Empty Nest
Schools locked down
Sponsored section ►►PAGE 20
Armed intruder on the run ►►PAGE 2
LOST funds
Sales tax in doubt ►►PAGE 4
Avossa stays
School superintendent to stay 3 more years ►►PAGE 9
That's a good dog! Milton PD gets new police K9 ►►PAGE 12
October 23, 2013 | northfulton.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 6, No. 43
Offers incentive This is an to businesses
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By CAROLYN ASPENSON carolyn@northfulton.com
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Milton considers opportunity zone for Deerfield corridor
H F U LT O N . C
JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF
Students from Crabapple Crossing ran their hearts out during the Boosterthon Fun Run Oct. 18 as their parents cheered them on.
Kids run for fun Crabapple Crossing students learn health, friendship
MILTON, Ga. – All morning Oct. 18, the students of Crabapple Crossing engaged in healthy exercise and growing friendships as part of the Boosterthon Fun Run. The Boosterthon Fun Run is a nine-day program that helps local schools raise needed funds for education while inspiring students to live healthy, character-filled lives. The Camp High Five theme of this year included daily character lessons that teach the
value of respecting others, not bullying and showing sportsmanship. Each lesson is paired with a daily hand gesture that helps make it memorable. The message is also reinforced through a curriculum that includes interactive character videos, catchy songs and a brand-new children’s book. When children adopt treating others with respect into their daily interactions, their behavior changes. As friendship increases, bullying fades away. The weeklong event culminated in a fun run, where the students ran for pledges and for their parents in the gym. —Jonathan Copsey
MILTON, Ga. — Milton’s Economic Development Manager Bill O’Connor wants the city to apply for the state’s opportunity zone job tax credit program. He made his request during the Oct. 14 City Council work session. An opportunity zone, established by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, is a tax credit for new and existing businesses located in areas that are within or adjacent to a census block group with a 15 percent or greater poverty level where an enterprise zone or urban development plan exists. It aims to spur new business activity within the zone. “We have hired a consultant to analyze the Deerfield corridor to determine if this area meets the requirements for the program,” O’Connor said. If the City Council authorizes the application for the program and the state approves, businesses within the designated area would receive a $3,500 tax credit for two or more new jobs. The credit is given for five years for each job. “This is an excellent opportunity for both the current businesses in that area and potential businesses considering Milton,” Councilmem-
excellent opportunity for both the current businesses in that area and potential businesses considering Milton.” MATT KUNZ Milton Councilmember
ber Matt Kunz said. “Mr. O’Connor detailed specifics for the area which could benefit businesses there.” O’Connor said if the city authorizes the application, the consultant will complete the study and the application will be sent off to the state. If the state approves, it could take over two months for the program to begin. “The state may do a roll-out for the businesses,” O’Connor said. “If and when we have the approval, we’ll know more about how it will be implemented.” O’Connor is cautiously optimistic the City Council will approve the request to apply. Neighboring cities of Alpharetta and Roswell have successfully used economic development zones to attract and expand businesses.