18, 2024 | AppenMedia.com
City proposes 2025 budget
advances Creekside Park contract
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek City Council reviewed the mayor’s proposed $78.6 million fiscal year 2025 budget at its July 8 work session, focusing on public safety as well as recreation and parks.
The spending plan, for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1, is built on a rollback property tax rate of 3.516 mills, which translates to dollars per $1,000 of net assessed value.
In his prepared opening statement, Mayor John Bradberry said revenue is down by roughly 2 percent as compared to fiscal year 2024 due to a decrease in the city’s largest revenue source, local option sales tax — the result of renegotiations of the LOST split with Fulton County last year.
The budget is filtered through the city manager’s office, then passed on to the mayor for adjustments.
Page 23
Study looks to increase mobility around Forsyth’s
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — A study adopted earlier this year imagines a “mobility hub” around the Ga. 400 and McFarland Parkway interchange in Forsyth County.
The “McFarland Mobility Hub Feasibility Study” seeks to seamlessly link cycling, walking, transit and cars while position-
ing the area for future technologies like autonomous vehicles and air taxis.
It is the first Livable Centers Initiative for the county since it joined the Atlanta Regional Commission in 2021. The grant program encourages communities in the Atlanta region to develop strategies to curtail vehicle traffic.
Eric Bosman, project manager with Kimley-Horn, provided an overview of the
work to board members of the Atlanta Regional Commission at their joint meeting with the Transportation and Air Quality Committee July 10.
Bosman said the study, serving as a planning resource over the next five to 10 years, involved an extensive amount of public engagement with postcards mailed to all 1,072 residential and commercial addresses in the
study area, social media campaigns and community outreach.
It evaluates how the county can leverage ongoing or planned transportation investments in the region to improve mobility for residents, he said, such as the Ga. 400 express lane project whose northern terminus is McFarland Parkway.
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry introduces his proposed $78.6 million fiscal year 2025 budget at the City Council work session July 8.
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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.
Caller defrauds woman with fake warrant threat
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek woman reported to police July 1 that she had been defrauded of $12,500 by someone who called claiming there was a warrant for her arrest.
She told police that someone posing as a representative from Buford’s municipal government said she would need to transfer $12,500 if she wanted to remove the warrant. The woman said the caller told her not to notify her husband or that she would be arrested immediately, according to the incident report.
The woman pulled the money from her checking account and was instructed to wire the money via a Coinstar kiosk at a Kroger location on State Bridge Road, the report says.
But, the woman said she canceled the transaction. She said the caller told her she would be arrested if she did not go through with wiring the money, so the woman proceeded to wire the funds via Bitcoin.
The suspect asked the woman for $5,000 for a verification fee to be wired via the same kiosk, but the woman drove to Buford City Hall to inquire about the court fees and called 911, the report says.
Police dispatched on call of neighborhood shooting
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police were dispatched to a location on Baccarat Court July 3 over reports about a 30-year-old Johns Creek man who had been shot.
When they arrived at the scene, police approached a man who said he
observed the victim walking down the sidewalk as he entered the neighborhood.
The man, a pool boy for a nearby residence, told police he then saw the man enter the neighboring residence and the homeowner shoot him, according to the incident. He said the victim lunged at the shooter, so he was shot again, the report says.
The suspect was identified as a 46-year-old Johns Creek man. No arrests were made.
Homeowners report burglar entering through garage
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Owners of a home off Citadella Court reported to police July 3 their residence had been burglarized.
The homeowners told police they were alerted that their garage door had been opened, according to the incident report. One of the owners said he saw a male suspect enter the garage and then flee.
Two of the homeowners’ three vehicles had been entered, a black Tesla and a white Cadillac, the report says. One of the homeowners told police a small amount of cash may have been taken.
While investigating the incident, an officer located a man similar to the description provided, and he was detained, the report says. But, one of the homeowners told police the man was “absolutely not” the suspect he saw in his house.
Roswell police book felon with theft, drug charges
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police arrested a 29-year-old Rowell man July 1 after the suspect allegedly stole a vehicle, fled from officers and swallowed several fentanyl pills.
Officers said the sister of a 62-year-old Roswell man called them about a missing green 1997 Ford pickup truck. She said her brother was staying at the Economy Hotel off
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Old Holcomb Bridge Road after suffering a stroke weeks earlier.
While the victim was in the hospital, his stepson said he noticed two suspects inside the victim’s truck at his residence around 5:00 p.m. June 18. He said they also rummaged through the mailbox.
He said his stepfather discovered his financial information had been changed shortly after.
Officers said the victim’s mailing address was changed to an unknown address and around $7,000 in checks were written in his name or stolen.
While an officer was speaking with the victim’s family, another officer said the vehicle was still in the hotel parking lot.
Officers said when they spotted the car at the Publix off Market Boulevard, the driver exited and fled toward the Comfort Inn.
Roswell Police set up a perimeter and apprehended the suspect, a 29-year-old Roswell man and convicted felon.
In the pickup truck, officers said they found a pistol, 1.7 grams of crack cocaine, 1.9 grams of methamphetamine, a glass smoking pipe with residue and a stack of paperwork.
The documents include the victim’s driver’s license, social security card, bank checks, credit cards and other paperwork related to several cases under investigation.
Officers said the suspect was with a 34-year-old female who agreed to speak with officers.
She said the suspect smoked meth inside the truck. Officers said they released her with no charges.
After the victim allegedly told officers he swallowed multiple fentanyl pills, officers transported him to Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center.
They secured felony warrants for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of controlled substances, theft by receiving stolen property with misdemeanor warrants for possession of drug paraphernalia and obstruction of officers.
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/PROVIDED
The I-285 Top End Express Lanes project visualization shows elevated roadways over the Chattahoochee River at the Cobb-Fulton border. The project’s express lanes vary between street-level and elevated roadways.
GDOT releases updates for I-285 Express Lanes
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
NORTH METRO ATLANTA — Residents now have a virtual glimpse of what their commute through the Perimeter will look like after the state completes the I-285 Top End Express Lanes project. It’s wild.
A bird’s-eye view included in a GDOT video shows the elevated express lanes –two on each side of I-285 – crossing over the Chattahoochee River, then above Roswell Road and Northside Drive in Sandy Springs. The project ties into new express lanes at Ga. 400, also elevated above the main thoroughfare. Northbound passengers could almost fist bump the King Building. Southbound express lanes run to Glenridge Connector.
The elevated express lanes are 50 to 60 feet above the general-purpose lanes.
David Hannon, with HNTB engineering, is working with GDOT to deliver its Major Mobility Investment Program, designed to address traffic hotspots throughout the state.
Hannon said during a virtual Q&A session July 9 that the I-285 Top End Express Lanes project will be constructed in sections. It will run from South Atlanta Road in Cobb County through Fulton County to Henderson Road in DeKalb County, adding two new, barrier-separated express lanes in both directions of I-285 and Ga. 400, alongside the existing generalpurpose lanes.
As part of the I-285 Express Lanes project, the work includes new express lanes on Ga. 400 from just south of
Glenridge Connector to the North Springs MARTA station in Sandy Springs. From that point, the work merges into the jurisdiction of the Ga. 400 Express Lanes project, stretching 16 miles northward from the station into Forsyth County.
Bids on the Ga. 400 Express Lanes project are under state review.
The Major Mobility Investment Program includes the I-285 Express Lane Project, designed to relieve congestion in Metro Atlanta; the I-85 widening project that would relieve congestion near Braselton in Gwinnett County; the I-75 commercial vehicle lanes project to improve traffic flow in Macon; and the I-16/I-95 interchange project that would deal with congestion in Savannah.
Hannon said the I-285 Express Lanes construction will be segmented because of its large scope.
The project webpage divides the proposed project into four sections, though the specific boundaries are not yet finalized: Top End, Eastside, Westside and Ga. 400. The delivery of three bridge replacements, completion of the I-285 Westbound Auxiliary Lane Extension and wrap-up of Transform I-285/Ga. 400 are all required in advance.
Hannon said some sections would be at-grade and others will be elevated.
To access the project visualization, visit youtu.be/3ay4ozwwPx0.
How to give input
Kyle Collins, GDOT communications strategist for public-private partnerships, served as the moderator for the two-hour discussion with Metro Atlantans.
Kennesaw State student author publishes dystopian debut novel
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — At 19, Alexandra Gavranovic published her debut novel, the dystopian “Deception is Our Remedy.”
The novel, released earlier this year, follows 17-year-old Callista as she navigates a post-climate crisis world, “stripped of all its color.” Its title is an ironic one, named after the lies fed to Cal, supposedly meant to protect her.
Gavranovic, an Alpharetta resident and sophomore at Kennesaw State University, said she is intrigued by the dystopian genre because of its well-balanced blend of sci-fi and fantasy, but also because it often contains a layer of realism.
The protagonist is loosely built on Gavranovic’s own personality, identifying with her curiosity, intrigue and determination to question things around her, though there is some of her in each of the main characters.
She began writing the book four
I feel like I have grown a lot over the process.”
ALEXANDRA
GAVRANOVIC
Author of “Deception is Our Remedy”
years ago, inspired by album art of a favorite EDM artist at the time, and submitted an excerpt to the state’s Scholastic Art and Writing Competition.
“My first copy of the book I wrote in four months,” Gavranovic said. “It had lots of problems, and so I didn’t win the competition. But, then I was inspired to keep growing it.”
Gavranovic sought assistance from an editor to help develop the story, and she set aside up to 50 minutes every day to write – more during the summers. She resubmitted the book in its final stages to the
same competition, and it won second place.
Landing at nearly 450 pages, the story had more than doubled in scope and size.
Gavranovic said it took her a while to fully realize she had published a book and to feel excited about it, carrying the tendency to dismiss her accomplishments. But now, after a few months, with the book continuing to build positive reviews, she said the feat has sunk in a bit more and that her confidence has grown.
She’s not sure whether there will be a sequel to “Deception is Our Remedy,” but she is certain about forthcoming stories, the latest idea being one that she found while falling asleep.
Gavranovic said publishing her first novel proved to her that she could successfully start and finish a story, furthering her drive to continue writing and create more stories.
“I have also found appreciation for the journey as I learned so many new skills as a writer, and I feel like I have grown a lot over the process,” Gavranovic said.
ALEXANDRA GAVRANOVIC/PROVIDED Alexandra Gavranovic, a 19-year-old Alpharetta resident, holds her debut novel “Deception is Our Remedy,” published earlier this year.
City of Johns Creek Notice of Property Tax Hearings (Millage Rate)
The City of Johns Creek is currently in the process of adopting the 2024 Millage Rate. The City has published the Five-Year History of the Tax Digest and Levy as required by O.C.G.A. § 48-5-32.
Before the City of Johns Creek adopts the 2024 Millage Rate, Georgia law requires Public Hearings to be held to allow the public an opportunity to be heard. The City has scheduled three Public Hearings. All members of the public are invited to attend and participate in the hearings. The first Public Hearing will be held on July 8, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., and a second Public Hearing will be held on that same day, July 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. The third Public Hearing will be held during the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on July 29, 2024. All public hearings are held in the Council Chambers in City Hall located at 11360 Lakefield Drive in Johns Creek, GA 30097.
City Clerk Allison Tarpley
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is given that articles of amendment which will change the name of the Johns Creek Arts Center to The Art Center have been delivered to the Secretary of State for filing in accordance with the Georgia Nonprofit Corporation Code. The registered office of the corporation is located at 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Building 700, Johns Creek, GA 30097.
Nonprofit group helps Johns Creek earn wildlife habitat recertification
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — For its 13th year, the National Wildlife Federation has recognized the City of Johns Creek as a “Community Wildlife Habitat.”
Liliana Brenner, president of Johns Creek Beautification, said the achievement highlights the community’s dedication to preserving, enhancing and connecting wildlife habitats.
“This certification isn’t a one-time achievement but a continuous commitment to enhancing wildlife habitats,” Brenner said. “It’s important to periodically reaffirm our dedication and meet evolving standards set by the National Wildlife Federation.”
Brenner said Johns Creek Beautification, a nonprofit whose mission is to unite people through landscaping and public art, played an important role in earning the recognition, awarded in June. The group submitted comprehensive documentation demonstrating the city’s ongoing efforts to restore ecological balance.
Olivia Gazda, the city’s assistant to the city manager, provided guidance.
The organization’s activities toward the effort included hosting a learning luncheon on sustainable gardening practices, participating in Earth Day initiatives and promoting its own endeavors through its website, social media and press releases.
— Amber Perry
Newtown Dream Dog Park rated second best in nation
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Newtown Dream Dog Park came in at No. 2 in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The recognition highlights the park’s exceptional amenities, which includes bridges, tunnels and hoops for dogs to enjoy. The park, located off Old Alabama Road, also features two separate grassy areas to divide dogs by size, ensuring safety for all pets, as well as a sprinkler system and water fountain for dogs and their owners to cater to hot weather.
Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry expressed his gratitude and pride in the community’s achievement.
“Thank you to everyone that voted and congratulations to all Johns Creek residents,” Bradberry said. “Not only does this say that we have a great dog park, but it also says something bigger about Johns Creek. It shows how our community engaged en masse to demonstrate our pride in our hometown. For that, I could not be more proud.”
The first place winner was Fiesta Island in San Diego.
“...When you consider that the No. 1 dog park is an entire island, well, you realize that we were No. 1 in the non-island dog park category,” Bradberry said.
Kathryn Laity, executive director of Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau, said being recognized as the second-best dog park is a tremendous honor.
“This accolade highlights the collaborative efforts
between JCCVB and our dedicated community members to spotlight such an exceptional recreational space,” Laity said. “Newtown Dream Dog Park is a vital tourism partner, enhancing our city’s appeal as a premier destination for business, recreational and leisure travel. We are immensely proud to see this cherished park receive the recognition it deserves.”
PROVIDED
Dogs enjoy the amenities offered in Newtown Dream Dog Park, a fenced, 1-acre area full of amenities.
Just opened?
Appen Media publishes New Business Spotlights to highlight local businesses as they get started. Submit yours for free at appenmedia.com/newbusiness
6 | Johns Creek Herald | July 18, 2024
Two area Starbucks stores seek to unionize
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
NORTH METRO ATLANTA — Baristas across two Starbucks locations in north Metro Atlanta have filed a petition for a union election.
They join a growing movement of workers nationwide, calling for a voice and better conditions on the job. Out of its more than 16,000 coffee shops in the country, there are currently 464 unionized Starbucks, according to unionelection.org.
Amanda Rivera, member of Starbucks Workers United, said that to begin the process, at least 30 percent of a location’s workforce must back a petition. Her union represents the vast majority of unionized Starbucks workers.
Once a petition is filed, Rivera said the National Labor Relations Board sets an election date.
An election was scheduled to take place at the Starbucks location at 10830 Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta July 15. The following day, Starbucks baristas in Roswell at 1570 Holcomb Bridge Road were set to cast their vote.
Last year, Appen Media reported the Milton location at Crabapple and Houze roads won its election in a close call.
Rivera, who has been a partner for 12 years, said her store in Midtown won its union election in June 2022 and since then, she said repairs to broken equipment happened more quickly, taking 48 hours rather than a week or a month.
At that point in time, Rivera said the company wasn’t willing to come to the table to negotiate, so workers enacted “marches on the boss,” or five-minute work stops to address issues at the store.
“We were able to use our collective voice to say, ‘We expect you to uphold your side of the bargain and fix these items, so it makes it easier for us to do our job,’” Rivera recalled. “And in some instances, we were asking for things to be fixed because they were a safety issue.”
She said customers have told her they patronize her location because of the union.
“...They know we take care of each other, and a better work environment for us is a better coffee shop for them,” Rivera said.
While the coffee giant withheld credit card tips when baristas at Rivera’s loca-
tion filed their petition, she said all union and nonunion stores now receive them. Rivera eventually received credit card tips this past April and is still waiting on back pay.
GOOGLE MAPS
Starbucks baristas at 10830 Haynes Bridge Road filed a petition for a union election, which was scheduled for July 15. A Roswell store at 1570 Holcomb Bridge Road did the same, with an election scheduled for the following day.
Starbucks:
Continued from Page 6
“It’s something we know that we are going to have to advocate for and use our collective voice to make sure that we get our back pay, but we know that we will receive it,” Rivera said.
Anticipating their union elections, baristas in Alpharetta and Roswell voiced their reasons for filing a petition to unionize.
Vivek Ghate, who uses they/them pronouns, hopes the union will stop the overworking they and other employees at the Holcomb Bridge store have been experiencing.
Ghate said the store has been running with skeleton crews amid huge labor cuts, yet employees have been expected to keep up with copious amounts of new drink recipes and methods of doing things.
“We’ll be able to help ourselves and customers, and we’ll be able to function more efficiently, I feel like, and better overall as a store,” Ghate said.
Like Ghate, Danielle Stolton, who’s been an employee at the Alpharetta location for more than eight years, said staffing has been a key issue. Stolton said staff have been told they haven’t “earned the labor,” though they are expected to handle an influx of customers across new promos.
With more historical knowledge of unions, Stolton said she was the first to look into unionizing the location, understanding what the process entailed. She sought input from each of the shifts to get adequate representation for the store.
“...As individual partners, we can’t do a lot, but if we come together — they need us at the store more than we need them, and … having a collective voice can really be beneficial,” Stolton said.
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
The City of Johns Creek has tentatively adopted a millage rate, which will require an increase in property taxes by 4.79%. All concerned citizens are invited to the Public Hearings on this tax increase to be held at the Johns Creek City Hall, Council Chambers located at 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, Georgia on July 8, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00p.m. An additional Public Hearing on this proposed tax increase will be held at the Johns Creek City Hall on July 29, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Johns Creek City Hall, Council Chambers. Residents are invited to e-mail comments to public.comment@johnscreekga.gov.
This tentative increase will retain the current millage rate of 3.646, an increase of 0.130 mills above the rollback rate. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate would be no more than 3.516 mills (the rollback rate). The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $525,000 is approximately $26.52 and the proposed tax increase for a non-homestead property would be $27.30.
Pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 48-5-32, the City of Johns Creek does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year’s tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years.
NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS
COMMUNITY OF CARE IN CRABAPPLE
Business Name: Boba Bar Tea house and Eatery
Owner: Vu Ha
Business description: Specialized in Boba tea since 2014. Refreshing tea with real fruits. Syrup made from scratch.
Owners:
Home-style Asian food. Opened: March 2024
Phone: 678-336-9195
Address: 1165 Perimeter Center W., Ste. 303, Sandy Springs, GA 30338 Website: bobabaratl.com/
and hot tub. Our Inn has five boutique suites. Opened: March 29, 2024
Phone: 770-886-6166
Address: 1300 Westshore Drive, Cumming, Ga. 30041
Website: toileandbubble.com
Chivukula,
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Author events, announcements make for hot August days, nights
By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com
Whether the focus is back to school or the pool, summer’s last full month is sizzling with book events and festival announcements aplenty. Check out the slate of August’s author activities, and set a reminder for the second annual Johns Creek Literary Fair Sept. 29 with keynote speaker Rick Bragg. Bragg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, acclaimed writer and bestselling author of 13 nonfiction books, including “All Over but the Shoutin’,” and, most recently, “The Speckled Beauty: A Dog and His People, Lost and Found.”
He will be in conversation with Brian Panowich, award-winning Georgia author of “Nothing but the Bones,” released in April, and three other novels. They will be joined by over 30 local, regional and nationally known writers at the Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater at Newtown Park in Johns Creek. For more information about the free event, click on the events tab at johnscreekga.gov/recreation-parks/.
Take note of these August book
Saturday, Aug. 3, McCracken Poston Jr.
The Friends of Sandy Springs Library and Bookmiser will host the author of “Zenith Man,” a true crime thriller. Bookmiser will have copies for purchase and personalization. 2 p.m. Free. Sandy Springs Library. 395 Mount Vernon Highway Northeast. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/events. html
Saturday, Aug. 3-Thursday, Aug. 29, Forsyth Writes Together Series. Seven activities including author talks and writing workshops will be offered at four Forsyth County libraries as part of the Forsyth Writes Together Series. Free. For times, locations and details, go to events. forsythpl.org/, and scroll to the August calendar.
Wednesday, Aug. 7, Joel Waldman, discussing “Surviving the Survivor: A Brutally Honest Conversation About Life (& Death) with My Mom: A Holocaust Survivor, Therapist & My Podcast Co-Host.” 5 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore. com
Friday, Saturday and Monday, Aug. 9, 10 and 12, Friends of the Roswell Library Book Sale. See website for hours. Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 404-612-9700. forl.net
Saturday, Aug. 10, George Weinstein and Kim Conrey. Meet the engaging Atlanta Writers Club couple as they chat about and sign their novels. 11 a.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com
Saturday, Aug. 17, Robyn Field with “Peony Watercolor’s Wish for Sun and Moon,”
George Weinstein and Kim Conrey, married Atlanta Writers Club officers, will sign their novels Aug. 10 at Milton’s Poe & Company Bookstore.
happenings
her new release for grade school readers. Noon. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com
Tuesday, Aug. 20, Toni Bellon, Don Pattillo and musician Mike Shaw. A Novel Idea and Bookmiser present the launch of Bellon’s debut novel, “L.E.A.P.” She will be joined by Pattillo, focusing on his latest release,” A Romance of Flight,” and musical interludes provided by Shaw and friends. 7 p.m. Free. Brimstone Restaurant & Tavern, 10595 Old Alabama Road Connector. 770-509-5611. bookmiser. net/book-events.html
Thursday, Aug. 22, Crabapple Summer Stroll, featuring Bob Myers and his photo-filled keepsake, “The Barns of Old Milton County.” 5 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com
Saturday, Aug. 24, Jeff Barry. The Friends of Sandy Springs Library and Bookmiser host the author of “Go to Hell Ole Miss,” a Top 20 USA Today national bestseller, with copies available to purchase through Bookmiser. 2 p.m. Free. Sandy Springs Library. 395 Mount Vernon Highway Northeast. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/ events.html
Wednesday, Aug. 28, Horror Book Club debuts, discussing Paul Tremblay’s contemporary horror novel, “Survivor Song.” Free. 7 p.m. No RSVP required. Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road. 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.com
To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@gmail.com by the 15th.
Saturday, July 27 – Laughter at the Legion
Anthony & Jeff
General Admission Tickets $45 per person Show Starts 8 p.m. Doors Open 6 p.m. Ticket Includes Italian Diner prior to Show Purchase Tickets at www.legion201.org/events
Saturday, Aug. 3 – Old Soldiers Day Honoring All Women Who Served Post Open to General Public All Day Ceremony: 10 a.m. on Post Grounds Guest Speaker: Martina
PROVIDED
Change lives, change the world
Brought to you by – Wesleyan School
Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child. Our leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan prepares students for each stage of life and provides them with the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them. Wesleyan’s school motto is JOY-Jesus, Others, Yourself, and every aspect of school life is oriented to reinforce this philosophy of putting Jesus first and others ahead of ourselves.
A college preparatory environ -
ment, students have access to a wide range of academic opportunities along with athletics, arts, service and other extracurricular activities. Wesleyan’s 85-acre campus provides state-ofthe-art academic facilities along with on-campus practice space for athletics and arts.
Located just outside of I-285 in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan enrolled 1,206 students in grades K-12 for the 2023-2024 school year. Wesleyan offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area. Supervised care before school is included in the cost of tuition and after care is available (K-8) until 6 p.m. at an affordable rate.
The Wesleyan School 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-448-7640 https://www.wesleyanschool.org/
Sowing the seeds of organic learning
ing, materials which capture the imagination and assist in physical, academic and social development.
Maria Montessori, Italy’s first woman doctor, invented a system of early childhood education based on her scientific observations of how the child constructs himself through interaction with his environment.
Her emphasis on the importance of the “prepared” environment created by the teacher offers the child the freedom to choose his work. This freedom - which is given when the child demonstrates the responsibility to use it wisely - allows him to remain with an activity until its purpose is accomplished. Working without artificial timelines allows him to engage in the spontaneous repetition of a skill so that it is refined; this freedom also creates in him the ability to concentrate for long periods of time and to feel the satisfaction of mastery.
In a Montessori environment, the teacher serves as a guide rather than as a traditional instructor. She continually observes the child, using these observations to give the next lesson so that he steadily progresses.
The multi-aged classroom gives every child regular opportunities to be the learner as well as the leader in the security of a home-like environment which is cared for by everyone in it, teacher and student alike. The Montessori classroom is ordered and beautiful, filled with materials that are aesthetically pleas-
Montessori develops children who are responsible, creative, innovative, respectful and kind. Montessori children are truly the citizens of the future, equipped to face challenges with confidence and competence.
Located near the intersection of 141 and McGinnis Ferry Road in Johns Creek, Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia provides excellence in Montessori education for infants, toddlers and children to six years old. JCMSOG provides an authentic Montessori environment, where each individual’s needs are respected, and everyone works together for the good of the community. The focus is always on helping the children to develop themselves in a caring, peaceful environment. By helping children to develop independence, we assist them in their physical and emotional development. As their sense of security in their ability to care for themselves and their environment grows, their brains have more energy or "bandwidth" for increased academic learning. Additionally, this focus on the development of muscular control is a first step in developing self-discipline. The JCMSOG Difference is best experienced in person. Please schedule a visit with your child to observe our “Montessori Magic”www.JCMSOG.org 770-814-8001
• All Day,
• School Administration Team with Advanced Academic Degrees
• Montessori Trained Lead Teachers in every classroom providing individual customized lessons
• Scientifically designed, hands on, multisensory learning materials in all our beautifully organized classrooms
• Designated School Personnel only allowed in the school building
• Thorough handwashing/hygiene practices consistently taught and enforced
• Healthy, nutritious lunch and snacks provided daily and included in tuition fees
Limited Openings Available – The JCMSOG difference is best experienced in person, schedule a tour or visit with your child and observe our “Montessori Magic.”
Healthy approaches to using social media
a movie/tv show, listening to music you like, journaling, or art can all be other forms of self-care.
Nurturing curiosity and growth: summer enrichment
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Summer is a wonderful time for relaxation and fun, but it also offers countless opportunities for students to engage in activities that stimulate their minds, foster creativity, and build essential skills. It's essential to consider how summer can continue the educational journey. Here are some enriching summer activities for students from pre-K through 12th grade that support whole child education and make the most of the private school experience.
The Benefits of Private Schools: A Summer Perspective
Private schools are renowned for their robust and well-rounded curriculums, which can extend into the summer months through carefully selected activities. By aligning summer enrichment with the private school curriculum, students can seamlessly transition from one school year to the next while maintaining their intellectual and creative growth.
students. These camps can help build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility.
• Community Service: Volunteering is a great way for students to give back and develop empathy. Look for local community service opportunities or create family projects that involve helping others.
• Mindfulness and Wellness: Introduce activities that promote mental and emotional well-being. Yoga classes, mindfulness workshops, and even family nature walks can be excellent for reducing stress and fostering a positive mindset.
Tailored Programs for Every Age Group
Choosing age-appropriate activities is crucial for maximizing summer enrichment. Here are some tailored suggestions for different age groups:
• Pre-K to 2nd Grade: Young learners thrive on playful and exploratory activities. Organize story time sessions, simple science experiments, and interactive games that build foundational skills.
Social media plays a central role in how we communicate, share information, and connect with others. However, there can often be cons to social media and our use of it as well. It is essential to approach social media use mindfully to maintain mental and emotional well-being.
Setting boundaries is crucial. It is helpful to establish specific times of day or specific amounts of time for checking social media to prevent it from dominating your entire day. This can help prevent feelings of overwhelm or anxiety that can arise from constant connectivity. Social media can be a great way to relax or distract from stressful situations, but there are also many other ways to recharge. Going for a walk, watching
It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others or feeling inadequate based on others’ content. Remember that social media often presents a skewed version of reality, showcasing highlights rather than the full spectrum of human experience. If you find yourself feeling negatively impacted by social media, consider taking breaks or unfollowing accounts.
Lastly, use social media as a tool for positive connection and selfexpression. Engage in communities that align with your interests or values and participate in meaningful conversations. By approaching social media with intention and self-awareness, you can harness its potential to enhance your life while safeguarding your mental health.
Exploring Private School Resources Over the Summer
Many private schools offer exceptional resources that families can tap into during the summer. Even if your child’s school does not provide formal summer programs, the same principles and resources can be applied to at-home activities. Here are a few ideas:
• STEM Exploration: Utilize online resources, local science museums, and DIY kits to delve into science, technology, engineering, and math projects. Engaging in hands-on experiments and problemsolving tasks can ignite a passion for STEM subjects.
• Creative Arts: Encourage participation in arts and crafts, music lessons, or drama workshops. Local community centers and online platforms often offer summer classes that can help nurture creativity and artistic skills.
• Athletics: Summer sports camps and clinics are perfect for keeping children active. Look for programs that not only focus on skill development but also emphasize teamwork, leadership, and healthy competition.
Nurturing Curiosity and Growth During the Summer
Whole child education emphasizes the importance of nurturing every aspect of a child's development. Summer is an ideal time to focus on this holistic approach by engaging in activities that promote social, emotional, and physical growth. Here are some suggestions:
• Leadership Camps: Many organizations offer leadership programs for young
• 3rd to 5th Grade: This age group benefits from more structured exploration. Consider enrolling them in coding camps, art workshops, or nature exploration programs that encourage curiosity and skill development.
• Middle School: Middle schoolers can start to dive deeper into specific interests. Look for academic enrichment programs, sports clinics, and creative arts camps that cater to their growing passions and talents.
• High School: High school students can use summer to prepare for their future. Encourage participation in college prep courses, internships, or advanced subject camps that align with their career interests. These experiences not only enhance their resumes but also provide valuable insights into potential career paths.
Conclusion
Enriching summer activities are a vital part of the educational journey, particularly for families who value the benefits of private schools. By focusing on whole child education, parents can ensure that their children make the most of their summer break. Whether through academic enrichment, creative exploration, physical development, or community involvement, there are countless opportunities for students of all ages to learn, grow, and thrive during the summer months.
Make this summer an enriching and memorable experience for your child by exploring the many activities available that support their overall development. Encourage your child's growth with enriching summer activities and watch them thrive in every aspect of their life.
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Great minds think differently
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Since 1985, The Cottage School (TCS) has provided a comprehensive program for students with learning differences grades 3-12. TCS offers a business-based model that promotes self-advocacy and fosters self-confidence, preparing them for life after graduation to pursue postsecondary educational paths or vocational opportunities. Our accredited college preparatory curriculum meets all Georgia standards and HOPE scholarship requirements to take students to graduation and beyond.
Our students, in all grades, enjoy unique experiential learning with electives based on their interests and clubs including archery, drama, forensics, robotics, horticulture and amazing off-campus experiences throughout the year.
The school’s beautiful 23-acre Roswell campus is a hidden gem in North Fulton, with small class sizes our students develop meaningful connections to our teaching staff. Our cottages are unique and warm learning environments that include computer and science labs, art studios, a multi-purpose athletic and performing arts facility, indoor and outdoor classrooms, comprehensive music program and trails for mountain biking and cross-country. TCS encourages students of all abilities to participate in athletics by offering sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, cross-country, tennis, and golf.
The Cottage School has built a one-of-a-kind learning environment perfect for students who learn differently. TCS offers 12-month rolling admissions for all grade levels. Visit our website or call for a campus tour today.
NOW ENROLLING GRADES K - 12
NOW ENROLLING GRADES K - 12
Schedule your family’s tour today!
Schedule your family’s tour today!
Students learn differently. We teach differently.
NOW ENROLLING GRADES K - 12
Schedule your family’s tour today!
The Cottage School (TC n educational community f ith learning differe
It is our goal to change learning outcomes for students with different learning needs by providing a specialized education that best fits the way they learn. Students do their best work in classes with a 10-to-1 teacher ratio.
The Cottage School (TCS) provides an educational community for students with learning differences
TCS removes barriers and the stigma often associated with experiencing a learning difference and allows students to be in a community of support that caters to their strengths. The result of this work: students with mild to moderate learning differences thrive.
It is our goal to change learning outcomes for students with different learning needs by providing a specialized education that best fits the way they learn Students do their best work in classes with a 10-to-1 teacher ratio.
The Cottage School (TCS) provides an educational community for students with learning differences. It is our goal to change learning outcomes for students with different learning needs by providing a specialized education that best fits the way they learn. Students do their best work in classes with a 10-to-1 teacher ratio. TCS removes barriers and the stigma often associated with experiencing a learning difference and allows students to be in a community of support that caters to their strengths. The result of this work: students with mild to moderate learning differences thrive. Dr.
Steve Palmer, Head of School President/Chair, Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) Board
Dr. Steve Palmer, Head of School President/Chair, Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) Board
Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30075
TCS removes barriers and the stigma often associated with experiencing a learning difference and allows students to be in a community of support that caters to their strengths. The result of this work: students with mild to moderate learning differences thrive.
Education solutions for every mind, every age
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Eaton Academy offers multiple programs, both in person and online, since a “one size fits all” approach to education is not effective in today’s world.
Academic Programs
The full-day K-12 school with its 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio allows instructors to address students’ individual learning styles. Through the use of STEAM-related activities and multisensory instruction, students achieve academic and personal success. The challenging, college-prep curriculum is delivered in a safe, nurturing environment.
For students with more significant academic and social needs, the Pace Program helps them develop life skills and independent living strategies. This approach is perfect for students on the spectrum, those with developmental delays, and individuals with other scholastic challenges. Pace students follow the traditional school day and work to develop greater self-sufficiency and independence, on their way to earning a high school diploma.
The Independent Study Program (ISP), tailored to students’ schedules and academic needs, permits individuals to work at their own pace. The tutorial setting enables aspiring athletes and per -
EATON ACADEMY
NOW ENROLLING
A Challenging Approach to Education that Features:
• STEAM-Oriented Classrooms
• Attention to Individual Needs
• Customized College-Prep Programs for K-12
• 5:1 Student: Teacher Ratio
• Independent Study Classes for Credit
• Supportive, Nurturing Environment
• Post-Graduate Options Available
others seek academic remediation. ISP arranges the one-to-one sessions on a schedule that accommodates the students’ needs for flexibility. Sessions can be in person or online.
Post-Graduate Programs
LEAP is designed to help individuals strengthen their life skills in order to achieve greater independence. Participants benefit from job readiness training, life skill development, and scholastic support.
The LIFE program places young adults into their own apartments. Participants meet with a LIFE coach several times each
week for support with topics such as budgeting, hygiene, roommate relations, and housekeeping.
Supported Employment prepares young adults for the workplace. Assistance is given with resume writing, applying for positions, and keeping a job.
College Exploratory offers individuals college level, non-credit courses so they can gauge their readiness for university life.
Eaton Academy is the ideal place for families to discover education options and independent living solutions. Whatever students need, Eaton works to create the perfect education solution for them.
formers to work toward graduation while following their dreams. Some students enroll in ISP to accelerate their scholastic
work;
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Sponsored Section July 18, 2024 | Johns Creek Herald | 17
Major change to retirement accounts after the Secure Act in 2020
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Many Americans rely on IRAs, 401Ks and similar tax deferred retirement accounts for their retirement. The Secure Act, also known as Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Act, changed substantially in 2020, allowing for more creditor protections for the owners of retirement accounts. However, it also dramatically changed how beneficiaries can inherit their parents’ retirement accounts. Prior to 2020, beneficiaries of retirement accounts could stretch out distributions from these accounts for their lifetime, thereby delaying having to pay the taxes on the distributions. In 2020, the Secure Act eliminated the ability to stretch out the distributions for those who are not spouses, minors and disabled beneficiaries, as it now requires beneficiaries to withdraw the entire retirement account within 10 years of inheriting the account.
The major problem with children receiving inherited retirement accounts is
having lump sum cash sitting in their accounts with no protection from their divorces, lawsuits, creditors and even themselves if they have drug or financial problems.
The solution is listing the right type of Trust as the beneficiary on the retirement accounts. Through the right type of trust as beneficiary you can stretch out the distributions for the lifetime of your children and grandchildren; and the funds in the account are protected in the event of your children’s divorces, lawsuits, creditors, etc. However, listing the Trust as a beneficiary on an IRA account requires expertise to avoid triggering taxes too early.
Contact the Estate Law Center USA if you want to learn more about protecting your retirement accounts for your beneficiaries in light of the 2020 Secure Act changes or attend one of our weekly workshops.
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The Maxwell Family, early North Fulton pioneers
Like many pioneer families in North Fulton, the Maxwell family journeyed from Europe to Virginia and then to Georgia. They came from Scotland, migrated to Virginia and then went to Elberton in the Georgia Colony before the Revolutionary War and eventually settled in Milton County. The Georgia Colony, or Province, was the last English colony in North America and was founded by James Oglethorpe.
John T. Maxwell (1763-1840), son of the Rev. Thomas Joel Maxwell, Jr. (1742-1837) and Mary Pemberton Maxwell (1744-1827) was born in Virginia and served as a private in the Culpepper County Militia of the Virginia Militia during the Revolutionary War when he was 14. He is buried in the Maxwell Cemetery in Alpharetta.
Like his son, the Rev. Thomas Maxwell also served in the military during the war and is buried with his wife in the Old Maxwell Cemetery in Elberton. The reverend was imprisoned several times for preaching the Baptist faith and was defended by famous patriot Patrick Henry when jailed in Culpeper County, Virginia. At the time, most churches were Church of England. According to one newspaper account, Thomas was credited with bringing the Baptist faith to Georgia.
After the war, in 1792, John married Agatha Agnes Henry (1770-1851) in St Thomas’s Parish in Virginia. The couple moved to be near his family in Elbert County, Georgia. They had nine children born between 1793 and 1813. Some of them married into other noteworthy pioneer families including the Turners, Ruckers, Holbrooks and Hembrees. The Maxwell name is very common in Scotland and is the 404th most popular surname in the United States, with an estimated 69,636 people so named, according to House of Names.
John built a house as a wedding gift for his daughter Nancy Maxwell Camp in 1825. (Some historians maintain that John’s son William Pemberton Maxwell (1810-1885), known as Uncle Billy, built the house.) Over the years, various members of the Maxwell and Turner families have owned the property on Maxwell Road in Alpharetta. In recent times, prior to the 1920s, Conley W. Turner (1888-1929) owned the house and all the property on Maxwell Road. His brother, Guy Lloyd Turner (1894-
BEN HOLLINGSWORTH/PROVIDED
The Maxwell-Turner House is thought to have been built by Revolutionary War soldier John Maxwell for his daughter in 1825. The house is currently owned by the Waste Management Company which restored it and uses it for offices. It is reportedly constructed with mortise-and-tenon joints, a construction technique that dates back to Biblical times. It is one of the oldest and finest houses in North Fulton.
1970), purchased the house in the mid1920s. He and his wife, Bessie Moore Turner (1900-1977), had 13 children, eight of them born in the house. Known as the Maxwell-Turner House due to the closeness of the two families, it was restored circa 2006 by its current owner the Waste Management Company and houses company offices. The house is considered one of the oldest and finest in North Fulton County.
Brad Gardner, retired Waste Management vice president responsible for North Georgia, was in charge of the restoration.
“The house was structurally sound because it was made of cedar, but the floor had collapsed and was sitting on the ground,” he says.
The company spent $300,000 to bring the house to its current state.
“Thirteen babies were born in the house, and we planted 140 trees and bushes to beautify the property,” Gardner says
The house is located near the family cemetery. John, as a former Revolutionary War soldier, was reportedly deeded the property for his service to his country. He donated land for the family cemetery and was the first person buried there.
John died in Milton County at age 77. After his death, Agnes moved to be with her family in Alabama where she is buried in the Maxwell Family Cemetery in Alexander City. Agnes' tombstone is engraved, "Widow of John Maxwell, a Revolutionary War Soldier."
According to Find a Grave, the Maxwell Cemetery in Alpharetta has 195 memorials. Every second Saturday
in August descendants of John Maxwell have a family gathering at the 2-acre cemetery and tidy the grounds, setting out fresh flowers while enjoying a potluck luncheon on three large granite tables in the cemetery. The annual tradition goes back more than a century. Additionally, unlike many family cemeteries, the Maxwell Cemetery has been well maintained throughout the year thanks to yearly donations.
According to Susan Turner Hopkins, an organizer of the summer tradition, “Family members work hard and have a wonderful time getting together to honor our ancestors. It is a very special place for all of us.”
Of historical note is that there are 12 military veterans buried in the cemetery representing the Revolutionary War, Civil War, Korean War and World War ll.
A further note: Julia Rebecca Maxwell (1808-1892) in 1825 married Roswell King, Jr, whose father Roswell King founded the City of Roswell and who in 1792 married Catherine Barrington, of another famous Roswell family.
Thanks to Susan Turner Hopkins, to Pat Miller who has studied local cemeteries extensively, and to historian Ben Hollingsworth for their help with this column and to reader Chip Jones for suggesting the topic.
Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
HATCHER HURD/ALPHARETTA-ROSWELL REVUE & NEWS
Until his death in 2012, Neil Turner was for many years the patriarch of the descendants of Revolutionary War soldier John Maxwell buried in the Maxwell Cemetery. Here is Neil supervising the annual clean-up of the Maxwell Cemetery in 2005. Neil was born and raised in the Maxwell-Turner house by his parents Guy and Bessie Moore Turner.
BOB MEYERS Columnist
RICHARD MAXWELL PARDUE/PROVIDED
Family members pause for a group photo during the traditional August Maxwell Cemetery clean-up in 2017. The annual event has been going on for more than a century.
The story of my native pollinator garden
About ten years ago, I attended a Georgia Master Gardeners Association (GMGA) conference in Athens, GA. The keynote speaker was Doug Tallamy, an entomology professor at the University of Delaware in Newark, DE. He talked about his theory of how we, humans and gardeners, have affected the decline in insects and birds by the introduction of exotic plant species in our environments. He explained how insects have evolved with certain native species and depend on them for food and habitat to lay eggs and raise their offspring. And how our native birds depend on those insects for food to raise their young. It follows that we humans depend on those insect pollinators and birds for our food plants’ pollination and seed production. A very common-sense idea and one that should be obvious to us all. In his 2007 book, Bringing Nature Home, Tallamy encourages each of us who have any land to begin to eradicate non-natives, to plant our native species, and to turn our pristine acres of non-productive grass lawns to a more productive use.
In 2018 my husband and I sold our home in Atlanta and moved to Ellijay. Our new home is on seven and a half acres and has both woodlands and former pastureland, which means a lot of sun. A perfect spot to grow natives and to create gardens for our pollinators. The land was already graced with many native trees, oaks, tulip poplar, hickories, maples, redbuds, dogwoods, sour woods, beech, and pines.
I wanted to create a pollinator garden. I also wanted as much variety as possible and for it to be beautiful. There was a raised bed made of timbers already on our property. Though it was filled with weeds and grass, it was the perfect spot to plant this garden. After cleaning out the weeds and adding bags of compost, I could begin the fun part, selecting and planting the native pollinator plants.
I started with plants I had brought with me from Atlanta: Stokes’ aster, mountain mint, yarrow, bee balm, purple coneflower, and phlox. After visiting a native nursery near me, I added rose milkweed, butterfly weed, cardinal flower, downy skullcap, Penstemon, native hibiscus and Gaura.
I have also planted some nonnatives that are not invasive. I like to tuck in nasturtium seeds along the front so that they will cascade over the walls, and the hummingbirds love them. I have added herbs: comfrey, oregano, rue, catnip and fennel. And have planted some very tall lilies for my own viewing pleasure.
There is nothing more serene than to view this bed on an early summer morning or late afternoon as the pollinators make their way from flower to flower. Some mornings I find bumble bees sleeping on flowers. And we have a plethora of birds in our yard, including cardinals, goldfinches, blue jays, bluebirds, sparrows, wrens, various woodpeckers, phoebes, crows, hummingbirds, and many other bird visitors as they travel from the north to south.
As Doug Tallamy has proposed, if each of us used just a small portion of our land to create a habitat of native plants, we could make a native highway for our native pollinators and establish habitat, food, nectar and pollen to support them. We would not just be helping them but ourselves as well and the whole world. Many small steps can make a huge difference.
Happy Pollinator Gardening!
North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://appenmedia.com/ opinion/columnists/garden_buzz/.
About the author
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Judy Peacock, a master gardener for thirteen years. Judy is a former resident of Atlanta, now retired and living in Ellijay, GA. She graduated from the University of Georgia majoring in Art Education. Judy volunteered at the High Museum of Art in the Department of Children’s Education. Judy loves gardening and is developing various types of gardens on their seven and a half acres. She is a member of the Speakers Bureau of the North Fulton Master Gardeners.
JUDY PEACOCK Guest Columnist
A butterfly on Blue Mist Flower in my pollinator garden.
PHOTOS BY JUDY PEACOCK/SPECIAL TO APPEM MEDIA My pollinator garden in midsummer 2023.
GDOT:
Continued from Page 3
“The purpose is sharing key details about the latest design concept and draft environmental impact statement, or DEIS, for the project,” he said. “Please keep in mind this is a preliminary design concept, so it’s not yet final.”
While residents can view design details on the project’s webpage, Collins said presented materials are subject to change.
To submit an online comment card, visit survey123.arcgis.com. Comments can be submitted until July 29.
Information shared at in-person meetings is also available in the project’s virtual meeting room. To access the interactive meeting room, visit 285topend. scoutfeedback.com.
Where express lanes sit
Heading east after New Northside Drive, the I-285 Top End Express Lanes return to street level to allow access to motorists traveling in both directions.
Xavier James, Georgia Department of Transportation’s public-private project
Express Lanes project during a virtual Q&A session July 9.
The I-285 Westbound Auxiliary Lane Extension, from Riverside Drive to Roswell Road, accommodates another street-level section, which sees the express lanes
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2024 AT 7:00 P.M.
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2024 AT 7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
11360 LAKEFIELD DRIVE, JOHNS CREEK, GEORGIA 30097
The following Land Use Petition and Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment are scheduled for public hearings:
LAND USE PETITION: RZ-24-0005
PETITIONER: Teresa Curry
LOCATION: 11605 Jones Bridge Road
CURRENT ZONING: C-1 (Community Business District) Conditional PROPOSED ZONING: C-1 (Community Business District) PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: 1,982 square-foot Dunkin Donuts with a drivethrough.
A-24-003 – Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment
A proposal to amend the City of Johns Creek Zoning Ordinance and Alcohol Ordinance to modify definitions for hotel and boutique hotel and include a provision for hotel use in the Town Center Code.
City of Johns Creek Board of Zoning Appeals, Public Hearing: Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 7:00 P.M.
City of Johns Creek Council Chambers 11360 Lakefield Drive
Johns Creek, Georgia 30097
The following variance proposal is scheduled for Public Hearing as stated above:
Case Number: V-24-0006
Property Address: 11455 Lakefield Drive, Unit 300, Johns Creek, GA 30097
Current Zoning: C-2 (Community Business District) Conditional
passing under the Mount Vernon Highway bridge.
Major I-285 intersections with I-75, I-85 and Ga. 400 show some divided, elevated express lanes to manage vehicles heading along different routes.
At the Mount Vernon Highway bridge over Ga. 400, there is an access point to the elevated express lanes.
As the Transform I-285 project crosses into DeKalb County, there is an access point at Perimeter Center Parkway.
After Chamble Dunwoody Road, the express lanes return to street level with access points before elevating after North Peachtree Road. As a part of the project, Cotillion and Savoy drives will be converted to one-way traffic.
Dunwoody City Councilman John Heneghan said the lack of a connection to Peachtree Boulevard (Ga. 141) may leave his constituents dealing with increased traffic congestion.
Heneghan said a trip to an Atlanta Braves game from Peachtree Corners, for example, may see drivers cut through Dunwoody to gain access to the express lanes.
Heneghan posted on his blog July
9 with links to his thoughts about the project going back to 2019 and communications from 2022 between the city and GDOT.
Currently, there is no connection at Peachtree Boulevard in the project plans.
Heneghan said the mayor and Dunwoody City Council are looking to push the eventual developer to add one.
Project timeline and cost
In March, GDOT released requests for feedback from private-sector entities that may be interested in financing the Top End I-285 Express Lanes project.
The public-private partnership, called P3, means state agencies tap developers to provide most of the funding and financing for the project.
HNTB’s Hannon said the expected project cost is more than $10 billion.
“With a public-private partnership, the state only has to procure a fraction of that,” he said. “The developer is using financing and their own equity to fund the rest of the project.”
The idea is that the private entity will be reimbursed through toll revenue from the express lanes, Hannon said.
There are a lot of specifics depending on the private entity that finances the project. Questions, like whether they will maintain the entirety of I-285 corridor and not just the express lanes, are still up in the air.
The locations of sound barriers, the topic residents asked about most, are tentatively set, and will depend on the financier.
Hannon, addressing the project’s timeline, said construction is anticipated to begin sometime in 2027.
Petitioner: Clay Gridley, Six Bridges Brewing Variance Request: To encroach 8 feet into the 40-foot minimum front yard setback to construct an elevated 120 square-foot platform for live music
“It will give us enough time to procure a developer for the project, and then give them time to close financing,” Hannon said. “The expected construction duration for all phases is 8-10 years.”
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/PROVIDED
manager, gives an overview of the Top End I-285
Mobility:
Continued from Page 1
Bosman also considered the Ga. 400 Bus Rapid Transit project that ends at the Windward Parkway Park and Ride.
“One in three South Forsyth workers get up in the morning, and they travel south,” Bosman said. “Now, some of those are along the 141 (Peachtree Parkway) corridor. A lion’s share of those are down the 400 corridor.”
The study also looks to further the vision outlined in the county’s existing plans.
It is the first major initiative undertaken in the county’s first-ever transportation master plan adopted in 2021, Link Forsyth. Forsyth County also recently completed its Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan update.
In the short term, Bosman said a mobility hub may not be more than a significantly enhanced park and ride, situated on about 7 acres with 400 to 500 parking spaces. The small concept would also include a few buses and micro transit bays, a dozen EV charging stations and half a dozen bicycle lockers.
But, he said The Gathering at South Forsyth would double the capacity of the mobility hub. The $2 billion 100-acre mixed-use development is slated for Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Union Hill Road.
“There was a lot of conversation about access for young people, for the aging, for those with disabilities, how do we get them to the services and attractions that they need the opportunity to get to,” Bosman said. “It enabled the county to really lay out an opportunity for their investments now and into the future.”
Also at the July 10 meeting, Mike Carnathan, manager of the Commission’s Research and Analytics Division, presented a breakdown of new population estimates.
Under state law, the agency is required to estimate the population
Eric Bosman, project manager with Kimley-Horn, presents an
members of the Atlanta Regional Commission at their joint meeting with
for its 11-county region and the City of Atlanta each year for the purpose of collecting dues from its member jurisdictions.
The data shows the region’s population growth slowed a bit compared to 2022-23, which reflects a decline in housing permit activity and a slight moderation in jobs growth. High housing prices also have acted as a brake.
“If we want to continue to accommodate our steady population growth, we’re going to continue to diversify our housing style,” Carnathan said.
The Commission will vote on the population estimates at its special called meeting Aug. 28.
DEATH NOTICES
Edna Dahlgren, 96, of Roswell, passed away on June 30, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Janet Frazer, 84, of Alpharetta, passed away on July 7, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Eric Graves, 55, of Alpharetta, passed away on June 27, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Joel Kummins, 81, of Milton, passed away on July 3, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Jeanne Motley, 77, of Roswell, passed away on July 8, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Nancy Riemenschneider, 85, of Roswell, passed away on July 1, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
overview of the “McFarland Mobility Hub Feasibility Study” to board
the Transportation and Air Quality Committee July 10.
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Bradberry also noted the 11 percent growth of operational expenditures, driven by new public safety personnel — two crime suppression officers, a criminal investigations division detective, an intelligence officer and two positions in the Municipal Court for the insourcing of probation services.
Rising healthcare costs are also a key driver.
Premiums are anticipated to rise by 73 percent, he said, indicative of general industry increases and the city’s claims history. In October, Appen Media reported the city had difficulty finding a health insurance carrier to take it on because of its high claims ratio.
To reduce health care costs, a $100,000 wellness initiative will be launched as part of the fiscal year 2025 budget process. It will include personalized wellness coaching based on biometric screening results, nutritional counseling, and specialized testing for first responders as well as monthly challenges and employee health fairs.
“Despite the decrease in sales tax revenues and rising operational costs, the 2025 budget still provides for significant capital investments to provide for improvements to our community based on the strategic priorities of the City Council,” Bradberry said.
The City Council agreed to fund the replacement of Fire Station 63 and four new police vehicles, outlined in the city’s new Capital Improvement Plan adopted in May.
The fiscal year 2025 budget also proposes investment in the city’s parks, including Autrey Mill Nature Preserve animal habitat relocation; replacing baseball field lighting and renovating the common area at Ocee Park; improvements to the Shakerag Park nature trail; and wayfinding signage at Cauley Creek Park, Ocee Park
Johns Creek Public Works Director Chris Haggard presents a $33.7 million construction contract for Creekside Park at the City Council work session July 8.
More information
The first public hearing for the fiscal year 2025 budget is scheduled for July 29 as part of the City Council meeting that evening at 7 p.m. The second budget hearing and adoption is scheduled during the City Council meeting Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. For the 2024 property tax rate, the third and final public hearing as well as adoption is scheduled during the City Council meeting July 29 at 7 p.m.
and Shakerag Park.
Creekside Park construction
Also at the work session, the council agreed to move forward with a $33.7 million construction contract for Creekside Park, 21 acres anchored by the pond behind City Hall.
Plans include an amphitheater, terraced seating around North Pond and a 15-foot-wide boardwalk that connects a future pedestrian tunnel to the south through constructed wetlands and ties to East Johns Crossing.
With a groundbreaking scheduled for August, the project is expected to take 18 months.
The contract includes three ‘add alternates’: a trail spur behind Hyatt Place, a deck across from the amphitheater and a deck crossing at North Pond. Add alternates are project elements that can be added or removed from a bid solicitation without negotiation.
In other matters July 8, the City Council approved a $4.1 million construction contract for intersection improvements along Jones Bridge Road at its regular meeting following the work session.
The item, which concerns the intersections at Douglas and Sargent Roads, was approved as part of the consent agenda, a slate of typically noncontroversial items approved in bulk.
The area experiences traffic congestion due to its connectivity to commercial plazas and surrounding residential areas. By filling in sidewalk gaps within the corridor, improvements are intended to increase pedestrian connectivity. The city also plans to aid traffic flow by coordinating the signals at both intersections.
“...Really exciting, innovative designs,” said City Councilman Chris Coughlin, calling attention to the improvement project. “What I’d say the zeitgeist of Council is — improve traffic flow, improve safety, and do it within the space that we have with innovative designs.”
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