January 23, 2025 | AppenMedia.com
Former DeKalb CEO told EPA county would miss deadline for upgrading sewer capacity
By DAN WHISENHUNT dan@appenmedia.com
DECATUR, Ga. — DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond sent a letter to state and federal environmental officials Dec. 31, his last day in office, saying the county will miss a federal deadline to upgrade its sewer capacity.
Missing it could cost the county millions in fines and perpetuate a public health risk for some of its most vulnerable residents. The Department of Justice has asked for a status conference to discuss the county’s “anticipated violation of the 2027 deadline.”
Thurmond’s letter was addressed to the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the state Environmental Protection Division. He wrote that the county made “substantial progress” toward complying with a Modified Consent Decree requiring it to upgrade its sewer system by December 2027. The county’s progress so far includes completing projects and reducing sewer spills.
But, he said, the county faced additional challenges. Inflation increased project costs, and Thurmond disagreed with a proposal for increasing sewage storage capacity in South DeKalb. The letter says the storage plan for South DeKalb raised “environmental justice” concerns.
“It is my hope that the county will continue to work with EPA/EPD to reach an agreement on the best path forward for the county and its residents, recognizing the remarkable progress made since 2017 …,” Thurmond wrote. He told environmental
City Council expands list of uses at Mt. Vernon Shopping Center
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody City Council voted Jan. 13 to rezone the Mount Vernon Shopping Center, expanding the types of businesses allowed at the site.
The zoning change, from neighborhood shopping, NS, to local commercial, C-1, involved a months-long process with community members, city staff and the owners, Branch Properties.
There was no public comment during the second and final read to amend the zoning classification. The rezoning effort keeps all existing buildings with no new construction proposed.
Branch Properties owns three parcels across the street from the Williamsburg at Dunwoody: 2480 and 2256 Mount Vernon Road and 2495 Jett Ferry
Road. Together the parcels make up the Mount Vernon Shopping Center, a triangle surrounded by Dunwoody Club Drive, Jett Ferry and Mount Vernon roads.
Under the rezoning, Mount Vernon Shopping Center is allowed by right: a private club or lodge, cultural exhibit, restaurant, liquor store, indoor animal care facility, indoor sports or recreation and medical or dental laboratories.
Any school or special-event facility is limited to 5,000 square feet. All uses in the neighborhood shopping classification are also allowed.
There has been significant turnover of anchor tenants in the development’s largest storefront at 2480 Mount Vernon Road.
The more than 36,000-square-foot retail space
CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED
Dunwoody residents chat outside of the former Lidl grocery store after a community rezoning meeting last summer at the Mount Vernon Shopping Center. The open house, at times contentious and emotional, kicked off Branch Properties’ successful effort to attract a wider range of tenants.
NEWS TIPS
770-442-3278
AppenMedia.com
319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009
HANS APPEN Publisher
DICK WILLIAMS Publisher Emeritus CONTACT
Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.
ADVERTISING
For information about advertising in the Dunwoody Crier or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
CIRCULATION
To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
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.
Suspected shoplifter arrested for taking iPhone on display
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police arrested a 31-year-old Florida man Jan. 8 after he allegedly shoplifted a cellphone from the Best Buy off Hammond Drive.
A Best Buy employee said a male suspect cut the cord of an iPhone 15 on display and was last seen walking toward Buffalo Wild Wings. An officer said employees were familiar with the man because he has taken merchandise from the store in the past.
Using nearby security cameras, the officer said they observed the suspect walk toward Perimeter Mall and enter through Macy’s after the incident.
Best Buy employees told officers that they want to prosecute for the $600 theft and damage to the security cord.
Later, Best Buy called police again saying the suspect had returned to the store. When an officer arrived, he found a man matching the suspect’s description on a bench behind the store.
During questioning, the man allegedly admitted to cutting the cord off the iPhone. He said nothing further and was arrested.
Officers said they found scissors in the man’s possession during a search.
The 31-year-old Florida man said he works at a pizza place inside the mall and sometimes visits Best Buy on his breaks.
Officers transported him to DeKalb County Jail and secured warrants for theft by taking, shoplifting, criminal trespass damage and possession of tools for the commission of a crime.
— Hayden Sumlin
Police arrest Ohio man for snatching MacBook
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police arrested a 19-year-old Ohio man after he allegedly robbed a Cumming man off Perimeter Center North Jan. 9 during a Facebook sale.
The victim, a 43-year-old Forsyth County resident, said he met with a man in front of The Hartley apartments to sell his $1,000 Apple MacBook Pro.
Officers said the sale was arranged on Facebook.
The victim said the man snatched the laptop and fled in a white Honda CRV.
Officers said the victim was able to record some of the incident with his dash cam, but the suspect was standing behind his vehicle and covering the tag.
The department’s report says a crime and intelligence analyst was able to identify the suspect’s vehicle and license plate. Police traced the suspect’s vehicle to a Lithonia residence, and a detective took over the investigation.
The department’s report says the case was cleared later in the day after the arrest of a 19-year-old man from Reynoldsburg, Ohio. The report omits the details surrounding the arrest.
DeKalb County Jail records show he was charged with robbery by sudden snatching, a felony, and bonded out Jan. 11.
— Hayden Sumlin
Atlanta man arrested for drugs, vehicle theft
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police arrested a 33-year-old Atlanta man Jan. 14 after discovering his Chevrolet truck, involved in a crash, belonged to someone else.
Officers said a witness reported that a man driving a pickup truck backed into another vehicle in the parking garage at the Dunwoody MARTA station.
The witness said she contacted law
enforcement because the truck driver was not waking up when she checked on him after the collision.
While speaking with the driver, officers said they smelled marijuana and conducted a search of the truck. Officers said they found more than 30 grams of marijuana, qualifying for a felony charge at more than 1 ounce.
When asked why he had tools in the truck, the driver told officers that he owns a towing business.
Officers ran the truck’s temporary New Jersey tag and found it was registered to a Cadillac Escalade.
The driver told them he bought the tag in downtown Atlanta.
Officers said they presumed the truck was stolen after the vehicle’s identification number showed a different owner from Athens with active insurance.
The suspect said the truck was abandoned and given to him by the towing company.
The man told police the necessary paperwork he’d filed for the abandoned truck was at his home.
Officers secured warrants for theft by taking, affixing a license plate with the intent to conceal and possession of more than 1 ounce of marijuana.
The suspect was booked at Dekalb County Jail Jan. 14 and bonded out two days later.
— Hayden Sumlin
Haim Haviv Owner
Snowstorm impacts linger for Dunwoody residents
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Mayor Lynn
Deutsch received dozens of thankyous from residents for keeping them updated on power outages after Dunwoody received heavy snow Jan. 10.
Metro Atlanta had a snow day Friday, Jan. 10 with more than 3-inch accumulations reported in some areas. Nearly all north Georgia was under a winter storm warning from 5 a.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday, closing schools and businesses.
Many residents worked from home. Others took the day off. With schools closed, children ventured into the winter wonderland to play, dotting neighborhoods with snowmen.
The winter storm was more widespread than expected with some areas in north Metro Atlanta receiving up to 4 inches of snow. The National Weather Service in Peachtree City reported Dunwoody received 2.5 inches.
The city’s Public Works Department got a head start prepping for winter storm conditions the morning of Jan. 9 by spreading brine on major roadways. The day before snow fell, Dunwoody let its residents know that power outages were likely, and they needed to stay off icy roads.
Before 8 a.m. Jan. 10, the city was monitoring conditions as some drivers got stranded along Ashford Dunwoody Road with ubiquitous snow and ice buildup.
Dunwoody Public Works Department crews plowed bridges over I-285 throughout the morning, closing Perimeter Center Parkway. The I-285 bridge reopened around 10 a.m. the next day.
With most businesses closed, including Perimeter Mall, the city reported several stranded motorists on I-285 ramps and bridges throughout the afternoon of Jan. 10.
Dunwoody Police Lt. Curtis Clifton drove around the city and recorded a video for the public to see what they were missing at home. To watch, visit www.youtube.com/ watch?v=DXx3byh3U30.
Initially, it looked like the city dodged the worst of the impacts. Because the snowfall came overnight, a repeat of “Snowmageddon” was avoided with most Metro Atlantans staying off the roads.
The first updates from the city about power outages came around 6:30 p.m. Jan. 10. Officials said several Dunwoody neighborhoods had lost power and encouraged them to check the Georgia Power outage map.
“Heavy snow, ice and wind are all playing a role, [and] a few trees weighed
down by ice have fallen,” the statement said. “Roads are still mostly passable, but another sleet band is expected to come through.”
Mayor Deutsch reported around 8 p.m. Jan. 10 that most power in the city had been restored by Georgia Power and trees were off the roads.
Roadways were passable for the most part with some slushy and icy areas the morning of Jan. 11. Deutsch said hundreds of Georgia Power customers in Dunwoody had their power restored earlier in the morning, but many remained without electricity.
By 3:15 p.m. Jan. 11, the city reported five road closures with several trees and power lines falling throughout the day. They were reported at Springfield Drive and Courtleigh Drive, Kingsgate Court at Kingsgate Drive, Chateau Drive at Rochelle Drive, 1764 Wilder Court and Framons Court at Womack Road.
Between the mayor and former City Councilman Terry Nall, residents were kept informed about progress being made on power outages and road closures throughout the weekend on the Facebook page Dunwoody Area Community Forum.
Power outages throughout the city flared up again Sunday afternoon, Jan. 12, but Nall reported the city was down to just one outage around 6 p.m.
Some residents expressed frustration with the city’s power grid and Georgia Power, saying the city’s above-ground electric utilities and vast tree canopy routinely causes outages.
Deutsch, in a Jan. 14 Facebook comment, said she emailed the city’s representative at Georgia Power to continue a discussion about the city’s
recurring power outages.
A few residents lobbied for a refund or discount from Georgia Power in comments on the Dunwoody Area Community Forum.
For seasoned residents, solutions included sticking it out, buying a generator or grabbing a surge protector. To others, it felt like living in a developing nation with unreliable utilities.
By 3 p.m. Jan. 13, the Georgia Power map showed two transformer outages affecting about five homes each near Tamworth Court off Dunwoody Club Drive and Leisure Lake Drive off North Peachtree Road.
At the same time, Georgia Power reported 122 outages affecting 583 customers statewide out of its more than 2.7 million users.
While Jan. 10-12 brought snow and frustration, the Dunwoody community also showcased its unity and support on
Facebook.
Whether it was suggesting specific products to help with power outages or lobbying for local government to address infrastructure, residents shared their thoughts and helped each other.
City Manager Eric Linton said there’s a tremendous amount of coordination between city departments during the winter storm. The Police Department’s new Real Time Crime Center allowed staff to receive live updates from across the city throughout the weekend.
At the end of the Jan. 13 City Council meeting, the mayor thanked the city staff for their efforts to keep residents safe.
“I’d want to take a minute to reiterate what we said earlier about Public Works, public safety and communications for doing a really good job with the first measurable snow we’ve had in seen years … and a tornado two weeks before,”
said.
Deutsch
PHOTOS BY: CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED
City staff in the Public Works, Police and Communications departments glue themselves to monitors Jan. 10 within Dunwoody’s Real Time Crime Center at City Hall. The centralized emergency management center allows the city to capitalize on its partnership with Flock Safety.
Snow covers the sign at Dunwoody City Hall off Ashford Dunwoody Road the morning of Jan. 10. While the city’s first responders and public works crews prepared for the winter storm, power outages kept residents frustrated throughout the weekend.
Area governments plan to integrate state’s new floating homestead exemption
By ZOE SEILER zseiler@decaturish.com
NORTH METRO ATLANTA — Georgia counties, cities and schools districts will soon decide whether to opt out of the statewide floating homestead exemption established in House Bill 581.
Voters across Georgia approved a referendum in November that puts HB 581 into practice, placing a floating homestead exemption that caps property assessments at the inflation rate. Since the referendum was approved, the law went into effect this month.
A floating homestead exemption generally offsets or reduces increases in the taxable value of property.
“The intent is to protect those homeowners. It does slow the growth of the digest for your residential homestead properties,” said Dante Handel, associate director of governmental affairs at Association County Commissioners of Georgia, which lobbies for and advises all 159 counties in the state.
Under HB 581 property assessments could not increase more than the inflation rate each year. Only residential, homestead properties. The floating exemption. It does not apply to commercial, industrial or non-homesteaded properties, such as rentals.
Under Georgia law, a home with a fair market value is $750,000 has an taxable value of $300,000 – or 40 percent. If the assessed value increases to $330,000 the following year, but inflation is 2 percent, then the taxable value could only increase by 2 percent, up $306,000.
Cities, counties and school districts can opt out of the exemption after they hold three public hearings and notify the Secretary of State’s office by March 1. Under the new law, this March deadline is the only time a local government can opt out.
If a local government does not take action, it will be automatically “opt in,” and owner-occupied homeowners could receive the floating exemption.
If a city or county already has a floating exemption, such as Fulton County’s 3 percent floating homestead exemption, then homeowners would receive whichever is more beneficial if the local government didn’t opt out of the HB 581 exemption, Ryan Bowersox, assistant general counsel for the Georgia Municipal Association said.
In cities or school districts that offer a flat-rate homestead exemption, the floating exemption would be added on top of that.
The floating homestead exemption would provide some predictability regarding property taxes if a local government does not opt out, according to Latisha Gray, director of communications for GMA.
“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.”
She added that the exemption will impact cities differently depending on the makeup of their tax digest and how often homes sell.
“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,” Gray said.
Non-homestead properties, such as commercial, industrial, agricultural, and multifamily residential, will continue to be valued at the 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,” GMA General Council Bowersox said.
Here’s a look at what the cities, schools and DeKalb County are planning to do:
– The city of Dunwoody also does not plan to opt out as the city already has a property assessment freeze in place.
“The City of Dunwoody already has a property assessment freeze in place that is actually more restrictive than the new state freeze in that it doesn’t allow for inflation,” a spokesperson for the city said. ‘”Opting out’ regarding HB581 only applies to the new statewide freeze, not the one currently on the books in Dunwoody. The Dunwoody freeze would remain in effect whether or not the city ‘opted out’ of the state law.”
– DeKalb County Schools intends to opt out. The hearings will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 10 a.m., and Thursday, Feb. 6, at 6 p.m. All public hearings will be held at the Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex at 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard in Stone Mountain.
– The city of Avondale Estates intends to opt out of the exemption. The city commission will hold hearings on Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. and Feb. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 21 N. Avondale Plaza.
– The city of Brookhaven recently announced it does not plan to opt out, and the remaining public hearings have been canceled.
“I want to make one thing clear: I do not support opting out of this legislation as it will be an added protection for future taxpayers,” Mayor John Park said, according to a press release.
According to the city, Brookhaven has an existing homestead exemption in the city charter and “neither residents nor the City would see any impact from the state’s new floating homestead exemption, whether opting in or opting out.”
– The city of Chamblee is holding public hearings on
Jan. 30 at noon and 6:30 p.m., and Feb. 13 at 6 p.m., ahead of the city council work session.
– City Schools of Decatur plans to opt out of the exemption. Here are the hearing dates: Jan. 21 at 6:45 p.m., and Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. These hearings will be held virtually. To join the meetings, click here.
Chief Financial Officer Lonita Broome said the exemption would reduce CSD’s revenue by about $500,000 in Fiscal Year 2025 and upwards of about $1.7 million by FY 2027 if the district’s millage rate remained at 20.3 mills yearly. CSD has a cap on its millage rate at 25 mills.
– The city of Decatur is likely to opt out. The public hearings will be held on Jan. 21 at noon and 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 3 at 6:45 p.m. at Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough Street, and via Zoom. The city commission will consider the opt out resolution on Feb. 3.
If the city did not opt out of the homestead exemption and its millage rate remained at 12.97 mills, the revenue loss for the city would be $152,127 and upwards of $1.1 million by 2029.
“We would not be able to operate at the same level that we’re operating today if we had a revenue loss of $1.1 million,” City Manager Andrea Arnold previously said. “There would be some real painful cuts in expenditures, most likely, as well as a search for that revenue in other places outside of the residential homestead [properties].”
– The city of Doraville does not plan to take action on the homestead exemption, which means homeowners would receive the floating homestead exemption.
– The city of Stonecrest intends to opt out. The hearings will be held on Jan. 27, Feb. 10 and Feb. 24. All the hearings will take place at 6 p.m. at Stonecrest City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Boulevard, suite 190.
– The city of Tucker may opt out of the exemption. Mayor Frank Auman said that the city government, at some point in the future, might look at the amount of commercial and residential taxes and decide that it’s out of balance and that opting out would give the city slightly more flexibility. However, Auman acknowledged that opting out requires a good bit of effort for little effect.
GRAPHIC BY ZOE SEILER/APPEN MEDIA
Dunwoody residents plant a shade tree in the front yard of a home as a part of the city’s Front Yard Tree Program.
Trees Atlanta is giving out up to 80 shade trees to local property owners at no cost.
CITY OF DUNWOODY/ PROVIDED
Dunwoody, Trees Atlanta partner to spread shade in local front yards
DUNWOODY, Ga. — For the third consecutive year, Dunwoody is partnering with Trees Atlanta to plant up to 80 shade trees in front yards across the city.
With no cost to property owners, the new trees must be planted on private property within 35 feet of a right-of-way. Trees will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
After planting, property owners are responsible for watering and maintaining the new trees.
Community Development Director Richard McLeod said the program has been a big success in the city.
“From the beginning, the City Council has seen the value in a program that empowers residents to play a direct role in protecting and building up Dunwoody’s tree canopy,” McLeod said.
Trees Atlanta, a nonprofit organization committed to the care and replenishment of Metro Atlanta's urban forest, manages the processing of tree requests and coordinates with each homeowner to select, place and install
up to two trees per yard through the program.
Most participating cities are in DeKalb County with Sandy Springs representing North Fulton County.
Dunwoody officials say a total of 134 trees have been planted through the program, beginning with the 2022-23 planting season. Plantings for 2025 will continue through March.
Mike Vinciquerra, business development director at Trees Atlanta, said Dunwoody residents continued to demonstrate their love for trees.
“Last year, we planted all 80 trees allocated to Dunwoody's front yard tree program,” he said. “We’re grateful to residents for their interest and to city officials for committing to the program for a third year.”
Property owners interested in the program can submit an online application at www.treesatlanta.org/ yardtree/.
— Hayden Sumlin
Friends of Dunwoody Library schedules 3-day youth book sale
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Friends of the Dunwoody Library will hold a three-day sale Jan. 24-27 of children’s and young adult books at the city’s branch at 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road.
The Friends of the Dunwoody Library, founded in 1979 by volunteers in the community, helps provide funding and supports the local branch of the DeKalb County Public Library system.
Most hardbacks are just $2, and paperbacks are only $1.
Proceeds from the sale go toward enhancing the city’s branch and the county’s system.
The book sale runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the first two hours on Friday, Jan. 24 reserved exclusively
for members of the Friends of the Dunwoody Library.
Memberships range from $5 for students and $15 for families to $250 for benefactors.
On the final day of the sale, the nonprofit is offering a “Bag Day,” which allows patrons to fill up on books at set price, often cheaper than buying them individually.
The Friends of the Dunwoody Library is also hosting an Adult Book Sale March 13-17.
To read more about the Friends of the Dunwoody Library, upcoming sales and programs, visit friendsofdunwoodylibrary.com/.
— Hayden Sumlin
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm, re-imagining how bath & kitchen remodels are done. Complete Remodeling Design and Installation Services. We even remove walls!
Guiding you through the whole design process. Ask about our 3D Renderings. Making bath & kitchen remodeling fun, easy and affordable. Open to Public 9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat Showroom – Design Center 10591 Old Alabama Road Connector Alpharetta, GA 30022 (near Northpoint Mall)
United Methodist troop celebrates Eagle Scouts
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Troop 266 at Dunwoody United Methodist Church held a Court of Honor Jan. 13 to recognize four Eagle Scouts, the highest attainable rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
The Eagle Scouts are Nicholas Ellet, Bo Boettcher, Nolan Daniel and Brendan Cole.
Since its inception more than century ago, only about 4 percent achieve the Eagle Scout rank.
Earlier in the year, Troop 266 Scouts Miller Trego, Charles Ruark, Quinten Germann, Noah Manning and Andrew Barman also earned their Eagle ranks.
The process to become an Eagle Scout, which can be can significant
Tell the Crier Send your photos, announcements and letters to newsroom@ appenmedia.com.
when entering higher education or business, often requires years of community service, leadership roles and work to complete various requirements.
Eagle Scouts are trained in first aid, personal management, civic duties and skills like camping, cooking and emergency preparedness.
— Hayden Sumlin
City of Dunwoody reschedules MLK Day of Service for Feb. 1
DUNWOODY, Ga. — With an extreme cold warning throughout Metro Atlanta Jan. 20, Dunwoody announced its Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is moving to Feb. 1.
Service projects at Brook Run Park and the Dunwoody Nature Center are postponed along with the LifeSouth blood drive.
The city says registered volunteers will be notified directly, and Dunwoody Nature Center participants should contact lishaw@
dunwoodynature.org for inquires related to the project site.
If residents still want to give back on MLK Day, the Dunwoody-Atlanta Chapter of Jack & Jill of America is holding a virtual “Souper Bowl of Caring.” There are opportunities to support local families with donations to Malachi’s Storehouse.
To view the nonprofit’s wish list, visit https://amzn.to/40eN11C.
Hayden Sumlin
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm
JENNIFER BOETTCHER/PROVIDED
From left, Nicholas Ellet, Bo Boettcher, Nolan Daniel, and Brendan Cole are all smiles after receiving their Eagle Scout rank at Dunwoody United Methodist Church Jan. 13.
Church gave Old Antioch School in Chamblee a home
In 1899, Chamblee student Carrie Hudgins wrote a letter to the Atlanta Journal which appeared in a section called “Juvenile Letterbox.” Based on census records Hudgins was around 15 years old when she wrote the letter.
“As I have never seen any letters published from this place, I will attempt to write a short letter. I go to school at Chamblee. We have sixty scholars enrolled. My teacher’s name is Miss Gordon Hudgins. She is my cousin.”
This first location of a school in Chamblee is recorded as being next door to Corinth Baptist Church, along today’s Hood Avenue and New Peachtree Road. This is the location of the First Baptist Church of Chamblee Cemetery and the Interactive College of Technology today.
Around 1905, the old school was moved to Johnson Ferry Road and Antioch School was built in the back of Corinth Baptist Church. The new school had three rooms and three teachers. (“A Century in DeKalb, First Baptist Church of Chamblee,” 1975)
The school continued to be owned by the community until World War I, when the land became part of Camp Gordon encampment. Children who had attended the Chamblee School were taken by mule-drawn wagons to Doraville School or Wylie School Near Embry Hills along Chamblee Tucker Road. (“A History of the Community and the City of Chamblee,” 1983, by Vivan Price Saffold)
Correction
In a previous column, “Dunwoody Baptist 1944 ceremony honored local service members,” the description of the plane crash which led to Lt. Charlie Head’s death was mistakenly identified as a B-52 rather than the B-25 airplane he was aboard.
Once the land was purchased by Camp Gordon, money from the sale, along with help from the county, made it possible for the people of Chamblee to purchase 5 acres to build a new school for both elementary and high school children. A two-story brick school was started
in 1919 on Chamblee Dunwoody Road where Chamblee High School is today. People from the community helped build the school, and boys who would attend the school carried bricks to the construction site.
The Antioch school building on Camp Gordon land was moved to the new site and became the Home Economics building and cafeteria.
The October 27, 1919, Atlanta Constitution described the school as “one of the finest country schools in the state.” The construction cost was $30,000.
The day after Pearl Harbor Day, on December 8, 1941, the people of Chamblee, Dunwoody, Doraville and Brookhaven were devastated as the school building was destroyed by fire. Chamblee was the high school for students from all these communities.
Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.
Friday–Saturday, Jan. 24-25 Monday, Jan. 27 Dunwoody Library 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road Fri. 10am-Noon: Preview Shopping for Members Only Noon-5pm Open to All (Join that day!) Sat.10am-5pm Mon. 10am-5pm Bag Day –
VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist
VIVIAN PRICE COLLECTION
Antioch School in Chamblee was located next door to Corinth Baptist Church until World War I Camp Gordon took over the land. Later, the old school building was used as the cafeteria and Home Economics building at the 1919 Chamblee School.
Importance of skin checks for mature skin
Brought to you by -
Dr. Kehinde Olumesi of Epiphany Dermatology - Brookhaven
As skin matures, it undergoes various changes that necessitate regular skin checks to ensure overall skin health. Differentiating between age spots, healthy moles and potential skin cancers is crucial. Age spots, often appearing as flat, brown, or black spots on sun-exposed areas, are generally harmless but can be mistaken for more serious conditions. Early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Therefore, routine skin examinations are essential for mature skin to maintain health and catch any issues early.
Addressing skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures
Dermatologists can assist with a
variety of skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures for mature skin. Common issues such as dryness, age-related pigmentation and conditions like rosacea, psoriasis and eczema, which can persist or develop with age, are also addressed with specialized care plans.
In addition to treating conditions, dermatologists offer rejuvenating procedures to enhance the appearance and health of mature skin. Treatments such as chemical peels, laser rejuvenation and injectable treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and promote collagen production. These procedures not only rejuvenate the skin but also boost confidence and overall well-being. Establishing a relationship with a dermatologist ensures that your skin receives comprehensive care tailored to its evolving needs, promoting long-term skin health and vitality.
Delivers to 28,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30005, 30009, 30022, 30075, 30076. Alpharetta & Roswell’s primary news source. Alpharetta and Roswell’s paper of record. Est. 1983
Delivers to 17,000 households every Thursday. Zip Codes: 30040, 30041. Forsyth County’s largest circulation newspaper. Est. 1998
Delivers to 20,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30022, 30097. Johns Creek’s primary news source. Est. 1997. Johns Creek’s paper of record.
Delivers to 10,000 households every Thursday Zip Code: 30004. Community news for and about the City of Milton. Est. 2006. Milton’s paper of record.
DC Aiken
Big Sky Franchise Team
David & Michelle Bertany
Amour & Duane Carthy
Adam Corder
Barbara Anderson
Kerry Arias
Scott Baynton
Joseph Bell
James Bennett
Join today for
Support Local News Join Appen Press Club
CHARTER MEMBER
Patrick Cressaty
Robert Flint
Robin Fricton
Zachary Hahn
Allison January
Rita Brown
Mark Casas
David Conti
Theodore Davis III
Maureen Drumm
Carl Abernathy
Bruce Ackley
Salpi Adrouny
Alpharetta Lions Club
Omar Altalib
Dave Altman
Ron Altman
Joel Alvis
American Legion Post 201
Alice & Dr. Richard Appen
Gaye Armstrong
Mary Asbury
Bangkok Boxing LLC
Shannon Banna
Beth Barnes
Janet Bass
Jannet Bauer
Barbara Bauschka
Miriam Beattie
Kathy Beck
Laura Bentley
William Bentley
Leslie Berry
Tom Billings
Tochie Blan
Ron Boddicker
Jodi Bogen
Sherri Bolles-Rogers
Helen Borland
Debra Bowen
Joe Bowen
Ryan Brainard
Mark Brandus
Mel Brannen
Carol Bright
Linda Brill
Dorothy Brouhard
Erendira Brumley
Bernhard Burgener
Alvin Burrell
Mike & Theresa Buscher
Mary Busman
Clea Calloway
Kirk Canaday
James Carr
Bridgette Carter
William Cartwright
Frank Catroppa
Pat Check
Virginia Christman
Christopher Cleary
Ann Coaloa
Kim Coggins
Evelyn Collazo
Michael Mackenzie
Communications
Joan Compton
Carol Cookerly
Terri Coons
Rhonda Cude
Connie Cunningham
Christopher Cupit
David Davis
Duane DeBruler
Marilyn DeCusati
Rebecca Donlan
Tom Driscoll
Michael Dudgeon
Jeanette Dummer
DutchCrafters Amish Furniture
Thomas Edmonds
Mim Eisenberg
Danny Elkins
Su Ellis
Martha Fasse
Nell & Doug Fernandez
Lee Fleck
Cathy Flynn
Adrienne Fontaine
Mary Ford
Nanci Foster
Amy Frederick
Kelly Frommer
Carol Fry
Tracey Ganesh
Daniel Gay
John Gibbs
John Gilberto
Leslie Gilliam
Bailey & Ryan Gladysz
Michelle Glotzbach
Harvey Goldberg
Michael Kenig
Roderick Liptrot
Bob Meyers
Claude Nardy
Cliff Oxford
MEMBER+
Charlcie Forehand
Aileen Horton
Deborah Jackson
Ali Mahbod
Richard Matherly
MEMBER
Christopher Goodrich
Phyllis Goodrich
Ralph Griffin
Marilee Hamilton
Susan Hanna
Marion Hannah
Roxanne Hazen
Joe Hirsch
Penn Hodge
Dianne & Steffan Holmquist
Joan Hostetter
Austin Hughes
Jacqueline Hursh
Lynn Johnson
Tyler Jones
Arthur Kebanli
Laura Keck
Mark Kelly
Nancy Kennell
Randall Kent
Carol Kerr
Allison Kloster
Dyna Kohler
Larry Krueger
Jess & Chris Kysar
Malinda Lackey
Dennis Lee
Ken Leffingwell
Carol Lehan
Bonnie Lind
Francia Lindon
Harlan Little
Ross Long
Kyser Lough
Rita Loventhal
Brenda Lundy
Rita Loventhal
Karen Magill
Kyile Marshall
Julie Martin
Carla Masecar
Valerie Matthews
William Maxwell
Rachel McCord
Austin McCully
Diane McDonald
Ross & Lori Ramsey
Sarah Reiter
Mark Rundle
Lynn Thomas Kim Truett
Community Assistance Center to offer tax filing aid for needy
Roger Wise Jr. Colt Whittall
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Community Assistance Center will kick off its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program Feb. 1 for the 2025 tax season.
Evan McElroy
Vickie McElroy
Patricia Miller
Anne Peer
Robert Popp
Karen McEnerny
Lynn McIntyre
Mike McLoughlin
Jennifer Mendoza
Al Merrill
Chris Miller
Christine Miller
Joe Modica
Fred Moeller
Sarah Moen
Catherine Moore
Carol Morgan
Kathy Morgan
Stu Moring
Leslie Mullis
Donna Murphy
Jack Murphy
Cindy Nolan
North Fulton Master Gardners, Inc.
Tricia Novarro
Bob O’Brien
Anne Pappas
Lynn Pennington
Jonathan Peters
Kurt & Leslie Phillips
Mary & Jan Phillips
Debra Powell
Joyce Provissiero
Chuck Pugh
Robert Radloff
Raj Rajagopalan
Ashwin Ramaswami
Cheryl Rand
Jean Rearick
Joseph Reed
Righteous PR
Angie Rigney
Neil Robertson
Kimberly Robinson
Matt Rohs
Kelly Sarmiento
Stephanie Schniederjan
The Schoenblum Family
Robert Scholz
Stephanie Schuette
Susan Searles
To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level and select your t-shirt size! Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
Sergey Savin
Helen Scherrer
Kate Seng
Kimberly Verska Carol Williams
The program is an IRS initiative, in partnership with the United Way of Greater Atlanta, that assists moderate- and lower-income earners with accurate and timely tax filings.
The Community Assistance Center is one of its Metro Atlanta partners.
Tina Shelton
Lisa Shippel
Joanne Simmons
Tom Simon
Cindy Simpson
Robert Singleton
Faye Sklar
Judith Slaughter
Andy Smith
Marcia Smith
Gena Spears
Donald Spencer
Gloria Stathos
Robert Stevens
Wesley Stewart
Cathryn Stovall
Celeste Strohl
Diana Sullivan
Andy Sumlin
Mike Tasos
Candice Teichert
The Small Business Advisor
William Tietjen
Lisa Tilt
Michael Townes
Trunnion LLC
Matthew Tyser
Ollie Wagner
Lewis Walker
Jonathan Washburn
Michael Watson
Michael Weiss
Herbert Wells
Sally White
Thom White
Umpika White
Christine Williams
Jamie Wimberly
Jonathan Winkie
Nancy & Dave Wistrand
Carla York
Jonathan Young
Scan QR code to join the Appen Press Club
Volunteers are needed to provide a few hours each week February through May to help prepare tax returns or support the program in other roles. No prior experience is required, and training is provided.
Volunteer Amy Hayes said volunteering with the Community Assistance Center is rewarding.
“I loved meeting members of the community and knowing that I was helping people in a real and tangible way,” she said. “The training was thorough, and the staff made sure we had the support we needed to succeed.”
The free service offers tax preparation assistance to households in Metro Atlanta with an annual income of less than $67,000. The program also serves persons with disabilities and limited Englishspeaking skills.
Last year, the Community Assistance Center’s program processed 520 tax returns for 480 individuals, bringing nearly $750,000 in refunds back into the local economy.
It also saved the community approximately $189,000 in tax filing fees compared to professional services, thanks to the efforts of 43 dedicated volunteers who contributed more than 1,800 hours of their time.
The CAC is a certifying acceptance agency, a designation that allows it to verify foreign identification documents for taxpayers that require an IRS-issued Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to file a tax return. It means the nonprofit is now able to directly assist individuals who do not qualify for a Social Security number to apply for or renew their ITIN to meet tax filing requirements.
Last year, the program highlighted emerging trends in the community. One of the most prominent is the
Continued from Page 1
officials he hoped for a solution “that will address the financial burdens on our ratepayers … and respects the principles of environmental justice.”
The December 2027 deadline, established in a Modified Consent Decree, had roots in a consent decree from 2011.
That decree resolved claims the county violated the Clean Water Act and the Georgia Water Quality Control Act due to repeated sanitary sewer overflows. In 2021, while Thurmond was CEO, the county received a modification of that decree, which initially had a 2020 deadline. The modification gave the county six more years to address the problems with its sewer system.
After what the DOJ called “contentious negotiations,” the county, the federal government and the state hammered out a Modified Consent Decree with a new deadline of December 2027. The county was required to pay a $1 million fine as part of the Modified Consent Decree.
Sewer upgrades are needed to address sanitary sewer overflows in the Snapfinger Basin in South DeKalb County.
“Based on currently available information, none of the solutions being contemplated for the Snapfinger Basin can be completed within the timeline contemplated by the [Modified Consent Decree],” Thurmond wrote in his Dec. 31 letter. “However, at this juncture, the previously identified in-basin storage tank locations would not be completed within the MCD timeline either.”
After receiving Thurmond’s letter, the Department of Justice requested the status conference, which will be held on Monday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m. in Atlanta.
The Department of Justice, representing the interests of the federal Environmental Protection Agency,
claims that the county has not offered an “adequate explanation” about why it can’t meet the deadline. The DOJ argued that sewer overflows continue to threaten public health.
“The county appears to believe the best course of action is to hope that the court, the federal and state governments, and its own residents, will accept millions of gallons more sewage overflows in South DeKalb, for an unspecified length of time beyond that permitted by the order of this court,” the DOJ’s attorney Patricia Hurst wrote in the 2025 motion seeking a status conference.
Hurst declined to comment.
The DOJ’s motion for a status conference filed in response to Thurmond’s letter contends the county assured the EPA that a “new dynamic hydraulic model” helped the county accurately measure the work needed to upgrade the sewer system.
“The county now maintains, however, that it did not in fact use its dynamic model to verify its system rehabilitation needs,” Hurst wrote.
Thurmond wrote in his Dec. 31 letter that this model wasn’t ready when the Modified Consent Decree was negotiated, adding the county instead relied on the “best available information.”
The DOJ was unsparing in its criticism of the county’s handling of its obligations under the renegotiated consent decree.
“The county’s long history of institutional inertia is a compelling reason for the court to schedule a status conference now, before any more time passes, to address the county’s anticipated violation of the 2027 deadline,” Hurst wrote.
Hurst cited Thurmond’s comment about the dynamic hydraulic model in the request for a status conference.
“The county’s recent contradiction of representations it made to this court in 2021 that it had verified its system rehabilitation needs by, among other things, using its dynamic model … suggests ongoing communication and
management challenges, at best,” Hurst wrote.
Hurst said the DOJ is “not confident” that the penalties outlined in the Modified Consent Decree “would have any deterrent effect” on the county.
When asked for comment about the upcoming status conference, new CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said, “The Department of Justice’s Request for status conference regarding the Modified Consent Decree speaks for itself, and I am here to see DeKalb County through the status update and modification process in the most efficient manner possible.
“I will take all actions necessary to ensure full compliance with all requirements of the Modified Consent Decree and seek optimal outcomes under the circumstances now facing DeKalb County,” she added.
Cochran-Johnson and county commissioners knew missing the Modified Consent Decree deadline was possible. One of the attachments to the DOJ’s request for a status conference includes minutes from a 2023 Public Works and Infrastructure Committee meeting chaired by Cochran-Johnson when she served as the Super District 7 representative on the County Commission. During that meeting, commissioners heard a presentation that raised the possibility solutions for additional storage would take longer than the timeline established in the Modified Consent Decree.
Following a lengthy executive session on Jan. 14, 2025, the DeKalb County Commission approved a motion to pursue revising the Modified Consent Decree. At the time, the commission did not say what prompted it. In response to Appen Media’s questions about the motion, the county provided Appen with the Department of Justice’s request for a status conference.
Thurmond declined to comment about the Dec. 31 letter, saying it was inappropriate now that he is no longer the CEO. The letter says the missed deadline is due, in part, to Thurmond’s
concerns about how a plan to increase sewage storage capacity would affect a Stone Mountain neighborhood.
He says he believed a plan to construct a sewage storage tank near the Hidden Hills neighborhood created “environmental justice issues” for the upper-middle-class and predominantly Black enclave.
Instead, Thurmond suggested retrofitting an existing above-ground tank at the Snapfinger Creek Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility to store additional sewage, which the county and environmental officials call “wet weather storage.” One of his last official acts in office was cutting the ribbon on expanding the Snapfinger facility.
“By utilizing existing infrastructure, which mitigates environmental justice issues associated with in-community new tank construction, and investing in additional up-sized trunk sewer, this will result in a more resilient public sewer system,” Thurmond wrote to the EPA and EPD.
Ash Miller, a local environmental attorney, reviewed the DOJ’s filings.
“While the county appears to have done a good deal of work addressing sewer overflows, I would say the EPA sets forth a convincing case of bureaucratic inertia and missed deadlines at the county in addressing the most serious environmental justice issues,” he said.
Miller noted that the county has been making promises to the EPA for almost 15 years to address raw sewage being dumped into local waterways. Based on his reading of the documents, the county underestimated the amount of sewer work needed by 50 percent – or 9 miles – and the solutions would be implemented eight years from now, five years longer than the consent decree requires.
“Most puzzling is the county citing environmental justice concerns for its own failure to reduce pollution in the most overburdened communities,” Miller said. “There’s a long way to go for the county to actually reduce raw sewage pollution in these areas.”
Upgrade: ASK APPEN
List:
Continued from Page 1
sits in the southwest corner of the triangular shopping center. One prior tenant, Sprouts Farmers Market, leased the space from 2014-18, replacing shuttered businesses like Harris Teeter, Ace Hardware and Hollywood Feed.
Lidl, which opened in 2020, shuttered in February 2023.
At a community meeting with Branch Properties last July, tensions hit a peak when more than 60 residents showed up at the former Lidl grocery store, vacant for more than 18 months.
Nicholas Telesca, partner and chairman at Branch Properties, said the sole purpose of the rezoning is to increase the diversity of tenants allowed at the site.
Because opportunities to land grocery store chains have dried up, the retail-focused investment firm launched an effort to allow other types of businesses at the shopping center with a focus on securing a big box tenant.
At the community meeting, Branch representatives and the community seemingly agreed that the vacant storefront is detrimental. When residents began pushing back on suggested businesses at the site, Telesca pointed out the rezoning wouldn’t have been necessary if 60 people were patronizing the business each day.
The Dunwoody Planning Commission deferred acting on the rezoning at its October meeting after some residents cited issues with some
Filing:
Continued from Page 10
of the allowed businesses in the local commercial zoning classification like a late-night hangout. Commissioners told Branch Properties to refine the list of allowed uses.
By the Planning Commission’s November meeting, tensions in the community had subsided, with fewer residents lodging issues with the property owner’s proposal.
Former Mayor Dennis Shortal said the proposed closing hours of 11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday, were too late. Despite Shortal’s concerns, the Planning Commission recommended approval unanimously.
Before the rezoning first came before the City Council Dec. 9, city staff recommended removing any limitation on the hours of operation. Staff cited an enforcement burden on the Police Department, a lack of restrictions on surrounding parcels and the city’s existing noise ordinance.
Because Branch Properties and their representatives cited the possibility of attracting a business operating an entertainment arcade or pickleball courts, some residents pushed back.
Deputy Community Development Director Paul Leonhardt said city staff added conditions after Dec. 9 limiting animal care to indoors only, adding bike parking installations required in city code and upgrading light fixtures.
Conditions for the rezoning require the applicant to eliminate some local commercial uses like a homeless shelter, improve the parking lot and remove six spots encroaching the city right-of-way. Others include enhanced
growth of gig economy jobs with more individuals reporting income from platforms like Uber and Lyft, requiring assistance in navigating tax forms unique to independent contractors.
Families with dual incomes also turned to the program for help, reflecting the rising cost of living and financial challenges for households at various income levels.
Another trend is a noticeable increase in elderly individuals reporting part-time or freelance income as they reentered the workforce to supplement retirement or Social Security benefits.
The nonprofit’s work also includes difficult cases with individuals piling up almost a decades’ worth of unfiled tax returns. Royalty payments also present a unique challenge and reflect the complexity of staying in good standing with the IRS.
Daniel Weiss, a volunteer program coordinator at the Community Assistance Center, said Volunteer Income Tax Assistance provides essential preparation services to those who might otherwise be unable to afford them.
“By ensuring accurate and timely tax filings, we help individuals and families receive the refunds and credits
pedestrian connections from existing sidewalks and new landscaping with trees.
A few hours before the Jan. 13 rezoning approval, council members Joe Seconder and Tom Lambert met with Branch Properties onsite to discuss another condition. The property owners agreed to the conditions before the meeting began.
The condition mandates that Branch Properties add “pedestrian access improvements,” including five sidewalk connections and a walkway in front of the main building before issuing a certificate of occupancy. If the space sits empty, the property owner must still make the upgrades within two years.
Elected officials responded well to the last-minute conditions, approving them unanimously.
City Councilman John Heneghan pressed city staff and Branch representatives to detail the impacts on the Chase Bank drive-through at 2526 Mount Vernon Road, a detached building included in the rezoning.
Heneghan said he wanted to know if a fast-food restaurant could come in and operate the drive-thru at the site. While restaurants are now allowed, a fast-food tenant would need a special land use permit to upgrade the drivethru to city code.
Because the requirements are different for drive-thrus at banks and fast-food businesses, a new tenant would need city approval to modify or redevelop the site.
Branch Properties says it is in a better position to market the shopping center to prospective tenants with the zoning change.
they are entitled to, which in turn supports the local economy,” Weiss said.
Volunteers interested in joining the program can learn more by contacting the VITA program team directly at vita@ourcac.org
Individuals eligible for the program can schedule an appointment by emailing vita@ourcac.org or calling the CAC helpline at 770-552-4015.
Appointments are required, and participants should prepare necessary documentation, including governmentissued photo identification, Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification cards or letters, income documents, any additional tax forms and a copy of last year's tax return. Appointments start Feb. 1.
For more information about volunteering, eligibility or the program itself, visit www.ourcac.org/vita.
RE:
Parcel ID 18 349 05 002 125 Perimeter Center West Atlanta, GA 30346
To Whom It May Concern:
Zaxby’s Properties LLC is seeking a Special Land Use Permit from the City of Dunwoody to construct a Zaxby’s restaurant with drive-through.
Please accept this written notice of an applicant-initiated meeting scheduled Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Ashford Lane to discuss the scope of project.
4550 Olde Perimeter Way Suite 502 Atlanta, GA 30346
Should you have any questions, please contact Jessica Hood at <jessica@carterengineering.com>.
SERVICE DIRECTORY
Roofing
Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 OFF Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell. Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE Quote: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing
Bookkeeping-tax returns. (personal/business)
Reasonable rates.
Call/text Susan, 404-372-7577
Is Your Company Hiring?
Submit your opening at appenmedia.com/hire
Donor Operations Supervisor (Full-time) The Donor Operations Supervisor manages the donation door process and delegates tasks to staff, volunteers, and community service workers. As the face of NFCC, they provide excellent customer service while greeting donors and ensuring donations are properly removed from vehicles and sorted in designated areas. They are responsible for maintaining the security of merchandise and keeping all areas clean and organized.
The Supervisor must be able to lift up to 75lb frequently and be on their feet most of their shift. They must enjoy staying busy, training and influencing other to work as a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Must have the ability to work Tuesday through Saturday 9am – 5pm. An extraordinary Total Rewards Package is included with this opportunity!
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
To place a classified ad, email classifieds@appenmedia.com Deadline is Thursdays by 4pm
Newspaper Delivery Route Openings with
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.”
