Dunwoody Crier - December 12, 2024 by Appen Media Group

DeKalb County faces decision on water rate increase

By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Water rates in DeKalb County are likely going up, but how fast and how much is still up in the air.

While the DeKalb County Commission has pitched an initial 6 percent increase over the next three years, with varying hikes to follow, the county’s Public Works and Infrastructure Committee is recommending a flat 8 percent annual

increase over the next 10 years.

At its Dec. 3 meeting, the DeKalb PWI Committee called on county leaders to amend its earlier proposal and institute the 8 percent annual increase to pay for major infrastructure needed to maintain the system.

The committee is composed of Robert Patrick, Mereda Davis Johnson and Ted Terry. All five county commissioners attended the meeting.

Arcadis, the firm running financial projections related to the county’s

MARTA begins studying ways to merge into I-285 express lanes

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — MARTA is in the midst of studying how to integrate its transit into the elevated express lanes planned for the northern arc of I-285.

About a dozen Central Perimeter residents gathered at the Hampton Inn in Sandy Springs Dec. 5 to offer ideas on how transit can capitalize on GDOT’s investment by enhancing regional connectivity and providing access.

MARTA is focusing on some way

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to implement bus rapid transit on the I-285 Express Lanes.

MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood said the study is a pivotal step to address the region’s growing need for expanded and reliable transportation services.

“By tapping into the funded Express Lanes infrastructure investments already planned for I-285, we have an opportunity to provide efficient transit solutions that benefit residents and commuters alike,” she said.

See MARTA, Page 12

watershed capital plan, presented an option that would include various increases to the water rates for the county to operate the Watershed Department and issue bonds for water and sewer improvements.

The initial option presented to the public called for raising rates by 6 percent in 2025, 2026 and 2027. Rates would spike to a 10 percent increase in 2028 and 2029 and then level out at 7 percent from 2030-2034.

On average, residents currently pay

about $69 a month on their water bills. With a 6 percent annual increase, water customers would see about a $4 increase in their water bill each month for 2025 to about $74. In 2026, the average bill would climb to around $78, then up to around $83 in 2027.

In an effort to keep the rate increases consistent and avoid spikes, the PWI committee moved forward with its 8 percent annual option.

See RATE, Page 12

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HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

From left, Tim Sorenson, vice president of transit and urban mobility at engineering firm CDM Smith, discusses transit options along the proposed I-285 express lanes with two attendees of the Dec. 5 public input session at the Hampton Inn off Hammond Drive.

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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.

Atlanta man arrested on suspicion of theft

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police arrested a 37-year-old Atlanta man Nov. 20 at the Target off Perimeter Center Place after he was caught during an apparent shoplifting spree.

An officer said he spotted a man walking down the road matching the suspect’s description provided by loss prevention.

Officers said the suspect admitted to taking the items without paying before he began to resist and attempt to injure himself.

After placing the suspect in protective restraints, officers said they spoke with loss prevention.

An employee said the suspect placed miscellaneous clothing items, spray paint cans, smoke detectors and shoes into a bag. The merchandise was valued at more than $500.

Officers then transported the suspect to DeKalb County Jail for felony shoplifting.

Hayden Sumlin

Car burglary reported at Brook Run Skate Park

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police are investigating a car break-in Nov. 24 at the Brook Run Skate Park after a 24-year-old Conyers woman reported her wallet was stolen.

The victim said she was at the park from around 3-5 p.m. and realized her phone was missing from her vehicle after leaving.

Shortly after noticing her missing belongings, the victim said she began to receive bank notifications for her cards at various locations.

The victim told officers she went to one of the stores where her card was used to review security footage and recognized a man from the skate park on film.

Officers said they were sent photos, video and a description of the suspect.

The victim reported around $30 in fraudulent charges.

Hayden Sumlin Police arrest two in shooting incident

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police arrested two Dunwoody men in their mid-20s Dec. 1 after one reportedly shot the other in the foot during a dispute at the Asbury Square apartments.

Officers said they responded to an armed person and shots fired call just before midnight Nov. 30 and found the victim, a 26-year-old, limping and bleeding from the foot.

The victim was still arguing with the suspect, a 27-year-old, according to officers who first arrived on scene.

Because the suspect had placed his handgun on a nearby electric box, officers said they quickly cleared the gun and searched him.

Officers said the victim had been shot through the top of his foot and the bullet exited through his heel.

The suspect in the shooting told officers that he lives in the apartment below the shooting victim and his girlfriend and heard them loudly arguing.

Because of the history of disputes at the apartment, the suspect said he went upstairs to check on the situation, finding the victim’s girlfriend crying in the hallway and asking for help.

The suspect said he invited the crying woman to come downstairs and talk to his girlfriend.

Because the victim’s girlfriend forgot her phone in the upstairs apartment, the suspect said he returned to grab it.

Both girlfriends gave officers a similar account of the incident.

When the suspect spoke with the man in the upstairs apartment, he said the man became irate and accused him of trying to

“steal his girlfriend.”

The suspect said he started backing down the stairs of the complex and into the parking garage where he eventually fired two warning shots and one into the victim’s foot.

Officers said the suspect showed them video of the incident, where he tells the victim to back up and warns him several times.

After officers separated the four, the victim ignored commands and charged his girlfriend.

Officers transported him to Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center before DeKalb County Jail where he was charged with criminal trespass, simple assault and obstruction of law enforcement.

Officers charged the other man with aggravated assault and took him to DeKalb County Jail.

The shooting victim was bonded out Dec. 3. The shooting suspect remains in custody.

Haim Haviv Owner

Hayden Sumlin

Alpharetta-Milton

PAST TENSE

Donaldson estate map and the 1932 auction

William J. Donaldson and Millie Adams Donaldson built a home on land acquired from Millie’s father around 1870.

After W. J. died in 1900, Millie and the children continued to run the farm.

That property is now Donaldson-Bannister Farm, a City of Dunwoody park, managed by Dunwoody Preservation Trust. The farm is at the intersection of Vermack Road and Chamblee Dunwoody Road.

One of the couple’s sons, Will Donaldson, and his wife, Nellie Collette Donaldson, continued to live on the farm with Millie. Will and Nellie raised their children and worked on the farm until Millie died in 1931.

Across the country, the Great Depression hit families and farmers hard. The Donaldson farm was put up for auction in 1932. Will and Nellie were able to buy a piece of land along Donaldson Drive, today’s Vermack Road. They built a home just down the road from the old homeplace. (Dunwoody Preservation Trust, Fred Donaldson, oral history archives)

The W.J. Donaldson estate plat indicates land lots 351, 352, and 353 of the 18th District of DeKalb County are included. The plat was drawn in January 1932, just months before the auction took place. (DeKalb History Center archives, DeKalb County plat map books of early 20th century)

The auction was advertised in the April 3, 1932 Atlanta Constitution. The property is described as 200 acres subdivided into

tracts of between 5 and 20 acres located between the property of Dr. Fischer and the Norris estate. The property included one large main house and two additional four-room houses. “Ideal for dairying, truck farming or country estate. This is your opportunity to buy a real country estate at your own price. Ladies especially invited.”

Lois Pattillo decided to grab that opportunity when she purchased lot number one, 10.5 acres including the main house, well, smokehouse and tool shed. She bought additional adjoining lots for a total of 26 acres. The barn that sits on the property now was added as part of her plan to make it into a Colonial Revival estate with the help of architect Francis Palmer Smith.

The remaining lots were sold to various people. The size of the individual lots was a mystery, but the W. J. Donaldson estate plat map shows the size of each one.

One of the lots not for sale is identified as owned by Tom Donaldson, one of W.J. and Millie’s sons. The name Womack (misspelled Wormack) appears at the top of the map approaching land owned by that family and a Tilly Road and Doraville Road are also identified.

Thanks to a grant won by DeKalb History Center, The Digital Library of Georgia and the University of Georgia recently digitized the maps. They are available at dlg.usg.edu/collection/dhc_ dcpm.

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.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

DEKALB HISTORY CENTER ARCHIVES/PROVIDED

This plat map of the W.J. Donaldson estate was prepared a few months before the property went up for auction in 1932.

Restaurant Row guides foodies to offerings along Roswell Road

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Visit Sandy Springs, the city’s destination marketing organization, rolled out 10 miles of culinary treasures for local foodies to discover along Roswell Road.

Members of the City Council, including Mayor Rusty Paul, joined the team at Visit Sandy Springs Nov. 18 for the launch of an interactive guide map, Restaurant Row, featuring more than 110 independent eateries along Roswell Road (Ga. 9).

“In this room last night, we transformed Roswell Road,” Paul said during the Nov. 19 City Council meeting. “Roswell Road is now Restaurant Row.”

There are 117 restaurants on the map, featuring cuisine from every corner of the planet, including a Portugueseinspired café, dozens of Latin American and Asian options and, of course, the Hudson Grille.

“The Visit Sandy Springs team, working with our Communications Department and others, came up with a magnificent map to give tourists who come into Sandy Springs,” Paul said. “It’ll be printed, and folks at hotels can hand them out to direct people to our restaurants.”

The interactive map is also available online at www.restaurantrowsandysprings.com.

With a map in hand, Sandy Springers have a guide to eateries just off the state route through the city from the Chattahoochee River to the Atlanta border.

Some of the largest pockets of restaurants along Roswell Road surround the

VISIT SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED

In late November, Visit Sandy Springs rolled out a new interactive map — Restaurant Row — displaying 117 eateries along 10 miles of Rowell Road (Ga. 9).

The idea is to promote the incredibly delicious and diverse array of local restaurants and entrepreneurs within the city.

City Springs downtown district (with its own magnified inset), Chastain Market south of I-285 and intersections with Long Island Drive, Johnson Ferry Road and Dunwoody Place.

“We’re going to provide different opportunities for people coming into our community, or even our own residents” Paul continued. “There are a lot of restaurants that I didn’t know existed, and I’m going to try some of them.”

— Hayden Sumlin

Make plans to check out December author events

By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com

Thursday, Dec. 12, Nancy Naigle and Tracy Solheim. The USA Today bestselling authors will detail five of Naigle’s books that have been adapted into Hallmark movies. Light refreshments will be served. Free. 6:30 p.m. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-2329331. read-it-again.com

Saturday, Dec. 15, Boozy Book Fair and Messiah at the Pub: A Singalong, at Distillery of Modern Art. Join the Johns Creek Chorale for a singalong of Handel’s “Messiah” and shop a selection of books curated by Read It Again Bookstore. Free. 4 p.m. Distillery of Modern Art, 2197 Irvindale Way, Chamblee, 30341. 404-482-2663. readit-again.com

Friday, Dec. 20, Alex White’s book and video game launch. The award-winning sci-fi author will discuss his newest title and VR game. Free. 7 p.m. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 314, Suwanee. 770232-9331. read-it-again.com

Saturday, Dec. 21, Terri Parlato release party for “Watch Your Back.” Free. Noon. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-2329331. read-it-again.com

Monday, Dec. 30, teen author Isabella Gerborg with her debut novel, “Discover.” Free. 6:30 p.m. Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming. forsythpl.org/ event/11919748

To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@gmail.com by the 15th.

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.

SKIN CONCERNS?

DERMATOLOGY

APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

PROMPT APPOINTMENTS NOW AVAILABLE IN BROOKHAVEN, GA

How to strengthen your relationship during the holidays

Brought to you by - Summit Counseling Center

The holidays bring all the joyful chaos: crowded schedules, too much food, and family members giving unsolicited advice. With all this added pressure, it’s easy to feel like you and your partner are more “survival teammates” than “seasoned soulmates.” But here’s the good news—these holiday challenges can be opportunities to grow closer, connect, and yes, even have some fun together. Here are four practical ways to help strengthen your relationship this holiday season.

1. Make communication a (quick and daily) habit

It’s the season of merry madness, and in the rush, it’s easy to let communication slip. A few minutes to connect each day can make a huge difference. Think of this as your “holiday huddle”—a quick check-in where you both take turns sharing a high and a low from the day. Keep it light, and maybe even trade a funny story from the day. One great question I have couples I work with ask is, “What is one thing I’ve said or done recently that let you know I love you (or care about you, support you, etc.)?” Instead of waiting for holiday stress to hit the boiling point, a quick check-in each day helps keep each other in the loop and on the same team. It’s like a secret weapon to dodge any “You never told me about that!” drama.

2. Have each other’s back with family boundaries

Family gatherings during the holidays bring all the love, and often, all the opinions. Your partner might want to spend hours with family; you might need more breaks. Or maybe you have to make an appearance at three different houses on the same day. Discuss ahead of time what’s realistic and what isn’t.

I also recommend couples define what is a core need for each person, and then figure out how to compromise on the small stuff while supporting each other’s core need. Doing so may mean supporting each other’s “hard limits.” If Aunt Susan wants to know why you’re not married yet (or if you’re going to have kids, or what you really think about the election), some good-natured tag-teaming and interference running that is planned out ahead of time can work wonders.

3. Keep your expectations low but your spirits high

Even at the “most wonderful time of year,” things go wrong. It’s practically tradition. Events run late, flights get delayed, and maybe the turkey burns. Embrace a sense of humor, roll with the punches, and focus on what actually matters. Instead of stressing over and judging every detail, mindfully commit

to seeing each moment for what it is. If something doesn’t go to plan, try to laugh about it. A year from now, will it really matter, or will you have a great story to tell? A sense of humor and a touch of gratitude can take the edge off holiday frustrations and keep your spirits high, even when the lights are a little too bright and the family a little too loud.

4. Make some “us time” nonnegotiable

Finally, in all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to let quality time slip. Make it a rule to steal away at least a little time, just the two of you—even if it’s just a 15-minute walk or a coffee date away from the action. It’s your chance to reconnect, decompress, and remind each other why you’re partners in the first place. These little check-ins can be as simple as a quiet breakfast together or even a quick getaway to a favorite

spot nearby. Whatever it is, make it about unwinding and recharging as a couple.

The holidays can bring a lot of cheer—and a fair share of tension. These tips can help you and your significant other turn common challenges into connecting opportunities. Keep the humor going, support each other, and make time to enjoy the season together. Cheers to a season filled with love, laughter, and maybe a few more inside jokes that’ll keep you both smiling into the new year!

If you would like more tools to deal with family stress, or to improve the quality of your relationship, reach out to our amazing admin team at www. summitcounseling.org or 678-893-5300 to schedule a free consultation call with myself or any of our expertly trained clinicians.

PEXELS

Comprehensive neurological and neurosurgical care

Brought to you by - Dr. Arthur Grigorian, neurosurgeon at Wellstar

The neurosurgery program at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center has grown significantly in recent years, adding three neurosurgeons and one interventional neurologist, as well as three physician assistants and one nurse practitioner over the past six years. We’ve been able to build one of the most comprehensive neuro care programs in the Atlanta area. Wellstar North Fulton is also a Level II Trauma Center and Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center—the highest level of stroke treatment recognized.

Our team treats the most complex pathologies of the spine, including trauma and degenerative disease, with expert care. Physicians can address concerns including herniated discs, stenosis, radiculopathy and other chronic or acute problems of the spine.

The neurosurgeons, neurocritical care physicians and neurologists at Wellstar North Fulton work together to perform the most complex neuro care procedures, including aneurysm clipping and coiling, embolizations and resections of arteriovenous malformations of the brain and spine, surgical bypasses for patients with a chronic cerebral ischemia or moyamoya disease, and treatment of carotid artery diseases. Our hybrid neurovascular suite is equipped with innovative biplane technology. This allows neurosurgeons to view

highly detailed images of brain vessels, so we can customize treatments for each patient in real-time.

Before we expanded our neurological care at Wellstar North Fulton, patients had to travel either to different healthcare facilities or outside the state to receive this kind of care.

In addition, Wellstar North Fulton opened a state-of-the-art oncology center last year. The cancer center houses CyberKnife technology and opens a new horizon for treatment of complex oncological problems, including tumors of the brain or spinal cord.

To learn more about care at Wellstar North Fulton, visit wellstar.org/northfulton. Call (770) 664-9600 to schedule an appointment with a neurosurgeon in Roswell.

PEXELS

10 Caesar salads worth trying in north metro

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

NORTH METRO ATLANTA — Caesar salads are a beloved and ever-present on restaurant menus. They come from a variety of backgrounds, from Italian to American to French.

Here’s 10 of the best in Appen Media Group’s coverage area, in no particular order.

1. Trattoria one 41 — 9810 Medlock Bridge Road A, Johns Creek

Designed as an appetizer, this garlicky, delicious Caesar packs enough flavor for an entrée. Trattoria one 41’s pastas are great, but Caesar salad lovers may begin flocking to Johns Creek for the crunchy, creamy scrumptiousness. My only suggested improvement would be increasing the size.

2. Colletta — 900 Third St., Alpharetta (Avalon)

Colletta in Avalon shines as one of the best Italian restaurants in Alpharetta, and its Caesar salad exceeds expectations

as much as the great service. Colletta’s croutons and cheese are exquisite, leveling up already high-quality lettuce and dressing. Their crispy potatoes make an excellent side.

3. Salt Factory — 102 S. Main St., Alpharetta, Canton Street in Roswell

Anyone looking for a salad that’s not good but great need not look further than the Salt Factory. With several locations in the area, Salt Factory makes an incredible meal very accessible. The dressing is delicious, with perfectly seasoned chicken that makes it hard to resist the upcharge.

4. North Italia — 4600 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE, Dunwoody

North Italia delivers an elevated presentation for their take on a classic dish, backing up the look in the taste department. Their Caesar features breadcrumbs as an alternative to croutons, an appreciated touch that removes the awkwardness of getting a crouton on your fork.

5. Crust — 131 S. Main St., Alpharetta

If you want a delicious but classic Caesar, Crust is the place to go. Every aspect is exquisite, from the lettuce to the high-quality cheese to the dressing and the croutons. Each bite holds the perfect amount of tang to satisfy that Caesar craving. Crust’s garlic knots are phenomenal, too.

6. Marlow’s Tavern — 1317 Dunwoody Village Parkway, Dunwoody

A slightly unique take on a Caesar with mixed romaine lettuce and kale for a base. Highly suggest adding blackened chicken to add a kick that compliments the tang of the dressing. With so many locations, a great Caesar is rarely more than a 20-minute drive away in metro Atlanta.

7. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill — 2665 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta

A Caesar for the table — fair warning, don’t order as your appetizer with an entrée later unless you plan on taking it home: this salad could feed a whole family. The lettuce and cheese are high-quality, the dressing is delicious, Firebirds’ Caesar has every element for a great salad.

8. Salata — 2560 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta

When a business’s whole shtick is salads, the Caesar has to pack a punch. Salata’s Caesar lives up to the hype, a perfectly tangy and garlicky dressing with a healthy scoop of chicken. The more casual atmosphere is great for a lunch on the go or a quick sit-down.

9. Campania — 12635 Crabapple Road, Milton

Campania delivers a classic Caesar, with high-quality lettuce and a lighter dressing. An Italian take on a Caesar is not complete without first-rate parmesan, and Campania meets the mark on that aspect. Their Rosetta bread is a great complement to the meal.

10. La Madeleine — Perimeter Center

Last but not least, for a more onthe-go feel that deposits you in Paris in the France-themed restaurant, visit La Madeleine and try their Caesar. Watch as the salad is made in front of you and enjoy the meal to-go or sit down. High-quality ingredients meet great service here.

Oyster bar owner wants to bring seaside to downtown Alpharetta

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Rob Schryver wants to bring the seashore to Alpharetta.

Oyster bars and seafood houses were always some of Schryver’s favorite experiences while vacationing in Florida. The Alpharetta resident said the bounty of fresh seafood he enjoyed during visits to the shore have inspired him to replicate the experience.

“We got thinking it would be nice to find a place like this up here without having to travel down to Florida to get it,” he said.

Schryver plans to open a Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar at 9 S. Main St. in January in the heart of Alpharetta’s downtown at a space once occupied by South Main Kitchen. The location will be one of 18 franchise restaurants with locations in Cumming, North and South Carolina, Florida, Maryland and Illinois. Fresh seafood, particularly raw oysters,

will be at the heart of the restaurant’s menu, Schryver said. He plans on sourcing oysters from East Coast waters, such as Chesapeake, Georgia and Canada and others from the Gulf and West Coast.

Schryver said he would love to feature a rotating selection of four to six seasonal oysters on top of a couple house varieties.

There’s something special about a raw oyster, although the restaurant will offer plenty of cooked variations like Oysters Rockefeller, he said.

Schryver’s lifelong love for the delicacy began as a child when his father used to cook them up.

“I’ve been eating them since I was 5 years old,” he said. “I’ve never had a bad one.”

On top of oysters, the Shuckin’ Shack will offer a full seafood menu, including clams, crab legs, mussels, peel and eat and fried shrimp, Alfredo, scampi, lobster rolls, fresh fish, crab cakes and more.

“Anything on the coast, you’ll find here,” Schryver said.

With a full-service bar, capacity for about 100 diners and plenty of outdoor seating, Schryer said the restaurant will be an ideal spot for individual dining and large and small gatherings like parties, meet-ups and date nights.

Low lighting and beach decor like surfboards, fishing nets, crab traps and beach vacation photos will create an ambience that transports customers to the seashore. A pass-through entrance

SHUCKIN’ SHACK/PROVIDED Raw oysters are a centerpiece of Shuckin’ Shack’s menu, but the restaurant also will offer fresh fish, shrimp, crab and other seafood.

will allow easy access to the street and an open, outdoorsy vibe during nice weather.

With many entrees priced in the $15$20 range, Shuckin’ Shack’s menu will balance affordability and quality, he said.

Schryver said he envisions an ideal experience would be on a night when the restaurant is hosting live music.

A group of friends might start off with a dozen raw oysters with a beer before veering off into bourbon or mixed drinks. After drinks, the group might settle in for more filling entrees of fresh fish.

Schryver said his goal is for patrons to think, “If I didn’t know better, I’d have said we were down in the Gulf right now.”

Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm

MARTA:

Continued from Page 1

By 2050, MARTA officials say the study area population is expected to grow 42 percent, with a similar jump in job growth over the same period.

Traffic congestion has long been and continues to plague Metro Atlanta.

GDOT’s current plan calls for constructing elevated express lanes — 50 to 60 feet above the existing general-purpose lanes. The two express lanes, running in each direction, may extend across the entire northern half of I-285 and connect into I-20.

With GDOT still searching for a private-sector financier, changing the scope of the express lanes remains a possibility.

The scope of the MARTA study includes the entirety of the I-285 Express Lanes project and looks to expand access using the elevated lanes between the H.E. Holmes station in west Atlanta and the Indian Creek station in unincorporated DeKalb County.

The stations are the eastern and western termini of MARTA’s rapid transit Blue Line. Because MARTA’s rail lines provide solid east-west and north-south public transportation, the transit study is focused on getting MARTA users to other places via bus rapid transit.

Natavis Eric Harris, project manager with MARTA, said his team is using models from the

Rate:

Continued from Page 1

To kick off the discussion, county staff and a representative from Arcadis presented the funding and bond options to the commissioners that would fund the watershed capital program, which includes replacing water and sewer lines and improving the Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant.

Robert Ryall, vice president of Arcadis, has worked with watershed and the county to develop a funding plan for the water and sewer capital projects.

“Watershed is looking at the need to invest a tremendous amount of investment into the water and sewer system,” Ryall said. “We have helped to develop a plan about how that investment will be funded.”

PWI Committee Chairman Patrick noted that while this would be a big construction project, fixing the system is also a financial project.

“We have to have the necessary capital in order to pull down the loans in order to build out the system, to pay for it over the time,” Patrick said.

It was previously estimated that the county would need $4 billion to fix its water and sewer system, but Ryall said it would cost at least $3 billion over the next 10 years. The county would need to issue bonds to fund the improvements.

“The financing plan looks at a lot of things, but there’s a need for debt to fund that and rates to support it,” Ryall said.

He said the bond resolution has requirements around rates and making sure the county maintains water and sewer rates to pay operating expenses and has a net revenue that’s at least 120 percent of the annual debt service payment.

“This is a test that must be met every year as long

Federal Transit Administration to predict future demand for transit use.

Harris said he’s focused on getting MARTA service where it needs to be.

Regional transit connections – or bus stops – proposed along the northern arc of I-285 include Indian Creek, Doraville, Perimeter Center, Cumberland and H.E. Holmes, with potential other locations scattered across the east and west.

Most of the predicted bus transit involves people on the west and east sides of I-285 heading north to Central Perimeter.

MARTA Director of Federal Corridors & Hubs Marcus Arnold said construction of the project is contingent on the progress and timing of GDOT’s I-285 Express Lanes project. Without a privatesector partner, there’s no predicting when funding will be secured for MARTA’s transit.

That’s not stopping MARTA from planning potential stations along the bus corridor.

Tim Sorenson, vice president of transit and urban mobility at engineering firm CDM Smith, took attendees through access approaches at major stops like Perimeter Center.

Factors to be considered include walk time, direct connections to amenities and ride time.

With the roar of motorists along Ga. 400 at the Hampton Inn off Hammond Drive, the need for transportation diversification in north Metro Atlanta was apparent.

For those unable to attend in person, meeting materials can be viewed at www. i285expresslanestransit.com.

as you have outstanding senior debt,” Ryall said. “This specific test is required for the issuance of future senior bonds.”

This would include funding and bond issuances over the next 10 years, which is the length of the capital program. The parity test would evaluate whether the county has enough revenue to repay the bond.

“The real kicker here is that the master bond resolution states that this forecast may not take into account any rate increases in the future unless such rate increases have been adopted by the governing body,” Ryall said.

He said that with current revenue, the county would not meet the parity test to ensure the county has enough revenue to pay off the bond without future rate increases. Ryall said that the county couldn’t issue bonds to fund the capital program without adopting future rate increases.

The presentation suggested that the county would need about $300 million annually from 2025 to 2034 to address water and sewer capital needs. Ryall said the county would need to issue bonds in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2029, 2031 and 2033 to fund the capital program.

A 6 percent rate increase in 2025 would allow the county to issue a bond of $200 million.

Ryall said that the capital program is the minimum investment needed to operate the Watershed Department and make needed repairs.

Commissioners were interested in exploring a more consistent annual rate to avoid a spike in rates from 2027 to 2028.

“I don’t have a degree in finance, but I wonder why we wouldn’t look at an option, perhaps for 2025, an 8 percent increase. I would think if we went a little bit higher on the front end, maybe that would end up resulting in a better rating,” Commissioner Michelle Long Spears said.

She had requested other options besides the 6

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/PROVIDED

A project map shows the Georgia Department of Transportation’s latest project scope for the I-285 Eastside and Westside projects. While conceptual designs are still in the works and no private-sector partner has been selected, MARTA is gathering feedback on preliminary plans for transit along the I-285 express lanes.

percent that had been presented. Ryall said that if the rates increased by 7.5 percent each year from 2025 to 2034, it would generate the $3 billion needed to fund the capital program.

Patrick said the suggestion was worth considering.

“I think one of the concerns or priorities is making sure that over the long term we have affordable water rates and no shocks, no spikes to our residents,” Patrick said.

Some commissioners were concerned about the timing between the presentation and when the County Commission may vote on the increase. The Board of Commissioners is slated to have two meetings left this year, on Dec. 10 and 17. The PWI Committee is also scheduled to hold a special called meeting Dec. 13.

The county held a town hall in November where commissioners discussed the 6 percent increase option.

“What was presented at the town hall was three years, 6 percent,” DeKalb County Commissioner Steve Bradshaw said. “Now we’re proposing 10 years at 8 percent. That’s pretty dramatically different. The public should weigh in on that.”

Fellow Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson said that as elected officials, they must dig further into topics to see what’s in the best interest of DeKalb County.

“We want to make sure that DeKalb citizens have proper infrastructure as well as drinking water. We have heard different experts give their opinions, so I’m comfortable with where we are now,” Davis Johnson said.

PWI Committee Chairman Patrick agreed the new proposal differs from what was presented at the town hall.

“However, the data that was presented as we get into years 2028, 2029, that’s a 10 percent spike over and above what was happening before,” Patrick said. “I think the concern would be avoiding those spikes and being consistently affordable for our residents.”

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