Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Blog

North Point Mall

Saturday, October 23, 2010 12:00 PM

Area residents and visitors of all ages are invited to North Point Mall to participate in a public safety expo on Saturday, October 23rd. The free event will take place from 12:00pm until 4:00 PM in the mall’s southwest parking lot, adjacent to the former Parisian store.

The event features numerous hands-on participation opportunities. Participants will be able to enter a fire safety house that is designed to teach about common household fire dangers and safely expose participants to a fire situation. The dangers of impaired driving will be discussed and participants will be able to wear specialized goggles which simulate impairment while driving. Drivers of all ages will learn about the hidden dangers of driving around tractor/trailer trucks by experiencing the Georgia Motor Trucking Association’s “NO-Zone Truck.”

Children are sure to enjoy the various public safety vehicles on display such as a fire ladder truck, police motorcycle, police patrol cruiser, and specialized equipment for DUI enforcement and the emergency services specialized unit. Demonstrations from the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety (ADPS) K-9 officers will also be featured.

During the event, citizens will be able to pickup pamphlets and educational materials on keeping their homes and loved-ones safe by stopping by the ADPS information booth located inside the Sears Store.

The event is sponsored by the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, North Point Mall, Sears and the Fear This 4 Life teen driving organization.

The Fear This Inc. teen driving program, a driving course tailored to 15 – 20 year-old drivers, is endorsed by Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas and the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety. The program is a hand’s on course taught by certified police driving instructors. Participants will learn valuable life saving skills and techniques; the same skills taught to new recruited police officers. Course information will be available during this event.

Labels: Alpharetta, alpharetta public safety, North Fulton, North Point, North Point Mall, public safety answering point, public safety department, public safety fair

Interested in a beautiful new home near Holcomb Bridge and Roswell? The Stonewyck community, with new homes by Sharp Residential, is in the perfect location for buyers searching for North Fulton County real estate. This intimate gated community of 18 homesites has homes priced from the $360,000s.

The newest floorplan in the community, The Stonewyck, is perfect for buyers looking for a spacious home with the newest design trends that is a real value. The Stonewyck has a massive two-story great room with fireplace, lined with a curved wall of windows to fill your home with natural light. There is an elegant guest suite adjacent to the gourmet kitchen with raised bartop counter, breakfast area, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances; and that’s just the lower level.

On the upper level, there are three bedrooms in addition to the luxurious owner’s suite, with a tray ceiling and large bathroom. There will be no fighting over closet space with his-and-hers closets. Many rooms in The Stonewyck floor plan have vaulted ceilings as well, which stem from the builder adding gables to the design of the home.

Residents of Stonewyck love its easy access to Ga. 400, North Fulton County location, and access to the amazing public schools the area offers. The Homeowners Association provides for lawn care, giving you maintenance-free living, to be able to enjoy other hobbies instead of yard work.

To visit the Stonewyck community by Sharp Residential, or for more details on the featured floor plan The Stonewyck, call Mike Barsky at (770) 752-0738 or visit www.sharpresidential.com.

Labels: Alpharetta, Fulton, Fulton County, Georgia, Home Buyers, home buying, Home Sales, home selling, homes, houses, milton business alliance, Milton City, North Fulton, Sharp Residential

School boards are looking for ways to cut costs. Teachers and students are feeling pressure to show head-way on standardized tests. And a downturned economy has left its mark with employee furloughs, sluggish to no enrollment increases and generally smaller staffs and budgets.

Here's a snapshot of the major school districts heading into the 2009-2010 school year:


Atlanta Public Schools
Projected enrollment: 47,789, down from 48,147 in 2008-2009 year.

Staff: 3,434 teachers, down from 3,562 last year; and 6,128 total employees, up from 6,038 last year.

New schools opening: 3 – Springdale Park Elementary School at 1274 Ponce de Leon Ave.; Brandon Annex, 2845 Margaret Mitchell Dr.; Smith Annex, 4141 Wieuca Road.

Major changes: Frederick Douglass and Washington high schools become small learning communities. Douglass will offer communications and journalism; hospitality, tourism and marketing; business and entrepreneurship; and engineering and applied technology. Washington will offer banking, finance and investment; early college; and senior school. Hill and Hope elementary schools have merged, and Hope will be host for the newly named Hill-Hope Elementary School.

The single-gender middle school academies – B.E.S.T Academy for boys and Coretta Scott King Young Women's Leadership Academy for girls – are to move into new facilities in September and January, respectively. APS' Campus Portal for Parents will provide access to class schedules and attendance records.

The costs: Budget is $652.5 million, compared to $661.5 million for FY 2009.

Starting teacher pay: $44,312

Average teacher pay: $61,365. Teachers are getting step raises.

The leadership: Dr. Beverly L. Hall, superintendent; Kathy Augustine, deputy superintendent of instruction; Sharron Pitts, chief of staff; Chuck Burbridge, chief financial officer; Millicent Few, chief human resources officer; Suzanne Yeager, chief communications officer; Veleter Mazyck, general counsel; Dr. Alexis Kirijan, chief strategy officer; Joyce McCloud, special assistant to the superintendent.

Source: Atlanta Public Schools


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Clayton County Public Schools
Projected enrollment: 47,200, down from 51,830 last school year.

Staff: 3,611 teachers, down from 3,819 last year, and 7,956 total employees, down from 8,232 last year.

New school opening: 1 – Charles Drew High School

Major changes: Uniform dress kindergarten through grade 12, new superintendent and new high school.

The costs: Budget is $574.1 million, compared to $613.8 million for fiscal 2009.

Starting teacher pay: $40,624 (bachelor's), $45,438 (master's)

Average teacher pay: $51,655.19. Eligible teachers are getting their state step, but their local supplement is being adjusted so their 2009-2010 salaries remain the same as last year's salary.

The leadership: Dr. Edmond Heatley, superintendent and as yet-to-be-announced leadership team.

Source: Clayton County Public Schools


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Cobb County School District
Projected enrollment: 104,929, down from 105,956, although officials say they believe an enrollment drop seems unlikely.

Staff: 7,632 full-time teachers, down from 7,914; 534 projected part-time teachers, down from 569; 15,229 total employees, unchanged from last year.

New schools opening: 0

Major changes: Hayes Elementary will be divided into a "school within a school," as Hayes Primary and Hayes Intermediate.

The costs: Budget is $907,466,771, down from $940,018,024 last year. Per-student spending will be $8,648, down from $9,036. Full-step salary increases are being delayed half a year for eligible employees.

Starting teacher pay (with bachelor's): $38,958

Average teacher pay range (with bachelor's): From $38,958 to $58,457

The leadership: Fred Sanderson, superintendent; Dr. Steven Constantino, associate superintendent for leadership and learning; Dr. Gordon Pritz, associate superintendent for operational support; six area assistant superintendents responsible for regional administrative support.

Source: Cobb County School District


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DeKalb County School System
Projected enrollment: 99,000, unchanged from 2008-2009

Staff: 6,775 full-time teachers, down from 6,941, and 13,500 total full-time employees, down from 13,944.

New schools opening: 2 – Arabia Mountain High School (only Silver LEED school or energy-efficient public school in Georgia) and Dunwoody Elementary School, serving 4th/5th grade academy.

Major changes: America's Choice Program, focusing on literacy and mathematics in 40 schools with the goal of changing patterns of low performance and of closing longtime achievement gaps. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funds of 2009 will be used for this project.

The costs: Budget is $851.1 million, down from $894.1 million in the original FY 2009 budget.

Starting teacher pay (with bachelor's): $41,628

Teacher pay ranges from: $41,628 to $82,104. Teachers are not getting step raises.

The leadership: Dr. Crawford Lewis, superintendent; nine members of the Board of Education.

Source: DeKalb County School System


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Fulton County Schools
Projected enrollment: 90,057, up from 88,184 last year.

Staff: 6,459 projected full-time teachers, down from 7,096; and 12,191 total projected employees, down from 13,134. Nineteen part-time teachers in critical needs, such as speech language and orthopedically/hearing impaired, down from 275.

New schools opening: 6 – Birmingham Falls Elementary, Milton; Ison Springs Elementary, Sandy Springs; Cliftondale Elementary, College Park; Johns Creek High, Johns Creek; Langston Hughes High, Fairburn; and Hapeville Charter Career Academy, Union City.

Major changes: The Fulton Institute of Technology and Project LIFT, funded with a $5.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, for Banneker, Creekside, Tri-Cities and Westlake high schools to increase the graduation rates and the likelihood of students going to college.

The costs: Budget is $856,442,124, down from $857,388,301 in the last fiscal year.

Starting teacher pay: $39,132

Average teacher pay: $68,536 (this includes the 3-day furlough salary reduction). Teachers are being awarded experience credit for another year of service, but are not receiving a related pay increase.

The leadership: Dr. Cindy Loe, superintendent, two deputy superintendents and six assistant superintendents.

Source: Fulton County Schools


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Gwinnett County Public Schools
Projected enrollment: 158,963, up from 157,219 last year.

Staff: 10,536 teachers, down from 10,587, and total employees are 21,306, up from 20,933.

New schools opening: 9 – North Gwinnett Middle School, Sugar Hill; White Oak Elementary School, Buford; Archer High School, Lawrenceville; Mountain View High School, Lawrenceville; Twin Rivers Middle School, Buford; Starling Elementary School, Grayson; Bay Creek Middle School, Grayson; Couch Middle School, Grayson; Woodward Mill Elementary, Lawrenceville.

Major changes: IE2 being implemented, new schools opening.

The costs: Budget is $2.001 billion, up from $1.859 billion in FY 2009. Starting teacher pay: $38,895 (with a bachelor's degree).

Average teacher pay: $55,795, with 11 years of experience.

About 10,000 or 95 percent of the 10,536 budgeted teachers, are getting step raises that are projected to cost a total of $16.8 million, including $12.1 million that comes from the state.

The leadership: J. Alvin Wilbanks, CEO/superintendent; Gwinnett County Board of Education; and Dr. Steve Flynt, chief academic officer.

Source: Gwinnett County Public Schools

*All of these school systems operate on a fiscal year that started July 1 and will end June 30, 2010. The budgets referenced are meant to cover general operating expenses.

Labels: Atlanta, fiscal, Milton High School, North Fulton, schools

Several years ago the graceful, long-necked birds showed up unannounced and were quickly adopted as mascots for the wooded town of 500 people built around two lakes in north Fulton County.

When a coyote killed Juliet, residents made sure the male, Romeo, was provided another love interest, also named Juliet. When she died of an infection caused by a fishhook in the neck, they came up with Viola last fall.

Residents loved to see the swans cruising the lake, but Mayor Jim Still said the birds and the town never had the right chemistry. The swans were too aggressive, especially at nesting time.

"It made it a little hard to go on the swing set when you had a large white swan chasing you," Still said.

The real violence started a few about a month ago when Viola's leg was mangled, apparently by a snapping turtle, said Karen Segars, the clerk and Mountain Park's only full-time employee.

Viola spent 10 days at the veterinarian and ran up a $1,000 bill, paid by a local civic club. The three cygnets were so young they had to stay with Viola. When mother and babies returned, Romeo started hurting a cygnet, apparently viewing it as a rival for food, Segars said. Viola joined the beatdown.

"Children were hysterical because the mother and father were attacking a baby swan," Segars said. "The decision was made on the spot that the babies must be saved."

In the following days, Romeo crossed into Lake Garrett and started killing wood ducklings. Before, he'd stuck to Lake Cherful. The city council called a special meeting June 27 and decided to find a new home for the birds. By that time, the birds had been moved to a private pond near Cumming, Segars said. The cygnets were sold, the money used to pay part of the vet bill.

That's the swan song for Romeo and Viola.

"They coexisted for several years," Segars said. "Then whatever happened, happened."

Labels: Forsyth, Forsyth County, Mountain Park, North Fulton, Swans

We can help you with your Short Sales-we will work with the bank to sell your home so you avoid foreclosure. Call (770) 331-1206 today!

Are you having trouble keeping up with your mortgage payments? Have you received a notice from your lender asking you to contact them? Don't ignore the letters from your lender, contact your lender immediately, contact a HUD-approved HousingCounseling Agency, Toll FREE (800) 569-4287, if you can't make your mortgage payment:

1. Don't ignore the problem. The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your house.

2. Contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem. Lenders do not want your house. They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times.

3. Open and respond to all mail from your lender. The first notices you receive will offer good information about foreclosure prevention options... Your failure to open the mail will not be an excuse in foreclosure court.

4. Know your mortgage rights. Find your loan documents and read them so you know what your lender may do if you can't make your payments. Learn about the foreclosure laws and timeframes in your state (as every state is different) by contacting the State Government Housing Office.

5. Understand foreclosure prevention options. Valuable information about foreclosure prevention (also called loss mitigation) options can be found on the internet at www.fha.gov/foreclosure/index.cfm.

6. Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds free or very low cost housing counseling nationwide. Housing counselors can help you understand the law and your options, organizeyour finances and represent you in negotiations with your lender if you need this assistance. Find a HUD-approved housing counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287

7. Prioritize your spending. After healthcare, keeping your house should be your first priority. Review your finances and see where you can cut spending. Look for optional expenses-cable TV,memberships, entertainment-that you can eliminate. Delay payments on "unsecured" debt until you have paid your mortgage.

8. Use your assets. Do you have assets-a second car, jewelry, a whole life insurance policy-that you can sell for cash to help reinstate your loan? Can anyone in your household get an extra job to bring in additional income? Even if these efforts don'tsignificantly increase your available cash or your income, they demonstrate to your lender that you are willing to make sacrifices to keep your home.

9. Avoid foreclosure prevention companies. You don't need topay fees for foreclosure prevention help-use that money to pay the mortgage instead...For info and services your lender or a HUD approved housing counselor can provide it for free.

10. Don't lose your house to foreclosure recovery scams! If any firm claims they can stop your foreclosure immediately if you sign a document appointing them to act on your behalf, you may well be signing over the title to your property and becoming a renter in your own home! Never sign a legal document without reading and understanding all the terms and getting professional advice from an attorney or a trusted real estate professional.

WE CAN WORK WITH YOUR LENDER AND HELP YOU!!

Labels: avoid foreclosure, Forsyth, Georgia, hud, North Fulton, short sales

*100-mile event would close Ga. 400 *

A unique cycling event could be on north Fulton’s horizon and Roswell would be its start and finish line.

Called a century ride, the event route would cover 100 miles, some of it on a stretch of Ga. 400, which would be closed to vehicular traffic for a brief period on a Sunday morning.

The ride is being proposed as a benefit for the Georgia Transplant Foundation.

At transportation committee meeting last week, Roswell Mayor Jere Wood told council members the city was approached last month about a charity 100-mile bike ride in Roswell with some of the route also to be in Alpharetta.

“Our suggestion was to combine the rides and do one ride around north Fulton and get all the cities involved,” Wood said.

He said he took the idea to the North Fulton Municipal Association and received tentative support from all of the mayors, of Milton, Alpharetta, Mountain Park, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs.

The route for the ride would go through all of those cities, beginning and ending in Roswell at the King’s Ridge shopping center on Holcomb Bridge Road.

Georgia Department of Transportation would have to approve closing Ga. 400 at 6 a.m. Sunday, July 12, between Holcomb Bridge and the Northridge exits. Wood estimated closure would be necessary for around half an hour to allow riders to clear the highway and pass into Sandy Springs.

Roswell Transportation Director Steve Acenbrak, who is president of Bike Roswell, would be point man in drawing up the route and getting the DOT permit.

Century rides have been very popular in other areas of the state such as rural west Georgia, Covington and Dahlonega, where riders and spectators have brought economic boosts to lodging and restaurants.

While it is uncertain how many riders a first-time event in north Fulton would draw, Acenbrak said, “I can assure you a lot of people will be interested in riding on [Ga.] 400. It would be a novel event.”

On Monday, Councilwoman Becky Wynn, who is transportation committee liaison, said Roswell’s financial outlay for the century ride is expected to be minimal. “The costs would be spread out over multiple jurisdictions, so the city would not be bearing the brunt of it,” she said.

“I’m fairly confident our council will approve this,” Wood said on Monday.

The next steps include applying for the GDOT permit and finalizing a proposed route. The mayor said he will be bringing the planned route to the March 19 municipal association meeting for feedback and agreement.

Labels: 100 mile event, century ride, georgia transplant foundation, go 400, North Fulton, Roswell

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

NORTH FULTON - Fulton County is expecting a heavy voter turnout estimated to be 80 percent to 90 percent of the electorate. Fulton Voter Education Manager Mark Henderson says means for those who wait until Tuesday, Nov. 4 to vote should be ready for the possibility of long lines at their precincts.

But it doesn't have to be that way.

Voters can avoid the hassles of Election Day lines by taking advantage of one of several options to vote ahead of time. The state has a plan called early voting. It is the same as absentee voting.

Here's how it works:

EARLY VOTING - Through Oct. 24. This allows voters to come in any convenient business day and vote at one of a few designated places in the county.

In North Fulton the nearest poling place is:

North Service Center, Suite 209
7741 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs

Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

404-730-7072

Fill out the application at the location and present one of the permitted forms of photo ID which include a valid Georgia driver's license, Georgia ID, a city, county or state employee ID or passport. You will then vote on the machine.

VOTE BY MAIL - Just fill out the absentee application. Then, mail it or drop it off to your county registrar's office. To go the Secretary of State's Web site to download a form go to: http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/elections/voter_information/absentee.htm

You may also go to the county registrar's office to get a ballot request. Mail-in ballots must be received by your county registrar no later than close of the polls on Election Day. Georgia law prohibits anyone other than the voter from personal delivery of a voted mail-in ballot.

ADVANCE VOTE WEEK - Mon., Oct. 27, thru Friday, Oct, 31. Fulton will have multiple voting centers and even extended hours. A photo ID is required to vote in person. Voting hours in this week are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Those sites in North Fulton in addition to the North Fulton Service Center are:

• NE Spruill Oaks Regional Library

(Spruill Road @ Old Ala. Rd.)

9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek

• Hembree Park, Roswell

Hembree Road @ Elkins Road

ELECTION DAY is Tuesday, November 4, and the polls open at 7 a.m. On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned precinct and present a photo ID.

According to Henderson, some 20,000 voters have already cast their ballots and Fulton County has received 26,700 requests for absentee ballots.

Labels: early voting, North Fulton, Vote, Voter

Drop-off point brings homegrown produce to consumers

Coordinator of a Consumer Supported Agriculture, or CSA, drop-off point may be the first of its kind in north Fulton, Laramee and her “silent partner” and friend Denise Detamore are that committed to getting the program up and running.

CSAs connect organic farms directly to urban consumers, either through member pickups directly from a participating farm or with weekly or bi-weekly deliveries of pre-ordered boxes of produce to designated drop-off points in metro areas.

Until now, the Spruill Green Market in Dunwoody has been the closest CSA drop-off for north Fulton residents.

The program in Roswell, only two months old, offer boxes of certified organic fruits and vegetables for $29.99 each.

Customers can go online to www.localfoodstop.com to place and pay for their orders. Pickup is every Wednesday, from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., at 425 Market Place Antiques in Roswell.

On a recent week, the contents of the box included red grapes, a watermelon, red plums, basil, thyme, romaine lettuce, zucchini, spinach, snap beans and leeks. All items are guaranteed to be grown without the use of pesticides or other harmful chemicals.

Laramee said the majority of the produce comes from organic farms in Georgia, but other organic farms in the Southeast and in winter, outside the region, also will be used as vendors when a variety of Georgia produce is in short supply.

Labels: consumer supported agriculture, csa, North Fulton, organic express, organic food, spruill green market

Alpharetta High School
May 24, 11 a.m.
Verizon Amphitheater at Encore Park in Alpharetta

Centennial High School
May 23, 7:30 p.m.
Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church

Chattahoochee High School
May 24, 10 a.m.
Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church

Connected Academy
May 23, 7 p.m.
Milton Center auditorium

Milton High School
May 23, 8 p.m.
Milton High School stadium

North Springs High School
May 23, 3 p.m.
Ahavath Achim Synagogue
Northview High School
May 25, 3 p.m.
Georgia Dome

Roswell High School
May 23, 7:30 p.m.
Roswell High School stadium
Senior Celebrations:

Independence High School
May 22, 1 p.m.
Milton Center Auditorium

Labels: alpharetta high, centennial high, chattahoochee high, graduation ceremonies, Milton High School, North Fulton, north springs high, roswell high

The Riverside Farmers Market is set to open on Saturday, May 31 from 8 a.m. to noon at Riverside Park. The market will be open every Saturday through October 25 and will concentrate on fresh, locally grown produce. This is the first farmers market in Roswell.

Non profit organizations will be selling coffee and refreshments, local chefs are slated to provide demonstrations and other fun activities are scheduled to make this market a target destination for families.

Vendors must grow their own produce and it should be grown within 100 miles of the market. Prospective vendors can get more information by contacting Louise Estabrook at 404.613.7670.

With support from the City of Roswell, the market will fill a demand that has existed in the community for many years. Other metro communities have established markets which have proven to be highly popular.

Restrooms and free parking is available. Riverside Park is located at 575 Riverside Road in Roswell

Labels: City of Roswell, North Fulton, Riverside Farmers Market, Riverside Park

New Milton City Manager Billy Beckett was appointed by a unanimous vote of City Council on Monday, April 21.

Though interim City Manager Chris Lagerbloom joked that Beckett was more than welcome to take his seat immediately, he will actually begin work on April 30.

According to his employment agreement, Beckett will receive $137,000 as an annual base salary and, like other city employees, will be eligible for an increase of up to four percent after Dec. 31 based upon a job evaluation.

In addition to health, disability, retirement, and life insurance benefits, Beckett will also receive vacation and sick leave, as well as an automobile allowance of $600 per month. He will also receive $5,000 in moving expenses.

Council would need a majority vote in order to terminate the agreement.

Beckett is not eligible for severance until after Dec. 31, after which time he can receive up to 12 months of pay at his current level of salary. He must give a minimum of 30 days notice if he chooses to resign at anytime, unless both he and the city agree otherwise.

Beckett replaces Lagerbloom, who has served since August, when former City Manager Aaron Bovos resigned. Bovos received a $72,500 lump sum severance payment as part of his separation agreement with the city.

Bovos, who was paid a yearly sum of $145,000 at Milton, now serves as deputy city administrator in Roswell.

"I think I speak for the entire council and city staff when I say that we are excited and congratulate Mr. Beckett," said Mayor Joe Lockwood. "We're excited about moving forward."

Labels: City Manager, Fulton, milton, North Fulton

North Fulton residents did their part to help create a Blueprint North Fulton during an interactive public meeting Wednesday night.

The North Fulton Community Improvement District (CID) decided it needed a master plan to set priorities after contributing $2 million to the completion of Westside Parkway south from Sanctuary Parkway to Mansell Road. That's a good return on their investment, according to Ann Hanlon, executive director of the North Fulton CID.

Spending money wisely is a hallmark of the group, which is a self-taxing authority. Properties owners in the commercial corridor along Ga. 400 from Mansell Road north to McGinnis Ferry Road agree to pay more taxes to raise funds for transportation infrastructure projects that will help their businesses. The corridor includes land in Roswell, Alpharetta and Milton.

The stakeholders at Wednesday's meeting included local homeowners, city officials, council members, commercial property owners and developers. They were tasked with identifying what they like about the three nodes in the CID area, which were designated as:

• North Point, from Mansell Road north to Kimball Bridge Road.

• Old Milton, north from Kimball Bridge past Old Milton Parkway to Webb Bridge Road.

• Windward, north of Webb Bridge to McGinnis Ferry Road.

The participants also labeled what changes they wanted to see in land use and designated new roadways and trails.

The CID's consultants, with Urban Collage in the lead, will take the information gleaned from these meetings, and come up with priorities for the self-taxing authority to spend the approximately $2.4 million it raises each year.

Labels: 400, Alpharetta, Ga 400, milton, North Fulton

Get out the garden hose and pull back that pool cover. Starting April 1, Alpharettans might be able to hand water their lawns and fill up their pools starting April 1, if the Fulton County Board of Commissioners relaxes its watering rules this week.

North Georgia still is in drought conditions, so residents will only get one time a week for less than 30 minutes to hand water their yards.



Recommendations sent to Fulton Commissioners were to allow:
• Hand watering 25 minutes, one day per week.
• Filling outdoor swimming pools.
• A one time watering newly installed landscaping three-nights-a-week for 30 days. Register at www.urbanagcouncil.com

City Council members rushed to remind residents conservation is still needed. Fulton County staff recommended tighter restrictions than the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) requires. That was necessary to make sure the county met an EPD requirement to reduce water use by 10 percent compared to 2007 usage.

Mayor Arthur Letchas brought the proposal before council.

"We still aren't going to take our eyes off the target as far as removing our water restrictions. But we would like to fall in line with the EPD and Fulton County water restrictions," Letchas said.

Councilman David Belle Isle, who grew up in Gainesville, said as a child he saw some low lake levels. But nothing compares to how low the lake is today.

"The docks are on the ground," he said. "You think because we've had some rain it's fine – but it's not fine," Belle Isle said.

Labels: Fulton, Fulton County, North Fulton, water, Water Ban, Water Restrictions

The BHA has had a significant number of questions and concerns about the Fulton County Board of Education proposed site for the new High School on Freemanville Road and based on the information currently available the Board of Directors opposes the site for environmental reasons. We will continue to follow the new and upcoming facts. Additional updates are also available on the Protect Milton website.

Elevated Water Tank Update


Last week Councilmember D'Aversa sponsored Wayne Super, Milton resident, Hal Weideman, Civil Engineer and Alec Rickenbacker, Pritchard Mountain, LLC to the Council's work session for a factual presentation opposing Fulton County's desire to build an elevated water tower in the City of Milton. The Mayor and City Council agreed to vote on adopting a resolution opposing the elevated water tank: favoring either a booster-pump-only solution or designing the elevated water tank in conformance with the area aesthetics and overall land use plan for Milton.Public comment and Council vote on this matter will occur at the City Council meeting on Wednesday, February, 20th at 6PM. The City's action will have an impact on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.Please attend the City Council meeting as a show of support for the Council's affirmative vote. You will also have two opportunities to make a public statement during this meeting if you wish. Regardless, your attendance will greatly matter and influence how the Council votes.

Sewer Plant in NE Cherokee


We face an issue that could forever change this area. A Sewer Plant is proposed in Cherokee County to provide sewer service to the Northeast Region of Cherokee County and areas of both Forsyth and Fulton Counties. Many of you participated in an earlier letter writing campaign which caused the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to grant a public hearing in March. In a very short period of time Milton residents generated 145 letters. THANK YOU!!But our work is not finished. We must now generate thousands of letters asking for this plant to be denied. Please read the following which contains information you will need to fax, e-mail or mail your signed letters. Brief Description of the Permit ApplicationCherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority (CCWSA) has requested a permit from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to construct a $25 Million sewage treatment plant on Cokers Chapel Road, off E. Cherokee Drive. This plant would provide sewer service to the Northeast region of Cherokee County and potentially Forsyth and Fulton Counties. According to the Metro North Georgia Water Planning District Plan, this plant will also provide treatment for wastewater produced in the Etowah Basin portions of Forsyth and Fulton Counties to effect regionalization. They will pipe raw sewerage from both of these counties all over NE Cherokee County to be brought to the plant off E. Cherokee Drive. What happens in NE Cherokee County will have a direct impact on rural Milton.In addition to the risk of sewer is the risk of high density development that will bring more students to our schools, drive up traffic counts, increase storm water run-off and negatively impact our already impaired waterways within the COOSA basin. Do we have enough water for this explosive growth?This is a perfect example of where we need to be aware and involved in what happens at our borders to ensure this unique region maintains its rural character. Many in Milton and Cherokee County believe that the introduction of sewer in rural areas may be detrimental to the infrastructure and to our way of life and do not want it brought to our rural areas. You have a chance to help stop this plant from further polluting our water and becoming a springboard to unbridled growth, but only if you act by March 2, 2008. 1. Sign the letter and print your name and address. Please have all members of your family, 18 years of age or older, sign the letter available on the BHA website. We need to have all letters returned to CCRG by 3/2/08 they will deliver them to EPD at the public hearing.

Labels: Alpharetta, BHA, Fulton County, milton, New High School, North Fulton

Customers might want to check if they really bought an iPod product when shopping at the iPod World kiosk at North Point Mall and six other malls. The Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs reported those kiosks sold look-a-like products to the iPod Nano and Shuffle without telling customers the products were not manufactured by Apple.

The agency entered into a settlement with Shay Zvi Lahav, individually, and his companies, Easy Sale 4U LLC. d/b/a iPod World and Accessories 2000 L.L.C., over allegations that they passed off counterfeit merchandise as Apple products.

The look-a-likes were sold at kiosks in Lenox Mall, Cumberland Mall, North Point Mall, Town Center Mall, Mall of Georgia, Macon Mall and Hamilton Place Mall in Chattanooga, Tenn. Additionally, the counterfeit products were advertised and distributed via the company's Web site, www.accessories2000.com.

After receiving a tip Nov. 28, 2007 the state agency sent undercover investigators to visit the "iPod World" kiosks to determine if the allegations could be substantiated. Investigators found that the kiosks offered several different items, ranging from FM transmitters to MP3 docking stations with speakers. Although none of the items for sale were authentic Apple products, the appearance, design, packaging, function and pricing of many of the items were virtually identical to those of genuine Apple products, specifically Apple's iPod Shuffle and Nano and their associated accessories.

Adding to the allegedly misleading tactics, the salesmen failed to correct customers when they referred to products by their Apple names. One salesman demonstrated the features of an FM transmitter by using a genuine Apple iPod Nano. Furthermore, the receipt given to the undercover investigator following his purchase of the fake iPod referred to the product as a "Shffle," just one letter off from the actual Apple product name.

Immediately following the undercover investigation, the Office of Consumer Affairs put kiosk owner Shay Zvi Lahav on notice of alleged violations of the Fair Business Practices Act. On Jan. 7, Lahav entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance with OCA, in which he agreed to refrain from using the terms "iPod" and "iPod World" in his companies' signs and Web sites; to refrain from selling any products whose appearance, functionality and packaging are virtually identical to those of Apple products without posting clear, conspicuous disclaimers asserting that the products sold are not Apple products and that the companies have no affiliation with Apple; pay $20,000 to OCA for investigative and administrative fees; and offer full restitution to affected customers.

Customers who have purchased products from iPod World, Easy Sale 4U, L.L.C. or Accessories 2000, L.L.C. can get a full refund by returning products to either the place of purchase or to 4264 Winters Chapel Road, Building A, Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30360, along with a sales receipt or proof of payment (e.g. cancelled check or credit card statement). Refunds will be offered through Feb. 5 only.


For more information, contact the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs at 404-651-8600.

Labels: Apple, Fake, IPOD, Nano, North Fulton, North Point Mall, Shuffle

Plant your right foot in the 21st century and your left foot in yesteryear when you journey to Alpharetta, Georgia, to celebrate the holiday season. Perfectly perched between the bustle of Atlanta and the serenity of the North Georgia mountains, the city of Alpharetta will transport you with ease from a comforting Dickensian Christmas scene straight into the most modern of restaurants for gourmet dining and into top-of-the-line spas for soothing body treatments. You might even win an amazing shopping spree.

In the spirit of the season, the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) will surprise one lucky shopper with an Awesome Alpharetta Holiday Gift Extravaganza at the city’s top retailers. Last year’s winner received more than $1,500 in gift certificates and merchandise. “Now that’s spreading holiday cheer,” says Alpharetta CVB President Janet Rodgers. During the months of November and December, register at the Alpharetta Welcome Center on Main Street, or go to www.AwesomeAlpharetta.com where you can register until December 27 and learn details about the drawing, which will be held on December 30, 2007. Participating in the holiday promotion, says Rodgers, “provides the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway during the most festive season of the year.”


Come early in the season so that Alpharetta’s myriad of retailers – from national chain stores to independent one-of-a-kind shops – can assist you in finding the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list. The city is home to a regional mall and small local malls, in addition to a stunning array of boutiques and uniques. Atlanta regional malls are a short drive to the south, North Point Mall is located in the heart of Alpharetta, and the North Georgia Premium Outlets Mall is a short drive to the north.

Try These Local Retailers for a Taste of Trendy and Traditional:

TURNING HOMES INTO CASTLES

Trendy - MAC (Mainstreet Art Company). Contemporary gifts, modern jewelry, original art. Downtown Alpharetta. www.mainstreetartco.com

Traditional - Queen of Hearts Antique Mall. 130 dealers. Main Street.

THOSE LITTLE EXTRAS

Trendy - Parsons of Alpharetta. Stocks those Brighton accessories you love. North Point Parkway. www.parsonsgifts.com/LadiesAccessories.Brighton

Traditional - The Cannery. Accessories for your home and for you, too. Love country chic decor? Find it here. Downtown Alpharetta.

WELL, HELLO DOLLIES

Trendy - American Girl Boutique and Bistro. Yes, this is the home of those charming dolls that little girls love. Eat brunch, lunch or dinner at the Bistro. North Point Mall. www.northpointmall.com

Traditional - Jack & Jill Children’s Boutique. Dress your little Jack or Jill in top-of-the-line duds. Main Street. www.upthehill.com

CLOTHES MAKE THE WOMAN (AND MAN)

Trendy - Galerie. Designer apparel for women and men. Buy PeaceLoveMom clothing here. Main Street.

Traditional - Ann Taylor. Classic women’s clothes. North Point Mall (see above) and North Georgia Premium Outlets on Georgia 400 north of Alpharetta.

KISS THE COOK

Trendy – The Publix Apron’s Cooking School. Learn to create “Edible Ornaments” and “Pastabilities” everyone will love. http://www.publix.com/aprons/schools/CookingSchools.do

Traditional – Kroger Cooking School; Whole Foods Market Salud! Cooking and Lifestyle School. Cook your way into everyone’s heart. http://www.kroger.com/mykroger/atl/cookingschool.htm; www.wholefoodsmarket.com.

When you grow weary after a day of making gift decisions and toting shopping bags full of holiday prizes, indulge yourself with a Swedish massage, salt glow exfoliation or a makeup application at one of several Alpharetta spas. Then, before you snuggle in for the night at one of Alpharetta’s first-class hotels – ask about special holiday rates – satisfy your appetite with your cuisine of choice because Alpharetta has it all -- from gourmet specialties to Southern cooking and family favorites. No need to drive into Atlanta to dine because unbeatable choices abound in Alpharetta.

For more information call the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau toll-free (800) 294-0923, locally (678) 297-0102; or visit. www.AwesomeAlpharetta.com.

The Alpharetta CVB would like to extend a tremendous thank you to all the merchants participating in the holiday giveaway: Armistead, Clayton CameraCraft Photography, Courtyard Marriott, Couture Consigner, Doubletree Hotel Atlanta/Alpharetta/Windward, Embassy Suites Hotel-Northpoint, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Galerie, Hampton Inn & Suites Alpharetta, Hilton Garden Inn North Point, Holiday Inn Express Alpharetta, Homewood Suites, Hyatt Place Alpharetta/Windward, Loafing Leprechaun, Mainstreet Art Company, The Original Pancake House, Publix, The Reading Tree, Residence Inn by Marriott Alpharetta North Point Mall, Sage Woodfire Tavern, Smokejack BBQ, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Village Tavern, Vino 100.

Labels: Alpharetta, North Fulton, Trendy