SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A group of Sandy Springs homeowners are lobbying the city to address short-term rental homes used for all-night parties.
Kevin and Barbara Schaffer, whose Kenstone Court home abuts a short-term rental, said one family with young children in their subdivision is planning to move because of the nuisance. They said another couple is considering pulling stakes.
Neighbors may soon get relief. Sandy Springs staff told Appen Media that the owner of the short-term rental is scheduled to appear in municipal court Feb. 24.
The alleged party house lies in the four-home Kenstone Court subdivision off Spalding Drive in the Sandy Springs Panhandle.
The city identifies the property as 8069 Kenstone Court.
Records from the Fulton County Board of Assessors show the former property owners sold the home last August to Failsafe Data, LLC for $1.7 million.
The property is currently listed for sale. Zillow.com has the property for sale at just under $2.5 million, with the latest update Jan. 18. The property was also listed on Berkshire Hathway’s Buckhead Office webpage around the same time.
None of the surrounding neighbors said they have spoken with the property owner, which led them to bring the issue to the city’s attention.
Since then, the Schaffers said City Councilman John Paulson met with them for an hour, personnel from Code Enforcement and the Police Department have visited the
Sandy Springs resident Barbara Schaffer discusses the alleged party house next door to her home in the Kenstone Court subdivision during the Jan. 21 City Council meeting. District 1 City Councilman John Paulson met with the Schaffer family about the neighborhood nuisance privately after the meeting.
subdivision, and they haven’t been disturbed since.
Speaking at the Jan. 7 City Council meeting, Barbara Schaffer said she called Sandy Springs Police four times about loud parties since the beginning of December, but there were no results. She said Code Enforcement personnel put a notice on the front door, but it was ripped off.
“There’s garbage everywhere … it’s just terrible,” Schaffer said. “And it’s in Sandy Springs right down the street from Davis Academy off Spalding and Roberts [drives].”
See HOMES, Page 13
North Fulton cities reform EMS oversight committee
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Eight months after joining with four other North Fulton cities to subsidize regional ambulance services, Sandy Springs now has a seat at the table to evaluate performance.
At its Jan. 21 meeting, the Sandy Spring City Council agreed to adopt the bylaws of the North Fulton Emergency Medical Response Oversight Committee.
A city memo says member cities wanted to re-form the committee after last summer’s contract adoption and the addition of Sandy Springs. Operating under its own arrangement with American Medical Response in the past, Sandy Springs was notified of an 850 percent price hike a year ago. Its contract for $260,000 a year for 8-minute response times was set to increase to $3.6 million.
The new contract, including all six North Fulton cities, will require a $2 million subsidy in the first year, split among the cities based on a three-year average of population and number of service calls.
Mountain Park, a 346-acre city in North Fulton County, has an agreement with the Roswell Fire Department that provides fire and rescue services.
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COMPARING POLICE TRANSPARENCY
Sandy Springs vs. Johns Creek
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Send thoughts, questions and tips to newsroom@appenmedia.com
Each week Appen Media requests police incident reports to inform residents about the safety of their community. Sandy Springs continues to withhold what it calls the “narrative reports.” It is the only city Appen Media covers that follows this practice, which goes against guidance from the Attorney General, Georgia Bureau of
Correction
The Jan. 30 Crier published an incorrect teaser, “Spalding Drive school certain for closure,” on the
Investigation, Georgia Sheriff’s Association, Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia and Georgia Press Association. Appen Media will continue pursuing the release of more detailed documents that belong to the public in order to inform residents how safe – or unsafe – their city is.
cover. The Fulton County Board of Education will formally vote Feb. 20 whether or not to shutter the elementary school. The article inside the newspaper had no errors.
Performing Arts Center redesigns online platform
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — As a part of its ongoing efforts to enhance its brand and offerings, the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center launched a new website Jan. 28.
The redesigned website, SandySpringsPAC.com, is a one-stop shop for information about the Performing Arts Center’s facilities, including Byers Theatre, Studio Theatre, Conference Center and CityBar & Café.
It also serves as the exclusive authorized platform for purchasing tickets to presented performances. Previously, the website for the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center was CitySprings.com with more focus on the mixed-use district surrounding the city’s downtown.
Bill Haggett, executive director of the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, said the website represents months of hard work and dedication to elevate patron experiences.
“Our goal is to attract new audiences, increase visibility and further distinguish our venue,” Haggett said. “We invite the community to explore the site, consider becoming a PAC member and stay tuned for announcements about the upcoming season of incredible performances.”
Upcoming performances include stand-up comedian Matt Rife Feb.
The Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center is launching a redesigned website, SandySpringsPAC.com, and transferring over all account information from the previous site, CitySprings.com. There’s no need for a password reset, simply log in and enjoy access to your account.
15 and 22, Season 25 of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Feb. 19-March 6 and “Swan Lake” by the State Ballet of Ukraine Feb. 21.
The website also offers an easy way for residents to purchase a Performing Arts Center membership, which includes exclusive early access to
tickets, special perks and a vibrant arts community. Those interested in booking a venue can also find detailed information on available spaces for weddings, parties, meetings and conferences.
The city says visitors will soon be able to pre-order breakfast or lunch
from CityBar & Café and enjoy engaging content on the website’s blog.
To view the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center on social media, visit facebook.com/sandysprings.pac or instagram.com/sandysprings.pac
— Hayden Sumlin
Consigning Women charms local community
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Claudia Corsino moved from Belgium to Dunwoody in 2015 to be closer to her son at Virginia Tech and fell in love with the community.
With her husband working in Duluth and daughter attending the Atlanta International School, the Corsino family chose a spot in the middle.
While she and her husband moved to Alpharetta before the pandemic, the Dunwoody Running Club and her best friends kept Corsino coming back to Dunwoody every week.
When she found out the prior owners of Consigning Women were looking to sell and move closer to their grandchildren in Florida, Corsino said she loved it too much to let it shutter.
“I do everything here, it’s still my area,” Corsino said with affection in her voice.
Consigning Women has six longtime employees, some within walking distance of the store in the Mount Vernon Shopping Center.
“They just love the store, and they treat it like their own home,” Corsino said. “You can feel that when customers come in.”
Typically, someone will walk in the store and ask to see a specific item or speak with an employee they’ve known for a decade. Corsino said there are new items in the store each day, and the most unique treasures and popular new items have competition.
The consignment store specializes in upscale resale, and its structure lends itself to more of a community environment. Consigners bring items in and often start shopping afterward.
“We have both sides of the community,” Corsino said. “We always
more foot traffic after its January rezoning.
around Consigning Women.
have really cute stuff you cannot find in any other store.”
Back when she first moved to Dunwoody, Corsino said she started volunteering at the Community Assistance Center’s Canopy Thrift Shop off Roswell Road in Sandy Springs’ North End. Her time volunteering with the Perimeter nonprofit gave her experience with the operations of clothing store.
“It’s a thrift store, the only difference in the concept is we receive donations [at the Community Assistance Center] and here we take consignments,” she said. “The selling process is the same.”
Corsino said Dunwoody stands out in Metro Atlanta because of her former neighbors and the wonderful friends she made. For the local business owner, the people in Dunwoody make it what it is.
“The important thing is to let people know we have new items every day,” Corsino said. “We have five appointments, so we take in new items and put them on the floor; every time you come shop, you can find something new, something different.”
After a month, merchandise gets a 25 percent knock down. Consigning Women cares and sells for local Metro Atlantans, giving them 40 percent of each sale.
To get started, consigners need to call 770-394-1600 to set up an appointment (with a maximum of 25 items). The store accepts almost all women’s clothing and accessories with exceptions for wedding dresses, vintage items, lingerie and most jewelry, unless it’s signed or unique.
The items remain the property of consigners until they sell or 60 days pass. After that point, expired items may be donated.
“There’s always lots of items, some 50 percent off,” Corsino said. “The prices ... you cannot match them at a normal store; you always find good deals here.”
The consignment store, owned and operated by local women, makes its mission to create a unique shopping atmosphere of hospitality and friendship.
Corsino said she’s encouraged that a recent rezoning of the Mount Vernon Shopping Center will help generate more foot traffic for the other small shops
She attended rezoning meetings in the fall and said other small business owners within the shopping center need more customers too.
Business was better during the holidays than it has been during January’s notorious retail slump. Corsino said business has been good, and she wants to keep growing.
Next door, Southern Comforts Consignment, shuttered last January and consolidated to its Mountain Park Plaza location. A former co-manager said the shopping center needs some work to make it more attractive.
The philosophy of the Consigning Women is as important to its employees and owner as it is to the customers and consigners that keep it running. With new ownership, loyal customers were quickly won over by Corsino’s infectious smile and energy. She also kept the interior of the store the same, which longtime customers appreciated.
Christine Kratzenberg, celebrating a decade working at Consigning Women this year, said she loves Corsino for stepping up and buying the business. She said the community was worried when they heard the prior owner was looking to sell.
Kratzenberg said the best thing Corsino has done for business was getting Consigning Women on social media and spreading the word about the neighborhood consignment store.
You can follow Consigning Women at facebook.com/p/ConsigningWomen-Atlanta-100057294286434/ and at instagram.com/ consigningwomen.atlanta/.
PHOTOS BY HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
The Consigning Women storefront sits on the Jet Ferry Road side of the Mount Vernon Shopping Center. Owner Claudia Corsino says she is encouraged the shopping center will get
From left, Claudia Corsino and Christine Kratzenberg work the front register at Consigning Women, a Dunwoody community staple since 2011, within the Mount Vernon Shopping Center. Corsino, an Alpharetta resident and the third owner of Consigning Women, bought the business in October because of how much the store and its community means to her.
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Movie theater made splash at Perimeter Mall in 1973
If you lived anywhere near Perimeter Mall before 2000, you may recall that there was a movie theater in the parking lot of the mall. It was a separate building adjacent to Ashford Dunwoody Road.
I-285 was completed in 1969, Perimeter Mall opened Aug. 11, 1971, and the Perimeter Mall General Cinema triplex opened in December 1973. The theater held 1,700 people. (Atlanta Constitution, Dec. 23, 1973, “Perimeter Mall Gets 3 Theaters”)
The first movies shown were “The Way We Were” with Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford, “The Laughing Policeman” starring Walter Matthau and “The Seven-Ups” with Roy Scheider.
Ned Hastings, who grew up in Sandy Springs, shared his memories of the Perimeter Mall theater. Hastings went to North Springs High School and remembers Perimeter Mall theater showed first-run movies. It was the place to go for high school kids, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
“On Friday and Saturday nights, that theater would be packed, and we’d always bump into packs of kids from school,” Hastings recalled. “If you were there on a date, the whole school would know about it by Monday morning. The lobby was all glass, so you could drive by and see if it was crowded or not.”
He also remembers during this time going to theaters in Roswell and in Sandy Springs at North Springs Shopping Center and at Cinema 285 at Roswell Road and Hammond Drive. North Springs was a dollar theater. Cinema 285 opened in 1971 in the Grant City Shopping Center. The shopping center later became Hammond Square, and the theater was Hammond Square Cinema before closing in 1977.
Hastings graduated from North Springs in 1984 but continued to go the Perimeter Mall Theater during college. He also worked at the mall between 1985 and 1988.
He remembers seeing “The Right Stuff” two times at Perimeter Mall Theater and the film “Platoon.”
Hastings does not think “Star Wars” played at Perimeter Mall Theater in 1977. ‘“Star Wars’ didn’t make its way to the Atlanta market until late June or July of 1977.” The film was intended to show only in theaters that could accommodate Dolby sound. “Star Wars” played at the Weis Doraville Theater on Buford Highway and three other Atlanta theaters in July 1977, although “None of the four theaters showing ‘Star Wars’ is equipped with Dolby para-
This advertisement for Perimeter Mall Cinema I, II and III ran in the Dec. 19, 1973 Atlanta Journal.
phernalia.” (Atlanta Journal and Constitution, July 24, 1977, “Star Wars doing heavenly”)
Ned remembers Perimeter Mall Theater started out with three screens and was later converted to four screens. According to cinematreasures.org, the middle of the three theaters was divided into two by General Cinema, resulting in four small theaters.
Perimeter Mall Theater also had midnight movies showing in the 1980s. In May 1984, “Rocky Horror Picture Show” was on the bill for midnight along with “Ziggy Stardust,” “Risky Business” and “Kentucky Fried Movie.”
(Atlanta Constitution, May 11, 1984)
General Cinema filed for bankruptcy in 2000, and Perimeter Mall Theater closed that same year. The opening of United Artists Perimeter Pointe 10 in 1995 likely contributed to the downfall of Perimeter Mall Theater. Eight, 10, 12 and 14 multiplex theaters were opening all around Atlanta.
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
Homes:
Continued from Page 1
After she spoke, Mayor Rusty Paul said leadership from the Police Department and Code Enforcement were available to get together with the neighbors and find some solution.
Kim Lupsha, the Schaffers’ other next-door neighbor, spoke to elected officials and city staff next.
“This home has been purchased, and it’s being operated as a business in a zoning of residential, RE-1,” Lupsha said. “We don’t understand how it can be happening, it’s like a nightmare.”
The Kenstone Court subdivision has a homeowner’s association, neighbors said, and its bylaws prohibit renting short-term. Neighbors said they would consult with an attorney but don’t want to have a lawsuit drag out, especially against a limited liability company.
Following Lupsha’s comments, Mayor Paul added the City Attorney’s Office to the list of city personnel the neighbors needed to meet with about the nuisance.
“We will do what we can do,” Paul said. “We’ve been fighting these battles … we appreciate you bringing this to our attention … we may not have a solution to every problem, but we will give every effort.”
Jack Rabren, a nearby Spalding Drive resident, said he pulled the section of city code on party houses. For a short-term rental to qualify as a party house, it would need to be used to host a commercial event where a fee is charged for the use of the home. Dozens of people at a home in a local neighborhood doesn’t fit the definition of a party house in city code.
“Your holiday parties are safe,” Rabren said. “But, having said that, I do think there are stipulations now for zoning how real estate can be used … there’s actually a stipulation for when a short-term rental becomes a party house.”
Rabren said he has observed that when investors buy single-family residential properties, entities monetize them in many ways, impacting city code.
“We have the codes; they’re not being enforced,” he concluded.
The mayor recommended spreading the word to have residents call 911 when there appears to be a party at a neighborhood home that is being rented out as a commercial operation. If a resident sees someone breaking the law, they should call the police.
The Sandy Springs City Council amended the party house ordinance in the city’s development code in
We’re having parties, all night events, and there’s very little code and law enforcement can do to prevent these from happening”
BARBARA
SCHAFFER
Sandy Springs Resident
summer 2021 amid a notorious house on Northside Drive that drew numerous fines after charging hundreds of dollars for large pool parties.
Other changes in 2021 included increased fines, clearer definitions and additional permitting and distance requirements.
Renting a home short-term in Sandy Springs requires a business license through the city. In city code, party houses are prohibited within 150 feet of a residentially zoned property with other required compliance.
Barbara Schaffer, spoke again before the Jan. 21 council meeting advocating that the city end all shortterm rentals.
“There’s nothing that’s happened in the last two weeks that leads me to believe things will get better or change unless we make short-term rentals illegal in Sandy Springs,” Schaffer said. “There are many listings on Airbnb and VRBO in my general area, but I’m told there’s only 20 or so of these listings that have been permitted for short-term rental.”
She also said several of the available homes for rent throughout the city must be operating illegally without a permit and asked what could be done.
“We’re having parties, all night events, and there’s very little code and law enforcement can do to prevent these from happening,” Schaffer said.
The mayor said he would direct staff to do what they can, but he was skeptical that a ban would go through.
“I’ll ask the city attorney to investigate and see what authority we have when it comes to short-term rentals,” Paul said. “My guess is we lack authority to ban them totally; I think if it becomes a party house, then we have tools, but the Georgia General Assembly is pretty strong on property rights.”
The Schaffers said they now feel more confident about how to contact the Police Department if there’s another late-night party next door.
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Enjoy the crossword? Help Stretch
Stan James, 84, has made the crossword puzzles of the Herald and Crier papers for years. Recently one of his dachshunds tragically passed away following a minor surgery. Now Stan’s other dachshund, Stretch, is facing a medical challenge of his own. Stan and his wife Kathi, 77, are trying to raise funds to pay for treatment. If you have enjoyed this paper’s puzzles or simply want to share some kindness, consider lending a hand during the James’ time of need. Visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-stretch-get-urgent-dental-care or, for a shorter web address, www.shorturl.at/wf1fG.
Client Services Manager – Food Pantry
NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Client Services Manager – Food Pantry position. The Client Services Manager is responsible for creating, managing and implementing client centered intake policies and procedures. This includes maintaining the reception area of the Food Pantry; the end-to-end application processes; follow up on applications and resolving complex client matters. Additionally, the Manager trains and manages the Client Services Team members and volunteers while maintaining positive employee relations and talent development of the intake staff. A history of exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills and a knowledge of MS Office are required. Working some evening and weekend work hours is also required.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
Communications and Marketing Manager
NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Communications and Marketing Manager position. The Communications and Marketing Manager is responsible for helping raise awareness of North Fulton Community Charities and its programs and services. One of the primary responsibilities of this role is to create internal and external communications and marketing materials to promote NFCC’s overall mission.
The Manager will manage and update multiple channels including social media, email, websites, newsletters, presentations, and video. Proficiency in WordPress, Microsoft Office, and Canva are required and experience with Salesforce or other CRM and Pardot/Account Engagement a plus.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
Client Services Specialist – Pantry
The Client Services Specialist (Part-time) serves as the first point of contact at NFCC, welcoming clients and managing the intake process. This role connects clients with NFCC’s programs and services while maintaining accurate records through data entry and application updates. The Specialist also keeps clients informed about program enhancements and available services.
The Specialist must be proficient in Spanish and have the ability to work with a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Microsoft office skills are required and Salesforce experience is a plus. Must have the ability to work evenings & weekends.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
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The combined subsidy buys a system-wide 12-minute response time for critical, emergency calls and a 20-minute response time for minor or uncertain issues.
Sandy Springs will pay around $670,000 a year, or just under $60,000 a month on the contract. Annual increases to the subsidy will be negotiated but capped at no more than 3 percent.
During the contract’s approval, Sandy Springs Fire Chief Keith Sanders said his department will continue to arrive at emergency medical calls within eight minutes, often before an ambulance. The Fire Department can stabilize the patient but not transport them to a hospital.
Speaking at the Jan. 21 meeting, Sanders said the committee and its representatives from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton and Roswell will meet regularly to review whether American Medical Response’s service complies with the cities’ joint contract.
The city managers of each member city serve on the committee’s Board of Directors.
Sandy Springs staff said the item will come before each participating city simultaneously, and it has no financial impact.
Sandy Springs council members did not discuss the contract but voted to approve it unanimously.
The North Fulton Emergency Medical Response Oversight Committee originally formed as a partnership between North Fulton cities, excluding Sandy Springs, after the county ended a $10 million subsidy in 2007 amid the Great Recession.
In 2008, Sandy Springs opted for its own model because it wanted an enhanced version with more ambulances. After avoiding a massive price hike and signing onto a joint agreement last year, Sandy Springs is a member of the regional Emergency Medical Response Oversight Committee.
