MARTA begins plans to integrate service with express lanes
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — MARTA is in the midst of studying how to integrate its transit into the elevated express lanes planned for the northern arc of I-285.
About a dozen Central Perimeter residents gathered at the Hampton Inn in Sandy Springs Dec. 5 to offer ideas on how transit can capitalize on GDOT’s investment by enhancing regional connectivity and providing access.
MARTA is focusing on some way to implement bus rapid transit on the I-285 Express Lanes.
MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood said the study is a pivotal step to address the region’s growing need for expanded and reliable transportation services.
“By tapping into the funded Express Lanes infrastructure investments already planned for I-285, we have an opportunity to provide efficient transit solutions that benefit residents and commuters alike,” she said.
By 2050, MARTA officials say the study area population is expected to grow 42 percent, with a similar jump in job growth over the same period.
Traffic congestion has long been and continues to plague Metro Atlanta.
See LANES, Page 12
Police Chief Kenneth
up a
sign, which will be placed above cryptocurrency ATMs throughout Sandy Springs after the City Council approved an ordinance change Dec. 3. The initiative seeks to combat the trend of scammers targeting residents.
ordinance
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs City Council approved a measure Dec. 3 requiring cryptocurrency ATMs around the city to display signage alerting patrons to possible fraud.
Automated teller machines, or ATMs, distributing cryptocurrencies can be found anywhere in Metro Atlanta from gas stations to grocery stores.
Cryptocurrency is a type of digital money secured via encryption technology, called a blockchain, which makes the transactions unalterable. In 2024, the most popular digital currencies were bitcoin, ethereum and tether.
Bitcoin ATMs, or BTMs, connect to a digital wallet instead of a bank account where transactions are processed. Most blockchains have public ledgers, meaning all transactions are recorded and visible to others.
The problem for law enforcement arises when attempting to identify the owner of a crypto wallet, which is nearly impossible for those engaging in fraud and covering their tracks.
The trends in Sandy Springs are concerning. As of Dec. 2, the Police Department has received 603 reports of fraudulent incidents this year, and 267 of them have been related to BTMs.
Nationwide, individuals aged 60 and older were three times more likely to report falling victim to fraud related to the use of BTMs over the first half of 2024, according to staff’s memo.
See
Page 12
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Restaurant Row guides foodies to offerings along Roswell Road
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Visit Sandy Springs, the city’s destination marketing organization, rolled out 10 miles of culinary treasures for local foodies to discover along Roswell Road.
Members of the City Council, including Mayor Rusty Paul, joined the team at Visit Sandy Springs Nov. 18 for the launch of an interactive guide map, Restaurant Row, featuring more than 110 independent eateries along Roswell Road (Ga. 9).
“In this room last night, we transformed Roswell Road,” Paul said during the Nov. 19 City Council meeting. “Roswell Road is now Restaurant Row.”
There are 117 restaurants on the map, featuring cuisine from every corner of the planet, including a Portugueseinspired café, dozens of Latin American and Asian options and, of course, the Hudson Grille.
“The Visit Sandy Springs team, working with our Communications Department and others, came up with a magnificent map to give tourists who
come into Sandy Springs,” Paul said. “It’ll be printed, and folks at hotels can hand them out to direct people to our restaurants.”
The interactive map is also available online at www.restaurantrowsandysprings.com.
With a map in hand, Sandy Springers have a guide to eateries just off the state route through the city from the Chattahoochee River to the Atlanta border.
Some of the largest pockets of restaurants along Roswell Road surround the City Springs downtown district (with its own magnified inset), Chastain Market south of I-285 and intersections with Long Island Drive, Johnson Ferry Road and Dunwoody Place.
“We’re going to provide different opportunities for people coming into our community, or even our own residents” Paul continued. “There are a lot of restaurants that I didn’t know existed, and I’m going to try some of them.”
— Hayden Sumlin
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm, re-imagining how bath & kitchen remodels are done. Complete Remodeling Design and Installation Services. We even remove walls! Guiding you through the whole design process. Ask about our 3D Renderings. Making bath & kitchen remodeling fun, easy and affordable. Open to Public 9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat Showroom – Design Center 10591 Old Alabama Road Connector Alpharetta, GA 30022 (near Northpoint Mall)
VISIT SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED In late November, Visit Sandy Springs rolled out a new interactive map — Restaurant Row — displaying 117 eateries along 10 miles of Rowell Road (Ga. 9). The idea is to promote the incredibly delicious and diverse array of local restaurants and entrepreneurs within the city.
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm
Alpharetta-Milton
County to consolidate services at site on North Point Parkway
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Fulton County will turn a former COVID-19 testing site off North Point Parkway in Alpharetta into a new Health & Human Services Center.
The plan, approved by the County Commission Nov. 20, has been in the works for a couple years and is funded through an $11 million loan from the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.
Before Thanksgiving, commissioners approved a $15.4 million construction contract with Beck PMI for renovation of the building at 4700 North Point Parkway, which will be called the North Fulton Health & Human Services Center.
There were no comments or discussion at the Nov. 20 meeting.
The contract requires completion within 300 days.
Fulton County bought the building in 2019 and used it as the main site for COVID-19 testing, vaccination and emergency supplies during the pandemic.
Jim Gaines, public affairs manager with Fulton County, said the building
A look at 4700 North Point Parkway shows the future site of the North Fulton Health & Human Services Center. Fulton County Commissioners approved a $15.4 million construction contract Nov. 20 for renovation of the facility to serve as a one-stop shop for multiple health and related services.
sits on nearly 24 acres, leaving plenty of room for expansion even when the 108,000-square-foot building is full.
Gaines said the existing plan will use
about two-thirds of the space, offering services from the county and some partner agencies, as well as expanding those for seniors.
The decision allows the county to consolidate its services within several older offices in North Fulton County into one site.
County staff said the new center is expected to house the state Department of Public Health’s various training and community support programs, like ones for traveling nurses and dentistry, as well as its Vital Records Office.
It will also include behavioral health services for youths, adults and those with developmental disabilities; the Department of Real Estate and Asset Management; the Georgia Emergency Management Agency; DUI services through the county’s Superior Court; and programming for seniors.
County staff said the goal is to ensure that North Fulton and surrounding populations can access critical services. While some services are curated for seniors, a majority will be available to everyone.
Pamela Roshell, chief operating officer, said the county will also do a feasibility study to find the best site for a similar center in South Fulton. Staff said a 40-acre site near Stonewall Tell Road is one possibility, but no decision has been made.
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Make plans to check out December author events
By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com
Sergey Savin
Helen Scherrer
Kate Seng
Carol Williams
Thursday, Dec. 12, Nancy Naigle and Tracy Solheim. The USA Today bestselling authors will detail five of Naigle’s books that have been adapted into Hallmark movies. Light refreshments will be served. Free. 6:30 p.m. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again.com
Lisa Shippel
Joanne Simmons
Tom Simon
Cindy Simpson
Robert Singleton
Faye Sklar
Judith Slaughter
Andy Smith
Marcia Smith
Gena Spears
Donald Spencer
Melissa Spencer
Gloria Stathos
Robert Stevens
Wesley Stewart
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Diana Sullivan
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The Small Business Advisor
William Tietjen
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Trunnion LLC
Matthew Tyser
Ollie Wagner
Lewis Walker
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Herbert Wells
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Saturday, Dec. 15, Boozy Book Fair and Messiah at the Pub: A Singalong, at Distillery of Modern Art. Join the Johns Creek Chorale for a singalong of Handel’s “Messiah” and shop a selection of books curated by Read It Again Bookstore. Free. 4 p.m. Distillery of Modern Art, 2197 Irvindale Way, Chamblee, 30341. 404-4822663. read-it-again.com
Friday, Dec. 20, Alex White’s book and video game launch. The award-winning sci-fi author will discuss his newest title and VR game. Free. 7 p.m. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-itagain.com
Saturday, Dec. 21, Terri Parlato release party for “Watch Your Back.” Free. Noon. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-2329331. read-it-again.com
Monday, Dec. 30, teen author Isabella Gerborg with her debut novel, “Discover.” Free. 6:30 p.m. Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming. forsythpl.org/ event/11919748
To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@gmail.com by the 15th.
Standing in a terrible line with an angel near the end
PAT FOX Managing Editor pat@appenmedia.com
Something exceptional happened last week, and only a handful of people witnessed it. It is true.
I was third in line for checkout at a local grocery Sunday evening. At the front, two elderly men dressed in flannel shirts and worn coats stood bewildered when their cash cards failed at the register. Each tried his own card with no luck.
Their groceries were already bagged and piled in the shopping cart, in limbo.
Frustration filtered through the queue of about five people. We shared the dread that fate had guided us into the wrong line – except for one guy, the one second in line just ahead of me.
He was a young man, about 5 foot 4, with long brown hair swept back past the shoulders of a crisp, black T-shirt. His face was round and smooth, with rosy cheeks and large brown eyes. He stared forward toward the chewing gum display.
He had the most placid face – a Gerber baby, plus 22.
He'd already placed a six-pack of beer and some snacks on the conveyer and stood unfazed by the plight nearby.
The cashier called the manager who informed the flummoxed men that the store’s computer was temporarily unable to process transactions from that particular brand of cash card.
The two men shook their heads in disbelief – not angry, just helpless and embarrassed. They hunched over their wallets, fumbling for a miracle.
Then, as graceful as a gazelle, the young man pulled out his wallet, extracted his bank card, slid sideways and inserted it into the checkout slot. He hit a button, retrieved his card and resumed his position, focused on the chewing gum.
“It’s been paid for,” the cashier told the two men, who were still turned away, probing their wallets.
“What?” one of them said.
“Your groceries have been paid for,” the cashier repeated.
“What happened?” one man asked.
The cashier pointed to the young man,
but the elderly gentleman fixed his eyes on me and expressed his gratitude. I corrected him, pointing to the youth.
“I’ve never seen such a thing,” the old man said, now looking at the boy.
“It was nothing,” the young man said. “Really.”
“We just moved up here, and I have never seen anything…” the old man said.
The youth remained silent, still gazing ahead.
“Well, thank you!” the old man said. “If you give me your address, I’ll gladly pay you.”
Then, turning to the cashier, the old man asked: “How much was it?
“$194.48,” she said.
The elderly pair swiveled toward the young man, but he politely refused their offers to mail reimbursement.
“Really,” he said, facing them a final time, “it was nothing.”
The two men holstered their wallets, collected their groceries and left, still chattering about the experience.
Leaning toward the boy, I said, “I know it would be a bargain for me, but I’ll gladly pay your tab.”
“No, thanks,” he said with a hint of embarrassment. “It was nothing.”
He looked so at peace that I didn’t want to press it. I looked behind me, and everyone was smiling.
The boy checked out and left.
As I carried my bags to the car, the elderly men were loading their groceries into their truck, still talking.
“I’ve never seen anything like that before,” one said.
Words fail to capture the essence of those three minutes. For that instant, I was removed from the day’s headlines, my schedule for next week, the leaky faucet.
Driving home, words finally did come, but they were not mine.
“If there’s one voice left to say, ‘Welcome’ to a stranger, if there’s one hand outstretched to say ‘Enter’ and ‘Share,’ if there’s one mind remaining to think a thought of warmth and friendship, then there’s a future in which we’ll find more than one hand, more than one voice and more than one mind dedicated to the cause of man’s equality.”
— Rod Serling
___-majesté 62 No longer in style
Gallic goodbye
Bonnie and Clyde started one
Encouraged, with “on”
Old Italian coin
“You betcha!”
Premature
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Space starter
Toy that does tricks 13 Early late-night name 17 Zig or zag
21 Cup part
24 Savvy about
25 Store posting (Abbr.)
27 Sound of relief
29 Turturro of “The Sopranos”
30 It may be pitched
31 Geologists’ studies
32 Old Icelandic literary work
33 Hammer’s end
34 Ancient Peruvian
36 Tackle’s teammate
Transform your yard with landscape lighting
Gardening enthusiasts know that the true magic of a garden is not confined to the daylight hours. With the right landscape lighting, you can extend the allure of your garden into the night, creating a captivating and inviting outdoor space that can be enjoyed even after the sun sets. Whether you’re looking to create a sense of warmth and welcome, accentuate specific features, provide practical illumination or add an enchanting ambiance, landscape lighting can be a game-changer.
I’ve always loved the way landscape lighting can transform outdoor space at night from ordinary to extraordinary. But it wasn’t until recently that I decided to update my own landscape lighting.
I was tired of the old, outdated fixtures that I had, and I wanted something that would create a more inviting and relaxing atmosphere in my backyard. I also wanted something that was energy-efficient and easy to maintain.
I worked with a landscape lighting professional to design a system that would meet my needs and budget. We installed a variety of fixtures, including path lights, uplights, and downlights. The path lights provide enough light to safely walk around my yard at night, the uplights highlight my trees and shrubs, and the downlights create a soft glow in my garden.
I decided to embrace smart technology, allowing me to effortlessly schedule the lights with my new wireless Kasa outdoor lighting smart plug. With a few taps on my smartphone, I can set schedule the lights to turn on and off at the appropriate time as dusk and dawn change with the seasons. No more having to manually adjust the timer pins!
I’m so happy with the way my new landscape lighting turned out. It’s made my backyard a much more enjoyable place to spend time, both day and night. If you’re considering updating your landscape lighting, I encourage you to take the leap — it might just illuminate a world of wonder you never knew existed.
Here are a few tips for choosing and installing or updating landscape lighting:
• Consider your needs. What do you want your landscape lighting to do? Do you want to create a safe path to your front door? Highlight your
garden features? Or create a relaxing atmosphere for entertainment?
• Choose the right type of lights. There are many different types of landscape lights available, including path lights, uplights, downlights, spotlights, floodlights and water feature lights. Each type of light has its own purpose. Path lights are for illuminating pathways and stairs with subtle, low-level lighting to prevent accidents and guide guests through your garden, enhancing both safety and the overall charm; uplights can be used to showcase tall trees, sculptures or architectural elements; downlights are for creating a soft glow; spotlights are for highlighting specific features; floodlights are used to illuminate a large area, such as a patio or deck; and water feature lights are used to create a beautiful and relaxing ambiance around a pond, fountain, or waterfall. Landscape lights come in a variety of colors and styles to match your personal taste.
• Consider the size of your yard. The size of your yard will determine how many lights you need. You’ll also need to decide how much light you want. Too much light can be harsh and overwhelming, while too little light won’t be effective.
• Plan your layout. Once you know what type of lights you want and how
About the author
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Lee Tanenbaum, a master gardener since 2011 and currently a Fulton County Master Gardener alum. Lee has served as NFMG’s Communications co-chair for Publicity and Marketing as well as the interim chair of the NFMG Gardening Education Team. Lee is a retired speech-language pathologist and public health professional, a mother of three, and a grandmother of nine. Lee loves to garden and travel, especially with her grandchildren.
many you need, you can start planning your layout. It’s important to place the lights so that they create a well-lit path and highlight the features you want to show off.
• Be mindful of your neighbors. Don’t install lights that are too bright or that shine into your neighbors’ yards.
• Consider your budget: Landscape lights can range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping.
• Hire a professional. If you’re not comfortable installing landscape lighting yourself, hire a professional. A professional will be able to help you choose the right lights and install them properly.
Have fun with it! Landscape lighting can be a great way to express your personal style and add beauty and safety to your yard. With a little planning and
effort, you can create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space with landscape lighting that you’ll love for years to come. By carefully considering the placement, type, and purpose of your lights, you can transform your garden into a mesmerizing nocturnal oasis that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
Happy gardening, day and night!
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/columists/garden buzz/.
LEE TANENBAUM/PROVIDED
Backyard landscape lighting can add beauty and safety to your property.
LEE TANENBAUM Guest Columnist
OPINION
100 most influential people
Here’s another batch of names in my continuing series exploring the most influential people and topics in history.
No. 31. Robert Edward Turner III. (born Nov. 19, 1938) is an American entrepreneur, television producer, media proprietor and philanthropist. Ted makes the list for multiple reasons. He is one of the top 5 landowners in the United States, with more than 2 million acres that will generally be preserved or saved from development in the future. America’s Cup, CNN, The Braves, his $1 billion dollar donation to the UN in 2017 (which he decided “after two days thought”), his creation and funding (roughly $250 million) of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, his Buffalo herd (he owns roughly 10 percent of all buffalo alive today), and much more we will never hear about. Turner sets the standard for class, integrity, leadership, courage and vision – something woefully lacking today, at least in the political arena.
No. 32. Jimmy Carter makes the list for many of the same reasons as Ted Turner. Carter’s post-presidency arguably surpasses that of any president in terms of accomplishment and selfless public service, ranging from his work with Habitat for Humanity to his world-wide efforts for voting rights, human rights and health. He sets the example for the rest of us, especially in not making “money” the primary focus and pursuit of his life.
No. 33. Lewy body dementia (LBD) is one of the most common forms of dementia, typically in people 50 years or older. Ted Turner suffers from it. Robin Williams, Estelle Getty, Casey Kasem, Tom Seaver, Adlai Stevenson had it. It is a progressive disease with symptoms including hallucinations, loss of coordination, trouble swallowing, insomnia, excessive
daytime sleepiness, depression, anxiety, paranoia, dizziness. Life expectancy once diagnosed is five to eight years. One in every 300 or so people suffer from LBD in the U.S., and one in 30 Americans suffer from some form of dementia. We have to do something about all these bad-actor proteins.
No. 34. Sub-prime mortgages. We all remember the financial crisis of 2007/08 that was caused in large part by the crash of the housing bubble and the related sub-prime mortgage crisis. The “market” wrote tens of thousands of subprime loans – especially adjustable-rate mortgages – which started defaulting when the real estate bubble popped. Those bad loans had been packaged and resold on the broader financial market, primarily as bonds, to banks and institutional investors worldwide. But it was “wink, wink, nod, nod” in the industry; they knew that the financial packages were based on bad loans. One could view sub-prime mortgages as kind of the poster child for greed and avarice.
No. 35. Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Green Jeans. Captain Kangaroo was a TV show that ran from 1955 until 1984 in front of a live audience – the longest-running children’s TV show in history. It featured Captain Kangaroo (played by Bob Keeshan who started playing the Captain at 28 years old), Mr. Green Jeans (played by Hugh “Lumpy” Brannum), Mr. Moose and Mr. Bunny Rabbit. In later years, Keeshan would share that he wanted to create a safe space for children. He refused to allow advertising that he thought would be harmful to kids (like toy guns, for example). Kellogg’s was one of the main early advertisers. Schwinn Bikes later became the primary sponsor and used the show to build its brand in front of an estimated audience of 8 million children. The show is being included in the list because it reminds us of better times, safer times, simpler times.
No. 36. Steve Jobs. You know why. If you don’t, perhaps google “Steve Jobs 2005 Stanford Commencement Address.” Two favorite Steve quotes: “Good, is never enough” and “Do what you love.”
37.
why.
No. 38. Citizens United v. FCC. This 2010 Supreme Court case, in essence, eliminated centuryold campaign finance restrictions and opened the door for unlimited money to be poured into political campaigns by corporations and other organizations. The ruling basically expanded the already outsized influence of wealthy donors, special interest groups and corporations, and it facilitated the creation of super PACs funded often by dark money from anonymous donors. That is why we have watched somewhere north of $2 billion being spent on the 2024 elections, the battle of who has the most money.
No. 39. Mikhail Gorbachev. The December 1991 dissolution of the USSR by Gorbachev was a massive, unprecedented geopolitical earthquake. Economic, political, social and military factors drove the dissolution and facilitated the creation of 15 independent republics, including Russia and Ukraine. In the short run it left the U.S. as the only superpower in the world. The impact of the dissolution is far from over and will continue to play out for decades, including the battle for Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and indirectly, the future of NATO. Significantly, the course of much that will occur geopolitically will be significantly impacted by the winner of the 2024 presidential election.
No. 40. Ukraine. I am a child of the “toppling dominos” theory that led the U.S. into war in Korea, Vietnam and all the ones since. So, when I hear folks talking about pulling out of supporting Ukraine, I think about that.
But then I think about what we know: Ukraine is the second largest food producer in the world. Putin wants that food. Ukraine is the largest of the countries that used to be in the USSR. Putin wants them all back.
Abandoning Ukraine sends a clear message to Putin: We won’t stop you, keep taking back your former republics. And don’t stop there. It is not in the U.S. best interest to “Make Putin Great Again,” but that is what may happen. Staying with Ukraine is a make-orbreak decision.
No.
The Apprentice (the TV show). You know
RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
Fraud:
from Page 1
The median loss reported during the timeframe was around $10,000.
Sandy Springs Police Chief Kenneth DeSimone said he became aware of the trend of cryptocurrency scams within the city after speaking to a fraud detective at the police gym several months ago.
“One of the big issues — and I didn’t know this, and he educated me on it — was cryptocurrency and cryptocurrency ATMs,” he said. “What’s happening is citizens of Sandy Springs are being preyed upon.”
Using fear to motivate
DeSimone said the fraud often involves scammers posing as law enforcement, whether they claim to represent a local court or sheriff’s office. Often, the police chief said, scammers will contact a resident and claim they must pay a fine for something like failing to appear for jury duty.
“They’ll tell them to go to a bitcoin machine … and put U.S. dollars in it, convert it to cryptocurrency and then send it to an address,” DeSimone said. “And once it’s done, it’s gone … usually oversees.”
The value of cryptocurrencies is in their ability to transfer money online without the need for a middleman, like a bank or payment processor, while also providing a secure network.
The cryptocurrency-related technology blockchain is driving a new stage of the internet, colloquially known as Web3. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the financial and logistics industries, according to the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Unfortunately for local law enforcement, tracking fraudulent transactions and international scammers with the blockchain is difficult.
While the Sandy Springs Police Department is one of the largest in Metro Atlanta, it simply doesn’t have the resources to conduct investigations into cryptocurrency scams, especially dozens of them.
Tracking the money trail is a job better suited for the U.S. Secret Service or FBI. But, Sandy Springs Police want to do something about it.
Lanes:
GDOT’s current plan calls for constructing elevated express lanes — 50 to 60 feet above the existing generalpurpose lanes. The two express lanes, running in each direction, may extend across the entire northern half of I-285 and connect into I-20.
With GDOT still searching for a private-sector financier, changing the scope of the express lanes remains a possibility.
The scope of the MARTA study includes the entirety of the I-285 Express Lanes project and looks to expand access using the elevated lanes between the H.E. Holmes station in west Atlanta and the Indian Creek station in unincorporated DeKalb County.
The stations are the eastern and western termini of MARTA’s rapid transit Blue Line. Because MARTA’s rail lines provide solid east-west and north-south public transportation, the transit study is focused on getting MARTA users to other places via bus rapid transit.
Natavis Eric Harris, project manager with MARTA, said his team is using models from the Federal Transit Admin-
SCREENSHOT
A screenshot of Appen Media’s website shows several reports of cryptocurrency scams from cities surrounding Sandy Springs. The Sandy Springs Police Department does not share most officers’ narratives about crime incidents and arrests with the media, leaving them in the dark about crime trends in the city.
The fraud detective who spoke with the police chief suggested putting a sign above the BTMs stating, “No Law Enforcement Agency will ever solicit payment through cryptocurrency,” with an email address for the department’s Intelligence and Technology Division.
DeSimone said some anecdotes from detectives include cases where victims have lost more than $100,000, totaling millions across the city.
“He thought, and I think it’s a good idea, that if we put those [signs] up … it may help,” he said. “It definitely won’t hurt.”
There have been more than 250 victims of scams involving cryptocurrency in Sandy Springs this year, and other cities in North Fulton County are experiencing similar trends.
From left,
urban
engineering
discusses transit options along the proposed I-285 express lanes with two attendees of the Dec. 5 public input session at the Hampon Inn off Hammond Drive. The purpose of the meetings is to get feedback and refine plans as the express lanes project moves forward.
istration to predict future demand for transit use. Harris said he’s focused on getting MARTA service where it needs to be.
Regional transit connections – or bus stops – proposed
“It’s not the cryptocurrency that is fraudulent, it’s the taking of the U.S. currency, converting it to crypto and then sending it to a bad guy,” DeSimone said. “It’d be same thing as getting an old money order, taking cash, getting the money order and then mailing it.”
Stifling crime information
Each week, Appen Media submits open records requests to law enforcement agencies within its coverage areas to compile a police blotter for its weekly editions.
Appen Media does not publish a Sandy Springs blotter because of the city’s interpretation of Georgia’s Sunshine Laws. Reports received from Sandy Springs omit most information, leaving the public unaware of crime details in their city.
In neighboring cities, like Roswell and Dunwoody, Appen Media reports weekly crime incidents gleaned from more substantive police reports that allow readers to guard against trending crimes, some more serious than fraud.
Appen Media has reported on crypto-based scams across Metro Atlanta for more than a year.
The Sandy Springs Police Department refuses to release most full narratives of crimes occurring in the city. Any full account of crime in Sandy Springs comes when the department wishes to share it.
During a discussion following the police chief’s presentation, City Councilman John Paulson suggested expanding the language on the sign to include scammers who may not identify themselves as law enforcement.
“Most of the time it is a law enforcement agency, and the reason they do that is they want to put the fear in the victim and … do it quickly,” DeSimone said. “We can tweak it if we need to.”
DeSimone estimated there are 27 crypto ATMs in the city. Owners will need to register their machines, unless licensed through the state, and post a warning sign as a result of the new ordinance.
City Attorney Dan Lee said there’s a maximum fine of $1,000 or six months in jail for failure to comply.
City Councilwoman Jody Reichel said criminals will likely pivot and come up with new methods to scam victims, even with the introduction of the signs. Reichel said she wants the city to stay ahead of criminals.
along the northern arc of I-285 include Indian Creek, Doraville, Perimeter Center, Cumberland and H.E. Holmes, with potential other locations scattered across the east and west.
Most of the predicted bus transit involves people on the west and east sides of I-285 heading north to Central Perimeter.
MARTA Director of Federal Corridors & Hubs Marcus Arnold said construction of the project is contingent on the progress and timing of GDOT’s I-285 Express Lanes project. Without a private-sector partner, there’s no predicting when funding will be secured for MARTA’s transit.
That’s not stopping MARTA from planning potential stations along the bus corridor.
Tim Sorenson, vice president of transit and urban mobility at engineering firm CDM Smith, took attendees through access approaches at major stops like Perimeter Center.
Factors to be considered include walk time, direct connections to amenities and ride time.
With the roar of motorists along Ga. 400 at the Hampton Inn off Hammond Drive, the need for transportation diversification in north Metro Atlanta was apparent.
For those unable to attend in person, meeting materials can be viewed at www.i285expresslanestransit.com.
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Tim Sorenson, vice president of transit and
mobility at
firm CDM Smith,
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TIP YOUR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY PERSON
Your local community newspaper lands in your driveway every week—rain or shine—bringing you the stories, events, and updates that matter most. But did you know that the person delivering it is often a dedicated individual who goes the extra mile (literally) to ensure you stay connected?
Why Tip?
• Show Appreciation: Your delivery person is out there early in the morning or late at night, navigating all kinds of weather, so you can enjoy the news with your morning coffee.
• Support Local Efforts: While the paper might be free, the effort behind it isn’t. Tipping helps reward those who keep this vital community service running smoothly.
• Brighten Their Day: A small tip can make a big difference in someone’s day, showing gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
If you enjoy receiving your free community newspaper, consider giving a small token of appreciation to the person who brings it to your driveway. A little kindness can go a long way!
Thank you for supporting your local delivery heroes!
How to give your delivery person a tip:
Give via the online portal at appenmedia.com/deliverytip or scan this QR Code
If you prefer, you can also mail a check made out to Appen Media Group and mail it to Newspaper Delivery Tip C/O Appen Media Group, 319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009
100% of every dollar you contribute will be spread out evenly between the 24 newspaper delivery people that Appen Media employs. Whether you give $5 or $50, they will greatly appreciate it. 1 2
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Bilingual Food Pantry Supervisor
Bilingual Food Pantry Supervisor
The Food Pantry Supervisor supports all aspects of the Food Pantry including inventory control, receiving products, client orders, supervising and managing volunteers, entering data and creating reports and supporting client intake. The Supervisor is the primary backup support to the Food Pantry Manager.
The Food Pantry Supervisor supports all aspects of the Food Pantry including inventory control, receiving products, client orders, supervising and managing volunteers, entering data and creating reports and supporting client intake. The Supervisor is the primary backup support to the Food Pantry Manager.
The Supervisor must be proficient in Spanish and have the ability to work with a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Good interpersonal communications skills are required and MS Office (Excel) experience is a plus. Must have the ability to work evenings & weekends, lift up to 42lbs, use a pallet jack, push and pull items, and be on your feet for several hours.
The Supervisor must be proficient in Spanish and have the ability to work with a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Good interpersonal communications skills are required and MS Office (Excel) experience is a plus. Must have the ability to work evenings & weekends, lift up to 42lbs, use a pallet jack, push and pull items, and be on your feet for several hours.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
