Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - April 18, 2024

City may cut playground for more parking

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta officials are considering constructing additional parking spaces instead of a playground at Union Hill Park in a bid to support events at the facility’s covered venue.

But, any changes to the park’s redesign are pending future council discussion and review by city legal staff, who say they must determine if the plans align with what voters approved in the 2021 parks bond referendum.

Spreading wellness with design

Lanada Duncan, a Roswell-based interior designer, sits in her original “she-cave” at her home. The concept, a relaxing space for women, has become her specialty since she founded b.e. decors Interiors in 2015. See story, page 8.

At an April 15 meeting, the City Council discussed pursuing a new design for Union Hill Park. As a work session item, no action was taken, but staff fielded councilmembers’ input to return with a formal proposal at a future meeting.

If later approved, the city would construct 49 additional parking spaces rather than the currently

Alpharetta planners give nod to downtown condo project

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta planners have approved a new condominium and restaurant development downtown, but street congestion from delivery drivers and vendors continues to be a concern.

At an April 11 meeting, the Alpharetta Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of 55 Canton, a four-story building with 36 for-sale condominiums and a 7,303-square-foot restaurant.

The planned building is at Canton and Old Canton streets, just to the

northwest of the Hamilton Hotel.

Ultimately, the Planning Commission was supportive of the project. Planning Commissioner Todd Stratton said he thinks the building could be the most attractive in downtown Alpharetta if built as designed.

But, Mary Ann Slavik, a resident of the neighboring Teasley Place, addressed the Planning Commission with concerns about Canton Street being blocked by delivery trucks.

“This is a common occurrence,” she said. “This happens every day. There are

LANADA DUNCAN/PROVIDED

Alpharetta police arrest suspect for rape, kidnapping

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police have arrested a suspect in the March 11 rape and kidnapping of a female Lyft driver.

Officers arrested and charged Demarcus Johnson, 32, with felony theft

POLICE BLOTTER

All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Woman’s purse swiped from Webb Bridge Park

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A Johns Creek woman reported April 6 someone smashed her window and stole her purse from her vehicle while she was walking at Webb Bridge Park.

The victim reported parking around 3:30 p.m. and locking her vehicle. When she returned around 4:30 p.m., she said her rear passenger window was broken, and her purse was missing.

The $100 purse reportedly contained her credit and debit cards, as well as identity documents.

Officers reported seeing smudged fingerprints on the vehicle and shattered glass inside, but there were no cameras in the area.

The victim also reported receiving a declined transaction notification from her bank shortly before returning to her vehicle. The transaction was reportedly attempted on Cash App in San Francisco.

No suspects have been identified.

Mother and son report car break-ins

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police are investigating two car break-ins at Willeo Park April 7 after a Roswell woman and her son reported stolen cash and credit cards.

The victims, a 51-year-old Roswell woman and her 29-year-old son, said they parked

by taking, rape, aggravated assault and kidnapping April 5.

Police officials said the victim reported picking up a male passenger who stole her vehicle, kidnapped and raped her in March. Further

their cars along Willeo Road around 4 p.m. for a walk in the park.

When the victims returned to their parked vehicles around 8 p.m., they discovered an unidentified suspect had broken into the man’s Ford F-150.

The male victim said he is sure he locked his truck before heading into the park.

An officer said the method of entry appears to be a pry tool used between the passenger side windows. He also said two footprints were found inside the truck on the center consol.

The victim said multiple credit cards and more than $300 in cash were taken from his truck.

The victim told officers he had already canceled his BestBuy credit card, which the suspect attempted to use at a Target and Walmart in Marietta. He said both transactions, each more than $1,000, were declined.

A transaction using the victim’s Regions Bank card for around $1,000 went through at a Walmart. The victim did not report fraudulent transactions on his Home Depot card or Bank of America debit and credit cards.

Officers then spoke with the second victim, the man’s mother, who said she parked behind her son on Willeo Road.

The female victim said some lose change and a medical kit was taken from her vehicle.

Both victims told officers they want an investigation and to press charges if an offender is found.

Man reports theft at PGA superstore

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police are investigating a car break-in at the PGA Tour Superstore on Holcomb Woods Parkway April 8 after a customer reported a $2,150 theft.

investigation showed the victim was given a sedative during the incident.

Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect is asked to contact Det. Lawrence at 678-297-6338.

The investigation is ongoing.

The victim, a 71-year-old man from Mineral Bluff, said he cashed two checks at the Bank of America on Ga. 9 and had $2,150 in cash when he walked out.

Before entering the golf shop, the victim said he put the cash in the center consol of his vehicle, a tan Toyota Tacoma parked near the front entrance.

After five minutes inside the store, the victim said he heard tires squealing in the parking lot and walked out to check his vehicle.

An officer said the victim’s passenger-side window was shattered and the cash had been stolen.

A witness of the break-in, a 69-year-old Roswell man, said he saw a silver SUV with tinted windows exit the space next to the victim’s car.

The suspect’s vehicle almost struck the witness as it was leaving the parking lot, he said.

The investigation is ongoing.

Man reportedly defrauded at gas stations, restaurants

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An Alpharetta man reported April 6 someone fraudulently used his bank account for more than $6,000 in purchases at various gas stations and restaurants.

The victim reported reviewing his bank statement and finding 18 fraudulent transactions at restaurants and Exxon and Marathon gas stations in Winder and Carnesville.

There were also unauthorized purchases made at Sunoco gas stations in Pennsylvania, the report states.

The transactions reportedly happened between March 29 and April 5.

No suspects have been identified.

SCREENSHOT

Tractor Supply Company is eyeing the former Ethan Allen at 6800 North Point Parkway, highlighted in yellow, for its first Metro Atlanta location. The Alpharetta City Council is set to consider the proposal at a meeting May 20.

Tractor Supply seeks Atlanta market with location near North Point Mall

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — National retail chain Tractor Supply Company is seeking to tap into the Metro Atlanta market with a proposed location across from Alpharetta’s North Point Mall.

If approved by the City Council, the new store would take over the 34,313-square-foot vacant Ethan Allen at 6800 North Point Parkway.

The Alpharetta store would become the company’s first in Metro Atlanta along Ga. 400. Its nearest locations are in Kennesaw, Buford and two in Canton.

Developers are seeking an amendment to the North Point Business Center master plan, a conditional use permit and a variance to open the location.

The property sits in the heart of Alpharetta’s North Point corridor, which the city has prioritized for redevelopment since the decline of the North Point Mall.

The mall once served as the retail heart of the city until the rise of mixeduse projects such as City Center and Avalon in the 2010s.

Approved developments in the area include Brixmor at Mansell Crossing, which will include restaurant and retail components, a Big Creek Greenway connection and a renovation of Barnes and Noble on North Point Parkway; retail plaza Encore Commons; and Pickle and Social off Haynes Bridge and Rock Mill roads.

Ecco Park, a townhome development, and Maru Japanese Restaurant are under construction on North Point Drive.

Plans for the redevelopment of the North Point Mall are still pending. In January, Economic and Community Development Director Kathi Cook said the city anticipates a new proposal for the mall around this summer.

The regional mall is one location in north Metro Atlanta developers are eyeing for a National Hockey League franchise.

In a March press release, Alpharetta Sports and Entertainment Group announced it is working with North Point Mall owners New York Life to redevelop the property with an arena for hockey and concerts designed by architect Frank Gehry; facilities for esports and performing arts; a professional-level outdoor stadium; hotels; and retail, dining and residential components.

Alpharetta Sports and Entertainment Group is an ownership group backed by NHL veteran Anson Carter, Neil Leibman, Peter Simon and Aaron Zeigler. It is not affiliated with the city.

Alpharetta hosted a community zoning information meeting April 10 to field public feedback and concerns about the proposed Tractor Supply store.

The Planning Commission is scheduled to give its recommendation on the use May 2 before the application faces the City Council for final approval May 20.

Milton mom turns tragedy into mission

KATE LUEVANO/PROVIDED

Pictured center, Kate and Dewayne Luevano hold up a picture of their daughter, Josephine Anne, alongside friends and family November 19 at their first blood drive. Last June, the Luevanos’ daughter was stillborn after a missed diagnosis of a rare pregnancy condition.

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By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — When a tragedy befalls you, hope that your response is as life-affirming as Kate Luevano’s effort to spread awareness about a rare, yet preventable, disease.

A couple weeks after World Alloimmunization and Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn Day March 12, Luevano held her second blood drive with LifeSouth.

Last summer, Luevano gave birth to her daughter, Josephine Anne. Because of an undiagnosed case of alloimmunization and HDFN, Luevano’s pregnancy resulted in a stillbirth and the loss of her daughter.

In rare cases, a woman will develop maternal alloimmunization or a red cell antibody when exposed to a different blood type. The exposure to an unknown blood type, during pregnancy, childbirth or a blood transfusion, can cause a mother’s antibodies to attack the unborn child’s red blood cells. If left untreated, hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn — the baby’s condition — can have devastating consequences ranging from anemia to death.

“Just in my own research trying to figure out what happened, I stumbled across the Allo Hope Foundation,” Luevano said. “They’re an amazing foundation.”

The Allo Hope Foundation, with its mission to prevent harm, stillbirth and infant death caused by alloimmunization and HDFN, helped Luevano with individual support, connection to a community, life-saving education, up-to-date research and expert medical professionals.

“That became my connection to wanting to do a blood drive in the first place,” Luevano said. “I needed something to do at a time when I felt so powerless.”

She said she formed a special

connection with the founder of the nonprofit, who also lost a daughter to the disease.

The first drive Nov. 19 saw dozens of people turn out and donate 60 pints of blood.

City of Milton Communications Director Greg Botelho helped Luevano spread the word and generate some awareness in the community.

The March 30 blood drive over Easter weekend drew a smaller crowd, which donated 29 pints.

At the second drive, the Luevanos also collected a few hundred dollars in donations for the Allo Hope Foundation.

Luevano said the Allo Hope Foundation was a stepping stone to a connection at Northside Hospital.

“The foundation has a handful of specialists that provide excellent care and the latest evidence-based treatments,” Luevano said. “One of the best people in the whole country that they recommended is in Atlanta.”

Dr. Thomas Trevett, a maternalfetal medicine specialist and a managing partner at Georgia Perinatal Consultants, manages high-risk pregnancies at hospitals around Metro Atlanta.

“I met with the doctor, and he helped walk us through everything that happened with Josie and moving forward for us,” Luevano said. “Fast forward and I am pregnant again, it’s an extremely high-risk pregnancy and there’s a lot going on in the hospital… minimum 20 hours a week.”

At the Luevanos blood drive over Easter weekend, Trevett showed up for his patient’s event to chip in some blood.

“He’s really great,” Luevano said. “Dr. Trevett is on the medical advisory board of the foundation.”

Because blood incompatibility is so rare, specialists like Trevett are an invaluable resource for pregnant women

See LUEVANO, Page 13

80-year-old eyes 50th Peachtree Road Race

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — More of a walker nowadays, 80-year-old Larry Lascody will participate in his 50th Peachtree Road Race July 4.

The race, which dates to 1970, has grown to be the largest 10K in the world with a capped 60,000 participants. The race, beginning at Lenox Square in Buckhead and ending at Piedmont Park, also includes a wheelchair division.

Larry and his wife Barbara Lascody have made the Peachtree Road Race a family event, booking a hotel that weekend. Over the years, their two daughters and their five grandchildren have participated, and now, their grandchildren’s spouses have since tagged along.

“There’s only one family member that’s never participated,” Larry said, sideeying Barbara who recently had a knee replaced. Larry looks forward to her full recovery in time for next year’s event.

Larry, also an Army veteran, said he has run most of his life as a member of his high school’s track and cross-country teams, then becoming a member of the Atlanta Track Club. He competed as a runner in the Peachtree Road Race until 2019, when he suffered a knee injury.

“I’ve missed the run, and I miss the competition,” Larry said.

He injured his knee while participating in CureSearch’s Ultimate Hike, which raises funds for pediatric cancer research. It was his second time participating, having raised more than $13,000 for the cause across two hikes, the first in 2011.

“It’s an unbelievable experience, very

emotional to me,” Larry said.

At the Lascodys’ home in Milton, a room has been dedicated to Larry’s awards with the help of his daughters, who surprised him with walls covered in plaques and shelves holding small trophies. There were also boxes of medals — one containing first, second and third place finishes.

Barbara pulled out a quilt made of T-shirts Larry had received at 30 Peachtree Road Races, and another 20 will be made into a second blanket.

She described the spectacle that is the Peachtree Road Race — participants in costumes, wearing tutus, military members holding their flags, commentators from TV stations, and if July 4 falls on a Sunday, priests are out there blessing you.

“They’re handing out beer, if you want to run the beer, and there’s bands playing on the side,” Barbara said. “It’s just so fun.”

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Larry and Barbara Lascody stand with a blanket made of Peachtree Road Race T-shirts from three decades at their Milton home. Larry, 80, will participate in his 50th Peachtree Road Race July 4, the world’s largest 10K race capped at 60,000 participants.

Boxes hold Larry Lascody’s first, second, third and finisher medals.

Mount Pisgah lines up campus expansion

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Mount Pisgah Christian School, along Nesbit Ferry Road, plans to add more than 20 acres to its existing campus, and its neighbors say they’re concerned about how the build-out will affect their quality of life.

Civil engineer Kenneth Wood described details of the project to a small crowd at the April 4 Zoning Public Participation Meeting at City Hall. The audience included homeowners in neighboring subdivisions, like Chartwell and St. Regis, as well as parents of students at Mount Pisgah.

The 123,662-square-foot proposal includes a performing arts center, a swimming facility, a curriculum enhancement building, two new academic buildings, an existing house to be renovated and six outdoor tennis courts. Plans also call for additional parking, increasing spaces from 274 to 574.

“Looking at the campus in general that’s there today, it’s totally maxed out,” Wood said.

Like the existing campus, Wood said the expansion would not change

the existing agricultural zoning. Rather, the property would require a special-use permit.

Chris Harmon, who became head of school of Mount Pisgah in 2022, could not provide the expected cost for the project, accounting for inflation and phased approach for build-out, which is expected to take at least 20 years.

Harmon said the priority right now is to close out the property, currently under contract for $5.2 million. The owners contacted the school about a year ago, he said.

“They wanted to see us be able to spread out a little bit more and really preserve that from having a bunch of homes or townhomes or apartments there,” Harmon said. “Nobody really thought that was the best use of that property, especially the family who lived on that property for 50 years.”

Harmon said the expansion is intended to capture a pastoral feel, preserving the site’s natural aspects. Site renderings show a significant amount of green space, including student common areas and a nature trail along a lake to the south.

“I think the project gives us a real opportunity to afford [our students] every opportunity to excel,” Harmon

North Fulton Master Gardeners set date for annual Garden Faire

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — North Fulton gardening groups, Alpharetta and Fulton County are joining forces to host the 23rd annual Garden Faire from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20 at The Grove at Wills Park.

The North Fulton Master Gardeners fundraiser will be hosted in partnership with the Fulton County Cooperative Extension, the Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program and the Georgia Native Plant Society North Metro Atlanta chapter.

The gathering will feature a pass along plant sale for guests to purchase perennials, hostas, irises, daylilies, trees and shrubs from local master gardeners.

The Fulton County Schools Teaching Museum North Greenhouse will offer more than 1,000 plants, including geraniums, begonias, herbs, hanging ferns and coleus. Beefsteak, paste, dwarf, cherry and hybrid tomatoes will also be available.

Guests can also choose from 5,000 plants grown at Old Rucker Farm in Alpharetta as well as 2,000 native perennials, shrubs and vines from the Georgia Native Plant Society chapter.

said. “As a complete school, they can excel in any area they’re interested in.”

Currently, around 900 students are enrolled at Mount Pisgah Christian School, from preschool to 12th grade. The expansion is expected to increase enrollment by 250 students.

During the meeting, residents adjacent to the campus raised concerns about the resulting traffic. Several said traffic is already a major issue in the area, and one man cautioned that adding a traffic light would not make it any better.

“The volume of people that are there — this is going to be a shutdown every morning and every

afternoon,” the man said. “There’s no other way around it. It’s going to degrade the quality of life.”

Wood had said the City of Johns Creek is working with the City of Roswell on adding a traffic light for the subdivision across from the site, Nesbit Lakes, which already must hire its own police officer to direct traffic.

One resident in Chartwell was also wary about the light pollution that might come from adding additional facilities by their homes, citing preexisting issues about the wooded buffer lighting up at night.

Wood told him he would be open to a site visit to better understand the

See PISGAH, Page 20

The fundraiser will feature guest speakers, a vendor’s market and a “fleatique” with vintage home and garden items.

A children’s corner with demonstrations about tomato planting, worm composting and making seed necklaces will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and North Fulton Master Gardeners will host interactive small group presentations from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m.

All proceeds will benefit North Fulton community gardening classes, gardening education for children and local demonstration gardens.

Parking will be available at the Alpharetta Community Center at Wills Park, and there will be overflow parking at Amana Academy at 285 S. Main St.

Alpharetta will provide free shuttles every 10 to 15 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from the overflow lot. A plant holding station will be available at The Grove while guests retrieve their vehicles.

More information can be found at nfmg.net/garden-faire.html.

— Shelby Israel

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I feel your living space does have a lot to do with how you feel, emotionally, physically, how healthy you really are, how well you really are.”

LANADA

DUNCAN, founder, b.e. decors Interiors

Interior designer spreads wellness through Metro Atlanta homes

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Lanada Duncan had come to know the importance of creating a personal sanctuary, feeling the burnout of a 20-year career in healthcare management.

The work took a toll, both mentally and physically. So, the Roswell resident began changing her home to create a more holistic environment.

“I feel your living space does have a lot to do with how you feel, emotionally, physically, how healthy you really are, how well you really are,” she said.

But, Duncan realized that she wasn’t fully in the space she wanted to be, which was to help others do the same, and founded her business b.e. decors Interiors in 2015.

She got her feet wet by hunting for unique pieces that she would refurbish and sell at street markets, also picking up small jobs from her friends, and when her son went to college, Duncan transformed his bedroom into her “shecave,” which has since become one of her specialties.

“That’s a good way of making sure they don’t come back,” Duncan said, laughing.

The she-cave is the oft-overlooked space for women and for mothers that allows them to relieve stress amid a packed schedule, to let their hair down, to make themselves a priority.

Meanwhile, “man caves” are a longstanding concept, widely cited and portrayed in the media. Duncan said her husband’s is the garage in her Roswell home, where all his childhood toys are stored.

8 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | April 18, 2024 5755

For more information about b.e. decors Interiors or to schedule a consultation, visit www.bedecors.com.

“I thought, well, you know, I need a space like that,” Duncan said.

Duncan said her she-cave, denoted with a sign on the door, features a big, comfy cream-colored chair and ottoman, an electric fireplace with an assortment of teas, honeys and mugs on its mantle, a drink cart holding a refrigerator, wines, glasses and a teapot, and a Bose speaker she uses to sound off her favorite artists like Márcio Faraco or a playlist of Zen music.

The sanctum has plenty of candles, Duncan said, made by her sister which she sells through b.e. decors Interiors. Duncan’s website also features handcrafted body butter and decorative pillows, marked with phrases like “SheCave” and “Girl Boss.”

The room has evolved over time, and soon, she said it will get a redesign to incorporate fresh color and her love of birds.

“I tell people that you have to invest in yourself first, so that you can be there for your children, so that you can be there for your employer,” Duncan said. “This is just one of the important ways to do it.”

Duncan devoted herself full-time to interior design around three years ago after being laid off from her role in patient relations, driven by the need to understand what makes for a peaceful living space.

See WELLNESS, Page 9

April 24, 2024

5-7 PM

For more information on this event, scan

LANADA DUNCAN/PROVIDED Lanada Duncan’s she-cave design in an Alpharetta home office features dark green walls, a cowhide rug and elegant lighting.

Designed by b.e. decors Interiors, this terrace porch space was featured in the 10th Annual Serenbe Designer Showhouse last year at House No. 1. The design firm was one of 15 selected to participate in the showhouse, presented by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine.

Wellness:

Continued from Page 8

“It’s great to make a space look beautiful, and that’s good,” Duncan said. “But, it’s really, to me, more important to make it feel like home for you … There are so many things in the world that can affect us in the day-today, but when you come home, that should be your safe space.”

Regardless of scope, Duncan said each consultation is individualized and involves asking clients what constitutes “home” — she said maybe it’s the color yellow that reminds a client of a favorite house they lived in, splashed over the kitchen, a reminder of the smell of cookies.

While other interior designers might look in client’s closet to get an understanding of their style, Duncan said it’s important to really get to know the subject first.

But, she noted a few guidelines she likes to talk through, which may not be at the forefront of a client’s mind, like light sources, pops of color and biophilic features — plants, natural stones, photographs of landscapes. Some of the work for Duncan is education.

“While they may not be thinking of this particular item, we need to talk about it because I want to blow your mind by not just meeting your expectations but exceeding them,” she said.

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Protect your assets

agreement.

It’s a tale as old as time. A widow remarries and her new husband and stepchildren steal her house and money away from her children. While it’s our hope that these tales are fantasy, such was reality for Mr. Q. After his mother remarried, Mr. Q, his brothers, and their stepsiblings lived together in his mother’s house. Mr. Q’s mother and his stepfather signed a prenup and the mother also assigned the stepfather as power of attorney and healthcare proxy. Unfortunately, the stepfather used these powers to place her in a dementia-care facility – despite her still being competent. As she had given the stepfather the power to make choices for her, Mr. Q and his brothers could do nothing.

When the stepfather passed, Mr. Q made a horrifying discovery. Prior to his death, the stepfather had used his position as the mother’s power of attorney to sign her house to himself and pass it to his children. Even worse, although the prenup stated that his estate worth over 10 million would be split among the children and the mother - the stepsiblings refused to honor the

While it’s common for spouses to give each other power over each other’s financial and medical decisions, the documents could have been written so that Mr. Q and his brother shared the power of attorney with their stepfather, giving them some way to stop him. In addition, Mr. Q’s mother should have been more careful about the documents she signed - many power of attorney documents can be written so they only take effect after incapacitation.

Finally, while the prenup is valid, the uncertainty of whether the stepfather had a will puts things in jeopardy. The prenup and the will’s ability to supersede each other is dependent on how each document is written and the state it is executed in, and whether the will and prenup contradict each other.

Improper estate planning opened a way for the stepfather to make his move. You always want to fully understand the implications of the documents you sign and cover for many probable scenarios. To make sure you don’t let predatory spouses, heirs, or children take your assets from those you love, consult an estate planning attorney in your local area – and always be informed on the consequences of the decisions you make.

Pictured center, Lynn Pennington, president of Johns Creek Beautification, works the stand April 13 with other volunteers and members of the nonprofit’s Board of Directors at the Daffodil Days market.

Daffodil Days ushers in the spring season

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Because daffodils emerge from the ground each spring, the bright yellow flowers symbolize new beginnings and the joy of sunny days.

Johns Creek’s second annual Daffodil Days, held outside City Hall from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 13, saw hundreds of families turn out to peruse the vendors at the Children’s Entrepreneur Market.

Attendees were treated to several food trucks, a live DJ and kids’ activities, with an inflatable obstacle course certainly the most popular.

Last year, a week of volunteer efforts culminated in the Daffodil Days Market, which featured around 60 artisans, food trucks and kids’ activities.

The city and Johns Creek Beautification, a nonprofit that launched Daffodils 4 Hope in 2018, partnered to put together this year’s community gathering with a twist.

Children, ages 5 to 17, set up more than 100 booths at the Daffodil Days market.

Through collaboration with Children’s Entrepreneur Market, organizers reached out to local schools to promote the opportunity for participation in an awardwinning program.

Children’s Entrepreneur Market teaches young people about the power of entrepreneurship and innovation through on-the-ground experiences, challenging kids to decide what to sell, create a booth, talk to customers and handle money.

The organization encourages parents and chaperones to take a back-seat approach and let children do the learning.

Saturday, April 20 • 9am–3pm

The Grove @ Wills Park • 175 Roswell Street

PLANT SALE AND MORE! Brought to you by THE NORTH FULTON MASTER GARDENERS

Free parking and shuttle from the Amana Academy parking lot

in partnership with Georgia Native Plant Society & the Alpharetta Community AG Program

Educational speakers, Fleatique, Children’s activities, Plant Vendors, Food Vendors, and Master Gardeners to answer your gardening questions. For more information: www.nfmg.net/garden-faire

The popular North Fulton Master Gardeners

Pass-along Plant Sale will feature more than 2000 beautiful plantings suitable for sun and shade.

Dylan Penick, a recreation coordinator with the city, said organizers were glad the rain cleared out before the weekend. Unfortunately, strong gusts of wind kept vendors scrambling to anchor down their tents and keep merchandise on the table.

Pennick said the wind gave his team about as much trouble as it gave the world’s best golfers during the 2024 Master’s at Augusta National.

Following the February departure of Event Coordinator Stacey Gross, who organized last year’s inaugural event, Pennick took over operations for the spring market.

“I’m not sure where the actual idea came from,” he said. “They just wanted it to be a more kid-oriented thing, and Stacey found the Children’s Entrepreneur Market.”

Callie Park, a third grader at Medlock Bridge Elementary School, said she had a ton of fun selling homemade slime, candy and snacks at the market. While the slime was her signature product, Callie said she sold a lot of candy to nearby vendors.

Graim Patt, an eight grader at Holcomb Bridge Middle School in Roswell, sold hand-crafted candy-style earrings and jewelry at the market. Graim, who recently moved from Johns Creek to Roswell, said he named his business Bracelet Haven because of the comfort that arts and crafts gave him while adjusting to a new school.

The theme of the springtime celebration traces back to Daffodils 4 Hope, a community-wide planting program started by a board member of Johns

See DAFFODIL, Page 12

The North Metro Atlanta Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society will have a selection of around 2000 native perennials, shrubs, vines, and trees.

The Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program will have around 5000 unique varieties of organic, heirloom, and non-GMO plants, grown from seed at Old Rucker Farm.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Johns Creek officials and Autrey Mill Nature Preserve staff and board members commemorate the groundbreaking of a renovated amphitheater area April 12. Completion is slated for early fall.

City to renovate amphitheater at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek officials joined staff and board members of Autrey Mill Nature Preserve to commemorate the upcoming renovated amphitheater in a groundbreaking ceremony April 12.

The near-$450,000 project, funded by the Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau in fiscal years 2023 and 2024, will allow for additional programming and facility rental options, such as outdoor theater shows and simple weddings.

Some CVB board members were also there to celebrate construction, expected

Daffodil:

Continued from Page 11

Creek Beautification in 2018.

Marilyn Davis, founder of Daffodils 4 Hope, spoke during public comment at the March 4 City Council meeting about her gratitude toward Johns Creek officials for their support of the program.

“Your acknowledgement tonight and your presence at digs, Mr. Mayor and City Council leadership, serves as a vital source of inspiration to our over 1,100 dedicated volunteers,” Davis said. “This incredible group of energetic people, spanning in age from 3 to 89, comes from all the diverse ethnic backgrounds that make up the Johns Creek community.”

What started with 1,000 donated bulbs at Veterans Memorial Park off Rod Road resulted in the planting of more than 52,250 daffodil bulbs across 21 locations throughout the city. Splashes of yellow at local schools,

to be completed in early fall.

During the ceremony, Mayor John Bradberry shared his excitement for the project, how it will allow for more events and entertainment options, and for the collaborative spirit among city staff, the preserve’s board members and CVB board members who helped pull it together.

As part of the Recreation and Parks Strategic Plan process in 2022, John Creek city staff worked with the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Association to develop a site-specific master plan for the Historic Village, which included a renovated amphitheater area at the southern end of the site along with overall site drainage and accessibility improvements.

parks, neighborhoods, businesses and houses of worship not only beautify the city but also serve as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience, Davis said.

The program raises awareness for CanCare Atlanta — an organization that provides counseling support to cancer patients and caregivers in the community.

Because the explosion of daffodils in late winter and early spring symbolizes hope, rebirth and good luck, CanCare Atlanta and Johns Creek Beautification hopes to inspire support for cancer patients and caregivers.

Mayor John Bradberry, a longtime planter with Daffodils 4 Hope, shouted out Johns Creek Beautification and perused different vendor booths during the celebration.

“Hopefully, you’re finding some products at this fantastic children’s market,” Bradberry said. “If you have been driving around this spring, hopefully you’ve noticed these beautiful mass plantings around our city.”

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Luevano:

Continued from Page 4

with maternal alloimmunization.

Luevano gave a shoutout to plasma donors, whose contribution enabled her to replace harmful antibodies and lessen her body’s antibody response during her current pregnancy.

Plasma from over 1,000 donors, called intravenous immunoglobulin, is used to delay the onset of fetal anemia.

After becoming pregnant in December, Luevano has had 54 appointments with doctors and more than 25 procedures involving plasma.

“All of these thousands of donors are contributing to keeping one baby alive right now,” Luevano said.

In January, the American Red Cross announced a nationwide blood shortage with the number of donors at a 20-year low.

Through the partnership with LifeSouth, all donated blood goes to local Metro Atlanta hospitals.

Luevano encouraged all first-time mothers to get their first trimester blood work done, so doctors can implement life-saving treatments before and after pregnancy in the rare case of maternal alloimmunization.

With close monitoring and timely treatment, babies with HDFN have a very high survival rate, according to the Allo Hope Foundation.

For her third blood drive in June, Luevano said she has about 90 percent of the details worked out. She said the plan is to host the event at the Cumming City Center off Ga. 20 with a tentative date of June 21.

Collaboration with the Allo Hope Foundation and Northside Hospital is still in the works, Luevano said.

“For our upcoming drive, we have Josie’s Pledge-Per-Pint,” Luevano said. “People or business can donate a certain amount of money for every pint given.”

For more information about her next blood drive, contact kateluevano21@ gmail.com.

Council:

Continued from Page 1

planned 11. To accommodate the new spaces, a proposed shade structure, a possible art installation, slides and a swing set would be scrapped.

The park currently has 107 parking spaces. The City Council previously approved a free agreement with neighboring business ZKTeco that allows the city to use its 72 parking spots on weekends.

Also contributing to the April 15 suggestion is that the city does not have the funds to redevelop the park as proposed in the current conceptual site plan, according to Parks and Recreation Director Morgan Rodgers.

In January the city reported $2.5 million remaining in Union Hill

Park bond account, while engineer estimates for the current conceptual plan stand at $3.4 million. Rodgers said the city could value

engineer the facility to fit within budget, but the Parks and Recreation Department anticipates the newer parking-centric plans would fall under budget if approved by the City Council.

The proposal also comes after the rising popularity of using the recently renovated Union Hill Park pavilion for music events.

Along with Brooke Street Park downtown, Union Hill hosts the Home by Dark concert series, and this year it was chosen to feature community and charity gatherings, including Shamrockin’ for a Cure and the upcoming Atlanta Magazine Grill Fest.

Rodgers said the city did not account for the success of the covered venue when the conceptual plans were drafted.

“So, we had the space, we were thinking it was going to be a gathering space, a place for folks to just kind of play around, and we didn’t realize that the pavilion was going to be so successful and need more parking,” he said.

Union Hill Park, situated between McGinnis Ferry Road and Windward Parkway at the northern border of the city, opened in 1995. Rodgers said the park fell into disuse after the decline of roller hockey, which Union Hill was built for, in the early 2000s.

The referendum approved by Alpharetta voters in 2021 allocated $3.25 million of the $29.5 million bond to redevelop the park. The bond list approved by councilmembers called for public input to create “a design plan and redevelopment of the land for use as a park space that better meets the needs of Alpharetta residents.”

The city presented preliminary designs of the park at virtual and in-person public meetings in March 2022. In a 2023 survey, residents requested play areas for older and younger children and maintaining the skate park.

The Union Hill skate park is the only designated area for skating in

the city, which keeps it in demand because skating is not allowed in downtown Alpharetta. The skate park would not be affected by the redesign.

The City Council formally approved a conceptual site plan for the park at a Sept. 18 meeting.

Councilmen John Hipes and Doug DeRito expressed support of the plans.

But, DeRito questioned whether altering the plans for the park would conflict with the 2021 bond referendum.

City Attorney Molly Esswein said she would have to review the language that was advertised to determine if the plans would pose an issue.

Earlier this year, some councilmembers expressed interest in prioritizing parks bond projects to finish work at facilities that are closer to completion. The discussion was tabled by the end of February.

The City Council will formally consider plans for the redesign of Union Hill Park if presented by staff at a future meeting.

Also at the meeting, councilmembers unanimously approved a $423,732 contract with Sol Construction for the sewer connection at Webb Bridge Park.

Another parks bond project, the turf at the park’s upper soccer field has been earmarked for replacement, which had been delayed until the field’s failed septic system was addressed.

Councilmembers also approved an agreement with North Point Mall to launch the city’s Spotlight Community Stage in the former Foot Locker.

Rodgers said the project will gauge interest in a community theater. The city will not pay to use the space, but Alpharetta is responsible for utilities and trash removal.

Also at the meeting, the City Council recognized the Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy fencing team and its head coach Bill Donges.

The womens team placed first, and the mens team placed third in the Georgia High School Fencing League.

Sally White

Throughout her time at Milton High School, Sally has been an active member of various clubs and sports teams, including the Debate Club, Science Olympiad, and Drama Society. Her leadership skills shone brightly as the captain of the soccer team, leading them to victory on numerous occasions. Sally’s commitment to excellence extended beyond athletics; she also excelled academically, earning recognition for her outstanding achievements in advanced mathematics and literature.

As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life, we are filled with pride and excitement for Sally’s future endeavors. Congratulations, Sally, on this remarkable achievement! We can’t wait to see the incredible things you’ll accomplish next.

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This Place Maker Design rendering shows 55 Canton, a proposed condominium and restaurant development off Old Canton and Canton streets. The Alpharetta Planning Commission recommended approval of the plans April 11.

This Place Maker Design rendering shows 55 Canton, a proposed condominium and restaurant development, at street level. The Alpharetta City Council is scheduled to consider the plans at an April 29 meeting.

Project:

Continued from Page 1

Amazon trucks, food trucks delivering to the restaurants in the commercial level.”

The City Council is also seeking to address delivery drivers blocking roadways downtown. At a Feb. 19 meeting, councilmembers discussed implementing designated loading zones for delivery drivers and vendors.

The city is considering an ordinance that would enable the Public Safety Department to take disciplinary action against delivery drivers for blocking public roads if later approved by the City Council.

While acknowledging the safety concerns, Stratton said the vendor trucks are another issue.

“I also wouldn’t want to hold this applicant responsible,” he said. “If I recommend denying based on that, I

feel like it’s not something that they can control.”

The 55 Canton plans also fall short of minimum parking requirements.

Because of parking constraints downtown, the city allows developers to pay parking in-lieu fees to make up for a lack of spaces.

Project staff requested that 18 tandem parking spaces in its underground deck count toward its required 101 spaces, but city code only recognizes nine of the spots, requiring the developers to pay $94,500 for the 14 total missing spaces.

Planning Commissioner Francis Kung’u requested project staff seek additional parking before the City Council vote.

“But, between now and [the City] Council, if you can find a way to find those spaces, it’s good for the residents, it’s good for the city,” Kung’u said.

The project is set to face the City Council for approval April 29.

PHOTOS BY CITY OF ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED

OPINION

Aiding local news is helping yourself

RAY APPEN

I attended a recent Appen Press Club community meeting, March 21, at a local Italian restaurant SUGO (highly recommend) on Medlock Bridge in Johns Creek. The Appen Press Club is something that Publisher Hans Appen and Director of Content and Development Carl Appen started about a year ago. Ideally, once a month, Carl, Hans and the newsroom staff hold a Press Club meeting - free and open to anyone and everyone - at a local venue - usually local restaurant - and talk about the news stories they are working on and field questions from the audience about anything and everything the audience wants to bring up. The events usually include food and beverages –free to members. People seem to enjoy them.

Attendance at these get-togethers typically ranges from 20 to 40 folks and lasts about an hour. I have found them to be fun, engaging, and entertaining enough to want to keep attending.

The purpose of the Appen Press Club is two-fold: The first is to try to stay as connected as possible with our customers - you - and to have the best idea possible about what we are doing right and what we can do better. The second purpose is to raise money to help keep our community news business going. That is, to help keep your local newspaper covering your events, your government, your law enforcement, your city council, and how your taxes are being spent. In general, and this is something that most people know intuitively, but do not necessarily lose sleep over, if we - your local press - don’t do those things, no one else will. Period. It is a very real thing. That is not just hyperbole; it is cold fact.

This does not mean that your elected or appointed city officers are not trustworthy. By and large, they all are. However, as anyone one who has ever managed a group of people knows, without oversight, without someone there actually hands-on enforcing the rules or seeing that they are being enforced, people can be tempted to cut corners - bend the rules - tell white lies - and sometimes break the rules. It’s like having traffic laws with no law traffic cops enforcing them. That dog, as we say in the south, just don’t hunt.

The next Appen Press Club event is April 18 at 4 PM at Cherry Street Brewing in Cumming. RSVP for free at appenmedia.com/join.

Another very relevant fact that we are dealing with here is that the more money that is involved in the process, the greater the temptation for rules and laws to be bent, broken, or manipulated. It’s only human nature. The collective annual budget of the 7 cities and 3 counties we serve is in the hundreds of millions of dollars. We watch that money, as best our resources allow us to watch it.

For example, right now the Alpharetta City Council, in conjunction with the Alpharetta City Manager and the City Parks & Recreation Director have more than $22,000,000 to spend from the bond that you taxpayers approved in 2021 for parks and recreation funding - your tax dollars. And you taxpayers were told how the money would be spent if you approved it. Among the things you were told was that improvements ($5,000,000) to the Will Park Equestrian Center were contingent upon a private foundation putting up matching funding. How many of you - dear readers - are keeping track of that fine print in the bond - the amount of money the foundation has put up? Well, we are. For you. In a sense we are your active institutional memory.

In 2021 Appen news staff initiated an ongoing story about road construction in Roswell. At the end of the day, Appen discovered that the roads that were supposed to cost $7 million had ballooned to over $18,000,000 and one of the property purchases that the City had made had to be purchased a second time because the city had failed to fulfill some of the contract commitments from the original land purchase. Maleficence? Probably not. Incompetence? Probably, but who would have known? It’s your tax dollars we guard.

In 2021 Appen sued the city of Roswell for failing to comply with the Georgia Open Records Act - information you have a right to access. We won, but it cost us $15,000 until we were partially reimbursed in settlement. In 2023, Appen sued the city of Sandy Springs - specifically their law enforcement - for the same thing - but much worse. We lost that decision but are appealing the ruling with higher courts. It has cost us over $40,000 so far.

In the past three years we have probably filed over 500 freedom of information requests - each costing from thirty to sometimes many hundreds of dollars each. Why? To get source material for reporting that sometimes contradicts how officials describe what’s going on. That is what we do. We represent you. If we’re not doing it, who will?

You elect your city councils and your mayors. They hire the city administration. So, to a degree, you only get to “approve” or “disapprove” the folks who administer your tax dollars about once every 4 years. And then, you only know how they are doing, in general, by the local press that gives you the information. Of course, you can attend Council meetings but that often does not tell the entire story. What happens in-between those four years? A lot. We are there every week, every month, every year acting on your behalf.

It never ceases to amaze me when I hear someone casting disparaging generalizations about “the press.“ As if all the press were the same. “Fake news” they say. My response to those - including at least one local Mayor and several city council folks in the

towns we cover, is “what do you have to hide?” What would you prefer for us not to monitor?

I have told this little story more than once but it is worth repeating. The meeting had just ended. Two commissioners were talking. One said “why don’t we go ahead and give that bid to so and so? Who is going to know?” The commissioner he said that to, pointed over his shoulder at our reporter who was still there within earshot and said, “well, he will.” True story.

Your rights are our mission. The threats to your rights are real. It is not just something that you can ignore, and it will “just go away.”

Please consider joining the Appen Press Club. You can go to appenmedia.com/join and click on the Press Club link for more information. We also accept one-time, monthly, and annual contributions via the Post Office. Make the check out to Appen Media Group and in the memo line put Appen Press Club. Our mailing address is 319 North Main St., Alpharetta, GA 30009.

Your contribution is an investment. A really good one. For you, your children and your grandchildren.

Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

Everything you need to know about the 2024 Garden Faire

For the 23rd year, the North Fulton Master Gardeners will host our timehonored Garden Faire at The Grove at Wills Park.

Garden Faire 2024 will be held Saturday, April 20 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever. New this year, the event will feature plant sales from Alpharetta’s Community Agriculture Program and the North Metro Atlanta Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society.

Garden Faire 2024 will provide onestop shopping for gardeners – a large selection of annuals and perennials, native plants and edible seedlings. The North Fulton Master Gardeners will have for sale the ornamental annuals they grow at the Fulton County Schools Teaching Museum Greenhouse, featuring coleus, hanging ferns, geraniums, begonias, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, and a large variety of other annuals, along with flowering perennials from the Master Gardeners own precious pass-along plants. These plants typically include ground covers, flowering perennials, hostas, iris, daylilies and many other perennial plants, along with some select shrubs and trees. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your questions.

We are very excited about the North Metro Atlanta Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society joining us for Garden Faire. They will feature a selection of native perennials, shrubs, vines, and trees. Approximately 2000 plants will be available for pollinator gardens and residential landscapes.

The Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program will have unique varieties of organic, heirloom, and non-GMO plants, grown from seed at Old Rucker Farm. Approximately 5000 vegetable, herb and flower seedlings will be available for home gardens.

The North Fulton Master Gardener volunteers collect vintage treasures and pass them on to visitors at our everpopular Fleatique market. Peruse the Fleatique sale to find that interesting pot, gadget or garden tool for your home or garden.

If you bring little sprouts to the Faire, look for the Children’s Corner sign. Children can have fun potting a tomato plant, making a seed necklace, coloring pictures of flowers or even learning about worm composting from one of our partners. This free activity is available from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

This year’s Garden Faire will

have educational speakers and demonstrations from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, including some well-known gardening experts.

• 10:00 am - Henning von Schmeling, Chattahoochee Nature Center

• 11:00 am - Rick Smith, the Pruning Guru

• 12:00 am - Sam Landes, Mushroom Club of Georgia

• 1:15 pm - North Fulton Master Gardeners Interactive Small Group Presentations featuring George Scesney, who will talk about vegetable gardening, composting and managing wildlife pests, Kelly Mogelgaard, who will present “Four Season Front Door Pops” and “Two Curb Appeal Basics,” Judy Peacock, who will talk about “How to Create a Garden in Containers of all Sizes and Shapes” and Doug Hartong, International Orchid Judge and member American Orchid Society who, will present ”Let me Solve Your Orchid Issues!”

Our Vendors will offer a unique variety of gardening-related items and plants. We still have a few vendor slots available, so vendors may complete our virtual Vendor Committment Form to apply to participate.

How do you get to this fantastic Faire? The Grove at Wills Park is located at 175 Roswell Street, Alpharetta, GA. We recommend that you either park at the parking lot at the Alpharetta Community Center at The Grove or park at the

About the Author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Sandra Shave, a master gardener since 2018. Sandra grew up on a dairy farm in northern Wisconsin and learned to garden at her mother’s knee. She is a recent transplant to Roswell, Georgia, moving from Wisconsin in 2014 after retirement to be nearer to her children and most importantly her grandchildren! Sandra was Co-President of the North Fulton Master Gardeners in 2022 and is excited to master the art of gardening in Georgia and to help teach others via the NFMG Gardening Lecture Series and the Speakers Bureau.

overflow parking lot at Amana Academy (285 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009) and hop on the free shuttle, which will run continuously from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm to take attendees to Garden Faire. Bring your wagons to assist in carrying away all the great plants you will find.

Once the tents are down and the vendors have gone, where does your wellspent dollar go? Proceeds from the North Fulton Master Gardeners Garden Faire go to support our demonstration gardens and many educational activities for both children and adults.

But the best part of Garden Faire is the interaction with our community members. It gives us great joy to share our gardening knowledge with you, answer all your gardening questions, make suggestions on how to best prepare your soil for planting and what growing conditions your new plants need. Right plant! Right Place! This is your opportunity to pick our brains, and we look forward to it!

For more details on Garden Faire, check out the webpage at www.nfmg. net/garden-faire.html and the Facebook event.

See you on Saturday, April 20th at Garden Faire at The Grove in Wills Park, Alpharetta! Happy gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://appenmedia.com/ opinion/columnists/garden_buzz/.

SANDRA SHAVE Guest Columnist

OPINION

PRESERVING THE PAST

Farm House − where Alpharetta was born

Two developments predated the establishment of Alpharetta. New Prospect Campground was located just north of today’s downtown Alpharetta. Because the site was favored with several natural springs, it was popular for overnight stays by travelers in the 1830s. Travelers stayed in tents until the area was expanded to accommodate houses and eventually a school and church. Milton County was created in 1857 and the city of Alpharetta was established the following year and became the county seat. In 2008, the City of Alpharetta erected a historical marker on the New Prospect site with a circa 1835 date.

Less well documented is the development of another area called Farm House, a commercial center from 1834 to 1858 that according to some historians may have predated New Prospect Campground. Connie Mashburn in his book Alpharetta, Milton County-the Early Years notes that “at various times a gristmill, sawmill, cotton gin, post office and general store” operated at Farm House.

Local historian Ed Malowney says that the area was not well defined geographically but was where farmers went to purchase grain and dry goods to run their farm or plantation. An authority on early post offices, Malowney says that the establishment of a post office in Farm House literally put Farm House on early maps.

The settlement is located by the QuikTrip where Old Milton Parkway crosses State Route 400. It occupied Land Lot #855. Little remains of the property today, except portions of a stone dam.

Hiram Trammell, millwright, and his older brother John moved with John’s family to the area from Abbeville. South Carolina and settled near what is now known as Teasley’s Creek. John was a multitalented farmer, carpenter, blacksmith, tanner and shoemaker. He died in 1864.

According to Billy Bates, beloved historian, now deceased, Hiram obtained the land lot where Farm House was established in the mid-1830s. He built a log cabin for himself and began construction of a stone dam across a 30-foot wide vigorous stream to create waterfalls to power a gristmill and other projects he planned to build. Unfortunately, he died in 1840 before completing the projects and was buried near his cabin.

Records show that Isham Teasley

(1807-1883) purchased the partially built dam as part of 800 acres he accumulated in and around today’s Alpharetta. Teasley completed the dam and built a gristmill, and later added a cotton gin, general store, sawmill and post office, thus completing Hiram Trammell’s vision. His efforts turned the property into a thriving commercial area. Teasley became Farm House’s first postmaster in 1853. Once Alpharetta was created the Farm House post office was moved to Alpharetta.

Pat Miller, President of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society and authority on local cemeteries, points to Old Big Creek Cemetery where many Farm House residents are buried. The Baptist church that was adjacent to the cemetery burned down many years ago. The cemetery is located on Kimball Bridge Road a short distance from the Farm House community. Pat says “some of the earliest families in Farm House such as the Mortons, Trammels and Webs are buried there.”

The City of Alpharetta plans to establish a park at Farm House. City Councilman Don Mitchell is a strong advocate for the park. Mitchell says “This will be Alpharetta’s only heritage park, where people will be able to walk in the footsteps of our earliest pioneer settlers.” He notes that Farm House was a trading post where native Americans, pioneer settlers and those heading to the Dahlonega gold rush came together. “Ground penetrating radar has revealed where buildings were, and jonquils planted by early settlers still grow and outline locations of important landmarks,” Mitchell notes. While the City does not have a firm date to start construction, Mitchell and many local citizens are anxious to move forward as quickly as possible.

Several years ago the City of Alpharetta

and Alpharetta & Old Milton County Historical Society created Saving Farm House, a short documentary film that tells the story of Alpharetta’s origin. Directed by Mark Maloney and written by Alpharetta author and film maker Michael Buchanan, the film premiered at Alpharetta City Hall to a standing room only audience. It featured the unique voice of Billy Bates who did extensive early research on Farm House. Buchanan reports that the film took about nine months to produce. He says “One of the most impacting things about the film is knowing that the story

a wheel which turned and

the grinding wheel in the mill. Billy led a group of historians on a visit to

historic site.

will survive for future generations. History matters. Films matter. It’s our duty to preserve the voices of our pioneers.”

The beautiful 12 minute film is worth viewing and can be seen by on Vimeo.

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@ bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

Invitation To Bid Announcement

ITB 24-100-A - 2024 CITY OF ROSWELL ROAD RESURFACING

The City of Roswell is seeking GDOT Prequalified Contractors for Work Class: 400 - HOT MIX ASPHALTIC CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION and Work Class: 432 - MILL ASPHALT PAVEMENT. The project consists of resurfacing a total of 32 roads within the city of Roswell with a total area of 186,223 square yards of asphalt pavement and total length of 9.00 center line miles. Ninety (90) calendar days have been set aside for performance of the contract.

The bid is a firm fixed price to complete the work based on the submitting contractor's understanding of the scope and assessment of the sites with a payment term of Net 30 days. Ninety (90) calendar days have been allotted for performance of construction. Liquidated damages have been set in accordance with the Bid Documents. A Bid Bond equal to 5% of the base bid will be required. 100% Payment and Performance bonds will also be required by the successful contractor.

The City reserves the right to reject any one or all bids.

Bids for the construction of the Project will be received at the location, date and time provided for and on the City’s official bid management and receipt platform, accessed using the City’s Designated Website: https://roswellgov.bonfirehub. com/opportunities. At that time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud. The Bid opening will also be provided via simultaneous Zoom virtual meeting. Zoom information will be provided on the Designated Website.

RENDERING BY JOHN NELSON/PROVIDED Artist rendering of what a building at Farm House might have looked like.

KIM MANNING/PROVIDED

Billy Bates standing on the raceway beside the stream where a grist mill was located at Farm House, Alpharetta’s first settlement. The raceway channeled the flowing water to

powered

the

Patricia Lee Smith, age 90, of Roswell, Georgia passed away April 5, 2024.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Harold Hugh Smith and is survived by her children

Laura L. Smith (Philip Hasty) of Roswell, Scott C. Smith (Lori) of Cumming, Betsy S. Summers of Canton, and Bradley A. Smith (Aly) of Roswell, and by her nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Patricia was an only child, born to Loy Rufus Lee and Doris Townley Lee, and was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, where she graduated from North Fulton High School, making cherished life-long friends. She married Harold in 1955 and began a family that grew to four children.

Patricia, with her husband, was a founding member of Shallowford Presbyterian Church and, after their move to Roswell in 1964, was a member of Roswell Presbyterian Church for almost 60 years where she served as elder, teacher, leader, and missions volunteer. She also served as president of the Roswell Women’s Club, a member of

Pisgah:

Continued from Page 7

area in question and dive into lighting alternatives.

resident, who moved to the area nearly 30 years ago and participated in negotiations for Mount Pisgah’s first expansion.

PEO, in supportive roles to her husband’s service as Roswell City Councilman for three terms, and later worked at Kimberly Clark for many years.

Among Patricia’s greatest accomplishments was her return to higher education while still raising four children, graduating summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University, earning her Master’s Degree and Ph.D. from Georgia State University, and teaching business administration for many years at Berry College. Following her retirement and the death of her beloved husband Patricia became an avid gardener, travelled extensively with friends, and delighted in sharing the lives of her family.

Patricia will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother, a lifelong friend to many, a beloved teacher and mentor, and a faithful servant of God. Her family knows she is at peace in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father and will celebrate her life with a private memorial at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers, the family will cherish your thoughts and prayers. Patricia

Randy Knighton City Administrator City of Roswell Notice of Public Hearing

The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 6:00 PM in the Roswell City Hall Council Chambers, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, Georgia.

a. HPC20240436– 964 Alpharetta Street

The applicant, Tom Wright, is requesting exterior renovations & parking changes, Land Lot 413.

b. HPC20241284 (demo) & HPC20240988 (new) – 30 Goulding Place

The applicant, Jay Bauch/Gauge Design Studio, is requesting demolition and new additions to an existing structure, Land Lot 387.

c. HPC20241137 – 114 Bulloch Avenue

The applicant, Bryan Wasson/ Castle Construction, is requesting additions to an existing structure, Land Lot 384.

d. HPC20240853 – 1144 Canton Street

The applicant, Charles Mittelstadt, is requesting exterior additions to an existing structure, Land Lot 388.

The complete file is available for public view at the Roswell Planning & Zoning Office, 38 Hill Street, Suite G-30, Roswell, Georgia, (770) 817-6720 or planningandzoning@roswellgov.com. Refer to www.roswellgov.com.

“Living here so long and right from the beginning, Mount Pisgah has been a really good neighbor and listening to the surrounding neighborhoods’ concerns,” said the Chartwell

The proposal is scheduled to come before the Johns Creek Planning Commission on June 4 and before the City Council on June 17. The proposal is scheduled to come before the Johns Creek Planning Commission on June 4 and before the City Council on June 17.

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CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, May 2, 2024 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, May 20, 2024 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

a. MP-24-03 Costco/Oxford Green Master Plan

Consideration of a master plan amendment to allow for a 13,500 square foot expansion of the Costco building. A master plan amendment is requested to Oxford Green Master Plan Tract A to increase the maximum allowable square footage of the building from 138,500 to 152,000 square feet. The property is located at 2855 Jordan Court and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 1120 & 1121, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

b. MP-24-02/CU-24-05/V-24-13 Tractor Supply Company/North Point Business Center Master Plan Pod 7

Consideration of a master plan amendment, conditional use and variance to allow for the re-use of the 34,313 square foot former Ethan Allen building for Tractor Supply Company on 4.6 acres in North Point. A master plan amendment is requested to the North Point Business Center Master Plan Pod 7 to add ‘Home Improvement Store’ and ‘Retail Establishment, Mixed Sales’ as conditional uses. A conditional use is requested to allow ‘Home Improvement Store’ and ‘Retail Establishment, Mixed Sales’ for Tractor Supply Company. A variance is requested to Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 2.5 Parking and Loading, to reduce parking requirements. The property is located at 6800 North Point Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 687 & 702, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

c. Z-24-08/V-24-08 306 Thompson Street

Consideration of a rezoning and variances to allow for the construction of 2 ‘ForSale’ single-family detached homes on 1.148 acres in the Downtown Overlay. A rezoning is requested from R-12 (Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’, Residential) to DT-LW (Downtown Live-Work). Variances are requested to Unified Development Code (UDC) Appendix A Subsection 2.3.5 and UDC Subsection 3.5.7 to eliminate the requirement to install a multi-use trail; UDC Appendix A Subsection 2.4.6 to allow parking between the building and the street and to eliminate the requirement for a street-facing garage to be recessed at least 20’ behind the front building façade; and Appendix A Subsection 2.8.7 to allow a contemporary architectural style for the proposed homes. The property is located at 306 Thompson Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 802, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

d. PH-24-11 Unified Development Code (UDC) Text Amendments –Exceptions

Consideration of text amendments to Subsection 4.5.5 of the Unified Development Code (UDC) to amend regulations pertaining to Exceptions.

Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following item will be considered by the City Council on Monday, April 29, 2024 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

a. CLUP-24-01/Z-24-04/V-24-04 Upper Hembree Tract/Empire Communities

Consideration of a comprehensive land use plan amendment, rezoning and variances to allow for the redevelopment of the former’s Harry’s Market with a 149-lot single-family detached subdivision on 19.32 acres. A comprehensive land use plan amendment is requested from Commercial to High Density Residential and a rezoning is requested from PSC (Planned Shopping Center) to R-8D (Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’, Detached Residential – High Density). Variances are requested to Unified Development Code (UDC) Subsection 2.2.9(D) to increase building coverage by principal buildings from 40% to 65% and reduce minimum lot width from 50’ to 31’ and to UDC Subsection 3.2.8(B)(1)(a) to reduce the 50’ undisturbed buffer. The property is located at 1180 Upper Hembree Road and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 550 & 553, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following items will be considered by the Board of Zoning Appeals on Thursday, May 16, 2024 commencing at 5:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

a. V-24-11 Nixon/2110 Canton View Pool Variance

Consideration of a variance to reduce the rear setback for a swimming pool from 20’ to 11’. The property is located at 2110 Canton View and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1197, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

b. V-24-15 Zafiratos/831 Smokehouse Court

Consideration of a variance to reduce the rear setback from 35’ to 25’ to allow for a deck and screened porch replacement on a single-family detached home on 0.42 acres. The property is located in the Fairfax subdivision, which has a platted rear setback of 35’. The property is located at 831 Smokehouse Court and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1274, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

The following item will be considered by the City Council on Monday, May 20, 2024 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

a. V-24-12 115 Lambdin Lane Stream Buffer Variance

Consideration of a variance to allow for an encroachment into the 25’ stream buffer in order to stabilize a tributary associated with Long Indian Creek. The property is located at 115 Lambdin Lane and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 95, 1st District, 1st Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

Full-time

Sawnee EMC is seeking an Electrical Distribution System Engineer. Requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, civil engineering or similar engineering discipline. Preferred experience in design, modeling and maintenance of distribution power systems. Must have strong computer, mathematical and communication skills. Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, April 26, 2024. Apply online: www.sawnee.com/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568. Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females, Minorities, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

Infor (US), LLC has an opening for a Principal Development Operations Engineer in Alpharetta, GA. Position is responsible for designing and implementing scalable, reliable, and secure infrastructure solutions, as well as leading and mentoring other members of the DevOps team; and establish and maintain CI/CD pipelines, designing and implementing automated testing and release processes. Domestic (U.S.) travel required up to 10%; Telecommuting permitted up to 100%. How to apply: E-mail resume, referencing IN1019, including job history, to careers@infor.com. Infor (US), LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Part-time

PART-TIME SERVERS AND BARTENDERS

• Flexible hours

• Need own transportation

• Inquiries to info@asculinaryconcepts.com or 678-336-9196

• Located in Johns CreekSolution

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