High Street developer submits permitting plans to Dunwoody @HighStreetATL @AtlBizChron @CurbedAtlanta

Earlier this week the long-awaited High Street Development dropped off at Dunwoody City Hall the initial plans for the land disturbance permit for phase 1.   I haven't gone through the 100 MB of plans, but I did read with interest the initial conditions that DeKalb put upon the project.

If you are into downloading huge files and reviewing technical drawings, enjoy.

  2019 0975  2019-08-19 High Street Phase 1 Hydrology Report.pdf
  2019 0975 2019-08-16 High Street - Phase 1 LDP Part-1.pdf
  2019 0975 2019-08-16 High Street - Phase 1 LDP Part-2.pdf
  2019 0975 2019-08-16 High Street - Phase 1 LDP Part-3.pdf
  2019 0975 2019-08-16 High Street - Phase 1 LDP Part-4.pdf

News Article by the Dunwoody Reporter Dyana Bagby from Aug 23, 2019

GID and North American Properties have proposed the $2 billion development on about 42 acres in Perimeter Center. It would total 8 million square feet of mixed-use development, including 400,000 square feet of shopping and chef-driven dining; 635,000 square feet of Class A office space; and a 400-room hotel. A small public park area is included in the central area. The scope of the first phase is to build four blocks of mixed-use development, parking decks, private internal streets, and stormwater pipes and other utilities. The development has been zoned for 3,000 residential units, but the first phase shows just one 8-story apartment tower being built with 600 units. The plans for the first phase also include construction of 200,000 square feet of retail.

....

Dunwoody resident asks, "Why can't we have nice things like our neighbors?"

Just because it is not easy, doesn't mean we are working towards these goals

Part of the job of serving on the City Council is knowing what the residents of your city want and then trying to fulfill their desires with the resources that you have available, unfortunately, the desires always outweigh resources.  I read everything Dunwoody related that I can get my hands upon and that includes newspapers, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, podcasts, various Blogs, AHA, Letters to the Editor, e-mails directed to Council, Myspace and sometimes I will even read Nextdoor.  If it is Dunwoody related, I read it.  If someone needs assistance I jump in, if it is a general conversation I may just watch the conversation but I rarely jump deep into Facebook conversations as I usually have my own platform for communication and the Open Records laws regarding social media communication for elected officials is murky at best.

Anyway, I saw a conversation on Dunwoody (and specifically Dunwoody Village) being compared to to the new Town Center mixed-use development in Peachtree Corners whereby the city purchased a patch of forest on Peachtree Parkway across from the Forum and turned it into a shopping area with an activated outdoor dining, drinking/recreation area with music events from time to time.

Maybe my heart was still pumping hard from this evenings spin class, or I ate too many treats at the Dunwoody Community Garden 10 year celebration or I was too hyped up from whipping my boys at Foosball; either way, I broke down and commented on a group Facebook post.   My answer was detailed, addressing not only her question but also some of the other comments on the post and figured in the sense of transparency that it was worth me posting here as well.

____________________________________________________________

To loosely recap the question, it was Why can't Dunwoody have nice things like outdoor dining in a pretty park setting and then be able to walk around listening to music as I sip my wine?

My answer was ... I don't think anyone disagrees with you, we would all want that. The City of Dunwoody wishes they could buy a chunk of undeveloped land to do what Peachtree Corners did or be like Sandy Springs and be able to afford to buy out profitable businesses - but neither option is easy for us to do.

Regency owns the Village shopping center and we have made it easier for them to redevelop by unregulating the area including the corner property on Chamblee Dunwoody & Mount Vernon that sits vacant for years. Regency owns much of the property and they and the other owners decide if major changes are desired, not us - but we continue the discussions. If the City moved forward, purchasing a chunk of the parking lot from Regency and made it into a park, would Regency try to redevelop around it or would it be a patch of green surrounded by asphalt? Having the City buy a chunk of land from Regency in order to build a parking lot, what would Regency do with that multi-million dollar amenity?

The City redeveloped the old pipe farm off Chamblee Dunwoody and now has several restaurant parcels abutting open green space and a park available at Shallowford and Perimeter Park yet we can't find a developer willing to move this idea forward. Economics and the number of eyeballs driving by always come into play on developments like this and there are a lot more cars driving by on Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree Corners.

Dunwoody with the help of DHA puts forward Food Trucks with bands and the City hosts other events either by itself or partnering with the Dunwoody Nature Center, so you can't say we are not trying.

As far as permanent restaurants in Brook Run, I'm not against it (think Park Tavern or Tavern on the Green) but I am sure food trucks will be involved anytime crowds are expected. When the amphitheater is completed, I am guessing we will be scheduling a regular concert series with tables for purchase via subscription service and free concerts otherwise. I fully expect outside food and beverage service being available if you don't bring your own.

Long story, short - the City is trying to foster the items that you desire and are working towards the future with the funds we have available but when it comes to modifying existing commercial development sometimes it is easier said than done. Just because it is not easy, doesn't mean we are not working towards these goals behind the scenes.

Thanks

John Heneghan
Dunwoody City Council

PS: Earlier this week the High Street ATL huge development next to Perimeter Mall and the Marta Station which many compare to the Avalon in Alpharetta just dropped their phase 1 plan off at Dunwoody City Hall and this development will include hotel site, retail, office, parking, and about 600 apartments. The zoning on site that was put in many years ago allows up to 1,500 apartments and 1,500 condos and based on recent actions the development that has been on-again / off-again for many years may finally be coming out of the ground. I plan on reviewing and posting the High Street plans as soon as I get my hands on them.

Monday Aug 26 Dunwoody City Council Agenda - Spruill Center expansion / lease, Roberts rezoning - Swancy House withdrawn, grassy knoll hotel.

Monday, August 26, 2019
Dunwoody City Hall
4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd

Dunwoody, GA 30338

5:00 p.m. - Watch Live

6:00 p.m. - Watch Live

Agenda - 5 p.m. - Public Facilities Authority

Facility Usage Agreement with the Spruill Center for the Arts - 40 year lease / 5 year construction plan

 Agenda - 6 p.m -  Regularly Called Meeting

 Recognition of 2018 Presidential Volunteer Service Awards to 18 individuals (6 Silver, 12 Bronze)

 Proclamation - Kingsley Racquet and Swim Club Day

 FIRST READ: RZ 19-02: Alex Brock, Attorney for the Owner, on Behalf of GMC Real Estate Acquisitions, LLC, Owner of 11 Ravinia Parkway, Dunwoody, GA 30346 Seeks the Following, To Rezone the Property From its Current OCR (Office, Commercial, Residential) District Conditional Zoning Classification to an PC-2 (Perimeter Center) District

Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Sandy Springs for Traffic Control Equipment in Dunwoody Right of Way

SECOND READ: Ordinance Amending Chapter 26 of the City of Dunwoody Code of Ordinances by Revising Underground Utility Marking Regulations

SECOND READ: RZ19-01: J. Ethan Underwood, Attorney for RRR 2018, LLC, Owner of 5318 and 5328 Roberts Drive, Seeks to Rezone the Property From its Current R-100 (Single-Dwelling Residential) District Zoning Classification to an R-50 (Single-Dwelling Residential) District (Applicant Requests Withdrawal) 

City of Dunwoody Mayoral and Council Election Slate Finalized - John Heneghan is unopposed and elected to a four year term. #gapol

To the residents of Dunwoody, I am truly honored that I can continue my service to the community as it is a privilege I take very seriously.  I will strive to represent and work hard on your behalf as I believe I have done for the last eleven years, doing so humbly yet diligently with passion while ensuring that the City of Dunwoody operates transparently and fairly for all involved.   Thank you,   John Heneghan 

DUNWOODY CANDIDATES LIST

NOVEMBER 5, 2019 GENERAL ELECTION

OFFICE OF MAYOR
Lynn Deutsch
Terry Nall

CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 1, POST 4
Stacey Harris
Robert Miller

CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 2, POST 5
Joe Seconder
Heyward Wescott

CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 3, POST 6
John Heneghan (Incumbent)

City of Dunwoody KPI report for Q2 2019, Brook Run Park Deed Restrictions for Greenspace and the 2020 Mayor's Budget

 pdf

A couple of items crossed my desk today that I thought I would share.

First is the quarterly report of key performance indicators of city operations.   The data is interesting, like the fact that the number of open records requests for city documents has risen; traffic citations are up; review of construction plans are down; new business licenses are down; applications for employment are up, but we also advertised a few more jobs; the calls to the police department are up; and alarms are down.

The one area that really jumped out to the Council was the number and quality of our communication outreach.  The numbers over last year for Facebook & Twitter have skyrocketed, and the quality of the outreach is also unsurpassed with today's 360-degree photo of the construction at Brook Run Park being just one example. 

This is due to the new team of Jennifer Boettcher & Kathy Florence - well-done ladies!!

Facebook Post w 360 Photo

The Assistant City Manager, Mr. Jay Vinicki, stated that "staff is looking at revamping this report starting next quarter. We welcome your input back to the city for any information already in this report that is “must keep” and information lacking in it that is “must add.”"  Transparency is the key and therefore what relavent statistics should be reported to ensure appropriate city services are on track?  Thanks.

The second item that I thought was worth sharing was a question that is raised from time to time regarding the deed restrictions on the original Brook Run Park land that was bought from the State in 2001.  One of the restrictions is that no less than 70% of the property shall be used as urban green space and the city has already calculated that even after all of the future artificial turf, new driveways, hardscapes and parking lots were installed; that Brook Run Park would still have 78.4% urban greenspace.  Here is the documentation provided by the City on the green space percentage.

Large High Res Photo

Large High Res Photo

  

 Large High Res Photo

Finally, I am anticipating the Mayor's 2020 budget for the City will be released by the end of the week, and the budget committee will be taking the first crack at reviewing and then proposing changes.  Once I get it I will post the proposed budget and ask for comments or suggestions.   Thanks

Dunwoody Gridiron Club is hosting a ladies round robin tennis tournament this Friday

CALLING ALL TENNIS LADIES for the 2nd Annual Wildcat Tennis Round Robin

August 23, 2019 (this Friday)
9am – 1 pm
Sandy Springs Tennis Center

Dunwoody Gridiron Club is hosting a round robin tennis tournament and luncheon to support the DHS Wildcat football teams. Run by the Sandy Springs Tennis Center with lunch, prizes and raffle to follow. Come join the fun!

Entry: $100
To Register: https://squareup.com/store/dunwoody-gridiron-club

All proceeds support Dunwoody High School Football

City of Milton Implementing Voluntary Surveillance Camera Registration - Should Dunwoody be Next?

Milton Police are asking residents and businesses to register the location of security cameras to potentially help solve more crimes.   City of Dunwoody is exploring the idea.

Register the location of your security cameras

Do you own a security camera at your home or business that records video footage? If so, the Milton Police Department is asking you to register the location of those cameras to potentially help solve crimes. The Milton Police Department will not have access to online camera feed and camera access will be requested on a case-by-case basis.

Registration is entirely voluntary and all personal information gathered is for official use only and will not be released to any member of the general public.

This police/community partnership operates on a strictly voluntary basis. It is not intended for active surveillance, and Milton Police will not have direct access to cameras. Those who register a camera may be contacted if a crime occurs near that camera, but releasing the footage to police is completely voluntary.

 To register the location of your surveillance cameras, please click HERE*. (Note: this link does not work on Microsoft Edge. Please cut and paste link into another browser to open.)

 *By registering the location of your security camera(s), you understand that you may be contacted in the future by the Milton Police Department. This does NOT give MPD access to any of your hardware - it is the location of the devices ONLY.

Dunwoody Preservation Trust hosts Flick 'N Chick at the Donaldson-Bannister Farm - Saturday Night

The directors of the Dunwoody Preservation Trust (DPT) along with the City of Dunwoody are pleased to announce “Flick ‘N Chick On The Farm,” a free outdoor event featuring a showing of “Toy Story” on a jumbo screen with Chick-fil-A meals and King of Pops ice pops for purchase. The event will be held on Saturday, August 17, at the 1870s Donaldson-Bannister Farm Park and Special Event Venue in Dunwoody.  

 

Gates will open at 6:00 pm, and the free outdoor movie on the large screen will begin at 8:00 pm. More than just a movie and a meal, the event will feature an appearance of the Chick-fil-A cows for photos, a best Toy Story costume contest with prizes and tours of the farm. Chick-fil-A meals will be available for purchase on site for $10.00, with a portion of the sales going to local schools. Popcorn and drinks will also be available for purchase.  

 

Seating will be on the lawn and patrons are asked to bring blankets or lawn chairs to sit on. Parking is available nearby at Dunwoody Place North formerly known as Independence Square. 

 

For basic information about Flick ‘N Chick On The Farm, please go to http://dunwoodypreservationtrust.org . For more information, contact Hope Follmer at 404-617-0433.  

Dunwoody Nature Center hosts annual Butterfly Festival - Saturday August 17th (Buy your tickets in advance.)

Join the Dunwoody Nature Center and Cox Enterprises for the annual Butterfly Festival this Saturday, August 17th beginning at 10:00 a.m. This year's event will feature two butterfly tents each filled with hundreds of live butterflies and activities including a 'Birds of Prey' show, live animal encounters, games, educational booths, crafts, music, food and more.

Butterfly Festival tickets are now on sale! Pre-purchasing tickets is the only way to guarantee entry to the butterfly tents at a time that is convenient for you. Visit the events page to plan your trip and purchase tickets: https://dunwoodynature.org/2019-butterfly-festival/

IMPORTANT EVENT DAY INFORMATION

Day of Admissions:
• $10.00-Adults
• $ 5.00-Child (ages 4-12)
• Free – Children 3 and younger

Park at N. Atlanta Church of Christ
(5676 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody, GA 30338)

Shuttles will run continuously throughout the day. Plan enough time to park, take the shuttle, pay your admission, and proceed to the “Tickets Purchased Today” Tent Entry wristband area. Purchases that are made on the day of the festival include entry to the butterfly tents on a first come, first served basis until we reach capacity. Please note: there is no parking at the Nature Center; plan enough time to park, take the shuttle and get your hand stamp and your Tent Entry wristband at the Tent Entry wristband area. We recommend a 30 min. lead time prior to your tent entry. Come early! There is plenty to enjoy throughout the day, both before and after your butterfly encounter, and you won’t want to miss a minute of the fun. Concessions? Of course! Have lunch, a cold drink, and some frozen treats with us—concessions are cash only. Also, don’t miss a variety of Games, Crafts, Live Music, Magic, Birds-of-Prey Show and Animal Encounters.

This is a Rain or Shine Event

• Park at N. Atlanta Church of Christ (5676 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody, GA 30338)
• Shuttles will run continuously throughout the day.
• Please note: there is no parking at the Nature Center;
• Concessions? Of course! Have lunch, a cold drink, and some frozen treats with us—concessions are cash only.
• Games, Crafts, Live Music, Magic, Birds-of-Prey, Reptiles and Butterflies. We’ve got it covered! See you Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tickets purchased the day of the festival will be admitted to the Butterfly Tents on a first come, first served basis. Please note that in the event that the Butterfly Tents reach capacity, we will no longer allow entry to the tents, although you can still come to the festival to participate in our games, crafts, and other activities.

Today (Thursday) is the last day to buy a scheduled time slot for the Butterfly Festival as some slots are already full and others are filling up quickly.  Link to Tickets below.

https://dunwoodynaturecenter.ticketspice.com/2019-butterfly-festival

Entertainment Schedule

All performances take place on the stage area in front of the fireplace.

Time	Performer
10:00 AM -10:45 AM	Keith Magic Man
11:15 AM -11:45 AM	Birds of Prey show
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM	Dunwoody Idol winner
12:45 PM – 1:15 PM	Jason’s Music Party
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM	Birds of Prey show
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM	Hula Performance
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM	Nature Center Battle of the Bands winner
3:45 PM	Dunwoody High School Marching Band

From 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM the Bubbleman will be entertaining visitors throughout the park.

Dunwoody High FCA Student Ministries invites parents to dinner on Sun Aug 25th to see what exciting things are planned for the coming year. @DunwoodyFCA @DunwoodyHS

In spite of concerns over space issues, one thing that parents need to be keanly aware of is that Dunwoody High School is full of dedicated teachers, coaches and staff that are looking to educate and enrich the lives of the children we entrust in their care.  Besides the formal classes being offered, there is also a bond among the students via the special classes/clubs, activities, and service organizations within the school.  Parents please encourage your students to participate fully in all that Dunwoody HS has to offer.

One of the special activities at DHS happens on Friday mornings at 7 am in the auditorium where the Fellowship of Christian Athletes invites all students to grab a quick sandwich, listen to music being offered by students and then an inspirational youth pastor from one of the many churches in the area gives a short talk.

Mr. Steven Fortenberry, a long-time (passionate & inspirational) teacher at Dunwoody High School has been organizing this function for many years, and it is events like this that fosters an attitude of caring and acceptance among all the students.  With FCA fostering a sense of community, the students are nicer to one another, and when that happens, almost anything is possible.

On Sunday, August 25th, there is a short fundraising dinner for any Dunwoody High School parents who like to support this worthwhile activity.  FCA also puts on a number of special events throughout the year including several post-football game social events and other activities for the entire school to attend.

My wife Kristin & I plan to be in attendance, and hopefully, we may see some of you there as well. Thanks.

Please register here.

Video

Dunwoody's Groovin' on the Green - Concert & more. Saturday August 10th, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Pernoshal Park

Pernoshal Park
4575 N. Shallowford Road
Dunwoody, Georgia

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Feeling the back to school blues? We can help! Join us for the final Groovin’ on the Green concert with a Back-To-School Social. Enjoy live music by The Wheelers, FREE ice cream bar, pretzels, cotton candy and sno cone cart, giveaways, and a photo booth!

The Wheelers Band is a dance-centric cover band hitting you with your favorite tunes of the last 30 years with an authentic Wheeler sound! Expect genres from pop, to reggae, to rock, and everything in between.

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday Aug 12, 2019

Monday, August 12, 2019
Dunwoody City Hall
4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd

Dunwoody, GA 30338

6:00 p.m. - Watch Live

Agenda

Recognition of FBINA Class #276 Graduate: Major Mike Carlson

Award Presentation for Officer of the 2nd Quarter, Jordan Laverty; and Employee of the 2nd Quarter, PSR Diane Sanford


Recognition of 1st Place Recipient in Public Speaking from Future Business Leaders of America, Dunwoody High School Student Douglas Johnson

Presentation of 2nd Quarter Internal Audit Report (Bill Mulcahy)

YTD Financial Report for June 30, 2019 (Alex Dimov)

Funding Authorization for 5134 Meadowlake Lane & 4616 Amberly Court Stormwater Repairs

Approval of Contract Amendment with AECOM to Provide Final Design Plans for Improvements at the Intersection of Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Womack Road (looking forward to this project)

SECOND READ: Review and Consideration of Text Amendments Regarding Enhanced Fire Protection for New Multi-Family Residential Buildings (Chapter 8)

SECOND READ: Ordinance Amending Chapter 26 of the City of Dunwoody Code of Ordinances by Revising Underground Utility Marking Regulations

Funding Authorization for Southeastern Engineers, Inc. to Complete the Final Design for Transportation Improvements on Mount Vernon Road at Tilly Mill Road

Comprehensive Action Plan by Dunwoody for DeKalb County Schools (Terry Nall)

Memorandum of Understanding with DeKalb County Board of Education (Lynn Deutsch)

Dunwoody Police conduct Speed Study for Tilly Mill near Stonington / Binghampton

Full report available here. 

Dunwoody Senior Baseball is looking for players ages 13 to 18. Registration is open.

The DSB fall baseball leagues are registering individual players and whole teams through August 16th. The Upper League (15-18 years old) and Lower League (13-15 years old) run from late August through October at the Brook Run Park Baseball Fields. 

Visit the Dunwoody Senior Baseball website for more information and registration.

Robert Miller announces his candidacy for Dunwoody City Council - District 1.

http://robertmillertime.com

Mr. Robert Miller, a member of the Dunwoody Development Authority has announced his candidacy for the District 1 at-large Dunwoody City Council seat (West Side of Dunwoody) vying to replace Terry Nall who has announced that he will run for Mayor.  Mr. Miller is now the second candidate announcing for this seat as Ms. Stacey Harris former President of the Dunwoody Homeowners Association announced her intention to run back in March. 

• As of right now Terry Nall and Lynn Deutsch have announced they are running for Mayor of Dunwoody.
• Stacey Harris and Robert Miller have announced they are running for City Council District 1 replacing Terry.
• Joe Seconder has announced his candidacy for District 2 replacing Lynn.
• I have announced my candidacy for re-election in District 3.

Remember that all Dunwoody Residents will be voting for Dunwoody Mayor and all three at large city council seats in November.

Dunwoody Maps - Streets, Truck Routes, Subdivisions, Apartments and Scheduled Paving through 2021

Full-Size PDF and City Regulations on Truck Routes

Full-Size PDF

Full-Size PDF

City of Dunwoody launches pedestrian safety campaign - See and Be Seen: We’re All Responsible

Video

Dunwoody, GA – August 5, 2019 – The City of Dunwoody is rolling out a pedestrian safety campaign this week called “See and Be Seen: We’re All Responsible.” It’s designed to help drivers and pedestrians understand and obey the rules of the road.

“Our Mayor and City Council are very concerned about this issue. After some close calls and accidents this year, they wanted the City to do more” said Dunwoody Communications Director Jennifer Boettcher. “The start of a new school year is the perfect time to talk about what drivers and pedestrians can do to make our roads and crosswalks safer.”

The campaign includes videos, ads, a special website and social media posts that focus on education, enforcement and solutions. It’s a coordinated campaign involving the Dunwoody Police, Dunwoody Public Works, Dunwoody GIS, and the pedestrian advocacy group PEDS.

Video

Enforcement is critical to changing driver behaviors. The Dunwoody Police Department has conducted several pedestrian traffic safety enforcement details in 2019, including one featured in a video for this campaign. During a detail in April, 32 citations were written and two arrests were made for hands-free violations, seatbelt violations, and drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

“A big safety concern for pedestrians and motorists alike is distracted drivers,” said Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan. “To that end, Dunwoody officers have issued 1,174 citations since the new Hands-Free Law went into effect July 1, 2018.  Bringing attention to this dangerous violation and gaining compliance is a priority for our department.” 

The campaign is also designed to highlight Dunwoody’s pedestrian safety projects. In the 10 years since incorporation, Dunwoody has expanded the sidewalk network by 20 percent with 11 miles of new sidewalks. The City is halfway to its original goal of having sidewalks on both sides of all arterial and collector roads. Most of the improvements recommended in a Pedestrian Safety Action Plan in 2014 have been implemented with additional improvements planned within the next two years. 

Here’s a link to the videos and more information about See and Be Seen: https://dunwoodyga.gov/pedestriansafety

Dunwoody Drivers and Pedestrians - See & Be Seen: We are all responsible for Safety.

Video - Drivers please listen to this plea from a mom.

Sidewalk Projects and Pedestrian Safety

Dunwoody maintains more than 65 miles of sidewalk. In the 10 years since incorporation, the city has expanded the sidewalk network by 20% with 11 miles of new sidewalk constructed to make Dunwoody a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable community for all.

The city is halfway to its original goal of having sidewalk on both sides of all arterial and collector roads. The Sidewalk Improvement Policy was created to provide an objective process to prioritize the city’s sidewalk projects.

Additionally, in 2014 the city prepared a Pedestrian Safety Action Plan in an effort to help guide and inform improvements at crosswalks throughout the city. Most of the improvements recommended in the action plan have been implemented with additional improvements planned in the next two years.
Pedestrian Projects Currently Funded for Construction

• Roberts Drive at Austin Elementary School
• Tilly Mill Road Crosswalk at Andover Drive
• Tilly Mill Road from Georgia State University to North Peachtree Road
• Mount Vernon Crosswalk at North Peachtree Road
• Winters Chapel Road path at Dunwoody Club Drive
• Georgetown Gateway Streetscape Improvements
• Hammond Drive Pedestrian Signal at the Dunwoody MARTA Station

Current Design Projects

• Peeler Road from Equestrian Way to North Peachtree Road
• Spalding Drive from Chamblee Dunwoody Road to Coronation Drive
• Mount Vernon Road from Mount Vernon Place to Vernon Oaks Way

Important links:

• Map of Existing and Future Sidewalks (updated 8/2019)
• Prioritized Sidewalk Improvement Plan 
• Sidewalk Improvement Policy
• Pedestrian Safety Action Plan
• What do Georgia Codes say about pedestrians?
• PEDS: Walk Smart, Drive Smart

Monday is the first day of school in Dunwoody so please excercise great patience for all involved.

Monday is the first day of school for the DeKalb County School System, therefore for hundreds of Children this will be their first day of a new school and for their Parents, it will be a right of passage that will be documented with photos and maybe a tear.  Please take it slow & easy on the roads this week and above all please be patient & kind for those experiencing this special first week of school.

Elementary school starts about 7:30 so please don't be passing Chesnut on North Peachtree, Austin on Roberts or Dunwoody Elementary on Womack around this time unless you really have to!

Peachtree Middle School starts about 8:30 so again stay away from North Peachtree around this time if you can help it.

Dunwoody High starts at 8:00 am, so it is expected that Vermack and Womack will be a nightmare at 7:30.   PS - If your Sophomore or Junior plans on driving, please have them explore parking at St. Lukes on Mt. Vernon by picking up an application in the office.

I am guessing the Dunwoody Police will be out in force for the start of school, so please keep it slow and obey the traffic/parking regulations.

Thanks!!!

Tips for Motorists

• Be alert for school speed zones and obey the posted speed limits.
• Watch for school buses. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm indicate the school bus is stopping to load or unload children. State law requires you to stop.
• Keep an eye out for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks.
• Be alert for children playing and gathering near bus stops, as well as those who may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
• When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or riding a bicycle.
• When driving in neighborhoods or school zones, watch for young people who may be in a hurry to get to school and may not be thinking about getting there safely.
• Leave early enough to not be passing an elementary school near the starting time of 7:30 / 7:45; the students need to be there then - you do not.

Tips for Parents

• Be a good role model. Always buckle up in the car, always wear a helmet when biking, and always follow pedestrian safety rules. DO NOT text or talk on the phone while driving.
• Supervise young children as they are walking to school, biking to school or as they wait at the school bus stop.
• Have your children wear bright clothing so motorists can easily see them.
• Make sure your child is properly buckled up in a weight-appropriate child safety seat in the back seat.
• Make sure that your teenage driver understands and obeys all state traffic laws.
• Allow lots of extra time the first several weeks of school as everyone is learning a new routine.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

"Desiderata" (Latin: "things desired") by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Thank you Dunwoody Dads for your hard work refreshing the DHS picnic area!! @DunwoodyHS

Thank you to the many Dunwoody Dads that freshened up the outdoor dining area at Dunwoody High School where the Dads built numerous new picnic tables, refreshed & stained several old structures and rebuilt a number of individual benches.    Kudos to these fine gentlemen who made a lasting improvement to our community. 

Dunwoody area Scout Troop holds Open House for Prospective Scouts - Tuesday Aug 6th 7:30 at Kingswood United Methodist

Video

I am a Scouting Dad with one Eagle in the home and maybe the second following in a few years and I can tell you that the program run out of Kingswood United Methodist by Scout Master Barry Deutsch is top-notch.  The Girls program is running smoothly whereby there may be a Dunwoody girl obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout in a year or two following in the steps of her brothers.  Only 4% of all Scouts obtain the rank of Eagle and this is a universally known item that will be listed on the scouts resume forever.  Take a look at this post from last year or the video below to see the success and leadership skills that Kingswood instills, I highly recommend the program.

Backpacking! Sailing! Caving!   Achievement and Leadership, too!

Please Visit Scouts BSA Boy Troop 477 and Girl Troop 1919 Open House to Learn More
 
Tuesday, August 6, 7:30-8:45PM
Kingswood United Methodist Church Scout Hut
4896 North Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody

All boys and girls between ages 11-17 are eligible and welcome! Parents too! Come meet Scouts and Adult Leaders and join the fun as we prepare for adventure!

Note: Girl Troop 1919 meets on Wednesdays and operates independently from Boy Troop 477, which meets on Tuesdays.

Video of the 15 Eagle Scouts of the Batman Patrol of Troop 477

Thank you to all the wonderful teachers and staff in the Dunwoody Cluster - we honor your dedication. Video of Dunwoody High Teachers 1972 - 2017. @DunwoodyHS

Forty-seven years ago in 1972, Dunwoody High School was built on the outskirts of Atlanta to serve a growing suburban population, first enrolling students in grades 8, 9, and 10. The Wildcat became the mascot and the colors were crimson & gold. Dunwoody High School and Peachtree High School merged in 1988, with Dunwoody remaining as the high school and Peachtree becoming the middle school. After much debate, Dunwoody acquired Peachtree’s colors of red, white & blue. The two schools merged seamlessly and established the tone of cooperation and excellence that would follow throughout the years.

To all the kids who grew up attending Dunwoody High School and are still here, below is a walk down memory lane.

Dunwoody Wildcat Faculty Reunion 1972 - 2017

Kudos to Dunwoody High Graduate and now Teacher, Ms. Tammy Wichman for the production of this video.

Fourth grade Dunwoody boys are hosting a snow cone / lemonade stand on Friday to support local Giving Grace charity. @remergeatl

Two fourth grade boys from the Dunwoody North Community are planning a snow cone/lemonade stand tomorrow (Friday) morning to support a worthy charity that I also support by the name of Giving Grace. 

Giving Grace is a closed Facebook group run by a strong-willed & caring Dunwoody Mom who with the help of over 3,000 members & supporters are alleviating the short term financial needs of individuals who are in dire straits.  If you have it in your heart to help others in need like these two fourth grade boys are doing, please click this link and ask to join the group.

The boys will have lots of flavors of snow cones, regular lemonade, and lemonada (lemonade with a bit of mint! 😆). The boys are excited to use a portion of the proceeds to benefit Giving Grace's efforts to provide uniforms and supplies for children who would otherwise start school without the things they need.

Come see them tomorrow if this crazy lightening and rain subsides.  Thanks!!

Friday from 11am - 1pm
4685 Dunover Circle