Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - October 24, 2024

Residents seek revisions to Historic Gateway design

Critics want consideration of environmental impacts

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Ashok Nagrani said the Roswell Historic Gateway project has destroyed the value of his property.

The project, which jumped $10 million to an estimated $68 million in the past two years, seeks to remove the dangerous reversible lanes along Ga. 9 and create a four-lane highway to accommodate all users, with sidewalks and multi-use paths. There will also be several roundabouts.

It’s officially been in the works since 2011, but preliminary discussions began in the ’90s.

Nagrani stood alongside Marisa Pereira, former Roswell Transportation Advisory Commissioner and City Council candidate, at an Oct. 8 open house.

The forum, held by City of Roswell and the Georgia Department of Transportation, served to update the public on the project’s Environmental Assessment and Mitigation Plan. The analyses are a requirement of the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA.

The issue is whether the upgrades will have a measurable environmental

Roswell taps chief of city operations

► PAGE 6

Roswell Transportation Director Jeff Littlefield, center, speaks to City Councilman Allen Sells and resident Janet Russell about the Historic Gateway project at an Oct. 8 open house at St. Andrew Catholic Church.

impact. While the recommendation on the table is a finding of no significant impact, or FONSI, others argue the contrary.

Critics have highlighted the NEPA’s definition of “environment” to include not only the natural, but also the cultural, aesthetic, historic, built, and economic environments.

Since 1994, Nagrani has owned a small shopping plaza in the area, and

Encore Greenway set for new construction ► PAGE 7

half of its parking lot is being taken for the transportation project.

The property was appraised at $2.58 million, he said, and after Nagrani battled an offer of around $250,000 in court, he was paid half a million.

Two of his long-term tenants gave him notice, planning to vacate once

See DESIGN, Page 16

Homestead

exemption on statewide ballot ► PAGE 13

Development panel backs bond projects for office, housing

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Development Authority backed projects at an Oct. 15 meeting for the construction of a mixeduse development and housing renovations for seniors and residents with disabilities.

The Alpharetta Development Authority approved a bond resolution for as much as $109 million to fund the 51-acre Continuum development in the Windward Tech District at 5555 Windward Parkway. The project will convert an aging office park into a mixed-use space with 1.3 million square feet of new and refurbished offices, 37,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, 280 apartment units and 98 townhomes, according to city documents.

The authority also approved a decision to back $20 million in bonds for the renovation of a 100-

See BONDS, Page 16

MORE Economic director joins Alpharetta ► PAGE 4

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

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Man wearing FedEx shirt allegedly steals packages

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police received a report of a theft by deception at a Verizon store Oct. 7.

An employee told officers a man wearing a FedEx shirt had taken packages from the North Point Parkway location, according to an Alpharetta police report. The man told them he was there to pick up the packages.

The employee was busy with customers and did not verify the man’s identity.

When the regular FedEx worker arrived, the employee suspected something was wrong.

The man left with seven or eight packages valued at more than $1,000, according to the report.

Roswell man faces felony after arrest on warrants

ROSWELL, Ga. — Police arrested a 50-year-old Roswell man Oct. 18 after Flock Safety cameras alerted officers to outstanding warrants related to methamphetamine possession.

Officers said they conducted a search of the area where the wanted man’s license plate was captured, locating him at the Quick Trip air pump at West Crossville Road (Ga. 92) and Crabapple Road.

An officer said the man was wanted for failing to appear on a warrant through Cherokee County.

The officer said he arrested the suspect and found a Ruger .44 Magnum handgun, 4.6 grams of methamphetamine and a pipe in his possession.

Officers transported the suspect to Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center before taking him to Fulton County Jail.

On top of the Cherokee County

warrant, the suspect faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia and a firearm during the commission of felony.

Man charged with DUI after hit-and-run crash

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Officers investigated an alleged hit-and-run crash Oct. 3, arrested a 32-year-old Alpharetta man for driving under the influence.

Police were dispatched to North Point Parkway at Haynes Bridge Road about 6:30 p.m. where a hit and run was reported, according to an Alpharetta police report.

Officers spoke to a 55-year-old Alpharetta woman who said her vehicle was rear-ended by a white Dodge Ram pickup.

Both vehicles were northbound on North Point Parkway, she said. The truck’s driver agreed to exchange insurance information at a nearby parking lot but sped away through a red light.

The woman described the driver as a man in his 30s or 40s about 5-feet8-inches-tall with light hair and a medium build.

Officers identified the truck involved in the crash through the woman’s description and FLOCK surveillance system, according to the report.

When officers spoke with the man at his home, they noticed paint marks on the bumper of his vehicle. The marks were consistent with the damages to the woman’s vehicle.

Officers questioned the man about the crash.

The man responded, saying, ““I don’t need to explain. I’m not sure” and that he needed to get an attorney.

The officers arrested the man, who smelled strongly of alcohol, according to the report.

The man was taken to a local hospital where he told medical staff he had been involved in a minor crash and that he had exchanged information with the other driver.

He was taken to the county jail and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, duty to stop at an accident,

obedience to a required traffic-control device and following too closely.

Planet Fitness patron reports stolen wallet

ROSWELL, Ga. — A 56-year-old patron of Planet Fitness off Ga. 9 reported a thief took his driver’s license, three credit cards and $300 cash from his gym locker Oct. 15.

Officers said Planet Fitness employees gave them the victim’s contact information.

The victim, a 56-year-old orthopedic surgeon, said someone stole his wallet from an unsecured locker at the gym around 11:30 a.m.

Officers said the victim reported two fraudulent charges on one of his credit cards at Walmart and Journeys following the theft.

The victim said he only saw one other person while he was in the locker room, a man not dressed in traditional workout clothes.

Gym employees provided officers with a name of a Stone Mountain man based off the victim’s account of the incident.

Officers said they took no further action after listing the financial transaction card fraud charge.

Man reports identity theft after credit score drops

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 44-year-old Alpharetta man reported an identity theft Oct. 3 after noticing his credit score had mysteriously plummeted.

The man told police he checked his credit report after noticing his score had dropped, according to an Alpharetta police report. He discovered a $2,000 credit line had been opened through the prepaid wireless provider Cricket Wireless.

The man said he does not use Cricket services.

After contacting the company, the man learned the account was opened with information that did not match his own. He was told the credit had been used to purchase Cricket products.

THE PICTURE FRAMER

Join us for our 12th Annual

Christmas Gift Show

Blessed Trinity High School Main & Aux Gym

11320 Woodstock Road

Roswell, GA 30075

Saturday, Nov. 9th 9am – 5pm

Sunday, Nov. 10th 10am – 3pm

Over 110 vendors with a large variety of unique and beautiful gift items –Jewelry, Wreaths, Pottery, Fine Art, Holiday and Home Décor, Accessories, Knits, Children’s Items, Huge Bake Sale and much more!

• Tons of parking

• All booths are indoors

• Enter our Titan Tidings Raffle to win prizes

• Concessions will be available

• No Strollers Please

• $5 Admission

Annual 21st

Nov.ember 9th, 9am - 5pm November 10th, 10am - 4pm

Join us for our 21st year bringing one of the largest indoor arts & crafts festivals to Forsyth County!

• Family oriented fun!

• Photo opportunities in Santa’s Sleigh

• The Elf Corner – where only kids can shop! (All items $1 – $8 and gift wrapping included!)

• Festival of Trees Shop: 1ft – 4ft trees full decorated by local artists!

• Food Vendors

• Local Charities & Organizations

For complete festival information visit our website... www.SawneeArt.org

Photos with Santa

Capture your child’s visit with Santa using your own camera for a small donation.

The Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd. GA400 - Exit 13 (RT 141)

This event was sponsored in part by a grant from the Forsyth County Arts Alliance and additional sponsors.

Alpharetta welcomes new director to promote economic development

JEWELL

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. —

During his 16-year economic development career, Charlie Jewell has worn many professional hats.

“You very rarely find someone with a technical background but also experience at the regional, local and academic level,” City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom said.

Jewell began his first day as the city’s director of economic development on Oct. 14, filling a position that has not seen a dedicated staff member for six years. Community Development Director Kathi Cook assumed the position’s duties after the 2018 departure of former Director of Economic Development Peter Tokar.

Jewell, a native of Blacksburg, Va., has served in a variety of positions, including executive director at Onward New River Valley, managing director for the Site Selectors Guild and director of economic development and community engagement at Radford University.

He has a number of degrees, including a Master of Public Administration, graduate certificate in economic development from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Science in political science from Radford University.

Jewell began his career in economic development with an entry level job at Onward New River Valley where he climbed the ladder to project manager and director positions. There, he ran regional economic development efforts.

Onward New River Valley, formerly the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance, is a public/private, regional economic development organization that works to attract and retain jobs, investment and professionals in Virginia’s New River Valley.

Located in the northwestern part of the state, the mountainous region is home to almost 200,000 people and a number of high-tech industries.

At Onward, Jewell said he was especially proud of modernizing the organization’s strategy, which meant branching out from a focus on industrial projects to tech and advanced manufacturing sectors. He worked with companies like Volvo, which has a truck assembly plant in the area; cloud computing company Rackspace; and Torc Robotics, which develops autonomous driving technology for the trucking industry.

With Onward, he also worked to get the word out about the community’s strengths as an amenable place to live and raise a family, he said. Through social media, videos and websites, he showcased the area’s natural beauty, small-town feel and low cost of living.

“It’s a great place,” Jewell said. “And, to be honest, one of the reasons I’m attracted to Alpharetta is it also has that similar small-town vibe.”

He was already familiar with Alpharetta having lived in Metro Atlanta during the early 2000s while working in the private sector. He met his wife while she was studying at Georgia State University. In 2005, they moved back to Virginia so he could attend graduate school.

Jewell moved on from Onward to serve as managing director for the Site Selectors Guild. In that role, he ran the organization’s operations, reporting directly to its board of directors. Site Selectors Guild is an international association of consultants who help companies find the ideal location to relocate or expand.

Each year, Site Selectors hosts two major conferences, inviting economic developers from around the world to learn about the latest trends in corporate site selection.

The job gave Jewell a unique behind the scenes look at economic development, he said.

After two years with Site Selectors, Jewell was invited to serve as Radford

See DIRECTOR, Page 19

GARAGE SALES

Roswell names business exec as new chief operating officer

ROSWELL, Ga. —

The City of Roswell announced Oct. 2 that former aviation industry executive Don Stephens is its new chief operating officer.

Stephens brings more than 30 years of executive leadership, organizational management, and strategic visioning experience to Roswell, according to an announcement from the city.

Seer World, the city’s economic development consultant, had been tasked with filling the role. In a threeyear contract, Stephens will be paid an annual salary of $340,000, topping the payroll charts for north Metro Atlanta municipalities.

The city’s former COO Richard Rhinehart, who departed after eight months in the role, had a salary of $198,000 plus a $7,200 car allowance, according to open records obtained by Appen Media.

“We are excited to welcome Don and to witness how his exceptional leadership and experience will strengthen Roswell’s great team while helping us activate and achieve the city’s vision for the future,” Mayor Kurt Wilson said. “Don has distinguished himself as a professional dedicated to servant-leadership, finding innovative solutions, ensuring financial accountability and establishing meaningful relationships throughout his organizations and within the broader community.”

When Wilson described Stephens in a Sept. 30 interview with Appen Media, he said the community has negatively responded to the city’s decisions on new talent by calling them “entrepreneurial.”

“It’s not about being entrepreneurs, it’s about making government work in a way that’s going to be truly responsive to its citizens,” Wilson said.

Reporting directly to City Administrator Randy Knighton, the COO serves as a trusted adviser to city leadership, overseeing internal and external commitments, ensuring priorities are strategically managed and results measured, and that service delivery meets and aligns with organizational performance standards, according to the

city.

Stephens will work with senior leadership to support organizational goals and objectives, mayor and City Council strategic priorities, citywide initiatives, special projects, operational efficiencies, fiscal affairs and administrative operations.

Stephens’ career includes executive leadership roles in the aviation industry, shaping organizational vision and driving business development. His most recent aviation experience was with ABM where he served in a number of senior executive capacities, ultimately advancing to president of the Aviation division.

During his tenure, the business expanded from $350 million to $1 billion in annual revenue while building an end-to-end portfolio of airport services — one of the largest, most comprehensive networks in the country with international operations throughout Great Britain.

Prior to joining ABM, Stephens spent all his aviation career with Delta Air Lines and its regional affiliates and subsidiaries. As the senior vice president of Regional Airport Customer Services, he led the transformation of Delta’s regional airport operations.

Stephens served as a founding member of Delta Connection, Inc., a subsidiary which established operating and commercial standards while expanding the airline’s regional aircraft portfolio to the world’s largest, most respected regional airline program.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Thomas More University and has served on the board of several organizations and nonprofits.

“I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity to join the talented and hardworking city officials and staff in serving the residents of Roswell,” Stephens said. “Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have been a part of building and growing organizations with a priority towards service excellence. I’m excited to begin working with the team in delivering the city’s ambitious and transformational development plan while maintaining the unique qualities that make Roswell special.”

Amber Perry

STEPHENS

Alpharetta approves $9 million project to connect key pathways at North Point

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — City Council members awarded a contract Oct. 21 that will connect two of Alpharetta’s two largest pathways and foster walkability in the North Point area.

“When I joined council in 2018, I could not in my wildest dreams have envisioned the progress that we have made in the last six years,” Councilman John Hipes said following the vote.

Council members unanimously approved a $9.1-million contract to Strack, Inc. for the construction of the Encore Greenway, a 12-foot path and pocket park near Encore and North Point parkways. The project will connect the Alpha Loop and Big Creek Greenway, making North Point a more attractive destination for developers, business owners, residents and visitors, city officials said.

The Alpha Loop is a linear park trail system connecting the city’s most active areas — Downtown Alpharetta, Avalon, Northwinds and North Point. At completion, the trail system will include an approximately 4-mile inner loop and a 7-mile outer loop.

Alpharetta’s portion of the Big Creek Greenway traces 9 miles along Big Creek parallel to North Point Parkway. Connecting the two pathways will offer walkers an even longer distance to enjoy, making both pathways more attractive on their own, according to the city.

“It just creates more of that network that you're looking for to give people

different options of transportation,” Community Development Director Kathi Cook said.

Opened in 1993, North Point Mall was once the city’s primary shopping and dining destination, attracting thousands of people each week to work, shop and recreate. But the area’s automobile-focused design and “oceans of parking lots” have become less appealing as visitors’ preferences have shifted toward pedestrian-friendly areas, according to the city.

The North Point Livable Centers Initiative, a land use and transportation plan, included recommendations to make the area more walkable.

The North Point Area and Alpha Loop Trail Feasibility Study, adopted in 2020, also examined how the Encore project might bridge the gap between the Alpha Loop and Big Creek Greenway, bringing more attention to the area.

Cook said the pathway contract approved at the meeting is just one of many walkability improvements in the area. City zoning changes in the area have reduced parking lots and increased residential density, making it more accessible to pedestrians.

The area already has attracted the interest of the Cooper's Hawk winery, Cook said.

“If you want to change an area that's a shopping district that's autocentric into a walkable area, the way that government can help move that to attract the type of development that we want is to create the infrastructure that makes it walkable,” Cook said.

Newspaper Delivery Route Openings with Appen Media Group

We are looking for one person or couple interested in delivering weekly newspapers in South Forsyth, Alpharetta and the Johns Creek areas.

Requirements: Must have a perfect driving record and background check, reliable transportation, honest, hard-working and positive attitude.

For more information or to apply, email heidi@appenmedia.com and include a paragraph or two about who you are and any relevant background/experience. In the subject line of the email please put “Delivery Route Application.”

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

Council members discuss the Encore Greenway project, which will bridge the Alpha Loop and Big Creek Greenway. The council approved $9.1 million for the connection at its Oct. 21 meeting.

Roswell to upgrade Pine Grove Road for $20.8 million

Council initiates plans for mixed-use district near Roswell City Hall

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell City Council adopted a final concept plan Oct. 15 for a series of upgrades to Pine Grove Road, addressing bicycle and pedestrian safety as well as speeding.

With its approval, the council sent another $6 million toward the project’s budget, raising it to $20.8 million, which includes engineering, right-ofway acquisition, construction and a 20 percent contingency. It is funded by TSPLOST II, the transportation special purpose local option sales tax.

The project includes:

• An 8 to 10-foot, multi-use trail on the north side of Pine Grove Road from Lake Charles Drive to Mimosa Boulevard

• An 8 to 10-foot, multi-use trail on the south side of Pine Grove Road from Chickering Parkway to Lake Charles Drive

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Transportation Director Jeff Littlefield presents the final concept plan for improvements to Pine Grove Road, an area plagued with speeding, at the Oct. 15 City Council meeting. Council members adopted the design and sent another $6 million toward the TSPLOST II project for a total cost of $20.8 million.

• Roundabouts at the North Coleman Road at Pine Grove Road and Shallowford Road at Pine Grove Road

corridor

• A 4-foot bike lane in the uphill directions between Shallowford Road and Lake Charles Drive

• Bike sharrows in the downhill directions

• A raised intersection at Lake Charles Drive

• A 5-foot grass/landscape buffer between back of curb and multi-use trail

• Landscaping and pedestrian lighting throughout the corridor.

The decision comes three months after a public meeting where residents provided feedback on a draft of the design. The community also had the opportunity to submit comments on an online interactive map.

Cost increase

At the council meeting, Transportation Director Jeff Littlefield said the original estimate for the project was provided in 2021 and that the Georgia Department of Transportation has experienced an average 90-percent cost increase throughout its projects.

“Costs have increased through

said.

Quoting a GDOT official at the Sept. 24 Community Development and Transportation Committee meeting, where the item was initially discussed, Littlefield said resurfacing prices have increased by 80 percent and that the cost of a dual-lane roundabout is up 114 percent.

Improvements to Pine Grove Road had been estimated as the third most expensive out of the city’s list of Tier 1 TSPLOST II projects.

At the council meeting Oct. 15, Mayor Kurt Wilson described the importance of the project, saying that the corridor is the “worst speeding offense area” in Roswell.

City Council members Christine Hall and David Johnson added that Pine Grove Road is a longstanding problem.

“This corridor has been problematic from a safety standpoint for many, many years,” Hall said. “...I just can't believe that it's finally going to get done.”

Littlefield had previously said drivers tend to travel 20 mph over the road’s posted speed limit.

Trephina Galloway, DO is a skilled and compassionate skin cancer surgeon who has cared for patients in Alpharetta, Georgia, and surrounding areas since 2007

Market Summary (Q3 2024)

Stock Market Overview

Equity markets experienced a mix of volatility and growth in Q3 2024, reflecting the ongoing anticipation of an easing monetary policy and sector-specific performance trends. The Federal Reserve cut rates (as expected) by 50 basis points (1/2%) to 4.75-5% and the S&P 500 saw steady gains, driven by resilience in technology and healthcare sectors, while the NASDAQ surged amid continued investor confidence in AI and software companies. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) showed moderate growth, supported by industrials and energy. Despite economic uncertainties inflation concerns moderated, which provided a backdrop for continued long-term opportunities. Valuations, especially in tech, remain elevated (see P/E ratio averages below) suggesting selectivity in sectors is critical going forward. September rounded out the quarter as an impressive one by historical standards with a 2.1% return. Dating back to 1928 the S&P 500 has averaged a loss of 1.1% during the month of September which makes it the worst month of the year according to Dow Jones Market Data. However, when September finishes up, the remaining portion of the year the market has risen 79% of the time, averaging an advance of 5.1% according to Bank of America.

Current themes the BlueChip Investment Committee favors are Large Cap Value, Small & Mid Cap Growth, Mid to L.Term Bonds, Private Credit, Private Equity, certain sectors of RE market, Gold & Silver as a small hedge against a potential return to an inflationary environment.

for Q3 2024

Source:ChatGPT4

Historical Forward P/E ratios Index

Source:ChatGPT4

*The current P/E ratios highlight an overvaluation in key indices, especially in the tech-heavy NASDAQ and potential undervaluation in Small & Mid Cap sectors.

Economic Update

The U.S. economy grew at an annualized rate of 2.4% for Q3 2024. This is in line with expectations, following a stronger second quarter which saw a growth rate of 3.2%. Despite uncertainties from global markets and domestic inflationary pressures, consumer spending and business investments continue to support economic growth. Key sectors driving this quarter’s growth include:

• Consumer spending, particularly in the services sector.

• Business investment, especially in technology and infrastructure.

However, growth in Q3 has decelerated slightly due to tightening financial conditions, reflecting higher interest rates, which we’ll discuss later in this update.

National Debt and Debt-to-GDP Ratio

As of the end of Q3 2024, the U.S. national debt stands at $34 trillion, reflecting ongoing government spending and rising interest obligations. With U.S. GDP projected at $27.4 trillion, the debt-to-GDP ratio now sits at 124%. This ratio is concerning from a historical perspective, as it signals that the nation’s debt level is outpacing the economy’s ability to generate income.

While high levels of national debt have been manageable in recent years due to historically low interest rates, the rising cost of debt service is becoming a more significant issue as the Federal Reserve continues to raise rates to combat inflation.

Source:ChatGPT4

Outlook for Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve recently cut rates by 1/2%, with the current federal funds rate sitting at 4.75-5% (as of 10/9/24). Inflation has shown signs of moderating, but remains above the Fed’s long-term target of 2%. As a result, the outlook for interest rates over the next six months remains tilted toward the downside but cautious as last week’s jobs numbers were better than expected.

Key Projections:

• Short-term outlook: The size of each cut will depend on evolving economic data, particularly regarding inflation and the labor market, but consensus is suggesting 2 more rate cuts by year end, most likely in quarter point intervals.

What This Means for You

1. Economic growth: The U.S. economy is still growing but at a slower pace. For investors, sectors like technology and infrastructure, which benefit from both government spending and business investment, remain solid opportunities.

2. National debt concerns: The high debt-to-GDP ratio could become more significant if interest rates stay elevated, making it more expensive for the government to service its debt. Clients should be aware of potential longer-term fiscal challenges.

3. Interest rates: With rates higher, borrowing costs will remain elevated, affecting mortgages, business loans, and personal credit. On the flip side, high rates offer attractive yields for savings and fixed-income investments, particularly Treasury bonds and other low-risk assets. Obviously, as rates come back down the inverse will occur which simple means cash or cash equivalents will no longer be a viable asset class as it has been over the last 2 years.

Tip of the 4th Quarter.... Tax Efficiency Strategies for Clients

As year-end approaches, tax planning becomes increasingly important for our highnet-worth clients. One key strategy is tax-loss harvesting, which allows investors to offset capital gains with losses from underperforming assets. This can reduce taxable income while keeping your portfolio aligned with long-term objectives.

SOLI PRILLAMAN, founder, Soli’s Kitchen

10 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | October 24, 2024

Baker turns pastry passion into business

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Soli

Prillaman loves when friends and family break bread together.

“I love being able to give back and having that feeling that this person is going to have a meal, that their entire family will enjoy it,” Prillaman said.

Prillaman, a Cumming resident, feeds that passion through her business, Soli’s Kitchen, selling baked goods and other treats. She and her 18-year-old daughter make all the items themselves with a special focus on fresh ingredients.

Prillaman has been baking for at least 20 years, but she decided to make it a profession after raising money through bake sales for her daughter’s International Career Development Conference competitions.

People were going crazy for her culinary creations, and she began receiving requests for catering and countless compliments.

“People kept saying, ‘You should start a business,’” she said.

Prillaman, a first generation American with Cuban heritage, has lived in Georgia since 1995 but grew up in Miami.

As a child, her father often would leave the house early on weekends to purchase pastelitos, a traditional Cuban pastry. She said she has fond memories of indulging her sweet tooth with the traditional baked puff pastries.

“We definitely looked forward to them,” she said.

Now, pastelitos, particularly guava and cream cheese flavored ones, are one of her most popular pastries.

“I wanted to provide something that goes with my heritage,” Prillaman said. “Guava is sweet, but it also has a little bit of a tanginess. The cream cheese helps take care of that.”

Pastelitos are not the only sweets drawing attention. There’s also a healthy demand for her double chocolate chip and snickerdoodle cookies. The perfect cookie is cooked all the way through but with just enough doughiness for a chewy middle.

During the holidays, she plans to sell cocoa bombs, which customers can make their own hot cocoa with. The bombs have a chocolate shell

See PASTRY, Page 11

ASK APPEN

Soli Prillaman often receives help from her daughter in preparing her food. Prillaman decided to create a business after receiving compliments from bake sales to raise funds for her daughter’s competitions.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SOLI PRILLAMAN Preparing sourdough bread takes hours and requires massaging the dough many times to give it the right consistency.

BUSINESSPOSTS

Pastelitos are a traditional Cuban pastry sold by Soli Prillaman. She enjoyed the pastry as a child.

Pastry:

Continued from Page 10

with customizable options like hazelnut, mini marshmallows and dark, white and regular chocolate.

“You have to have hot chocolate in the wintertime,” she said.

Not all of Prillaman’s items are sweet.

She also has begun making her own salsa, a blend of tomatoes, onion, garlic, cilantro, seeded jalapenos, cilantro and various seasonings. Made from fresh ingredients, it’s far better than any jarred salsa at the grocery, she said.

The salsa, refreshing and not too spicy, goes perfectly on “pretty much everything” from grilled chicken to breakfast burritos to tacos, she said.

“It just tastes better,” Prillaman said.

She’s also known for her sourdough bread.

To make a purchase from Soli’s Kitchen, message her on Facebook or contact her at 404-819-0110. She also can be found at the Cumming Farmers Market on Saturdays and World Harvest Church, 325 Hardscrabble Road, in Roswell on Thursdays. Sourdough is not for sale at the Cumming Farmers Market.

Baking a loaf is a six-hour process that begins with organic flour, water and a starter.

Pulling the dough every 30 minutes gives the bread its delicious consistency, something that brings customers back over and over.

Prillaman said she often gets texts and calls from customers asking her to reserve them a loaf.

The bread is perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches and bruschetta, but it’s also great on its own with a little butter.

“It should have a nice crust on the outside, and on the inside, you should be able to see the different layers and bubbles,” she said.

Soli Prillaman prefers her cookies to be slightly soft but cooked all the way through. Prillaman makes a variety of desserts for sale.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SOLI PRILLAMAN

Appen recognizes local businesses at Best of North Atlanta Awards

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

NORTH METRO ATLANTA — Business owners and community members partied the night away Oct. 17 at Appen Media Group’s 2024 Best of North Atlanta Awards Celebration.

The event honored winners of the Best of Atlanta contest. Over the course of the contest, members of the community nominated their favorite businesses, selecting more than 300 winners and runners up. This year’s contest drew more than 107,000 votes.

More than 300 people attended the awards reception in a ballroom at Phase Events.

Guests indulged in gourmet canapés and desserts provided by A&S Culinary Concepts and Nothing Bundt Cakes Alpharetta, with Six Bridges Brewing and Cork & Glass supplying wine and beer. Live music was provided by Ethyl’s Envy.

Contest winners received certificates, many of which would be hung up in their offices and businesses.

The contest recognizes patrons’ enthusiasm for businesses in North Metro Atlanta, Appen Media Publisher Hans Appen said.

“It’s a reflection of the quality of the business environment that we have in North Atlanta,” Appen said. “It’s exceptional. It’s unique. I think we’re spoiled a bit in North Atlanta by not only how diverse a business community we have but the quality of the businesses.”

Mike Dorman, Appen director of

sales and marketing, said the awards were a way to recognize hard work and quality.

“It gives a lot of credibility to the businesses readers choose to visit in the community, and many of these winners have been consistently winning every year,” he said.

Marc Stewart, owner of Johns Creek Physical Therapy, has won every year since Appen Media introduced the physical therapy category in 2018.

For Stewart, receiving the award was humbling and a recognition of all that he’s given in service of his customers.

“When you’re in the trenches and you’re in the process of doing the work every day, you just hope that your effort is recognized,” he said.

Sophia Crawford, owner of Ground & Pound Coffee in the AlpharettaRoswell area, thanked those who voted for her business. Crawford opened Ground & Pound after her career as a professional stunt woman and costarring in more than 30 films.

Crawford said she has worked to make her spot more than just a coffee shop by transforming it into a space where community members can socialize and enjoy live performances after hours.

She said the award’s recognition of her work and success can elevate her business.

“Thank you, from me and my staff. We’re all a team,” she said. “It’s not just me on my own. From all of us, we love you so much for your support over the years.”

ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA

More than 300 people enjoy the celebration at Phase Events in Alpharetta Oct. 17. North Metro Atlanta businesses were honored with music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and desserts as well as their award certificates.

Ballot referendum ties assessments to inflation rate

By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com

METRO ATLANTA — Voters will decide whether to enact a number of statewide ballot measures aimed at relieving sticker shock on property taxes.

One ballot question is a constitutional amendment for a statewide floating homestead exemption that would essentially cap property assessments at the inflation rate.

House Bill 581 creates the homestead exemption and a new local option sales tax. It will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, only if the referendum on House Resolution 1022, which is also known as Amendment 1, is approved by voters in November.

Election Day is Nov. 5.

The ballot question would give the Legislature the constitutional authority to offer this homestead exemption.

The question says:

“Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by general law for a state-wide homestead exemption that serves to limit increases in the assessed value of homesteads, but which any county, consolidated government, municipality, or local school system may opt out of upon the completion of certain procedures?”

A floating homestead exemption generally increases its value to offset inflation. For example, if a home has a taxable value of $100,000 and that increases the following year to $110,000, the exemption floats to be worth $10,000. So, according to a webinar presentation from the Georgia Municipal Association and the

Association County Commissioners of Georgia, the homeowner’s taxable value remains at $100,000.

But with HB 581, the taxable value, or the assessed value, could only increase by a rate of inflation set by the State Revenue Commissioner, which would likely be the consumer price index.

With the same example, if the assessed value is $100,000 and increases to $110,000 the following year, but inflation is 2% then the taxable value could only increase by 2%, up to $102,000. The exemption floats to be worth $8,000 of assessed value, so the homeowner would pay based on the $102,000.

“The main effect of the House Bill 581 exemption on your residential, homestead taxpayers is that the taxable value of their homes may only increase at the rate of inflation each year,” said Dante Handel, associate director of governmental affairs at Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). “The intent is to protect those homeowners. It does

to direct redevelopment in an area near City Hall, bounded by Oak, Atlanta, Hill and Forrest streets.

slow the growth of the digest for your residential homestead properties.”

In this case, property assessments could not increase more than the inflation rate each year. The exemption would apply to cities, counties and school districts.

The bill allows cities, counties, and school districts to opt out of the floating homestead exemption. Each taxing entity will have until March 1 to file its exemption if the referendum passes, and the option expires after that.

Ryan Bowersox, assistant general counsel of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), said during the webinar that if a city or county already has a floating exemption, such as Fulton County’s 3% floating homestead exemption, then homeowners would receive whichever is more beneficial if the local government does not opt out.

If a city, county, or school district offers a flat-rate homestead exemption, this floating exemption would be added on top of that. In Decatur, a homeowner would still receive the

master planning effort, which never led to an adopted document.

$40,000 general exemption and the floating homestead exemption.

The statewide cap would apply to all millage levies except those dedicated to bond payments, so it would apply to a special service district as well if a city or county did not opt out, Handel said.

Latisha Gray, director of communications for GMA, said that if the referendum is approved and a local government does not opt out, the floating homestead exemption would provide some predictability regarding property taxes.

“As a homeowner stays in their home, over time, they can come to expect consistent change/increase in their home’s taxable value,” Gray said. “This helps avoid the possibility of a rapid increase in a given year, which can possibly result in a greatly increased property tax bill compared to the previous year.”

If a city does not opt out, the exemption would augment the digest’s taxable value over time, artificially keeping home values lower for tax purposes.

“This exemption will impact cities differently depending on the mixture of their digest and the frequency of home sales,” Gray said. “If a city was required down the road to raise their millage rate to maintain the same level of revenue due to the exemption, the tax burden would shift more to the non-homesteaded portion of the digest.”

The ACCG’s Handel also said that the tax burden wouldn’t go away, but it would be shifted to other property owners. Non-homestead properties, such as commercial, industrial, agricultural and multifamily

See BALLOT, Page 20

value or 40 percent of its fair market value.

The project is the first of more traffic calming measures to come. At the council meeting, Wilson previewed a new “serious slowdown program.”

“My fellow residents, don’t be surprised in the next year if you see an increase in how we slow down traffic to those who are coming through our city, or to those of us who live in our city, because we’re going to be serious about it,” Wilson said.

New overlay district

In other action Monday evening, the City Council officially began its effort

In July, Peter Sorckoff, founder and CEO of consulting firm Seer World — which had been tasked with helping the city create an economic development strategy — previewed a $102 million. 7-acre mixed-use development that would “kick off” the Hill Street District. Sorckoff characterized it as a “baby Avalon.”

On Oct. 15, council members initiated a text and map amendment to the Unified Development Code to create the Hill Street Overlay. An overlay is a mechanism that places additional controls on development.

The potential for a new district in that area was discussed during a 2019

Community Development Director Michelle Alexander emphasized that the item was a request to “start the process” and that it did not include an actual draft of the code update.

“It is the suggestion of the structure, of what an overlay would entail, the components that it would include,” Alexander said.

The preliminary draft includes building types and height requirements, street design elements as well as prohibited and allowed uses.

That night, the City Council also adopted a property tax rate of 4.949 mills after a third public hearing. One mill represents a tax liability of one dollar per $1,000 of assessed property

The millage rate has two components: 4.049 mills for the city’s maintenance and operations for services like public safety and .900 mills for debt service.

While the adopted millage rate is the same as last year, it translates to a tax increase because property values have risen. The new rate will affect the December bill.

The city’s fiscal year 2025 budget, which covers the next calendar year, is now under development.

In an interview, City Administrator Randy Knighton said the budget will likely be passed in November. He said dates for the budget process, like public hearings, will be announced soon.

DEAN HESSE/APPEN MEDIA

Fulton County early voting runs weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays noon to 5 p.m.

Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist

Insist on the

BEST

Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.

He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.

Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 22 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.

Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.

Blue light season has returned

Blue light therapy, also called photodynamic therapy (PDT), is a treatment that can help eliminate precancerous lesions and lower one’s risk of skin cancer. A PDT treatment involves applying a medicine called aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to a patient’s skin and then shining blue light on the treated area to activate the medicine. ALA is an organic, naturally occurring amino acid that our bodies use to make hemoglobin.

When applied to the skin and activated by blue light, ALA preferentially kills pre-cancerous cells that make up lesions called actinic keratoses (AKs). Patients can often feel their own AKs by running their fingers over sun damaged areas such as the tip of the nose, the tops of the ears or the scalp. AK’s usually feel rough or hard and will sometimes bleed if picked. AKs can develop into skin cancer if untreated.

PDT has a “season” because most pre-cancer treatments leave the skin temporarily irritated and paradoxically vulnerable to the sun’s rays for a period of a few days to a week as healing takes place. Good cells need time to heal into the place previously occupied by bad cells. After a PDT treatment, a patient needs to avoid the sun for a few days. If a patient is going to see a child or grandchild’s baseball game, go fishing, golfing, boating or otherwise be in the sun, then many dermatologists would recommend waiting to perform preventative skin cancer treatments until a less sunny time of year when it’s easier to avoid the sun’s UV rays.

Now that the days are getting shorter and the sun is less intense, it’s time to start thinking about skin cancer prevention again. Multiple treatment options exist to help prevent skin cancer including inoffice treatments like PDT as well as at home creams that a patient applies such as fluorouracil, imiquimod, diclofenac and tirbanibulin. A dermatologist can help a patient choose the best, personalized treatment.

PDT and the best topical

treatments can eliminate 75% or more of one’s actinic keratoses and dramatically decrease the number of times a patient has to have spots frozen or cancers cut out. Our experience is that thoroughly treated areas that were growing skin cancers at the rate of one per year often go multiple years without another skin cancer after PDT treatments.

Cosmetically, PDT can be part of a skin rejuvenation regimen. On the face of men and women and on the upper chest “décolletage” area of women, PDT treatments can address the precancerous component of sun-damaged skin, and then laser treatments (such as 532/1064nm Nd:YAG laser) can help address aesthetic components of sun damage. These treatments allow many rough, red or brown spots to be eliminated resulting in medical and cosmetic benefit.

If you would like to repair sun damaged skin and treat actinic keratoses or are simply overdue for a skin exam, consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Brent Taylor is a fellowship-trained and boardcertified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. Kathryn Filipek, PA-C has greater than 15 years of experience in dermatology and has expertise in medical dermatology, cosmetic injectable treatments, sclerotherapy, external laser treatments and more.

Dr. Brent Taylor

Kathryn Filipek, PA-C

Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta

Are there any changes to my Medicare plan?

Brought

to you by

– Jay Looft, Senior Source Medicare

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is here! Almost two weeks into the Medicare AEP, the most common question we seem to get is “Are there any changes to my plan?” It is important to remember that from year to year, your plan will almost always change in some way. For instance, your insurance carrier could lower or raise a hospital copay, make changes to the prescription formulary, or offer new plan options all together. Every insurance carrier must physically mail you the changes for the upcoming year in a booklet called the Annual Notice of Change, or ANOC for short. If you have not received your ANOC, contact your insurance carrier to request one or contact us through our website at www.SeniorSourceMedicare. com/contact-seniorsource/ and we would be happy to provide you with a booklet with your specific plan changes.

If you have a Medicare Advantage

Plan (also referred to as a Medicare Plan) or a Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), you should review the changes annually. You’ll usually hear from your Medicare Insurance Agent about major changes in the plans; but for more specific changes, like changes to the prescription drug formulary, the insurance carrier would only notify the member and not the agent.

Just remember to check your doctors, check your prescription drugs, and review your ANOC. By reviewing these three items, you’ll know whether you should allow your current plan to automatically renew or if it might be a good idea to look at changing to a new plan.

You don’t have to go it alone! Analyzing Medicare Plans, and recognizing all the extra perks that go with them, can be overwhelming. We are Medicare insurance brokers that do all this for you, while keeping your specific needs in mind. Give us a call today at (770) 913-6464 or check us out online at www. SeniorSourceMedicare.com.

Jay Looft Owner/Agent

Design:

Continued from Page 1

construction begins. One of those tenants is the iconic Italian restaurant Amalfi.

“I now have almost 50 percent vacancy, and we’re trying very hard to fill it up, but it’s difficult,” Nagrani said.

A Roswell resident since 1973, Nagrani said he doesn’t want to give up, so he plans to reconfigure the building to include a top level for residential, accommodated by underground parking.

But, it’s a costly two-year project that must jump through several hoops.

“The solution that [the Roswell Transportation Advisory Commission] offered was a very good solution,” Nagrani said. “It would have minimal impact on the neighborhood and would require a lot less land acquisition.”

Existing in the current footprint, the Advisory Commission’s recommendation had been a threelane road diet concept consisting of a northbound and southbound lane with a raised planted center median turn lane. One of its benefits, the commission argued, is burying overhead electrical power/utility lines, “as promised” in the first transportation sales tax in 2016.

In an interview, former Transportation Advisory Commissioner George Vail said the city never explored the alternative approach, even after it had been formally recommended by a motion in summer 2022. Vail, Pereira and others resigned from the commission en masse last year, in frustration over their proposals falling

Bonds:

Continued from Page 1

Former Roswell Transportation Advisory commissioners George Vail and Marisa Pereira, also a former City Council candidate, speak with Meredith Tredeau, senior environmental planner with consulting firm WSP, about Historic Gateway plans Oct. 8.

on deaf ears.

“We’re not asking to throw everything out,” Vail said. “What we’re asking is to evaluate a modified approach.”

Transportation Director Jeff Littlefield, who joined city staff in 2022, told Appen Media the city “looked at” the commission’s proposal but he was unaware of any related traffic studies. The city analyzed two other options, though, a two-lane approach and a one-way pair.

Vail argues that the plan, as it stands, will not only “decimate” local business, but it will also induce traffic, increasing vehicle emissions, and negatively affect the tree canopy. Plans call for an easement out of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area of more than 2 acres.

Senior Environmental Planner

unit affordable housing community at 555 Janis Lane.

Both decisions were approved unanimously.

Continuum

The office project, which is being developed by Southwest Value Partners, will add and update work spaces so they can better attract employers and employees, Economic Development Coordinator Charlotte Christian said. The property was once a corporate campus for Hewlitt Packard, which will continue to occupy two floors.

About 16 acres of pavement would be converted to buildings and greenspace.

The project also would also serve as an attractive shopping, dining and living option for residents and visitors.

“Adding those apartments and townhomes encourages people to use those restaurants and retail afterhours,” Christian said.

Sally Mckenzie, who started the Facebook page “Citizens for Responsible Development in Roswell,” speaks with other residents about the Historic Gateway project at an Oct. 8 open house.

Meredith Tredeau, with consulting firm WSP, downplayed the environmental impact to the national park.

“The impacts to the park — it’s just a strip,” Tredeau told Vail, standing next to Pereira at the open house. “It’s two-and-a-half acres of easement that the park will get for the project, out of the 10,000-plus of the park.”

He had asked why it took more than a decade, when a standard Environmental Assessment takes only a couple of years — which either leads to a finding of no significant impact, or FONSI, or an Environmental Impact Statement. In this case, the recommendation is a FONSI, but Vail argued the project should require the more thorough option.

Vail, who has a master’s degree in environmental earth sciences and policy, worked for engineering companies for 25 years which involved NEPA projects like the Historic

The city already is home to about 21 million square feet of office space already, Christian said.

“Post-pandemic, every company is struggling to fill office space,” she said. “Workers really want to be in an amenitized office space where they enjoy their environment. We want to make our assets able to attract employers.”

The Continuum site has received “large-scale” interest from corporate clients interested in major corporate relocations, according to the city.

555 Janis Lane

Dogwood Square plans to purchase and renovate a 100-unit affordable housing community on Janis Lane.

The developer is seeking $20 million in bonds to pair with a 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credit, according to the city.

The units would be available for seniors and adults with disabilities. Residents would be able to live in the community by paying just a portion of their monthly income.

“This preserves affordable housing for seniors (and others) and ensures they can stay in our community,” Christian said.

Gateway sentiment: Melodii Peoples, communications officer with the Georgia DOT, said public comments from the Oct. 8 Historic Gateway project open house will be available in the response letter, provided a month after the public comment period ends Oct. 22. Peoples said the open house summary and response letter will be provided at https:// south-atlanta-road-improvements-721010-gdot. hub.arcgis.com.

After the comment period ends, Peoples said the Federal Highway Administration will consider all comments from the public and prepare a final Environmental Assessment. If significant environmental impacts are identified, the agency must prepare a more in-depth Environmental Impact Statement.

If there is a finding of no significant impact, or FONSI, Peoples said that document will be available next spring, around May. She said the FONSI records any changes to the Environmental Assessment to reflect all applicable comments from the public and responses to those comments.

Gateway.

WSP consultant Tredeau said the process took longer than unusual because of the large number of stakeholders and the “constrained environment.”

Concerned about the tree canopy, Pereira continued to engage Tredeau in a tense conversation. Trudeau said the city has identified all the trees more than 50 years old and that many would be replaced. But, that wasn’t enough for Pereira.

“What I’m trying to say to you is, you cut down one of those trees that may be 50 or 100 years old, and you replace it with a small sapling, or whatever you want to call it, it’s not the same, right?” Pereira said.

For more information about the Historic Gateway project, visit the city’s dedicated webpage.

PHOTOS BY: AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

CITY OF ALPHARETTA/ PROVIDED

The Continuum project will include offices, restaurants, greenspace, homes and retail space at 5555 Windward Parkway.

Questions for Americans: Has everyone been fed?

Why is it that disasters so often seem to bring out the best in us while politics seems to bring out the worst?

Why is that? If you think about it, it doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Usually, disasters are events that are beyond our control; they just happen, and random people get hurt — wrong place, wrong time. The recent hurricanes are sad examples. In response to most disasters, neighbors, strangers and many in the general public turn out to feed, house, fund, support and comfort the victims of the disaster, most of the time without attention or consideration of nationality, race, color, creed or political orientation of the victims.

And, they don’t ask the victims how they vote.

Conversely, our behavior — our attitude — toward our neighbors, strangers and the public in general when politics is involved is often the polar opposite. It sparks intentional acts and rhetoric that, while it could be positive, sincere, productive and civil, instead, is all too often negative, dark, insincere, not true, sometimes violent and frequently laden with hatefilled ideas.

That just seems crazy. Same people. What changes? Why?

We gathered food, clothing, toiletries, canned goods, etc., at our Alpharetta Presbyterian Church last week, as did so many other faithbased and civic organizations. We sent ours to Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, a sister church in western North Carolina. Black Mountain Presbyterian apparently ended up being a local hub for hurricane relief.

Ollie Wagner, our minister, told us a few days ago that the quantity of relief shipments that had arrived at the church had completely overwhelmed every facility available and that— at least for a brief time — they asked that the shipments be paused to give them time to catch up on disbursements. Meanwhile, we hear reports of FEMA being threatened (one person has been arrested) because politicians have turned FEMA’s relief efforts into a political football. Why? No one wants or needs this kind of divisive chaos. We are so much better than that. And we deserve so much better than that.

We are good. Our country is — still — a beacon of hope for most of the free world. When the chips are down and failure is not an option, we step up. We find, make, manufacture, invent and solve. We find a way. And we take care of each other.

Our “better angels” are still there, inside our hearts, all of our hearts.

They have not flown away. Abraham Lincoln spoke to us today, in his first inaugural address on March 4, 1861:

“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."

Black Mountain Presbyterian Church has a mission statement that I find endearing. Its simplicity, its literal intent, and maybe more than anything else, its figurative meaning so moves me. Maybe we could all adopt it — each in our own personal way:

“Has everyone been fed?”

Appen Media Listening Tour gives public ear in newsroom

Press Club member drive ends Nov. 1

NORTH METRO

ATLANTA — This year, the Appen Media newsroom organized its firstever Listening Tour. You could say it was successful. Reporters sourced around a dozen stories that may have not been told otherwise, covering everything from new nonprofits to infrastructure and election issues.

The forum, taken to all seven of our coverage areas, provided the community a soundboard to field questions and air topics that deserved attention.

I spoke to many people, with differing backgrounds and interests. It led me to several more interviews, either in person or over the phone. More research. More finding out things I didn’t previously know, shared with readers.

I love my job because I do this all the time. I listen and respond, and sometimes that makes a real difference. That’s been the case countless times, and that cannot happen without the support of our Appen Press Club members.

An ever-evolving media landscape and the monopolistic practices of tech giants means the support we receive from our advertising partners may no longer be enough to sustain the quality reporting our north Atlanta community has come to expect from us.

Times are tough in the newspaper industry. Ink doesn’t grow on trees. Because we serve tens of thousands of residents in north Metro Atlanta every single week, our goal this fall has been 200 new members by Nov. 1. As of this column’s publishing, a few more than 20 have joined.

We have a circulation of 105,000 newspapers, all at no cost to the reader — why? Because we believe news should be free. The community should have the right to know what’s going on to make informed decisions.

We attend hours-long city council meetings, so you don’t have to, and we dig and dig and dig because some things won’t ever come to light unless we do.

The newsroom literally needs membership dues and donations to function, and hopefully, to grow.

The generosity funds our salaries, and everyone and their mother knows Metro Atlanta has an outrageous cost of living, which continues to increase.

It also funds our battle with the City of Sandy Springs over the disclosure of police incident reports, which we argue everyone has a right to have based on the Open Records Act.

The lawsuit, still open, has sucked some $80,000 from the company.

Memberships also help fund regular open records request fees — we submit a lot of requests. They also fund super important events like the Listening Tour, and we hope to do another soon.

The Appen Press Club was launched to support the work of our newsroom, which is vital to a prosperous and informed community.

We also believe everyone should be able to come by a news clipping of their kid, just recognized as an Eagle Scout, for free, or of a nonprofit that gives back to the community in a major way, or of a small business that somehow still makes it in this economy year after year.

While the newspaper is free, direct support is still necessary. Please consider joining today at www. appenmedia.com/join to keep your local news source around.

RAY APPEN

APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

Amber Perry speaks at the March 21 Appen Press Club Listening Tour event in Johns Creek.

Growing herbs can be a year-round activity

Growing herbs can be a year-round affair in the South, not just in the spring and summer!

Many herbs can tolerate the South’s mild winters outside. Some of the hardy herbs which grow in the cool fall weather are cilantro, parsley, rosemary, thyme, sage, and even some mint can stand up to cold weather.

When beginning to grow herbs, I usually recommend starting out with a few simple ones. Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow because they can tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions and have few insect and disease problems. Historically, herbs have been used for seasoning and medicine and to provide pleasant fragrances.

Herbs prefer a well-drained soil with a pH between 6 to 7.5. Try to incorporate 2-3” of compost or manure to a depth of 8-12”. A soil test will determine what other nutrients need to be added to the soil. Cool season herbs need 6-8 hours of sun daily. Be sure to add 1-2” of mulch to prevent weeds and maintain proper soil moisture.

Chives, lavender, parsley, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme are best planted in the fall, while basil and tarragon are tender summer annuals and need to be brought inside before the first frost. Rosemary, oregano and sage are hardy evergreens and can thrive all year long. Once winter sets in fully, chives will go dormant, and oregano and thyme may lose some leaves due to frost, but they will continue to grow new leaves you can harvest.

Herbs can be grown in raised beds, alongside your vegetables or mixed in your ornamental flower beds to accent cool weather blooms. Be sure and add a layer of pine straw to protect them in the landscape in the cooler seasons. They are also easily grown in containers inside or outside since herbs generally have shallow root systems. They can be grown together or individually (except mint which needs its own pot). In case of a freeze, you should water outdoor herbs well and use frost cloth for overnight protection. Let’s look at a few cool season herbs more closely.

• Cilantro has a short life cycle and bolts (develops seeds) quickly in hot weather. That means you need to pinch back young plants an inch or so to encourage fuller, bushier plants. Snip off the top part of the main stems as soon as it appears to be developing flower buds or

seed pods.

• Parsley grows well in sun or part shade with at least 6 hours of sun daily. There are two basic kinds, curled and flat leaved. Parsley requires consistent moisture for continuous growth.

• Rosemary is an evergreen perennial. It is quite easy to grow because it is drought tolerant and requires very little maintenance. It can grow up to 4’ tall and wide, so give it lots of space. After the plant flowers, trim and prune regularly so it doesn’t become too lanky.

• Sage is also a perennial herb. At a young age it needs consistent moisture until it starts to grow quickly. You don’t want to harvest too much during the first year so the plant will continue to grow.

• Thyme is a beautiful creeping ground

cover. All thyme is fragrant, and there are several varieties to choose from. Water normally, and prune the plant back in the spring and summer to contain its growth.

There are many uses for herbs including hardy and cool weather herbs. More than 70 different herbs have been identified according to their cooking, aromatic, ornamental or medicinal uses. An herb is defined as any plant that produces seeds but does not form a wood stem or any part of a plant that can be used for medicinal, cooking or spiritual purposes. Many herbs fall in more than one category.

During the holidays, fresh herbs can enhance the flavor in your Christmas

About the author

This week's "Garden Buzz" features Sandy Springs resident Robin Pollack, an accomplished artist and Master Gardener. Active in the Atlanta art community since 1970, Robin has taught for over 30 years at Chastain Arts Center and has been a Master Gardener since 2005. As a member of North Fulton Master Gardeners, she has taught vegetable gardening at Farm Chastain and her own garden. Her garden, influenced by her artistic eye, has been featured on tours including Atlanta Botanical Garden and Georgia Perennial Plant Association.

or Thanksgiving meal. Plant rosemary, thyme, oregano, chives and winter savory for your turkey or stuffing. You can garnish the display with fresh sprigs of herbs.

Those same savory herbs from your meal can add homemade flavor to your soups and stews. Add parsley and thyme, high in vitamin A and C, to chicken broth to fight off colds and boost your immune system.

Have fun creating holiday drinks with fresh herbs! Add mint to hot cocoa, add rosemary to your apple cider, add lavender to your tea and make a tonic with thyme and sage for winter colds.

To harvest your herbs, it is best to collect them early in the morning after any moisture has dried. You can dry herbs by tying bundles of stems together and hanging them in a warm dry area. They can also be preserved by freezing dried leaves or placing them in an ice tray with water. Frozen herbs will last 3-6 months before losing their freshness.

Herb gardens were once an important part of the American home and have recently regained popularity with people enjoying the fresh herbs in cooking or just for their fresh look or scent. Growing your own herbs is one of the most rewarding things to grow in the garden. They taste better and save you money.

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/columists/garden buzz/.

ROBIN POLLACK/PROVIDED Herbs from Robin’s garden.

ROBIN POLLACK Guest Columnist

Director:

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University’s first ever economic developer position.

There, he regularly engaged with chambers of commerce and economic organizations to find ways to support local business. His organization also obtained a $200,000 Go Virginia grant to support local tech companies.

Jewell also participated in founding The HUB, a 12,581-square-foot resource center for economic development.

Jewell said his experience has taught him good economic development work is about more than attracting businesses to an area. It’s also making sure the businesses already there have what they need.

That’s a mentality that Lagerbloom said will serve Alpharetta well.

“We’ve got to keep those who are here happy and be ready to welcome those who want to join us in the future,” he said, adding “It’s about making companies stay here.”

As economic development director for Alpharetta, Jewell will work closely with local organizations like the startup incubator Tech Alpharetta, Cook said. The job will also require him to pay special attention to tech companies, which are one of the economic backbones of the city.

He also will be in charge of marketing the city as a terrific place to live and raise a family.

“It’s important to have someone who can continue to build relationships,” Cook said.

Jewell said he is looking forward to that work and the opportunity to make Alpharetta a more economically vibrant place. He said he also recognizes the considerable work and success that has already been completed.

“The city is in a unique opportunity because it has been very successful,” he said. “It is at one of those points of looking at how can it capitalize on those opportunities … how does Alpharetta maintain its competitive advantage? That’s something I’m intrigued in — in thinking forward.”

Locally Owned and Operated

• Cremation Services

770-645-1414

info@northsidechapel.com www.northsidechapel.com

During these turbulent times, we would like to highlight the continued courage and commitment of everyone who works in the health care, law enforcement, childcare, food service and utility sectors. We are extremely grateful.

12050 Crabapple Road • Roswell, GA 30075

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Alpharetta Women’s Half Marathon and 5k athletes will be running through your neighborhood and streets Sunday November 3. Due to the nature of the event, select city streets along the route be restricted during the event. Please visit our website for a copy of the route and suggested detours: http://alpharettawomenshalf.events

We appreciate your help in bringing this race back to the city and hope you have an opportunity to enjoy this exciting event. We apologize for any inconvenience that it may cause you. Members of the Alpharetta Police Department will be at all major intersections along the route to direct you around the restricted roads. If you need assistance, please email us at info@race10x.com.

DEATH NOTICES

Winnie Ann Bolton, 86, of Alpharetta, passed away on October 5, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

John Edward Breyer, 89, of

Susan Ernst, 81, of Alpharetta, passed away on October 7, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Jean Scogin, 64, of Roswell, passed away on October 9, 2024.

passed away on October 9, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Vera Quaranta, 90, of Roswell, passed away on October 11,

Ballot:

Continued from Page 13

residential, would continue to be assessed at their fair market value.

“Renters will not see the benefit of the homestead exemption as these are treated like commercial properties, but potentially they could see the benefit of the [new local option sales tax] if the

millage rate is reduced and the savings are passed along from the property owner to the renter,” Bowersox added.

If a city, county, or school district were to opt out, homeowners would not receive the floating homestead exemption.

“While opting out is a one-time decision, nothing precludes the city from in the future receiving a similar homestead exemption in the traditional manner,” Gray said.

Randy Knighton City of Roswell Kurt Wilson City Administrator Notice of Public Hearing Mayor

The following item will be heard at a public hearing held by the Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 6:00 PM at Roswell City Hall, Council Chambers, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, Georgia 30075.

a. HPC20244393 – 77 Vickery Street

The applicant, Abe Asefaw, is requesting an Appeal of HPC Minor #20243870, installation of a farm fence; Land Lot 415.

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.

Randy Knighton City of Roswell Kurt Wilson City Administrator Notice of Public Hearing Mayor

The following item will be heard by the Mayor and City Council at a public hearing on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Roswell City Hall Council Chambers, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, Georgia.

a. RC 20235097 - Old Riverside Road

The applicant, Michael Shepherd, is requesting the issuance of a Metropolitan River Protection Act (MRPA) certificate within the Chattahoochee River corridor for construction of a residential subdivision; land lot 622.

Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or a City Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within two (2) years, file a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law is available in the office of the City Attorney.

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

Randy Knighton City of Roswell Kurt Wilson City Administrator Notice of Public Hearing Mayor

The following item will be heard by the Mayor and City Council at a public hearing on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Roswell City Hall Council Chambers, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, Georgia.

a. PV 20243864/CV 20244737 - 10901 Crabapple Road

The applicant, Bradley Riffel/AEC, Inc., is requesting Parkway Village Small Tract Status with a Concurrent Variance to eliminate the lot frontage requirement; land lot 407.

Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or a City Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within two (2) years, file a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law is available in the office of the City Attorney.

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

New local option sales tax

HB 581 also creates a local option sales tax, known as FLOST, that’s tied to the floating homestead exemption. All parts of the bill would go into effect only if the referendum is approved.

The FLOST would also be aimed at providing property tax relief. A city or county would be eligible only if they offer a floating exemption, whether it’s an existing exemption or the exemption in HB 581. But the county and all cities within that county that levy property taxes would have to have a floating exemption in place to be eligible for the sales tax.

For example, DeKalb County and all its 13 cities would have to have a floating homestead exemption in place to levy the new local option sales tax. Implementing the FLOST would then be a separate local referendum. The FLOST could be levied in 0.05% increments up to 1%.

Cities, like Atlanta, that have a municipal option sales tax would not be eligible to levy a FLOST. School districts are not eligible to participate

in FLOST.

HB 581 includes some procedural property tax changes as well. For more information or to watch GMA and ACCG’s webinar visit https://www. accg.org/page.php?ID=2202.

Tax court ballot question

Another ballot question, Amendment 2, would create a tax court with statewide jurisdiction concurrent with superior courts. Currently, the tax tribunal is in the state’s executive branch, and this would establish a court in the Georgia judicial system, according to WABE.

“Georgia Referendum A” seeks to increase the property tax exemption for tangible personal property that’s worth $7,500 or less. The referendum would increase this to properties worth $20,000 or less, WABE reported.

Tangible personal property are things that are movable, like equipment, furniture and inventory, according to the Fulton County Board of Assessors.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, November 7, 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, November 18, 2024 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

a. MP-24-09/CU-24-12 Alpharetta Hotel Holdings LLC/Hybrid Hotel

Consideration of a master plan amendment and conditional use to allow ‘Hotel, Hybrid’ on 9.89 acres in the Preston Ridge Master Plan. A master plan amendment is requested to the Preston Ridge Master Plan Pod H to add ‘Hotel, Hybrid’ as a conditional use and a conditional use is requested to allow a ‘Hotel, Hybrid’ for a dual brand Marriott hotel. The property is located at 12140 Morris Road and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1262, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

b. CLUP-24-03/MP-24-06/Z-24-11/V-24-18 TPG/Brookside Master Plan Pod B

Consideration of a comprehensive land use plan amendment, master plan amendment, rezoning and variance to allow 160 ‘Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’, Attached’ units on 9.89 acres. A master plan amendment is requested to the Brookside Master Plan Pod B to add ‘Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’, Attached’ as a permitted use. A comprehensive land use plan amendment is requested from ‘Corporate Office’ to ‘High Density Residential’ and a rezoning is requested from O-I (Office-Institutional) to R-10M (Dwelling, ‘For-Rent’ or ‘For-Sale’, Residential). Variances are requested to Unified Development Code (UDC) Subsection 2.2.10(D) R-10M, District Regulations to reduce the setback along Old Milton Parkway, UDC Section 2.5 Parking and Loading to reduce parking and allow uncovered/unenclosed parking, UDC Subsection 3.2.8 Tree Replanting, Buffer, and Landscape standards to reduce the undisturbed buffer requirements, and UDC Subsection 2.2.10(D) to increase building height and reduce setbacks. The property is located at 3750 Brookside Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 43, 44, 49 & 50, 1st District, 1st Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

c. MP-24-10/CU-24-14 Lava Island/Regency Park Master Plan Pod 3

Consideration of a master plan amendment and conditional use to allow a ‘Recreation Facilities, Indoor’ business within an existing shopping center in the North Point Overlay. A master plan amendment is request to the Regency Park Master Plan Pod 3 to add ‘Recreation Facilities, Indoor’ and a conditional use is requested to allow ‘Recreation Facilities, Indoor’ for Lava Island. The property is located at 7121 North Point Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 687 & 688, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

d. Z-24-14/V-24-22 Pinnacle Pg LLC/Karen Drive

Consideration of a rezoning and variances to allow for the construction of 14 ‘For-Sale’ single-family detached homes on 2.68 acres in the Downtown. A rezoning is requested from O-I (Office-Institutional) and C-2 (General Commercial) to DT-MU (Downtown Mixed-Use). Variances are requested from Unified Development Code (UDC) Appendix A: Alpharetta Downtown Code Subsection 2.3.3(G) to modify local street residential streetscape standards, UDC Appendix A: Alpharetta Downtown Code Subsection 2.4.6(C) to allow a street-facing garage without the required 20’ setback from the front façade of the home, and UDC Subsection 3.2.8(D) to reduce the landscape strip requirement along a new local street. The property is located at 0, 297 & 315 Karen Drive and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 693 & 696, 1st District, 2 nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

e. PH-24-17 Unified Development Code (UDC) Text Amendments – Short Term Rentals

Consideration of text amendments to Section 1.4 Definitions of Article I, Table 2.2 List of Permissible and Conditional Uses of Article II, Section 2.7 Miscellaneous Regulations of Article II, and Section 4.5.5 Exceptions of Article IV of the Unified Development Code (UDC) to add regulations pertaining to Short Term Rentals.

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 ROSWELL

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLACE: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 215

DATE & TIME: 10:00 A.M. Thursday, November 7, 2024

PURPOSE: Brewpub/Package/ Sunday Sales

APPLICANT: Elizabeth A. Rouse

BUSINESS NAME: Voodoo Brewing Co./Voodoo Lakeside UC

BUSINESS ADDRESS: 1010 Mansell Rd. Ste 180, Roswell, GA 30076

CITY OF ROSWELL

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLACE: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 215

DATE & TIME: 10 A.M. Thursday, November 7, 2024

PURPOSE: Application for Limited Pouring/Beer/Wine/Sunday Sales

APPLICANT: Basem Salame

BUSINESS NAME: Mashawi (Salame LLC)

BUSINESS ADDRESS: 850 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076

Home Improvement

Interior/Exterior Painting, Pressure Washing, Rotten Wood Repair, Deck Repair, Window Installation. Licensed/ Insured. Call Thurman 770-899-1354. Free Estimates

Garage Sales

MILTON: Providence Plantation Subdivision Yard Sale – Saturday Oct. 26 9am-2pm.

Sawnee EMC is seeking an Accounts Receivable Clerk to reconcile consumer accounts and process members’ transactions (i.e., Cash, Check, Credit Card, or Money Order). Will supply information to customers and resolve customer inquiries through faceto-face communication. Requires: high school diploma or equivalency, proficiency in mathematics, monetary, and general office skills. A minimum of two years of related experience preferred. Position is full-time; must be flexible to work irregular hours, to include evenings and weekends.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, October 25, 2024. Apply online: www. sawnee.coop/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 accommodation(s) may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

Donor Operations Associate The Donor Operations Associate greets and removes donations from vehicles and then sorts the merchandise in a designated area. They are responsible for keeping the merchandise secure, all areas free of debris, and the donor door area neat and clean. This position is the face of NFCC, so they are expected to provide excellent customer service and treat each donor, volunteer, and staff member professionally and with a friendly demeanor.

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in extreme hot and cold conditions. Must have the ability to work in extreme temperatures, ability to lift up to 75lbs and or use a lift aid, ability to push and pull items, and be able to stand for up to 8 hours.

To apply, please submit a resume to Marten Jallad, Director of Thrift and Donor Operations, NFCC, mjallad@nfcchelp.org

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