City of Dunwoody meets with GDOT to review issues concerning improvements along the I-285 Corridor, requests Peachtree Industrial direct access to 285 express managed lanes.

March 2022 - GDOT response to City of Dunwoody Inquiries.

 I-285 is being revitalized long term with expansion, express lanes, bridge replacements and possible Bus Rapid Transit but as this is a series of long term projects that will be negatively affecting traffic flow n Dunwoody or many years; the Mayor and the City Council are involved to attempt to smooth the process but more importantly ensure our thoughts and the community desires are evaluated in final design.

Back in 2020, Mayor Deutsch and I wrote separate letters of concern to GDOT and they replied here.

Now several years later with changes in the funding strategies, the City again raised some of the same points (like a direct connection to PIB from the managed (express) lanes), questions and concerns we have heard for the community as well a request to reconfirm prior GDOT statements that are important to us.

On March 23rd, Public Works Director Michael Smith, Councilman Tom Lambert and myself met with the GDOT management team that is overseeing the Top End I-285 Express Lane project, they answered our questions during our conversation and then they followed up with a detailed reply.

As far as our concern that the main Express Lane heading West will start at Shallowford & 285 in Dunwoody and that without a dedicated express lane entrance at Peachtree Industrial Blvd., local streets in the area will be filled with drivers coming from Gwinnett & Fulton to that dedicated entrance vs taking more direct routes to the heavier traveled PIB.   GDOT explained why they didn't think a seperate entrance was needed and then they admitted that if the financial developer (under the new financing model) sees it as a financial boon to add those drivers into the Express system, then the developer may mandate and pay for the additional entrance.  If I were Gwinnett County, (or the cities of Peachtree Corners, Norcross, Duluth, Johns Creek or Roswell); I too would want the easiest express lane access from PIB, but that might not happen?

Long story short, the Mayor and the Dunwoody City Council are staying active in this long term conversation.

 

 

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday April 25, 2022

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 25, 2022    6:00 PM
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Agenda - City Site Agenda

City Council meetings are live-streamed on the City of Dunwoody’s Facebook page.

You can access the video after the meeting on the City of Dunwoody’s YouTube page.

Invocation 

Presentation of Oath of Office to Police Officer Michael Shaw

Public comments - in person 3 min each / 30 min max with additional at end of meeting if needed.

Presentation by Dunwoody High School's Youth City Council - Kudos Mike Berry!

Davenport Overview on possible Bond Financing & Timelines - Courtney Rogers

Approval of North Metro SWAT Memorandum of Understanding

Resolution for Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year 2021

Resolution Appointing a Member of the Planning Commission - Elizabeth Shin

Resolution Appointing a Member of the Urban Redevelopment Agency - Summey Orr

Second Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement with Summit Healthcare Group Dunwoody, LLC

Creation of Capital Prioritization Committee (Mayor Deutsch)

Capital List Unfunded scored by Council

Creation of American Rescue Plan and Grants Committee (Mayor Deutsch)

Presentation - Options for Regulating Residential Driveways

Contract Approval for the Installation of a Restroom Facility at Waterford Park

Westside Connector Project Update - widening Ashford Dunwoody Bridge

2022 Dunwoody Lemonade Days Festival kicks off today - suggestions for your visit. @LemonadeDays

Lemonade Days Festival is held at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody (4770 North Peachtree Road).

Dunwoody's Annual Spring Festival, Lemonade Day's presented by the Dunwoody Preservation Trust remembering the tornado of 1998 that flattened sections of our community, snapped trees like twigs and took a mans life has returned to the typical April timeframe this year and it looks like the weather will be great all weekend!  We are once again making Lemonade from Lemons and am hopeful for a sweet event.  A personal thank you to Hope Follmer and all the volunteers & sponsors who assist in making this a fabulous event.

Based on past experience, I can tell you that Wednesday & Thursday are the best days to purchase a wristband for unlimited rides as the crowds are light and the lines extremely short. The cost of wristbands on Wednesday & Thursday is $20.00 but the cost jumps to $25 starting Friday.  If your children don't have after school commitments on these days you may want to visit these days to maximize your ride per dollar ratio as the numbers will typically drop significantly come the weekend.  

A large number Middle School Students will make a bee line to Brook Run after school on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday as there is a secure book bag check in area at the festival to ensure those Chromebooks do not get lost.  Middle Schooler's running in packs at Lemonade Day's without direct parental oversight is a right of passage for many as the park is safe because the crowd is all local until about 7 pm on Friday when the carnival area is taken over by teenagers & college kids with cars.  Friday night usually gets busy and then on Saturday and Sunday the park is over run with visitors from near & far.  

Parents, please note that there is now a dedicated drop off / pick up point in the new parking lot as you enter Brook Run on Peeler Rd and take a left immediately after crossing the walking / bike trail as this location has easy access into the park, a well lit parking lot with a pavilion and a restroom.

Besides the carnival rides, the food choices for festival goers will include everything from hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken and BBQ to foods with an Asian, Italian, Indian and/or Hispanic flair. For those just wanting a snack, there will be popcorn, funnel cakes and pretzels and for a cool treat yogurt, Italian ice and ice cream. Cold craft and domestic beer and delicious wine are also available. 

The 2022 Dunwoody Authors Bookstore at Lemonade Days (open Saturday & Sunday) is delighted to bring you 18 local authors and friends! Each of the featured authors will have their fabulous works for purchase at the booth and will be available to sign your copy.  Check the schedule here.

Another highlight of the festival is the Children's Petting Zoo & Pony Rides which is only available Saturday & Sunday; the weekend also brings various vendors at the County Store selling arts & crafts, there is music everyday starting Thursday and then there is the Dunwoody Idol music competition happening on Saturday.   The Dunwoody Reporter did a nice overview of the talented ladies singing in the Dunwoody Idol competition and is worth reading.   Finally, the Dunwoody Community is blessed to have our long term (in operation for 50 Years!) dance studio, Dan and Company performing on Sunday.

Parking for Lemonade Days is available at:

• St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church
• Kingswood United Methodist Church
• St. Barnabas Church
• Peachtree Middle School (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only)
• Back of Brook Run Park - new back entrance available on Barclay next to Fire Station.
  

Some Parking Areas Are Paid Parking

Please be conscious of NO Parking signs during Sunday Church schedules.

Uber/Lyft/Parent Drop-off & Pick-up will be located in the 90 spot parking area in front of the small pavilion across from the Great Lawn. Look for the sign.

Brook Run Dog Park: If you’re planning on using the Dog Park at Brook Run, we won’t get in your way at all. Just please use the Peeler Road entrance to the Park, and a friendly volunteer will point you in the right direction from there.  SORRY, NO PETS ALLOWED in the Festival Area.

If you see me at the event, please pull me aside to introduce yourself as I would love to chat to hear what is on your mind.   Thanks    John Heneghan

The Village to host First Dunwoody Green Eggs & Kegs Festival 2022 - Saturday April 23rd, benefiting Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Ticket's Here

Sat, April 23, 2022
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT

A Community Gathering in Support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  The event tickets sales end April 22nd so please donate to a great cause & have a wonderful time as there will be unlimited food tastings and beverage is included.

On Saturday, April 23, The Village at 5521 Chamblee Dunwoody Road will present Green Eggs & Kegs 2022, showcasing local hospitality owners, live music, beer, and spirits, as well as street performers. This ticketed event will be hosted throughout the Dunwoody Village courtyard and parking lot in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Music featured includes 3 live sets:

Francisco Vidal - An Acoustic Session Noon - 1pm (VIP ticket holders only)

Garden of Eden - 1:15 - 2:45pm

Family Truckster - 3pm - 5pm

Green Eggs & Kegs is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., with VIP ticket holders gaining exclusive entry at noon, an event t-shirt, and private restrooms. With multiple breweries and distilleries, two bands, and more than twenty restaurants including Bar{n}, NFA Burger, Breadwinner Cafe and Bakery, and Chupito’s Azteca Grille, Eclipse di Luna, The Usual, Renzo's Fire, E. 48th Street, Morty's, Porter Brew & Que Brewery, Atosa Tailgaters, Village Burger, Cuco's, Ace Hardware Big Green Egg Experience, Vintage Pizza, Spice & Sky Roof Top Restaurant, and MORE -- all cooking will be done on donated Big Green Eggs, there will be fun for guests of all ages to eat, drink, and enjoy.

People's Choice Best Taste Voting Contest as well!

Sponsors that will help make what will become an annual event possible include Big Green Egg, United Distributors, and more to come. Other sponsors, performers and vendors will be announced prior to the event launch. 

“Our first festival is about bringing the community together to support local, small business owners and enjoying food, and fun right in our own backyard” This is the first of many festivals for The Village,” said David Abes, owner of Dash Hospitality Group and the newly opened Bar{n}.

ABOUT THE VILLAGE DUNWOODY

The Village Dunwoody has quickly been established as the “center of gravity” for its city residents. It is the place for friends, neighbors, and family to gather, indoors and out. Where people can eat and drink and experience what their community has to offer. Creating this community gathering spot is the team’s mission. By 2023, our team will create five diverse yet intertwined experiences that will offer provide high-quality food and a sense of community in the heart of Dunwoody. Visit The Village Dunwoody to stay updated. Follow us @thevillagedunwoody 

ABOUT JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION 

JDRF’s mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.2 billion in research funding since its inception. Built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, the JDRF collaborates with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. JDRF staff and volunteers throughout the United States and six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and their vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit JDRF or follow on Twitter @JDRF

Southbound Chamblee Dunwoody Road between Dunwoody Park/Old Springhouse and 285 will be closed during the overnight hours on Tuesday (4/12) and Wednesday (4/13).

 

Georgetown Gateway traffic alert! The southbound side of Chamblee Dunwoody Road between Cotillion Drive and Dunwoody Park/Old Springhouse will be closed during the overnight hours on Tuesday (4/12) and Wednesday (4/13). This is necessary to allow the contractor for Atlanta Gas Light to connect the new gas mains under the road. The northbound side of Chamblee Dunwoody Road will remain open.

** 1st night: detour to begin on Tuesday evening (4/12/2022) at 10 p.m. The detour will be removed and the road safe for traffic by 6 a.m. on Wednesday (4/13/2022).
** 2nd night: detour to begin on Wednesday (4/13/2022) at 10 p.m. The detour will be removed and the road safe for traffic by 6 a.m on Thursday (4/14/2022).

Anyone wishing to get to any of the businesses along this section of the road will need to plan ahead and access via CDR northbound. Police will be on site during the closures, and signage will be in place, as indicated in the attached traffic control/detour plan. @dunwoodypolice

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday April 11, 2022. Sustainability Heros, City Manager Report, Trees in your Front Yard, Short Term Capital Funding, Tree Protection, Light Standards

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 11, 2022
6:00 PM – DUNWOODY CITY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Watch via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85659323249

Or One tap mobile:  +14703812552,,85659323249# US (Atlanta)

Or join by phone:  US: +1 470 250 9358  Webinar ID: 856 5932 3249

Agenda - City Site Agenda

Invocation  

PUBLIC COMMENT

Sustainability Committee Update by Chairman Nathan Sparks and the presentation of the Sustainability Hero Awards to Laura Johnson and The Dunwoody Community Garden and Orchard.

City Manager's Report

Approval of Meeting Minutes

Trees Atlanta Front Yard Tree Planting Program  - Trees Atlanta Link

Approval of Financial Advisors for possible future bond.

Resolution Requesting Approval to Surplus Police Vehicles

Authorization to Recognize $10 million of American Rescue Plan Funding as Revenue Replacement to Create the ARP 2 Fund.

Approval of North Metro SWAT Memorandum of Understanding

Resolution for Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year 2021

Update on Short Term Capital Spending priorities of Council

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The Planning Commission meeting happening Tuesday night also has a couple of interesting topics I would like to share as advanced notice.  These items will be coming to the City Council at a future meeting and I would like to publicly thank the members of the Dunwoody Planning Commission who typically see, vet and propose important changes to items prior to City Council review.  These members are

1. Thomas O'Brien, Chair
2. Erika Harris, Vice-Chair
3. Kirk Anders
4. Deb Cameron
5. Jackie Edmundson
6. Debbie Gordon

Street Name Change: Goldkist Road to Campus Way

Text Amendment to the Tree Preservation Regulations

Text Amendment to Outdoor Lighting Regulations

Text Amendment to the Perimeter Center Overlay Regulations

Hey Dunwoody, Tonight is the last opportunity to attend All Saints Annual Lenten Fish Fry - 2443 Mount Vernon Road Dunwoody, GA 30338

This will probably be one of the busiest restaurants in Dunwoody this Friday Night!

 

My family attends All Saint's Catholic Church and I'm a member of the Knights of Columbus, a fraternal service organization dedicated to providing charitable services.  The Knights biggest fundraising event is our “WORLD FAMOUS” FISH FRY which has returned in force this year but I'm here to tell you that Tonight is the last opportunity to join in the festivities.

The Knights have been hosting this event for 20 years and I can tell you the food is cooked with loving care by professional chefs. The Baked Salmon, Fried Shrimp and the Clam Chowder are my personal favorites! Fried Cod, Mac-N-Cheese, and the Hush-Puppies are my boys favorites.  Our to-go orders are very efficient and if you are dining in you may recognize a few people working the main bar and many of our deserts are made fresh therefore some people hit that immediately upon entry to secure their favorites.

Knights of Columbus
 All Saints Catholic Church - Gym
Lower Parking Lot

Friday's from 5 pm to 8 pm

2443 Mount Vernon Road

Dunwoody, GA 30338