Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Blog: August 2008

Keep Roswell Beautiful (KRB) will hold the 4th Annual Great Duck Race after the Rivers Alive Clean-up and Festival on Saturday, September 27 at 12:45 p.m. Over 1000 ducks will be released in Big Creek beginning at the footbridge on Oxbo Road.

The annual duck race is a fundraising opportunity for KRB, which recently supported the purchase of the Earth Balloon – an inflatable classroom used for environmental education purposes. Ducks can be rented for $3 each or two for $5. Ducks can be rented at the Rivers Alive event and in the Environmental/Public Works Department at City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 235.

For more information on the Annual Great Duck Race or Keep Roswell Beautiful please contact Janet Liberman at 770.641.3715 or visit the Keep Roswell Beautiful website at www.keeproswellbeautiful.org.

Labels: big creek, great duck race, keep roswell beautiful, rivers alive clean-up festival, september 27

The Georgia Department of Transportation is advising of a major Interstate reconstruction project where I-85 south meets I-75 south on Labor Day Weekend. This construction will cause heavy delays in Midtown and Downtown Atlanta. Motorists traveling into the city for events are strongly urged to use MARTA and avoid this construction zone. Drivers traveling to areas outside Atlanta should use

I-285.

Beginning at 9 p.m., Friday, August 29:

• I-85 southbound will be reduced to two lanes near its merge with I-75, and

• I-75 southbound will be reduced to one lane at this merge.

This work will continue until 5 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 2. Extremely heavy congestion is anticipated on both I-85 and I-75 SB north of and through downtown Atlanta.

“Throughout the holiday weekend, motorists should expect extreme congestion on the Connector southbound, delays that easily could extend two or more hours. And I expect this back-up will stretch far back on I-75 and I-85 as well,” said Metro Atlanta District Engineer Bryant Poole.

During the three-day Labor Day Weekend crews will tear out and rebuild sections of I-85 and I-75/I-85. The work will improve safety, sight distance and shift vehicle alignment into the final configuration for access onto the still-to-be-constructed 10th Street exit ramp. The new alignment also will provide a staging area to remove the east side of the 14th Street Bridge and rebuild the center bridge supports.

The Department weighed the decision to work Labor Day Weekend very carefully. The complexity and amount of work to be completed would require up to six weekends of major lane closures to accomplish what could otherwise be finished over a three-day weekend.

“We recognize we are inconveniencing the traveling public over a major holiday weekend as well as those planning to attend events at the World Congress Center and Georgia Dome,” said Poole, citing the University of Alabama vs. Clemson University football game on August 30 and a Historically Black Colleges and Universities Marching Bands competition September 1. “However when we looked at the venue schedule for the rest of September and early October there were even more people impacted – what with Georgia Tech and Falcons football and the Braves season ongoing through, as well as other events.”

The lane closures are part of an $88.5 million reconstruction project at 14th Street in Midtown which began in spring 2007 and is expected to be completed in spring 2010. The bridge replacement project also features two new exit ramps from the Connector; southbound to 10th Street and northbound to 17th Street.

Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (www.dot.ga.gov).

Labels: 1-75/1-85 highway, closures, georgia department of transportation, labor day weekend

The City of Alpharetta will dedicate the new Alpharetta Memorial Park at 3:00 PM on Monday, September 8. The park is located at the Alpharetta Public Safety Headquarters at the corner of Old Milton Parkway and Westside Parkway. This park will serve as a place for the public to commemorate and honor all American veterans and public safety personnel.

The new park includes landscaping, new flagpoles, brick walkways with a seating wall, and a bronze eagle sculpture. The park features the relocated American Legion monument and Vietnam memorial monument. A seating area is provided for the Veterans’ Memorials.

The ceremony will include the rededication of the American Legion monument, the dedication of a new Veteran’s Memorial monument, presented by the VFW Post 12002, and a flag raising ceremony.

For more information, phone 678-297-6070 or www.alpharetta.ga.us

Labels: alpharetta memorial park, alpharetta public safety, city of alpharetta

Chukkar Farm & Polo Club in Milton will be the site for the first Team Fox Polo for Parkinson's, an event to raise money to fight Parkinson's Disease.

Team Fox is the regional fundraising effort for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Throughout the year, teams form to raise money for Parkinson's Disease, for which there is no known cure.

Wilkins Media Company of North Fulton is hosting the event, which will be Sunday, Sept. 28 from 2-4 p.m. The day will include a silent auction, half-time divot stomp, Best Hall/Longest Ball contests for spectators.

All of the day's proceeds will go to Team Fox. Bill Wilkins, chairman and CEO of Wilkins Media, was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease two years ago and is committed to raising money for medical research.

For complete information visit www.poloforparkinsons.com.

Labels: chukkar farm and polo club, milton, polo for parkinsons, team fox

Live music, games and activities and fireworks will help Roswell families say goodbye to another summer.

The whole family is invited to bring chairs and blankets to Centennial High School football stadium Sunday, Aug. 31 for an end of the summer blast that begins at 5:30 p.m.

The "End of the Summer Celebration" is sponsored by the City of Roswell and the Fulton County Board of Education.

At 6 p.m. "The American Flyers" will perform with a song list that spans every era. At 7:30 p.m. Butch & the Buckheads will entertain with old school rock and roll. They have appeared with The Commodores, The Impressions, Frankie Avalon.

Fireworks festivities will begin at dark. Concessions include food from Miller's Ale House & Restaurant, and also ice cream, cotton candy, snow cones and more.

Children's activities also will be provided. For more information call 770-594-6134.

Labels: bid summer farewell, centennial high school, endof summer celebration, Georgia, Roswell, the american flyers

Jeff Foxworthy on tour with Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz? Maybe not, but at least for an evening Foxworthy will join Smoltz on stage at Alpharetta's Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park.

An Evening with Smoltz, Foxworthy & Friends, hosted by the John Smoltz Foundation, is being held on Sunday, Nov. 9. This show will bring together 21-year veteran Braves pitcher, John Smoltz, and multi-Grammy nominated comedian and host of "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" host, Jeff Foxworthy. The two aim to keep the audience laughing as they share candid conversation about their lives in and out of the public eye. Cameo appearances by Braves, past and present, are also expected.

"I am very excited to have my friend Jeff partner with me for the show", said John Smoltz, president of the John Smoltz Foundation, "I love to laugh… for a great night of fun, come laugh with us."

A limited number of VIP sponsorship packages are available and include a private reception at the home of John Smoltz, a pre-function event at Encore, priority seating, autographed sponsor gifts, VIP parking and VIP Cadillac Club Admission. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m.

For more information about sponsorship packages, contact Kathy Swahn at 770-841-6576 or e-mail kswahn@kkssolutions.com.

The concert benefits the John Smoltz Foundation, which in turn benefits several charities, including Kings Ridge Christian School, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Power to Grow Ministries, among others.

Labels: Alpharetta, and evening with smoltz foxworthy and friends, Atlanta Braves, jeff foxworthy, john smoltz, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

We have a wonderful new listing priced at $373,900 located in the Adam's Landing subdivision in Cumming off 400/Exit 16. This home has just been finished been repainted inside and is ready for new owners! This 5 Bedroom 5 Bath home has a Shake and Stone exterior with inviting front porch, hardwood floors, main floor office, bedroom and full bath. Gorgeous kitchen with Cherry cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The basement also features a second kitchen, media room, full bath and possible 6th bedroom - perfect for a In-Law or Teen Suite. Please visit our Featured Properties section to see pictures of this home or call us at (770) 331-1206 to schedule a viewing.

Labels: 6 bedrooms, adams landing, bishops walk, Cumming, for sale, Georgia, in-law suite, Lake Lanier, new listing

22nd Annual Art in the Park

Labor Day Weekend

Glover Park, Marietta Georgia

Saturday, August 30, 2008 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, August 31, 2008 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday, September 1, 2008 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The historic community of Marietta, Georgia invites one and all to experience the 22nd Annual Art in the Park festival, August 30 - September 1, 2008. This fine art extravaganza held each Labor Day weekend is presented by the Marietta Business Association and is proud to be one of the Top 20 Events selected by the Southeast Tourism Society for September.

Labels: Art In The Park, glover park, labor day weekend, marietta

Within weeks, Roswell plans to open a small water park along the Chattahoochee River for children.

The “spray-ground” will include streaming jets of water, triggered by motion detectors. It will occupy a spot in Riverside Park near an existing play structure.

Constructed with $237,000 in private donations, the spray area should be finished by mid-September, said Jeff Pruitt, Roswell’s administrator of park services.

The jet sprays will be computerized to coincide with regular park hours. The water will be recycled and filtered and will meet state and local health standards, he said.

Some of the water sprays will be gentle and low, designed for toddlers. Others will be more elaborate. One of the elements will feature an arched stream of water overhead.

It sounded fine to Lisa Prentner, a Woodstock mother who regularly takes her 5-year-old son, Dylan, to the city’s riverfront parks. On Monday, she took her 2-year-old granddaughter, Ava Jade, to Riverside Park for a bike ride.

“I can’t wait,” Prentner said. “We don’t even live in Roswell, but we spend almost every weekend in the Roswell parks.”

The spray park is being built with funds provided by the Roswell Recreation Association, a community group that annually produces the Roswell Arts Festival.

Once it’s open, children and adults will be welcome. Dogs, probably not, said Pruitt. “I’m sure that will come up,” he said.

Labels: City of Roswell, Riverside Park, Roswell, roswell recreation, Water Park

The Milton Police Department will host its first Citizens Police Academy beginning Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Milton Police precinct located at 750 Hickory Road. This seven-week program, which will be held every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., will give citizens a closer look at law enforcement and the Milton Police Department.

Topics covered during the program will include criminal investigations, criminal law, police K-9, traffic law, 911 operations, and various other topics. Additionally, participants 18 years old and over will have the opportunity to take part in a ride-along with the police department. The seven-week program will end with a graduation ceremony at Council Chambers on the night of Oct. 20.

Class size is limited to 15 people, with preference to City of Milton residents, so citizens are encouraged to register right away. Interested citizens may complete an application and background form at City Hall during regular business hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Incorporated on December 1, 2006, the City of Milton is a distinctive community that embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the city’s rural character. The City of Milton is committed to maintaining the unique quality of life for its constituents while efficiently delivering essential services to residents and businesses in an interactive community environment. For more information, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us, or call 678.242.2500.

Labels: citizens police academy, city of milton, Georgia, law enforcement

The City of Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department is sponsoring a Grandparent/Grandchild Fishing Derby on Saturday, September 13 from 8:00 to11:00 AM. The event is for children ages 4-12. There is no cost to participate; however, all participants must provide their own fishing gear and bait.

Prizes will be awarded for longest fish and the most fish caught during the derby.

Participants must pre-register for this event, as space is limited. To register or for additional information, please call 678-297-6140 or email seniors@alpharetta.ga.us.

Alpharetta’s 2008 Grandparent/Grandchild Fishing Derby will be held at the Lake at Brookside Office Park. Traveling east on Old Milton Parkway from Georgia 400 the lake is located approximately 1 mile on the right. Parking and a sign-in area will be in the parking lot at Brookside Office Park.

Labels: alpharetta recreation and parks, city of alpharetta, grandparent grandchild fishing derby

The Alpharetta Lions Club, Alpharetta Historical Society and the City of Alpharetta will offer up some foot-stompin’, good old-fashioned family fun at the OLD MILTON COUNTRY FAIR, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat and Sun, September 13 - 14.

Southern barbecue, live bluegrass, country music and demonstrations will highlight the fair, which will take place at the Historic Log Cabin on the old Milton High School grounds (Milton Center) at 86 School Drive in Historic Downtown Alpharetta. Admission and parking are free to the public.

A two-day long entertainment schedule features local and regional music groups including southern rock, classic country western, gospel, and bluegrass bands. A classic car show and period woodworking show will take place within the fair as well.

Family activities at the OLD MILTON COUNTRY FAIR will include historical craft demonstrations, an antique car demonstration, old-time carnival games, pony carousel, quilting, horse and buggy rides, Native American Indian crafts, trackless train rides, old-time dress-up portraits, clowns, face painting, storytelling, and a petting zoo. For the more competitive fair-goers, there will be a horseshoes tournament as well as watermelon, pickle and pie eating contests.

To commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Alpharetta, the City of Alpharetta and Old Milton History & Genealogy Group are excited to announce the publication of Alpharetta, Milton County-the Early Years. The 160 page, 8.5” x 11” hardcover pictorial history book will be available for purchase at the Fair. The front cover of the book shows a historic photo of Addie Mayfield DeVore displaying her contest entries at the original Milton County Fair, circa 1910. Stop by and meet the author and historians Sat and Sun from 10:30 am to 2 pm. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore our community’s rich history in this limited-edition volume.

“We look forward to celebrating our local heritage at the upcoming fair,” said Mayor Arthur Letchas. “With Alpharetta’s sesquicentennial birthday in 2008, we are proud to remember and preserve our history for future generations.”

A select number of crafters and artisans, antique dealers, produce and country store vendors will also participate in the fair, with items like mountain chairs, gourd art, vintage jewelry, antique trunks, quilts, wood carvings and Indian jewelry for purchase.

“I’m excited at the opportunity to work with the Alpharetta Historical Society and the City of Alpharetta to continue the annual tradition,” says Garner Andrews, chairman for this year’s Old Milton Country Fair. “The fair is a great place for families and individuals alike to come, relax and enjoy a weekend in Alpharetta.”

“Stars ‘N’ Stitches” quilt show is a celebration of the history and art of our ancestors in their design, production and use of quilts. This show is presented by the Chattahoochee Evening Stars Quilt Guild and will be held in conjunction with the Old Milton Country Fair and the City of Alpharetta’s 150th anniversary celebration. The show will take place in the Main Gym of The Connected Academy at the Milton Center (old Milton High School) Saturday and Sunday, September 13-14. Hours for the show are 9:00 - 6:00 Saturday and noon to 5:00 Sunday. Admission is $5 and children under 11 are free.

There will be approximately 300 quilts displayed in categories of piecing, appliqué, mixed techniques, hand pieced and hand quilted as well as Treasured Memories and Kids Quilts.

Attendees may purchase a ticket for a chance to win a quilt created by CES Guild members. The proceeds from the show and quilt giveaway will go to benefit community charities.

Highlighted by barbecue pork and chicken from Smoke Jack, A Southern Grill in Historic Downtown Alpharetta, food concessions at the OLD MILTON COUNTRY FAIR will include burgers, brauts, corndogs, funnel cakes, old-fashioned ice cream, lemonade, cotton candy and of course, boiled peanuts. The Alpharetta Lions Club will also present a special “nostalgic” snack booth, offering such combinations as: an RC and a Moon Pie, bottled Coke and peanuts, Nehi Grape and Orange sodas, and much more.

The OLD MILTON COUNTRY FAIR, formerly the ten-year old Alpharetta Heritage Festival, is presented by the Alpharetta Lions Club in partnership with the City of Alpharetta and the Alpharetta Historical Society. For more information, phone 770-783-2314 or visit http://oldmiltoncountryfair.com/home.html or www.alpharetta.ga.us. For more information about the “Stars ‘N’ Stitches” Quilt Show, visit www.quiltsites.com/ces.htm.

Labels: 150th anniversary of alpharetta, alpharetta historical society, alpharetta lions club, city of alpharetta, old milton country fair

As millions of children start back to school, the Alpharetta Dept. of Public Safety is preparing to launch a new digital fingerprinting identification system designed to help parents find a lost or abducted child. The system is the most comprehensive, technologically advanced family safety program of its kind.

Donated by the Alpharetta Public Safety Foundation, the $6,000 system will be presented by police officers and foundation board members Thursday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. at the Public Safety Annex at 2970 Webb Bridge Road in Alpharetta.

The SafeAssured ID system includes a mini cd that can be shared with law enforcement, the media and community within minutes of a child’s disappearance.

It contains:

up to 10 digital fingerprints,digital photograph,
streaming video showing mannerisms and gait,
voice track providing the child’s voice and accent,
general physical description,
vital personal information (street address, date of birth, life-threatening medical conditions, identifying scars or marks, and tattoos), and family code word.

The system will be used at community functions, where families will receive a durable,
full-color photo ID card and a Parent’s Guidebook, written in conjunction with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, containing helpful safety information.

“The ability to have information at the fingertips of parents in the case of a missing child or abduction allows for an immediate response and communication to law enforcement all over with the click of a button,” said Alpharetta Public Safety Foundation Chairman John Albers.

Officer Terry Joyner brought the idea of the digital fingerprinting system to the department after seeing it demonstrated at the National Conference on Preventing Crime in Atlanta.

“I came back and did some research,” he said. “We were looking to replace our old-style, ink fingerprint kits that have been traditionally been used by law enforcement agencies for children ID kits. I spoke with some departments that used SelfAssured ID and found it to be a state-of-the art system for law enforcement.”

The Alpharetta Public Safety Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed in 2006 by business and community leaders dedicated to maintaining world class public safety to the citizens of Alpharetta. To learn more, please visit the foundation’s website at www.apsfoundation.org

The media is invited to the demonstration of this equipment on Thursday, August 28th at 7:00pm at the Public Safety Annex located at 2970 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta Georgia.

Labels: alpharetta department of public safety, alpharetta police, child fingerprint system, city of alpharetta, Georgia

Keeping up with the times is important to forward-thinking Johns Creek.

The Johns Creek Planning Commission approved a recommendation to modify a 1990 site plan for a site at Medlock Bridge and East Johns Crossing.

Previously, Fulton County had zoned what was once a bank building as a C-1 Conditional property. However since the bank vacated the premises and because of a sloped driveway that makes the building nearly "invisible" from the road, according to project representatives, the building's owner has had difficulty finding a new tenant.

Updates to the existing site are necessary to make the property more economically viable and consistent with the surrounding area, according to representatives.

The change in conditions on the 1.31 acres, located adjacent to Panera Bread Company, Keyworth Bank and Technology Park, would remain zoned C-1 Conditional, but provide the ability to potentially install an "upscale" urgent care facility, retail units and a restaurant. The modified site plan would increase building square footage to 17,636 and add a second story, as well as increase parking from 39 spaces to 58, with a shared parking allowance. The building would also be given better visibility from the road.

The requested action is within the recommendations of the 2025 Land Use Plan Map, which projects the property as a business park. Additionally, the recently recommended 2030 city of Johns Creek Comprehensive Plan foresees the Medlock Bridge Corridor as a "high intensity" usage area with buildings of up to six stories of height.
No adverse impacts are expected from any of the changes to the site since surrounding areas are not residentially zoned.

Both the Johns Creek Community Association and the Technology Park community in Johns Creek are in support of the conditional project.

The project was unanimously approved for recommendation by the planning commission to the Johns Creek City Council with conditions, some of which were recommended by the JCCA. Those conditions include limiting height to two stories of heated useable space and preserving and/or replacing trees on site.

City Council will have final approval of the project.

Labels: commissioners, Georgia, Johns Creek, office retail site

Forsyth County Schools welcomed 302 new teachers during the system's annual New Educator Orientation (NEO) on July 30 at West Forsyth High School. NEO is the new educators' first introduction to the Forsyth County school system and provides them an overview of the system as well as the chance to meet and mingle with more than 100 area vendors.

Of the new educators, 45 come from different states including Florida, Tennessee, New York and Colorado. Three of the 302 hail from Chile, New Zealand and Columbia and 139 come from other Georgia school systems.

The new teachers were welcomed to the system by Board of Education Chairwoman Nancy Roche, Associate Superintendent Mary Harwell and James McCoy, president of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce. Roche provided a few words of inspiration, encouraging the new educators to provide "torches of hope, imagination, efficacy, respect and connectedness" to their students.

"As we move into the unknown and unimagined territory of the new millennium, we will all need torches, in the figurative sense, to help us find our way and to light the way for our students as well," said Roche.

Harwell gave the new teachers an overview of the beliefs and goals of FCS and the Board of Education.

"As new members of our Forsyth County Schools family, you play a crucial role in our work," Harwell told the new educators. "In Forsyth we are a team - the Board, students, staff, parents and community.
We are committed to excellence and becoming the most effective school district in the nation."

McCoy welcomed the educators to Forsyth County. The new educators also received words of inspiration from this year's FCS Teacher of the Year, Suzy Besson-Martilotta, first grade teacher at Chattahoochee Elementary.

Additionally, the new educators participated in a variety of orientation sessions based on their level of teaching experience and grade levels taught. These sessions provided the new teachers an overview of FCS policies and procedures, as well as other useful information.

Throughout the day, the new teachers also had several opportunities to visit the NEO Avenue of Vendors, featuring more than 100 Forsyth County area business, agencies and organizations. The Avenue of Vendors is provided each year to give the new teachers an opportunity to learn more about their new community and the services available to them.

This year's NEO Gold Sponsors were Evan Profeta State Farm Insurance, Georgia Federal Credit Union, John Heath RE/MAX 400 North and Northside Hospital-Forsyth. These vendors were presented with special recognition in honor of their continuing dedication to FCS.

Labels: Forsyth County Schools, Georgia, new educator orientation, new teachers

With a new name and a new venue Johns Creek will present Arts on the Creek, a free music and arts festival Labor Day Weekend at Johns Creek United Methodist Church.

This is the second year that the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce Arts and Culture Committee will host the family entertainment event. It will be Saturday, Aug. 30 and Sunday, Aug. 31.

This year's festival will kick-off with a new name, logo and venue. Arts on the Creek will sport a new logo created by local watercolor artist and committee member Ann Marie Noyman and Ron Cioffi, chair of the Arts and Culture committee. Johns Creek United Methodist Church, the new venue for the event, will provide more than 30,000 square feet for the 150 artists, vendors, children's entertainment and other activities.

This year the Johns Creek Children's Museum will provide a variety of children's activities, while local and area vendors and sponsors will be on hand to provide food and beverages during the event. Lawn seating will accommodate more than 2,000.

Musicians and dancers will also entertain festival guests on the main stage throughout the two-day event. Among the acts scheduled are Lindsay Appel, Rred, Atlanta Jazz Syndicate, Jazzmatic and Jordan Humphrey.

"Our mission is to give Johns Creek an annual event that brings music, dance, fine arts and great shopping of art to our growing and vibrant city," Cioffi said. "As one of the most affluent and influential cities in the state, we deserve a top-quality arts festival to add to the quality of life for our residents. The festival also give businesses and restaurants a chance to sell their products and services to our growing community in a fun-filled environment."

Space is still available for artists and vendors - from area businesses, restaurants, children games providers, etc. – interested in selling products and services. Sponsors are to support the festival. All artists, vendors and sponsors can register at http://www.artsonthecreek.org.

Labels: arts on the creek, Johns Creek, labor day weekend, weekend festival

Alpharetta's Town Center is moving again. The City Council saw a new plan for the public-private partnership that would put the new city hall among new retail, office and residential space downtown.

It just won't be where they thought it would be. The plan had been to redevelop the entire block encompassing the City Hall site, Eagle Gym, and the shopping center and house just south of the city-owned property, about 7 acres in all.

The idea is to create a downtown with ambiance, vitality and personality and create signature city hall for the 21st century. That is where the private part of the partnership, the Solomon Group, comes in. The county owns about half the land, but wants the Solomon Group to develop the entire project. That would produce some savings for the taxpayers in defraying some of the costs of the city's part of the project and at the same time produce stores, offices and townhomes/condos built by Solomon Group to revitalize the city's downtown.

But there has been a snag. The Solomon Group was unable to come to terms with the property owners on the south side of the project. According to Community Development Director Diana Wheeler, the largest parcel of the some 3 acres needed for the project was owned by a group of partners who could never come to a consensus to sell the property.

At a workshop Aug. 11, City Council heard the new proposal.

T the Solomon Group and city planners got to thinking instead of building the City Center along the X-axis (north-south) along Main Street (Ga. 9), why not build it along the Y-axis (east-west) along Academy Street? Under the new plan, city hall would be set back from Main Street with a long, green mall in front. On either side of the mall facing inward would be two office-retail buildings.
To replace the land lost to the project next door, the Solomon Group recommended using city property at the southeast corner of Haynes Bridge Road and Academy Street. This did not please council members much because that parcel had been planned to be a small park.

William H. Foley, president of Foley Design Associates, is the architect from Solomon who presented the new option to City Council. Council members agreed to the plan only as a starting point in a new direction.

Councilman Jim Paine spoke for many on the council when he said he was "not thrilled" with the idea of turning the proposed Haynes Bridge park into a "courtyard" for a new condominium development. One part of the original plan Paine would like brought back was the idea of allowing residential living above the retail on the ground floor.

Wheeler said the acceptance of a plan for a city hall with a town green on Main Street has given Solomon Group its marching orders. The attraction of the plan is that it no longer depends on the acquisition of private property, always a sticking point in the past.

Councilman John Monson said he did not like the plan as submitted but he agreed it was the right direction. He said he just wanted a better plan.

"This is our one shot to this right for our grandkids," Monson said.

City Administrator Bob Regus said the plan was still evolving and would continue to do so until it looked right to council.

"Remember, 120 days ago the project did not look like it does now. I think in another 120 days the project won't look like the one we have now," he said.

After the meeting, council members disagreed with the notion that they were starting over from scratch.

"We're not at square 1," said Councilman Doug DeRito. "We have a good first step we've taken, and we know a lot more about what we want and what we can do. We have come a long way since Barry [the first developer's] proposal."

Monson agreed.

"Now that we have a site plan, the next steps will come more quickly," he said.

Labels: Alpharetta, alpharettas town center, Downtown Alpharetta, new city hall

Date: Tuesday, Aug. 19
Time: 11:00 A.M. Shotgun Start
Location: Atlanta National Golf Club
Take a day off to enjoy a day of golf at beautiful Atlanta National Golf Club! Sponsorships and foursomes are still available and the proceeds go to support our Milton Police and Fire Departments.

For registration information contact MPSF Board Member Jan Fowler at phone 770.740.0214.

Labels: atlanta national golf club, city of milton, golf tournament, milton public safety fund

Eight Fulton County Schools administrators have been recognized as "High Performance Principals," by Governor Sonny Perdue and State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox.

A total of 112 principals statewide were acknowledged for overseeing dramatic improvement in student achievement in their schools last year.

To make the list, principals must be the catalyst for improvement at a low-performing school or take a high-performing school to an even higher level; have been at the school for three consecutive years and be recommended by their school system.

The High Performance program started in 2006 to identify excellence in school leadership. Since its inception 19 Fulton County principals have been recognized. Four of the eight 2008 honorees, Sonia Terry, Steven Curry, Elizabeth Fogartie and Ed Spurka, have been recognized each year since the program began.


2008 Georgia High Performance Principals

• Steven Curry — Findley Oaks Elementary School

• Susan Dorenkamp — Heards Ferry Elementary School

• Elizabeth Fogartie — Webb Bridge Middle School

• Trey Martin — State Bridge Crossing Elementary School

• Dawn Melin — River Trail Middle School

• Ed Spurka — Roswell High School

• Sonia Terry — Crabapple Crossing Elementary School

• Peter Zervakos — Northview High School

Labels: fulton county schools, governor sonny perdue, high performance principals, principals

During a work session Monday in Milton, Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley told a crowd of about 60 people that some businesses on Ga. 9 are eligible for sewer service, but there are no plans to expand it beyond that area.

She also said there is no contradiction between the map of the county's sewer service and its policy on not allowing sewer from one river basin to flow into another basin. Ga. 9 runs along the eastern side of the city.

The perception that there was a discrepancy had fueled concern among many residents that once sewer crossed from the Big Creek basin to the Etowah River basin, the flood gates would open, and sewer would expand throughout the city.

Many residents argue that sewer brings dense development, which would spoil the pastoral feel of the community.

Mayor Joe Lockwood invited Riley to the work session to provide accurate information and dispel rumors.

"I want to make sure we are supporting our longstanding policies that Fulton County had before we became a city, and that we are not expanding sewer," Lockwood said. "I want to make sure we're on the same page."

Riley's statements indicated that the city could approve sewer to many developments on Ga. 9 without violating policies inherited from the county.

About a third of the crowd addressed the council. Speaker after speaker alternately pleaded and demanded that the Milton City Council limit sewer service to preserve the city's pastoral venues. Some said the meeting had been informative, and laid to rest rumors the council had been planning to expand sewer beyond Ga. 9.

But a few developers pleaded hardship from being at a standstill while the city hammers out its sewer policy.

Another meeting will be required before the question of sewer service on Ga. 9 will be settled.

Then the council must decide whether it wants to stop there, or develop a more expansive sewer policy.

Labels: city of milton, Georgia, sewer extension, sewer hookups

After years of being virtually dormant, an enormous portion of Cherokee County is on the cusp of a major makeover.

A Texas-based developer that helped transform Cherokee with two huge planned communities now is pumping millions of dollars into Lake Arrowhead in the northwest corner of the county. The development covers in excess of 8,000 acres — more than 40 times the size of Piedmont Park.

With two successful projects in Cherokee complete — Towne Lake and BridgeMill — Johnson Development Corp. is plunging deep into what once was one of metro Atlanta's last rural hinterlands.

This project also places Johnson in the heart of expected development between Canton and Cartersville, along the Ga. 20 corridor that links I-75 with I-575.

Johnson has budgeted $64 million to retool 5,800 acres of the Lake Arrowhead community, said Tommy Elsberry, Johnson's vice president for the project. The work is expected to take a decade.

Despite the foreclosures that are raining down on the Cherokee County Courthouse, Elsberry said Johnson is committed to completing its work at Lake Arrowhead. He said the slowdown at some master-planned projects, including the nearby Laurel Canyon, doesn't faze him.

"Johnson is 100 percent confident of the resilience of growth and the attractiveness of metro Atlanta," Elsberry said. "We also believe we have a unique product that will continue to make sales through this tough market."

To that end, Johnson has spent nearly $20 million on upgrades that include a rebuilt 18-hole golf course, new clubhouse, 40-acre festival area with a junior Olympic pool, miles of new trails, and land cleared and prepared for future houses.

This is the most extensive development Lake Arrowhead has seen since the 540-acre lake was filled in 1974.

Not all the current owners seem to be embracing the changes.

Money is the main reason — some fear property taxes and homeowner fees will spike as the property is upgraded.

"I don't like to talk about it with my friends here because some people think it's going to get more expensive," said Terry Shannon, who's 73 and bought a lot with her husband in 1974. The couple swapped that lot for one on the waterfront and built a house where they now spend four days a week.

"But I've been waiting for someone to come in and develop," Shannon said. "Nothing stays the same, and you don't want it to."

Craig Glasgow isn't worried about changes — and potentially higher homeowner fees — Johnson is bringing to Lake Arrowhead. He bought his second lot there after Johnson came in as a partner with the master developer, Purcell Co.

Glasgow said he's impressed with Johnson's work at Towne Lake and BridgeMill and expects a third charm at Lake Arrowhead.

"I live in Towne Lake and have friends in BridgeMill, and Johnson's done everything it said it would do," Glasgow said. "I'm going to tag along with someone like that because of their success."

Lake Arrowhead dates to the early 1970s. That was an era when Atlantans were wooed to buy second homes in new mountain retreats.

While two other resort projects north of Atlanta were successful over time — Big Canoe and Bent Tree — Lake Arrowhead never fulfilled its promise. Shannon, an avid golfer, said the resort didn't get the alcohol licenses needed to become a golfing mecca.

These big projects just take time to develop, said Alan Wexler, the chief executive of DataBank, a real estate data collection and analysis firm in Atlanta.

"It's a big challenge to develop that large a piece of property," Wexler said. "Sometimes it can take 30 years to build out, and historic trends show it can take several owners over time to get them complete."

That's been the experience of Cousins Properties Inc., an Atlanta-based development firm that's built several large communities. The company's latest project is a 6,300-acre mixed-use development planned in Flagler County, Fla., with Rayonier, an international forest products company.

"These are very complicated projects," said Cousins spokesman Matt Gove. "They have multiple moving pieces, and situations can change over time."

Today, Johnson is marketing Lake Arrowhead as a suburban alternative to a traditional subdivision. Although the future homes will be built on streets with gutters and curbs, Elsberry said the feel of the overall community will remain as a mountain getaway.

Elsberry said Johnson has no plan to build houses on the ridge line that sets the backdrop for the community — Pine Log Mountain. The lakefront is earmarked for future development, but the topography makes it difficult to develop, he said.

The entire site is zoned for about 80,000 units — from zoning approved at a time county officials were panting for growth — but Elsberry said no more than 5,000 units will be allowed. He said that building the maximum allowed number of homes would be a permitting nightmare and would diminish the natural attractiveness of the area — which is Lake Arrowhead's key market advantage.

"This is about quality of life, not density," Elsberry said. "We feel that we have a unique product."

Labels: Cherokee COunty, Georgia, lake arrowhead, new communities, new developments

The City of Roswell Transportation Department will hold an open house for proposed improvements to Norcross Street/Warsaw Road at Grimes Bridge Road on August 14 at 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street. The public is invited to review two alternative plans for the intersection and provide input.

Currently, turning movements at this intersection contribute to delays at all approaches. The two proposed alternatives for the intersection include a conventional intersection improvement with turn lanes and a roundabout which is a new alternative for the City of Roswell.

For more information call 770.594.6420 or visit our web site at www.roswellgov.com.

Labels: closing of grimes bridge road, grimes bridge road, norcross, public meeting, Transportation Department, warsaw

Roswell, GA-ACE USA, in a partnership with the City of Roswell is hosting the 3rd Annual Roswell Rise ‘n Run. This 5K/1K walk event supports North Fulton Community Charities while providing a fun-filled morning for participants of all ages. The race will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2008 at 7:30 AM starting at Hembree Springs Elementary School located at 815 Hembree Road, Roswell, GA 30076. The course winds through beautiful Hembree Park with festivities afterwards, including prizes for all ages.

Participants can opt to run or walk and we encourage the young and old, the weekend road warrior, the elite runner, all track, civic, and church groups, and those individuals who want to feel the wind beneath their feet. Come out and enjoy the common bond of man versus gravel, and make a difference in the lives of your neighbors who need your help. Pancakes will be served to all race participants by The Original Pancake House.

If you would like more information on sponsorship, participation, or NFCC please contact Vonda Malbrough at 770.640.0399 x215 or vmalbrough@nfcchelp.org or visit www.nfcchelp.org.

Labels: City of Roswell, ga-ace usa, race for hunger

When Roswell and the Fulton County Extension Office took a flyer on opening a farmers market on city parkland at Riverside Drive, no one really knew if it would catch on. Now we know.

Eight tents went up that first weekend in June, now 30 vendors are happy to pay for a space to sell their fresh fruit and vegetables, handmade crafts and honey. There are other wares, but these are what dominate.

And why are the vendors happy. Because the customers love everything they have to sell. North Fulton Extention agent Louise Estabrook is the honcho of Roswell Farmers Market. She rings the bell in the morning to open the Saturday market and she rings the noon bell to close it.

She says the market has succeeded remarkably, and it is doing precisely what it was designed to do.

"We wanted to bring locally grown produce to the people of the area, and support local growers. That is why we enforce strictly the rule that produce most be grown within a 100-mile radius of Roswell," Estabrook said. "We want to give people food that is fresh from the field."

When Estabrook approached Roswell Historic and Cultural Affairs Director Morgan Timmis about the possibility of starting a market in Roswell, Timmis jumped at the chance.
"We have had discussions with merchants and our Cultural Arts Board about starting a market, so when Ms. Estabrook asked about starting a market, without hesitation I said yes," said Timmis.

Timmis suggested several sites in Roswell, but she and Estabrook quickly agreed Riverside Park with its parking, proximity to the road and bathroom facilities made it the perfect choice.

Roswell resident Rhonda Scott loves coming down to the river to buy corn, tomatoes, beans, squash and whatever else she can find.

"I like fresh grown vegetables, and I really like the fact that I don't have to travel far to get them," she said.

But why do growers like Bill Jackson come from Villa Rica, make the trek to Roswell with gasoline above the $4 a gallon mark? Jackson sells corn, tomatoes, honey, bee pollen (great protection against allergies) and his handmade wooden bowls.

"I like to grow it one county and sell it in another. I like showing people my vegetables, and my honey and my bowls. I like to meet people," Jackson said.

Retired after 20 years with the AJC, Jackson raises all his produce on his farm. He says he really likes the customers at the Roswell Market.

"They really appreciate what you do. They're just really glad to see you and talk to you – and buy what you have," he said.

Leslie Foley, a Fulton County master gardener who volunteers at the market, said many growers say the same thing.

"One man brings free-range eggs up here from Rockdale County. Twenty minutes after we ring the bell he's sold out. People love his eggs, and he doesn't have to come this far to sell them. But he just likes the people," she said.

Husband and wife Russ and Tana Flanagan are growers from Lithia Springs who split their time coming to Roswell on Saturdays, the Dunwoody-Spruill Market on Wednesdays and the Powder Springs Market on Thursdays.

They have 1,200 tomato plants and pick 700 pounds to 800 pounds a week. That's not bad for Russ who got his degree in agricultural economics at UGA to sell commodities. Now self-employed, he and his wife go to these markets under their banner "Hobbies Gone Wild."

"I've always gardened, but now we're borderline farming. We like it because it lets us spend time together," Russ said. "This was a huge experiment for us. We didn't know how we'd do it. But these markets allow us to do it."

Roswell resident Linda Dixon is a shopper at the Roswell Market, but she likes it for another reason. She works for Fulton Commissioner Tom Lowe. She says Lowe is a great supporter of the County Extension Office and the work it does.

"This market hooks up small growers and consumers without the middle man," Dixon said.

Labels: City of Roswell, Georgia, Riverside Farmers Market, Riverside Park, roswell farmers market

Monday, August 4th - 4:00 p.m.
Critical Meeting! Please attend

A message from City of Milton:

Dear Milton Citizens, Friends and Neighbors -

I want to let you know about the very real risk of sewer extension in Milton and a critical meeting that has been called for this coming Monday, August 4th at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall. This Special Called Work Session deserves your attention and your attendance.

Summary

There is a real risk of sewer extension in the City of Milton.

Efforts are underway to consider approval of extension of sewer to new parcels, adoption of a new sewer map that would extend sewer, and creation of a new sewer policy for Milton. A City Council work session is planned for the subject for Monday August 4. This is a public meeting.

Why should you care about sewer extension?

Development density in Milton is currently limited by the natural constraints of the land, especially soil percolation. Average yields for a home site historically have been closer to 1.6 acres to the home because of these natural constraints. Sewer allows nearly all land to be developed regardless of soil types and topography in 1 acre lots or more, allowing unlimited density. The introduction of sewer into new areas allows for higher residential and commercial density expansion otherwise not possible. This is completely inconsistent with the citizens' vision for a rural Milton.

Purpose of this Update and Background Information

The purpose of this email is to:

Ensure that you are aware of this very real risk of sewer extension and the increased density that comes with it,
Apprise you of a Special Work Session scheduled for this coming Monday, August 4th at 4:00 p.m. to discuss sewer including:
A proposed map from Fulton County re: a revised Inter Governmental Agreement with Fulton County and Milton that shows significant sewer extension,
The on-going request for sewer for certain parcels despite their being in the historically "no sewer" area, and
The potential for a "new" sewer policy that could undermine many of the tenets of the existing long standing no sewer policies.
Encourage you to attend the meeting and make your opinions known both in advance of the meeting and via email to the Mayor, the entire Council, and Staff.
You all have told me via the first and second election and through your recent Milton survey responses that the issue of sewer extension is the biggest issue and concern to you individually and collectively. This makes sense, since it is the single largest exposure to removing our unique rural character. My position is clear, has been consistent, and will remain consistent - that is that I do not support sewer extension and instead support the affirmation of the long standing no-sewer policies. This also means I support sewer in the locations where sewer exists today, but I do not support sewer extension.

Please note, however, I am only one of seven who have a vote on the issues before us. This is your community and the time is now to remind each of your elected officials what you expect of us for your community.

The most recent Milton survey results, with a 25% response rate from 3,000 households (and approximately 6,000 residents) reflected that 87% of responding citizens fully expect the no sewer policies to remain in place. Some on the Council may not recognize this mandate.

What are the risks?

There are three components to the current evaluation of sewer and each carries with it very real risks for Milton. They are as follows:

1. A proposed revised Inter Governmental Agreement with Fulton County put forth by Commissioner Riley and Fulton County - the proposed map reflects significant sewer extension.

I have advocated the need to revise that IGA, but to revise it consistent with the long standing No Sewer Policies of Milton. However, the most recent map proposed by Fulton County and Commissioner Lynne Riley reflects significant sewer extension into Milton in areas interior to Highway 9, (West side) as well as in the Crabapple area heading North. Make no mistake, if this new sewer service map proposed by Fulton County - and embraced potentially by some on the Milton Council - is approved, sewer would be extended to parts of Milton not previously allowed sewer.

2. Consideration of sewer extension to specific parcels and projects (referred to as "red dots" that previously were not identified as sewerable given their location within the Etowah Basin and given that they were not allowed sewer according to the No Inter Basin Transfer policy).

Summary Risk - Some of these parcels are in the Etowah Basin and would directly violate our sewer extension policy - allowing increased density to creep outward.
Use this link to see those specific projects.


In most of these instances, the parcels or projects were identified by Fulton and Milton staff as being acceptable and in the Big Creek Basin but, instead, the "red dots", lie within the Etowah Basin and in large part, are not identified as "exceptions" to the No Inter Basin Transfer Policy. In other words, to extend sewer to these parcels effectively would be violating the very policies we have held dear since 1995 and that were further amended and affirmed in 1999 and again, as recently in July, 2006 by Fulton County. Further, this same No Inter Basin Transfer Policy was adopted unanimously by the City of Milton when the area became incorporated.

I do not believe we should extend sewer to parcels previously disallowed from sewer extension. However, others have indicated a willingness to support such sewer extension.

3. Discussion and beginning evaluation of an overall sewer/no sewer policy for Milton.

Summary Risk - between the above mentioned revised and proposed map from Fulton County and one-off decisions on "red dot" properties, we could end up with a sewer extension policy by default.
There have been references made for the need to have a "sewer policy" for Milton, yet we have not yet had the first work session on any such policy. The fact that seems to be ignored is that Milton has an existing legal sewer policy, i.e. the "No Inter Basin Transfer Policy". I believe that we must first affirm the policies we have in place already.

Staff Proposed Template as a Basis for Possible New Milton Sewer Policy

Additionally, City Staff has proposed Milton use a "template" from Prince William County, Virginia for a possible new Milton sewer policy. While on the surface, this might seem like a reasonable idea, when you look further, immediate questions arise that might preclude this template as an option for Milton. As an example, it sets forth multiple exceptions to their sewer policy allowing sewer to be extended into otherwise defined semi-rural ("no sewer") areas for schools, libraries, fire stations and other instances. Why would Milton endeavor to establish a "new" sewer policy for our City written from the onset with multiple exceptions to the policy we claim to want to uphold?

Instead, I believe that we should create our own policy grounded in the fundamentals that have served this community well for the last 19 years including affirmation of those areas that have been and should remain no-sewer while specifying those specific parcels where sewer is acceptable based on current locations. Any policy should:

Affirm the long standing no sewer policies
Affirm a revised IGA with Fulton County that does not extend sewer, but instead confirms the existing locations and specific land lots where sewer is consistent with the long standing policies of the area. This would reaffirm where sewer is acceptable on properties that front Highway 9, but that would not allow for the expansion of sewer interior to Milton both interior to Highway 9, closer to Cogburn, and interior to Crabapple.
Specifically define where sewer can be allowed and where it must not be extended
Ensure proper septic tank placement and regular maintenance with a mechanism in place to monitor appropriate maintenance on a set period of years
Prohibit private sewerage extension in addition to public sewerage extension
Prohibit sewer extension from adjacent or near by jurisdictions
Bottom line, a sewer / no sewer policy for Milton must begin with Milton, not some other community that may not have the same City profile, values or land planning approaches for their long range plans.

City Hall
13000 Deerfield Parkway
Suite 107
Milton, GA 30004
Phone: 678.242.2500
Fax: 678.242.2499

Labels: city of milton, Georgia, Meeting, milton, sewer extension