City of Dunwoody update by Councilman Robert Wittenstein

Dear Dunwoody Friends and Neighbors,

First, I want to welcome quite a few new recipients to my monthly e-mail update. If you got this by way of a forward or post and would like to be added to my e-mail list, please e-mail me at robertlw@mindspring.com. If you are receiving this monthly update and would rather not, please let me know at the same e-mail address.

It has been an important month for Dunwoody.

We have signed a letter or intent to purchase the 16 acres of vacant land just north of Georgetown Shopping Center affectionately known as “The PVC Farm” for a future city park. The purchase price of $5 million was half of what the property was on the market for two years ago and it represents a great deal for the city and a tremendous investment for us. It gives us the opportunity to provide a park in an area that desperately needs one, eliminates an ugly eyesore and prevents the construction of several hundred of new apartments.

We continue to discuss and investigate alternatives for 911 service. This is an important decision and there are differences of opinion on the city council. ChatComm offers a superior level of service and an opportunity to work closely with the Sandy Springs police department, but at a higher cost. Any additional general funds spent on 911 are funds that are not available for road repaving or parks so we are working to validate the costs involved. If we can keep the cost modest, I am leaning strongly towards signing a contract with ChatComm. I think the higher level of service justifies the additional expense.

We are in the final stages of approving a Parks and Greenspace Master Plan. I had supported creating greenways throughout Dunwoody, including along the power line easement that runs through Dunwoody. It is clear, however, that the residents who live along the power line easement have come to the conclusion that this won’t enhance their property values or their quality of life. We cannot build a greenway without community support—which we clearly don’t have. As a result, I expect the Greenway to be pulled from the Parks Master Plan prior to passage.

The long range plans for Brook Run, the Dunwoody Nature Center and the other parks in Dunwoody is tremendously exciting. We have an opportunity to make a dramatic improvement in the quality of life in Dunwoody and create a sought-after enclave with parks and greenspace for use by our children and grandchildren.

Regards,
Robert