Saturday Night the City of Dunwoody presents Piano Man vs Rocket Man: Billy Joel & Elton John Tribute at Groovin on the Green - 6 pm at the Brook Run Park Amphitheater

This outdoor concert series brings live music to the heart of the community with high-energy performances, laid-back vibes, and the perfect backdrop for a memorable night out.

Held at the Brook Run Park Amphitheater (4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338), Groovin’ on the Green is a celebration of music, community, and summer in the South. With wide-open green space, towering trees, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic and soak up some great tunes.

Each season features a fresh lineup of bands that bring the energy and keep the crowd singing along. From classic covers to crowd-pleasing tribute acts, it’s the kind of feel-good event that creates lasting memories.

Admission is always free, and all ages are welcome. Bring a lawn chair, pack a cooler, and make Groovin’ on the Green part of your summer rhythm.   

Show starts at 6 pm but get there early for a good seat as these guys have a big following! 

Dunwoody City Council to discuss Capital Improvement budget items on Monday Night at Special Called Meeting

Monday night the Dunwoody City Council will be holding a Special Called Meeting to hammer out a list of Capital Improvement projects in which to spend down our Capital Funds that far exceed our internal policies of having reserves to run the city in the time of emergency.  The Mayor has recommended $7 Million dollars allocated between Police, Pedestrian Safety, Sidewalks and Homecoming Park (near the Vermack Swim & Tennis); which I believe has universal approval between all Council Members including myself.  

Others on Council, may want to expand the spending list on other projects that were mentioned in our last budget workshop, but I would like to reserve funds ($1M) for additional contracted ambulance service that is slated to be stopped in January if so needed and is not listed in the budget.  I would also like to reserve funds ($3M) in case the Dunwoody Post Office were to permanently close so that the community could have the opportunity to publicly invest in the Village in a meaningful way if deemed appropriate.  By reserving these four million dollars to not be spent or allocated, it reserves these funds the opportunity to be invested in opportunities or needs that may arise in the very short term. For that reason I am good with the Mayor's recommendation and stopping there but I also believe there are ways to slow or modify other spending to complete more short term needs vs investments that may not need to be made this year.

As I stated in my September 25th blog post, I would like to defer or slow down the 12ft path project on Peeler near the waterworks / Four Oaks Subdivision until the Winters Chapel path is completed in several years.  That $2 Million dollars can be used to expand more regular sidewalks.  A line by line review should also open up other projects on the list that may also fallen out of favor.  It should be an interesting conversation.

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL 
Special Called Budget Meeting
Monday, October 6, 2025
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://dunwoodyga-gov.zoom.us/j/83942430317 or  phone +14702509358,,83942430317#

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

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

No Public Comment not shown on Special Called Meeting Agenda

FY 2026 Proposed Budget - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Review

Background

• The FY26 Annual Budget was proposed by the Mayor and City Manager to the City Council on August 27, 2025.

• The first Budget Workshop with Mayor and City Council was held on September 29, 2025. Out of that meeting came the desire to have a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Focused Meeting.

• Review Police, Sidewalks, Ped Safety, Parks Proposals from last meeting in detail. This is the $7M allotment.

• Review overall proposed CIP Plan for Hotel/Motel, General Capital, SPLOST I, and SPLOST II.

Capital Contribution – Police ($500,000)
• Drone First Responder ($200K)
• Electric Vehicles/Ford Maverick ($117K)
• Vehicles ($183K)

Capital Contr. – Pedestrian Safety ($500K)
• Vanderlyn at Hensley Crosswalk Bulb Outs- $50K
• Dunwoody Village Parkway Intersection Safety- $275K
• Womack at Vermack Bulb Out- $25K
• Tilly Mill at Dunwoody Glen Crosswalk Realignment- $50K
• Audible Pedestrian Push Buttons 10 intersections - $100K

 Capital Contributions – Sidewalks ($1M)
• Chamblee Dunwoody Sidewalk- Spalding Dr to Oakpointe Pl: $450K
• Peeler Road Sidewalk: Huntington Hall to Equestrian Way: $500K
• Vermack Sidewalk- Womack to Parliament: $50K

 Capital Contributions – Homecoming ($5M)
• Wildflower Meadow
• Open play field (160 ft. X 160 ft.)
• ½ mile nature trail
• Restroom pavilion with solar panels
• State-of-the-art 12,000 sq ft accessible/inclusive playground
• Sand volleyball courts
• Sensory garden
• Community space building with solar panels

Dunwoody mourns the loss of a leader, a friend, a teacher, a parade marshal, a father, a husband and so much more, Coach Mike Nash.

Tributes to my friend Mike Nash are crossing my feed this morning after an evening of little sleep as I was notified late last night of Coach's passing.  Mike was a very special guy to this community and he (along with the dedication of his entire family) touched so lives as a coach and teacher.  Mike, Tracy & the girls; We Love You!

Below is a video of Coach Mike Nash, not saying goodbye, after 10 years of serving as the head football coach of Dunwoody High School.  Mike was honored on Sunday March 23, 2025 by Dunwoody Homeowners Association & named 2025 4th of July Parade Marshal.

Video

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday Night, 6 pm, September 29, 2025 (Community Garden, Curb Ramps, Ethics, Sustanability, Zoning Code Rewrite, Streetlights, SWAT, Chamblee Dunwoody modification)

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL 
Monday, September 29, 2025
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://dunwoodyga-gov.zoom.us/j/85998548170 or  phone +14702509358,,85998548170#

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

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC COMMENTS - Public Comment allows the City Council the opportunity to listen to the public (3 minutes per speaker / 30 minutes total).

Dunwoody Community Garden and Orchard Annual Presentation

Contract with CGS for Curb Ramp Accessibility Upgrades (Michael Smith)

Resolution Appointing Members to Serve on the Board of Ethics (Stanley Baum, Rachelle Carmel, Joanie Dwoskin, Bruce Hedrick, Aaron Chausmer, Eileen Shuman, Ram Ganesan)

Resolution Appointing Members to the Sustainability Committee (Colin Mey, Ryan Jenkins)

Additional Services for Code Testing and Technical Manual for the Code Rewrite From TSW. 

Lighting Services Agreement with Georgia Power for Streetlights along the Old Spring House Path (Tiffany Siegel)

MOU with North Metro SWAT (Chief Carlson)

Project Framework Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation for the Village Crossing Project (Michelle Hirose)

Contract Amendment with KCI for Final Design of the Village Crossing Project (Michelle Hirose)

FIRST READ: Text Amendment to Adjust Eligibility Standards for Alcohol Licenses (Richard McLeod)

Sunday Night Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch presents a State of the City Address at the Dunwoody Homeowners Association Meeting

Dunwoody City Council Budget Workshop - Monday morning September 29th at 10 am (What should we spend $11 Million Dollars on?)

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL 
Special Called Meeting
Monday, September 29, 2025
10:00 AM

This coming Monday morning, the Dunwoody City Council will be presented with the Mayor & Staff's proposed 2026 budget, and it will be the first time for proposed feedback or proposed changes.  At this meeting, the Council reviews the budget line by line, questioning what is included and what they would like to see changed or added.  There may be public hearings on October 14th & October 27th, but the real budget is typically hammered out at this workshop/committee meeting.  I am pleased that this meeting will take place in Council Chambers and will be live-streamed / recorded, but note there is no public comment section of the meeting for the public to speak, as the public hearings are later in October, with proposed approval set for October 27th.   That being said, please feel free to express your wishes via email to council.members@dunwoodyga.gov in advance of the meeting.

There are no major surprises in the published budget, but I have questions and desires for change.  I see we are proposing to spend $2 Million on a 12-foot path on Peeler between Glaze & Lakeside (.4 of a mile in Front of Four Oaks subdivision), where we have already spent $1.5 Million on Engineering, whereby I believe that project should be delayed until the Winters Chapel Path is complete first.  We are spending $3.3 million on the Chamblee Duwoody / Village Crossing corridor project in 2026 and we will spend over $13 in total for the project over the next few years.  I am still not sure if doing what we did to the Georgetown area and doing the same thing on Chamblee Dunwoody is a good thing, but that is what the rest of the Council wants.   Council is already slated to also spend $2 Million dollars in 2026 ($3 million in total) on the new Brook Run Maintenance Facility & new offices for a facility that was initially budgeted to be much, much less.   Much smaller amount of money, but I remember there was a lot of pushback against the Dunwoody Elementary School Path to Village North Court project, as we also need agreements to cross Georgia State property.  

We cut out all traffic calming funds, which suggests that they haven't been installed in quite a while, and that our installation policies might be too stringent to meet.  I am happy to see a few non-path, regular sidewalks being installed this year. I would like to see the $2 million in funds slated for Peeler/Four Oaks go towards standard sidewalk installations around the city, as the needs are tremendous and the amount of engineering is significantly reduced compared to 12-feet of concrete, stormwater improvements, and lighting that accompany those large projects.

The main topic of the budget discussion will not be about what is listed, but instead what is not.  There will be a discussion on how to spend the substantial ($11 million) amount of Fund Balance available for ongoing or proposed projects and programs.  The city has parkland it purchased to be developed, amenities like sand volleyball to possibly be installed, there are public safety improvements to be made with the Police Department as far as drones, ambulance & 911 infractructure, public safety improvements in sidewalks near schools and in neighborhoods that have not been addressed; there is a big list that was presented in the memo to Council.  That is where there will be a big discussion and a majority of our time will be spent. 

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL 
Special Called Meeting
Monday, September 29, 2025
10:00 AM
DUNWOODY CITY HALL - DUNWOODY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Agenda 10 am  - 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://dunwoodyga-gov.zoom.us/j/85998548170 or  phone +14702509358,,85998548170#

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

DISCUSSION ITEMS (Budget Work Session) - FY2026 Proposed Budget (Richard Platto)

Mayor’s Recommendation:
• Police Equipment: $500,000
• Homecoming Park: $5,000,000
• Pedestrian Safety: $500,000
• Sidewalks: $1,000,000

Major Unmet Public Works
•    Chamblee Dunwoody at Vermack
•    Chamblee Dunwoody at Peeler
•    Tilly Mill at Mount Vernon Place
•    Womack at Leeds Message Signs
•    Dunwoody Village Pkwy Raised Intersection / Mini Roundabout
•    Dunwoody Club Drive at Bend Creek Warning Sign
•    North Peachtree at Dunwoody Crossing Signal Reflective Backplates
•    Vanderlyn at Hensley Interaction Bulb Outs

Major Unmet Park Needs
•    Homecoming Park Build Out
•    Pernoshal Trail Repairs
•    Springwood Park
•    Brook Run Playground Replacement
•    Brook Run Park Wayfinding Signage
•    Windwood Hollow Pavilion Upgrades
•    Wildcat Park Phase I
•    Arts Center Window Replacements
•    Brook Run Park Greenhouse
•    Dunwoody Trailway Bridge Replacements
•    Waterford Playground Shades
•    Brook Run Multi-Use Field Concession Shade

Important Dates

Wednesday, August 27 – FY2026 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget Book is posted to the City’s website for public viewing.

Monday, September 29 – FY2026 Budget Workshop is scheduled to start at 10:00am.

Tuesday, October 14 -  First public hearing on the FY2026 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget.

Monday, October 27 – Second public hearing on the FY2026 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget, and action item to vote on adoption of FY2026 budget.

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday September 8, 2025 (City Mgr Report, Zaxby's, Stormwater, Rasing Canes rezoning, Dominium apartments, Condo Conversion, Townhomes, Municipal Contracts Lowe & Nova)

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday September 8, 2025
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://dunwoodyga-gov.zoom.us/j/82303246254 or  phone +14703812552,,82303246254#

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

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Administration of Oath of Office, Officer Christopher Van Heest

PUBLIC COMMENTS - Public Comment allows the City Council the opportunity to listen to the public (3 minutes per speaker / 30 minutes total).

City Manager's Monthly Report

SLUP 25-02, 125 Perimeter Center W: Request for a Special Land Use Permit for a drive-through

Approval of a Final Design Contract with AECOM for North Shallowford Path Final Design

Memorandum - Funding Authorization for 1951 Wellesley Trace Storm Repairs 

Memorandum - Funding Authorization for 4506 Kellogg Circle Storm Repairs

Memorandum - Funding Authorization for 4328 Bethesda Trail Storm Repairs

Memorandum - Funding Authorization for 5161 Joel Court Storm Repairs

Memorandum - Funding Authorization for 1167 Branch Water Court Pond and Storm Repairs 

The City of Dunwoody, property owner at 4770 N Peachtree Road, Dunwoody, GA, 30338, requests a variance from Chapter 16, Section 78 to allow replacement of a City of Dunwoody maintenance facility and associated improvements in the 75-foot stream buffer (ZBA 25-16)

SECOND READ: RZ 25-02, 4570 Ashford Dunwoody Road: Request to rezone from O-I (Office-Institution) to PC-1 (Perimeter Center)

SECOND READ: RZ 25-03, 4981 Ashford Dunwoody Road: Request to rezone from O-I (Office Institution) to PD (Planned Development) to allow the construction of an age-restricted multi-unit rental building

SECOND READ: RZ 25-04, 64 & 66 Perimeter Center E: Request to rezone from O-I (Office Institution) to PD (Planned Development) to allow the conversion of 64 Perimeter Center E into residential condominiums and 66 Perimeter Center E into an age-restricted rental residential use, and develop additional for-sale residences on the properties

SECOND READ: SLUP 25-03, 4515 Chamblee Dunwoody Road: Request for a Special Land Use Permit for a drive-through to allow the construction of a drive-through oil change facility and two concurrent
variances to allow relief from the building setback requirements and the stacking lane setback requirements.

Municipal Services Rebidding - converting contractors to employees and new compensation chart.

Contract, proposal & pricing for Lowe Engineering for Parks Services 

Contract, proposal & pricing for Nova Engineering for Community Development Services 

Approval of MOU Renewal Contract with Claratel Health - Licensed Behavioral Health Clinician

Approval of a Contract with CGS for Curb Ramp Accessibility Upgrades

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday August 25, 2025 (Group Homes, Brook Run Maintenance Facility, Municipal Services, Google Fiber, Shallowford Trail)

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday August 25, 2025
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://dunwoodyga-gov.zoom.us/j/85998548170 or  phone +14702509358,,85998548170#

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

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Administration of Oath of Office to Officer Skylar Lewis and Officer Aaron Barone

PUBLIC COMMENTS - Public Comment allows the City Council the opportunity to listen to the public (3 minutes per speaker / 30 minutes total).

Economic Development Update - 2nd Quarter (Michael Starling)

Public Hearing - The City of Dunwoody, property owner at 4770 N Peachtree Road, Dunwoody, GA, 30338, requests a variance from Chapter 16, Section 78 to allow replacement of a City of Dunwoody maintenance facility and associated improvements in the 75-foot stream buffer.

SECOND READ: Review and consideration a text amendment to the Code of the City of Dunwoody for Chapter 27, including Sec. 27-112, Sec. 27-135.1, Sec. 27-146.1, and other sections, the general purpose of which is to create zoning regulations and procedures for group living uses, including, but not limited to assisted living, independent living, community residences, recovery communities, and for other purposes. 

Rebidding of Major Municipal Services (J. Jay Vinicki) 

2025 Holiday Lights Display at Brook Run Park (Rachel Waldron) 

 Funding Authorization for Stormwater Repairs - 2566 Briers North Drive

Dunwoody Cultural Arts Center HVAC Integrated Controls Addition

 Resolution to Surplus Six Vehicles

Approval of a Contract Amendment with Vandermeer Management to Provide Construction Management Services for the Brook Run Maintenance Facility

Approval of a Franchise Agreement with Google Fiber

Approval of a Final Design Contract with AECOM for North Shallowford Path Final Design

Thank you Briers North Community for 20 Years of Generosity, Joy and Fellowship!! No Halloween event moving forward.

To Our Wonderful Halloween Visitors

After more than 20 years of celebrating spooky season with you all, it’s with both gratitude and a touch of sadness that we share this message: starting in 2025 our neighborhood will no longer be hosting our annual Halloween event.

What began as a small neighborhood tradition has grown beyond anything we ever imagined. We have been truly honored to see families return year after year – some who came as children, now bringing their own children.

But with that growth has come challenges we can no longer safely or responsibly manage. The number of visitors and vehicles has outgrown our capacity, and with increased traffic, parking difficulties, and safety concerns for both our guests and the surrounding community, we’ve had to make the hard decision to bring this cherished tradition to a close.

To those of you who have faithfully joined us through the years - thank you. Your enthusiasm, kindness, and joy made this event what it was. We've loved being part of your Halloween memories, and we are deeply grateful for the connection and magic you've brought to our neighborhood.

With heartfelt thanks,
Briers North Subdivision

Dunwoody Police Fundraiser - Jordan Laverty - Thank You for your Service! Saturday 5 pm @ Dunwoody Tavern

Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 5 PM
Dunwoody Tavern, 5488 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd

Join Dunwoody PD and the Dunwoody Police Foundation this Saturday, Aug 23, 2025, 5pm as the Dunwoody Tavern hosts a special fundraiser in honor of DPD Detective Jordan Laverty. Let’s rally together to support the Laverty family after this recent tragic loss.

 

Donations will be accepted, plus Dunwoody Tavern is pitching in 20% of their sales that night towards this fundraiser. All funds raised will go directly to the Dunwoody Police Foundation to help out Detective Laverty’s family during this incredibly tough time.

 

Dunwoody Police Foundation will also be selling memorial T-shirts ($25/ea) towards this fundraiser.

 

There will be games for the kids on the green space, bar will be open, and you can even grab some dinner. Hope to see you there!

 

Can't make it but want to help the family? Please consider donating online via Dunwoody Police Foundation directly. Please include in notes section: LAVERTY FAMILY FUND: https://dunwoodypolicefoundation.org/donate/

Dunwoody City Council election qualifying period closes Wednesday with only one contested race identified on opening day of registration. Lautenbacher, Price, Ziskind & Lambert have tossed thier hat into the ring.

Today was the first day of a three day registration period for candidates to declare their candidacy for the three Dunwoody City Council positions that will up for election this November.  Today as detailed on the City Website, four candidates successfully completed the registration process and paid the $360 registration fee, they are ...

Catherine Lautenbacher - District 1, Post 1 

Rob Price - District 2, Post 2
David "DZ" Ziskind - District 2, Post 2

Tom Lambert - District 3, Post 3

As you see above, there is only one contested race with District two incumbent Rob Price being challenged by Mr. David Ziskind.

  
David Ziskind 

 

Catherine, Rob & Tom

 Is anyone else going to run?   Salary is $12K per year and health insurance.

The window closes Wednesday afternoon and more information can be found here.

Dunwoody & Brookhaven were hoping for better news from State @GaDPH Region 3 EMS Advisory Council on splitting the County into several response zones. It didn't happen, so still waiting on long term solution. @AMR_Social @DCFRpubaffairs @ItsInDeKalb @BrookhavenGaGov

 No Good News for Dunwoody from the EMS Council meeting of August 14th.

The sub-committee looking at the DeKalb zone did NOT recommend opening the zone to other providers (other than DeKalb Fire, which holds the entire zone certificate).  The sub-committee cited a modest amount of improvement in response times from the proposal of DeKalb/AMR into three DeKalb response areas.  That said, the sub-committee also said more substantial improvement is still needed, despite their recommendation to NOT open the zone to other providers.

Then the full EMS Council voted 18-1 to approve the sub-committee's recommendation to NOT open the DeKalb zone or split it.  Another 10 members voted to abstain (such as DeKalb Fire and other ambulance providers - all who have a vested interest in the motion outcome).  

Then the Region 3 EMS Council voted to disband the DeKalb zone sub-committee altogether.  This means Dunwoody, Brookhaven, etc. are back to the current status quo and not without an appointed sub-committee of the Region 3 EMS Council to investigate or monitor further.

Bottom line is our current EMS response times issue will continue.  In Dunwoody, we will see more of the same and we may need to continue paying a $600K per year supplement for an extra ambulance to stay close to Dunwoody, otherwise the pool of ambulances may be pulled to travel deep into DeKalb County making a return trip North problematic during rush hour.

Chief Fullum of DeKalb Fire then updated the full Region 3 EMS Council that AMR is now operating under an 18-month extension contract that only runs from January 2025 to June 2026.  A DeKalb Fire RFP for the DeKalb ambulance services contract is in the review stage.

Guess we need to wait to see what will be proposed next?

Video from Brookhaven last year asking for EMS changes needed.

Will good news be coming out of the @GaDPH Region 3 EMS Advisory Council Meeting to improve EMS Services in Dunwoody & Brookhaven? @AMR_Social @DCFRpubaffairs @ItsInDeKalb @BrookhavenGaGov

The Georgia Region 3 EMS Advisory Council Meeting is Thursday at 10 am

Will an EMS Solution for slow ambulance services for Nothern DeKalb County be proposed? 

City of Dunwoody is already paying for extra ambulances to solve DeKalb / AMR Shortfalls.  Brookhaven is now looking for solutions to issues as well.

The City of Dunwoody has raised numerous issues regarding ambulance availability with DeKalb Fire Rescue, their contractor AMR as well as the State EMS Advisory Council.  Our only solution was to provide additional ambulance services was for the City to pay for additional ambulance coverage that DeKalb should be providing.

There is a public meeting taking place tomorrow where Chief Mike Carlson (and maybe others) will be representing Dunwoody. I am hopeful that tomorrow both the Dunwoody Residents and those of Brookhaven will hear about proposed service improvements in the County EMS services.

What: Region 03 EMS Advisory Council Meeting

When: Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 10:00 am-12:00 noon

Where: DeKalb County Fire Rescue Services Headquarters 1950 W. Exchange Place, 5th Floor, Tucker Ga, 30084.

How to Connect Virtually: https://gapublichealth.webex.com/gapublichealth/j.php?MTID=m2fc2ec1e89bda8d9de9ca17f18db1999 

Thursday, August 14, 2025 10:00 AM | 2 hours | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada). Meeting number: 2537 811 8743.  Password: 9h3xBSPRFm6

Join by video system

Dial 25378118743@gapublichealth.webex.com

You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.

Join by phone

+1-415-655-0001 US Toll

Access code: 253 781 18743

The purpose and objective of the Region 03 EMS Advisory Council is to serve as a liaison between the Department (State of Office of EMS and Trauma) and the regional EMS system; serve as the local coordinating entity for Emergency Response Zones in Region 03; coordinate, facilitate the improvement of, and maintain a quality EMS system in the following eight (8) counties comprising EMS Region 03 (Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale); promote public education and knowledge of Emergency Medical Services; promote training programs at the local and regional levels to personnel involved with the delivery of EMS; establish a forum where the concerns of public and private organizations related to the Regional EMS system can be voiced; recommend to the Board of Public Health or its designee the designation of one or more 911 Zone providers for each Emergency Response Zone within the EMS Region, subject to approval or modification by the Board or its designee in accordance with the procedures set forth in O.C.G.A. 31-11-3 and 31-1104 and under the circumstances outlined in DHR Rule 511-9-3-.04, based primarily on the consideration of economy, efficiency and the benefit to public welfare.

The Board of Commissioners from each County within the Region shall make at least one appointment to the Council in compliance with the Bylaws.  County/allotted appointments: Clayton/2; Cobb/4; DeKalb/4; Douglas/1; Fulton/6; Gwinnett/5; Newton/1; Rockdale/1.

All meetings of the Council are subject to and in accordance with the Georgia Open Meetings Act.  Council meeting written minutes and audio recording are available through an Open Records Request directed to the Georgia Department of Public Health/Office of EMS and Trauma.  https://gadph.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest

https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2025/02/27/dekalb-county-develops-plan-addressing-slow-ambulance-response-times/

Dunwoody City Council agenda for Monday August 11, 2025 (Group home living, Rasing Cane's, Dominium, Condo conversion on Perimeter Center East, Oil Change, Municipal Contracts)

 

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday August 11, 2025
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://dunwoodyga-gov.zoom.us/j/82303246254 or  phone +14703812552,,82303246254#

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

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Award presentation to Officer of the Second Quarter, Elvin Arias and Employee of the Second Quarter, Paul Chastain

PUBLIC COMMENTS - Public Comment allows the City Council the opportunity to listen to the public (3 minutes per speaker / 30 minutes total).

PUBLIC HEARING & FIRST READ: Review and consideration a text amendment to the Code of
the City of Dunwoody for Chapter 27, including Sec. 27-112, Sec. 27-135.1, Sec. 27-146.1, and other sections, the general purpose of which is to create zoning regulations and procedures for group living uses,
including, but not limited to assisted living, independent living, community residences, recovery communities, and for other purposes. 

PUBLIC HEARING & FIRST READ:: RZ 25-02, 4570 Ashford Dunwoody Road: Request to
rezone from O-I (Office-Institution) to PC-1 (Perimeter Center)  No Drive Through at this time.

PUBLIC HEARING & FIRST READ: RZ 25-03, 4981 Ashford Dunwoody Road: Request to
rezone from O-I (Office Institution) to PD (Planned Development) to allow the construction of an age-restricted multi-unit rental building.

PUBLIC HEARING & FIRST READ:RZ 25-04, 64 & 66 Perimeter Center E: Request to rezone
from O-I (Office Institution) to PD (Planned Development) to allow the conversion of 64 Perimeter Center E into residential condominiums and 66 Perimeter Center E into an age-restricted rental residential use, and develop additional for-sale residences on the properties.

PUBLIC HEARING & FIRST READ: SLUP 25-03, 4515 Chamblee Dunwoody Road: Request for
a Special Land Use Permit for a drive-through to allow the construction of a drive-through oil change facility and two concurrent variances to allow relief from the building setback requirements and the stacking lane setback requirements.

Dunwoody Cultural Arts Center Enclosed Wheelchair Lift Modernization

FY2025 Mid-Year Budget Amendment

2025 Brook Run Park Holiday Lights Display

Rebidding of Major Municipal Services Contracts. - 12 staff members being brought in house?

PUBLIC COMMENTS - Public Comment allows the City Council the opportunity to listen to the public (3 minutes per speaker / 30 minutes total).

Funeral for Dunwoody Detective Jordan Laverty, age 35 is Monday and Dunwoody Police Foundation is collecting funds for the family.

Donations requested by the community to support Detective Laverty's Family

It is with a heavy heart that the City of Dunwoody shares the devastating news of the unexpected loss of Dunwoody Police Detective Jordan Laverty (Badge #1514).

Jordan faithfully served the citizens of Dunwoody for 8 years, and previously DeKalb County for 3, as well as serving in the US Army for four years, dedicating his life to service. His absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all. We are heartbroken for his family and offer our full love and support.

Jordan leaves behind a wife and four children. Please keep his family, friends, and the Dunwoody Police Department in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. 

Funeral services will be held Monday August 4th, 2 pm at Woodstock City Church, 150 Ridgewalk Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30188 with family visitation immediately before starting at 1 pm.

If you have the ability to donate a bit of financial support to the Laverty Family, honoring an officer who served our community; it would be appreciated by myself and the rest of the Dunwoody Police Department who are also shocked and suffering this great loss.  Rest in peace, Jordan.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembering-the-life-and-service-of-detective-jordan-laverty

Thank you. 

Detective Jordan Laverty - public obituary
June 13, 1990 — July 29, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Detective Jordan S. Laverty on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the age of 35. Born on June 13, 1990, in Austell, Georgia, Jordan leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication that will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jordan married his beloved wife, Brittney Laverty, on April 13th, 2013, and was a loving father to their four children: Emory, Harper, Ivey, and Quinn. He is also survived by his mother, Victoria Laverty, his brothers Chris Hollingsworth (Jenni), Christopher Knollin (Jen), and Scottie Knollin, and his grandparents, Jack and Virginia Duff, in-laws Dana and Carlton Tucker, and Greg and Traci Howard. The warmth of his smile and the kindness of his heart will forever live on in their memories.

A proud Army veteran, Jordan served his country honorably before embarking on an 11-year career in law enforcement. As a detective with the Dunwoody Police Department, he consistently demonstrated his commitment to serving and protecting his community. His dedication to his work was matched only by his passion for life, which included being a steadfast fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and cherishing time spent with his family and friends.

Jordan's funeral service will take place at Woodstock City Church on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., providing an opportunity for family and friends to come together to honor his life and legacy. Before the service, a visitation will be held starting at 1:00 p.m. Jordan will be remembered not just as a remarkable law enforcement officer and veteran but also as a great father and friend who touched the lives of many.

In this difficult time, may we all find comfort in sharing our memories of him and supporting one another as we remember the joy he brought into our lives.

Rest in peace, dear Jordan. Your light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved you.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Detective Jordan S. Laverty's memorial fund at https://tinyurl.com/Laverty-Family-Fund

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday July 28, 2025 (Comp Plan Public Hearing, Financial Report and Audit for 2024)

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday July 28, 2025
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://dunwoodyga-gov.zoom.us/j/85998548170 or  phone +14702509358,,85998548170#

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

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Administration of Oath of Office to Officer David Perkins

Recognition of Sarv Dharavane (3rd Place in the Scripps National Spelling Bee from Austin Elementary)

Presentation of FY2024 Audit Results

2024 Comprehensive Financial Report

Public Hearing & Action Item - Consent to Transmit Draft 2025 -2045 Comprehensive Plan to the Atlanta
Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for Review

I made a number of comments and pushed various amendments to the Comp Plan but at the end of the day Council included the Neighborhood Transition Opportunities for higher density in many sections of the city which I was against - therefore voted against the plan as a whole.

Approval of a Construction Contract for Old Springhouse Lane Path

Municipal Court Probation Services Contract Renewal

Holiday HQ Proposal

Solar Discussion from the Sustainability Committee

Dunwoody City Hall Facade Lighting

FY2025 Mid-Year Budget Amendment

On 8/7, I updated the documents as I was able to upload them to my servers and I included my recap of Comp Plan Proposed changes.

* I am away from my normal computer system therefore can not upload documents to my servers therefore I recommend you review the city documents on their agenda system where you click onto each agenda item for documentation or you can download the entire packet here.

I recommend citizens with a financial background review the Dunwoody Audit & Comprehensive Financial Report for 2024 as I still have ongoing funding concerns for city expenses namely our rebidding of our contracted business services that was last renewed 5 years ago (at much lower prices than expected this year) as well inflationary pressures for expenses like salaries.  If you have questions for Council or staff, please raise them.

I have had number of citizen conversations regarding the comprehensive plan and my blog posts outlining my concerns & recommendations.  I look forward a conversation with council and then I will offer a few amendments including a few that were suggested by residents that thought I didn't go far enough in tightening up the language.  

I am not against the Holiday HQ proposal to spruce up the business areas but I believe the City Hall Facade Lighting is an overstep, not needed, nor possibly legal within our code if it were not on a governmental building.

Finally the FY2025 Mid-Year Budget Amendment really just cleans up the books as far as revenue received and shuffling a few accounts.  I will be asking about the funds being used for the Brook Run Maintenance Facility as this amendment uses  $461,000 from Unallocated Capital from the Shallowford Road proceeds but I would prefer that those funds be used for only front of house park development instead of a behind the scenes facility.  It may be a minor thing but in the spirit of the reason those funds were obtained I believe that was the intention of past Councils that those funds be allocated for playable park space. If you remember back on April 28th, Council narrowly approved (by a 4 to 3 vote) the $3.3 million back of house facility improvement whereby we only budgeted $1.5 million.  I was against this measure for both the cost over run as well as a portion of the excess funds ($1.5 Million) were coming from the sale of the Shallowford property and that measure mentions another $461K coming from unallocated capital but it didn't say where at that time.  Monday's amendment again shows coming from Shallowford and I would prefer that not be used.

Every Dunwoody Zoning Decision is based on the Comprehensive Plan and there is a Public Hearing Monday July 28th on our direction for the update.

If these are our guiding principles - I am not sure this is what the residents really want?

In the last week or so, I have noticed an uptick of emails & interest from citizens in regard to Dunwoody Zoning issues.  This may have started with the Dunwoody Planning Commission approving the presented updated Comprehensive Land Use Plan with a few minor tweaks and then the Planning Commission recommended approval of a project or two (watch the video) that will be coming in front of Council in the coming weeks.  These types of zoning decisions are based on what is presented in the comprehensive land use plan & I have had my concerns regarding this plan update for months but now it is finally coming to decision.

This coming Monday, July 28th, the Dunwoody City Council will have a public hearing at 6 pm at City Hall at our regularly scheduled meeting for you the citizens to voice your option on the proposed Comprehensive Land Use Plan.  After discussions and possible modifications, Council will then require a decision to Transmit the Draft 2025 -2045 Comprehensive Plan to the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for Review (Allison Stewart-Harris & Richard McLeod) (Action)

On June 6th, I raised major concerns in my blog regarding the proposed allowances in the comp plan for increased residential density that I believe should always come in front of Council, namely any development that may bring 100’s of units to the city (typically Multi-Unit, Mixed Use and Senior/Assisted Living) which will impact neighboring property need council scrutiny.  I am also adamantly opposed to the section entitled Neighborhood Transition Opportunities which would allow higher density on our main thoroughfares where there are currently single-family residences.  Finally, I am opposed to the rezoning of the Civic Campuses, Brook Run Park & Water Works away from their underlying Suburban Neighborhood zoning and would like that removed.

For the last 18 years, the Dunwoody City Council has moved methodically to implement zoning changes whereby we have strengthened the Perimeter Core with new office towers, worked with developers to approve condos on Perimeter Center East and approved new residential towers on the State Farm Complex.  Council has approved numerous town home projects, senior apartments, approved various commercial projects all while buffering or reducing the negative impacts of the approved development away from those residents and businesses that are adjacent to the project.  Each Council-member has their own vision for Dunwoody and collectively I trust those elected to serve, will approve the appropriate projects in the appropriate places for the right reasons as it is not our job to make the lives of developers easy; as we the Council work for the residents of this fair town and they should expect nothing less than our full attention to every detail both pro & con on proposed changes.

In my conversations with staff, this draft Comp Plan can not be delayed in sending to the State until after the Unified Development Ordinance is completed therefore I will raise the following points in discussion after the public hearing on Monday and then move to make the following changes to the Comp Plan prior to our vote to transmit it to the State.  My hope is that Council will have a spirited discussion about what is in the plan, make changes that are appropriate, allow staff to update the document outlining the changes proposed by Council, and hold another hearing in August to be assured that what we are presenting to the State is the vision that our community also has for the growth of the Dunwoody community.
_______________

Open the Draft 2025 -2045 Comprehensive Plan to follow along.

Suburban Neighborhood chart – page 79.   No Changes

Remove Neighborhood Transition Opportunities – page 80 and mentioned in other sections too.

Perimeter Core chart – page 83. Move from Green to Yellow,  Multi-Unit, Senior/Assisted Living & Mixed Use to allow City Council to approve appropriateness of each project on its merits.  In the UDO do not eliminate Perimeter Overlay and do not scrap all prior zoning decisions on the books as Sandy Springs did when they rewrote their zoning plans.

Perimeter transition chart – page 85. Move from Green to Yellow,  Senior/Assisted Living & Mixed Use to allow City Council to approve appropriateness of each project on its merits.  In the UDO do not eliminate Perimeter Overlay and do not scrap all prior zoning decisions on the books as Sandy Springs did when they rewrote their zoning plans.

Dunwoody Village core chart – page 87.  Move from Green to Yellow,  Senior/Assisted Living & Mixed Use to allow City Council to approve appropriateness of each project on its merits.

Dunwoody Village transition chart – page 89.  Move from Green to Yellow,  Senior/Assisted Living to allow City Council to approve appropriateness of each project on its merits.

Georgetown West core chart – page 91.  Move from Green to Yellow,  Senior/Assisted Living & Mixed Use to allow City Council to approve appropriateness of each project on its merits.

Georgetown West transitional chart – page 93.  Move from Green to Yellow,  Senior/Assisted Living to allow City Council to approve appropriateness of each project on its merits.

Georgetown East chart – page 95.  Move from Green to Yellow,  Senior/Assisted Living & Mixed Use to allow City Council to approve appropriateness of each project on its merits.

Winters Chapel core chart – page 97.  Move from Green to Yellow,  Multi-Unit, Senior/Assisted Living & Mixed Use to allow City Council to approve appropriateness of each project on its merits.  

Winters Chapel transition chart – page 99.  Move from Green to Yellow,  Senior/Assisted Living to allow City Council to approve appropriateness of each project on its merits.  

Jett Ferry chart – page 101.  Move from Green to Yellow,  Senior/Assisted Living & Mixed Use to allow City Council to approve appropriateness of each project on its merits.

Ashford chart – page 103.  Move from Green to Yellow,  Senior/Assisted Living to allow City Council to approve appropriateness of each project on its merits.

Peachtree Boulevard chart – page 105.  Move from Green to Yellow,  Multi-Unit, Senior/Assisted Living & Mixed Use to allow City Council to approve appropriateness of each project on its merits.  

Civic Campuses, Brook Run Park & Water Works areas – pages 106 to 111.  Delete all sections as this is all zoned Suburban Neighborhood and should not change.  Current and proposed uses already allowed.

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday July 14, 2025

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday July 14, 2025
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.

The City Staff missed printing the Zoom video information for this meeting but the official agenda should be updated with this information Monday morning in the city agenda link above & here.

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

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Presentation of Medals of Meritorious Service to Officers J. Davis, J. Edwards, T. Wanstreet

Recognition of Class 2025-005 Teen Police Academy Graduates

Administration of Oath of Office to Officer David Perkins 

PUBLIC COMMENTS - Public Comment allows the City Council the opportunity to listen to the public (3 minutes per speaker / 30 minutes total).

City Manager's Report (Eric Linton) 

Spruill Center for the Arts Annual Presentation (Rachel Waldron) 

Resolution Authorizing Participation in an Amicas Brief in the Chang v. City Milton Appeal Pending Before the Georgia Supreme Court

Resolution Appointing DeKalb County Board of Registrations and Elections to Conduct the City of Dunwoody November 4, 2025 General Election, and if Necessary, December 2, 2025 Runoff Election 

Contract Extension with Triscapes for Road and Stormwater Maintenance

Dunwoody Cultural Arts Center HVAC Replacement

Resolution Appointing Members to Serve on the Planning Commission (Thomas O'Brien, Scott Brown & Jeff Moss)

Resolution to Authorize the Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding for a Shared Police SWAT Equipment Vehicle

Approval of Purchase for Axon Police Cameras & Equipment (Chief Carlson) 

Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation for Chamblee Dunwoody Bridge Enhancements - $2 Million Dollars.

Approval of a Construction Contract for Old Springhouse Lane Path

Municipal Court Probation Services Contract Renewal

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday June 16th (Tax Millage Rate, Future Path & Capital Planning, Veterans Memorial Contract, City Manager Report, Safe Streets Update)

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday June 16, 2025
6:00 PM
DUNWOODY CITY HALL - DUNWOODY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Note: there is an 8 am special called meeting on Monday (hearing regarding the millage rate) where public comment on the tax rate is encouraged, repeats at 6 pm and in 2 weeks with final vote.

Agenda 8 am  - City Site Agenda

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://dunwoodyga-gov.zoom.us/j/82303246254 or  phone +14703812552,,82303246254#

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

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Administration of Oath of Office to Officer Bryan Kitt

PUBLIC COMMENTS - Public Comment allows the City Council the opportunity to listen to the public (3 minutes per speaker / 30 minutes total).

Recognition of Dunwoody 101 Graduating Class

City Manager's Monthly Report

Safe Streets Program Update

Public Hearing for Establishing 2025 Millage Rate 

Resolution Appointing Members to Serve on Alcohol License Review Board

Resolution Appointing Members to Serve on Urban Redevelopment Agency

Donaldson-Bannister Farm Blacksmith Shop Renovations

Approval of a Construction Contract for Streambank Stabilization Project at 1638 Kellogg Springs Drive 

Funding Authorization for Stormwater Construction for Wildcat Learning Center of Dunwoody Nature Center

Elevator Preventative Maintenance Services for City Hall and N. Shallowford Annex 

SS4A Grant Application for Corridor Study

Contract Extension with Triscapes for Road and Stormwater Maintenance

Brook Run Park Veterans Memorial Contract Award

Capital Improvement Plan Update

John Heneghan's opinion of Dunwoody's latest draft of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Density & infill seem to be priorities

Document

I have been reviewing the latest draft of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the City of Dunwoody and in reviewing this document you must remember that this is just the first half of the process as the City of Dunwoody plans to update its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) whereby the two documents will work hand in hand guiding development opportunities. The two processes are complementary since the Comprehensive Plan sets the vision and policy, while the UDO implements both.  Coordinating both will streamline the process, but we currently have only half the story as the implementation direction is still to be seen.

The UDO update will aim to simplify and streamline the development process to make it easier for users (developers) to understand and for City staff to administer. The process will begin with assessing existing codes from both technical and policy perspectives, followed by removing conflicts to make the document internally consistent and easier to administer, thereby creating a modern and user-friendly document.

As I review the city’s current GIS zoning map, I see hundreds of prior zoning agreements on the books that this community fought hard to implement, and will this Unified Development Ordinance now sweep all of those agreements away whereby they never existed?  

For example, I have been requesting the development of single level condos (owner occupied multi-unit residential) for years and they have been discussed from time to time but I believe the last completed condo was the tall Manhattan building over by Target prior to cityhood.  This comprehensive land use plan does not mention owner occupied anywhere in the document and I believe this is an important aspect of zoning that if left out will negatively impact this community for many years.

Cities all around us (Sandy Springs on Hammond & Chamblee / Brookhaven on Peachtree Industrial) have built thousands of apartments that we already have.  These rental units serve a different demographic whereby I want our current seniors who have a huge house on a half-acre lot to be able to sell and buy a smaller single level unit so that they can age in place and the big house can turn over to a young family who can add vibrancy to the community.  Condos would allow the golden handcuffs to be removed from the seniors, it would open housing stock, refreshing the tax rolls and it would be a win / win for the entire community.  The comprehensive land use document says nothing of this single level owner occupied housing need and I am disappointed in that aspect.

This plan pushes density and in fill at every turn and in my analysis of the first draft of the comp plan I said it looks like the document is taking the decision making away from Council.  Someone must have read my blog because this version rectifies that by stating that the Unified Development Ordinance may have other use standards to be applied.   What those are and what control Council will be given to stop a development that the Comp Plan says is appropriate, is still to be seen.  Based on the Comp Plan and the Unified Development Ordinance needing to be worked hand in hand; it is my opinion that Council should not approve one document ahead of the other; therefore both documents need to be vetted together and voted upon only after a through community discussion.  Based on the original timeline presented in July 2024, the plan is to approve the Comp Plan in July / August of 2025 and only then start the development of the Unified Development Ordinance with it's approval slated for August / September of 2026.  I think this needs to be done as one project whereby we approve both halves at the same time.

Some of the things I question as I look at the document, first are the Character Areas. Are they appropriate, sized correctly with the correct allowances for zoning and what would these changes allow that might have unintended consequences?  There are 12 character areas whereby every inch of the city falls into one of these areas but I believe several (Brook Run Park / DeKalb Water Works) areas can be deleted as they are merely placeholders of land that will not be developed and if any of those parcels hit the market they should be forced to follow the underlining zoning of Suburban Neighborhood.

Civic Campus character area should also be deleted but for two different reasons.  First the Georgia State property is controlled by another governmental entity and if they wanted to develop the property with new buildings or even dorms, the city would have limited control no matter what our comp plan says.  If rezoned as currently planned and the state wanted to sell off a corner of the property for Multi-Unit apartments, they could.  If the character area of civic campus wasn’t there the new owner of that property would have to follow the policies outlined in Suburban Neighborhood.   The same goes for the Marcus Jewish Community Center (MJCC), the current zoning is R-100 therefore they should stay in Suburban Neighborhood and if they want zoning changes up to four stories tall, they should be forced to go though the same process as everyone else whereby high-density housing is not automatically allowed.

Peachtree Boulevard character area has several huge apartment complexes that are currently prime for redevelopment, and I see that the various parcels are owned by businesses in New York, Indiana and Georgia.  The proposed allowances in this area is to allow up to 10 stories of residential as well as possible commercial multi-use complex.  A blanket allowance of 10 story residential might entice the landowners of making a huge investment but could our infrastructure handle those additional residents and required services?

Georgetown East comprises of the huge 100-acre apartment complex at North Peachtree & 285 and the First Baptist property, and it allows up to 5 story buildings and the only thing not recommended on those parcels is single family residential.  Looking at the map, First Baptist owns the parking lot on the North side Peachford and that property would currently fall into Georgetown West which has lower density and slightly different uses.

Something that might make more sense is to have one character area for both Peachtree Boulevard and the Apartment complex on North Peachtree.  Both of those properties abut single family residential and need transitional buffers and height step-downs near those uses.  The thought of Ten stories of height seems excessive for both areas and that might need to be reduced.  If the idea of a consolidated large multi-unit area gained traction, I might suggest deleting the Georgetown East area and only having one consolidated Georgetown Character area with lower heights.   At the same time, I would take the First Baptist property and the property north of there up to Brook Run, between the creek & North Peachtree and place that area into Suburban Neighborhoods.

Dunwoody Village has areas in the transition zone that are prime for commercial redevelopment up to three stories high, but those properties also abut single family residential with little buffer available for spacing or stepping down.  The village core zoning allows mixed use (stores on the bottom and four stories of multi-unit’s) with lots of language of protecting the neighbors.

Winters Chapel also has two sections, core and transitional with 3 or 4 stories depending on the area.  The area lists the cemetery, several small commercial areas and a residential area dominated by power lines.  I would be happy to see upgraded facilities all around but based on the layout and boundary lines, the Walmart property is not in Dunwoody (as we only have a segment of the parking lot.) 

Jett Ferry is several small commercial areas with light office with a maximum height allowed of only three stories, so don’t expect much to change there unless the market forces and the owner of a large property decides to clear the land and put in a denser mixed use project. 

Ashford has a large apartment complex, City Hall, other larger office complexes and Dunwoody Baptist Church; future zoning would only allow up to four stories but I could see some requests coming in soon to modify large office properties into residential.  The devil is always in the details.

The final character area is Perimeter Center with two different areas, the core which includes the Mall, Ashford Dunwoody as well as the West side and then the transition area abutting single family homes in the north and east that have stepped down zoning.  Density looks to be encouraged in the core of Perimeter with Multi-Unit Residential being allowed up to 16 stories whereby the transitional area has a maximum of six stories.    The City Council has only approved several multi-unit rental developments in the last 16 years because they each had something special about what was being offered, be it a high-rise unit in the State Farm complex or it being limited to senior housing.  

I still have grave concerns that the Comp Plan together with the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), yet to be written, will take the final approval responsibility out of the discretion of the Council whereby we will be forced to follow a matrix that might be development / density friendly.  The city council has never approved a cookie cutter apartment complex because we (or maybe just I) believe the Perimeter Area already fills that apartment need and that long-term owner-occupied units better serve the viability of the city.

Something I already mentioned that I will need clarified is, “Will the Comp Plan and new Unified Development Ordinance completely erase all previse zoning decisions on the books?”  For example, High Street, the new development across the street from the Dunwoody Marta Station was zoned by DeKalb County prior to cityhood with hard fought negotiations with the Dunwoody Homeowners Association for 1,500 apartments, 1,500 condos, 400 hotel rooms and a bunch of office & retail.   Those figures are on the books today and High Street would need to come before Council to change that mix if desired.  Again, the devil will be in the details, but I wonder if the UDO passes (granted we haven’t seen it yet) could High Street then modify their plans to build 3,000 apartments and scrap the condo requirements?  Time will tell.

Another item that jumped out to me was the idea around “Neighborhood Transition Opportunities Policy” found on page 80 whereby if a main thoroughfare was within a quarter of mile from a Commercial Node; the residences in that area could be automatically converted to higher density products like town-homes, senior / assisted living.  This needs a thorough review before possible approval as I see numerous issues on both the policy and the implementation guidelines being presented. 

The draft of the 2025-45 Direction Dunwoody Comprehensive Plan will be presented to the Dunwoody Planning Commission during a Special Called Meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, at Dunwoody City Hall. The meeting will include public comment.

If the Comprehensive Land Use Plan needs to be approved prior to the UDO implementation rules are laid out, the question before the community is this; does this draft Comp Plan with automatic density upgrades and infill match the values and desires of the community? 

Is this what we really want?   I have concerns on proposed density, lack of controls on rental vs owner occupied, the removal of previous zoning agreements, the intrusion on the single family neighborhoods being forced to accept transitional housing.  Not knowing the controls that the UDO might allow, I would be forced to take the Comp Plan at face value and I'm just not sure if it is appropriate?