Dunwoody resident asks, "Why can't we have nice things like our neighbors?"

Just because it is not easy, doesn't mean we are working towards these goals

Part of the job of serving on the City Council is knowing what the residents of your city want and then trying to fulfill their desires with the resources that you have available, unfortunately, the desires always outweigh resources.  I read everything Dunwoody related that I can get my hands upon and that includes newspapers, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, podcasts, various Blogs, AHA, Letters to the Editor, e-mails directed to Council, Myspace and sometimes I will even read Nextdoor.  If it is Dunwoody related, I read it.  If someone needs assistance I jump in, if it is a general conversation I may just watch the conversation but I rarely jump deep into Facebook conversations as I usually have my own platform for communication and the Open Records laws regarding social media communication for elected officials is murky at best.

Anyway, I saw a conversation on Dunwoody (and specifically Dunwoody Village) being compared to to the new Town Center mixed-use development in Peachtree Corners whereby the city purchased a patch of forest on Peachtree Parkway across from the Forum and turned it into a shopping area with an activated outdoor dining, drinking/recreation area with music events from time to time.

Maybe my heart was still pumping hard from this evenings spin class, or I ate too many treats at the Dunwoody Community Garden 10 year celebration or I was too hyped up from whipping my boys at Foosball; either way, I broke down and commented on a group Facebook post.   My answer was detailed, addressing not only her question but also some of the other comments on the post and figured in the sense of transparency that it was worth me posting here as well.

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To loosely recap the question, it was Why can't Dunwoody have nice things like outdoor dining in a pretty park setting and then be able to walk around listening to music as I sip my wine?

My answer was ... I don't think anyone disagrees with you, we would all want that. The City of Dunwoody wishes they could buy a chunk of undeveloped land to do what Peachtree Corners did or be like Sandy Springs and be able to afford to buy out profitable businesses - but neither option is easy for us to do.

Regency owns the Village shopping center and we have made it easier for them to redevelop by unregulating the area including the corner property on Chamblee Dunwoody & Mount Vernon that sits vacant for years. Regency owns much of the property and they and the other owners decide if major changes are desired, not us - but we continue the discussions. If the City moved forward, purchasing a chunk of the parking lot from Regency and made it into a park, would Regency try to redevelop around it or would it be a patch of green surrounded by asphalt? Having the City buy a chunk of land from Regency in order to build a parking lot, what would Regency do with that multi-million dollar amenity?

The City redeveloped the old pipe farm off Chamblee Dunwoody and now has several restaurant parcels abutting open green space and a park available at Shallowford and Perimeter Park yet we can't find a developer willing to move this idea forward. Economics and the number of eyeballs driving by always come into play on developments like this and there are a lot more cars driving by on Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree Corners.

Dunwoody with the help of DHA puts forward Food Trucks with bands and the City hosts other events either by itself or partnering with the Dunwoody Nature Center, so you can't say we are not trying.

As far as permanent restaurants in Brook Run, I'm not against it (think Park Tavern or Tavern on the Green) but I am sure food trucks will be involved anytime crowds are expected. When the amphitheater is completed, I am guessing we will be scheduling a regular concert series with tables for purchase via subscription service and free concerts otherwise. I fully expect outside food and beverage service being available if you don't bring your own.

Long story, short - the City is trying to foster the items that you desire and are working towards the future with the funds we have available but when it comes to modifying existing commercial development sometimes it is easier said than done. Just because it is not easy, doesn't mean we are not working towards these goals behind the scenes.

Thanks

John Heneghan
Dunwoody City Council

PS: Earlier this week the High Street ATL huge development next to Perimeter Mall and the Marta Station which many compare to the Avalon in Alpharetta just dropped their phase 1 plan off at Dunwoody City Hall and this development will include hotel site, retail, office, parking, and about 600 apartments. The zoning on site that was put in many years ago allows up to 1,500 apartments and 1,500 condos and based on recent actions the development that has been on-again / off-again for many years may finally be coming out of the ground. I plan on reviewing and posting the High Street plans as soon as I get my hands on them.

Fabulous Irish Music every Wednesday Night at O'Brian's Tavern in Dunwoody - 8 p.m.

This is a repost but still valid - every Wednesday at 8 pm a large group of musicians gather together in the back corner of O'Brian's Tavern to play a little Irish music.  The night I was there, there were 15 musicians huddled in the corner of the pub where the sounds of jigs & reels filled the air to where you would think that there was an Irish Orchestra playing for just you.    If you haven't eaten the fine fare at the Tavern, I believe most would give it high marks as it is much more than typical pub food, check the menu for yourself and then come out, grab a table and enjoy your evening.  

Video

O'Brians Tavern
2486 Mount Vernon Rd
Dunwoody, GA 30338

Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber & Dunwoody High to hold career expo for Students & Parents on Thurs April 20th. Trades people wanted as exhibitors!

Register for Free Attendance

The Expo is designed to give students and parents from Dunwoody High School as well as regional public and private schools the opportunity to view available traditional college and career choices.   All regional high school aged students and parents of those students are encouraged to attend.

The event is one of the may ways the Chamber's Partners in Education & Workforce Development Council is working to address the need to retain youth in the region and meet the growing workforce needs," said Pam Tallmadege, Partners in Education and Workforce Development Chair and City of Dunwoody Councilwoman.  "Broad involvement by regional businesses and educators is key to the event's success and helping to highlight the diverse opportunities available."

Thursday April 20th from 3:00-7:00pm.

Location: Dunwoody High School, 5035 Vermack Road  Dunwoody, GA 30338

Date/Time Information:  Event open to public from 3:00-7:00pm.

Fees/Admission:

Free to general attendees - students & parents should click here for more information.

Sponsorships from in-kind to $5,000 are available - learn more by clicking here.

Exhibitor booths from $80+ - click here for more information.

To register for a sponsorship or exhibitor booth please click the registration link on the top left hand side of this screen.

Note: Those wishing to exhibit and/or sponsor must register online.  Payment is required at the time of registration.  *Limited number of booths available - first come first serve.

What one word describes "Our Town" of Dunwoody?

 What is your word?

My friend (maybe he's everyone's friend?) Heyward Wescott serves on the Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber of Commerce and he is looking for 1 word that describes Dunwoody. 

The results so far are interesting and as his post on Facebook is public, please check it out and add to the list.

I cheated and honored my favorite play "Our Town" by listing Grover's Corners, the name of the setting. 

Do you have one word? Please add to Heyward's list by clicking his request above. Thanks

PS: kudos to the Dunwoody Crier for this week's edition of the Lewis J. Walker, Investment Coach article entitled, The Magic Bank Account which reminded me of the play  "Our Town" by Thornton Wildner. I have linked the article above and highlighted my favorite part (and the lesson to be learned) from the play. Both are recommended reading.

Happy New Year and please hug those that you love. John

Emily: Good-bye to clocks ticking…and Mama’s sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new ironed dresses and hot baths…and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you are too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it—every, every minute?

Stage Manager: No. The saints and poets, maybe they do some.

DeKalb's Lee May comes to Dunwoody and a bunch of other Dunwoody tidbits.

I enjoyed a little time away.

I stepped away from computers and work responsibilities to play in the sand in Orange Beach, AL with my family for a bit & I hope your spring break was as refreshing and joyous as mine.  Where did you go?

Sunday evening (April 12 @ 7:30 pm) I will be attending the monthly Dunwoody Homeowners Association Meeting where Interim DeKalb CEO Lee May will be in attendance giving us an update (I will be listening attentively) and there will be updates on the Dunwoody Village Parkway Condos and the Georgia Power Tree Cutting Program.  Trees Atlanta and the Stage Door Players will also be visiting to raise a few issues.  DeKalb Cultural Arts Center (Room 4) 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road

I have attended the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) in the past at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta and the ceremony is quite moving.  This year the ceremony is Sunday April 12, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The intersection of Spalding Drive and Mount Vernon Road will close for road construction starting Monday, April 13, according to the city of Sandy Springs. Please use Dunwoody Club as a Detour.

Monday night is a Dunwoody City Council Meeting - I am excited about approving the next segment of the Brook Run Trail as well as installing another park.

Lemonade Days starts Wednesday April 15th and runs through the weekend.  I will probably be there every day of the event but if you have children who want to ride the rides; may I suggest that Wednesday & Thursday will be the easiest and most economical option if you can swing it.   Lines are short or non-existent compared to Fri / Sat / Sun.  Here is the $5 off coupon - in fact three. 

Sunday Conversation with Debbie Fuse, the Executive Director of the Dunwoody Preservation Trust

Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays are back to Brook Run Park! King of Pops & The Blaxican are rated as Atlanta's best and they are regular visitors to Dunwoody.

Saturday April 18 - Paint Recycling Event at Dunwoody Nature Center.

MARTA’s efforts to extend access to transit to the Georgia 400 Corridor will move one step closer to reality - see plans - next meeting April 19.

Have you even been in the Brook Run Greenhouse or Barn?  The Dunwoody Community Garden and Orchard (DCGO) and the Dunwoody Fine Art Association (DFAA) will be selling plants and exhibiting Art from local artists at Brook Run Park at 4770 North Peachtree Road in Dunwoody, GA 30338 from Monday, April 20 thru the 26th at the Greenhouse complex, which is across from the skateboard facility. The hours will be from 9:00 AM to 5:00PM. The public is invited and there is no fee.

Tuesday Night Kids Swim Season is soon upon us and Rick Callahan is prognosticating once again as to who is going to beat whom.  The full schedule is here.   If you do not belong to a local swim tennis association but have a child who would like to swim on a swim team, please reach out to Dunwoody North as we welcome everybody!  If you live in the area and want to join what I consider the best swim tennis club in Dunwoody where my bride is the social director and I can be found playing water volleyball on weekends; please check us out.

Kudos to Dunwoody Crime Analyst Amanda Head - the behind the scenes numbers cruncher works to keep us all safe.   I bet many readers could guess where this story happened?

Things that make you go "Hmmm" - Chamber of Commerce, George Chidi predicts Dark Days & much Speculation,

Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce and local merchants recognizes teachers of the year.

I had a great time this morning honoring those who inspire our children.   Thank you.

Six teachers from Dunwoody schools were honored by the Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 5., and more teachers will be recognized as votes come in later. Abby Ross, of Austin Elementary; Lauren Long, of Dunwoody Elementary, Lori Vesole, of Dunwoody High School; Theodora Johnson, of Georgia Perimeter College; Cheryl Cook, of Hightower Elementary; Nick Birchby, of Peachtree Middle School; and Toni Hunter, of Chesnut Elementary, each received a custom parking sign naming them Teacher of the Year, free oil changes from Kia of Chamblee, $100 gift certificate from McKendrick’s Steak House and a free one-year membership to the UFC Gym.

Participating schools include Austin Elementary, Chesnut Elementary, Dunwoody Elementary, Kingsley Elementary , Peachtree Middle School, Dunwoody High School, Mount Vernon Presbyterian School and Georgia Perimeter College. Kingsley and Vanderlyn will announce later who their teacher of the years are.

Who knew that the Pop Rocks corporate headquarters is located in Dunwoody, GA?

Imagine what the Dunwoody 4th of July parade (Largest in Georgia) would be like if these packets were tossed to the thousands of kids along the route?

https://www.facebook.com/PopRocksCandy

Pop Rocks Inc. Three Dunwoody Park Suite 128 Dunwoody, GA 30338

 Video

Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce talks to High Velocity Radio

 

 Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Atlanta Business Radio - High Velocity Radio

Stephanie Snodgrass / Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce 
Stephanie Snodgrass is the newly named President and CEO of the Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce and has been in the position since September 22, 2014. Her immediate objectives are to provide a great return on investment for all Chamber members and to develop a plan of work that will strengthen those returns. Prior to moving to Dunwoody she was President of the Walker County Chamber of Commerce and Regional Visitors Information Center for over five years. During this time she promoted active participation and collaboration through a variety of initiatives to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Walker County and the surrounding region. In November of 2012, she led the Walker County Chamber in obtaining the Georgia Certified Chamber of Commerce status.

Marcy Bass / Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta   
Originally from New York, Marcy Bass moved to Atlanta after graduating from law school and was in-house counsel with BellSouth Corporation for more than 20 years. Following her retirement from BellSouth, she became more  involved in volunteer work with various Jewish and Atlanta nonprofit organizations. Marcy is married to Scott  Fisher, an attorney, and has two grown sons, both of whom live in Atlanta.

Judy Schulman / Mid-South Financial Group 
Judy Schulman, an experienced long-term care specialist, is recognized for her practical approach in the planning for the risk of long-term care. By providing current, factual and objective information, she has helped over 1300 people look forward to retirement without the worry that the cost of extended care will jeopardize their financial security.

Adrienne Duncan / SDOC Publishing Internet Soutions   
Adrienne Duncan, a 15-year veteran of website design and development, is the owner of SDOC Publishing Internet Solutions in Dunwoody. SDOC Publishing was one of the founding sponsors of the Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce in 2008. SDOC Publishing has provided complete web design, development and hosting solutions to the Chamber ever since through all of its changes and growth during its first six years.  Adrienne also wrote of her experience on the radio on her blog. 

Sprouts Farmers Market - Dunwoody opens Wednesday 7 am and reminder of other Restaurant Openings .

Sprouts Farmers Market - Dunwoody

JULY 16 GRAND OPENING EVENTS
WHEN: Wednesday, July 16, at 7 a.m.
WHY: There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new 37,000 square foot store. The public is invited to join the festivities, tour the store and shop for their favorite healthy grocery items. Special events and giveaways include:

· Delicious muffin and coffee samples will be served to everyone in line before the doors open.
· The first 200 shoppers in line will receive 20 percent off their initial total purchase.
· Upon checkout, every 15th shopper will receive a coupon book featuring exclusive Sprouts savings.
· One dollar deals throughout the store in addition to Sprouts’ everyday great values.
· Every customer will receive one free reusable bag with purchase.

POST-GRAND OPENING EVENTS
The Grand Opening celebration continues:
Saturday, July 19
· The first 100 customers to make a purchase will receive a coupon booklet for five free sandwiches.

· We’ll be hiding 20 golden tickets on products throughout the aisles. If you find one, you’ll get $20 off your purchase.

Restaurant Openings (jobs available?)

The new Wild Wing Cafe will be located on Ashford-Dunwoody Road at Ashford Place in Dunwoody. The 7,400 square foot space Wild Wing will occupy was built as a Romano's Macaroni Grill

Memphis BBQ Co. will soon open in the former Smokey Bones / Firkin & Gryphon at the opposite end of the same center.

Takorea of Dunwoody is locally owned and will offer a fusion of Korean and Mexican cuisine.  The restaurant is opening soon in the Georgetown Shopping Center in the old Guthries location.

The Pub is coming to Dunwoody Perimeter Mall, filling former Hudson Grille space. I was at Perimeter Mall today and saw a storefront accepting employment applications.

Union Hill Kitchen is now open in downtown Chamblee at 5225 Peachtree Road, near the Chamblee MARTA station.  The restaurant is being opened by Chef Alexis Hernandez,who hails from Union City, New Jersey.  Research on Chef Alexis Hernandez, indicates that he was a finalist on The Next Food Network Star, season six.

Southbound is a second fine dining establishment in downtown Chamblee at 5394 Peachtree Road that is now open.

FYI, my local casual favorites are still Empire State Pizza for simple sit down and Gyro Gyro for eating on the run.  Local restaurants that I need to try are Carbonara Trattoria and it has been way to long since I was last at McKendrick's Steak House.   We are truely blessed with so many fine choices.

Finally as an add on, the new pet store Unleashed by Petco will open on Monday next to the Dunwoody Publix

Dunwoody's State of the City Event is open to the public on Thursday with a 6 pm reception at Crowne Plaza Ravinia

Thursday, March 6, 2014
6:00 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Ravinia
4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road

The City of Dunwoody, the Rotary Club of Dunwoody, and the Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce the fifth annual State of the City event!

The State of the City is the premier city sponsored event showcasing our accomplishments from 2013 and provides a look ahead into the future of Dunwoody. This year we also celebrate a milestone birthday, our 5th year as a city!

We invite you to come celebrate with us, and not only wish a happy birthday, but another successful year in the City of Dunwoody. The State of the City is being held at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia, 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road and begins with a public reception at 6 p.m.

Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce to honor outstanding area educators on Friday at Dunwoody High

Join the Dunwoody Community in congratulating our OUTSTANDING educators at the 2014 Teacher of the Year breakfast. Dunwoody will recognize one teacher at each of the 5 elementary schools, Peachtree Middle School, and Dunwoody High School that continuously goes above and beyond to meet the needs of their students.

FRIDAY, March 7th

7:30-8:30 am

at Dunwoody High School

Light breakfast and coffee will be provided by Cafe Intermezzo

Special Thank You to Our Sponsors

Your donations make this event possible

Breakfast:

Cafe Intermezzo

Each Teacher of the Year will be provided with:

a personalized Parking Spot Sign, by Custom Signs Today

unlimited oil changes and car washes at Ed Voyles Kia

Partners in Education

Southern Comforts Cabin Rental

McKendrick's Steakhouse

Custom Signs Today

Contributing Partners

Starbucks, Barnes and Noble, Target, and Wells Fargo

Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce plays matchmaker with student internships.

http://www.internships.com/group/dunwoody-chamber

Taste of Dunwoody scheduled for January 25th to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Date:	Saturday, January 25, 2014
Time:	7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Location:	Crowne Plaza Ravinia 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Rd Atlanta, GA
Tickets:	Tickets are available through our online purchasing page. The price per ticket is $100 and includes two premium drink tickets.
Contact	Contact Lynn Leslie for more information at 404.785.7337.
Be a part of our annual Taste of Dunwoody and enjoy an evening of food and fun benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Featuring delicious fare from more than 25 Atlanta restaurants, a silent auction, a cash bar and live music performed by Yacht Rock Revue, the Taste of Dunwoody is always a sell-out event! With “spot on renditions” Yacht Rock Revue is possibly the best tribute to 70s light rock and always promise a good time. We look forward to the dance moves that ensue at the 11th annual Taste of Dunwoody – all to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Special thank you to the Crowne Plaza Ravinia for hosting the 2014 Taste of Dunwoody. To reserve your special $99 room rate for the night of the event, please contact them directly at 770.395.7700.  Featured Restaurants Eclipse di Luna Food 101 Marlow's Tavern Moondog Growlers/Red Hare Brewing Rita's Italian Ice South City Kitchen Vinings Tin Lizzy's Cantina Legal Sea Foods Mimi's Café Cold Brews Bar and Grill/ The Oyster House Red Pepper Taqueria Goldfish Café Intermezzo Red Spoon Bakery Alison’s Portico Twisted Taco Sage Seasons 52 5 Seasons Brewing Galla's Pizza Chuy's Mexican Restaurant daVia Italian Market Bruster's Ice Cream  Sponsors  Presenting Sponsor:   TRC Staffing Services Principal Sponsor:  Reporter Newspapers & Royal Caribbean International Platinum Sponsors: Atlanta Eats Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists, PC, Dr. Michael B. Stewart, DDC Dunwoody Convention and Visitors Bureau Jewelry Artisans The Hawkins Law Firm Participating Sponsors: Atlanta Dental Solutions – Dr. Daren Becker Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce SDOC Publishing Internet Solutions Schulman Esthetic & General Dentistry Sleep Better Georgia The Law Office of Alexander E. Kahn, LLC Sponsorship opportunities are available for purchase through the online purchasing page.

Dunwoody Perimeter Coffee Connection with Fran Millar and Tom Taylor on January 28, 2014

 

 Details

High Velocity Radio hosts Dunwoody Mayor Mike Davis and others to discuss why Dunwoody is a vibrant community for business.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

For those who may not be aware, Mayor Mike Davis has done a wonderful job in making business retention and commercial growth a top priority.  

I highly recommend that anyone who wants to learn what the City does to promote the business interests of the city to please listen to this wonderful interview done by Kevin Finn of High Velocity Radio.

Beth Summers, Executive Director of the Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce highlights the activities of the Chamber and the upcoming intern program with Dunwoody High School.

Andy Williams, Director of Sales, Convention & Visitors Bureau of Dunwoody highlights why Dunwoody, GA is the place to hold your next meeting or small convention.

Mayor Mike Davis highlights all of the great businesses moving into Dunwoody and the benefits of living our fair city. Discusses the new grocery store Sprouts that will be filling the old Ace Home Place store on Mount Vernon.

Alison Nalley is the Business Retention Manager for the City of Dunwoody who describes all of the work that the city does to retain the companies that are located here.

Restaurants in Dunwoody available on Thanksgiving

Step away from the stove and enjoy dinner in Dunwoody at one of the many restaurants that will be serving Thanksgiving feasts and fancies. Visit their landing pages to make a reservation today. You will be thankful you did!

Cafe Intermezzo

Chequer's Seafood Grill

Maggiano's Little Italy

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood

McKendrick's Steakhouse

Mimi's Cafe

Season's 52

Taco Mac

The Bird Rotisserie & Sports

The Capital Grille

The Viceroy Royal Indian Dining

Wright's Gourmet Sandwich Shoppe

Celebrate and Shop Local this holiday season in Dunwoody

It's no secret that Dunwoody is home to great shopping! With Perimeter Mall located right here and dozens of surrounding nationally-known favorites, we have an abundance of shopping selections. But, hidden in between are local gems that can't be found anywhere else. This holiday season, make a stop to shop and support these local businesses!

H. Stockton

Lola's Boutique

Spruill Gallery Holiday Artists Market and Gift Shop

Bellissimo Accessories

Consigning Women 

Cutie Pies Children's Boutique
The Enchanted Forest

Fab'rik Boutique

Nancy's Shoppe

Picayune Toys

Dress Up Boutique

Empire State Pizza & Growlers in Dunwoody, GA on Winters Chapel at Peeler

Video Tour - Todd Pinkerton, Dunwoody born & raised

Empire Pizza & Growlers      Dinner Menu
5000 Winters Chapel Rd
Dunwoody, GA 30360
770-680-5516 - Pick Up Only for now.

Hours:

12-9 Sunday and Monday 11-10 Tuesday through Saturday

http://www.pizzawingsbeer.com

Facebook     Dunwoody Chamber    

Dunwoody Chamber welcomes GA Attorney General Sam Olens to Fall Gala on Nov 7th

Save the date if interested or register today.

Dunwoody at Dusk tonight at Dunwoody Village

Music | Entertainment | Food | Fun

DUNWOODY VILLAGE
1917 Dunwoody Village Parkway
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

5:30 - 8:30 pm

Explore Dunwoody. Discovering new places to shop and dine while enjoying live entertainment and music! Restaurants and retailers will be offering special promotions and extended hours just for you.

 https://www.facebook.com/DunwoodyAtDusk