DEC. 23, 2016 - JAN. 5, 2017 • VOL. 10 — NO. 26

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► Bike/pedestrian tunnels suggested for I-285/ Ga. 400 rebuild project PAGE 8 ► Local leaders offer their forecasts for 2017 PAGE 18

2016

YEAR IN REVIEW

GIFTS, DECOR MAKE MEMORIES | P20

State issues inspection report on Lake Forrest Dam

Surveyors are at work around Lake Forrest Dam on the Buckhead-Sandy Springs border as part of a plan to determine whether the dam has a potentially dangerous leak and what the options may be. Meanwhile, the state Safe Dams Program has issued its latest report about the condition of Lake Forrest and other local “high-hazard” dams. See story, p. 5 ►

COMMUNITY

The pet goats of Buckhead Page 10

F O R MO R E O F T H E Y EA R ’ S BEST PH OTOS, SE E PAG E 12

2 | Community

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The BeltLine’s Big Year

What’s on track for 2017 and beyond BY CLARE S. RICHIE While 2016 was a busy year for the Atlanta BeltLine, 2017 is shaping up to be one of its biggest yet. “2017 will be a year of very tangible progress for the Atlanta BeltLine. We’ll open the Eastside Trail Extension and the Westside Trail and acquire the remainder of land for the corridor,” said Rob Brawner, Atlanta BeltLine Partnership Executive Director. These gains require a continued commitment from the City of Atlanta and the community “to get to the finish line by 2030.” “The amount of work that lies ahead to complete the BeltLine and maintain what we have far outweighs the work that’s been done,” Brawner emphasized. Brawner’s referring to the land acquisition, design and construction for the remaining trails and parks, and creating the remaining 5,040 mandated affordable housing units. Once completed, the historic 22-mile railroad corridor that circles Downtown will be reborn as a network of public parks, multi-use trails, transit, and affordable housing that connects 45 neighborhoods.

This massive project is a public and private team effort. The Atlanta Beltline, Inc. (ABI), the city’s implementation agent, primarily secures public funds and oversees implementation of the trails, parks and transit. “We could not be able to accomplish this project without the leadership of Mayor [Kasim] Reed, and the public funding support from our TAD partners, City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and Atlanta Public Schools,” Paul Morris, ABI’s CEO, shared. ABI works closely with the city departments and Atlanta Beltline Partnership (ABP), a private nonprofit that raises supplementary funds, engages the community in programs on the BeltLine, and promotes partnerships and advocacy around health, housing and economic opportunity to benefit all residents of BeltLine neighborhoods. Here’s a closer look at what’s been accomplished and what’s ahead.

A

Eastside Trail Extension

More than 1.3 million people have walked, jogged, biked or skated along the Eastside Trail in the past year. The trail extends for two miles from 10th Street

Brookhaven a book commemorating

libretto HISTORIC BROOKHAVEN Would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous financial support:

DIAMOND LEVEL $5,000+ Capital City Club Historic Brookhaven Neighborhood Association Pulte Group, Inc. PLATINUM LEVEL $2,500 Club Estates Garden Club R.L. Connelly Builders Kroger Jere Metcalf, Atlanta Fine Homes & Sotheby’s Metrotainment Restaurant Group - Hudsons Grill & The Sugar Shack The Skogstad Team, Beacham & Company Realtors Elsie Thompson, Harry Norman Realtors Cathy Boston, Harry Norman Realtors GOLD LEVEL $1,000 The Boyd Team, Atlanta Fine Homes & Sotheby’s Glazer Construction, Inc. Hawkins Parnell Thackston & Young, Attorneys at Law Iberia Bank Word of Mouth Restaurants - Haven, Valenza & Vero Pizzeria

Also thanks to the over 200 individuals who have purchased advanced copies of the book.

and Monroe Drive to Irwin Street, connecting Piedmont Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park and the Freedom Park trail. Its construction, completed in 2012, cleared 100 acres of kudzu, overgrowth and debris, removed 1,700 tons of contaminated soil and now celebrates more than 600 trees in an arboretum thanks to Trees Atlanta. Enhancements abound on this well-loved trail. You’ll notice more access points, like the one at Ralph McGill Boulevard (near mile marker 10.0) and the BeltLine’s first public plaza next to Ponce City Market. This month,

SILVER LEVEL $500 English Ball, Harry Norman Realtors Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub and Jeffe’s Tacos & Tequilla Nick Smith, D.D.S., P.C. The Peachtree Group State Bank & Trust The UPS Store - Brookhaven Only limited quantities will be printed. Order your advanced copy now at brookhavenlibretto.com.

C the fourth prototype bench will be on display. Based on community feedback, one of the four local artist benches will be chosen as the signature bench placed throughout the corridor. And a new permanent sculpture near the stainless steel “33 Oaks” installation at 725 Ponce is coming in 2017. The extension, projected to open in late summer 2017, will add another 1.25 miles from Irwin Street to Kirkwood Avenue in Reynoldstown. “From Irwin Street, it travels south to DeKalb Avenue, navigates through Krog Street tunnel into Cabbagetown and runs along the CSX Hulsey Yard on Wylie Street,” Morris explained. Design for the .37-mile stretch of Wylie Street calls for a 10-foot multi-use trail on the north side of the road, buffered from traffic by landscaping.

Westside Trail

The Westside Trail is a 3-mile segment that runs from University Avenue in Adair Park to Lena Avenue at Washington Park. A half-mile stretch along White Street will use the existing West End Trail, the spur that runs from Rose Circle Park to Westview Cemetery. This new multi-use trail will include 14 ramp and stair connections (including 11 ADA-accessible ones), a greenway and space for future transit. Once completed, it will connect four schools that serve southwest Atlanta.

“Concrete pours have started on the Westside Trail, and we are hoping to finish by late summer 2017,” Morris said. The completion day is at least two years ahead of schedule because of a federal U.S. Department of Transportation Tiger V grant and private funds. At the south end of the trail is the BeltLine’s first urban farm, Aluma Farm at Adair Park. “It’s a demonstration site to learn how to expand urban farming around the BeltLine,” Brawner said. Produce is available for sale there (seasonally and at certain times) and at other city farmer’s markets. “It’s a demonstration site to learn how to expand urban farming around the BeltLine,” Brawner said. Initial work on the 16-acre former state farmer’s market site, known as Murphy’s Crossing, is also underway. As a result of professional, community and resident input, this property has the potential to “create a destination on the Westside that could include economic development opportunities, such as maker spaces and affordable housing,” Brawner explained. In the short term, ABI will stabilize the site with infrastructure and green space until the site development plan is complete.

Southside Trail Design

Design for the Southside Trail, which runs four miles from Glenwood Avenue clockwise to University Avenue at the Westside Trail, is underway. ABI recently held community meetings for resident

BH

Community | 3

DEC. 23, 2016 - JAN. 5, 2017 ■ www.ReporterNewspapers.net ect to secure the remaining corridor,” Brawner said. “Once we have land we can go after money to clean it up, design and build.” As more of the corridor is acquired, look for more hiking trails like the one from Piedmont Park to Ansley Mall to open. The next step is for MARTA and the city to prioritize projects and timing. “Ideally, we’ll have projects identified that can begin in April 2017 after first quarter sales tax revenue is collected,” Morris said, noting that the projects are eligible for federal matching grants.

B

Housing

A. The Eastside Trail

extension is underway.

B. A rendering of

the Westside Trail at Murphy’s Crossing.

C. Pouring concrete

on the Westside Trail.

D. Aluma Farm at Adair Park.

E. A new prototype

bench on the Eastside Trail.

D

ATLANTA BELTLINE

E input on where to locate ramp and stair connections as well as gathering places along the trail. Design is expected to take place well into 2018. Input can still be given to Nathan Soldat, ABI Community Engagement Manager, at nsoldat@atlbeltline.org.

Referenda To Provide Needed Funds

Two sales tax measures, the MARTA referendum and TSPLOST, passed by a strong margin on Nov. 8. BH

The MARTA referendum added a halfpenny sales tax, which for the BeltLine will support constructing and operating the Atlanta Streetcar System Plan in the loop and four new rail stations along the BeltLine (Armour Yard, Boone Boulevard, Murphy Crossing and Krog Street). The TSPLOST four-tenths-cent sales tax increase is estimated to generate $66 million for ABI to purchase the remaining right of way for the 22-mile loop and provide lighting for its multi-use trails. “I can’t overstate how important it is to the ultimate development of the proj-

The New York Times recently reported what many already suspected: Home prices have risen in formerly overlooked working-class neighborhoods near the BeltLine. In 2005, Atlanta City Council legislatively-mandated a 25-year goal of 5,600 units in the BeltLine Tax Allocation District (TAD), the specific geographic area designated in the 2005 Redevelopment Plan. To date, 2,000 units of affordable housing have been created by ABI, Atlanta Housing Authority, Invest Atlanta and the State Department of Community Affairs in the BeltLine Planning Area, a .5mile area on either side of the BeltLine corridor. But only 560 units, or 10 percent

of the initial goal, have been built within the smaller TAD. “It’s been slow going because during the recent recession the TAD didn’t raise as much and no one was building,” Morris said. “We reset our game plan,” Morris explained. “Over the next three years, ABI will invest $15 million to $20 million in the preservation and creation of affordable housing, down payment assistance, developer incentives, funding for land acquisition and owner occupied rehabilitation, to support an additional 425 to 600 units.” Morris and Brawner agreed that affordable housing is a citywide issue, and that a combination of policies and funding is needed to address it. Some of their ideas include working with public and private partners on inclusionary zoning, land trusts and land banks. The Atlanta City Council is working on a new ordinance that establishes an inclusionary housing requirement for new rental developments in the Beltline Overlay District to allow low- and moderate-income households to buy or rent property in mixed-income environments. Brawner said that ABP could also play a bigger role by raising private funds for affordable housing as it has done for parks and trails.

4 | Community

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Pavilion project on Pill Hill goes back to the drawing board BY ARIELLA PHILLIPS Plans for an urban-style, mixed-use development near the Medical Center MARTA station are on pause amid traffic concerns. The Sandy Springs Planning Commission on Dec. 15 unanimously approved the withdrawal of plans for the proposed Peachtree Dunwoody Pavilion redevelopment project. The developer, Simpson Organization, plans to reapply for permits in the summer, said Carl Westmoreland, lawyer for the developer. “We didn’t see it going forward,” Westmoreland said. Plans for the 20-acre site at the intersection of PeachtreeDunwoody Road and Lake Hearn Drive have been in the works since March. In recent months, the proposal to redevelop the office park on Pill Hill drew community support, but city staff expressed doubts about the plan having too many parking spaces and generating too much traffic. A traffic report completed in August recommended extensive changes

An illustration of the Peachtree Dunwoody Pavilion project presented at a March meeting.

to many nearby intersections. The commission recommended deferral of the project earlier this year. Since the plans have been withdrawn, zoning and traffic reports will have to be redone, if the developer chooses to reapply in the summer. Most notably, the traffic report rec-

ommended lanes be converted or built at Peachtree-Dunwoody Road and Johnson Ferry Road, Peachtree-Dunwoody Road and Lake Hearn Drive, and Peachtree-Dunwoody Road and Hammond Drive. Extra lanes to the I-285 exits on Peachtree-Dunwoody Road were also recommended.

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Totaling just over 1 million square feet, the large-scale plan would have had lower density than allowed under its current zoning, which helped the developers gain support from the Sandy Springs Council of Neighborhoods. The mixed-use development aimed to bring an urban feel to the area with a bike path and street-front shops and restaurants surrounding the lake. A hotel and a multi-family housing development would join existing office buildings in the Medical Center area. A hotel would have included over 300 rooms. The development would have had access to nearby Medical Center MARTA station. At a planning commission meeting in July, the developer announced many of the structures in the large-scale project would be getting even larger. A 9-story parking garage nearly doubled in the number of spaces. A multi-family housing development added 85 units. Three existing office buildings, totaling 340,000 square feet, will be renovated. The withdrawal was approved quickly, without public comment. The Buckhead-based developer owns many prominent local properties, including the office park where Sandy Springs City Hall rents space and the Sterling Pointe office complex in Dunwoody. The Pavilion is the second massive mixed-use project on that stretch of Peachtree-Dunwoody to gain community support only to withdraw after city planning staff objections. A similar plan for housing, restaurants and a hotel in the Concourse Center at Peachtree-Dunwoody and Hammond Drive was returned to the drawing board after city officials warned the apartment component likely would not be approved by City Council.

Community | 5

DEC. 23, 2016 - JAN. 5, 2017 ■ www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Latest dam inspection reports show minor issues BY JOHN RUCH johnruch@reporternewspapers.net

The latest state inspection reports for several “high-hazard” dams in the area appear to show only minor issues with their conditions. Gaps and long delays in issuing the reports also shows staffing challenges for the Safe Dams Program, the state agency that monitors dams. Some reports were only recently completed for inspections conducted in February; others are for inspections dating to May 2015, but only recently became available in state files. A few dams still don’t have reports available at all. The state keeps a database of dams and categorizes 11 local ones as “high-hazard,” meaning that if they failed, the resulting flood likely would kill people. There are 474 high-hazard dams in Georgia, many of them privately owned, which can make condition and repairs hard to track. No high-hazard dam in the state has failed since the 1990s, and the Safe Dams Program aims to keep it that way, but it has only 11 staff engineers to conduct inspections and issue reports. The local dams were inspected in two rounds of visits in early 2015 and early 2016. Only one report from those inspections was previously available, for Brookhaven’s Silver Lake Dam, which showed it to be in good condition. Reports recently provided by the Safe Dams Program did not include the findings for three dams: Capital City Country Club Lake in Buckhead; Murphey Candler Lake in Brookhaven; and Tera Lake in Sandy Springs. Safe Dams officials did not respond to requests for those reports. Tom Woosley, head of the Safe Dams Program, has previously said Tera Lake needs repair work. Also missing was a report for Dunwoody Club Crossing Dam in Dunwoody, but that may be because the owners are appealing its high-hazard classification, the Safe Dams Program previously said. The inspection reports are brief technical descriptions of the dams. They do not include an overall comment on a dam’s conditions or what work might need to be done on them. That information comes in a separate letter the Safe Dams Program issues to owners, and those letters are still in process for this year’s inspections, Woosley said. The reports also do not necessarily include all of the concerns that the Safe Dams Program may have. One example is Lake Forrest Dam, which runs beneath the 4600 block of Lake Forrest Drive on the Buckhead-Sandy Springs border. The inspection report notes some issues, such as trees growing atop the dam. But it does not go into details about the ongoing private inspections, jointly conducted by the cities of Atlanta and Sandy Springs, to investigate possible water leakage within the dam’s embank-

ment. That controversial and expensive effort, spearheaded by Sandy Springs, has gone on for years. The private inspections are expected to determine the fate of that dam sometime next year. Options range from dam repairs to building a retention pond upstream to breaching the embankment permanently to make it a culvert instead of a dam. Recent survey work for Lake Forrest inspections drew a complaint from Buckhead resident Todd Rinck, who said in an email to Sandy Springs city officials that a surveyor entered his property without permission. Sandy Springs City Attorney Wendell Willard said in an email that studying the

possible dam alternative “requires survey work within the vicinity of the lake and topography of surrounding and adjacent properties to the lake. This will be used to determine what effect the level of lake water will have on adjacent property, based upon the various alternatives.”

Safe Dams Program engineer Bobby Sauer inspects Powers Lake in Sandy Springs in February 2016.

JOHN RUCH

TH E F OL LOWING ARE WHAT THE L AT EST STATE REP ORTS SAY AB OUT S O ME O TH ER LO C AL H IGH -H AZARD DAMS .

Scott Candler reservoir, Dunwoody

May 2015: Some minor areas of erosion to address and some seepage to monitor. One area had a crushed culvert pipe and some debris blocking drains.

Cherokee Country Club, Sandy Springs February 2016: “Significant erosion” on part of one slope. Inspectors could not find the principal outlet for the dam, writing, “It may have been submerged or buried.”

Lake Northridge, Sandy Springs February 2016: “Significant erosion” on a side spillway, not the main one, and some seepage.

Peppertree Lake, Sandy Springs

Feb. 2016: Erosion in several places and “shallow sloughs” on both slopes. Continuing concerns about brush and trees encroaching on the waterway.

Powers Lake, Sandy Springs

February 2016: Minor seepage and some animal-type holes on the slope.

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Sandy Springs author releases her ‘ode to Georgia’ chicken cookbook BY JACLYN TURNER

er’s fried chicken and her other grandmother’s luncheon chicken specialties. Graubart says her interest in food stemmed from experimentation and no formal training. “The real nucleus of my passion was self-driven,” Graubart said. “My mother was not a good cook. She had limited cooking skills, and I would come home from school with a pound of ground meat thawing on the counter, and that was my signal to turn it into something for dinner— usually a meatloaf or spaghetti.” During her college years at the University of Georgia, the passion amplified when she was introduced to new flavors and foods and cooked for her friends. Upon graduating with a degree in journalism, Graubart went on to be an independent television producer at Georgia Public Television. In 1985, she helped get on the air a cooking show starring chef Nathalie

Dupree. “New Southern Cooking” was the first nationally Books appear to cram every inch of syndicated program to come wall space in cookbook author Cynthia out of the state of Georgia. It Graubart’s Sandy Springs home. Inalso was where Graubart realcluded in that collection are more than ly started to learn about cook4,000 cookbooks. They fill her home ing. office and living room. “I never knew that there Graubart uses these for was a technique to cooking,” inspiration, to learn othsaid Graubart. “I thought, oh ers techniques and for great, I don’t have to be a bad research. cook; there is a technique to While she already this I can learn!” may be able to call herWith two grown children, self an author, a cook, Graubart collaborated with an instructor, a mothDupree on the James Beard er, and a James Beard Award-winning cookbook award recipient, Grau“Mastering the Art of Southbart now can consider ern Cooking,” published in herself an authority on 2012. a food the world knows “The challenge for writand loves: chicken. ing recipes is writing a recThis household ipe as fool-proof as possimainstay held a special ble, so it can be duplicated place in her heart growby almost any cook in their ing up in Jacksonville, own home,” she said. “I keep SPECIAL Fla., she says. In the introduction to her in mind the challenges that Cynthia Graubart, author of “Chicken.” newest cookbook, “Chicken,” part of the all home cooks have such as “Savor the South” cookbook series pubtime, availability of ingredilished by University of North Carolina ents.” every occasion, with seven dedicated Press, she recalls discovering the differThe recipes in “Chicken” work for to mastering the Georgian mainstay ences in her country-cook grandmothof fried chicken, or what Graubart referred to as her “ode to Georgia.” All 53 of the book’s recipes were created and tested in her Sandy Springs home, in a basic kitchen. “I’m a home cook, writing for home cooks,” she said. Her cookbook provides recipes for everyday dishes and holiday roasts and explores subjects as varied as the history of the chicken to consumer information about the many ways to prepare it. “I wanted to introduce people to the many techniques of making chicken,” Graubart said. She sees her audience as two main groups of readers: the new cook trying to figure out life in the kitchen and those who don’t have time to cook and want to try new things in the kitchen. She says her favorite everyday recipe is “Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Sweet Potatoes” because it involves tossing everything onto a sheet pan. She also pointed out the “Country Captain” recipe, a curry dish that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt would eat when he visited Georgia. For the holiday season, Graubart From our Family to yours suggested more people experiment have a Happy Holiday Season more with fennel, and to add chicken thighs with fennel and lemon to our celebratory menus. “I give a lot of thought to special-occasion meals. I want the food to be apPlease call or come in to see how we can be of assistance for your loved ones. proachable and familiar, and as unforgettable as I can possibly make it,” 690 Mount Vernon Hwy. NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 Graubart said. “For the winter holidays, it’s usually a beef tenderloin and

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Community | 7

DEC. 23, 2016 - JAN. 5, 2017 ■ www.ReporterNewspapers.net

C H I C K EN TH I GH S WI TH F EN N EL AND LEM O N “There are practically no words to describe this dish,” wrote Cynthia Graubart in her cookbook. “The kitchen while it bakes is heavenly.” Makes 6-8 servings

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Ingredients: ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon 1 tablespoon fennel seed 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/3 cup olive oil 2 fennel bulbs, cut into 6 or 8 wedges each 8 bone-in, skin-on thighs 2 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar ½ cup dry white wine 2 lemons, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon chopped fennel fronds, optional

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Combine the lemon juice, mustard, tarragon, fennel seed, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in the oil to emulsify the marinade. Transfer the marinade to a large resealable plastic bag. Add the fennel and chicken thighs, seal the bag, and turn to coat with the marinade. Refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.

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When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350°. Transfer the chicken to one or two large, shallow baking dishes or pans so the chicken rests in a single layer. Scatter the fennel wedges around the chicken. Pour the excess marinade evenly over the chicken. Stir together the sugar and wine in a small bowl and pour the mixture over the chicken. Arrange the lemon slices around the pan. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the thickest part of a chicken thigh reaches 175° on an instant-read thermometer. Transfer the chicken and fennel to a serving platter. Tent with foil to keep warm. Pour the sauce from the baking dish(es) into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the sauce is reduced in volume by about half; pour it over the chicken. Top the finished dish with fennel fronds, if using, and serve hot.

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a leg of lamb, but I will also cook chicken.” At home, those holiday meals can include from six to 30 guests. But on a typical morning when both Graubart and her husband Cliff, owner of The Old New York Bookshop, are home together, they have established a routine that divides the kitchen labors. “Cliff is the master of breakfast,” said Graubart, praising his scrambled eggs. Graubart, her writing career in high gear, is always working on her next project. While keeping up her speaking engagements and cooking demonstrations, Graubart has two more cookbooks in the works. One offers recipes for Jewish interfaith families and particularly highlights holiday foods. She also is researching the history of community cookbooks for a book honoring the causes and important cultural contributions these books have made in Georgia “I don’t want them to go unnoticed or unappreciated in history,” she said. “There is so much we can learn about what people were eating across the decade, and I have thoroughly loved getting involved with the research.” “Chicken: A Savor the South Cookbook” (UNC Press, hardcover, $20) is available now at local retailers and Amazon.

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Tunnel, bike lanes suggested for I-285/Ga. 400 project

The rough plan for two tunnels (yellow arrows) and a side path (green arrow) in the forthcoming Abernathy Road/Ga. 400 diverging diamond interchange as shown on Joe Seconder’s Bike Walk Dunwoody blog page

BY JOHN RUCH johnruch@reporternewspapers.net

Advocates are pushing for better bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Sandy Springs streets altered by the upcoming I-285/Ga. 400 rebuild project—with at least bike lanes, and possibly bike/pedestrian tunnels under highway ramps on Abernathy Road.

SPECIAL

Joe Seconder of Georgia Bikes raised the tunnel idea in a Dec. 6 meeting with Georgia Department of Transportation officials — ncluding I-285/Ga. 400 project manager Butch Welch — and he says they were willing to think it over. It’s a big idea, but there is precedent in GDOT’s agreement to build part of the PATH400 multi-use trail through the in-

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terchange, also a request by Seconder’s set up, and Seconder says it can scare or group and other advocates. But the clock discourage cyclists and pedestrians. is ticking, as GDOT’s contractors are slated “We don’t see pedestrians walking to finalize the design of the project and to across Ashford-Dunwoody … It’s just not a start construction in February. friendly, inviting place,” Seconder said. “The idea is definitely, who has the priDallas isn’t as critical — “It’s OK,” he ority? What is the greater safety for everysays of the Ashford-Dunwoody interone?” said Seconder. change — but agrees that it can be diffiOfficials from GDOT and other organicult for first-time users to understand and zations involved in street planning, includlooks like it would take longer to cross than ing the Perimeter Center Improvement it does. Districts and the city of Sandy Springs, did A recent Reporter visit found a pedestrinot have comment on the proposals. an crossing at Ashford-Dunwoody to take While the I-285/Ga. 400 project is largeless than three minutes. Less attractive ly about those highways, it also affects were damaged street signs that indicated some city streets and its work actually will that cars frequently drive onto the pedesstart, in February, with two of them in Santrian islands that are part of the system. dy Springs. One Seconder is a reconstrucand Dallas said tion of the Mount their basic reVernon Highquest for the way bridge over Abernathy diGa. 400. The othamond is adder is reconstrucing 5-foot bike tion of the Aberlanes. That will nathy/Ga. 400 be safer for “exintersection into perienced” cya “diverging diclists, but could amond interstill discourage change,” where everyday comtraffic switches muters, SecondSPECIAL to the other side er said. The existing diverging diamond interchange at Ashford-Dunwoody Road and I-285 in of the road beLate in the Brookhaven and Dunwoody, from the Perimeter tween traffic sigDec. 6 meetCenter Improvement Districts website. nals to speed veing, Seconder hicle flow around highway ramps. tossed out a new idea he has seen in othDiverging diamonds are a relatively er states: tunnels under the Ga. 400 ramps new concept; an early local model, built in that would allow bikes and pedestrians to 2012, is the Ashford-Dunwoody Road/I-285 pass alongside the interchange instead of interchange between Brookhaven and taking the twisting path through it. He said Dunwoody. That Ashford-Dunwoody diGDOT officials did not dismiss the idea. verging diamond is on a bridge over the “They said, ‘Let us know. We got a highway; the Abernathy version will go becouple months,’” he said. neath a highway overpass. What they wanted to know about For two years, bike and pedestrian adwas cost and feasibility. Seconder said vocates have met with GDOT about better he got a rough estimate from the PATH accommodations on those streets. Joining Foundation, which funds multi-use Seconder in recent meetings was Bob Daltrails, for $7,000 per linear foot to build las, a Dunwoody resident who chairs the such tunnels, which would mean milAtlanta-based pedestrian advocacy group lions of dollars for two, 200-foot segPEDS. Seconder noted that GDOT has a ments under the ramps. “Complete Streets” policy requiring many But Seconder believes local corporanon-highway projects to accommodate all tions whose employees would benefit types of roadway users. from easier commuting via the nearby Seconder and Dallas said GDOT Sandy Springs MARTA Station might agreed to one basic request: 5-foot bike be willing to pony up funds. lanes on the Mount Vernon bridge. Dallas said the tunnels are an “intriguGDOT is considering a further request ing idea.” He cautioned that cost and right to separate the bike lane from vehicle of way could be major challenges. lanes with some type of amenity rangBut he also noted that all current Peing from reflective bumps to plantings rimeter Center planning is “very pedestrior a low curb, Dallas and Seconder said. an-focused,” and the I-285/Ga. 400 projects The Abernathy diverging diamond are“50-year improvements that will be here has bigger challenges. Seconder said the long past when we’re gone.” current plans lack any bike lanes and “The Abernathy interchange is a very have an unusual pedestrian crossing: key one,” Dallas said, noting that Mercedestwo separate lights to cross the ramps, Benz USA is building its new headquarters with pedestrians then walking on a mealong Abernathy in part due to that MARdian before making a double-crossing TA access. For that reason, “pedestrian and to exit again. The current Ashford-Duncycling improvements ought to be of the woody diverging diamond has the same highest order” in that area, he said.

Community | 9

DEC. 23, 2016 - JAN. 5, 2017 ■ www.ReporterNewspapers.net

johnruch@reporternewspapers.net

Three local residents have joined the ever-growing ranks of potential candidates for Tom Price’s Sixth Congressional District seat, which covers parts of Brookhaven, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs. They include a former state senator, a former mayoral candidate and a movie prop-maker. Price is nominated as president-elect Donald Trump’s secretary of Health and Human Services. His nomination still must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and he has not yet resigned his Congressional office. But the possible race has drawn several candidates, with state Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta), whose district includes parts of Buckhead and Sandy Springs, as the first to formally announce and file paperwork.

Donnie Bolena

Donnie Bolena of Sandy Springs said he will run as a Trump-inspired conservative Christian Republican. He unsuccessfully ran for mayor in 2009. “I’m the outsider,” Bolena, 51, said in a phone interview. “I’m one of the people. I’m one of them. I’m not an elitist.” He cites a better, more competitive national health insurance market as a domestic priority, and fighting terrorism as the top global issue. DeSPECIAL scribing himself as a “deplorable” — Hillary ClinDonnie Bolena ton’s infamous insult for some Trump supporters — Bolena also uses Trump-style “hard language,” slurs and talk of beating up political opponents in his social media, which he said he would tone down if elected. Bolena is self-employed in trading stocks at his Sandy Springs home and sometimes does motivational speaking; he also sells self-published inspirational books with such titles as “Master Manipulator.”

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Alexander Hernandez

SPECIAL

Alexander Hernandez

Alexander Hernandez, a Dunwoody resident who works as a property crafts person in the film and TV industry, launched an exploratory committee for a potential run on Dec. 12. “I look forward to continuing to talk with my fellow Georgians to determine the best way we can meet challenges ahead,” said Hernandez, who would run as an independent, in a press release. Hernandez said he was born in Illinois and grew up in Indiana. He completed his studies in Florida where he received a bachelor of science in film. He moved to Dunwoody this year.

Ron Slotin

Ron Slotin, a former Democratic state senator in the 1990s, lives in Sandy Springs and works there as well in marketing for the staffing firmer BrightWell Talent Solutions. Slotin said he’s running to “improve the quality of life for people in the district,” including traffic, schools and environmental protection. In a press release, he used the campaign slogan, “Votin’ for Slotin–Fiscally Smart and Socially Progressive.” SPECIAL “On the national front, we need a progressive Ron Slotin voice in Washington who will fight to protect the progress we have made on many issues, including a woman’s right to choose; affordable healthcare coverage, including covering pre-existing conditions; protection of Social Security; and care for our growing number of senior citizens and marriage equality,” Slotin said in the release. “I will work to bring people together.”

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Three locals consider running for Price’s Congressional seat

10 | Community

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“Knock, knock.” “Who’s there?” “God.” “God who?” Need you ask? Maybe it’s a good question. How well do we know God? Well enough to claim a personal relationship with Him? He knows every hair on our heads, yet how well do we know His purpose for us?

Want help answering these questions? Join us for Discovering Christ, a 7-session series with free dinner, talks and discussion, starting January 4, 2017.

Holy Spirit Catholic Church 4465 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta 30327

Visit www.hsccatl.com for info and to register.

Cam Ashling, right, with her husband, Adrian, and their family: Huey, the bigger of the two goats with a blue collar; Jasmine in pink; Old Man Sultan, the mini American Eskimo dog; and Luna, a Great Pyrenees.

SPECIAL

‘Goat Lady’ of Buckhead says pets bring joy to neighborhood BY DYANA BAGBY dyanabagby@reporternewspapers.net

These kids are all right. Cam Ashling and her husband, Adrian, have two pet goats — Huey and Jasmine — living in their fenced-in front yard on Wieuca Road north of Phipps Plaza. Motorists and passersby can’t get enough of the friendly animals. “They slow traffic down, which is good for Wieuca Road,” Ashling said with a laugh. “Some people drive by with cameras. The kids in the neighborhood love them.” How Ashling and her husband became parents to two goats began with the rescue of a Great Pyrenees dog they found wandering the streets. Since Great Pyrenees are livestock guardian dogs, the couple decided it would be nice to get their dog, named Luna, a pet to protect. “We blame it on Luna,” Ashling said. A friend with a farm in rural Georgia gave Ashling a pregnant goat to take home so they could have a mother and child pair. On the day after Thanksgiving in 2015, the mother gave birth to two goats. Eventually three goats became too many and the mama goat was returned to the farm while her kids became city dwellers. Ashling’s house has a small back yard so the goats live in the sizable front yard. At first, that was a bit awkward. “I thought, ‘I can’t have goats in the front yard. Who does that?’” she said. Since then, she learned a neighbor also has several goats that he rents out to clear land. “But we were first!” Ashling said. Huey and Jasmine are pet goats, so they are not rented out to eat kudzu. They are actually easier to care for than dogs, Ashling said, because they don’t have fleas, they don’t demand to come into the house and they don’t have serious anxiety issues. When tornado warnings blared recently, the goats simply cuddled up in their makeshift goat house in the front yard while Luna hid in the closet, Ashling said. Huey and Jasmine do have one major fear – a neighbor who likes to drive fast in a white Lamborghini. When that car drives

by, the goats will stop what they are doing “and look all concerned,” Ashling said. The two goats have definite personalities, Ashling said. Huey, named for the cartoon duck, is a confident beast who likes to explore and stands tall and handsome, she said. Jasmine has a sweet personality, just like the flower she is named for. Ashling and her husband used to walk the goats around the neighborhood, but now the animals are too big and strong. The goats do like to approach the fence to check out pedestrians walking by, hoping to snag a scrumptious treat or a quick chin scratch. Contrary to popular belief, goats, or at least Huey and Jasmine, are finicky eaters, Ashling said. They like to eat Christmas trees and lots of fruit, but turn up their snouts at bananas and carrots. One question people ask frequently is if the goats are legally allowed to live in the residential neighborhood of Wieuca Road. Ashling said she checked city zoning codes before doing anything and goats are allowed to live in a yard as long as they are located at least 150 feet away from the next unit. “I think [having goats here] kind of brings Buckhead down to a more human level,” Ashling said. “Buckhead has a reputation for being so formal and stuffy.” Having a couple goats living in a resident’s front yard adds a bit of personality to the normally staid neighborhood, she said. “And I have to give thanks to my husband. He is used to having manicured lawns and now there are hoof prints all over the yard,” she said. Ashling works as a private wealth consultant as her day job. “Herding goats is better,” she said. “They have the simple, no-stress life we all aspire to.” The goats have their own Facebook page, “Buckhead Goats,” and regularly receive fan mail. “The goats are kicking everyone out of their comfort zones,” she said. “And that’s a good thing.” BH

2016

DEC. 23, 2016 - JAN. 5, 2017 ■ www.ReporterNewspapers.net

YEAR IN REVIEW TOP STORIES

BY JOHN RUCH johnruch@reporternewspapers.net

Times are changing in Buckhead, and planning ahead was on the neighborhood’s mind this year: New parks and improvements on old ones. Massive tax funding for MARTA and PATH400. Fresh concerns about historic preservation and crime. Meanwhile, political winds blew through Buckhead in the form of Black Lives Matter protests.

Park over Ga. 400 design is unveiled

Concepts for a park capping Ga. 400 in central Buckhead were finally unveiled in September after more than a year of study, drawing excitement about green space and concern about how to pay for it. The serpentine, 9-acre park would be built on slender bridges over 400 between Lenox and Peachtree roads in the neighborhood’s commercial core. The park would consist of three parts: a “Garden,” a “Plaza” and a “Commons” area bisected by a line of trees for shade. The estimated cost: $195 million to $245 million. The park over 400 was proposed by the Buckhead Community Improvement District, a self-taxing business district, but has been controversial among its board members concerned about who pays and whether a CID should be in the park business. The park concept was folded into the new “BUCKHEAD REdeFINED” master plan for further study on design, costs and funding sources.

Bobby Jones Golf Course switches to state ownership, sparks management questions

Voters approve TSPLOST, MARTA tax boost

A massive transformation in Buckhead’s transit and trail systems is in the works as voters approved a TSPLOST and a MARTA sales tax boost in a vote Mayor Kasim Reed called “historic.” The 0.4 percent TSPLOST funds will help complete the PATH400 multi-use trail through the neighborhood and build out local sections of the BeltLine path. The 0.5 percent MARTA sales tax boost will help to fund several major projects in Buckhead. Some items on the list: a new Armour Yard rail station on the Gold and Red Lines; the “Clifton Corridor” light rail line between Lindbergh Center and Avondale stations; light rail on the BeltLine; and bus improvements on Peachtree Road and Northside Drive. The price for those funds: Atlanta now has a sales tax totaling 8.9 percent.

North Buckhead fears rising crime rates

A 90 percent jump in residential property crimes in North Buckhead between September 2015 and September 2016 drew concern from the North Buckhead Civic Association. The rise in thefts and burglaries could be a short-term shift, not a trend, the association acknowledged, but the jump from 35 such crimes to 67 looked serious. The Atlanta Police Department noted that Atlanta’s overall crime rate is down 4 percent and that rates fluctuated throughout the year. BH

Community | 11

Black Lives Matter protests come to Buckhead

Three separate Black Lives Matter protests, ranging from a dozen to hundreds of marchers, targeted Buckhead as a wealthy, majority-white, shopping hotspot. The most significant protest came on July 11. Capping five straight days of citywide protests about the killing of black men by police in Louisiana and Minnesota, the Buckhead march went from Lenox Station to the Governor’s Mansion. Hundreds of protesters chanted and banged drums for hours until Mayor Kasim Reed and Police Chief George Turner agreed to meet with them on the scene from inside a police truck. A follow-up meeting about possible police reforms fell apart, and the Mayor’s Office said most of the suggestions are already in place. (Photos by John Ruch)

PHIL MOSIER

Georgia State University golf coach John Inman speaks at a June community meeting about Bobby Jones.

The Bobby Jones Golf Course was the center of controversy throughout the year. First, the city gave the course to the state as part of a land swap to secure a redevelopment deal for the Underground Atlanta mall downtown. The state and a nonprofit course foundation plan a major renovation of the course, as well as converting it from 18 holes to nine. The course passed into management by that foundation. That ownership change led American Golf, a company that managed the city’s five golf courses — including Chastain Park’s North Fulton course — for more than 30 years, to end all of its contracts. Without explanation or announcement, the city twice rejected a $15 million bid from the nonprofit Atlanta Public Golf Conservancy to renovate and manage all of the courses besides Bobby Jones. The city is now managing the courses itself, reportedly with a start-up golf department.

12 | Community

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2016

Atlanta fireman Glenn Barry of Station 27 and Landon Reichenbach, 4, share a laugh at the Ninth Annual Chastain Park Civic Association Parade on July 4.

PHIL MOSIER

YEAR IN REVIEW

PHIL MOSIER

Scott Fuss shears resident sheep “Ida Mae” for “Sheep to Shawl,” a sheep-shearing demonstration held in April at the Smith Family Farm Barnyard.

BEST PHOTOS

Captoin

CREDIT

PHIL MOSIER

Ila Trejo, director of the Danza Aztec Dance Group, performs in January for Three Kings Day at the Atlanta History Center.

JOHN RUCH

The Black Lives Matter protest march began in July on Lenox Road near the MARTA station.

COVER CAPTIONS

Top: The Northside Youth Organization launches its new season at Chastain Park in March with thanks for Jane Wilkins, center, for her 35 years of service to the organization. She retired after the baseball season. (Photo by Kate Awtrey) Inset: North Springs High School freshman Jake Rubin pole vaults at the Second Annual Adidas West Stride Buckhead Invitational held in February at North Atlanta High School. (Photo by Phil Mosier) Bottom: A Black Lives Matter protester wears tape across her mouth with “Unapologetically black” written on it in a “silent” September protest. (Photo by John Ruch) BH

2016

Community | 13

DEC. 23, 2016 - JAN. 5, 2017 ■ www.ReporterNewspapers.net

YEAR IN REVIEW TOP STORIES

Coping with Atlanta Memorial Park flooding Mayor Kasim Reed visited Atlanta Memorial Park in March to announce “aggressive” efforts to stop the park from being flooded by sewage-contaminated stormwater. Raising manholes, relocating a playground to higher ground, and $30 million in repairs to a century-old pipe beneath the park were among the plans.

MARTA takes a second shot at Lindbergh Center transit-oriented development

Lindbergh Center Station is where MARTA first tried transit-oriented development nearly 20 years ago, with mixed and incomplete results. Late this year, in the midst of a TOD project boom, the transit agency announced the sale of two parcels to kickstart the unfinished mixed-use redevelopment around the station and maybe upgrade what’s there today. Any winning designs likely will be announced in early 2017.

Historic house demolition triggers new preservation efforts BH

A map of MARTA’s Lindbergh Center Station transit-oriented development master plan area, with the parcels currently out to bid shown in purple and numbered 1 and 2, in an image from the request for proposals document.

BH

The year did not begin well for historic preservation, as a new owner demolished a 1937 Tuxedo Road mansion designed by Philip Trammell Shutze, a celebrated Atlanta architect best known for the Atlanta History Center’s Swan House. That demolition was criticized by Mark McDonald, president and CEO at the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. But later in the year, the owners of another Shutze house on West Paces Ferry Road announced they were rehabilitating their home in authentic detail. Meanwhile, Carmie McDonald, who is Mark’s spouse, became the new executive director at the Buckhead Heritage Society, which celebrated its 10th anniversary of preservation successes. The society and the Georgia Trust announced a joint program for training real estate professionals in identifying historic properties and matching them with pro-preservation owners.

SPECIAL

A new master plan for the commercial core

A new master plan for Buckhead’s commercial core launched in October with the goal of pleasing well-off millennials with better public spaces, transportation and housing. Branded as “BUCKHEAD REdeFINED,” the planning process also folds in previous independent plans to improve the Lenox Road streetscape and for a possible park capping Ga. 400 between Lenox and Peachtree Roads. Budgeted at about $200,000, including Atlanta Regional Commission grant funding, the six-month master plan effort applies roughly to Buckhead Village, Buckhead Forest, Lenox and Peachtree Park.

JOHN RUCH

Meeting attendees sticker-vote on options for the potential park over Ga. 400 and add a note to the “connectivity” display.

Political drama leads to new state rep.

Political intrigue in House District 52 resulted in Buckhead getting a new state representative, Deborah Silcox. The drama began when two candidates — Silcox and Sandy Springs City Councilmember Graham McDonald — announced campaigns to challenge longtime HD 52 incumbent Joe Wilkinson. Wilkinson said he had been grooming both challengers as potential replacements when he retired, but that McDonald’s candidacy “blindsided” him. A short time later, Wilkinson announced his resignation and endorsed Silcox, while also claiming McDonald’s candidacy was part of a “plot” to replace him hatched by Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul and District 51 state Rep. Wendell Willard, which both men denied. Silcox beat McDonald in the Republican primary. BH

Joe Wilkinson

Deborah Silcox

Graham McDonald

2016

14 | Community

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Alternative transit businesses make their pitches

YEAR IN REVIEW Perimeter Business BY JOHN RUCH johnruch@reporternewspapers.net

Business never sleeps in Perimeter Center. But sometimes it changes, drawing in the new industries like video games and short-term housing rentals. And it’s always looking for easier ways to get around, which in turn attracts alternative-transit start-ups. Here are a few of the year’s top stories from the Reporter’s monthly section Perimeter Business.

Wayne Sisco’s map of a proposed “SkyWays” gondola network connecting Perimeter Mall and various corporate buildings in Perimeter Center.

SPECIAL

From Marietta to Massachusetts, companies came out of the woodwork to pitch alternative transit ideas in Perimeter Center. They were drawn by a Perimeter Center Improvement Districts study about possible mass-transit circulator systems in the congested area, which could result in a request for proposals by mid-2018. Some companies dusted off plans dating to the 1980s construction boom and 1996 Summer Olympics; others were trying to break new ground. What they all shared was a cool factor. The companies included Center Perimeter Plus’s network of gondolas running between Perimeter Center parking decks and MARTA stations; Owen Transit Group’s HighRoad monorail; Zagster’s bike rental system; American Maglev Technology’s magnetic-levitation train.

Hollywood and video games pump money into Perimeter economy

The entertainment business is booming in Perimeter Center, enough for local luncheons and conferences to be staged to discuss the bounty from the movie and video game industries. Georgia’s $2 billion filmmaking economy has brought a lot of business to local lumber companies, caterers and antique stores. Oglethorpe University is among the sites often used for filmmaking. Launch Media Network, a prominent video game journalism, marketing and social media company, moved from Buckhead to Sandy Springs as part of an expansion. It organized a conference about the state’s $550 million gaming economy that included Andrew Greenberg, the chair of DeKalb County’s new Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Commission.

PCIDs leader Williams announces surprise resignation

SPECIAL

A collection of screenshots of local short-term rentals offered on the Airbnb.com website.

Airbnb rentals challenge some suburban zoning codes

Short-term housing rental services like Airbnb, best known in urban areas, had a suburban boom notable in Perimeter communities. The services allow homeowners and apartment tenants to make extra cash by arranging online rentals of their homes. But that raises such concerns as absentee owners, misbehaving guests and violations of condo rules. A local example came in May, when an Airbnb rental of a Buckhead mansion turned out to be cover for a midnight hip hop concert where a guest allegedly flashed a pistol. The cities of Atlanta and Dunwoody said their zoning codes restrict such shortterm rentals, while Brookhaven and Sandy Springs had no regulations.

LISA LARSON

Oglethorpe University students majoring in film production work behind the scenes at their college, an attractive location for filmmakers.

JESSICA MCGOWAN/PCIDS

Yvonne Williams

In a surprise move, Yvonne Williams resigned after 17 years as the Perimeter Center Improvement Districts’ first and only president and CEO. The PCIDs, two jointly operated, self-taxing business districts, took three weeks to announce her resignation and have yet to hire a new staff leader. “I guess maybe what I did is wear myself out with passion,” Williams said of her resignation, also attributing her resignation partly to time demands of her daughter heading to college and her mother’s health issues. She has remained visible at such local functions as the I-285/Ga. 400 interchange reconstruction project groundbreaking.

Many proposed skyscrapers will never get built, experts say

A sudden burst of skyscraper plans in Perimeter Center — 10 new towers proposed in addition to several already in construction or approved in rezonings — sparked questions for local residents and businesses: How will they impact traffic? Will they change the character of local cities? But some experts said that many of those towers won’t do anything because they will never exist anywhere except on paper. The actual demand for Perimeter Center office space is far lower than the 10 million square feet or more proposed in all the grand plans, they said. The area has a long history of unbuilt skyscrapers dating back to the 1980s, they noted. One developer sure his skyscrapers would rise off the page was Charlie Brown, whose Dunwoody Crown Towers plan had five tall buildings. But a few months later, he withdrew the plan from rezoning consideration with no timeline for its return.

DYANA BAGBY

Charlie Brown, the developer who proposed Dunwoody Crown Towers off Ashford-Dunwoody Road, said he is not concerned about not having enough office space for his proposed project.

BH

Community | 15

DEC. 23, 2016 - JAN. 5, 2017 ■ www.ReporterNewspapers.net

1

Black Lives Matter protest announced for Buckhead tonight

2

Man found dead in Buckhead McDonald’s parking lot

2016

YEAR IN REVIEW GDOT: 285/400 interchange work likely to start in October

Buckhead condo under pressure after not paying $1 million in water bills

TOP ONLINE STORIES

5

Online readers’ favorite stories

7

3

Historic Buckhead mansion makes a quiet return to 1930s glory

4

Wieuca Road Baptist Church considering sale, redevelopment

6

Black Lives Matter silent protest slated Sept. 24 at Lenox MARTA station

9

Black Lives Matter protest march held at Lenox Square Mall

ReporterNewspapers.net, the Reporter website, offers breaking news alongside our regular local coverage. Here are the top 10 local stories as clicked by our online readers.

8

Change comes to Irby Avenue in Buckhead

10 BH

Officials protest ‘Buckhead’ hotels that aren’t in the neighborhood

16 | Out & About

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ZYDECO YA YA

Saturday, Jan. 7, 8-11 p.m.

BROOKHAVEN

•

BUCKHEAD

•

DUNWOODY

•

SANDY SPRINGS

CONCERTS MATISYAHU

Saturday, Jan. 7 and Sunday, Jan. 8, 8 p.m.

The Grammy-nominated reggae vocalist returns to Atlanta in “An Acoustic Evening with Matisyahu,” presented by the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. The Jan. 7 concert will be at the Morris & Rae Frank Theatre at the MJCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. The Jan. 8 show is at City Winery in Ponce City Market, 650 North Avenue, Atlanta. Tickets range from $45 to $100. Info: atlantajcc. org/pldb-live/an-acoustic-evening-withmatisyahu-32955 or 678-812-4002.

HERITAGE WINTER CLASSICS Sunday, Jan. 8, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Heritage Sandy Springs continues its Winter Classics concert series with CoResonance, a string quartet that blends classical, jazz and pop music. Doors open at 4 p.m. Admission: $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers. Cash bar and complimentary snacks. Eight bistro tables are available for purchase at each concert ($45 for members, $65 for nonmembers) and include seating for four guests and four drink tickets. Reserve tables in advance. General admission tickets are sold at the door. Heritage Hall, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs. Reservations: send email to events@heritagesandysprings. org or call 404-851-9111.

GET ACTIVE

Ring in the new year with a band that delivers a true Louisiana dance hall sound with fiddle, accordion and frottoir (a

rub board). Zydeco Ya Ya plays everything from traditional zydeco to swamp pop and Cajun swing. Free dance lesson 7-8 p.m. $18; $5 students, $14 active military. No partner necessary. All ages welcome. Cajun food for sale. Dorothy Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex, 6500 Vernon Woods Drive, Sandy Springs. Sponsored by the Atlanta Cajun Zydeco Association. Info: aczadance.org or 877-338-2420.

FREE WEEK OF FITNESS

Sunday, Jan. 8 to Saturday, Jan. 14, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sandy Springs 5975 Roswell Road, Ste. A-103 Sandy Springs, GA 30328 (404) 236-2114 nothingbundtcakes.com Expires 12/31/16. Limit one offer per guest. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Redeemable only at bakery listed. Must be claimed in-store during normal business hours. No cash value.

Sunday, Jan. 1, 10 a.m.

This Atlanta Track Club event features a 4-mile run for ages 9 and up, a 1-mile run for ages 7 and up and a 50-meter dash for ages 6 and under. See website for entry fees. Registration deadline is Dec. 29 at 11:59 p.m. Start/finish line is at the Brookhaven MARTA station, 4047 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. Info: atlantatrackclub.org/2017-resolution-run.

EXHIBITS

Through Dec. 31

Dec. 27-Dec. 30; Jan. 2-4 or Jan. 2-5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. plus free extended care

RESOLUTION RUN

Children can explore winter survival skills and participate in arts activities and games. Open to ages 3-12; must be potty trained. Full-day camp is for ages 5 and older. Register for one day or an entire week. Pricing and other info: bhnp. org/school-break-camps, send an email to Amy Zvonar at amyz@bhnp.org or call 678-315-0836.

ICHIYO IKEBANA OF ATLANTA

CHATTAHOOCHEE NATURE CENTER

$5 OFF

Dec. 26-Dec. 30; Jan. 2-3, 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. half day, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. full day

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta invites adults to kick start the New Year with a free week of fitness activities at Zaban Park. Choose from a variety of group classes including yoga, Zumba, indoor swim and and tennis classes. The event is open to the community. MJCCA, Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Info: atlantajcc.org/ events/2017/01/08/fitness/fitness-center-amenities-workoutfor-free-jan-8-14-2017, send an email to membership@atlantajcc.org, or call 678-812-4060.

WINTER BREAK CAMPS

the purchase of $25 or more

BLUE HERON NATURE PRESERVE

The Sandy Springs Branch Library hosts an exhibit of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement — an art form steeped in the philosophy of developing a closeness with nature. Ichiyo Ikebana adds new interest to traditional asymmetrical forms through a strong emphasis on modern and creative 3-D designs. Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; Sundays from 2-6 p.m. and all other days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 395 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs. Info: ichiyoart.com.

Live animal encounters, outdoor games, educational hikes and science activities will be offered to kids in kindergarten through seventh grade. Jan. 2-4 camp is for the Cobb County break; Jan. 2-5 camp is for the Fulton County break. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. See registration form for pricing. Info: chattnaturecenter.org/camp-kingfisher/winterbreak-camp or 770-992-2055, SUBMIT YOUR EVENT LISTING WITH US AT ext. 222.

calendar@ReporterNewspapers.net

Out & About | 17

DEC. 23, 2016 - JAN. 5, 2017 ■ www.ReporterNewspapers.net

KIDS AND FAMILY Melissa Babcock, M.D.

The Babcock Dermatology Family wish you and yours a happy and healthy 2017 Procedures Performed: • Skin Cancer Surgery Specialist (Mohs) • Dermatologic Surgery

• General Dermatology • Chemical Peels • BOTOX® Cosmetic

• Cyst Removal • Mole Removal • Restylane®

Same Day Appointments Available • Free Parking

4890 Roswell Road, Suite B-10 • Atlanta, Georgia 30342 (404) 835-3052 • BabcockDermatology.com

STARLAB

Saturday, Jan. 7, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Visit the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s inflatable planetarium for a frontrow view of winter constellations. Learn how to locate prominent stars of the night sky and the stories behind some of the most famous constellations. Two, 25-minute presentations. Ages 6-adult. Included with general admission and free to CNC members. Info: chattnaturecenter.org or 770-992-2055.

TOASTY THEATER TREATS

Located at the corner of Roswell Road & Long Island Drive Info: atlantahistorycenter.com/programs/fulton-county-4-h-club-monthlymeeting or 404-332-2400.

Oriental & Area Rug Hand Washing

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE CENTER

Tuesday, Dec. 27 to Thursday, Dec. 29, 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m.

Volunteers high school age and older are needed for inventory. Volunteers are needed in an ongoing basis in the Mini Market Food Pantry and the CAC Boutique retail shop. To sign up: send an email to volunteer@ourcac.org. CAC also seeks volunteers to help others prepare and file their tax returns for free by joining the organization’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team. No experience necessary, training required. To sign up: send an email to VITA@ourcac. org. General info: ourcac.org.

Monday, Jan. 2 to Saturday, Jan. 7, 11 a.m. to noon.

• gentle •Wash thorough Atlanta's Only Unique safe Submersion & Compressed Air Cleaning

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A DIVISION OF S&S RUG CLEANERS

Stoney Green & Steve Arroll, Owners 1710 Chattahoochee Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318

TheRugCleaners.com EPA RATED NON-TOXIC & NON-ALLERGENIC Mention this ad for Winter cleaning discounts!

Catch some of the new nature films acquired for the holiday season at the Chattahoochee Nature Center theater. A new film will be shown each day. Included with general admission and free to CNC members. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. Info: chattnaturecenter.org or 770992-2055.

Physicians/Providers: Gregory J. Cox, MD, Elizabeth M. Burns, MD, Shaanan S. Shetty, MD, and Pamela M. McElearney, PA-C

FULTON COUNTY 4-H CLUB Sunday, Jan. 8, 2-3:30 p.m.

Monthly meetings, community service projects and leadership training are offered by the Fulton 4-H Club at the Atlanta History Center. Activities include public speaking competitions, weekend trips and statewide summer camps. Meetings are hosted for kids in grades 4-12. Free. Presented in partnership with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service.

RECYCLE

First Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Keep Atlanta Beautiful, Inc. hosts a monthly community recycling and paper shredding event in Buckhead that serves Atlanta and surrounding areas (no residency restrictions apply). Check the website for restrictions on accepted items including electronics, Styrofoam, paint, metals and tires. Most items are free to drop off. Fees apply on some items. Lower parking lot of Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, 2715 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. Info: keepatlantabeautiful.org/ recycle/#buckhead.

Come Meet Our Physicians

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Visit our new aesthetic and laser center

Offering laser, microdermabrasion, dermal needling, peels, facials, & much more!

5505 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 412 | Atlanta, GA 30342 (404) 459-9177 Office (404) 389-0400 Fax | www.perimeterdermatology.com

18 | Commentary

Reporter Newspapers 

Our mission is to provide our readers with fresh and engaging information about life in their communities. Published by Springs Publishing LLC 6065 Roswell Road, Suite 225 Sandy Springs, GA 30328 Phone: 404-917-2200 • Fax: 404-917-2201 Brookhaven Reporter | Buckhead Reporter Dunwoody Reporter | Sandy Springs Reporter www.ReporterNewspapers.net Atlanta INtown www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com Atlanta Senior Life www.AtlantaSeniorLife.com

C O NTA C T US Founder & Publisher Steve Levene stevelevene@reporternewspapers.net Editorial Managing Editor John Ruch johnruch@reporternewspapers.net INtown Editor: Collin Kelley

Facebook.com/TheReporterNewspapers ■ twitter.com/Reporter_News

Opinion/ Looking into the political crystal ball for 2017 As 2016 wound down, we asked local leaders to look ahead and predict major events or issues they see coming in 2017. Here’s what they say we should expect next year.

2017 will mark our young city’s fifth birthday – a significant milestone. We’ll embark upon our first city charter review, implement master plans we have in place, and go to work on our zoning code rewrite. I personally would like the city to invest in more community engagement tools and methods of communication to get more residents involved in city affairs. Our fifth anniversary is also a good time for us to consider playing a larger role in regional affairs that affect our residents, and truly make Brookhaven the place to live, work and play.

Editor-at-Large Joe Earle

The community of Buckhead is in such good shape, the biggest “event” coming our way is the care needed to protect what we have as our Atlanta city government changes through the campaign for the November election. With no less than 19 rumored or announced candidates for mayor, four of whom are vacating City Council seats, plus an unknown overhaul of the Board of Education, we know what we have won’t be the same and must be carefully addressed.

Sam Massell

president, the Buckhead Coalition

The primary interest is to continue enhancing the quality of life for all of our citizens. This translates into consistent improvement of our infrastructure and facilities, and fostering a spirit of community stewardship which brings us together as one family with a common interest.

Staff Writer: Dyana Bagby

Mayor Denis Shortal Dunwoody

Copy Editor: Donna Williams Lewis Creative and Production Creative Director Rico Figliolini rico@reporternewspapers.net

Mayor John Ernst

Brookhaven

Graphic Designer: Soojin Yang Advertising Director of Sales Development Amy Arno amyarno@reporternewspapers.net Sales Executives Jeff Kremer, Janet Porter Jim Speakman, Janet Tassitano Office Manager Deborah Davis deborahdavis@reporternewspapers.net Contributors Robin Conte, Phil Mosier, Ariella Phillips, Clare S. Richie, Jaclyn Turner

Free Home Delivery 60,000 copies of Reporter Newspapers are delivered by carriers to homes in ZIP codes 30305, 30319, 30326, 30327, 30328, 30338, 30342 and 30350 and to more than 500 business/retail locations. For locations, check “Where To Find Us” at www.ReporterNewspapers.net For delivery requests, please email delivery@reporternewspapers.net.

Mobility remains our top focus in 2017. The state’s Ga. 400/I285 project will test our patience, so avoiding the area or taking MARTA for north-south trips will help. Our TSPLOST initiative will target bottlenecks and kinks within our existing road network. A roadmap of 1940s north Fulton County looks just like today’s map because, while some roads were widened, only two new arterials have been added: Ga. 400 and I-285. Modernizing a system of what began as old farm roads will be this area’s greatest challenge.

© 2016 with all rights reserved Publisher reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertising for any reason. Publisher assumes no responsibility for information contained in advertising. Any opinions expressed in print or online do not necessarily represent the views of Reporter Newspapers or Springs Publishing, LLC.

Mayor Rusty Paul Sandy Springs

I think one of the biggest issues in the state will be the new funding formula for kindergarten-12 education. We also will begin an outside review of postsecondary education (college and technical college) as respects affordability and efficiency. State Sen. Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody)

The biggest issues facing the part of Buckhead I represent are crime and traffic congestion, and early in the year I will be engaging the public with specific plans to address each. Howard Shook

Atlanta City Councilmember

In 2017, we will elect Atlanta’s next mayor. Only my constituents living in Atlanta vote in that election, but all metro citizens have a stake in it. Atlanta’s population is less than 10 percent of the metro region, so some think Atlanta’s mayor receives disproportionate press and more influence than the office warrants. But Atlanta’s success is important for all who live, work or play in Atlanta, or whose business depends on a successful core city.

Lee Morris

Fulton County Commission, District 3

Commentary | 19

DEC. 23, 2016 - JAN. 5, 2017 ■ www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Buckhead location Opening Spring 2017

Dunwoody will face decisions on investing in capital improvements at both Brook Run Park and the Dunwoody Nature Center in 2017. I also hope that the city will come to a consensus on their vision for Perimeter Center. This year, we gave huge tax breaks to encourage one set of office towers while refusing permission for two other proposed developments nearby.

Robert Wittenstein

president, Dunwoody Homeowners Association

JINYA Ramen Bar Atlanta Sandy Springs

Next to D. Gellers Jewelers in Lowe’s Plaza

5975 Roswell Rd, Ste 217 Sandy Springs, GA 30328 404-600-6975

There will be a number of big topics that will be on the agenda at the Capitol this year, including healthcare and education. We will also see old issues recycled — such as “campus carry” and the socalled “religious liberty” bills. I will continue to focus on local reform efforts for DeKalb County. State Rep. Scott Holcomb (D-Atlanta)

Among the fascinating people who

live and work at Canterbury Court: The biggest issue coming to our community is greater economic development and opportunity. Thanks to Gov. Nathan Deal and the leadership in our state to maintain our AAA bond rating, the prudence of our leaders to save over $2 billion dollars in our “rainy day” fund to run our state government, and the wisdom of the Legislature to vote in the transportation funds to initiate 11 Georgia Department of Transportation projects to improve our infrastructure and highways, our community is extremely well positioned to take advantage of the improving economy. I intend to focus on greater educational and economic opportunities for the citizens of Sandy Springs and Buckhead with an eye toward responsibly protecting our environment.

State Rep. Deborah Silcox (R-Sandy Springs)

I see two large issues in Dunwoody and DeKalb County that must be addressed ASAP in 2017. 1) Sewer capacity limitation: DeKalb County has a severe sewer capacity crunch at the worst possible time. Economic development in the Perimeter and North DeKalb area continues on an uptick, but sewer capacity is constrained with no significant solution underway. DeKalb County is significantly behind in its sewer progress. Each new project is subject to possible sewer line constraints that may chase away the opportunities and damage our tax base. 2) Emergency Medical Service response times: DeKalb County Fire & Rescue shuttered its EMS paramedic transport units and outsourced EMS transport to American Medical Response (AMR) on August 1, 2013. The county’s AMR contract requires a response time of 8 minutes, 59 seconds on 90 percent of EMS calls (supplemented by first responder arrival of DeKalb County fire engine paramedics). Year-to-date at Nov. 30, 2016 the EMS response times in Dunwoody averaged 10 minutes, 45 seconds. Worse is that response times on 13 percent of Dunwoody’s EMS calls exceeded 15 minutes, with quite a few with response time of as much as 30 minutes. I fully expect City Council to review this more extensively during 2017. Terry Nall

Mattie Hickey-Middleton Exercise Specialist since 2005 Dancer • Swimmer • Exercise Therapist • Teacher Music Lover • Volunteer • Canterbury Court Ambassador

My motto is exercise AND socialize.

IT’S ALL ABOUT HAVING FUN! Running 17 exercise classes each week, plus private sessions with people recovering from injury or surgery, would surely exhaust an average person. Of course, Mattie’s far from average. She’s a bundle of energy who loves to dance, works a variety of music into her classes, and joins Canterbury’s walking club whenever she can, especially when they’re training for the annual Peachtree Road 10k. She says residents and staff are so much like family that she’s always encouraging people to move here.

Mattie invites you to discover her Canterbury Court.

3750 Peachtree Road, N.E. - Atlanta, Georgia 30319 - (404) 261-6611

c an t e r b u r yc o u r t . o r g

Dunwoody City Councilmember

Atlanta’s premier non-profit continuing care retirement community

20 | Commentary

Facebook.com/TheReporterNewspapers ■ twitter.com/Reporter_News

A Christmas evolution

THE TASTE OF EXCELLENCE

This December, as I wrestle with my holiday nemesis — the faux green garland monstrosity that I try to whack into submission and hang on my banister each year — I’m reminded of a simpler time when gifts were modest and decorations were tame and filled but one plastic storage container. That time was when we were first married. He gave me wool socks and an inflatable camping mattress pad (are you picking up on a theme?). I gave him a tweed hat. My best friend gave us a pair of mugs painted with a couple that kissed each other when the mugs were arranged just so. We each had a stocking. Mine was quilted and lace-trimmed, a gift from my former roommate; his was Robin Conte is a writer a red felt version purchased from a mall kiosk with his and mother of four who name written on it in tacky red glitter. There was a cryslives in Dunwoody. She tal ornament from my parents that said “Our first Christcan be contacted at mas together.” robinjm@earthlink.net. That was about it. Our family grew and things changed. There came the pregnant lady ornament, the Baby’s First Christmas ornament, the set of Pokémon ornaments. With each child came more stockings, stockings of all kinds from relatives of all sorts. And with each child came more ornaments, ornaments of all kinds from relatives of all sorts. I added angels and nutcrackers to the stockings and ornaments. I augmented with wreaths and stars. I began to feature a nativity scene in every room. Some people have all of their decorations in “the box.” I have accumulated enough boxes of Christmas stuff to decorate the country of Lichtenstein. As our family grew, the gifts changed, too. One minute, I was waving a multi-purpose rattle in front of my infant’s face, and before I knew it, I was standing at the Toys-R-Us in a line so long and studded with security guards that you’d think Bono was at the other end of it. I see the remnants and recall the years. There is the Goofy doll in a Santa suit. It was a gift from the nurses at our local hospital, where my daughter spent her first Christmas Eve with a raging upper respiratory infection. There is, believe it or not, a set SPECIAL Robin Conte, with her kissing couple of encyclopedias lined up neatly Christmas mugs, one of the gifts that on the basement bookshelves, givremind her of Christmases past. en years ago to my first son — who still prefers hard copy, God bless him. There is an old remote wired to the TV, from the year that I was awakened at 6:30 a.m. in mid-December by a phone call from a friend; she had insider information that Costco was getting a shipment of Wii video game consoles. She picked me up and drove us there, where we waited with a small crowd outside the building while clinging to our venti lattes. I remember looking around at the other bleary-eyed mothers and thinking to myself, they weren’t there for the poinsettias. Our kids are getting older, and the day after Thanksgiving no longer marks the beginning of gift-hunting season for me. Still, I’ll find them a few things. One son needs clothes, and he likes what I buy for him. One son wants a Tesla coil, and I do admire that particular, scientific wish. His twin never asks for anything, but he really likes bacon … and I did hear about a “bacon of the month” club. And my daughter has refused to buy herself new shoes for two years, so it’s time for me to intervene. They all still like chocolate oranges, and Santa will still put toothbrushes in their stockings. I look around the house. The faux green garland is clinging to the bannister. My angels are on the mantle, my nutcrackers are on the sideboard, there are stockings hanging all over the place. The kissing mugs are in the kitchen. And after 28 years together, he still wears the hat and I still wear the socks.

Robin’s Nest Robin Conte

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Classifieds | 21

DEC. 23, 2016 - JAN. 5, 2017 ■ www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Reporter Classifieds SERVICES AVAILABLE Home Tending – Regular inspections of your unoccupied property. Call Charles, 404-229-0490. Driveways & Walkways – Replaced or repaired. Masonry, grading, foundations repaired, waterproofing and retaining walls. Call Joe Sullivan 770-616-0576.

Matthew’s Handy Services – Small jobs and chores are my specialties. Shelves, organizers, carpentry, drywall, painting, and plumbing. Member of BBB – 404-547-2079 Email: mwarren8328@gmail.com.

REAL ESTATE Commercial Real Estate Services – Have a Commercial Building to Sell or Lease? Call Rick 678-209-3100. Proven local results.

CEMETERY PLOTS

PETS

Cemetery Plots – Selling two lots at Arlington Memorial Park, Section F, Lot 4C, Blocks 1 & 2. Asking $6,000. Buyer pays closing cost. 502-459-1439.

Good Rascal Dog Training – certified dog trainer. Private training in your home. Positive, Gentle methods. 770-401-7945.

HELP WANTED

Sandra Weider Pet Sitting Service – over 30 years of experience. Have leash will travel. Handle & administer insulin to dogs & cats. 404-966-1526.

Computer/IT – Senior Software Developers, Atlanta, GA. Apply: www.wanderingwifi.com

Home Services Directory

To Advertise, call 404-917-2200 ext 110

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22 | Public Safety

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Police Blotter / Buckhead From Atlanta Police reports dated Nov. 27 through Dec. 10. The following information was provided to the Buckhead Reporter by the Zone 2 precinct of the Atlanta Police Department from its records and is presumed to be accurate.

R O B B E RY „„2500 block of Chantilly Drive — On Nov.

29, in the morning, a man brandishing a firearm entered a business and demanded the victim empty the cash drawer. The gunman placed his weapon on the counter and pointed to a key fob demanding to know what it was. The victim closed a drawer on the would-be robber and grabbed the gun. The suspect then fled. „„3300 block of Peachtree Road —

On Nov. 29, in the evening, a man was parked in a parking lot when an armed man approached the car and tapped on the window with his gun. The robber demanded the victim’s wallet and phone, both of which he surrendered. The suspect then fled. „„3100 block of Peachtree Road — On Dec.

1, in the early morning, as a man left a bar

in order to smoke, two men, one of them armed, approached him and demanded he get in their car. He complied and then they told him they were “taking him somewhere to kill him.” The man bailed out of the vehicle leaving behind his wallet and iPhone. „„3200 block of Peachtree

Road — On Dec. 8, in the evening, a man tried to rob another man. The would-be robber pointed a gun at the victim and said, “Do you know what this is?” The victim then pushed the suspect with the car door and fled. He was able to escape and did not report any items taken. „„200 block of Pharr Road — On Dec. 9,

a man approached the counter at a bank and handed the clerk a note that said, “Give me $5,000 or I’ll shoot.” The clerk

believed the robber to be armed based on his movements, but she did not see a gun. The suspect left and the clerk activated the holdup alarm. „„3300 block of Peachtree Road — On Dec.

9, a victim advised that a man approached him and blocked his path and demanded his belongings. The suspect punched the victim several times before taking off with a black bag, $1,300 and a work ID.

B U R G L A RY A N D R E S ID E N T I A L B U RG L A RY „„ 900 block of Peachtree

Battle Avenue — Sometime during the week of Nov. 27, a microwave, refrigerator, and wine fridge were stolen from a home. The front door was damaged. „„1000 block of Courtenay Drive —

been pried open. „„2300 block of Piedmont Road — On

Nov. 29, an apartment door was kicked in and a MacBook Pro, six bottles of cologne, a tie, hats, and a checkbook were stolen. „„400 block of Trabert Avenue — On

Nov. 30, in the morning, the front door to a business was damaged. Nothing was reported stolen. „„500 block of Northside Circle — On

Dec. 1, a rear kitchen window was forced open and a Yamaha receiver, LG TV, and Lenovo laptop were stolen. „„700 block of Morosgo Drive — On Dec.

2, the front door to an apartment was damaged, but nothing was reported missing. „„1600 block of Pelham Road — On Dec.

3, a basement window was damaged and an alarm was activated. It is not known what was taken.

Sometime during the week of Nov. 27, a mountain bike was stolen from the basement of a house.

„„400 block of Lofton Road — On Dec.

„„2400 block of Edwards Drive — Some-

„„100 block of Terminus Place — On

time during the week of Nov. 27, a burglar entered a house through the dog door and took an Xbox, 42-inch TV, ChromeCast, and another TV. At the same address, on Nov. 30, a rock was thrown through a window, and an Xbox, the discs, and a 32-inch TV were stolen. „„1700 Noble Creek Drive — On Nov. 29,

in the evening, a window was pried open and cash, a handbag, an iPad, and a Pandora bracelet were stolen. „„1700 block of Northside Drive — Some-

time during the week of Nov. 27, a home was burglarized and a Sony Blue Ray player, Roku, and 32-inch TV were stolen. „„1700 block of Northside Drive — On

Nov. 29, in the evening, a patio door was forced open and a TV, surround sound system, and Dell laptop were stolen. „„2100 block of Bolton Road — On Nov.

28, a side door was kicked in and two TVs were stolen. „„600 block of Norfleet Road — On Nov.

30, a front door to a house was kicked in and a 42-inch TV, jewelry, an iPad, and a Kindle were stolen. „„4500 block of Club Circle — On Nov.

29, miscellaneous electronics and silver were stolen from a home. The door had

3, a hole was cut through a glass door to gain entry. Nothing was reported stolen. Dec. 3, in the evening, a front door to an apartment was pried open. A firearm, $500, a pair of shoes and a Rolex watch were stolen. „„2100 block of Lenox Road — On Dec. 3,

a rear window was forced and a Toshiba laptop was stolen. „„1800 block of Walthall Drive —Some-

time during the week of Dec. 4, a window was forced open and two TVs were stolen. „„400 block of Overbrook Drive — Some-

time during the week of Dec. 4, appliances were stolen from a business. A spare key was available and windows were unlocked. „„1800 block of Peachtree Road — Some-

time during the week of Dec. 4, a water pipe was cut from an apartment. „„200 block of 26th Street — Sometime

during the week of Dec. 4, a rear window was shattered and a MacBook and an iPhone 6 were stolen. „„1300 block of Northside Drive — On Dec.

4, in the morning, an apartment door was kicked in and two smart TVs were taken. „„1900 block of Brantley Walk Lane — On

Dec. 5, during the day, a rear window was forced open and a 48-inch TV was stolen.

READ MORE OF THE POLICE BLOTTER ONLINE AT

www.ReporterNewspapers.net

BH

Community | 23

DEC. 23, 2016 - JAN. 5, 2017 ■ www.ReporterNewspapers.net

On Our Borders News knows few borders. Here are some of the local news stories from neighboring communities that may be of interest to Buckhead readers.

S A N DY S PRI N GS P OLI C E RA I D STR IP CLU B S

Sandy Springs Police raided three strip clubs on Dec. 14, charging three people with sexual solicitation and issuing a total of 34 citations for “physical contact” and unlicensed workers, according to a police statement. The city and the three clubs — Flashers, Main Stage/Coronet Club and Mardi Gras — have been in legal battles for more than a decade as officials say the clubs create crime. All three clubs have lawsuits or appeals pending against the city alleging violations of their constitutional rights. The Dec. 14 raids are described in a police press release as “compliance checks” that come from an investigation started in September “involving illegal activity taking place inside the clubs.” One arrest was made at each location on charges of “solicitation of an illegal sexual act,” according to the press release and Sandy Springs Police Capt. Mike Lindstrom. Under Sandy Springs city code, solicitation could mean prostitution, “sodomy for hire” or “masturbation for hire.” In addition, a total of 34 citations were issued to employees at the three clubs, according to the police statement. The statement did not provide any list of specific citations, but did cite three sections of city code that various employees were accused of violating. Those sections include a ban on strip-club customers having any physical contact with dancers’ bodies or clothes; a requirement that all employees have special work permits; and a ban on employing minors or anyone without those work permits. The Police Department did not respond to a request for more details about the citations.

DU N WOODY C OUN C I L QUESTI ON S A MB U LANCE D ELAYS

On a recent night in Dunwoody, parents called 911 to help their 18-month-old baby, who suffers severe seizures. It took nearly 30 minutes for a DeKalb County ambulance to arrive. That sort of delay outraged the Dunwoody City Council, which called for improvements at its Dec. 12 meeting. American Medical Response (AMR), the private contractor that provides ambulance service, promises fixes are coming soon. “We just can’t have someone waiting 30 minutes for an ambulance,” said Councilmember Lynn Deutsch. “That’s mind-blowing.” “By the end of March, you will see improvement in Dunwoody,” said AMR Regional Director Ken Simpson. At the council meeting, members called on the carpet Simpson and Chief Darnell Fullum of DeKalb Fire & Rescue, which contracts out the ambulance service. The council wanted to hear explanations of how they plan to implement faster response times, specifically ambulance response times, to Dunwoody. “You are missing it big time in our community,” said Deutsch. “You have multiple calls that are more than 30 minutes and far more calls in the 20-minute range. That’s just ridiculous. We need to get this fixed.”

SANDY S PR I N GS TEC H STA RT-UP C EN TE R TO O PEN IN 2017

The Sandy Springs Technology and Innovation Center, a long-planned effort from the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber of Commerce to boost tech start-up businesses and attract corporations, will open in early 2017 in the Northpark Town Center towers, the chamber has announced. “The Innovation and Technology Center will visibly demonstrate Sandy Springs’ commitment to the technology industry,” Chamber Chairman Lever Stewart said in a press release. “We want these companies, both established and start-ups, to think of Sandy Springs as the ideal location for their businesses.” The 3,700-square-foot center will be a nonprofit managed by the chamber. The center’s own start-up funds, to the tune of $50,000, came from the Sandy Springs Development Authority, which approved a request in August. The authority is an independent economic development nonprofit with members appointed by the mayor, but is not a city department. City spokesperson Sharon Kraun said the city is “supportive” of the center’s concept, but will not be involved in its funding or operations. In an interview, Stewart said the Chamber intends for the center to be self-funding via memberships and corporate sponsorships. Several corporations are in talks for sponsorship deals, he said. In May, the chamber announced it was working on the idea of a technology center that could be a temporary home for start-up tech companies as well as a space for educational seminars and a general marketing tool to attract businesses. The concept was based on the Alpharetta Innovation Center, which opened last year. BH

B R O O KHAVEN O K’S B UY I NG A IR P O R T L A ND FO R PA R K

Brookhaven city officials now will have to wait for the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners decision on whether the city may buy about 30 acres of wooded property across from the PDK Airport for $5.7 million. City Council on Dec. 13 approved a contract between the city and county to buy the land and to preserve it as green space. The board is expected to take up the vote in January. The $5.7 million price was set by the Federal Aviation Administration as fair market value, according to city officials. City Manager Christian Sigman told the council during a work session that the chance to buy the green space, once a “runway protection zone” for the airport, is a “once in a lifetime opportunity.” Financing through a loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority at .89 percent interest rate with a $500,000 loan forgiveness also makes this a prime opportunity to purchase the property, he said. The $500,000 loan forgiveness expires for municipalities this year, he added. The GEFA is expected to vote on whether or not to approve the loan next month. Sigman also said the city would be using the $2.4 million the city is receiving from the county as part of the Skyland Park property purchase for a new school to help cover costs for the airport land. The $2.4 million was specifically set aside to purchase green space. Should the commissioners and the loan be approved, the city would buy the land and reopen it to public use.

Buckhead Business Association

Annual Luncheon Event featuring keynote speaker

Jesse Itzler As a serial entrepreneur, Jesse has led an extraordinary career across a variety of industries from music to private aviation and sports. Jesse will discuss life in business, as an endurance athlete, rapper and part owner of the Atlanta Hawks. He will also touch on his transformational experience captured in the recently published book Living with a SEAL.

Buckhead Business of the Year Awards Thursday, January 12, 2017 Sponsored by Atlanta Marriot Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center 11:30 AM – 1:30PM

Member Pricing $75 ticket / $700 for a table of 10 Non-Member Pricing $85 ticket / $765 for a table of 10

Visit our website www.buckheadbusiness.org for ticket sales and more information.

Tickets include a sit down lunch and complimentary parking

Each year, the BBA honors five Buckhead businesses that fill a niche in the market, showcase excellent customer service, and demonstrate a commitment to the community. Other BBA annual awards include Bullish on Buckhead, the Buckhead Beautification Award and Entrepreneur of the Year. Buckhead Business Awards Presented By:

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Doc Chey’s Noodle House Dorsey Alston Realtors Dorsey Alston Realtors - Erin Yabroudy Dr. Arthur Silver DDS, PC Dunwoody Brokers Realty Dunwoody Nature Center Dunwoody Photo Dunwoody Dunwoody Trust Dunwoody Veterinary Center Eighteen Eight Fine We also appreciate the vote of confidence fromPines our readers whoPreservation said in an independent readership survey that Reporter Men’s Salon Elements Massage Emory Healthcare Emory University - Asthma Clinical Res Engel & Volkers Intown Atl - Ken Covers Engel & VolkNewspapers Atlanta areSouth their EpiCity preferred sources communityEpilepsy news and information. ers Intown Atl - Scott and Askew ENT INtown of Georgia - 627 Irwin StofTownhomes Foundation of Georgia Epstein School Euro-Distribution Co EZ One Price Cleaners Farsi Fine Jewelers Fast Signs Ferst Center for the Arts First Watch Flatz Shoes Fresh ‘N’ Fit Cuisine-Cumming and Atlanta INtown because we reach more and coverAcademy FriendsOur and readers Neighbors of advertisers Bill Bozarth choose FriendsReporter School of Newspapers Atlanta Frippand Island Resort Fujiyama Japanese Sushi & Steakhomes Fulton Science Functional Health Galloway School Garage Dude, South George’s Restaurant & Bar Georgia Blinds & Interiors more newsInc. in our five communities than any The otherGas local publication. 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Authoriy Development The Dunwood million in to approve $780 ty voted July 28 breaks for property tax bonds to provide projects in Pedevelopment two separate complex and State Farm’s rimeter Center: tower next to planned office Transwestern’s station. y MARTA would the Dunwood the authority Under the deals, to the deand lease them own the properties lower propwould pay much velopers, who 14 See STATE on page

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LOOK FAT? | P9

Council candidates line up for special election

BY DYANA BAGBY

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State Farm, Transwestern get $780M in s tax break bond

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BY DYANA BAGBY

SMITH

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in the hills

Site-specific parks plans cost nearly $28 million

Largest expansion in MARTA’s history now rests with voters

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The estimated cost to make all the changes and improvem BY JOHN RUCH ents in Brookhav en’s sitespecific Park johnruch@reporternew Master Plan is just shy of $28 spapers.net million, according to a presentat ion made to City Council At least five candidate on Feb. 9. s are planning run for the open Mayor John Ernst a Sandy Springs acknowledged City Council District 3 seat. tal estimated the tocost was a “big Official candidate number.” fying for the qualiBut the price May 24 special tag was not a election was surprise to due to wrap up city officials, April 15. City Councilw oman Jones said. It is Meanwhile, a third candidate part of a long-term Linley ly filed for the plan. brief“We anticipate House d all along the dropped out within District 52 race, but price tag for world-cla ly as this November. ss parks would Robbie Ashe hours of qualifying be very, very an unusual reopened high,” she said. MARTA Board Chairman in “This is an filing period. PHIL MOSIER aspirational ham McDonald number we can Graand work toward, 12 at incrementalmain the contende Deborah Silcox rely based on the See LARGEST on page Night Out event plans we were rs to succeed 33rd annual National were on hand given.” retiring Rep. Joe Wilkinson Liz Cole, project attending the and Sandy Springs in the May 24 manager camera while page 20. y, Brookhaven PHIL MOSIER lican primary. Repuba remote controlfor Greenber Farrow, photos, go to gts from Dunwood 9, works the city’s departmen consultan Carlos Peters, ip. To see additional The ts on the Aug. 2. Police ty partnersh onnded The field to fill recomme J.D. Clockadale plan, Nancy Creek Park. communi in Little and Perimeter Mall promote the City Council the police hispage cityand daughter survey all parks 14. ►Ella, 5, get on Spring” concert Center representing on to help e seat, determin into the spirit to on Feb. time before the “Bring central Sandy additional photos exact boundari 13. Attendees of things at Springs, 3, gets in a little play and family friendly activities. See were treated es, tree invenin recent days, tory, topograph Hudson Scouten, to a night of snacks,the second annual Daddy-Dau as county Republica grew music, food y and also ghter Dance at music, crafts event featured live PHIL MOSIER leader Suzi Voyles BY DYANA BAGBYternewspapers.net n Party underground and dancing. Lynwood Park utilities before See additional Recreation and former municipa by@repor any work begins. photos on page dyanabag judge im City Manager Larry Young l Inter12.► Volunteers waded declared candidaci is preGary Yandura They join previousl Hooch,” an event into the water to clear debris es. y City Council said it Dunwood sponsored y Thefrom $8 milthe Chattahoo dates Chris Burnett, announced candithe group of volunteers by Chattahoochee Riverkeep See SITE-SPEC chee than PHOTO BY PHIL down more River andcapIFIC on page 14 MOSIER its banks during Brian Eufinger , works to fillpared to plunker on April 9. needed BY JOE EARLE “Sweep the Joe Housema Here, the trash bag City Hall, but and Murray Brown, rs.net n. No candidate he wears at his l who lion for a new waist. s are official to additiona joeearle@reporternewspape See more photos, coordinated until the city ents add up clerk qualifies page 2.► nt Page 5 ital improvem them. of PATH400 g to an assessme Plans for expansions $659,500, accordin Page 10 . See COUNCIL on now feature two of due diligence page 13 through Buckhead done as part of the City Council adding pockets unAlso, the building more small parks, once at 4800 Ashford-D to an area that Page purchase to 17 public green space wants tenants, has four current had relatively little. woody Road pay to reto- Expert praises be required to The two parks could and the city will They businesses, which PATH400 tal about 3 acres. locate for those Page 16 on page 3 $550,000. join a .6-acre park our Procost another comments to is inof Comprehensive Respondents’ Page 18 Old Ivy that also Eric Johnson on the 15 community survey See NEW on page cluded in PATH400 conventions. presidential plans. Page 8 green spaces Sheffield Hale BY DYANA BAGBY One of the proposed BY JOHN RUCH CEO, 13 and Page president 13 TARY dyanabagb johnruch@ Center See COMMEN See PATH400 on page what underway for Plans are well largest funding expancould make for the of MARTA. sion in the history sesof the legislative On the last day Asthe Georgia General sion in March, a relegislation to allow sembly approved Atlanta. tax by the city of tail sales and use legisNathan Deal signed On April 26, Gov. decide way for voters to lation paving the as earsales tax increase on a half-percent

COMMUNITY r Pickleball is popula

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PATH400 plans include small parks

OUT & ABOUT REPORTER SURV EY rs al offe Festiv President ial & crafts, arts

et food, The past isPrimary gourmtic acous music always more EXCLUSIVE SERI ES complicated than it seems. Atlanta History

Page 10 See COMMENTARY

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Page 18

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Hospital | Emory

Saint Joseph’s Hospital

| Emory University

Thank you and Happy New Year from the Springs Publishing staff

BOBBY SAUER JR. INSPECTOR FOR STATE SAFE DAMS PROGRAM

Hospital | Emory

University Hospital

rs.net

About 1,700 students in six north DeKalb schools would move under a plan to try to address overcrow ding in the Cross Keys cluster. The DeKalb County School District announced its staff recomme ndations for redistrict ing overcrow ding at a Feb. 11 public meeting held at Cross Keys See DEKALB on page 15

New Vision for Turner Field page 6 time. Statefirst inspectors take right decision the a look at “high-hazard” Must-Read Books page 32 Cancer doesn’t wait. Make the dams Page 2 re.org/cancercare. at emoryhealthca location near you Pimento Cheese, Please page Find a38 Emory Johns Creek

New City Hall needs $659K in improvements

OUT & ABOUT val Butterfly Festi

Midtown

“[I’m] sad to see the Braves move out of Atlanta, but excited to see a brand-new stadium and Braves experience .” 23-YEAR-OLD ATLANTA

OUT & ABOUT ‘Monarchs & Margaritas’

reporternewspapers.net

Heritage Sandy Springs, the nonprofit dedicated to the city’s history and culture, spends a lot of time preservin g the past. But now it’s also drawing up big plans for its own future as a new major attraction, the City Springs project, rises This year, Heritage nearby. intends to build new facility to a better showcase its centerpiece attraction : the spring that gave Sandy Springs its name. A necting City Springs “Heritage Trail” conand Heritage with local See HERITAGE on page 14

WOMAN RESPONDING TO 1Q SURVEY ON OUR THE BRAVES’ LAST SEASON AT TURNER FIELD

See COMMENTARY

on page 10

Senior Lif e facebook.com

Heritage Sandy Springs plans future of historic site

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Silver Strong

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