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 to allow access throughout the corridor.
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.
See GDOT, Page 4
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 positioning 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.
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Eric Bosman, project manager with Kimley-Horn, presents an overview of the “McFarland Mobility Hub Feasibility Study” to board members of the Atlanta Regional Commission at their joint meeting with the Transportation and Air Quality Committee July 10. See MOBILITY, Page 12
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SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The city opened applications July 9 for the Sandy Springs Citizens’ Leadership Academy, a multi-week program to empower and educate residents and local businesses.
The academy offers a curriculum tailored to foster an informed and active citizenry.
Courses take place at Sandy Springs City Hall and Performing Arts Center. Class size is capped at 30, and a $35 fee is due upon confirmation of attendance.
Communications Director Carter Long said applications close Aug. 9 unless the class fills up before then.
In its second year, the Sandy Springs Citizens’ Leadership Academy offers provides participants with an opportunity to
The current schedule:
meet with the mayor, councilmembers, and city staff and learn more about local government, civic responsibility and community leadership.
Participants are provided the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the structure, functions and responsibilities of local government.
The city says graduates will have the tools and knowledge needed to engage with their local government and take on leadership roles within their community.
This year’s Citizens’ Leadership Academy includes 10 courses ranging across most city departments.
Applications are available at sandyspringsga.gov/sandy-springs-citizensleadership-academy.
• August 27 – Mayor’s Welcome; City Manager’s Office; City Clerk’s Office
• September 10 – Recreation and Parks; Environmental Stewardship
• September 24 – Police Department; Municipal Court
• October 8 – Public Works Department; Community Development
• October 22 – Finance
• November 12 – Meet Your Councilmembers
• December 10 – Facilities; Information Technology
• January 14 – Performing Arts Center; Special Events
• February 11 – Fire Department; Emergency Management
• February 25 – Communications Department; Economic Development
• February 18 – Graduation Event
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police responded to a six-car crash on I-285 westbound at Chamblee Dunwoody Road July 8 around 4:43 a.m.
Dunwoody Police posted on X, formerly Twitter, around 6:15 a.m. to warn commuters along I-285 of heavy delays throughout morning commutes.
Officers said they arrived to find six vehicles involved in a crash.
The first collision involved three cars. A short time after the initial crash, a second collision caused a chain reaction with several other vehicles.
Officers said they transported five other people involved in the crash to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
None of the victims have been identified.
Sgt. Michael Cheek, public information officer for Dunwoody Police, said the crash is under investigation and anyone with additional information should contact Officer William Smith at william.smith@ dunwoodyga.gov.
Officers said one of the drivers involved in the initial crash was outside their vehicle, struck during the second collision and succumbed to their injuries on scene.
For updates, check www.appenmedia.com.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Appen Media Group, publishers of the Herald and Crier newspapers, announced July 1 it has purchased the digital news company Decaturish from longtime owner and founder Dan Whisenhunt.
The Alpharetta-based company will keep on Whisenhunt and assistant editor Zoe Seiler to continue their coverage of DeKalb County along with the Decaturish core of freelance writers and photographers. Debbie Inglis will stay in her advertising and marketing role with the company.
“We couldn’t be more excited to add the Decaturish brand to our media company. We have always admired
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.
what Dan has been able to achieve and his dogmatic approach to local journalism,” Publisher Hans Appen said. “The synergies and shared values between our two companies made this an easy decision and we can’t wait to build upon what is already a success story for local news.”
In its purchase of Decaturish, Appen aims to expand its online presence and expand its geographic reach to the east Metro suburbs.
Before the acquisition, its newsroom covered a mostly northern cohort of cities, from Sandy Springs and Dunwoody up to south Forsyth County.
Appen also plans to build on the Decaturish brand by introducing new print media formats. The company intends to introduce at least two new local newspapers to the DeKalb County market, continuing its focus on government, business, public safety and community reporting.
“Decaturish is a beloved brand that is relied on by members of the community for news that most directly effects their quality of life,” Appen said. “Nothing that people love about Decaturish will change. AMG’s focus will be to expand and improve on what works already, and to give the
Xavier James, Georgia Department of Transportation’s public-private project manager, gives an overview of the Top End I-285 Express Lanes project during a virtual Q&A session July 9.
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.
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.
section, which sees the express lanes 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.
Decaturish team the tools they need to make that happen.”
The move is the latest in Appen’s efforts to reinforce the local news environment in Metro Atlanta. The company purchased the Dunwoody Crier in 2019 and launched the Sandy Springs Crier in 2021. To help finance the movement, Appen created the Appen Press Club, a member-driven program where readers can pledge financial support to the work of local news. Decaturish brings with it a similar format, with loyal followers who recognize the importance of independent reporting in their community.
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.
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.
“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.” Continued from Page 1
“The purpose is sharing key details
The I-285 Westbound Auxiliary Lane Extension, from Riverside Drive to Roswell Road, accommodates another street-level
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
Hannon, addressing the project’s timeline, said construction is anticipated to begin sometime in 2027.
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 wellbalanced 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
Hi, I’m Amber Perry and I report on all things in and around North Atlanta. If you have any story tips or ideas please contact me at amber@appenmedia.com
each of the main characters.
She began writing the book four 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.
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/
Located in historic Chastain Park, The Galloway School is a community where learning is joyful, individuals are valued, and self-discovery is encouraged. Galloway students in Pre-K3 - 12th grade confidently embrace challenges while developing the knowledge, skills, and cultural competence to thrive as enlightened contributors in their chosen pathways.
Galloway provides students with an innovative symbiotic learning experience that defies traditional, transactional
learning. For over 50 years, we have been committed to providing a rigorous program that fosters creativity, collaboration, and cultural competency. Our philosophy of engaged and experiential learning encourages students to be ever curious about the world around them and to develop a critical mind.
With an environment that both challenges and supports our students, Galloway encourages each student to grow at their own pace while developing a sense of personal agency. Visit gallowayschool.org to learn more!
Brought
Academy
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 -
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.
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.
In the last few years, our clients have asked about the possibility of fraudulent transfers of properties without the owner being notified. While this does not happen for homeowners who have their properties in a trust, those who don't have a trust yet must be aware of this risk. Fortunately, Fulton County has set up an alert system to notify you when there is a change of ownership or legal document filed for a designated property. This alert system is called the Filing Activity Notification System (FANS) Spearheaded by the Clerks of the Superior Court, FANS is an opt-in notification system. By simply creating an account and setting your notification preferences, you can immediately receive alerts about deeds, mortgages,
and liens that are filed on your property. FANS operate by connecting directly with the Superior Court’s index database, which contains records of all the documents filed for every property in Fulton County. When you set up an account, FANS will automatically send you a notice whenever documents are filed for a designated property.
In today’s fast-paced world, staying informed about important legal filings related to real estate is crucial. Whether you are a homeowner, a real estate agent, or simply interested in tracking property records, FANS’s timely alerts allow you to keep a close eye on the legal documents related to a propertyand act swiftly in the case of fraudulent filings. Take advantage of the transparency of FANS and make sure you cover this aspect of your asset protection today.
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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.
Continued from Page 1
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.
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 charg -
For more information about the “McFarland Mobility Hub Feasibility Study,” visit www. mcfarlandmobilityhub.com.
ing 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 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.
In the previous Past Tense, 20,000 Union soldiers marched through Dunwoody on July 17, 1864, on their way to Atlanta and Decatur. After fording the Chattahoochee River, they followed the railroad bed of the future Roswell Railroad from Sandy Springs to where today’s Nandina Lane forks off Chamblee Dunwoody Road.
Along the way, they stopped at the home and well of Obediah and Salina Copeland, now the site of Dunwoody Springs Elementary School, for water and food. The story passed down from Salina to her granddaughter Lee Eula Copeland tells of a Union lieutenant returning one bag of food to the family when Salina begged him not to take everything.
At the fork of Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Nandina Lane, Dodge’s 16th Army Corps moved right, heading to what is now Ashford Dunwoody Road. At Nancy’s Creek, there was a skirmish between Confederate Colonel Dibrell’s brigade of Wheeler’s Cavalry and Dodge’s 16th Army Corps. Dibrell’s brigade was “driven across the creek and beyond Old Cross Keys,” according to a Georgia Historical marker located along Nancy Creek near Marist School. (Georgia Historical Marker, Dodge’s 16th A.C. Camp on Nancy’s Creek, July 17, 1864)
Cox’s Division, Schofield’s 23rd Army Corps crossed the Chattahoochee at the mouth of Sope Creek at Isom’s Ferry on July 8, 1864. They remained near Isom’s Ferry until July 17. Isom’s Ferry became Heard’s Ferry in 1868, when John Heard took over its operation.
When they finally moved, Hascall’s
Division of the 23rd took Long Island Drive to Mt. Paran Road. Cox’s Division turned southeast on Johnson Bridge Road toward Nancy Creek and
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.
Old Cross Keys. (Georgia Historical Marker, General J. C. Cox’s division to Old Cross Keys)
Old Cross Keys was where Johnson
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.
Ferry Road met present-day Ashford Dunwoody Road. There was a crossroads settlement with a post office near the intersection. Federal dispatches, maps and reports of military operations in 1864 identify the location as Old Cross Keys. Dodge’s 16th and Schofield’s 23rd met briefly at this crossroads on July 18. (Georgia Historical Marker, Old Cross Keys Marker)
Schofield’s 23rd went to the right on Peachtree Road and turned left on what is now Briarwood Road. The 16th Army Corps turned along what is now Chamblee Tucker Road and Shallowford Road on their way to Decatur.
Gen. William T. Sherman spent the night of July 18, 1864, at the home of Samuel House at Ashford Dunwoody Road and Peachtree Road. The home still stands and has been part of the Peachtree Golf Club since 1948. The House family had abandoned the home in anticipation of the Union Army’s arrival. Sherman issued a dispatch identifying his location. “I am at Sam House’s, a brick house well known, and near Old Cross Keys.”
These are just some of the events in the area during the month of July 1864, before the Union Army reached Decatur and Atlanta. In addition to the information provided by the Georgia Historical Society and their markers, this history came from “Charged with Treason, the ordeal of 400 mill workers during military operations in Roswell, Georgia, 1864 to 1865” by Michael Hitt and “The Campaign for Atlanta” by William R. Scaife.
Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaf f 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.
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.
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