Thursday, July 22, 2021

Are you interested in running for Dunwoody City Council? Qualifying period opens August 16th - please reach out if I can assist with questions.

 


The next General Election for the City of Dunwoody is for the Local Representatives, the three City Council members who live in districts 1, 2 or 3 and then are only elected by the residents in the district in which they live. In November of 2023, the Mayor and three at Large Representatives of districts 1, 2, & 3 will be up for election. Pam Tallmadge the local representative of district 1 dropped off Council when she moved earlier this month and the Mayor will name an acting replacement at some time in the future; so that seat is now open.  Jim Riticher in district 2 and Tom Lambert in district 3 have both said that they intend to run for re-election.  The only real requirement of running for city council is a six month residency requirement for living within the district you intend to serve, pay the filing fee of $360.00 & complete the various forms.

As the longest sitting member of the Dunwoody City Council & Mayor Pro Tem, I am happy to discuss with anyone interested in serving on Council, about the position, the responsibilities, duties and benefits of serving your community on the City Council.   I am truly honored that I can continue my service to the community as it is a privilege I take very seriously.  I strive to represent and work hard on your behalf , doing so humbly yet diligently with passion while ensuring that the City of Dunwoody operates transparently and fairly for all involved.  If you are ready to do the same, please join me on Council.  If you want to talk, just send me an email at John.Heneghan@DunwoodyGA.gov and include a phone number so I can call you back.

The Dunwoody City Council is compensated with a salary of $12 thousand dollars per year, a small expense account and optional health insurance benefits.  There are financial reporting requirements for council whereby you need to report all assets, individual stocks and other fiduciary responsibilities. If you plan on accepting financial donations to fund your campaign there are lots of reporting rules associated with that as well.  Our City Clerk, Ms. Sharon Lowery (one of the best in the State) is happy to discuss with anyone interested in running for council the legalities of doing so. 

As I have been blogging for as long as I have been elected, I have written numerous articles on past elections, including results and past tally's here.  I have highlighted Dunwoody Candidate profiles and various other election paraphernalia here.

Here is a link to a detailed map showing the boundaries for the the three districts within Dunwoody and below is the text outlining the qualification of Council Elections as pulled from the city website.

Please reach out if I can assist you in deciding to run for Council.   Thanks  John
________

The next General Election for the City Dunwoody will be held on November 2, 2021 for the purpose of electing three (3) members of City Council: Council Post 1, District 1; Council Post 2, District 2, Council Post 3, District 3.

Qualifying will be held in August 2021. It will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, August 16 and end at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18. During that time, candidates must file a Notice of Candidacy with Dunwoody City Clerk Sharon Lowery. There is a qualifying fee of $360.

Important links:

Declaration of Intent to Accept Campaign Contributions

Notice of Candidacy (filed with the City Clerk during qualifying)

Campaign Contribution Disclosure Report (City Clerk can explain during qualifying)

Personal Financial Disclosure - all candidates are required to file this within 15 days of the date they qualify. It is for the previous calendar year. 

Affidavit of Exemption Not to Exceed $2,500 in Contributions - Candidates who files this affadavit will not be required to file a Campaign Contribution Disclosure Report unless/until they exceed $2,500 in contributions.

For more information, email City Clerk Sharon Lowery: sharon.lowery@dunwoodyga.gov.

Sunday, July 11, 2021

Dunwoody Village rezoning proposal comes back to Planning Commission on Tuesday the 13th and it appears to be topic of discussion at Sunday Night's DHA Meeting.

On Tuesday July 13th at 6 pm, the Dunwoody Planning Commission will be hearing a rezoning case for the segment of the Dunwoody Village that was not rezoned last year.  Council pulled these properties from a larger rezoning after the City and the individual council members were each sued in our individual capacity by the owner.  The City and the owners have been negotiating for the rezoning to continue and it appears that that those two parties have come to an agreement as outlined in this matter but are the terms of proposed future development in the best interest of all involved? 

The Planning Commission will hold hearings on Tuesday, the Dunwoody Homeowners Association will be discussing this on Sunday Night live at the City Annex Building 4470 N Shallowford at 7:30 pm and it is usually also available at the same time streaming on Facebook but as I know this matter will come in front of City Council once again, therefore I (and the rest of Council) will be in listening mode until after the matter is officially brought to Council and formal public City Council hearings are held.  

The same restrictions of making judgements or statements about the rezoning are also in place for Planning Commission Members to not discuss the matter until which time their body holds hearings.

Tuesday Planning Commission Agenda
Tuesday Planning Commission Packet

Just the rezoning documents from the Packet - most of which is listed below.


On November 30, 2020, the City Council adopted the new zoning code for the Dunwoody Village. As part of the code overhaul, the City comprehensively rezoned properties in the Dunwoody Village area to four new Dunwoody Village zoning districts. The two subject parcels were initially part of that process; however, the City Council removed both after objections by the property owners. This rezoning case will complete the Dunwoody Village comprehensive zoning project and implement the zoning component of the Dunwoody Village Master Plan. 

The parcel at 5500 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. is currently zoned C-1 and is developed with the Shops of Dunwoody shopping center, including businesses such as Nai Thai Cuisine, Dunwoody Tavern, and Taqueria Los Hermanos. The parcel at 1244 is zoned C-1 and is developed with a small two-story commercial building and the Sunshine Carwash facility. Both lots front towards the Dunwoody Village district and are separated by an approximately 150- to 200-foot buffer towards a single-family residential neighborhood to the west.

The main issue of contention was the 130-foot undisturbed buffer plus 20-foot required transition yard along the western property line and adjacent to the Dunwoody West subdivision. The property owners contested that the buffer would amount to a taking. At the time of development in the 1970s, the developer negotiated a 150-foot buffer with the neighbors to the West. This private agreement expired since. The staff also conducted an extensive search for zoning conditions. The files transferred by DeKalb County at the time of the City’s incorporation appear incomplete, and additional open records requests to the County did not provide additional documents. Based on an initial review, the staff cannot find evidence of any zoning conditions requiring a 150-foot buffer.

Since then, the staff has continued negotiations with the property owners of the two subject parcels to complete the Dunwoody Village district-wide zoning project. The proposed agreement rezones the subject properties to the DV-4 (Village Center) district. Along the western property line of the two parcels, a 35-foot buffer adjacent to the property line is followed by a 115-foot required open space.

Under the initial draft regulations, the parcel at 1244 Dunwoody Village Parkway was zoned DV-1 (Village Commercial), while 5500 Chamblee Dunwoody Road was split-zoned along a future north-south street with the part fronting Chamblee Dunwoody Road zoned DV-4 (Village Center) and the part to the rear zoned DV-1 (Village Commercial). Under the current proposal, the entirety would be zoned DV-4. The DV-4 district is intended as the core of the Dunwoody Village area and provides a mix of uses, centralized open spaces, and highly walkable development patterns at the highest intensity level of the four Dunwoody Village districts. When compared with the DV-1 district, the permitted uses are fairly similar, while the DV-4 district allows an additional story and higher impervious cover (see below table for comparison).

The heart of the agreement is to shift future development density from the western part of the properties, adjacent to the neighborhood, towards the center of the Dunwoody Village district. The property owner agrees not to construct any buildings within 150 feet of the neighborhood, while being granted the additional development potential that comes with the DV-4 zoning. While there are no current development plans, the staff believes that this agreement allows for sufficient development rights to achieve the goals of the Dunwoody Village Master Plan, while reducing impacts on the residential neighborhood.The combined 35-foot undisturbed buffer and 115-foot open space exceeds the zoning standards for comparable new construction. Adjacent to a single-family residential subdivision, development in the current C-1-district (Local Commercial) would have to provide a TY2 transition yard that is 10 feet deep. Should the property remain in its current C-1 District, a new retail building could be built within 30 feet of the residential properties and a loading area could be within 10 feet of the residential properties.

Based on the above analysis and findings staff has determined that the requested zoning map amendment meets the requirements of Sec. 27-335 of the Zoning Ordinance; therefore, staff recommends APPROVAL of the rezoning from the current C-1 (Local Commercial) District and Dunwoody Village Overlay District to the DV-4 (Village Center) District.

Friday, July 9, 2021

Tom Bass has been selected to be the next Principal of Dunwoody High School and the Wildcats are JUICED!

 

Believe the hype, Tom Bass will bring a new vitality to Dunwoody High School as Principal.

It has been announced that Mr. Tom Bass an Assistant Principal at Lambert High School in Forsyth County will be returning to Dunwoody High School to be our next Principal. Tom, a former Assistant Principal at Dunwoody, has 11 years as a school administrator following a career as an English teacher of 18 years prior. He has a B.S. from Georgetown University, a M.S. at Nova Southeastern University and an Ed Specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University.  Tom has long history and a deep connection to the Dunwoody Community therefore I am overjoyed at the selection to guide the future of Dunwoody High School.  Below is the text of the official announcement.

Dear Dunwoody High School Community -
 
I am excited to share that a new principal has been named for Dunwoody High. Please help me welcome and congratulate Mr. Tom Bass as the new Principal of Dunwoody High School! .Mr. Bass is coming with several years of assistant principal experience from a neighboring district. He also has many years of experience at Dunwoody High School, previously serving as a teacher, coach, and an assistant principal.
 
I am very confident that Mr. Bass is the perfect fit for DHS. With his experience, enthusiasm, and in-depth knowledge of the Dunwoody community; and with your support, he will continue the atmosphere of excellence that currently exists at the school. He is the definition of Wildcat Pride! He will begin transitioning next week. The administrative team and I will be communicating with Mr. Bass to ensure a smooth transition. You will be hearing from him soon.
 
I would also like to extend a special thank you to the Parent Advisory Committee for participating in the selection process!
 
Feel free to reach out to me with questions. Enjoy the last few weeks of your summer!!
 
Melanie Pearch
Region I Superintendent
 
PS from John: if you don't know Tom he is a skilled Administrator and I know he will bring high energy to the position and the school.  Here are a few more links to give you a flavor of Tom's energy. 


P.S.S: Tom, if you're reading this... Don't Hate me Baby!!

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Dunwoody Saturday Night Concert in Brook Run Park at 6 PM - Hedonistas playing music from the 1970s, food trucks and drinks available.

  

Saturday Night 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m   
Location:
Brook Run Park Amphitheater

Want a preview of the music - check this out.

Introduction: Free summer concert series taking place in the new Brook Run Park Amphitheater.

The City of Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Department announces the return of “Groovin’ on the Green,” a free summer concert series taking place in the new Brook Run Park Amphitheater.

The July 10 concert will feature the Hedonistas playing music from the 1970s. The final concert in the series is on September 11.

Those who want to spread out can bring a blanket and picnic dinner and enjoy the concert from the Great Lawn. King of Pops, South of Philly, C-BO's BBQ and Gyro Chef food trucks will be on site, along with Moondog Growlers selling beer and wine.

The Brook Run Park Amphitheater opened quietly last summer. Due to the pandemic, this concert will be the amphitheater’s kickoff event. The venue includes terraced seating, expanded levels of open space, restrooms and an upgraded pavilion. The amphitheater is conveniently located along the Dunwoody Trailway in Brook Run Park and offers easy access for those who want to walk or ride their bicycles to the event.

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for July 12, 2021, City Managers Report, Sign Ordinance, Sidewalk Projects, Stormwater, Alcohol Tastings, Budget Amendments, Stage Door

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
July 12, 2021
6:00 PM – DUNWOODY CITY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Zoom     https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86305679650

Or join by phone: +1 470-250-9358   Webinar ID: 863 0567 9650

Agenda - City Site Agenda

Invocation

PUBLIC COMMENT
To take part in public comment, please send an email to publiccomment@dunwoodyga.gov. Include your name, your email address, and phone number. You will be placed on a first-come, first-served list for public comment. The first public comment section has a 30-minute time limit. Each speaker is allowed up to three minutes. If time runs out, pre-registered speakers will be called on during the second public comment section toward the end of the meeting. If you don't pre-register, you can use the "raise hand" feature on zoom during the meeting to be added to the public comment list.

Discussion of Economic Recovery Advisory Committee

 

Friday, July 2, 2021

Dunwoody Independence Day Festivities - Band Concert on Sunday and Parade on Monday July 5th @ 9 a.m.

 


Dunwoody Homeowners Association and the Dunwoody Reporter newspaper will host the annual Independence Day Parade on Monday July 5th featuring marching bands, floats, clowns, animal units and local celebrities. In 2019 the parade attracted over 2,500 participants and 35,000 spectators!

The parade route is approximately 2.7 miles and steps off from the intersection of Mount Vernon Road and Jett Ferry Road at 9:00 a.m., proceeds west on Mt. Vernon to Dunwoody Village, turns right onto Dunwoody Village Parkway, circles around the Parkway, and left into Dunwoody Village in between First Watch and Citizens Bank . Volunteers will guide parade participants to parade parking (Post Office Side). The Festival Area will be on the Walgreens side of Dunwoody Village. It takes approximately 1 hour to walk the entire parade route.

Parade spectators are encouraged to setup chairs along Mt. Vernon and circle around the Dunwoody Village Parkway into Dunwoody Village. Spectators will be blocked from viewing on the east side of Jett Ferry on Mt. Vernon due to the staging and setup for parade participants. Viewing will start on the west side of Jett Ferry on Mt. Vernon.  (I always smile as see numerous parade viewing spaces reserved the night before be it with tents, blankets or chairs as it reminds me of the practice of Dibs after a Chicago snowfall.)

Mt. Vernon Road, between Jett Ferry Road and Dunwoody Village, will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. [times are approximate; contact the Dunwoody Police Department for specific questions about road closures and traffic information].

The Parade Grand Marshal for 2021 are the Front Line Workers, those critical workers who served citizens during the pandemic, including the Dunwoody Police Department, DeKalb Fire, healthcare workers, grocery & pharmacy store employees and restaurant workers. Anyone on the Frontlines during the health crisis is welcome to participate.

The parade will have many of the same participants as it has for many years, but this year we are honored to have the 116th National Army Guard Marching Band and the Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps providing musical entertainment. The Georgia Garrison of the 501st Legion will be in attendance and maybe Darth Vader will be seen surrounded by all the other Stormtroopers.  The Weinermobile will be in attendance again this year as will a bunch of elected officials.   I also know of a new parade entry that I am really excited about as I believe they plan to put the razzel dazzel back into marching the parade route. I heard there will be over 120 entries in the parade so I am really excited to participate and view all the entries.

After the Parade, please join the Dunwoody community in front of the US Post Office in Dunwoody Village for family fun and great food. Troop 266 will be selling delicious BBQ (chicken or pork), slaw, watermelon, homemade brownie, and tea or lemonade.  Dunwoody Rotary will be selling Hotdogs, drinks, chips and homemade cookies.  Moondog Growlers will be offering craft beers and canned wine to wet your whistle. Porters Brew & Que will be hosting a post parade brunch.


FYI - my blog email service Feedburner quite operating therefore I have quickly migrated over to MailChimp and converted the mailing list over to that service.  Sorry if this is inconvenient for anyone but I hope to continue to share all city agendas and public documents in every form possible including email.  The platform is new to me and it will need tweaking if it works at all.  Thanks  John