sidewalk instead of just an ankletwisting drainage ditch in front of it.

To those council members, who are so proud of having resurfaced 17 miles of Dunwoody roads, please drive (slowly) through Village Mill, where there is barely a square yard of black top that is not broken or cracked, where there are hundreds of sinkhole-spots, dozens of rough make-do patches, and crumbling cement with rebar protruding from at least one curb drain.

That same taxpayer is far more interested in preserving and enjoying green space, having bike lanes along roadways, rather than on nature trails where 3-year-olds must be snatched from the path of speeding cyclists and skateboarders, and living in a community where it is possible to turn left without a traffic signal, rather than attracting more businesses which will exacerbate the gridlock that is now Dunwoody.

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With 130,000 readers in four great communities, Reporter Newspapers work for our advertisers! To find out how your business can benefit, contact publisher Steve Levene at 404-917-2200, ext. 111 or email publisher@reporternewspapers.net. www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

DEC. 13– DEC. 26, 2013 | 27

PUBLIC SAFETY

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The following information was pulled from Dunwoody’s Police-to-Citizen Portal Event Search website and is presumed to be accurate.

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LOCATION

 3100 block of Asbury Square – A burglary to a residence, using forced entry, resulted in the theft of a TV, jewelry, an iPod and a guitar, and was reported on Nov. 21.

AUTO TH EFT

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 4200 block of Peachford Circle – A burglary to a residence, using forced entry, resulted in the theft of a laptop, two TVs and a wallet, and was reported on Nov. 21.

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block of Drive –

Theft of an auto was reported on Nov. 25.

 4500 block of Ashford Dunwoody Road – A larceny of a computer, watch and clothing from a vehicle was reported on Nov. 23.  4700 block of Ashford Dunwoody Road – Shoplifting was reported Dec. 1.  1st block of Perimeter Center East – A larceny of parts from a vehicle was reported on Nov. 24.  1st block of Perimeter Center West – On Dec. 2, a woman said someone stole her wallet, debit card and credit cards from her purse while she was at a department store.

On Dec. 3, a briefcase, three laptop computers, a backpack, a laser pointer and a tablet computer were reported stolen from a 2014 Chevrolet Captiva.  1st block of Perimeter Center Place -- A briefcase was reported stolen from a 2006 Ford Expedition on Dec. 2. A shave kit bag and insulin were reported stolen from a 2004 Dodge Ram on Dec. 2.

Read more of the Police Blotter online at www.reporternewspapers.net

TH EFT/LAR C EN Y  100 block of Perimeter Center West – Shoplifting of vases and martini glasses was reported on Nov. 21; a larceny from a building was reported on Nov. 25; entering an auto was reported on Nov. 25.  100 block of Perimeter Center Place – Shoplifting of two knives and headphones was reported on Nov. 22; shoplifting was reported on Nov. 23; shoplifting was reported on Nov. 24. Items were stolen from a vehicle on Dec. 2.

 4800 block of Cambridge Drive – A larceny of parts from a vehicle was reported on Nov. 24.  1100 block of Hammond Drive – A larceny of credit cards was reported on Nov. 24; a larceny of $380 cash was reported on Nov. 25.  9000 block of Perimeter Terrace – A larceny of $1,500 rims from a vehicle was reported on Nov. 25.

Blue Ribbon Foods  200 block of Perimeter Center Café Sababa  1200 block of Ashford Parkway/Perimeter Center West – Cowlick's Yogurt & Floats Crossing – A larceny of a passport, Theft by receiving stolen property Eclipse di Luna was reported on Nov. 22.

Food 101computer and a scanner from a vehicle was reported on Nov. 25.

Galla's Pizza A wallet, credit cards and $40 cash  4700 block of Ashford DunMarlow’s Tavern Peter'swere reported stolen Dec. 2. woody Road – Shoplifting of clothing was reported on Nov. 22; shoplifting was reported on Nov. 22; shoplifting of a purse was reported on Nov. 22; a larceny of an iPad from a vehicle was reported on Nov. 25; shoplifting of two car batteries was reported on Nov. 26.

Rita's Italian Ice  4400 block of North Peachtree Smallcakes That PieRoad Place -- On Dec. 1, a computer and The Flying software Biscuitwas reported stolen from a Toyota Camry.

 1200 block of Hammond Drive – Sudden snatching was reported on Nov. 22.  3300 block of Asbury Square – Entering an auto was reported on Nov. 22.  4300 block of Ashford Dunwoody Road – Shoplifting of clothing was reported on Dec. 1.

4700 block of North Peachtree Road –On Dec. 8, a wal-



let, check book, debit card and credit cards were stolen from a 2005 Ford Escape.

 5300 block of Lake Springs Drive – Two traffic cones were reported stolen from the curb on Dec. 3.  2300 block of Dunwoody Crossing – A pa-

tio table was reported stolen on Dec. 3.

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Shoplifting of clothing was reported on Nov. 23; a larceny of a cell phone was reported on Nov. 25. Shoplifting of two purses, each valued at $650, was reported Dec. 1.

A S S A U LT

 1st block of Perimeter Center East – Simple assault/battery was reported on Nov. 21.  2300 block of Dunwoody Crossing – Sim-

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DEC. 13– DEC. 26, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

DUN

PUBLIC SAFETY ple assault/battery was reported on Nov. 22.

2800 block of Fontainebleau Drive – Simple assault/battery was reported on Nov. 22.

4900 block of Winters Chapel Road – Aggravated assault with a knife was reported on Nov. 22.

6600 block of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard – Simple assault/battery was reported on Nov. 24.

2100 block of Peachford Road – Simple assault/battery was reported on Nov. 25.

5500 block of Durrett Drive – Family battery/simple battery was reported on Nov. 25.

5000 block of Chamblee Dunwoody Road – Simple assault/battery was reported on Nov. 25.

4000 block of Dunwoody Park --

An assault was reported on Dec. 1.

F RA U D 1st block of Perimeter Center East – Fraud through impersonation was reported on Nov. 21; forgery was reported on Nov. 22; credit card fraud was reported on Nov. 24.

4400 block of Ashford Dunwoody Road – Check forgery was reported on Nov. 23; swindle was reported on Nov. 23.

4300 block of Ashford Dunwoody Road – Credit card fraud was reported on Nov. 24.

5500 block of Chamblee Dunwoody Road – A worthless check was reported on Nov. 25.

1300 block of Madison Drive – A woman said someone had used her credit card to buy an expensive item without her consent.

OTHER 2100 block of Mount Vernon Road – Harassing communications were reported on Nov. 21.

400 block of Perimeter Center Terrace – Disorderly conduct was reported on Nov. 21.

3100 block of Asbury Square – Harassing communications were reported on Nov. 21; damage to public property was reported on Nov. 22.

4600 block of Peachtree Place Parkway – Criminal trespass was reported on Nov. 22.

4300 block of Ashford Dunwoody Road – Harassing communications were reported on Nov. 22.

4500 block of Ashford Dunwoody Road – Disorderly

conduct was reported on Nov. 23.

4700 block of Ashford Dunwoody Road – Disorderly

conduct was reported on Nov. 23.

4800 block of Ashford Dunwoody Road – Harassing com-

munications were reported on Dec. 1.

8400 block of Madison Drive – Disorderly conduct was reported on Nov. 26.

100 block of Perimeter Center West – A civil dispute was reported on Nov. 26.

1st block of Perimeter Center East – Disorderly under the influence was reported on Nov. 26.

5100 block of N. Peachtree Road – Disorderly under the influence was reported on Nov. 27.

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100 block of Perimeter Center East – A man acted “in a violent and tumultuous manner” after an off-duty DeKalb officer and two others confronted him about an incident of illegal parking at an apartment complex.

1100 block of Perimeter Center West – Officers responded to complaints of two men harassing customers at a department store.

A 17-year-old was arrested and taken the DeKalb County Jail.

Read all of our editions online ReporterNewspapers.net

AtlantaINtownPaper.com DUN

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

DEC. 13– DEC. 26, 2013 | 29

PUBLIC SAFETY

Police release holiday shopping tips The busy holiday shopping season also creates opportunities for criminals interested in separating shoppers from their Christmas gifts.

Police departments in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody have released lists of tips to keep you and your property safe this year.

• • • • • • •

Sandy Springs Police recommend:

Stay alert and remain aware of your surroundings.

Put all shopping bags in the trunk of your vehicle.

Park in a well-lit area.

Check around your car and look in the backseat before getting behind the wheel.

Lock your doors and windows at home, even if you step out for a few minutes.

Leave a light or a TV on so potential burglars will think you’re home.

Never hesitate to call 911 if you think something doesn’t look right.

Dunwoody Police say:

• Take all of your valuables with you and lock your car when shopping or eating at a restaurant.

• If you have valuable items that you can’t take inside a shop or mall with you, place them in your car trunk before you get to your destination. “Thieves will watch parking lots and notice if you are placing your purse, laptop bag, or other valuables in your trunk,” the department said.

• Thieves will always target the people who look distracted, so be alert and pay attention.

• Shop in groups of two or more people.

• Don’t put your purse in your shopping cart. Thieves will try to distract you so they can lift your wallet or your purse when you’re not looking.

• Don’t hang your purse on the back of your chair at restaurants. Don’t place expensive purchases to the side or your table. The best place to keep your purse is your lap, police say.

• Place purchases beneath the table, near your feet.

Source: Sandy Springs and Dunwoody police departments.

Troubled Hub? Delay in resolving Art Institute zoning

BY DAN WHISENHUNT

danwhisenhunt@reporternewspapers.net

The Art Institute of Atlanta received a zoning violation for its student housing complex on Barfield Road in 2012 and has yet to make a court appearance, residents of the Autumn Chace neighborhood say.

Autumn Chace Homeowners Association President Liz Gray said the student housing violates the city’s zoning code and the complex has been a perpetual nuisance. Residents were livid when they learned the case had been delayed yet again, this time to February 2014.

“How could it possibly take over a year to conduct this hearing?” Gray asked in an Oct. 29 letter to the city.

“This seems outrageous, illogical, inefficient and unnecessary.”

The Art Institute says it takes concerns about student behavior seriously and is working to be a good neighbor to Autumn Chace and the city.

City spokeswoman Sharon Kraun said city officials can’t discuss the case.

“The Hub was issued a notice of violation by code enforcement and a court date set,” Kraun said. “The court date was changed to Feb 7 at the request of the attorney representing The Hub. As this is a legal case, there isn’t much we can discuss.”

Sandy Springs police have said for years that AIA students bring crime into the city. Prior to 2012, much of

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DEC. 13– DEC. 26, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

the student housing was at the 550 Abernathy apartments, which has since cut ties with the college.

AIA purchased the former The Marriott Residence Inn and turned it into student housing. Chace Homeowners produced records showing what they claim is an increase in crime because of the presence of AIA students.

Police recorded 42 incidents from October 2012 to September 2013, ranging from drug arrests to assaults, according to records from Autumn Chace. Chace also claims that the Hub is zoned as a motel, meaning that no one could stay there longer than 30 days.

Art Institute spokeswoman Kim Resnik said the school investigates all reports it receives about student conduct. “Being a good neighbor is important to us,” she said. “Our housing team has historically had ongoing working relationships with the local police department to help ensure we are engaged in community safety efforts. Any concerns brought to the Art Institute of Atlanta are swiftly and thoroughly investigated. Where warranted, appropriate hearings are held, as specified in the college’s student code of conduct.”

Resnik said all students are expected to abide by the conduct code.

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