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The owner purchased the property in 2015 with intention of building a Lidl grocery store on the site, but those plans failed to pass the zoning process, said attorney Jessica Hill, who represented Stream Reality at the meeting.

“So, the property has remained a commercial use since that time,” Hill said. “It's had about 40 to 50 percent occupancy over Stream’s ownership of it, and it obviously has struggled from a commercial perspective.”

McIntosh-Ross said after a review by city staff and approval by the Sandy Springs Planning Commission, they concluded Stream Reality’s plan fits perfectly into the city’s North End Redevelopment Concept Plan, which was written in 2020 to help guide development in the city’s north side over the coming decade.

“It would serve to increase the city's housing stock and potential for more home ownership in the area,” she said. “The development can also be a catalyst to activating the area in the north end of the city going towards the Chattahoochee River.”

As part of the proposal, the rezon -

Airlift after World War II. He attended the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, and served 25 years in the military, both in the U.S. and overseas. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1966. Four years later, he opened Morrison Farms in Brookhaven, which he continued to operate until 2006. Mary Elaine

When The Atlanta Constitution recommended six metro Atlanta nurseries to visit for an enjoyable weekend outing, they included Morrison Farms. The 1991 article advises, “You might miss it because the sign was small with red letters and pointed the way.” Morrison Farms was the only nursery on the list located inside I-285. (The Atlanta Constitution, May 12, 1991, “A weekend escape: Hop in the car and find these 6 nurseries”)

Morrison Farms had 40,000 square feet of greenhouse space and offered vegetables, annuals, perennials, herbs, houseplants, hanging baskets and clay pots. It was described as a farm with shade trees and level terrain, making it a fun place to walk around and explore.

In 1994, suggestions of Morrison as Father Christmas or Colonel Christmas are made. Poinsettias, which are native to Mexico, became the popular plant at the farm.

“William Morrison doesn’t live at the North Pole. But a visit to his Morrison Farms in northeast Atlanta, near Oglethorpe University, will almost make you believe this engagingly energetic 74-year-old nursery owner is the real thing.” (The Atlanta Constitution, Dec. 23, 1994, “Colonel Christmas: Nurseryman’s knack begets a wonderland of poinsettias”)

The farm’s October 1996 newspaper advertisement announced, “Poinsettias are growing.”

In November of 2000, the nursery was featured in an article about poinsettias. The greenhouses were filled with various varieties of poinsettias and other holiday flowers. Colors included the Freedom variety featuring red, white, and pink, Monet poinsettia with speckled red and cream color flowers, and the Red Velvet variety. (Atlanta Constitution, Nov. 23, 2000, “Welcome holidays with poinsettias from Morrison Farms”) first contemplated how north Sandy Springs could be revitalized.

Morrison Farms also advertised their poinsettias and other plant offerings on a regular basis in the Dunwoody Crier newspaper. I don’t remember ever visiting there, but if you have memories to share of Morrison Farms, please send me an e-mail.

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Sandy Springs. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

“It's almost like a next step of a process … aimed at stimulating economic investment in this particular part of the city,” Kelley said. “I want this project to work. We definitely need the investment.”

The rezoning was approved unanimously by the City Council after a short discussion.

Streambank stabilization

Councilmembers also approved a $242,000 contract with Vertical Earth, kicking off a project to stabilize a streambank along Long Island Creek in south Sandy Springs.

Officials said erosion along the streambank has started to threaten a section of Long Island Drive south of I-285 and will require 150 feet of streambank to be re-graded to prevent further roadway damage.

Renderings released April 18 show how the North River Shopping Center in north Sandy Springs would be redeveloped into a 13-acre mixed-use complex with retail, residential and trail connections to the Chattahoochee River. The City Council gave its blessing to the project by unanimous vote.

ing would be bound by several conditions, which would require the applicant to work with the city to develop a trail and roadwork plan for the project, as well as a requirement to work with the Atlanta Regional Commission on the project.

District 2 Councilwoman Melody Kelley said the project is exactly what the local leaders envisioned when they

Vertical Earth will also install 370 feet of new curb, gutter and guardrail along Long Island Drive.

Public Works Director Marty Martin said Long Island Drive will not be closed for the project, but partial lane closures may be needed as the project progresses. Work is expected to begin early this summer, officials said.

The project contract was unanimously approved.