Friday, October 28, 2022

Early Voting is going on at the Dunwoody Library - please review sample ballot, take advantage of short lines at early voting, and avoid possible polling place change come election day.


Dunwoody Library
5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road
Dunwoody, Ga 30338

Monday - Friday (Oct. 17 - Nov. 4)    7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturdays (Oct. 22 & 29) 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sundays (Oct. 23 & 30) noon - 5 p.m.

Pull this link up - Composite Sample Ballot

Dunwoody Votes in the US Senate Race, District 4 Federal House of Representatives and all Statewide elections on the ballot as well as Senate 40, and either House 80 or 52.

Congressional Districts - District 4

Georgia Senate Districts - Senate 40

Georgia House Districts - House 80 or 52

Commissioner Districts - District 1 not up election.

Super Commissioner Districts - District 6 not up for election.

Board of Education Districts - District 1 not up for election.

There are a couple of Proposed Constitution Amendments on the ballot that seem straight forward.

Special Notice - On November 8, 2022 the polling place formally at the Dunwoody Library will be moving to the Church at Chapel Hill - Dunwoody Campus at 5067 Chamblee Dunwoody Road.

Based on the precinct voting maps, a number of neighborhoods in side the green circle may be surprised on November 8 to learn that that their polling pace was moved down the street.  Please be aware.


 

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Several Thursday Night Events in Dunwoody - Last Food Truck Thursday with Kids Halloween event or Bingo at All Saint's with little old ladies who will cut you if your chatter makes them miss a number. Both are actually fun!

Last Food Truck Thursday & Dunwoody Truck or Treat event for the kids

On the last Thursday in October, Brook Run Park in Dunwoody will be crowded with princesses, superheroes, and maybe even a few goblins and witches. Truck or Treat, the final Food Truck Thursday of the year, promises a festive time and free admission for everyone, complete with costumes to admire, local cuisine to nosh, and plenty of Halloween candy.

Dunwoody Parks and Recreation, Dunwoody Police, and the Dunwoody Homeowners Association will host Truck or Treat on Thursday, October 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. This event will close out the 2022 season of Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays and feature music from the Adrian Duke Project, which plays a funky mix of Motown and soul, jazz and swing, and rock-n-roll.

During the event, Dunwoody Police will give away safety flashers to promote the department’s “See & Be Seen on Halloween” initiative. Kids are encouraged to clip the flasher on their costumes on Halloween to make themselves more visible to drivers. Officers will also wear costumes, decorate police vehicles and hand out treats to kids.

The concert will take place on the front field near N. Peachtree Road. The police department’s treat trucks will be located along the edge of the field. Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays is sponsored by the Dunwoody Homeowners Association. It typically runs from May through October, bringing savory and sweet food trucks to Brook Run Park.

 Bingo - win Cash money

Bingo is back at All Saints with dinner (Pasta Bolognese) and refreshments available.  Doors open at 6:30 with limited seats going fast, have some dinner and then the games start at 7:30.

All Saints Social Hall, 2443 Mt. Vernon Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338

Dunwoody Citizens Advisory Capital Improvements Committee agenda for Wednesday includes Path Foundation presentation, conversations on future path plans and a discussion on completed scoring of parks plans.

CITIZENS ADVISORY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE

OCTOBER 26, 2022 - 6:00 PM

DUNWOODY CITY HALL – DUNWOODY HALL

4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD

DUNWOODY, GEORGIA 30338

Full Agenda Packet for the Wednesday Evening Meeting

Tonight (Wednesday) at 6 pm the Citizens Advisory Capital Improvements Committee will be meeting at City Hall to discuss their parks scoring priority recommendations to City Council and as these meetings are not recorded I also plan to be attending to hear first hand, their recommendations & conversations. The committee is made up of citizens recommended by City Council and the Mayor; Councilman Tom Lambert, is Chairing the committee and the members are... Remi Bullard, Su Ellis, Steve Ellet, Bob Fiscella, Brian Gee, Joe Martinez, Sarah Smith, Abby Lesorgen, and Mereca Smith.  I would like to thank these members for their time and dedication being put forth.

I'm very glad I attended the last citizen meeting as I raised in public comment that the committee packet was mistakenly missing the Peachtree Middle School Turf project as the City has a 20 year lease on that property and a contract to maintain the field whereby turfing the field would improve playable hours and reduce maintenance costs, thereby being a win / win situation.  Looking at the scores below it appears that the committee agrees with me that this is an important project for the City as all seven member voted for the project and it also has the highest over all weighted score.

Review of Parks Scoring

At tonight's meeting there will also be a discussion on Trails / Paths within the City and the Path Foundation will be presenting what looks to be that same high level presentation given to Council on August 8th.   During the contracting of PATH in August, I questioned how "Greenway Paths" are able to be constructed when we are shoehorning 12 feet of concrete in front of single family homes by clearing the vegetation and leaving it with little or no shade, trees or beauty.  This scenario not what I believe the citizens of Dunwoody want when they say they want trails.

Dunwoody City Councilman Heneghan thoughts on 12 foot city paths and delaying possible bond referendum for improved list of projects. July 11, 2022

Dunwoody Councilman John Heneghan questions Path Foundation regarding 12 foot concrete "greenways" in Dunwoody neighborhoods. August 8, 2022 @PATHFoundation  Aug 15, 2022

Below is the path list I am guessing the citizen committee will be discussing, with most paths being in commercial areas and several like Tilly Mill & Peeler paths being in Residential areas where I have the greatest concern. 
 
There is also an item on the list identified as Nancy Creek Tributary Path that I believe follows a few creeks, unfortunately much like the idea of having a trail across the city under the power transmission lines; I believe that the property for the Nancy Creek Trail is owned by residents and is in the back yards of the people who live there.    Looking at this transportation map that was not included in the packet, it appears there are trail plans (dotted Orange lines) from Dunwoody Elementary down though the Village Oaks neighborhood behind Brook Run which I believe follows the creek and may be the Nancy Creek Tributary Path?  There is also a path near the Walmart and unsure if both of these together are the Nancy Creek Paths?   Unsure if details, but the main question for me remains - whose property are we planing on building a trail upon and will every land owner along the trail path give us an easement to put this trail on their property, usually behind their homes?   In the case of the power transmission line the answer was very clear - no.
 

Anyway this should be an interesting meeting that is only available in person starting at 6 pm and there is public comment available at the beginning and end of the meeting if you would like to say a few words.








Sunday, October 23, 2022

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday October 24, 2022. Final 2023 Budget Hearing, Vermack & Roberts Park Approval, Cherry Hill to Eidson Trail, Dunwoody Village Street Grid, IT Policy, enpanded Alcohol.

 DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 24, 2022 - 6:00 PM
DUNWOODY CITY HALL - DUNWOODY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Agenda 6 pm  - City Site Agenda 

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

They are also available for viewing (no two way communication) on Zoom,
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86164354468  or 
phone 14702509358,,86164354468#

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

Invocation 

Administration of Oaths of Office to Officers: Elvin Arias, Emma Baukhages, Prince Greene

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

 
 

Approval of "Improving Neighborhood Outcomes in Dis-proportionally Impacted Communities" Grant Application  - Trail Connection on Cherry Hill to Eidson
 
 
 
 
  •  DHS Boys Soccer Booster Club INC - Dunwoody, GA
  •  Dunwoody Wildcats Soccer LTD - Dunwoody, GA
  •  Dunwoody Gridiron Club, Inc. - Dunwoody, GA
  •  Dunwoody High Stix Club, Inc. - Dunwoody, GA
  •  Dunwoody Senior Baseball - Atlanta, GA
  •  Atlanta MABL, Inc. - Smyrna, Ga
  •  Rush Union Soccer - Tucker, GA
 
 

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Dunwoody Scout Troops 477 & 1919 host Halloween Farm Festival - Sat October 22nd at Donaldson Bannister Farm ($2 coupon)

 It’s back!!!!

Come enjoy Scout Troop 477’s annual Halloween Farm Festival on Saturday, Oct. 22, 12:00 to 6:00pm at Donaldson-Bannister Farm at 4831 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road.

Kids of all ages can go on the “Trick or Treat Mystery Adventure” and help solve the mystery of the missing candy!

Enjoy games with prizes, crafts, a petting zoo, music, and an outdoor food court with fresh grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers and more.

Admission is free and activities range in cost from 50 cents for games to $4 for entry to the Petting Zoo. Unlimited Game Bracelets are available along with a Family Adventure package.

Don’t miss Dunwoody’s favorite fall tradition. Costumes are Welcome!

Saturday, October 8, 2022

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday October 10, 2022 (Budget, Roberts & Vermack Park Plans, City Mgr Report,American Rescue Plan assistance to non-profits, Womack Wall Art, Mission & Vision)

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 10, 2022 - 6:00 PM
DUNWOODY CITY HALL - DUNWOODY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Agenda 6 pm  - City Site Agenda 

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

They are also available for viewing (no two way communication) on Zoom,
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84033391097  or 
phone 14702509358,,84033391097#

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

Invocation

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

City Manager's Report (Very Informational)

Public Hearing - First Read of the proposed 2023 City of Dunwoody Budget

Dunwoody MARTA Station Mural (Michael Starling)

Resolution to Declare Obsolete Equipment in the IT Department as Surplus

Resolution Appointing Members to Serve on the Planning Commission Scott Brown

Approval of 2023 City Council, Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Schedules 

Approval of Update to City of Dunwoody Mission and Vision Statements

To Authorize Contracts with Not for Profit Agencies Regarding Direct Assistance Funding with the American Rescue Plan 2

Park Master Plans for 5435 Roberts Dr. and 4809/4819 Vermack Rd

Discussion - Winters Chapel Path Phase 1 Streetlight Agreement with Georgia Power

Discussion - Public Art Project - Womack Road Retaining Wall

Discussion - Amendment to the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Budget

Dunwoody's Groovin’ on the Green Series Finale is Tonight at Brook Run featuring - Elton Live! The Elton John Experience

Dunwoody's Groovin’ on the Green brings back Elton Live! - The Elton John Experience after a wonderful show last year, please don't miss this event as the show is fantastic!

Saturday October 8th at 6 pm


 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfu07Sg3TB4


https://youtu.be/bBFvBz02kk8

 https://youtu.be/44ThmtThCrI

Groovin' on the Green is back and bigger than ever! Join us for the series finale, featuring Elton Live! — The Elton John Experience.  Guests are encouraged to walk or ride bikes to the concerts. Bring your own picnics or pick up dinner from a featured food truck. Dogs (on a leash!) are also welcome.

About the band: Elton Live! — The Elton John Experience offers the most complete & authentic reproduction of Sir Elton John’s live concert performance in the world. Their shows are the most accurate representation of Sir Elton John in his absolute prime of the 1970's, 80's, 90's & beyond! Elton Live is NOT an impersonator act. Elton Live is ALL about the music & bringing Elton John's incredible studio recordings to life! Lead vocalist & the band’s founder Steven Dodd brings you an unmatched emulation of the depth & timbre vocal style of the classic Sir Elton John sound. The Elton Live! band is a group of professional musicians from incredible touring acts like Sugarland, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Corey Smith & the legend himself Sir Elton John! The Elton Live band is the driving force behind a spectacular live performance & sheer rock-n-roll wall of sound.

Food trucks:
Fresh Corn Everythang
Aunt Betty Halal Soulfood
My4boys Jamaican Cuisine
Big Burgers and Wings 
Moondog Growlers
King of Pops
Top Job Beverages

Groovin' on the Green is a free series held at the Brook Run Park amphitheater. All concerts begin at 6pm and are family friendly. 

Monday, October 3, 2022

GDOT (Georgia Department of Transportation) announces I-285 Lane Closures to be in place for six or more months.


Transform 285/400: I-285 Lane Reductions Overview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9EWeMW9XWA

The City of Dunwoody is working with the Georgia Department of Transportation, Perimeter Connects, and the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (PCIDs) to make everyone in our city aware of big changes to I-285 as part of the Transform 285/400 project. The impact on interstate and local traffic will be profound, and it will last for many months. It will require planning and patience.

GDOT's I-285 lane closures website

The first phase:

Beginning as early as THIS Saturday, October 8, the contractor for GDOT will close the two innermost eastbound lanes on I-285 between Roswell Road and Ashford Dunwoody Road for bridge demolition and reconstruction at Glenridge Drive, State Route (SR) 400, and Peachtree Dunwoody Road. 

Two weeks later - currently planned for October 22 - the two innermost westbound lanes along that stretch will be closed.

These lane closures will continue 24/7 for roughly the next four months. Then, the interior lanes will be reopened and closures will move to the two middle lanes in each direction for approximately four more months. 

*Click on the image below for a larger view.

only one side 285 closure

The overall plan:

GDOT contractors are planning a major reduction in lanes on the top end of I-285. The impact on traffic will be significant. Traffic in both directions will be reduced from five lanes to three lanes from Roswell Road to Ashford Dunwoody Road 

The closures will allow crews the space they need to replace I-285 bridges over Glenridge Drive, GA400 and Peachtree Dunwoody Road. GDOT estimates the bridge replacements and associated I-285 eastbound and westbound lane closures will take at least eight months to complete.

*Click on the image below for a larger view.

I-285 Lane Reductions Phase 1 Graphic - small for web

“The traveling public should expect major disruptions to their daily commutes and driving routines during this time and should be prepared for profound delays on I-285, potentially adding an hour or more to daily commutes,” Georgia DOT Alternative Delivery Program Manager Marlo Clowers, P.E., said. “We urge motorists to leave earlier, utilize navigation apps to select alternate routes to stay away from the construction area, and consider alternative commute options. If traveling through the area, always pay attention and use extreme caution.”

Lane closure schedule confirmation will come after certain I-285 construction milestones open to traffic, ensuring motorists know what to expect and when. These anticipated openings will provide some additional capacity for vehicles and maximize all new connecting lane availability outside of the existing interstate lanes.

Key milestones include:

  • I-285 westbound connecting lane from Peachtree Dunwoody Road to past Roswell Road 
  • SR 400 northbound and SR 400 southbound to I-285 eastbound connecting lane to past Ashford Dunwoody Road

The lane closures are expected once these key milestones are open to traffic and updated signage is in place.

  • Phase 1: Inside lanes will close on I-285 in each direction between Roswell Road to Ashford Dunwoody Road, so crews can reconstruct the interior portions of the I-285 bridges over Glenridge Drive, SR 400, and Peachtree Dunwoody Road. A minimum of three lanes will be open in each direction. This phase will take approximately four months.
  • Phase 2: Traffic will shift to the inside lanes providing width for three travel lanes and the existing outside lanes will close to traffic so crews can demolish and reconstruct the exterior portions of the bridges. This phase will take approximately four months.

Dates may change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are advised to expect delays, exercise caution, and reduce their speed while traveling through work zones. Additional project information is available on the project website.  

Sign up for email updates directly from GDOT.


The GDOT video linked below is very helpful. it provides a detailed overview of the project.

Why can’t GDOT close just one lane in one direction or close lanes just at night?

Constructing the bridges with a single-lane closure would prolong the bridge construction. It would also result in traffic (with a high percentage of trucks) very close to the work zone. Additionally, closing the lanes just at night isn’t possible due to the amount of construction activity and equipment taking place in the closed lanes.

Will there still be nighttime closures?

Yes. The construction team will continue to perform work at night, which often requires additional closures. There could be just one lane open in a single direction during the nighttime hours. 


Perimeter Connects has great resources for local workers managing these lane closures.

Ask for options:

Take a minute to Ask for Options using a simple web form created by Perimeter Connects, which will help you explore every possible alternate route based on where you live and work. Perimeter Connects will even cover the cost for you to try it out.

Share the ride:

Perimeter Connects can help you find a carpool buddy who works in the same area, lives nearby and has something in common with you. Try to carpool once, and you'll get $50.

Plan ahead and skip the red:

The graph below shows the highest volume times going to and from I-85 at the N. Shallowford Road underpass at I-285. Green denotes normal speeds. The darker the red, the slower the traffic.

*Click on the images below for a larger view.

average speeds shallowford

The next graph shows the highest volume times going to and from I-75 passing over I-285 at Northside Drive.

average speeds northside


GDOT has some additional ways to lessen the impact:

  • Choose an alternate commute: MARTA and Xpress serve the Perimeter area and are great alternatives to driving through the area. If possible, work remotely to avoid taking trips throughout the corridor. Reach out to Georgia Commute Options for help finding alternative commute options or for help planning alternate routes.
  • Use a wayfinding app: Free traffic and GPS apps can keep you informed about slowdowns in real-time and suggest alternate routes. Use GA 511 or your favorite navigation app when preparing to drive in the area.
  • Plan ahead: If you must travel through the area, give yourself as much time as possible in anticipation of heavier congestion.

Dunwoody High School Wildcat Theater presents Neil Simon's Rumors from Oct 13 - 16.

Dunwoody is so lucky to have talented DHS thespians bring Neil Simon’s “Rumors” to us! 

One of Neil Simon's most celebrated plays, "Rumors" will be performed by the Dunwoody High School Wildcat Theatre. This comedy is set during a dinner party in the upscale Palisades neighborhood north of New York City in the 1980’s. Upon arrival, four couples find the host bleeding and the hostess and staff are missing. Now what? Hilarious chaos erupts from a series of mistaken identities, cover ups and ridiculous situations. Neil Simon was one of Broadway’s most successful playwrights, writing such hit plays as “Barefoot in the Park” and “The Odd Couple.”

Book your tickets today.... Rumor has it .... tickets will sell out!