Tuesday, November 27, 2018

City of Dunwoody releases RFQ to update Dunwoody Village Master Plan


On November 5th, the Dunwoody City Council heard the first read of proposed Text Amendments Regarding the Dunwoody Village Overlay and upon hearing comments from Council it appears that the City has moved forward with a tweaked plan for the master plan update releasing this RFQ on Nov 11th.  The next scheduled City Council meeting is Monday December 10th.



"Over the course of its 50 year history, Dunwoody Village has existed as an auto-oriented commercial center. It’s placement around the major intersection of Mount Vernon Road and Chamblee Dunwoody Road have helped define the area as a civic center and “heart” of Dunwoody. In regards to character, the buildings in the Village take on a “colonial” style of architecture that are characterized by fairly steep roof pitches, brick siding, and divided light windows. While some residents and stakeholders have fallen in love with this character, many others have also recognized that changes are necessary to keep pace with time, updated architecture, business needs, and quality of life. At the same time, the regulations within the Dunwoody Village Overlay have created many challenges for applicants, as the review processes are sometimes lengthy, compliance measures are convoluted, and the design requirements are astoundingly restrictive.


Redeveloping the Dunwoody Village is viewed by most residents as one of the highest priorities for the City. This priority has become almost thematic as the City of Dunwoody continues the process of creating our Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Of the five (5) Character Areas noted in the municipal limits, the Dunwoody Village represents the historic crossroads of the city and is the area generating the most community-based interest. The Dunwoody Village evolved in the 1970’s as a neighborhood commercial center serving the surrounding residential communities with an assortment of niche restaurants, shops, offices, and services. As the Perimeter Mall area transformed into a regional activity center, a competing interest between these two divergent commercial nodes developed.


Where access to I-285 transformed the Perimeter Center into one of the most vital regional activity centers in the State of Georgia, the “ripple effect” of growth has not extended into the Dunwoody Village, despite its physically adjacent boundary. A Master Revitalization Plan to preserve the historical characteristics of this town center, further create community identity, and increase the desirability of redevelopment for the area will revitalize not only the Dunwoody Village but also the City of Dunwoody, as a whole.

The City envisions a pedestrian-friendly Dunwoody Village where families, young people, businesses and visitors can walk from one destination to the next. The Dunwoody Village will be a place for people of all ages. Featuring open spaces, retailers, residences, restaurants, office buildings, and venues for entertainment, the Dunwoody Village will build upon our strengths and challenge us to excel to realize our potential.

In July of 2018 the City hired an architecture and planning firm to develop a survey targeted at garnering public opinion about the Dunwoody Village. The survey had over 1,800 respondents. On August 23rd, City Staff and Historical concepts held a 5 hour design charrette, and approximately 175 people attended. The key take away from the public outreach process was that 85% of residents want to see a variety of architectural character in the Village that goes beyond the pre-1900 Mid-Atlantic American Colonial style that is currently specified in the code. In addition, 75% of respondents also indicated that the level of detail specified in the zoning ordinance was not necessary. Finally, many residents suggested the Village needs more public gathering spaces.

In response to the survey, the City of Dunwoody desires to update the 2011 Dunwoody Village Master Plan and regulations contained in Section 27-97 of the Zoning Ordinance. The Master Plan can be found online at and Chapter 27-97 of the zoning ordinance can be found here: Sec. 27.97._DVO, Dunwoody Village Overlay. The Plan and code updates should include the following elements:

1. A regulating plan that identifies existing and proposed Dunwoody Village street types. Each street type should include a well-connected grid like pattern, lane width dimensions, right of way, utility placement, street trees locations, and street lighting. Additionally, the selected design firm should offer frontage options for each street type that addresses street buffers, sidewalks, parking buffers, and public open space options. The firm selected should consider using design speed of vehicles, pedestrian cross times, block standards as well as curb-to-curb dimensions. On-street parking should be included where appropriate. Off-street parking and pin point locations for parking decks should be closely examined.

2. Well-designed and well-located civic spaces should be built in to the plan and written into the code. These civic spaces should include the acreage, the location, size, activity type and the general character of the civic space.

3. The building form standards shall establish specific physical parameters for building placement, building form, parking location and requirements, allowed encroachments, and allowed frontage type. Building Form should also address minimum/maximum building height, finished ground-floor finished level height and maximum building width/height.

4. The list of approved materials, the massing of buildings, transparency, façade composition, window and door details and roof types are all part of the architectural standards the City of Dunwoody wants to see included. The selected firm should examine the land use section of the underlying base code. Recommendations of the allowed and prohibited land use of the Village should be included.

5. As part of the Dunwoody Village overlay zoning chapter, the selected firm shall work with a sounding board and create a town architect process to review the design of new buildings, additions, and renovations proposed within the Village.

6. The design firm shall present the updates to the Dunwoody Village Master Plan and zoning to Planning Commission and City Council for adoption.

Upon a selection date from the City, the design firm shall complete the aforementioned items within a 9 to 12 month time frame"

Early voting available at Dunwoody Library, 10 Years & child internet safety presentation.

The Dunwoody Library is a DeKalb County early voting location for the runoff election this week running through Friday, November 30 at 7AM-7PM.



Dunwoody 10th Anniversary Celebration: Pernoshal Park, Saturday, December 1st 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

December 1st 2018 marks the 10 year anniversary of Dunwoody becoming a city. Please join us on Saturday, December 1st for Dunwoody’s 10th Anniversary Celebration at Pernoshal Park (4575 N. Shallowford Road, Dunwoody!) The celebration will include fun for the entire family, including a community bike ride, craft stations, giveaways, a photo booth, food trucks, and cider and hot cocoa. A number of esteemed community organizations will be on hand to help celebration to help celebrate this special anniversary. So come out and celebrate a decade with Dunwoody!


 

Friday December 7th, 3 pm @ Dunwoody Library

Online access for kids comes with risks, such as inappropriate content, cyberbullying and online predators.

Pre-Registration - Click Here

Saturday, November 17, 2018

City of Dunwoody calls Special Meeting to install Temporary Moratorium on Multi-Unit Buildings

Monday, November 19, 2018
Dunwoody City Hall
4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd
Dunwoody, GA 30338

Agenda

Resolution Establishing a Temporary Moratorium on the Acceptance of New Applications for Special Use Approval, Permitted Use Approval, or Building Permits for any Multi-Unit Buildings.

A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF NEW APPLICATIONS FOR SPECIAL USE APPROVAL, PERMITTED USE APPROVAL, OR BUILDING PERMITS FOR ANY MULTI-UNIT BUILDINGS

WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Dunwoody (“City Council”) are charged with the protection of the public health, safety and welfare; and

WHEREAS, in furtherance of carrying out its responsibilities the City, in conjunction with the DeKalb county fire department, has begun a review of its fire life safety ordinances; and

WHEREAS, the City and the fire department have agreed that public safety and welfare would be enhanced by certain revisions to the fire ordinances relating to multi-unit buildings; and

WHEREAS, the City and the fire marshal have begun reviewing the city’s fire ordinances and have identified additional measures related to multi-unit buildings and have continued researching additional potential amendments which would benefit public safety and welfare; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council believe a moratorium will allow the City the opportunity to continue the review of the current fire ordinances and upon completion adopt said changes.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUNWOODY, GEORGIA:

Section 1. The Moratorium imposed herein incorporates the findings and statements set forth in the preceding “whereas” clauses and such clauses are made a part of this moratorium, and the aforesaid recitals are not mere recitals, but are material portions of this Resolution.

Section 2. This resolution becomes effective immediately upon adoption.
.
Section 3. From 11:30 a.m. on November 19, 2018, until 11:29 a.m. on May 18, 2019, notwithstanding any provisions of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Dunwoody, to the contrary, there shall be a complete moratorium on the City’s acceptance, processing and review of any new applications for special use approval, permitted use approval, or building permits for any multi-unit buildings within the City.

Section 4. During the moratorium neither the City nor any of its departments or staff shall accept, process or review new applications for special use approval, permitted use approval, or building permits for any multi-unit buildings within the City.

Section 5. This moratorium shall expire at 11:29 a.m. on May 18, 2019, and be of no further force and effect, unless shortened or extended by an official action of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Dunwoody
.
Section 6. The moratorium period adopted herein is deemed to be the appropriate minimum time for the development of such regulations without unduly diminishing the rights of individuals and property owners.

Section 7. This Resolution shall not apply to or otherwise affect completed applications duly filed prior to the effective date of this Resolution.

Section 8. The provisions of this Resolution are severable, and should any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or other portion of this Resolution, or its application to any person, entity or circumstance, be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to the be unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of the Resolution, or application of the provision to other persons, entities or circumstances, shall not be affected.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Light up Dunwoody this Sunday at the Dunwoody Farmhouse - Mt. Vernon and Chamblee-Dunwoody Road


A Dunwoody Tradition and Holiday Event
Sunday, November 18,  2018; 3:00 to 5:45 pm
between the Cheek-Spruill House at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Chamblee-Dunwoody Road and Dunwoody Animal Hospital


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

Santa will be on the lawn of the Spruill Farm House with his sleigh, and live reindeer will be available for photo opportunities. Bring your own camera!

I was overjoyed when I heard that three local girl scouts who have earned the Girl Scout Gold Award were chosen to pull the switch to light the house. I have the pleasure of meeting several of these your ladies and I couldn't be happier for them and their families.

Kudos to Laura Lawson Duncan, Emily Schmitt, and Erica Holmes as well as any other Gold Award recipients who will be assisting with the honor.

Everyone is invited, and there is no cost to participate in this family-friendly event!

Dunwoody area high school football fans - get ready for St. Pius vs Marist playoff game.


I am a huge high school football fan and this weekend there isn't a better game in the metro area than the game this Friday evening where the higher seeded St. Pius X Golden Lions hosts the Marist War Eagles in the second round of the AAAA football playoffs.

Even though SPX shutout Marist 17 to 0 back in September, I consider these two teams very evenly matched for what should be a great game.   This last Friday in the first round of the playoffs, Marist beat up on Heritage a whopping 61 to 20 which shows their explosive scoring power and Pius stomped Cedartown 38 to 6 highlighting not only their scoring ability and also a defensive prowess that out-gamed Marist in their last meeting. 

The rain will be moving out and tickets are available in advance.  Maybe I will see you there?

Dunwoody North Civic Association, Christmas for Kids toy drive this Saturday


This Saturday from 2-4pm, Dunwoody North Civic Association will be holding our very first toy drive in support of Dunwoody Police Department's Christmas for Kids at the Dunwoody North Driving Clubhouse.

Hot cocoa and snacks will be served and a DPD officer will be onsite to share the cheer. DNCA representatives will also be accepting annual dues ($20 per year), assisting with registering for the DNCA online, and updating your contact information for our new neighborhood watch blasts.

We will be collecting and donating:

• new and unwrapped gifts for kids ages 2-15
• non-perishable food items and canned goods.

Please share this with a friend, stop by for a visit, and help us brighten the holidays for families in need!

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

City of Dunwoody Names 11Alive’s Jennifer Leslie Boettcher as New Communications Director

When I heard the news, I literally said that I could not think of anybody better!

Dunwoody, GA – November 13, 2018 - The City of Dunwoody has named Jennifer Leslie Boettcher as the city’s new Communications Director. Jennifer was selected based on her extensive media experience and strong community connections.

“We are very pleased to have Jennifer as the City of Dunwoody Communications Director,” states City Manager Eric Linton. “Jennifer’s success as a news anchor makes her uniquely qualified to lead the city’s media relations and community engagement. She is well known around the community and strengthening this connection is that she is a Dunwoody resident.”

Jennifer’s name and face might be familiar. She spent 21 years as a reporter for 11Alive News in Atlanta, most recently as a member of the morning news team. She earned six Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Jennifer moved to Dunwoody 12 years ago with her husband Matt. They have two sons, Blake (12) and Bo (10).

“I’m so excited about this next chapter,” Jennifer said. “Dunwoody is such a special place. I love living here and look forward to sharing and shaping the story of this great city.”

Jennifer will lead the city’s media relations, community engagement and customer service efforts. She will work to keep the community informed and engaged through several means, including traditional and social media. She will also help organize and manage special events, finding new ways to share the exciting things happening in Dunwoody.

Jennifer enjoys volunteering at her sons’ schools, Dunwoody Elementary School and Peachtree Charter Middle School. She also spends time supporting the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Action Ministries, the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. Jennifer and her family are members of Dunwoody United Methodist Church. Together, they carve out time to travel and take in as many auto races as they can.

Before moving to the Atlanta area in 1998, Jennifer reported for NBC stations in West Palm Beach (WPTV), Knoxville (WBIR) and Beaumont, TX (KJAC). She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Santa's Fantastical is a family-friendly interactive wonderland which opens on the 16th in Dunwoody



Perimeter Pointe
1155 Mt. Vernon Hwy. Suite 300
(In the old Babies R Us store)
Atlanta, GA 30338
 
Santa's Fantastical is a family-friendly interactive wonderland of immersive worlds where the spirit of the season comes alive through live performances, state-of-the-art technology, and Instagram-worthy moments. Be the first to experience a Fantastical World.

As you stroll down Main Street, drop into Peppermint Palace, Unicorn Dreams, Retro Christmas, and Future Christmas. Live performances featuring our "Dancing Ornaments" will dazzle you with the magic of synchronized light, sound, and energetic dancers.

Want a more chill vibe? Head over to Winter Dreams and get lost in a sensory experience, curated to the coolest seasonal soundtrack by one of the world's top concert lighting designers - Atlanta's own Michael Smalley. The Frosted Foyer, Laser Trees, and Infinity Ornaments are sure to take your breath away.

Along Whimsical Way you'll find Santa's Chateau where it's FREE to see Santa. Watch your kids' animation dreams come true with Sketch-Tastic. Color in a character, scan it, and watch it come to life in Santa's virtual toy workshop. A slide down Ice Alive will delight the kid in all of us. And finally, Tacky Yard - our tribute to the great American overly-decorated suburban plot. You know that house...

Monday, November 12, 2018

"America is a Dream" by Stan Lee

Stan Lee of Marvel Comics fame passed away this week at 95 and besides Spider-man and many other comics, he published the following four panels in the November 2007 edition of Atlantic Magazine.   They touched me enough to share with all of you.




Sunday, November 11, 2018

City of Dunwoody Election breakdown by Precinct & Party for November 6, 2018 Election #gapol


http://www.jkheneghan.com/city/meetings/2018/Nov/2018%20Dunwoody%20Election%20results%20party.xlsx

As a political science geek who likes to look at the election numbers, demographics and trends, I believe the 2018 election was historic one for the City of Dunwoody as it identified a change of the electorate inside our boundaries whereby those who voted Democratic outnumbered those who voted Republican in most races.  With younger families moving into the area slowly replacing the original owners who bought in Dunwoody when this was considered the far out suburbs, along with the candidacy of Stacey Abrams energizing the Democratic base which drove record turnouts, a shift has occurred.  Though Stacey Abrams may not have won the Governorship, this democratic push carried many of those down the ballot to victory thereby changing the party affiliation in the State Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives from a Republicans representing Dunwoody to now Democratic representation.

I obtained my data from the DeKalb County Board of Elections excluding third party candidates and provisional ballots still in dispute, used the City of Dunwoody GIS system for the precinct maps, cross referencing it against the DeKalb Polling Places and input it into Excel for trend analysis.  At any point I may have completely screwed up the data but I believe it to be correct.

If there are flaws discovered please let me know in the comments but do me a favor, be kind as I do this stuff late at night after most people are long asleep.  Another favor, I welcome your analysis of the data and election but let's please keep all comments kind as we all are neighbors and all want what is best for our Country, State and community in general.  Thanks  John Heneghan

Friday, November 9, 2018

Dunwoody United Methodist Church, Holiday Festival on Saturday has something for everyone. Santa, Crafts Fair, Kids Zone & lots of food options. @DUMCHolidayFest


Dunwoody United Methodist Church
1548 Mt. Vernon Road,
Dunwoody, GA. 30338

Santa is visiting the DUMC Holiday Festival. Be sure to RESERVE YOUR TIME TO VISIT SANTA from 8:00am - 2:00pm Saturday, November 10th

  • Click HERE to schedule an appointment (RECOMMENDED)
  • All children are invited and welcome to have their pictures taken with Santa
  • Appointments are scheduled in 5-minute increments throughout the day
  • Santa takes a lunch break from 11:00am - 11:30am
  • The sitting fee is $30 which includes a memory card with high-res images
  • This fee goes directly to Atlanta Habitat for Humanity & ReStore

Proceeds will fund our 29th Habitat House!

KIDS ACTIVITIES:

  • Pictures with SANTA ~ time slots are available from 8am - 2pm. Photos are $30. Some walk-ins available. Santa takes a lunch break from 11-11:30am. Click HERE to reserve your appointment with Santa
  • Kids Crafts - ages 3-8. SESSION I (8:30-10:00 and SESSION II (11:00-12:30). Walk-ins accepted & are $12 per child. LOCATION - in preschool rooms across from the Book Nook.
  • Kids Zone runs from 10-2 near the playground and on the sports fields. Tickets may be bought onsite for all activities and snacks. CFA cow and prize wheel at noon.

AND MORE...

SHUTTLES: Run from our offsite parking at 100 Ashford Center North from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
PACKAGE CHECK: Located on the first floor near the gym.
ARTISANS: Approximately 120 artisans are located in the first floor gym and second floor Fellowship Hall.
CASSEROLES: Order downstairs near the gym and pick up upstairs.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Congratulations to Dunwoody's newest State Legislators - Mike Wilensky & Sally Harrell


The above numbers may not be final but by all accords it appears that the results will stand, therefore I believe congratulations are in order to Dunwoody's newest State Legislators - Mike Wilensky & Sally Harrell, I look forward to working closely with both of you on items that will be affecting this fine community.

Thank you State Senator Fran Millar and former Dunwoody Mayor Ken Wright for your many fine years of service as both of you have made great improvements to the community you have represented.

Friday, November 2, 2018

Dunwoody Police Christmas for Kids toy drive has started - toy bins located at City Hall.


The Dunwoody Police Department is excited to announce that their Christmas for Kids toy drive has started. Their goal this year bring a little Christmas joy to 100+ local children. New and unwrapped toys & gifts can be dropped off at the police department 24/7 (4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd). 

The goal is to have all the toys we need by December 7th - can you help?

Austin Elementary's Dunwoody Dash is scheduled for this Saturday



AUSTIN ELEMENTARY invites YOU to enjoy a morning of fun at their annual DUNWOODY DASH on November 3rd at 8:30AM.  Stay after the race to enjoy complimentary jump houses, obstacle courses, music, food and fun!
On-Line registration closed but walk ups are probably available. Click here for more info.
The Dunwoody Dash will start at Austin Elementary and run through local neighborhoods.  
  • Event: Austin Elementary’s Dunwoody Dash 5K Run, 1 Mile Fun Run and Tot Trot Fun Run
  • Event Date: Saturday, November 3, 2018
  • Race Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
  • Dunwoody Dash Runner Entry Fee: $25 per person, includes a Race Day T-Shirt
  • Dunwoody Dash Family Sponsorship: All Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Sponsors ($1000 + donors) receive name recognition on shirts. *Option to add your name for a $100 additional donation to registration fees.
  • Optional Grub Grab: Spend $40 for a $50 Gift Card from a local restaurant.  Pick up Gift Cards the day you pick up your Race Bag. *Gift Cards quantities limited.  

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE AUSTIN ELEMENTARY EAGLE FOUNDATION/PTO.
Time is running out - register for the Dunwoody Dash today!

Dunwoody's Peachtree Charter Middle School announces “Discussions with Principal Davis” @DeKalbSchools


Greetings Patriot Parents, 

As part of my effort to better understand the needs of our parent and student community, I will be hosting a series of events called “Discussions with Davis.” 

These sessions will give our parents an opportunity to share with me directly what you think our school is doing well, as well as areas of concern we may need to address. I would ask that you please come out to the following events, which will be held in our Media Center. 

Please note that the earlier advertised November 6th meetings have been changed to November 8th 2018:  

Discussions with Davis
November 8th 2018 from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
November 8th 2018 from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Donnie R. Davis Jr., Ph.D.
Principal 
Peachtree Charter Middle School  
(P) 678.676.7702
4664 North Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30338