Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Blog

Residents oppose subdivision although family has owned land 200 years

by Hatcher HurdNorthfulton.com

February 12, 2014
JOHNS CREEK, GA. – When your family's name is the same as the city's signpost for the road, it means you have history in the area. But the Rogers' family name did nothing to assuage other residents' concerns about a proposed 273-lot rezoning the Rogers Family Partnership has coming before the March 4 Planning Commission.

At a Feb. 4 zoning meeting of the Johns Creek Community Association at Perimeter Church there were as many area residents (almost 200) jammed into church meeting hall to voice their concerns as the other project heard the same night (See Page 1).

Michael Rogers, a real estate broker who lives in Buckhead now, told residents his family has owned the 104-acre tract of land five generations going back to 1830s. The 1839 farmhouse his great-great-great grandfather built still stands on the property.

"That is almost 200 years of stewardship of the land," he said.

Now the family has a contract to buy an adjacent 40 acres that was up for sale to developers. The family wants develop 40 acres of their land to in effect keep their acreage holdings intact. The homes Rogers would develop are adjacent to existing subdivisions.

The property the family wishes to buy is a bequeathal of land to Young Harris College. The college is selling the land. Rogers said it was a tax-free exchange in which the family is in effect swapping its land for development to preserve a 100-acre tract.

But the development of another subdivision with 273 lots would take away more of the rural nature of the area, and the additional homes would add to the congestion of the Bell Road-Rogers Bridge area.

Residents are further concerned that the family is also rezoning the rest of the family acreage for single-family detached homes. It is currently zoned Agricultural (AG-1) which allows for 1-acre lots.

Ashton Woods is the developer, and plans to build homes from 2,500 square feet to 4,000 square feet with a price range of $600,000 to the $800,000s.

Mike Busher, vice president of acquisitions for Ashton Woods, said the company was in the process of designing all new elevations for the project, but he said it would be an "understated but elegant" development.

"We understand the area and we want to raise the bar if we can," Busher said.

But the residents didn't want the bar moved at all. They said they were happy with the woods and pasture that they currently enjoy.

One resident said the Rogers' can come out on weekends and enjoy their land for a weekend getaway.

"But we have to live with the traffic. You don't live here," the resident said.

But Rogers replied to that saying, "We preserved our property, while the ones who owned yours sold out."

Rogers' position is that they are still preserving their land, swapping their land for development and in turn taking the other property "off the market."

But Rogers said what he cannot do – as some suggested – that they donate the land for a park.

"I have uncles and cousins who own just as much as I do. There are nine families involved," he said.

He said his relations are not prepared to donate their birthright, nor would he ask them to.

If some sort of public-private partnership could be worked, say with the city, then that could be a possibility. But short of that, the family will do what is best for them.

The bottom line was Rogers could not make guarantees whether the property would be subject to future development.

"We're keeping our options open. But we have no plans to develop the rest of the property now. But it is in our best interests to rezone the entire [assemblage] now," Rogers said.

As is often the case in Johns Creek rezoning, residents were concerned what effect more traffic will have on the congestion in the Bell Road area.

"Traffic is brutal and it's only going to get worse," one resident said.

Residents asked that the property be developed at a less density as a way to ease congestion and overcrowding in schools. But the developer said they are only asking the same density as has been developed in the area.

The project will come before the city Planning Commission March 4. It will be heard by the City Council March24.

02-12-14 JC

Labels: development, Johns Creek, rogers bridge

646-home gated community phased in over 10 years


JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – If you were wondering if the new-home market has rebounded, developer Warren Jolly just sent a resounding yes with his plans to build a 224-acre gated community at Bell Road and Medlock Bridge Road just south of Technology Park.

It is easily the largest residential development in several years for Johns Creek, and will be a "development of regional impact," which means it will have to get clearance from the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority. Final say will come from the Johns Creek City Council.

Jolly, president of the Providence Group of Georgia LLC, said he plans to build 646 homes in a phased development called Bellmoore that will take 10 years to complete. The homes will range in price from the mid-$400,000s to more than $800,000, with an average price in the $500,000 to $750,000 range.

The homes themselves will be 2,500 square feet to 5,000 square feet with lot sizes of 4,000 square feet to 15,000 square feet.

"We will build about $30 million a year in new homes," Jolly said.

The plan was previewed March 14 to the Johns Creek Community Association Community Zoning Information Meeting, which had about 25 homeowners in attendance including HOA officers from the surrounding communities.

Real estate attorney Nathan V. Hendricks, speaking for the project, said it is a community unit plan (CUP) that has been submitted to the city for analysis. The project will have a density of 2.88 units per acre. The city Comprehensive Land Use Plan calls for a maximum of three units per acre.


The property is part of the Deen-Day family acreage that is on the north side of Bell Road and directly behind the Johns Creek United Methodist Church.

Hendricks said key qualities the development will have include:

• A mandatory homeowner association that will be responsible for all landscaping and grounds maintenance.

• Two pools and an eight-court tennis amenity.

• A 10,000-square-foot clubhouse.

• A 5-acre natural park.

• Around 70 acres of green space throughout the property.




The two greatest concerns of the public were the effect on schools in the area and traffic, with traffic being the greater of the two.

Almost all of the questions centered on morning commuter traffic worsening and traffic safety at Medlock and Bell Road, and at Bell Road and Boles Road.

As for schools, Jolly said the target buyer would be downsizing older homeowners whose children are grown. While this did actually placate concerns, the neighbors moved on to traffic issues.

Perhaps the one element that Jolly had the most control over was the proposal by the city to create a secondary road that would connect Bellmoore on the northwest edge of its property and the Methodist church to Technology Park via Technology Circle.

This would provide Bellmoore residents access to Medlock Bridge without getting on Bell Road. It would also provide an alternate route for parents bringing their children to the church's preschool.

"We want to provide that connectivity because we know it will be as important to our future residents as it is to you," Jolly told the homeowners.

To that end, Jolly revised the location of the tennis courts to allow for dedication of right of way for the proposed road.


But that road is just a proposal. Residents wanted to know what would be the effect of another 1,200 cars potentially pulling out onto Bell Road at 7:40 a.m. Bell Road at Boles Road is a nightmare in the mornings especially and has an F traffic rating.

Jolly's traffic expert John Walker of Kimley Horn and Associates said the city's plan to put a roundabout in the intersection should more than solve the congestion there.

"I love roundabouts, both as a driver and a traffic planner. GDOT [Georgia Department of Transportation] has finally caught on. Any intersection where they get a request for a signal, they say first must be modeled for a roundabout."

The intersection at Medlock and the church can be eased after the 9 a.m. peak by a retiming of the interval of the light to allow Abbotts Bridge-Bell traffic more time to move through the intersection. The north-south traffic on Medlock is greatly reduced by then as rush hour wanes. That makes the longer interval feasible, Walker said.

Margot Vetrovsky of Sugar Mill community said Jolly "had done a lovely job" in planning the project, but she still remained unconvinced that the traffic situation would be tolerable.

"I just want what's best for Johns Creek, and traffic is the biggest issue," she said.

Catherine Bonnet said Highway 120 (Abbotts Bridge) was still affected. She has school-age children she either drives or puts on the bus, and that is a worry to her.

Labels: Johns Creek, johns creek arts center, johns creek city hall, Johns Creek Election, johns creek fire department, johns creek high school, New Homes

Angela Pulliam-Salay of Johns Creek has been reported missing.

According to family members, she was last seen leaving her residence Sunday, May 27. She was on foot and wore a gray Peachtree Road Race t-shirt and yellow shorts with a stripe down both sides.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts should please contact Johns Creek Police at 678-474-1600.

Labels: Angela Pulliam-Salay, Johns Creek, woman missing

Brookhaven at Johns Creek is excited to host an open house on August 20 from noon to 2 p.m. As an active adult community from Jim Chapman Communities, Brookhaven at Johns Creek is right “on par”. For this reason, the open house will include a complimentary lunch, community tour and a chance to win great golf gear.

Atlanta new home buyers are able to choose from a variety of stepless, single-story homes and villas in two, three or four-bedroom plans with front porches, starting from the $280,000s. Amenities in this gated, maintenance free community include an outdoor garden center, lighted tennis courts, heated pool, fitness center and custom options for outdoor living spaces.

From its location at Johns Creek, homeowners have easy access to shops, restaurants and medical facilities, including Northside Forsyth and Emory Johns Creek.

Get in the game by purchasing in August, and receive a free putter or driver!

Brookhaven at Johns Creek is located between Peachtree Parkway (GA 141) and McGinnis Ferry Road on Technology Circle. To visit from Atlanta, take I-85 North to I-285 West and Exit 31B (GA 141-Cumming/Dahlonega). Bear left on GA 141 North to Johns Creek. Turn right on McGinnis Ferry Road. Then, turn right onto Technology Circle. The community is the second one on the left.

Labels: Brookhaven, Johns Creek

--- Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff North Fulton County REALTORS Vanderhoff Real Estate (770) 331-1206 --- Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale ---

Labels: Alpharetta, city of milton, fulton county schools, Johns Creek, milton

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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
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Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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Labels: Alpharetta, Bank Owned, Bank owned properties, foreclosed homes, foreclosed properties, Foreclosures, Johns Creek, milton

Various portions of State Bridge Road from Morton Road to Kimball Bridge Road will be closed between 8 a.m. and noon for the City of Johns Creek Founders Day Parade Saturday, Dec. 5.


Parade planners are staggering closure times along the 1.3-mile route to minimize the impact to area residences and businesses.

The closures along State Bridge are as follows:

East Morton to West Morton, 8 a.m.-noon

West Morton to Jones Bridge Road, 9 a.m.-noon

Intersection with Jones Bridge Road (both northbound and southbound lanes), 9:45 a.m.-noon

Jones Bridge Road to Kimball Bridge Road, 9:45 a.m.-noon

Morton to Medlock Crossing Parkway, 9:45 a.m.-noon

Closures include all side streets accessing State Bridge Road.


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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
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Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
---

Labels: city of johns creek, founders day parade, Johns Creek, Traffic

OPEN SUNDAY 2 - 4
APRIL 19
11225 Hambleton Way, Johns Creek

FANTASTIC 5BR / 4BA Traditional in Huntington Subdivision - This home has it ALL!

New Hardiplank siding and carpet, hardwoods Kitchen, entry and hall. Kitchen has been updated with granite countertops, slate tile backsplash and antique stained cabinets. All secondary bedrooms are large - hard to find these days! This home is immaculate, neutral colors and ready for move in! Basement has TONS of room, and great Shop for Dad and Pool table stays!!!

If you would like to see more pictures of this home please visit the Featured property page on this site.

Labels: 349999, Georgia, hambleton way, huntington, Johns Creek, open house

Riley says new county is financially viable

The Carl Vinson Institute of Government has released its study of Milton County. The new county would consist of the cities of Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton, Sandy Springs and Mountain Park and would have an estimated population of about 311,121.

The estimated revenue for Milton County is about $209.6 million with expenditures estimated between $133.1 million and $147.9 million.

The Road to Milton County

According to District 3 Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley, the process of recreating Milton County would be similar to the recent city incorporations and involve just as much resident input.

A Johns Creek resident herself, Ms. Riley said a “cafeteria plan” would allow residents to pick and choose what they wanted in the county charter. But first, if it passes the legislature, the measure would be voted on in a statewide referendum on the 2010 ballot. Then, just as with the city incorporations, the legislature would have to pass the charter legislation. This would most likely happen during the 2011 or 2012 session, said Ms. Riley. Then a transition period to taking over county services from Fulton County would take about four years and the county would “open” in 2014 or 2015.



The case for making Milton County, said Ms. Riley, would be to create a county with a great deal of flexibility, easily affordable services and the opportunity for cost savings. Although she would no longer be able to serve as a county commissioner if Milton County were recreated, she would be involved in the new county government either as a resident volunteer or elected official.

Government Services

The Carl Vinson study assumes the new county would provide the following services:
Superior Court
State Court
Magistrate Court
Probate Court
Juvenile Court
Public Health
Emergency Shelter
Senior Services
Libraries
Emergency Management Services
Animal Control
Elections and Voter Registration
Government Administration
Tax Administration
School System

Based on the study, Ms. Riley said recreating Milton County is viable. She said a separate Milton County Board of Education would be created and the study shows that schools would remain at their current level of service delivery in north Fulton.

Because Milton County would have no unincorporated areas, the county would not need to provide police, fire, public works, transportation or water services, as those would be handled by each city.

Impact on Fulton County

The creation of Milton County would reshape Fulton County, changing its population from 900,200 to about 589,079. The median income, now estimated at $47,092 would drop to an estimated $36,930. The estimated median income for Milton County is $86,743.

According to Ms. Riley the new Fulton County would suffer no shortfall if Milton County were recreated.

“All the [tax] money goes into a shared pot right now, the money is shared equitably across the whole county,” she said. “With just a marginal adjustment, services in the remaining Fulton County could stay at the current level. Opposition to recreating the county, as it was with the creation of the cities, because Fulton County would be losing tax revenue is simply not the case.”

The full study is available at http://www.cviog.uga.edu/miltoncounty. Check our website for more details as more information becomes available.

Labels: Alpharetta, city milton, Johns Creek, milton county, Mountain Park, north fulton county, Roswell, sandy springs

Students may be able to choose the high school they attend depending on the success of the Open Enrollment Pilot Program at a handful of Fulton County high schools over the next two years.

The Fulton County School Board approved the pilot program in five high schools, including Johns Creek and Alpharetta high schools, allowing students to transfer into those facilities beginning in the 2009-2010 school year. The pilot program will be in place for two years, and school board members hope the program will then expand to include all high schools in Fulton County, giving students and parents a variety of options.

"This has been something we've talked about in the past, but in all honesty, it's scared off every superintendent we've ever had [prior to Supt. Cindy Loe]," said Alpharetta Board member Katie Reeves. "I think it's a really great thing for families in Fulton County."

The issue came to a head during the contentious redistricting process for the new Johns Creek High School last year, with many families upset with the forced moves to other schools. Reeves said open enrollment will mitigate many of those concerns in future redistrictings.

"This is a bold step that really has our parents, families and students' best interest at heart," said Reeves. "I think it's great and it will be interesting to see how it turns out."

The three other schools in the pilot program include Creekside, Langston Hughes and Tri-Cities high schools in South Fulton. In addition, North Springs and Riverwood high schools in Sandy Springs are eligible for open enrollment, but since these are charter schools the selection process is outlined in each school's charter.

Centennial High School was originally on the list, but removed and replaced with Alpharetta High School when enrollment figures were questioned by Roswell board member Linda Schultz.

"I'm baffled how we can have portables at Centennial and still have them on the list [for availability]," she noted during the first reading of the proposal at January's school board meeting.

Centennial is projected to be significantly over enrollment during the next two years, while Alpharetta will be at or just above its state capacity.

High schools eligible to participate in the Open Enrollment Pilot Program must have capacity in their schools for the next two years. Originally, the staff proposed setting a minimum of two classrooms available – approximately 50 open seats – for the next two years, but removed that criterion at the request of the board.

Reeves said to leave it at 50 below capacity would effectively take every North Fulton high school off the eligibility list.

"If this is to be a true open enrollment choice for North Fulton, then we need to make the transfers more manageable for the pilot years," said Reeves. "If there's room, let them go. If you say there has to be 50 spaces then there aren't going to be any North Fulton schools open. Ever."

Martha Greenway, deputy superintendent for Fulton Schools, said steps must be taken to ensure schools are not forced to take students they cannot accommodate, and therefore "disenfranchising" students already in the attendance zone. The staff did not recommend adding any more schools to the list of pilot schools.

"In general [principals] are supportive of the concept and committed to make it work successfully," said Greenway. "[But] there was unanimous consent that schools that are overcrowded should not be eligible for receipt of transfer students, even if they have some students transferring out."

In particular, schools that were provided relief through redistricting should not be refilled to the point of their previous overcrowding, she added.

Only high schools will be considered at this point for open enrollment, noted school officials, since those buildings have the most flexibility in how space is used. The school system will use the state capacity as the figure to determine if schools have the necessary room to take transfer students.

Schools are now working on providing information to students on the open enrollment process and how to submit applications.

Labels: Alpharetta, Fulton County, high schools, Johns Creek, open enrollment

If you are looking to do a Short Sale or are facing Foreclosure please give us a call and we can discuss your options. We work extensively in the Foreclosure/Short Sale/REO markets and can help you understand the process.

Basically, the definition of the short sale process is when the lender of a property allows the property to be sold for less than the amount due on the mortgage loan.

The obvious benefit to the short sale process is that it allows the seller to avoid the credit report damage associated with a foreclosure. A foreclosure can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years and can take an emotional and financial toll on you and your family.

But the pitfalls of the short sale process should be considered as well. The I.R.S. may consider any debt forgiveness as taxable income, thus resulting in a tax liability. In addition, lenders can often pursue a borrower for the deficiency balance (the difference between the amount owed and the amount paid).

In some cases you may be able to avoid taxation if you can prove you are insolvent. But if insolvency is unsuccessful, and you are faced with a tax liability resulting from the deficiency amount, it may make more financial sense for you to let the lender foreclose.

The Short Sale Process

The short sale process can vary, but it will generally work as follows:

1) The lender is contacted to discuss the possibility of a short sale and to determine the lender’s process for completing the sale.

2) The seller issues a letter authorizing the release of personal information about the loan and the property to the buyer or escrow agency.

3) The lender will review a settlement statement, which will indicate the proposed selling price, remaining loan balances and itemize all expenses, including real estate commissions and other fees and expenses associated with the closing.

4) The seller will complete a "hardship letter," which will detail and explain all financial difficulties. Lenders will usually want to validate the seller’s financial situation by looking at bank statements, investment accounts, along with examining paystubs and other financial records.

5) The lender will then look to the broker to provide a price opinion by examining the condition of the house and the market value of comparable properties.

6) The lender will then want to scrutinize the purchase agreement to determine if all amounts are reasonable and the real estate commission is acceptable.

Because of the documentation required, the short sale process can be lengthy. But if done correctly, it can work well for all parties involved. The lender avoids the uncertainty of the foreclosure process, the seller avoids a foreclosure on his or her credit report (along with potential bankruptcy), and the buyer hopefully got a good deal on a property.

Considering the complexity of the short sale process, you must be educated. If you are considering a short sale, make sure that you discuss your situation with a competent lawyer and accountant. The more educated you are on the process, the easier the transaction will be, and the better the impression you will make on the lender.

Labels: Alpharetta, Cobb County, foreclosure, Forsyth, Fulton County, Georgia, Johns Creek, milton, Roswell, short sale

2008 may be coming to an end in a few weeks and Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker has 2009 on his mind.

In his final town hall meeting of the year, the mayor discussed several issues and goals that the city is working on and what residents can look forward to in 2009.

City businesses

Bodker discussed how the economy is affecting the city: restaurants and businesses closing their doors. But he suggested that residents do their part in helping the city prosper.

"Please try to use a restaurant in Johns Creek or try to use a local business in Johns Creek," said Bodker. "If you do that, then I think we'll have a better shot at keeping these businesses. We really do need to choose to use Johns Creek."

Referring to initiatives he set as goals for the city early in the year, Bodker said "Choose to Use Johns Creek" is as simple as residents changing their addresses to read Johns Creek, Ga. on mail or calling credit card companies to change their home address to read the city's name.

"We have to build this identity," he said. "It comes one household at a time, one person at a time."

Postal Service

Bodker told attendees that after being denied by the U.S. Postal Service for the city's own zip code and post office, he is working with Rep. Tom Price in meeting with the Post Master General in Washington , D.C. to inquire about the possibilities for both.

Milton County

One resident asked about the status of a future Milton County. Bodker said Rep. Jan Jones and Speaker Pro Tem Mark Burkhalter are introducing a bill in the next legislative session in January regarding Milton County.

"They think they can get (the bill) to the House floor," said Bodker, who added that the bill would require a super majority vote. Georgia has a law restricting the number of counties to 159 and the new bill would support the re-creation of counties in the state.

Public Safety

One resident asked if the city has the technology for traffic lights to automatically turn red at intersections if an ambulance or fire truck is approaching the intersection. Bodker said the city is not equipped with that technology.

He added that the fire department has received more than 200 calls for service since its start-up a month ago. Bodker told attendees that a 911 system is underway – partnering with Sandy Springs – and could be up and running by July 2009.

"We feel good about the decision to move forward with the center and it is a very difficult task to do it right," he said. "I feel like we're going to have a great 911 system."

Love Shack

Like at every town hall meeting, a resident asked the status of the Love Shack, the adult-oriented business that closed its location on State Bridge Road in October.

Bodker said there are two lawsuits pending and the next hearing is scheduled for February.

Road Projects

Some residents praised the recent resurfacing projects such as Medlock Bridge Road during the town hall meeting. Another resident asked about the amount of street lights at various intersections in the city.

Bodker said any concerns and/or comments about what residents would like to see be taken care of regarding city streets can be addressed by the city's Public Works Department at 678-512-3200.

Labels: Georgia, Johns Creek, milton county

A federal grant will give Fulton County funds to deal with foreclosed and abandoned properties next year but north Fulton may see little of the money.

According to Melvin Richardson, deputy director of community development and housing for Fulton County, Alpharetta, Roswell and Milton are part of the second-lowest priority district. Johns Creek is a separate entity and would not be eligible for any funds. The highest priority area is South Fulton, where there are the most foreclosures.

The $10.3 million from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development would be available in February, said Richardson. Four public meetings have been held for public comment regarding the issue.

“There will be five primary strategies for dealing with foreclosures and abandonments including rehab, demolition and buying homes,” said Richardson. “Roswell administrators are identifying areas in the city with small concentrations of foreclosures and we will add those to the databank.”

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program Substantial Amendment will have to go to the County Board of Commissioners and get a majority approval before being submitted to HUD on or before Dec. 1, said Richardson.

The cities of Milton and Alpharetta have chosen not to take part in the process, he said. James Drinkard, Alpharetta assistant city administrator, said city staff have only seen a few individual foreclosed homes and not entire neighborhoods that need rehabilitation.

Labels: Alpharetta, Forclosures, foreclosure, hud, Johns Creek, milton, neighborhood stabilization program, North Fulton, Roswell

We are working with more First Time Home Buyers than ever before! Call us - we can help!!! As a potential first time home buyer, you may feel a little overwhelmed with the entire process of buying your first home. Our goal is to empower you with the information and resources necessary to give you the confidence and financial help needed to make the dream of buying your first home become a reality. The more you know about the home buying process, the more likely you will be able to purchase the home of your dreams.

If you do not yet own a house of your own and are currently renting, here are 6 very, very compelling reasons why you should buy your first home.

1. Enjoyment. The primary reason you should purchase a home is for the enjoyment it will bring you and your family. You should buy a home that you will love living in! Undoubtedly, the first house you buy will not be the home you live in the rest of your life. As you mature your income will likely improve and your housing needs and desires will expand. You will likely sell your first home and trade up to a larger, nicer one. However, your primary focus when choosing your first home is to buy a house that will bring you enjoyment each and every day that you live there. If you do that, the improvements in your quality of life will be literally priceless.

2. It is an investment. My parents bought their first home in 1965 for $12,000. It was a modest home, just under 1,000 square feet, in a relatively nice neighborhood of similar homes on the outskirts of town. Today, that same home would sell for $175,000. Granted, much of that increase in value is due to inflation, but with government spending and deficits at record levels, inflation will continue and likely accelerate in coming years. By buying a home now, you will own an asset that will go up in value as inflation causes the general price level of everything to rise.

3. Tax Savings. The tax savings from mortgage interest can be huge. If you are currently paying $1,000 per month to rent your apartment, that same amount applied to a mortgage loan payment would result in a nearly $12,000 tax deduction (in the first few years of a conventional mortgage, nearly all of the payment goes towards interest, and very, very little goes toward paying off the loan. The interest is tax deductible). If you are in the 28% tax bracket, this one deduction would be an annual savings of over $3,300 on your income taxes.

4. Financial Benefits. Whatever you are currently paying for rent, it is money that is simply spent, never to return to you again. Contrast that to buying a home using a mortgage loan; instead of spending money on monthly rent, you are paying off a loan used to purchase the property. With each monthly payment, the loan balance goes down, and the equity in your property goes up. The monthly payment goes toward buying an asset that will go up in value. Besides the shelter that is provided, you get to keep an appreciating asset.

5. Privacy. As a renter, you are not entitled to the same level of privacy that a home owner is entitled to. It is common for landlords to retain the right to inspect the interior of their property upon giving the tenant proper notice 24 hours prior to the inspection. When you own your home, nobody is entitled to enter without your permission. It is your personal space on the planet that you have final say over. Your home is your private sanctuary for you and your family.

6. Freedom. Do you want to build a tree house in the backyard for your children? Would you like a volleyball net to use for weekend games with friends? Want to have a large 4th of July celebration for 100 of your closest friends? Being a homeowner provides the freedom to do these things and virtually anything else that is legal to do. You do not have a landlord telling you what you cannot do. The freedom is priceless.

Labels: Alpharetta, Canton, Cumming, First Time Home Buyers, Georgia, Johns Creek, milton, reasons to buy a home, Roswell, sandy springs, suwanee, Woodstock

Ninth-graders at three North Fulton high schools can remain at their current schools next year rather than be redistricted if they have their own transportation to and from school, the school board decided Thursday.

A new high school opening in the Johns Creek area in August will draw students from the current Chattahoochee, Northview and Alpharetta high school districts. In the past, only rising juniors and seniors could choose to stay at their current school when a new school opened.

District 2 school board member Katie Reeves, who represents the high schools affected, suggested the idea. “For some students, the transition from middle to high school can be overwhelming,” Reeves said. “The thought of yet another transition so soon causes concern for some parents.”

In the future, the board may revisit its policy when new high schools open.

Parents who oppose the plan have said it will make traffic worse in the area and divide close-knit neighborhoods.

The new high school is expected to have an enrollment of 1,797.

Labels: 9th graders, change schools, Johns Creek, north fulton high school

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

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

The City of Johns Creek and the Ocee Park Athletic Association will host the 2008 Southeast Regional 12U/60 Cal Ripken baseball tournament July 23-29.

State champions from seven states across the Southeast will converge on Ocee Park for a double elimination format tournament that will determine the regional representative to the 12U/60 World Series in Martin, Tenn. in August.

Teams from Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia will participate along with Ocee Park as the host league for the right to advance to the World Series.

Opening Ceremonies for the Tournament will be held at Ocee Park on Wednesday, July 23rd at 6:30 pm. Click here for the complete tournament game schedule.

Tournament or Daily Passes may be purchased on-site. Prices are:

Tournament Pass - $10 (all ages - good for entire tournament)
Daily Pass - $5 (Adults, ages 18+)
Daily Pass - $3 (Youth, ages 13-18)
Daily Pass - FREE (Youth, age 12 and under)
Ocee Park is located at 10900 Buice Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022

Labels: cal ripken, Georgia, Johns Creek, ocee park, youth baseball rregional tournament

Johns Creek becomes the first city in Georgia to receive the American Heart Association’s “Heart Ready City” award at a July 26, 2008 presentation at 10 am at Emory Johns Creek Hospital.

U.S. Rep. Tom Price joins Johns Creek’s Mayor Mike Bodker and City Council as the association recognizes the City for its leadership and commitment to save lives. This year, Johns Creek institutes a community-wide Automated External (AED) Program, sponsored by area businesses and residents.

“The American Heart Association (AHA) congratulates Johns Creek on being recognized as a ‘Heart Ready City.’ This designation is due to the hard work and dedication of the city’s leaders in their commitment to training governmental employees in CPR, hosting community CPR events, the proliferation of automated external defibrillators for public access in the community, and providing life saving public services at the highest level,” said the Association’s Senior Director of EMS Mike Willingham.

Every 26 seconds an American has a coronary incident and every 60 seconds someone dies from one.* The use of an AED – a small, portable device that sends an electric shock to the heart and restores a patient’s heart rhythm to normal levels – greatly increases the chance of survival.

Johns Creek’s program includes placement of an AED in each of the city’s 29 police patrol cars and AED training for each patrol officer. A community-wide CPR/AED training program will be made possible through a joint venture of the Johns Creek Fire Department, the American Heart Association and Emory Johns Creek Hospital.

Donating $10,000 to the program, Emory Johns Creek Hospital was joined by Georgia Power, Rural Metro EMS, Ciba Vision and Olde Taylor Farms to raise $34,800 to outfit every police patrol car.

To further enhance the City’s community-wide program, the AHA also donated six AEDs ($11,400 total value) for use in Johns Creek’s parks, Municipal Court and City Hall.

“We appreciate the American Heart Association’s tremendous contribution in our efforts to address cardiovascular emergencies in our community and we are grateful for the generosity of these community business leaders who are helping make Johns Creek a ‘Heart Ready City,’” said Mayor Bodker.

Emory Johns Creek Hospital is located at 6325 Hospital Parkway, Johns Creek, GA 30097. The presentation, along with AED demonstrations and refreshments, will take place adjacent to the Emergency Room entrance.

* American Heart Association’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics (2008)

Labels: american heart association, emory johns creek hospital, heart ready city, Johns Creek

Morton's Crossing Road has maintained its blocked-off status for more than 10 years, but Johns Creek City Council heard a presentation July 14 about the possibility of re-opening the street and installing forms of traffic calming devices and even an electronic gate.

The road was used as a cut-through for Taylor Road Middle School and Chattahoochee High School traffic between Taylor Road and Morton Road.

Morton's Crossing Road residents voiced concerns for years about vehicles speeding and traffic volumes through the subdivision.

According to a Fulton County study, during one 24-hour period in 1997, 1, 452 cars were counted at the Morton Road end of Morton's Crossing with over 72 percent vehicles exceeding 31 mph, 101 vehicles exceeding 41 mph and 23 vehicles exceeding 61 mph.

A report by Fulton County Public Works determined that after a 60-day temporary closing in August 1997, traffic volumes were "significantly" reduced on Morton's Crossing Road.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted in October 1997 to seal off the road with bollards – vertical posts - to prohibit cut-through access through the neighborhoods.
Ken Hildebrandt, Johns Creek Public Works director, said the two biggest issues now are public safety and traffic connectivity.

"In 1997, there was a tremendous amount of traffic, but traffic patterns have changed with new schools and additional development," said Hildebrandt. "Obviously, opening the road will create some traffic issues for that subdivision. We would need to have traffic calming devices."

Hildebrandt said one option is to re-open the road and install speed cushions that are cut to allow emergency vehicles to pass through without any problems. According to the city, it would take an hour to an hour and a half to remove bollards.

Hildebrandt added that city staff recommended 13 speed cushions on Morton's Crossing, Morton's Circle and Plantation Drive that would cost around $2,000-$3,000 per cushion. The removal of the bollards is estimated to cost around $41,000.

"What we're looking at is the public safety aspects and trying to come up with public safety fail-safe point for emergency ingress and egress," said John Kachmar, Johns Creek city manager.

Another option, he said, would be to install an electronic gate that essentially blocks the road from cut-through traffic, but would quickly allow emergency vehicle access and an emergency access for the schools.

Kachmar said the cost of an electronic gate could be under the $41,000 estimate of removing bollards and would also include the cost of reworking the roadway.

"Eventually we will need to look at providing sidewalks for the neighborhood, because even if the gate is left in place, everyone in that neighborhood has to walk to school," said Councilman Ivan Figueroa.

Kachmar estimated the sidewalks would cost about $125,000 – but the city hasn't budgeted for that.

Councilwoman Liz Hausmann said she would like City Council to start working on a process that deals with future road openings and closings.

"We should develop criteria for when we want to open or close a road," said Hausmann.

Kachmar said the city will discuss a neighborhood infrastructure process at City Council's July 28 meeting, where they will hear a presentation and budget on the options.

Labels: Georgia, Johns Creek, mortons crossing