Commissioner Brian Tam announced Wednesday his candidacy for the Georgia House of Representatives. Tam is seeking to succeed Representative Tom Knox, who announced last week he will not seek another term.
Tam, who has been a resident of Forsyth County for more than 15 years, operates Tam's Backstage in Cumming with his wife, Kelly. In 2007, Tam's Backstage received the Partners in Education's Gold Level Award for its commitment to supporting quality education.
As a graduate of Leadership Forsyth, a recipient of the Don Hendricks Memorial Award, a partner in education for many of our local schools and as a recipient of the 2008 Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals' Patron Award, Tam said he understands the importance of giving back to his community.
"As a Commissioner, I have had an unparalleled opportunity to make a difference in the direction of our community," said Tam. "I am seeking election to the Georgia State House because I am committed to continuing to ensure our community reaches new heights."
In 2008, Commissioner Brian Tam was successfully reelected to serve a second term on the county commission with more than 55 percent of the vote—avoiding a runoff in a four-way contest.
"In these tough times we need leaders who understand how to create jobs and revitalize our economy," said Tam. "As a small business operator, I understand what it takes to maintain a budget and to meet a payroll."
Tam's direction and vision have led to the acquisition of hundreds of acres of greenspace, a recreation center at both Buice and Fowler Parks, the implementation of an early warning weather system to guarantee the continued safety of local residents, and an additional Sheriff's precinct located adjacent to South Forsyth High and the widening of Highway 141.
"As a steward of Forsyth County, it is my responsibility to preserve our quality of life," said Tam. "With the continued support of Forsyth County voters, I will ensure Forsyth County has a strong voice in the state legislature."
John Clark, former Chairman of the Forsyth County Parks, Recreation and Greenspace Bond Committee describes Tam as " a conservative and family man who will vote the values of the 24th House District."
"Commissioner Tam has been a strong voice for families across Forsyth County and I am proud to support him in his candidacy for State House," said Clark. "Not only will he continue to be a voice for our community, but, he will also be a voice for all of Georgia."
Brian and his wife, Kelly, reside in South Forsyth with their three children.
Labels: Brian Tam, commissioners, Forsyth, Forsyth County, georgia house of representatives
# posted by
Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:07 AM
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
# posted by
Brian Vanderhoff @ 7:59 AM
