Dunwoody Reporter Voters Guide for Councilman John Heneghan

John Heneghan

The Dunwoody Reporter Newspaper is doing a voters guide for the upcoming election and asked that I answer a few questions and send them a portrait-style photo of myself. Unfortunately, I think I blew well past the 100 word limit on a few of the questions.  That being said, I think this photo highlights my boyish charm, and since my answers are now on the web, I can also add some background links that some might also find helpful.

Candidate name and campaign website:

John Heneghan & Heneghan’s Dunwoody Blog   http://dunwoodynorth.blogspot.com/

Occupation (please specify employer):

Regional Director, U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline & Hazardous Material Safety Administration, Office of Hazmat Safety – Field Operations

Previous elected offices held:

11 years on the Dunwoody City Council – Founding Member

Other community service experience:

Transportation Chair for Citizens for Dunwoody before incorporation,
President of the Dunwoody North Civic Association

Question 1: What is motivating you to run for this office?

As a founding member of the Dunwoody City Council where I have served for the last eleven years, I am proud to say that I have had a hand in setting all policy from startup to current-day operations.  My motivation to continue serving is that I believe I have the ability to continue making a difference in making Dunwoody a better community for all who live and work here.

Question 2: What is the biggest issue facing the district and how will you address it?

As I am running for an at-large city-wide seat, I will answer this from a city perspective.  The City’s biggest long-term issue is proper coordination with other governmental organizations and the commercial business community to ensure win/win outcomes for all involved.  We as a City leadership team (with the express backing of the residents we serve) need to be working with the Georgia Department of Transportation to ensure that if the 285 express lanes are built, that the adjoining and/or displaced neighbors are treated fairly, and the related entrance and exit locations are a benefit to all involved.  We need to work with the DeKalb School System to ensure that the proper neighborhood educational facilities are available equitably to all residents and that these facilities foster neighborhood & city cohesion to the benefit of all Dunwoody residents.  We need to work hand in hand with DeKalb County ensuring efficient life safety, sanitation, clean water, and various other County services are provided at an appropriate level and at a fair price.  Finally, coordination with the commercial business community to assist them with putting forth well designed commercial projects that will enhance the quality of life for all living and working here.  I will address these issues as I always have, close coordination with the Mayor, Council and Staff and then I will work both behind the scenes and publicly on my blog to foster the best outcomes for all involved.

Question 3: What is the city’s role in such projects as multiuse path networks and arts centers, and how would you pay for them?

The city has a critical role in both multiuse paths and fostering the arts!  The city budget is getting tight for funds directly from the General Fund, but the city has other funds to be tapped and/or other options to fund these amenities.  Regarding the Arts, at the September Budget meeting I identified that the City had published a study on the future of the Arts which stated that the city needed to start an endowment of seed money to jump-start the City’s arts fundraising efforts yet the original 2020 published budget had zero funding for this cause.  I proposed to the committee that we add $60,000 for arts funding from the proposed 2020 reserves and the committee agreed to send this proposal amount to the full city council in October. 

As far as multiuse paths located near or adjoining Perimeter Center; I anticipate that a conservative multiyear revenue bond will be placed against the increased hotel taxes allowing a chunk of funds to be available if Council goes this route to fully build out the new park on Perimeter Center East and then build out multiuse paths though out the Perimeter area from hotels to dining & shopping attractions.  This bond will be funded by only hotel taxes and will put amenities into place sooner without affecting the taxes paid by the residents.  

Another option being lightly kicked around is a City Municipal bond that could be put in front of the electorate in the future that would have a very specific set of projects throughout the city to ensure these funds would be a benefit to the greatest number residents.  This project list might include the buildout of a new park we are currently negotiating, multiuse paths tying the various neighborhoods to commercial areas, intersection improvements (Chamblee Dunwoody / Womack would be high on my list), and possibly the buildout of the old Austin property to a park / cultural or arts amenity.   If the residents chose to approve the muni bond option for a specific list of amenities, the annual tax bill would go up a bit but the amenities on the list would be available much sooner than waiting to have the cash available.

Question 4: What is your vision for the future of Dunwoody Village?

Market forces of a shopping center that are 90% occupied with paying tenants does not inspire the majority land owner (Regency) to make major wholesale changes especially when the location is off the beaten path (compared to a street like Peachtree Industrial).  The City has already removed all zoning overlay conditions, and Council may be interested in putting forward a plan for installing community green space or a parking deck there if a funding source and a major chunk of space were to become available (Post Office?) but those ideas by themselves will do nothing to spur redevelopment without the buy-in from Regency.   If Regency wanted to go big, subdivide the property, layout internal streets with high-end residential, an entertainment district with numerous restaurants and shops; the city would entertain the discussion.  As much as the city fosters this type of dialog, the city has little other power except for eminent domain to force the change and that would be an expensive and complicated proposition especially when purchasing land that contains a thriving business.  The city is keeping the discussions on going and will work the edges to foster change where possible.