Friday, December 22, 2017

Dunwoody - "Where everything will be OK." Dunwoody Outfitters offering high quality shirts.

dunwoodyoutfitters@gmail.com


I have been known to knock around town in my "It's All Good in the 'Wood" shirt but since it is getting some age, I was overjoyed when I saw this shirt being offered by a start-up being run by a couple of local high school girls.  I immediately ordered three (several for gifts) and was really impressed with the quality of the 100% cotton shirts.  I posted a photo on my personal Instagram & Facebook pages and everyone wanted to know where I got the shirt.   The long sleeve blue shirt costs $30.00 and they currently only have adult shirts on order but they are expecting to take the profits from this initial run to expand into various colors, styles, and sayings; therefore I am happy to endorse this small business which promotes goodwill in our community on high-quality materials.

Shirts can be ordered easiest via email at dunwoodyoutfitters@gmail.com

Saturday, December 16, 2017

The movers & shakers of Dunwoody break ground for a new Austin Elementary School.

Dunwoody Moms (the true movers & shakers in this community) break ground at new Austin Elementary School with Principal Ann Culbreath.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOlhMdeqZTw


New school for Austin Elementary with little disruption for construction.
  • New Austin Elementary School will be constructed on space currently used by Dunwoody Senior Baseball.
  • The design of the school is the current "DeKalb Standard design" built is several other locations whereby the capacity of the school will be 900 students.
  • The South entrance (currently DSB) will be for buses only and will facilitate easy drop off, that same bus lane will continue to the back where school field trip buses can drop children at the Dunwoody Nature Center and then have an easy turn around.
  • The North entrance (currently DNC) will be the main entrance to the school and it will be shared by Dunwoody Nature Center as they have different peak times.  Vehicle stacking space of this main driveway should facilitate taking cars off Roberts for drop off.
  • The parking at the Nature Center is improved and there will now be parking for special events at that facility.
  • Transportation improvements may be needed on Roberts due to change (traffic light configuration changes?)
  • Buffering between new Austin and street to South will be assured (as was done in the construction of DES).
Thanks,

John

Saturday, December 9, 2017

City of Dunwoody to discuss expanding sidewalks into the neighborhoods.


During deliberations on the recently adopted transportation plan update, the city council suggested that the city may want to consider a policy on the expansion of the sidewalk program into neighborhoods. The current policy primarily focuses on completing sidewalks on both sides of all arterial and collector roads. The sidewalk program has been successful in prioritizing projects and the city has completed approximately 11 miles of sidewalk in the 7 years since it was first adopted. This is about half of the total miles of sidewalk included in the program.

The presentation accompanying this agenda item provides a framework for a policy discussion about expanding the sidewalk program into neighborhoods considering other competing priorities. The presentation also includes research and best practices on uncontrolled crosswalks that staff recommends incorporating into any future update to the sidewalk policy.

Sidewalk Policy Decisions
Should city expand sidewalk program to fund sidewalks on neighborhood streets?
• Yes, include in program now OR
• Yes, but defer to current program for arterial and collector streets is closer to completion OR
• No, continue to focus limited resources on most heavily traveled roads

If the program is expanded into neighborhoods, how should neighborhood support be considered in the prioritization of projects:
• Neighborhood petition required for project to move forward OR
• Neighborhood petition not required but is a major factor in prioritizing projects OR
• Neighborhood petition not required and is a minor factor in prioritizing projects

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday December 11, 2017

Monday, December 11th
Dunwoody City Hall
41 Perimeter Center East
Dunwoody, GA 30346


5:30 Agenda - Dunwoody Public Facilities Authority - Dunwoody Nature Center discussion.

6:00 p.m. Agenda - City Council Meeting

Recognition of Council Member Doug Thompson.

Recognition of Officer Cory Gill for Receiving his Masters of Business Administration

Updates on City Hall, North Shallowford Building & Parks Development

SECOND READ: Ordinance Amending Chapter 28, Article III, §28-56 Hotel Tax Imposed.

SECOND READ: Ordinance Granting a Permanent Construction Easement Agreement for Georgia Power Company at Brook Run Park Baseball Fields.

Resolution Adopting the Statewide Police Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement.

Resolution Appointing Members to Serve on the Audit Committee.

Resolution Appointing District 1 Member to Serve on the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Dunwoody.

Resolution Appointing Members to Serve on the Design Review Advisory Committee.

Resolution Appointing Members to Serve on the Sustainability Committee.

Stormwater Funding Approval - 4474 Haverstraw Drive.

SECOND READ: SLUP17-04: Prado Perimeter Center, LLC Owner of 121 Perimeter Center West, Tax Parcel Number 18-349-05-029, by Dennis J. Webb, Jr., Attorney for the Owner, Seeks to Amend Conditions of Zoning of RZ10-041 for the Development of a Hotel, Restaurant, and a Parking Deck.Seeks a Special Land Use Permit to: A)Section 27-23(b) to Vary Maximum Building Height in an OCR (Office, Commercial, Residential) District From 2 Stories/35 Feet to a 7-Story Hotel and 5-Story Parking Structure; B) Section 27-98(b)(6) to Vary the Minor Parkway Street Type Requirement (Perimeter Center Place); and C) Section 27-98(b)(7) to Vary the Primary Street Type Requirement (Olde Perimeter Way).

Updated Sidewalk Improvement Policy.

Discussion of Alcohol Ordinance and Patio Permit

Sunday, December 3, 2017

What should the City of Dunwoody do when a developer wants to rebuild a 100 acre apartment complex? Citizen input is needed on Tuesday.

Dunwoody Village / Dunwoody Crossing Apartment Complex

Public Meeting @ Dunwoody City Hall
41 Perimeter Center East
Dunwoody, Georgia
Tuesday December 5th
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm


On Tuesday, December 5th at 6pm at Dunwoody City Hall there will be a meeting to discuss the communities vision and action plan to guide investments and future improvements in areas of the city that are prime for redevelopment.  While talking redevelopment, suggestions will also be taken on park, trail and sidewalk opportunities as well as street connectivity improvements in these areas of the city.

In the 2015 Dunwoody Comprehensive Land Use Plan, it recommended that the City undertake a study of the redevelopment potential of these areas to get community input and study the impacts of new development along the I-285 corridor. Therefore the City sent out an RFP and is now in the primary stages with Tunnell - Spangler - Walsh & Associates to conduct this small area study of these properties, but to me, there are only three areas that this study truly explores for economic redevelopment.  The first is the large set of apartment complexes at Winters Chapel & Peachtree Industrial Boulevard,  the large "Dunwoody Village / Dunwoody Crossing" Apartment complex at North Peachtree Rd & I-285 and finally the corner of Winters Chapel and Peeler which is now dominated by the Walmart Neighborhood Market in the City of Peachtree Corners.

If I was betting man (because of property age, land mass, location and topography challenges), I would bet that the 90 acre "Dunwoody Village" complex along North Peachtree Road & 285 would be one of the first of these properties to come in front the City Council for possible redevelopment.  The 2015 Comprehensive Land Use Plan envisions the aging, existing multi-family apartments currently zoned RM-100 to redevelop into a multi-family, mixed-use development adding public functional green space and more owner-occupied options including attached & detached single-family homes.

The community, after numerous meetings, stated that the vision for the area should provide high-density housing options along I-285 with high-quality material and amenities that are contextually sensitive to the surrounding land uses.  Strong continuity between developments through high architectural standards, quality building materials, prominent placement of amenities such as functional green space and pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths. Transitional buffer zones will appropriately protect any adjacent single-family residential whereby transitions include gradual increases only in height-plane, buffers and landscaping and intensity of uses.

This development of numerous two-story apartment buildings built in 1981 is split into four different parcels (1, 2, 3 & 4) which appears to be last purchased as a group in 2014 for almost $83 million dollars.  Looking carefully at the various maps, you will notice that there is a flood plain that dissects this large parcel into two haves with the creek running between it.   The topo maps show that the front half is flatter than the back half, therefore, there will be challenges in the development, especially if we wanted to save the many trees on the property as the comp plan states that future developments should incorporate sustainable building and site development practices.  The creek area is pretty unbuildable therefore there could be dedicated park and path opportunities.

Someday the owner or a future developer will decide that the current apartments cannot be rented at a rate to cover costs, therefore, they will want to sell off or redevelop the property.  The current development rights are to build the same number of replacement units but because of the cost of the land the developer would probably want to increase the number of units per acre (which the city council may or may not agree to) and/or find a plan for the land that the community, in general, could support.    Mixed use is a possibility that was opened up for the Dunwoody Village / Dunwoody Crossing apartment complex on North Peachtree in the last comprehensive land use update whereby there are typically shops on the ground floor and apartments or condos above - think about the area near the Super Target in Dunwoody or the Costco in Brookhaven - that is mixed use.

Another option for the multi-family, mixed use for the large tract could be a residential area in the back of the complex (past the creek) with a condo tower for those who want to downsize as empty nesters, master on main townhomes & single-family units built where the current buildings are to preserve the trees, then maybe a mix of apartments as you move to the front.  The front could have a grocery & drug store, restaurants and other neighborhood shopping.  Who knows maybe the gas station on the corner could be brought in to the development to include more commercial space (a Starbucks?) besides a gas station on every corner.

The Mayor and members of the Dunwoody City Council don't have the answers as to the communities desires on what would be acceptable level of redevelopment on these large tracts of land when they come in front of us for possible changes.  We can hold the line on development, density and land use within the scope of law but we need to know the communities desires of what to do when developers come knocking with suggestions.  Protecting the adjacent single-family residential neighborhoods abutting these properties are goals for the city but that being said, if you live adjacent to these complexes I highly recommend that you become informed and voice your opinion. 

This published meeting is intended to establish a community-based vision and action plan to guide investments and improvements within the Study Areas and I can publicly state that I am not aware of any plans to currently redevelop these properties - we are only trying to be proactive as the 2015 comp plan update requested that we do.

Please plan to attend the public Kick-off Meeting on Tuesday, December 5th 6:00 p.m. at Dunwoody City Hall (41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 103 Dunwoody.)

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Dunwoody Community Memorial Service for Chesnut art teacher, Ms. Lee Ann Brunson on Monday, December 4th at 7pm at Kingswood United Methodist Church


Please join us for a Dunwoody community memorial service for Lee Ann Brunson on Monday, December 4th at 7pm at Kingswood United Methodist Church. Children who are old enough to sit relatively quiet during the service are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Dunwoody Homeowners Association meeting Sunday night welcomes Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan and others from city.


Dunwoody Homeowners Association Meeting
Sunday, December 3, 2017 @ 7:30 P.M.
North DeKalb Cultural Arts Center, Room 4
5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30338

Dunwoody Police Chief, Billy Grogan will give an update on the Dunwoody Police Department and Richard McLeod and James Lemoine (our new Code Enforcement officer) will talk about code enforcement in Dunwoody.  There will also be a discussion on forming a Dunwoody Farmers Market on Saturday mornings at Brook Run.  

I unfortunately will be missing the meeting because of another engagement but one topic that I hope he covers is the legality of possible enforcement of "No Thru Traffic" signs that are up in some subdivisions on pubic roads.  Because of congestion and/or construction between 285 & PIB, traffic along the top end may be guided onto surface streets via online traffic routing web services, in order to move faster than the main clogged arteries.  Because of this recent development, our neighborhood surface streets are now starting to resemble the interstate at rush hour whereby there is a line of cars 30 long in front of your home where you are just looking to pull out of the driveway.

Residents in my neighborhood were looking for relief from this cut thru issue along with more enforcement of speeding, stop sign violations and trucks also cutting thru.  I reached out to Chief Grogan to share the neighbors concerns and asked that he have the Dunwoody legal staff research the legality of enforcing the "No thru Traffic" on public streets as I personally see the issue as unenforceable.  I'm looking forward to the answer because if this item is legally allowed to move forward I would want to learn more as to probable cause for the stop and then as a community develop policies (ordinances) as to its use in order to protect our collective civil liberties.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Dunwoody Police Department is collecting toys for Christmas for Kids community event.



Happy Thanksgiving.

Dunwoody Police's Christmas for Kids program off & running. They are hoping to collect enough new & unwrapped toys for infant to 15 year old children. Please consider donating. Let’s help bring a little Christmas joy to some deserving children.

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Light Up Dunwoody - Sunday 3 to 6 p.m. and the Dunwoody Police will be there collecting toys for Christmas for Kids.


A Dunwoody Tradition and Holiday Event
Sunday, November 19,  2017; 3:00 to 6:00pm
at the Cheek Spruill Farm House (Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd. & Mount Vernon Rd.)


An annual community event to welcome the holiday season, Light up Dunwoody Christmas Village opens at 3:00 pm and concludes with the lighting of the tree and menorah at 5:45 pm. Vendors will offer wonderful holiday treasures and refreshments!

At the Spruill Farm House, Santa will welcome children to sit on his lap, and a Santa sleigh with reindeer will be available for more photo opportunities. Bring your own camera!  Everyone is invited, and there is no cost to participate in this family friendly event!



Christmas for KidsDunwoody Police Department accepting donations for 'Christmas for Kids'

The Dunwoody Police Department Christmas for Kids (CFK) program began in 2009 with the goal of bringing the community together to collect new and unwrapped toys for under-privileged children between the ages of newborn to 15 years old.
The toy drive kicks-off Sunday, November 19th at Light Up Dunwoody and runs through Thursday, December 7th. New, unwrapped toys and gifts can be dropped off 24/7 during this time at Dunwoody Police Headquarters (41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 100, Dunwoody) and The Package Good (5517 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody.) Community clubs, groups, businesses and subdivisions are also welcome to coordinate their own CFK toy drives. Please contact Lieutenant Fidel Espinoza at Fidel.Espinoza@dunwoodyga.gov if you need more information or assistance transporting your collected toys to a drop off location. Once enough toys are collected, officers work together with I Care Atlanta, Inc. and several other community groups to hold a Christmas celebration for special guests and their families. 
The CFK celebration is open to all local children who reside in the Dunwoody, Doraville and Chamblee area who are between the ages of newborn and 15 years old along with their parents or guardians. Registration is open from November 20th - December 7th.  Proof of residency is required. Please contact Ana Varela of I Care Atlanta, Inc. at 678.615.3341 or ana@icareatlanta.org for information about eligibility or the registration process. 

Help Malachi’s Storehouse, emergency food pantry at St. Patrick’s Episcopal win $5,000.00


Please take a moment to vote for Malachi’s Storehouse, emergency food pantry at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Dunwoody. They are in the final round (Top 3) of the StyleBlueprint $5000 charity give-away in Atlanta and need your votes to win!  


Malachi’s has been serving the Atlanta area for 25 years and has already provided groceries to 32,000 clients in 2017. $5000 will provide groceries for 5,050 more people, as Malachi’s continues to build a community around the giving and receiving of food. 

Voting ends on 11/27/17 at midnight. Please help them help others this Holiday Season! Vote and share this link with your friends and family, too. 

If you are interested in learning more about Malachi’s, please visit our website at malachisstorehouse.org, or Facebook page ‘Malachi’s Storehouse’. If you would like to visit our food pantry in person, contact Kathy Malcolm Hall, co-director, at kmalcolmhall@yahoo.com.  

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Dunwoody Hotel Motel Tax Public Information Meeting to discuss new parks & trails - Tonight


The City of Dunwoody will hold a Hotel Motel Tax Public Information meeting at 6:00 pm on November 15, 2017 at Dunwoody City Hall, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 103, Dunwoody, GA 30346.

Staff Recommends creating a Tourism Facility fund where 15% of Hotel Motel Tax increase would go to other tourism related projects not listed below and then 85% to funding Parks, Trails and Greenspace listed below in the proposed Priority List of Parks and Trail Projects.  Once the revenue stream is confirmed stable (in about a year) there is a chance that the City could obtain a revenue bond whereby 10 years of funds could be received at once to fund the improvements listed and then the bonds would be paid via the new tax revenue stream.

• Perimeter Center East Park
• Ashford Dunwoody Trail – Phase I (Hammond Dr. to Perimeter Center West)
• Flyover Bridge Park
• Westside Connector Trail (MARTA Station to Ashford Dunwoody Rd.)
• Perimeter Park @ Dunwoody MARTA Station – North Phase
• Ashford Dunwoody Trail – Phase II (Perimeter Center West to Mount Vernon Rd.)
• Georgetown to Perimeter Trail (Perimeter Center East Park to Chamblee Dunwoody Rd.)
• Highstreet Trail (Central Parkway to Perimeter Center Parkway)
• Perimeter Mall Trail (Hammond Dr. to Perimeter Center West)
• Georgetown Gateway Trail (Georgetown Park to Cotillion Dr.)
• Ravinia Trail (Perimeter Center East Park to Ashford Dunwoody Road)
• Northfork Nancy Creek Trail – Phase I (Perimeter Center East Park to Valley View Road)
• Perimeter Park @ Dunwoody MARTA Station – South Phase I
• Northfork Nancy Creek Trail – Phase II (Valley View Rd. to Ashford Center Parkway)
• Winters Chapel Road Trail (Dunwoody Club Dr. to Peeler Road)
• Cotillion Trail (Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. to North Shallowford Rd.)
• Windwood Hollow Trail (Brookrun Park to Winters Chapel Road)
• Perimeter Park @ Dunwoody MARTA Station – South Phase II

Monday, November 13, 2017

Dunwoody Tree & Shrub Planting Plans for N Peachtree, Peeler & Tilly Mill intersection.


As construction of the Tilly Mill Road and North Peachtree Road intersection project is nearing completion, the city developed landscape plans to replant open right of way and easement areas. The planting plan includes over 150 trees and 400 shrubs and I wanted to make sure the affected neighbors are aware of the plans therefore I am posting them here as the City Council packet from this evenings meeting was missing the details.

 8.22.17  Arogeti Residence Sht.T-3.pdf
 8.22.17  Kingswood UMC Sht.T-1.pdf
 8.22.17  Kingswood UMC Sht.T-2.pdf
 8.22.17 Peeler and N. Peachtree Landscape Sht. T-1.pdf
 8.22.17 Peeler and N. Peachtree Landscape Sht. T-2.pdf

Friday, November 10, 2017

Saturday Dunwoody Community Events



Dunwoody City Council Agenda - Mon Nov 13, 2017

Monday, November 13th
Dunwoody City Hall
41 Perimeter Center East
Dunwoody, GA 30346
6:00 p.m. - Watch Live

Agenda

DeKalb County Sanitary Sewer Update.

Recognition of Municipal Court Bailiffs Who Earned the 2016 Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

Financial Report for the YTD through September 30, 2017.

Updates on City Hall, North Shallowford Building & Future Parks Programs

FIRST READ: MA17-02: Dennis J. Webb, Jr., attorney for the applicant, Prado Perimeter Center, LLC, owner of 121 Perimeter Center West, Dunwoody, GA 30346 (tax parcel ID 18 349 05 029) seeks to amend conditions of zoning of RZ10-041 for the development of a hotel, restaurant, and a parking deck.

FIRST READ: SLUP17-04: Prado Perimeter Center, LLC owner of 121 Perimeter Center West, tax parcel number 18-349-05-029, by Dennis J. Webb, Jr., attorney for the owner, seeks a Special Land Use Permit to: A) Section 27-23(b) to vary maximum building height in an OCR (Office, Commercial, Residential) District from 2 stories/35 feet to a 7-story hotel and five-story parking structure; B) Section 27-98(b)(6) to vary the Minor Parkway Street Type requirement (Perimeter Center Place); and C) Section 27-98(b)(7) to vary the Primary Street Type requirement

Resolution to Adopt the 2018 Georgia General Assembly Legislative Priorities.

Approval of Agreement with ConnectSouth - Legislative Support.

Approval of a Contract for Signal, Sign and Streetlight Maintenance.

Approval of a Contract for Landscaping at the Tilly Mill Road and North Peachtree Road Intersection. 150 Trees & 400 shrubs.

Approval of Purchase of Workstations for City Hall.

Approval of Contract with Comprehensive Program Solutions for Program Management for Parks

Contract Approval for the Dunwoody Nature Center North Woods Pavilion.

FIRST READ: Ordinance Amending Chapter 28, Article III, §28-56 Hotel Tax increase imposed.

FIRST READ: Ordinance Granting a Permanent Construction Easement Agreement for Georgia Power Company at Brook Run Park Baseball Fields.

Discussion of a Paving Plan Update.

City of Dunwoody plans to spend $3.3 Million on Paving in 2018


In the past 8 years the city has resurfaced over 140 lane miles which is just under half of the total lane mileage that the city maintains. Beginning in 2017 the city increased funding for paving to further reduce the backlog of neighborhood streets in poor condition. This higher funding level has been projected through 2021 in the plan presented herein primarily to offset expected higher paving costs. For the last two years the city’s paving bids have reflected increasing prices and it is anticipated that prices will continue to rise due to the strong demand created as a result of substantially more funding flowing to transportation projects at the state and local levels.

In the updated plan Tilly Mill Road and Valley View Road have been pushed back to 2019. The Tilly Mill Road paving needs to be done when the planned sidewalk is constructed between North Peachtree Road and Womack and that project is not expected to be fully funded for construction until 2019. On Valley View Road the city recently learned that the county plans to replace the sanitary sewer in addition to the water main and that the sewer work may not be completed until later in 2018. With the deferral of these two roads several neighborhood streets were moved from 2019 to 2018 as noted on the attached paving list. In prioritizing neighborhood streets, the plan continues to group streets by proximity and rank groups by their composite pavement condition index (PCI) and maintenance history.

In early 2018 the city will obtain new pavement condition ratings for all of the roads in the city to replace the 2013 ratings. Because some roads deteriorate faster than others as reflected in the condition rating, it is advisable to wait until the new assessment is completed to set paving priorities beyond the plan that has already been developed through 2021. Therefore a fifth year has not been added to the plan as it has been in previous years.

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

J. Tom Morgan Seminar at Dunwoody High – Thursday, November 30, 2017 - Ignorance is No Defense



J. Tom Morgan, author of the book Ignorance is No Defense, is coming to speak to students at Dunwoody High School to offer valuable information about the laws that govern underage drinking, drug use, driving, and more. In his seminar, he will discuss information about Georgia laws and consequences for violating those laws as they specifically affect teens, their decisions and consequences.

J.Tom Morgan is a nationally recognized expert on the prosecution of crimes against children and served as the District Attorney of DeKalb County for twelve years. His book has sold thousands of copies and has been newly revised to reflect updated laws in Georgia. He has presented many times in Dunwoody schools over the years, and we are happy to have him back again. More information can be found on his website: http://www.ignoranceisnodefense.com

On Thursday, November 30, students will attend one of two 50 minute seminars in the DHS gym -- at 8:30 am or 10:00 am. Parents are welcome to attend either session!

Parents, if you prefer that your child not attend the session with J. Tom Morgan, please email Mr. Jameson at Andrew_Jameson@Dekalbschoolsga.org.
 

Through real-life examples, Ignorance is No Defense explains Georgia laws to teenagers in easy-to-understand language. With a primary focus on criminal laws, Ignorance is No Defense not only describes what the law requires but also teenagers’ rights under the law. Author J. Tom Morgan, a highly respected former prosecutor and experienced trial lawyer, provides straightforward information and valuable insights to help teenagers avoid violating the law and avoid being victims of crime.

“There are only four states in the country that treat our teenagers as adults when they’re 17, and Georgia’s one of those four states,” said Morgan, who has spoken to many thousands of teenagers, was on the U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect, and chaired Georgia’s Child Abuse Prevention Panel.

“I testified before the Georgia legislature last year about raising that age to 18 to fit with the rest of the country, and I’ll never forget what the legislator said: ‘Oh Mr. Morgan, we can’t do that because we don’t want our constituents in Georgia to think we’re soft on crime.”

Morgan said he represented two girls—one 16, one 17—who together shoplifted less than $100 worth of CDs and DVDs from Target. Because one was lawfully an adult at the time, the crime was on her permanent record, while the 16-year-old didn’t have it on hers.

“You’re criminal history starts on your 17th birthday and stays with you until the day you die,” he said. “Don’t screw it up.” (WestCobb Patch - March 2011)

PTSO will be selling Mr. Morgan’s book, Ignorance is No Defense, at both presentations and in the front office after the presentation through December. Books are $10 each and we will accept cash or check made out DHS PTSO. If you cannot attend the seminar, please pick up a copy of this book. It offers invaluable information about helping your teen navigate Georgia law as it applies to them!

Note to all parents of teenagers, no matter what school - I highly recommend this book and then conversations must be had with your teen!  I am a big fan of this presentation as I have posted about it every time time it comes up and am very happy that this information is available to you once again - please take advantage of it.   John

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Tom Lambert, Pam Tallmadge & Jim Riticher win Dunwoody City Council Seats - SPLOST sales tax passes

Tom Lambert wins big in District Three local election.


Bike Walk Dunwoody Fall Meeting & Transportation Plan Update - Thursday night at Dunwoody Nature Center

Bike Walk Dunwoody Fall Meeting & Transportation Plan Update


Socialize with your friends & neighbors. Learn about upcoming projects and plans in Dunwoody & our region that support safe human-powered movement. Provide input and collaborate on our upcoming initiatives and what is planned by the city, our neighbors and the Perimeter Community Improvement District.

DATE AND TIME
Thursday, November 9, 2017
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

LOCATION
Dunwoody Nature Center
5343 Roberts Drive
Dunwoody, GA 30338

Appetizers graciously provided by Village Burger (Chicken nuggets & seasoned fries)
BYO Beverages

Social / Mixer: 6:30 pm until 7 pm

Meeting thereafter - Meeting Topics include

* Hello from new Community Development Director, Richard McLeod

* Dunwoody Public Works: Update on Master Transportation Plan, Update on Bike/Ped/Trails: Budgeted & approved and potential in 2018 and beyond. Regional Connectivity.

* Perimeter Community Improvement District Trail Plan Update

* Bike Walk Dunwoody Organizational Meeting, Volunteer roles.

Our Social/Meeting is open to the public. Please invite your friends & neighbors.

Small donations are greatly appreciated to help defray operational costs.

To RSVP & for further details, please go here.

Many thanks,

Joe Seconder

Monday, November 6, 2017

Chesnut & entire Dunwoody Community mourns the loss of Ms. Lee Ann Brunson, Art Teacher / ArtLab


The Chesnut community is in mourning this evening as we try to explain to our children the passing of their beloved art teacher Ms. Lee Ann Brunson.  A superb teacher who instilled the love of art into her students, whereby many students, including my son and many of his friends pictured below took summer classes at her ArtLab.


Lee Ann your students loved you and we appreciated the love you showed for each and every one of them.  Rest in Peace Lee Ann.

Services and other details will be posted in the comments as they become available.

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Pebble Tossers Ripple Run 5K & Nonprofit Expo is Saturday 8:30 am - Dunwoody - Brook Run Park / Race Day Registration Available



Saturday, Nov 4th at 8:30 a.m.
Brook Run Park - Dunwoody, GA
4770 N. Peachtree Road

The 3rd Annual Pebble Tossers RIPPLE RUN 5K/1M & Nonprofit Expo is a highly motivational, action packed Run and Service Event where children and families learn how to become active participants in our community.

The 5K run will be a Peachtree Road Race qualifier and the 1 mile fun run/walk will be stroller & dog friendly. The Nonprofit Expo at the end of the race will feature 25 nonprofits and they will be hosting their own mini-service projects related to their missions. Held at the City of Dunwoody’s Brook Run Park, this course will be through the trails at Brook Run Park and Pernoshal Park.   All participants will receive a long-sleeved 100% cotton t-shirt. Last year’s shirts became everyone’s favorite shirt!

Immediately after the race, stay for our Nonprofit Expo with 25 local nonprofits hosting mini-service projects. Through engaging hands-on activities, kids are given the exposure to new organizations so they can make a difference in our community. The event will be a meaningful way to engage in community service, family togetherness, and a healthy lifestyle.  Fill out the Nonprofit Passport for chances to win great raffle prizes!

This is a great opportunity for School Teams to compete and earn service hours.

Race Registration Info

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYS_6ZKF3Hc

National Transportation Noise Map and is there mitigation possible for Dunwoody on the proposed Revive 285 express lanes?


On October 5th, representatives of GDOT showed the Dunwoody City Council the possible Revive 285 plans that would include Flyover Express Lanes directly adjacent to what is now single family residential homes - noise & aesthetics were several of the issues that were hard for GDOT to answer.  Having driven up 75, I have seen the flyover express lanes under construction and I didn't see any noise abatement?

Funding is in place for the project and were told that public meetings will be held in the coming year.  I expect this topic to be an important one for the City and its residents as I believe there are limits to what noise abatements can be offered several hundred feet it the air. I can promise you that I and the other members of the Dunwoody City Council will be monitoring.


Federal Highway Traffic Noise Laws

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is the agency responsible for administering the Federal-aid highway program in accordance with Federal statutes and regulations. The FHWA developed the noise regulations as required by the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-605, 84 Stat. 1713). The regulation, 23 CFR 772 Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise, applies to highway construction projects where a State department of transportation has requested Federal funding for participation in the project. The regulation requires the highway agency to investigate traffic noise impacts in areas adjacent to federally-aided highways for proposed construction of a highway on a new location or the reconstruction of an existing highway to either significantly change the horizontal or vertical alignment or increase the number of through-traffic lanes. If the highway agency identifies impacts, it must consider abatement. The highway agency must incorporate all feasible and reasonable noise abatement into the project design.

Highway Project Noise Mitigation


The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 provides broad authority and responsibility for evaluating and mitigating adverse environmental effects including highway traffic noise. The NEPA directs the Federal government to use all practical means and measures to promote the general welfare and foster a healthy environment.

Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1970 is an important Federal legislation, which specifically involves abatement of highway traffic noise. This law mandates FHWA to develop noise standards for mitigating highway traffic noise.

The law requires promulgation of traffic noise-level criteria for various land use activities and further provides that FHWA cannot approve the plans and specifications for a federally aided highway project unless the project includes adequate noise abatement measures to comply with the standards. The FHWA has developed and implemented regulations for the mitigation of highway traffic noise in federal-aid highway projects.

The FHWA regulations for mitigation of highway traffic noise in the planning and design of federally aided highways are contained in Title 23 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations Part 772. The regulations require the following during the planning and design of a highway project:
  1. Identification of traffic noise impacts; examination of potential mitigation measures;
  2. The incorporation of reasonable and feasible noise mitigation measures into the highway project; and
  3. Coordination with local officials to provide helpful information on compatible land use planning and control.
The regulations contain noise abatement criteria, which represent the upper limit of acceptable highway traffic noise for different types of land uses and human activities. The regulations do not require meeting the abatement criteria in every instance. Rather, they require highway agencies make every reasonable and feasible effort to provide noise mitigation when the criteria are approached or exceeded. Compliance with the noise regulations is a prerequisite for the granting of Federal-aid highway funds for construction or reconstruction of a highway.

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

IrishFest Atlanta featuring Music, Dance & Culture - Friday & Saturday at the Doubletree on Chamblee Dunwoody Rd

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JwBLBjJEos

IrishFest Atlanta has something for everyone!
Concerts, Workshops, Dance Performances, Lectures and much more.
Shop the 
IrishFest Marketplace featuring vendors while enjoying free entertainment and special youth programs.
 
"IrishFest Atlanta is where Ireland meets Georgia - a match made in heaven."


DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody
4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road (just inside 285)
Brookhaven,Georgia, 30341

Do the DeKalb County Grand Jury presentments show probable cause on the entire DeKalb criminal justice system?


Several months ago I was looking on-line for DeKalb County Grand Jury Presentments and couldn't find them, therefore, I requested the last year and a half from District Attorney Sherry Boston and she provided me what I requested.  Sherry is a former City of Dunwoody municipal judge who is coming up on her one year anniversary of being our County D.A. and I think very highly of her and the difficult job she does for all the citizens of DeKalb.  Ms. Boston who champions government transparency has stated that they are redoing the D.A. website and she will consider posting these important documents on line every other month as they come available.

DeKalb citizens are asked to serve on a grand jury for several months for little pay, in what appers to be uncomfortable circumstances and are asked to make tough law enforcement decisions where they are sometimes very ill-informed to do so.

By these reports written by everyday citizens of this county, it appears that all aspects of our criminal justice system in DeKalb County may be underfunded, may need better oversight and various process changes to improve its efficiency and effectiveness.

I am publishing these presentment reports not to embarrass any one aspect of the criminal justice system in DeKalb but to bring these issues to light so that our DeKalb County Commissioners and the CEO can set proper funding for long-term improvements in the police, the jail and the court systems.   I raise these issues so the Grand Jury members time and efforts are not wasted in vain, so that the world is aware that these common citizens have requested in-depth investigations be made into possible improprieties in various DeKalb Departments and that the lack of funding in some aspects of the DeKalb County Criminal Justice System could almost be considered criminal.

Date  Item Issue
5/1/2016 efficiency  Large Map of DeKalb is needed on wall for jury reference
5/1/2016 efficiency  improve the lighting in Grand Jury Room
5/1/2016 efficiency  wireless mics need to have batteries replaced
5/1/2016 efficiency  Grand Jury needs more training on probable cause 
5/1/2016 Water Dept. Fraud Further investigation needed
7/1/2016 efficiency  Shoplifting - 3 times is a felony
7/1/2016 efficiency  first time offenders with family violence should go to counseling
7/1/2016 efficiency  Grand Jury is using outdate manuals
7/1/2016 efficiency  wireless mics need to have batteries replaced
7/1/2016 Ethics Board Reviewed Dept. and were satisfied that changes will improve DeKalb
7/1/2016 Jail pay higher caliber of employees
7/1/2016 Jail suicides DeKalb PD should investigate - still not happening?
9/1/2016 pay Trial jury pay raise from $25 to $40 per day
9/1/2016 pay Grand jury pay raise from $40 to $50 per day
9/1/2016 efficiency  Shoplifting felonies trial needs to be more efficient - like traffic court
9/1/2016 gang violence Underfunded DeKalb County Gang Unit severely ill equipped to handle gang violence rising to level of Chicago.
9/1/2016 Racial Profiling via tags manual tag runs vs ALPR (Automatic License Plate Recognition Scanning)
9/1/2016 Jury exemption request After grandy jury service - some jurors request to be exempt from future service for a number of years.
9/1/2016 Jury Notice Request  Request certified mail
9/1/2016 Police Training More training is needed on mental illness
9/1/2016 Oversight of Sheriff's Office External oversight committee is needed to check Sheriff's department
9/1/2016 Inmate visitation By videoconferencing only - needs to be reviewed?
9/1/2016 Jail pay higher caliber of employees
9/1/2016 Jail Officer training more training on conflict prevention
11/1/2016 pay Grand jury pay raise from $40 to $50 per day
11/1/2016 efficiency  wireless mics need to have batteries replaced
11/1/2016 efficiency  Jury seats are uncomfortable 
11/1/2016 efficiency  What is DA doing about the backlog of cases?
11/1/2016 Oversight of Sheriff's Office Special investigation of sheriff's office requested.
1/1/2017 efficiency  Grand Jury is using outdate manuals - law handbook.
1/1/2017 efficiency  clear process needs to be explained when Grand Jury wants to remove charges.
1/1/2017 efficiency  Why is the Grand Jury told the race of the defendant - is it needed?
1/1/2017 efficiency  Grand Jury  needs more training on probable cause and less on guns and drugs.
1/1/2017 efficiency  Why does the Grand Jury hear cases that do not need to be heard - sex offenders not registering is one sided.
3/1/2017 efficiency  clear process needs to be explained when Grand Jury wants to remove charges.
3/1/2017 efficiency  Grand Jury  needs more training on probable cause 
3/1/2017 Racial Profiling via tags Updated presentation given - made this jury happy.
3/1/2017 pay Grand jury pay raise from $40 to $50 per day
3/1/2017 efficiency  Jury seats are uncomfortable 
3/1/2017 Jury selection Suggestion to offer to volunteers and salaried workers as hourly may not be paid.
3/1/2017 efficiency  Why are some defendants (Gov Employees) allowed in Grand Jury and others are not - unfair?
5/1/2017 Jury selection Only picked willing people?
5/1/2017 jury pay  Grand jury pay raise from $40 to $50 per day
5/1/2017 efficiency  Jury seats are uncomfortable - need clipboards and pens
5/1/2017 efficiency  install large screen display for jurors
5/1/2017 efficiency  jury needs availability of snack machine
5/1/2017 Jail Emergency water source needed as jail can not operate with out it.
7/1/2017 efficiency  Teenagers need to be educated on laws effecting them - outreach needed.
7/1/2017 efficiency  Why is the Grand Jury told the race of the defendant - is it needed?
7/1/2017 pay Grand jury pay raise from $40 to $50 per day
7/1/2017 efficiency  jury needs availability of snack machine
7/1/2017 efficiency  better temperature control in room
7/1/2017 efficiency  keurig coffee machine needed for room
7/1/2017 efficiency  Jury seats are uncomfortable 

2016GrandJury0506.pdf
 
2016GrandJury0708.pdf
 
2016GrandJury0910.pdf
 
2016GrandJury1112.pdf
 
2017GrandJury0102.pdf
 
2017GrandJury0304.pdf
 
2017GrandJury0506.pdf
 
2017GrandJury0708.pdf

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Dunwoody's Best Neighborhood for Trick-or-Treating, Briers North off Tilly Mill - Tuesday 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM


The Briers North Subdivision invites you and your children to visit and enjoy the yard decorations, costumes, and trick-or-treating!
  • The street opens to trick-or-treaters at 6:00 PM
  • Candy distribution begins at 6:00pm.
  • No admission after 8:30pm.
  • NO PETS are allowed. Please don't bring your pet as we hate to have to disappoint you by refusing admission. 
  • We close the subdivision to automobile traffic at 5:45pm and it does not reopen until 9:30pm.
  • There is NO parking inside Briers North. If you park outside, please do so legally.
  • Crossroads Church of Dunwoody at the corner of Tilly Mill & Peeler typically allows cars to park in their parking lot. If they do so again this year, please help them with a donation.
  • Trick-or-treating in Briers North on Halloween is AT YOUR OWN RISK. This is a public event on public streets and is NOT sponsored by any association or group. Briers North assumes no liability or responsibility for visitors.
Please make a donation on-line or at the entrance to help defray the cost!
Have fun, and thank you for visiting!

Friday, October 27, 2017

Early Voting starts Saturday at the Dunwoody Library - review the ballot in advance.


The City of Dunwoody has contracted (and paid) to have the Dunwoody Library be an early polling place for this election and intends to do so for all future elections.  Early voting starts Saturday 9 am at the library and it is then available from 8 to 5 Monday through Friday.

There are two main items on the ballot, first is the election of your local district city council seat. 

The City of Dunwoody is broken into three voting districts with the lines running North / South, whereby we have District 1 on the far West Side of the city, District 2 in the middle & District 3 on the East side of the city.  Each district has two elected representatives, one elected by only the residents voting in the local district (that is happening this year) and the other elected citywide or at large.  I believe this system works wonderfully as every resident votes for the Mayor and four of the six other city council members.  Four of the seven of us always have to think & vote on issues from a city wide perspective yet there are representatives who are more focused about the specific communities they represent.

In District 1 the election is between the incumbent Pam Tallmadge & Joe Hirsch.
In District 2 the election is between the incumbent Jim Riticher & Bobby Zuckman.
The election in District 3 is between Henry Bierenfeld & Tom Lambert to fill the seat being vacated by incumbent Doug Thompson.

The Dunwoody Crier & the Dunwoody Homeowners Association held a forum where all candidates attended and answered questions - there is a recap here

The second item on the ballot is a series of three referendums that when put together, raises sales tax a penny on items other than food and medicine, it lowers our property tax bills, increases money for transportation and it makes permanent the homestead tax freeze.   Mark Niesse of the AJC does a comprehensive overview of the items and I know Senator Fran Miller worked hard with the DeKalb County CEO to put these compromise measures together for the benefit of all jurisdictions and he has an overview in The Crier.

To obtain a sample ballot for yourself to read all of the measures that you will be voting on please visit here or if you would like to see what my ballot (District 3) looks like including all of the referendums, click here but know if you reside in District 1 or 2 your city council choices will be different.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Join the Dunwoody Rotary, Tuesday October 24, 7 p.m. at the Dunwoody Nature Center to Celebrate World Polio Day



The Rotary Club of Dunwoody Presents: Candle Light Vigil
Oct. 24 - 7:00 PM
Dunwoody Nature Center

On Tuesday, October 24, the Rotary Club of Dunwoody is hosting a Polio Candlelight Vigil at the Dunwoody Nature Center – starting at 7:00 p.m. We are inviting the Dunwoody community, and hope that you can join us with your family and neighbors. The public is welcome to join the Vigil, learn about the history of Polio eradication, be updated on current results, and find out what they can individually do to help in the worldwide effort to eradicate this devastating disease.

Rotary International has been focused on polio eradication since 1985, when they started the Polio Plus initiative. In 1988, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was created, with Rotary partnering with the World Health Organization, the CDC, and UNICEF. A few years ago, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation offered to match 2:1 all funds raised by Rotary – and they renewed their commitment at this year’s Rotary International Convention. Donor governments have also contributed to the efforts to eradicate the disease. The mass vaccination of children, performed by Rotarians and health workers side-by-side around the world, has resulted in a 99.9% reduction in active cases since the 1980’s. To date, Rotary has donated more than $1.7 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than 2.5 million children in 122 countries.

The rate of infection has dropped from 1,000 per day to just 37 cases in 2016. That number is now ten for 2017. As a result, polio is “This Close” to being eradicated. But as long as there is a single case of the live polio virus, no nation is safe. A recent 2017 discovery of a case in Nigeria verified the need for the Initiative to continue its work with a vengeance. Mass tools of communication have been designed to reach persons in areas isolated by conflict, geography, or poverty.

Charter member Bob Mingus was the first Dunwoody Rotarian to donate $1000 to Polio Plus and since then, the Club and Dunwoody Rotarians have donated $111,273 to help eradicate this crippling disease. Robert and Charlene Hall, Roy Wise, and Laura Kann have all been part of national immunization days in India – and it’s exciting to know that India has been six years polio-free. A portion of the funds raised by this year’s RunDunwoody will be used to support Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign – and we’ll be talking more about how you and the community can be part of the fundraising to finish this important initiative and declare the world Polio Free.

Please think about Donating Today if you are able - Thanks!

Your donation helps Rotary and its partners reach every child with the polio vaccine. Thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, your contribution will be tripled, getting us even closer to a polio-free world.