September 2020 - Atlanta INtown by Atlanta Intown

ATLANTA INTOWN 6065 ROSWELL ROAD, SUITE 225 SANDY SPRINGS, GA 30328

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Atlanta, GA Permit NO. 3592

pages 31-37

Focus on Education SEPTEMBER 2020 Vol. 26 No. 9 â&#x2013; www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com

Outstanding Intown Residences B Y K E N C O V E R S W I T H E N G E L & V Ö L K E R S AT L A N TA

F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G

1448 N. Morningside Dr O F F E R E D AT $ 1 , 5 9 5 , 0 0 0 5 B E D | 4 B AT H | 1 H A L F B AT H If you’re looking for a fully renovated, move-right-in condition home with large rooms, high ceilings, oversized walk in closets (I don’t think there are larger walk-in closets in Morningside), three car climate controlled garage, abundance of storage, high end finishes and attention to details throughout, then look no further, because this could be your new home.

1651 N. Pelham Rd N.E.

998 Wildwood Rd N.E.

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O F F E R E D AT $ 1 , 3 7 5 , 0 0 0

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O F F E R E D AT $ 8 3 5 , 0 0 0

4 B E D | 3 B AT H

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Light-filled modern Morningside residence with a

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5 B E D | 5 B AT H | 1 H A L F B AT H

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6 B E D | 4 B AT H Coming Soon- Chef’s kitchen, level walk-out backyard, screen porch, AstroTurf yard, one of Morningside’s best and quietest streets.

Do your part in participating in social distancing, virtually checking in with loved ones, supporting local restaurants and business, and promoting and contributing to helpful causes and charities. For more ways on how to get involved, please contact me - I’m more than excited to assist in any way I can!

Your Life. Your Home. Your Realtor®.

©2020 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing. Engel & Völkers and its independent license partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act. *Source: FMLS data from 1/1/2015 through 12/31/2019 in Morningside.

2 September 2020 |

At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Our mission: Published monthly since 1994, Atlanta INtown provides its readers with hyperlocal news and information that helps foster a sense of community in a dynamic urban setting. Live, work and play—we cover everything that makes our city home.

Contents September 2020

Neighborhood

Editorial Collin Kelley INtown Editor collin@atlantaintownpaper.com (404) 917-2200, ext. 102

6 } Police Reform 8 } Street Racing 8 } Oakland East Gate 9 } Dist. 5 Congressional Race 10 } Water Boys

Contributors Sally Bethea, Kathy Dean, Donna Williams Lewis, Asep Mawardi, Jacob Nguyen, Clare S. Richie, John Ruch, Tim Sullivan

Business

Submissions Article queries and calendar submissions should be emailed to collin@atlantaintownpaper.com.

Home & Real Estate

Published By Springs Publishing LLC Atlanta INtown • Reporter Newspapers Atlanta Senior Life 6065 Roswell Road, Suite 225 Sandy Springs, GA 30328 Phone: (404) 917-2200 Fax: (404) 917-2201 Steve Levene Founder & Publisher stevelevene@reporternewspapers.net (404) 917-2200, ext. 111 Amy Arno Director of Sales Development amyarno@reporternewspapers.net (404) 917-2200, ext. 112

16 } Condos & Townhomes 19 } Real Estate Briefs

Sustainability 22 } Above the Waterline 23 } Eco Briefs

News You Can Eat 24 } Gathering 25 } Atlanta Food & Wine Festival 26 } Quick Bites

Rico Figliolini Creative Director rico@reporternewspapers.net (404) 917-2200, ext. 117

The Studio

Deborah Davis Office Manager deborahdavis@reporternewspapers.net (404) 917-2200, ext. 110

28 } Fall Arts Events 29 } Lantern Parade

Advertising

For information call (404) 917-2200 ext 119. Sales Executives Jeff Kremer, Janet Porter Circulation/ Subscriptions Each month, 30,000 copies of Atlanta INtown are mailed to homes and distributed to businesses in and around ZIP codes 30306, 30307, 30308, 30309, 30324 and 30329. For delivery information, call (404) 917-2200, ext. 110. © 2020 All rights reserved. Publisher reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertising for any reason. Publisher assumes no responsibility for information contained in advertising. Any opinions expressed in print or online do not necessarily represent the views of Atlanta INtown or Springs Publishing, LLC.

Focus On Education 31 } APS Superintendent 32 } Virtual Learning 34 } Private Schools 35 } VolunTeach 36 } Education Briefs 37 } TimmyDaddy

On the Cover Connect with Atlanta INtown AtlantaINtown Paper.com

At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

12 } Underground Update 14 } Business Briefs

Facebook.com/ AtlantaINtown

twitter.com/ ATLINtownPaper

From left: Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring; a Grady High School student takes virtual classes at home; and students at Greater Atlanta Christian School. Read our Focus on Education special section beginning on Page 31.

town 3

September 2020 | IN

INtown on the beach Long before the pandemic made working from home de rigueur, the editorial side of Atlanga INtown has been mostlyproduced from my home in the Old Fourth Ward for the last seven years. In that time, I’ve also found myself editing the magazine in Los Angeles, Portland, Austin, New York, London, and Paris. So, it really was no big whoop when I accidentally planned a vacation during production week for this September issue. Hello from Tybee Island Beach! My apologies to the rest of the staff and contributors working from their home offices, but my production was definitely better than yours. My office for the week was under sunny skies accompanied by daiquiris and the sound of waves gently crashing Collin Kelley on the sand. collin@atlantaintownAmong my friends – some who are immunocompromised – paper.com there has been a lot of hand-wringing over whether to take trips while COVID-19 continues to rage. Although I had the virus back in March, scientists are saying the antibodies don’t last, so I could be exposing myself again. I took the risk because I felt my mental health was in danger of becoming compromised if I didn’t have a change of scenery. After months of relentless pandemic coverage, I just needed the tiniest bit of “normalcy” for a few days to hit the reset button on my soul. I realize I am lucky to be able to afford a trip out of town and I am grateful for it. If you can’t get out of the city – because the kids are taking virtual classes at home, work, or whatever reason – find your own change of scenery even if it’s just for an afternoon. Go to a park, go for a walk in a different neighborhood, take a drive around the city, or simply sit in your backyard and find a moment of peace and quiet. It will do wonders for your mood.

EDITOR’S LETTER

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#1 INTOWN AGENT

Jim Getzinger

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Morningside

HOMES CLOSED IN 2019

1731 Wildwood Road NE Active | Offered for $2,495,000

Virginia Highland

Morningside

Ansley Park

SELLING INTOWN FOR 22 YEARS

838 Cumberland Road NE Active | Offered for $1,795,000

946 N Highland Avenue NE Just Listed | Offered for $975,000

937 Virginia Avenue NE Coming Soon

31 Lafayette Drive NE Under Contract | Offered for $2,399,000

Virginia Highland

996 Rosedale Road NE Just Listed | Offered for $1,195,000

12 South Prado NE Active | Offered for $1,349,000

Ansley Park

Virginia Highland

941 Virginia Ave NE Just Listed | Offered for $1,895,000

767 Virginia Circle Coming Soon

1066 Rosedale Drive Coming Soon

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

town 5

September 2020 | IN

The Neighborhood News & Features

Police Reform

Mayor issues orders for APD to change its use-of-force policies By Collin Kelley

■ Developing a plan for officer training and non-retaliation language regarding an officer’s duty to intervene when seeing another officer using unreasonable force. ■ Engaging with the Atlanta Citizen Review Board (ACRB) to develop standard operating procedures that outline a clear process to coordinate investigatory data exchange and communication of disciplinary action, as well as evaluating potential actions APD could take to collaborate with ACRB to improve community awareness. ‘

6 September 2020 |

Photo credit: Courtesy Atlanta Police Department

he Atlanta Police Department is in the process of implementing reforms to its use-of-force policies after Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued seven administrative orders in August. Bottoms stood up the Use of Force Advisory Council in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. She said the council had done an extraordinary amount of work in 45 days and had received input from officers, the community, and national experts to craft 33 recommendations. “The collective effort underway with the APD, our community and partners to reform our city’s use of force policies will continue to position the police department as a national model for modern policing,” Bottoms said. “Thank you to the members of the Use of Force Advisory Council for developing a roadmap that will help strengthen APD and build trust between law enforcement and our communities.” The Mayor’s seven administrative orders address 16 of the 33 recommendations outlined in the report and gives direction for the city’s chief operating officer to oversee implementation. The orders include:

■ Working with the City Attorney to develop a multiyear partnership with the Atlanta/ Fulton County PreArrest Diversion Initiative (PAD) to continue the work of the program. ■ Working with APD to compile public reports into a single public-facing platform for public transparency and to develop a dashboard that shows APD’s use of force trends. ■ Collaborating with APD and coordinate with the ACRB to develop recommendations regarding how conflicts between APD and ARB disciplinary recommendations may be resolved; providing notice to ACRB of any changes to operating procedures related to use of force within 30 days; and expanding the ACRB mediation program.

■ Forming a partner with Atlanta/ Fulton County PAD to develop a training rollout plan aligned to the initiative’s expansion across all Atlanta zones. ■ A top to bottom review of Atlanta policing, including a plan to solicit community input on reimagining the vision, mission and core values of the APD; creation of de-escalation requirements, outlining specific examples/ tactics and creating a requirement to consider vulnerable populations when deciding to use force; recommendations on how to revise officer evaluation systems to incentivize eligible diversions and de-incentivize certain arrests; and a plan to work with APD, City of Atlanta, alternative response organizations, and other key stakeholders to develop an alternative response continuum. The full Advisory Council report can be found at atlantaga.gov by searching for use of force advisory council.

The collective effort underway with the APD, our community and partners to reform our city’s use of force policies will continue to position the police department as a national model for modern policing. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms

At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

BR OO K H AVE N 1468 Briarwood Road, No. 1601 Offered for $267,500 Stephanie Bolton Sorrell 404.330.4418

B RO O KH AV E N 1468 Briarwood Road, No. 1603 Offered for $272,500 Stephanie Bolton Sorrell 404.330.4418

BUCKHEAD 2255 Peachtree Road, No. 722 Offered for $269,000 Aly Tiller 314.651.8444

B U CKHE A D 2575 Peachtree Road, No. 2H Offered for $410,000 Tom Abrams 917.279.0755

BUC K H E A D BUC K H E A D 2795 Peachtree Road, No. 2007 325 E. Paces Ferry Road, No. 1501 Offered for $475,000 Offered for $359,900 Lisa Bennett Chase Mizell 678.531.2996 770.289.2780

BUCKHEAD 3653 N. Stratford Road Offered for $699,000 Jason Hatcher 404.550.3090

B U CKH E A D 3777 Peachtree Road, No. 321 Offered for $259,900 Chloe Summy 404.316.8952

BUC K H E A D 585 Mountain Way Offered for $1,295,000 Amanda Nichols 770.490.1563 Tracy Patterson 404.932.6532

DECATU R 3171 Kincaid Drive, No. 19 Offered for $403,500 Lisa Collins 678.522.2304 Chelsea Yearous 678.793.0163

D ECAT U R 3175 Kincaid Drive, No. 17 Offered for $405,000 Lisa Collins 678.522.2304 Chelsea Yearous 678.793.0163

DECAT UR DRUID H ILLS 3177 Kincaid Drive, No. 16 1200 Ponce de Leon Avenue, No. A2 Offered for $410,000 Offered for $919,900 Lisa Collins 678.522.2304 Allen Snow Chelsea Yearous 678.793.0163 404.931.1176

GRA N T PA R K 655 Mead Street, No. 55 Offered for $320,000 Bridgett Posey 404.493.2939

BRO O K H AVEN 2254 Wayside Drive Offered for $595,000 Robin Elliott 404.314.9777

BRO O K WO O D 100 26th Street Offered for $874,900 Laura Matura 404.310.0060

M E A N SV I LLE MIDTOW N 0 Chapman Road 1080 Peachtree Street, No. 1506 Offered for $699,000 Offered for $368,900 Clay Henderson 770.652.1890 Jeff Tubo Haden Henderson 678.787.9226 404.819.1874

BUC K H E A D BUCKHE AD 120 Peachtree Memorial Drive, No. 124-4 1580 W. Wesley Road Offered for $394,900 Offered for $1,995,000 Allen Snow 404.931.1176 Neal Heery 404.974.4388 Feroza Syed 770.595.5018 George Heery 404.974.4378

BUC K H E A D 8 Collier Road, No. A2 Offered for $264,900 Robert Bairstow 404.376.4790 Fraser Parker 404.219.4442

MIDTOW N 75 14th Street, No. 4740 Offered for $2,595,000 Chase Mizell 770.289.2780

BUCKHE AD 2161 Peachtree Road, No. 301 Offered for $285,000 Annie Boland 404.449.1179

BUC K H E A D 3302 Pine Heights Drive Offered for $230,000 Aly Tiller 314.651.8444

BUCKHE AD 3325 Piedmont Road, No. 1601 Offered for $685,000 Shira Cohen 678.523.0757

BUCKHE AD 3334 Peachtree Road, No. 1409 Offered for $450,000 Angela Cashion 404.423.5245

BUC K H E A D 9 Spring Green Place, No. 9 Offered for $295,000 Dana Eris 404.386.4844

CASTLE BE R RY HILL 346 Peters Street, No. 202 Offered for $332,500 Angela Beck 770.330.5015

CHAM BLE E 5300 Peachtree Road, No. 3309 Offered for $288,000 Sandy Edson 404.931.9140

EDG EWO O D 1223 Hardee Street, No. 24 Offered for $519,000 Allen Snow 404.931.1176

E D GE WOOD 1223 Hardee Street, No. 25 Offered for $504,000 Allen Snow 404.931.1176

E D GE WOOD 1223 Hardee Street, No. 31 Offered for $285,000 Allen Snow 404.931.1176

MIDTOW N M OR E L AND 850 Piedmont Avenue, No. 2608 0 Bear Creek Road Unit A Offered for $599,900 Offered for $2,600,000 Chase Mizell Clay Henderson 770.652.1890 770.289.2780 Haden Henderson 678.787.9226

OLD FOURTH WAR D 640 Glen Iris Drive, No. 613 Offered for $699,000 Kevin McBride 404.626.6884 Burma Weller 404.735.6666

No. 1 Intown Brokerage TOTAL HOME SALES & TOTAL SALES VOLUME

OL D FO U RTH WA R D 647 East Avenue, No. 1B Offered for $800,000 Craig Dodd 678.860.6868

W ESTS I D E STAT I O N 1918 Westside Boulevard Offered for $684,900 Christine O’Neill 404.857.7058

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. Source: TrendGraphix, Top 10 Firms, July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020. Zip codes 30306, 30307, 30308, 30309, 30324. All Property Types; All Price Points.

At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

September 2020 | IN

City, APD crack down on illegal street racing By Collin Kelley and John Ruch

s w e Rou n d

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued an administrative order to stand up an advisory council and engage community partners to address the “alarming racial and ethnic disparities” underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic. The city’s chief health officer has been ordered to develop a report on the issue and a series of virtual town halls will be held on the issue. Airbnb has removed 50 listings – mostly located in southwest Atlanta, Downtown, and Buckhead – for violating the shortterm rental company’s policies about large parties. There have been complaints about unruly parties and two teenagers were shot and killed at an Airbnb property in July. Center Parc Credit Union, a division of Atlanta Postal Credit Union, has announced a partnership and a stadium naming-rights sponsorship with Georgia State University. The 15-year, $21 million deal means the stadium – originally the 1996 Olympic Stadium and then Turner Field – will now be known as Center Parc Stadium.

Street racing is not a new phenomenon in Atlanta, but it’s leapt into the headlines and become a hot topic on neighborhood message boards as cars, ATVs, and motorcycles have moved the illegal acts from interstates to local streets. In early May, video of hundreds of spectators watching illegal street races in West End and on Spring Street in Midtown went viral on social media. The incidents happened just a day after the expiration of the state’s COVID-19 shelter-in-place order. A few weeks later, the Atlanta Police Department arrested 44 people and impounded 29 vehicles during a crackdown on street racing. But that didn’t stop the activity. During a July 4 street party, two people were shot and killed and dozens injured while watching cars perform stunts and do doughnuts. Since then, there have been incidents of street racing and stunts on the Peachtree Street bridge over the Downtown Connector and on Highland Avenue on the bridge over Freedom Parkway in Old Fourth Ward, where spectators were tailgating and socializing – again without masks. Both APD and the Atlanta City Council have stepped in to try and curb street racing with a series of measures and ordinances. On Aug. 3, the council adopted an ordinance to reinforce existing state law against street racing by increasing fines

APD impounded cars and made arrests in a May crackdown on illegal street racing. (Photo courtesy APD)

to $1,000 and specifically outlawing other participants — such as those riding along or paying to join — and calling for maximum penalties to be enforced. The ordinance raised eyebrows when it was reported incorrectly by media and public officials that the directive outlawed spectators from even watching illegal street races. Last month, the Atlanta Department

of Transportation brought in barricades to narrow streets in Castleberry Hill, Sweet Auburn, and Edgewood to both limit crowds and eliminate space for vehicles to race and stunt. The city council is also considering buying more license plate readers to identify car owners and crack down on street racing.

East Gate opens at Oakland Cemetery

Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill on Aug. 3 that will eventually allow beer, wine, and liquor to be delivered directly to homes from restaurants, bars, supermarkets, convenience stores, some package and retail stores.

The East Gate is now open at Oakland Cemetery. Photos by Jacob Nguyen.

Atlanta City Councilman Antonio Brown has been indicted for financial fraud by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Brown is charged with fraud after lying about his income on applications to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars in business loans and to buy luxury vehicles.

8 September 2020 |

The new East Gate at Oakland Cemetery has been installed at the corner of Boulevard and Memorial Drive and is now open for visitors to use. The construction of the East Gate is part of a larger effort by Historic Oakland Foundation to preserve, restore, enhance, and share the historic East Hill section of the cemetery. In addition to the new gate, this area will see the introduction of new user amenities including park benches, pet stations, and wayfinding and interpretive signage. “The new gate re-establishes

connections between Oakland Cemetery and the Cabbagetown and Reynoldstown communities and will allow our visitors to more easily and accessibly explore the beautiful eastern side of Oakland including the recently restored African American and Jewish Burial Grounds and the large open meadow of Potter’s Field,” noted Richard Harker, co-executive director of Historic Oakland Foundation. The East Gate also further connects Oakland Cemetery to the rapid development of the Memorial Drive corridor and the Atlanta BeltLine, allowing

a high volume of visitors to access the cemetery without having to travel the sidewalk along Memorial Drive to the pedestrian gate further to the west. Historic Oakland Foundation has received funding for this project through the Aderhold Family Foundation and the Park Pride Community Building Grant program, supported by The Home Depot Foundation. For more information about Historic Oakland Foundation and its restoration and preservation work, visit oaklandcemetery. com. At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Seven qualify to fill John Lewis’ unexpired term in Congress Five Democrats, an independent and a Libertarian have thrown their hats into the ring to fill the unexpired term of the late 5th District U.S. Congressman John Lewis. The Sept. 29 special election will select one of the seven to take Lewis’ seat until the end of the year. State Sen. Nikema Williams will run in November to succeed Lewis for a full two-year term in the U.S. House of Representatives, facing Republican challenger Angela Stanton-King. The seven contenders include Robert Franklin, a Democrat and former president of Morehouse College; Kwanza Hall, a Democrat and former Atlanta City Council member; Barrington Martin II, an educator and former challenger to Lewis in the June primary; Steven Muhammad, an independent and minister from East Point; Chase Oliver, a Libertarian and customer service specialist; State Rep. “Able” Mable Thomas, a Democrat who has served nearly 22 years in office; and Keisha Waites, a Democrat and former state legislator. If none of the candidates get a majority, a runoff will be held Dec. 1. — Collin Kelley

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Dunwoody Reporter

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► 35-day zoning, building moratorium issued PAGE 22

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join ► Cities asked to regional affordable housing policy PAGE 4

Ga. 400 ► Chair of park over ed nonprofit announc

Lining up for kosher barbecue

es back to life ‘Battle of Atlanta’ com A sneak peek NCR, corporate relocations of Amazon made clear what leaders: have tipped off to state State Farm and others of high wage corporate The recruitment and retention countracks of transit. Those employers will follow the apply. without transit need not ties and municipalities CHARLIE HARPER, OF POLICYBEST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

See COMMENTARY, page

Page 8

History Center’s cyclorama

Shooting his way to award-winning heights

See STANDOUT STUDENT

ELECTION DETAILS

Opioid addiction in the

suburbs

EXCLUSIVE SERIES

Life after death: Fami lies turn obituaries into protests against the stigma of addiction

and state-ofing old photographs are bringthey BAGBY BY DYANA the-art technology, painting back dyanabagby@reporternewspapers.net ing the 130-year-old to life.

OUT & ABOUT Gear up for the I finally figure d out holidays that a very effect ive and craftsat arts way to get back markets Page 18 at the offspring ... is to bombard them with Bitmojis.

appealing 23 are local establishments Four See BATTLE on page renewing their althe city’s decision to deny ordinance approved cohol licenses after an license fees from late last year raised liquor to $100,000. approximately $5,000 Restaurant & Rush Lounge, Medusa and Josephine Lounge, XS Ultra Lounge on Buford Highway, Lounge, all located their liquor licenses were told in January 2018. See for would not be renewed STORY on page 8 revised alcohol See Robin’s Nest page 11 The reason? Under the See VENUES on page 13

MAX BLAU Larry and Peggy Lord display a childhood photo of their sons Ashby and Hunter. Ashby, at right, died of a heroin overdose last year.

BY MAX BLAU

A t l a n t a I N t o w n P OUT a p& ABOUT e r. c o m Mayor Bottoms to g’ ‘Dead Man Walkin author to speak at death penalty panel

Shooting his way to

| PAGE 22

Sandy Springs Reporter

Coping with a Crisis:

n a Sunday afternoon last April, the moment PHIL MOSIER Larry Lord had dreaded for roughly two on Jan. 25. The museum decades finally happened. His Atlanta History Center painting. wife, Peggy, found of the painting at Buckhead’s their 35-year-old of Atlanta” cyclorama must first complete a major restoration son Ashby no longer works on the “Battle breathing in the this winter, but A painting conservator cyclorama exhibit basement of their plans to open the ranch home on Sandy Springs’ Mount Paran Road. She tried performing CPR and called 911. But nothing s of NCR, the paramedics did could revive Ashby what corporate relocation after a heroin overdose. leaders: Amazon made clear have tipped off to state Larry was devastated. Like many famState Farm and others corporate ily members after retention of high wage a death, he faced the task of writing an The recruitment and Those counobituary so that the tracks of transit. newspapers and the funeral home could employers will follow need not apply. inform their loved ities without transit ones. Larry, an architect, ties and municipal considered himself Page 8 a problem-solv BY EVELYN ANDREWS HARPER, T er.

page 10

NOV. 7

Chef-driven restaurants coming to Dunwoody Gree n

on page 6

CHARLIE OF POLICYBES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

reporternewspa pers.net

VOTE TUESDAY

BY DYANA BAGBY - 15, 2018 • VOL. 12— NO. 5 dyanabagby@reporterne the controversial FACEBOOK.COM wspapers.net The rewrite of /THEREPORTER NEWSPAPERS Overlay District TWITTER.COM/ Brookhaven-Peachtree REPORTER_NEW The city of S reporternDunwoody’s Urban up confusion for dewas intended to clear newal Agency ewspaper s.net Reexpects to finalize for homeowners velopers and calm fears with a developer plans ► Democratic candidate the Brookhaven/ next month for living in the area near sign and constructi the des Station. But the City on of several for governor stake Oglethorpe MARTA rants as part restauout those in the of the long-plann Council member representing ed Dunpositions woody Green project. PAGE 4 new law will allow area is concerned the Economic Developm and removes resent Director for much higher density chael Starling Mi. said redevelopments the ► URA is in the City to require short-ter idents’ power to change nal stages of firefirming up a m however, say the s.net contract with officials, developer Crim rental registration, ewspaper reporternCity and Associates issues and, for the to write clarifies density about build five or six restaurant licensing PAGE 2 a way to enforce s on about 2.5 acres in what’s first time, gives them designated as the city’s Project ADVERTISING density restrictions. SPECIAL Renaissance 3-1 at its Jan. 23 SECTION urban| P15-21 redevelopThe City Council voted ment plan. The restaurant the Overlay rewrite, s would be built around meeting to approve a small park in June and includbegan space. that a process The acreage, at the intersectio until a few days beNorth Shallowfo ed public meetings up n of was aprd Road and overlay Dale and Dunwoody Michael Yoss Park, fore the vote. The original is of part of the in 2007. to hungry attendeesthe BBQ’n Hebrew Hillbillies Dunwoody Green commercial proved by DeKalb County were at the Atlanta site within the Kosher BBQ Festivalamong many cooks serving JOHN AWTREY larger ProjPHIL MOSIER ect Renaissan samples on Oct. 22 at Brook ce developme See DENSITY on page 22 Run Park. nt. “This is to be our Canton Street | P16-20 [in RoADVERTISING SECTION

EXCEPTIONAL SPECIAL EDUCATOR ANDREWS challenge BY EVELYN Venues OUT & ABOUT evelyn@reporternewspaper Westms.net inster the new room holding city’s ’ a gigantic In couns Atlanta” ‘Dead Man Walking ofelor wins 359-foot-long “Battle along liquor perched $100K workers natio author to speak atcyclorama, lifts nalonhonor painting 50-foot-high the Usfees and iPads. license with paintbrushes death penalty at panel

in Ashford from enjoying playtime and son Theodore, 2, stop Damon Gabriel in the rain,” said Damon. A Sunday shower didn’t “Theo and I love this park and playingPAGE 15 Park on Jan. 28.

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► Local players get a kick out of new sport of FootGolf PAGE 4 ► Book Festival of the MJCCA will bring big-name authors

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Density questioned in new Overlay District rewrite

Watery fun for a dad and his son 2018 • VOL. 12 — FEBRUARY 2 - 15,

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ORTER_NEWS

► Cities asked to join regional affordable housing policy

Brookhaven Reporter

pledges unite Atlanta in Buckhead speech evelyn@reporternewspapers.net

Keisha Lance BotNew Atlanta Mayor not neunite the city and toms promised to the Buckhead Coalition’s glect Buckhead, at

First of a 4-Part Series

The combination of prescription painkillers, heroin and synthetic opioids is killing people around the nation, Reporter Newspapers including within communities. In this exclusive four-part series, we will look at how local prosecutors, recovering families, nurses, addicts and others are responding to a that already kills moregrowing epidemic people than cars, guns or breast cancer each year. To share your thoughts and stories, email editor@reporternewspapers.ne t

A doctor’s overview of the opioid crisis. See Commentary , page 10 ► Usually, he could sketch out new doors or windows to make design problems disappear. He’d written obituaries, too,

most recently for his first by’s mother, Shannon, wife and Ashafter she died from complication s of cancer. But the circumstances of Ashby’s life posed difficult questions in how to talk about his death. Euphemisms are a tradition of sorts for overdose victims. Their obituaries say that they left this world or entered eternal rest while glossing over how it happened. The reasons vary from not speaking ill of the dead to a fear that it might reflect poorly on the living. “For many years, you never saw the word ‘addiction’ in an obit,” says Dr. Frances Levin, a psychiatry professor at Columbia University Medical Center. “That’s because of the stigma related to Continued on page

New highway toll lanes could have major neighborhood impacts Excitement, wariness over Amazon HQ2 possibility See CHEF-DRIVE

N on page 12

BY JOHN RUCH johnruch@reporternewspape rs.net

New toll lanes on I-285 and Ga. 400 could tower 30 feet or higher over neighborhood s on elevated ramps, eat into back yards, and plug major interchanges into such local streets as Mount Vernon Highway and Raider Drive BY in BAGBY a state conceptual DYANA design that could start construction dyanabagby @reporternewspapers.net within five years. The “managed lanes” could have massive impacts With the on High neighborhood Street property character, local on Georgia’s traffic official and mass site list transit for options, its Amazon but the conquarters headcepts remain bid, residents largely unknown and officials to the aregeneral ing voicpublic. bothThe excitement city of Sandy and Springs wariness is protesting over the potential parts of city-sized the concepts complex and suggesting coming tosome town.alMichael but ternatives, andmostly Reneebehind Fraser the scenes. have The inGeorgia lived Dunwoody Department for 22 years. of Transportation They don’t’srefirst member public meetings ever seeing for the Ga. 400 lanes anything are exbut grass onpected the High to beStreet held late property this year inafter the conPerimeter Center ceptual near designs the Sandy are more solid. border. Springs A rare public display of the behind-theSee EXCITEMENT on page 22 See NEW on page 14

City fears new state laws would end local controls

BY JOHN RUCH

johnruch@reporternewspapers.ne t

The city fears that several new state legislative proposals would undo recent local laws, from apartment construction to pet sales. One example is a proposed law that would kill Sandy Springs’ restriction on using wood to build large multifamily housing complexes. The proposal is “disastrous” and would allow “cheap apartments,” Mayor Rusty Paul is complaining. But state Rep. John Corbett (R-Lake Park), the bill’s lead sponsor, says the law would simply allow developers to be free to choose See CITY on page 13

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town 9

September 2020 | IN

City unveils advisory council recommendations for Atlanta’s young water sellers A pair of reasons we are uniquely qualified to treat you. Experience.

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The City of Atlanta has unveiled the incentive part of its carrot-and-stick approach to dealing with youths – dubbed “water boys” – who sell bottled water on the streets. In August, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms released recommendations from a Youth Entrepreneurship Advisory Council on ways to steer youths into safe and legal ways to make money. The report says that many youths are making $100 to $300 a day selling the water, so actual money-making has to be the core of an alternative program. And some youths will choose to continue selling water regardless, the report said. “The main way to steer them away from selling [water] is to offer a more enticing alternative. In short, they need to be compensated for their time,” said the report, adding that alternatives will require “robust” partnerships with nonprofits, businesses and Atlanta Public Schools (APS), among others. The administration will continue to work on the recommendations with such partners as Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development agency, and the jobs program WorkSource Atlanta. Anyone wanting to participate can email the city at youthentrepreneurship@ AtlantaGa.Gov. To see the full report, can be read at this link. On the enforcement side, the Atlanta Police Department has begun cracking down on criminal activity by or related to watersellers after numerous attacks on motorists and a recent robbery of two youths in Buckhead by an older teen. The advisory council’s report says it worked on principles of racial and economic equity — part of Bottoms’ overarching city policy goals — and the ideas that the youths themselves should have input on solutions that will benefit everyone in Atlanta. “Youth need support and opportunity, not punishment,” reads another principle.

The water-selling business

The report, based partly on interviews with water-sellers and APD officials, provides a variety of statistics and estimates about the street business. An estimated average of 150 to 300 youths are selling water on city streets each day, the report says. Water-sellers range in age from 8 to 21 but are “typically” 12 to 16 years old. Most work in groups. Many are working during school hours, and some were not in school due to suspensions. The business involves reselling bottled water that is typically purchased from stores near the sales sites. The youths typically enter the street to sell the water to drivers at traffic lights. The youths report making $100 to $300 a day through sales or tips. Many are seeking money to support their households and were meeting basic living needs, though some were also raising “entrepreneurial resources” for start-up businesses or music studio time. A few said they would take a traditional job if it was offered, while many said they preferred working for themselves, according to the report.

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Police response

The report notes that the water-selling is fundamentally illegal under city ordinances prohibiting vending without a license and obstructing traffic, and under state law prohibiting pedestrians from entering roadways. While that has sometimes been cited as a simple solution, the report said that APD interviewees “emphasized that a better approach should not depend on the police to solve the problem, nor should it be a police-led effort.” With the popularity of the business, the report said, there is an increase in robberies where older youths steal the day’s earnings from younger ones. From Jan. 1 through July 5, the report said, APD recorded 694 calls for service related to water-selling. More than 400 calls involved complaints about related behavior like “aggressive sale tactics,” obstructing traffic or an unwillingness to clean the sales area. Thirteen calls were reports of people with weapons. From all of those calls, there were 11 incidents of youths aged 17 or older being cited and arrested, and four incidents of minors cited and released to parents. Since the release of the report, APD has begun a social media campaign urging drivers to not purchase water at intersections to dry up sales and get the youths off the streets. The APD campaign is also engaging with the water boys and reminding them that there are other opportunities available to them and their families such as the PAL (Police Athletic League) programs and the Atlanta Police Foundation’s At-Promise Centers that offer education, recreation, and workforce development resources.

Program recommendations

The report contains 13 recommendations elaborating ideas of overcoming inequities, conducting outreach, creating programming hubs, and partnering with APS. On outreach, the city needs an “authentic, credible” approach and must gather more data about the youths, the report said. The city needs to recognize the “entrepreneurial energy” and have a campaign with the message, “We see you. We hear you. We support you.” The report suggests using the city’s Centers of Hope after-school program as one to create hubs of programming for the youths and their families. It also suggests working with a nonprofit partner to create pipelines to jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, as well as working with community leaders on “earn and learn” workshops. The city also must recognize that some youths will continue selling water on the streets and find ways to manage that safely, the report said. Working with APS on similar programming is another recommendation. That would include identifying young entrepreneurs and developing a nontraditional business program for them; providing interactive, hands-on training in entrepreneurship; and providing stipends and other paid incentives for staying in such programs. — Collin Kelley contributed to this report. At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

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town 11

September 2020 | IN

Business Retail � Projects � Profiles

Underground Update Long-delayed transformation of Downtown icon set to restart this fall By Collin Kelley

he third reincarnation of Underground Atlanta is still going to happen, according to the developer who first agreed to purchase the iconic and infamous Downtown property in 2014. Just over a year ago, South Carolina based WRS announced that a hotel, LGBT-centric nightclub, and an apartment complex would be the first new developments to open at the site, but the COVID-19 pandemic has set the project back. In a statement to Atlanta INtown, WRS said work is set to begin again in the autumn. WRS said the YOTEL hotel project was still happening but did not offer a timeline for groundbreaking or completion. When announced, the 351-room hotel was set to begin in summer 2020, with an anticipated opening date of Autumn 2022. The hotel will have 234 “cabins” designed for short stays, 117 “pads” for longer stays,

Underground Atlanta was mostly shuttered and quiet in mid-August, but developer WRS said work will begin again in the autumn. Photos by Jacob Nguyen

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self-check-in kiosks, adjustable SmartBeds, outdoor pool and terrace, rooftop bar, “GRAB+GO” cafe on the ground floor, and a combination restaurant and co-working space. At the southwest corner of Pryor and Alabama, Keith Young and Hoosh Mishu have signed a 10-year lease for Future Show Bar and Restaurant, a night club and eatery geared toward LGBTQ+ patrons. Atlantabased drag queen, Phoenix, who competed on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” will lead the cabaret show. The 14,000 square-foot, two-story space was slated to open this past spring, but the pandemic has kept most nightclubs from reopening. “Future simply can’t have the crowds needed to make it operational at this time, so it will most likely need to wait to open until crowd ordinances return to what they used to be,” WRS said in its statement. Work on the apartment project is set to begin in 2021, according to WRS. The residential project, a partnership with Prestwick Companies, was announced with 130 one-, two-, and three-bedroom options. WRS said that “re-modifying” of existing space at Underground will start again before year’s end. continued on page 14

12 September 2020 |

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GYN Surgical Specialists 404-303-3157 • gynsurgicalspecialists.com

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Arthritis & Total Joint Specialists 770-292-6500 • arthritisandtotaljoint.com

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town 13

September 2020 | IN

continued from page 12

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What’s still unknown is what businesses, retail, or restaurants might fill the rest of the four-block redevelopment. WRS said in its statement that COVID-19 has had a major impact on national and regional tenant plans. “Most tenants that were looking for new locations during this time have been delayed due to working on making their existing tenants profitable again,” the statement said. The delayed redevelopment is another chapter in Underground’s storied history. The retail and entertainment district, which became best known for hosting the annual Peach Drop on New Year’s Eve, was created after the Civil War as bridges and viaducts were built over Downtown’s railroad tracks. The section of the city, containing about 12-acres, was eventually covered and forgotten as the street level was raised one-and-a-half stories by the end of the 1920s. Underground was rediscovered in the 1960s and the original store fronts, brick streets and gas lamps were renovated and turned into a restaurant and nightclub district in 1969, including the original Dante’s Down the Hatch. The heyday was short-lived and Underground became home to vagrants until the late 80s, when it was resurrected again in 1989. The second heyday didn’t last long either as the upscale retailers and restaurants fled and were replaced by small shops, chain stores and fast-food restaurants. At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

BUSINESS BRIEFS ◄Colony Square in Midtown has launched a new workspace program called Flip the Switch designed for employers who are looking for move-in ready workspaces with short-term commitments. North American Properties (NAP) and office leasing team Cushman & Wakefield are co-creating the program. Space is available now and ranges from 3,000 to 20,000 square feet. Leases are based on licensing agreements with electronic execution, which reduce transaction costs and make the lease negotiation process more efficient. The licensing agreements are set for approximately 6-18 months. The spaces are also wired for the internet. For more information, contact Cushman & Wakefield Director Sonia Winfield at sonia.winfield@cushwake.com. A12,000-square-foot Nike Factory Store will open in Atlantic Station this fall. The store will carry a varied selection of Nike branded footwear, apparel and equipment. The majority of the products will be close-out or overrun products that will be sold at an affordable price

Design firm Cooper Carry today announced the promotion of Josh Daniel to Director of Landscape Architecture. The move coincides with the firm’s enhanced focus on outdoor design as the pandemic has illuminated the need for increased open-air environments that allow for healthier gatherings. In his new role, Daniel will lead business development, design and site planning as well as the growth of the Landscape Architecture Studio by recruiting top talent and developing new business relationships. Atlantic Station has unveiled Concierge: At Your Service, the property’s new complimentary concierge program available for guests, residents and office tenants. The program offers an expanded list of services usually reserved for guests of high-end hotels, including wayfinding information, on-property dining reservations, dry cleaning services, food and beverage delivery, car wash and detailing services, grocery delivery, a Picnic in the Park and more. Find out more at atlanticstation.com. Georgia Power recently provided a donation of $25,000 to the Families First, Inc.’s Family Recovery Fund to help mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and social injustice in the metro Atlanta area. Families First works to improve outcomes for children, youth, individuals and families at every stage of life by providing them with mental health support, coaching, early education, parenting skills, and supportive housing ◄AYA Medical Spa is officially open at Colony Square in Midtown offering skincare treatments including facials, laser hair removal, injectables, and a range of products. For more, visit ayaskincare.com.

Crowdfunding platform StartEngine has announced a new collaboration with Jamestown, the real estate investment and management firm company behind the renovation of Ponce City Market. Jamestown Invest is an online direct-to-consumer investment vehicle that allows individuals the opportunity to invest in real estate for a minimum of $2,500. The fund focuses on the acquisition of value-add properties in urban locations with potential for repositioning or redevelopment. For more information, visit StartEngine.com.

CBRE has announced that Rooms To Go has signed a lease for 60,000 square feet for the relocation of its Atlanta headquarters to Perimeter Summit, which is also home to IBM, Cox Automotive, Northside Hospital and Verizon.

SHARE Social Concepts, a new Atlanta-based marketing team specializing in real estate, design and lifestyle, has been created by Austin Northenor and Frances Chase. Despite the COVID-19 crisis, the new company has already added 10 new clients. For more information, visit sharesocialconcepts.com.

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town 15

September 2020 | IN

Home & Real Estate

Trends � Development � City Living

What Buyers Want

Intown’s condo and townhome market booming despite pandemic By Kathy Dean

he demand for condos and townhomes continues to grow throughout Intown, and developers are doing their best to meet the demand. Still, COVID-19 concerns are leaving their mark on every part of the economy, including real estate. “We definitely saw a slowdown in the condo market due to COVID-19, but things are starting to pick back up again,” reported Karen Rodriguez, GROUP KORA/Berkshire Hathaway. She said that while new pending townhome and condo sales are on a recovery trajectory, they are being surpassed by the more robust recovery in single-family home new pending sales. “At the end of the day, not everyone wants to live in a single-family home,” Rodriguez said. “There are still people who want one-level living and the ability to be get out and walk to their destinations.”

What buyers are looking for

COVID-19 has caused a major cultural and social shift in the way people are thinking about their homes, she added. “With condos, they want features like large outdoor terraces, private elevators and even services like buildings with increased cleaning protocols and air filtration systems.” Rodriguez and her team, GROUP KORA, have taken over the sales and marketing for

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16 September 2020 |

the J5 project (ownJ5.com) in Midtown. “The building was just completed a few weeks ago and has many of the features people are requesting – a smaller number of units, large terraces and enhanced cleaning protocols,” she said. J5 also offers contemporary modern interiors with high-end finishes. Prices range from $500,000 to $1 million. Rodriguez also referenced a penthouse condo that she recently listed in the Aqua building in Midtown. It has a lot of features that appeal to current homebuyers, she said. “The penthouse has all the elements that today’s luxury condo buyer is looking for. Aqua only has 83 total units, unlike some of the other high-rises,” Rodriguez explained. “#2301 has a private elevator that lets you off in your foyer rather than a hallway. It also At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

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has over 1,600 square feet of private outdoor space, a private kitchen and even a dog respite so that you don’t have to leave your home to take your dog out to potty.”

Brand new and clean

According to David Tufts, CDO & Managing Partner, @Ansley Developer Services, buyers are looking for more space for in-home offices and fitness areas, as well as private outdoor space, whether that’s a terrace, patio or roof deck. “Interior space and the benefits of a new state of the art home Roycraft are huge!” he said. Tufts added that there are many benefits to buying Ardyn new construction. “These homes have never been lived in, so they’re incredibly clean and have updated finishes and new appliances with warranties. More importantly, new construction homes offer buyers state-of-the-art living in a pristine environment.” He pointed to several developments that are drawing homebuyers right now. The 10 new luxury townhomes of Ardyn (ardynvahi.com) boast smart home technology with private fenced-in yards and a rooftop terrace available. Ardyn is just minutes from Piedmont Park and Ponce City Market and start at $869,900. Graydon Buckhead is a boutique collection of luxury condominiums located on Peachtree Road. Currently under construction, the 22-story tower will feature dramatic views and resort-style living. Graydon Buckhead condos start at $1.6 Million. For details, go to thegraydon.com. The Roycraft, in the Virginia-Highland community, offers one-, two- and threebedroom and penthouse homes with rooftop terrace floorplans. Roycraft condos are priced from the low $400,000s; theroycraftcondos.com.

Outdoor space and walkability

Allen Snow, Vice President, Developer Sales and Marketing, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, said he sees a strong Intown condo and townhome market now. “Since 2013, there has been an ongoing shortage of Intown townhomes and condos,” he explained. “That shortage continues, but as more 1200 Ponce and more Intown communities are being developed, buyers have more options to consider. I expect the steady sales trend to continue.” Since the pandemic, a common request from buyers is the need for outdoor space, whether it be a rooftop deck, fenced side, rear or front yard, he said. “If a community offers thoughtful floor plans with private outdoor space in a walkable Oxley Edgewood neighborhood, the community will be a home run for all parties involved.” Snow suggested a few hot spots for homebuyers to consider.

404.237.5000 | ATLANTAFINEHOMES.COM | SIR.COM Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

continued on page 18 At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

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September 2020 | IN

28th at Brookwood

continued from page 17 1200 Ponce (minvera-homes.com/1200-ponce) is a community of 51 one-, two-, and three-bedroom condo-flats and townhomes in Druid Hills. The homes are priced from the low $600s to $1 Million+ with occupancy this fall. Oxley Edgewood (oxleyedgewood.com) is a community of 51 townhomes, flats and cottages located in Edgewood. Homes range from the high $200s to high $500s with occupancy in the first quarter 2021. Ten Park East (tenparkeast.com) is an ultra-luxury high rise of 10 full-floor, 3,457 square foot residences in the heart of the Old Fourth Ward, adjacent to the Eastside BeltLine. Homes start at $2.3 Million, with occupancy in 2022.

More space for work and play

Anne Schwall, Vice President, Atlanta Fine Homes Developer Services Division, said that the Intown condo and townhome market remains strong due to the low inventory and mortgage rates, as well as the fact that people are spending more time at home. “People who are renting apartments or living in smaller condos are more motivated than ever to purchase a larger space that meets their needs,” she said. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Schwall added, consumer needs have shifted. “People are looking for home offices or multiple spaces that can flex to become work-fromhome spaces to accommodate couples that are both working from home,” she said. “Buyers are also seeking spaces with outdoor connection and places in the home where they can The Charles

Enclave at Chastain

escape noise.” New construction condos and townhomes offer healthy living, she noted, with brand new homes removing any concern over cleanliness and air quality. “Since buyers don’t have the time to focus on costly renovations, they’re more inclined to favor move-in ready,

18 September 2020 |

new homes that eliminate any inconvenience in dealing with work being done in an older home.” Schwall mentioned several communities that meet the needs of today’s homebuyers. The Charles (thecharlesbuckhead.com), located in Buckhead Village, is now selling its final few residences. All remaining two- and three-bedroom residences have dens and ample indoor and outdoor space for an ideal home office. Two-bedroom + den homes start at $1.6 million; three-bedroom + den homes start at $2.3 million. 28th at Brookwood (AFHDeveloperServices.com) offers both townhomes and singlefamily homes located adjacent to the Northside BeltLine trail and Ardmore Park. The four-story Dartmouth plan features rooftop terraces; the main-floor sunroom and deck will allow for a private home office. Homes start in the high $600,000s. The 30 single-family homes at Enclave at Chastain (enclaveatchastain.com) are located in the neighborhood of Chastain Park in North Buckhead. This secluded collection of homes is bordered by Nancy Creek and the picturesque Blue Heron Nature Preserve. Phase 1 of construction is now sold out. The newest floorplans feature an open layout with access to outdoor space. Homes start in the $800,000s. Snow said that the historically low interest rates give buyers enormous buying power. “If you’ve considered purchasing a home and you’re waiting on the sidelines, contact your lender and get pre-approved,” he advised. “You might be surprised how much buying power you have!”

At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS ◄Capital City Real Estate has begun sales on its new Virginia-Highland condo project, The Roycroft, at 675 Drewry St. The one-, two-, and threebedroom condos will range from 889 to 1,760 square feet with rooftop terraces and Craftsmanstyle design. Prices start in the low $400s. For more information, visit theroycroftcondos. com.

Committed To Excellence WHETHER BUYING OR SELLING

What Matters When Choosing A Realtor?

▲Capital Design Homes has announced plans to build the Lyric Lofts in Castleberry Hill. The 27-unit, four-story building will be located at 356 Peters St. The design calls for retail and restaurant space on the ground floor with one- and two-bedroom condos and penthouses on top. Prices will range from the $200s to mid-$500s. Visit lyriclofts.com for details.

• • • • • •

Negotiating Skill 25+ years’ Experience References Honesty, Integrity, and Trust Market Knowledge Respect, Consideration, and Direct Communication

Sandy Wilbanks REALTOR®

c: 678.333.7907 o: 706.613.HOME SANDYWILBANKS@ANSLEYATLANTA.COM ▲Alliance Residential has closed on the acquisition of 12 acres at 2167 Bolton Drive for the development of luxury apartment development Broadstone Upper Westside. The project will feature 314 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments units with top-ofmarket features. Wendover Housing Partners has broken ground on a new community, Heartland Station, in Sylvan Hills at 2074 Fleet St. SW. The three-story building will have 131 gardenstyle apartments with one, two and three-bedroom options. For more details, vsiti www. wendovergroup.com. At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

A N S L E Y M O U N TA I N S . C O M 706.613.HOME | 116 WEST MAIN STREET, UNIT 1C, BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA 30513 Equal Housing Opportunity | Christopher Burell, Principal Broker and Chief Motivation Officer | All information believed accurate but not guaranteed. If you have an existing relationship with a Broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.

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September 2020 | IN

Recently Sold

1020 N. VIRGINIA AVENUE SOLD FOR $505,000

2014 MANCHESTER STREET, NO. 97* SOLD FOR $494,999

1018 OXFORD ROAD SOLD FOR $1,450,000

1161 BRIARCLIFF PLACE SOLD FOR $1,795,000

161 RIDGELAND WAY SOLD FOR $1,199,000

475 ANSLEY COURT* SOLD FOR $675,000

403 N. HIGHLAND AVENUE SOLD FOR $1,347,000

936 KINGS COURT SOLD FOR $1,285,000

940 CLIFTON ROAD* SOLD FOR $1,180,000

1119 MONROE DRIVE SOLD FOR $942,000

1237 REEDER CIRCLE SOLD FOR $1,159,000

1698 JOHNSON ROAD SOLD FOR $1,034,325

927 KINGS COURT* SOLD FOR $1,399,000

1270 MONROE DRIVE SOLD FOR $565,000

675 AMSTERDAM AVENUE SOLD FOR $506,500

1099 PALAFOX DRIVE SOLD FOR $785,000, UNLISTED

868 ROSEDALE ROAD* SOLD FOR $690,000

919 E. ROCK SPRINGS ROAD SOLD FOR $607,000

1901 WINDEMERE DRIVE SOLD FOR $555,000

619 EAST AVENUE* SOLD FOR $1,179,900, UNLISTED

Under Contract

SITE PLAN

20 September 2020 |

1429 WESSYNGTON ROAD OFFERED FOR $1,849,000

1433 WESSYNGTON ROAD OFFERED FOR $2,120,000

260 COLEBROOK STREET* OFFERED FOR $740,975 (LISTED BY COMPASS)

1223 HARDEE STREET, LOT 46 OFFERED FOR $565,000, UNLISTED

1223 HARDEE STREET, LOT 47 OFFERED FOR $550,000, UNLISTED

5210 RIVERVIEW ROAD OFFERED FOR $1,495,000, UNLISTED

251 COLEBROOK STREET OFFERED FOR $399,000, UNLISTED

Information is believed to be accurate but not warranted and is subject to changes, omissions, and errors. Artist rendering is for marketing presentation purposes only.

OWNSOUTHERLAND.COM

Compass.com

1317 LANIER BOULEVARD OFFERED FOR $2,395,000

At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Active

JARED SAPP 1150 VIRGINIA AVENUE OFFERED FOR $1,525,000

1783 NOBLE DRIVE OFFERED FOR $1,895,000

1551 MARKAN DRIVE OFFERED FOR $1,837,500

1590 N. MORNINGSIDE DRIVE OFFERED FOR $975,000

1268 UNIVERSITY DRIVE OFFERED FOR $825,000

29 AVERY DRIVE OFFERED FOR $975,000

R EA L ESTAT E G ROU P

MORE THAN $71M SOLD IN 2019 19 YEARS OF REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE

1790 DEFOOR AVENUE OFFERED FOR $485,000

927 E. ROCK SPRINGS ROAD OFFERED FOR $1,119,900

AGENT IN MORNINGSIDE, 2018 & 2019 AND VIRGINIA-HIGHLAND, 2018 & 2019

JARED SAPP c. 404.668.7233 • o. 404.237.5000 • jared@jaredsapp.com jaredsapp.com • atlantafinehomes.com • sir.com 36 POLO DRIVE OFFERED FOR $799,000

2861 ELLIOTT CIRCLE OFFERED FOR $694,900

700 CUMBERLAND CIRCLE OFFERED FOR $899,000

419 N. HIGHLAND AVENUE OFFERED FOR $599,000

2959 ANDREWS DRIVE OFFERED FOR $3,350,000

At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

1685 MOUNT PARAN ROAD OFFERED FOR $2,499,000

Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. *Represented buyer. Source: TrendGraphix, Top Producer, January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019, Zip Codes 30306, 30308 and 30324. All Property Types; All Price Points.

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September 2020 | IN

Sustainability Recycling • Resources • Lifestyle

Learning to adapt in a pandemic – now and in the future

hen I retired from Instead of teaching a group of ten Chattahoochee or so students in a comfortable Riverkeeper, room with windows along one nearly six years entire wall and state-of-the-art ago, I began teaching a water audio-visual equipment, I will resources class every fall to have to somehow engage these graduate students in the School bright young people through the of City and Regional Planning screen on my home computer, at Georgia Tech, where I earned at least for the foreseeable future. my master’s forty years ago. That My most successful classes, to degree helped launch my career date, have been those in which in water policy, culminating the students’ energy and my in a satisfying, twenty-year responses created a feed-back position leading the only loop of sorts, keeping all of us nonprofit advocacy organization focused on a particular topic. focused solely on protecting the How will I be able to do this Chattahoochee River. effectively, when we must One of my goals has been communicate at a distance? to pass on some of the “realHow will I read non-verbal world” lessons that I learned over cues from the students that, in the years to my planning and the past, have helped guide my engineering students, hoping lectures and our discussions? these lessons may prove useful. By Sally Bethea Are there best practices of For at least some of the fiftyvirtual teaching to help me Sally Bethea is the plus students I have taught, I retired executive direc- grab and keep the attention believe that this has been the of distracted students? As the tor of Chattahoochee case. In truth, I have gotten as Covid-19 pandemic is teaching Riverkeeper and curmuch, if not more, in return, rent board president of us, the ability to adapt is critical: as the students asked tough embracing new ways of achieving Chattahoochee Parks questions about the changing goals, both personally and Conservancy whose environmental issues that face professionally. mission is to build a our communities and planet. With one small group of community of support They have challenged me to students to co-teach a new (to for the Chattahoochee think more deeply and try to me) environmental management River National Recrecommunicate more clearly; their ation Area. class this fall, I know that my enthusiasm and desire to make challenges will be insignificant the world a better place has never compared to those facing failed to sustain me, as I worked to make teachers in schools across the country my lectures as interactive and interesting as who must manage many more classes and possible. students: teaching and grappling with issues The fall of 2020 will be very different. related to the pandemic, including unsafe

ABOVE THE WATER LINE

working conditions, along with life’s other uncertainties. I’ve been thinking a lot about my younger son, Robert, who teaches English at a large school in San Diego; I’m confident that his creativity, resourcefulness and ability to deal with changing circumstances will help him get through these difficult times. But I still worry about both of us – and all teachers. Changing circumstances. Adaptation. Do we demand that our lives and activities remain as close to “normal” (whatever that is) as possible, defiantly refusing to acknowledge the change that is obviously taking place around us? Some predict that future pandemics will be more frequent and spread more rapidly, unless we stop the widespread destruction of our environment: rampant deforestation, uncontrolled expansion of agriculture, intensive farming, mining, the exploitation of wild species and more. The current pandemic is not likely a one-off. Do we find ways to thrive, not just survive, by embracing reliable scientific knowledge, by electing and supporting leaders unafraid of making hard decisions, and by investing as heavily as necessary in pandemic mitigation and adaptation? This type of quandary has, of course, been taking place on the planetary level for decades with climate change. The majority of the people in our country are finally demanding that climate action be taken now. Will Big Oil and Wall Street listen and voluntarily adapt to change their ways – or find themselves forced to alter their business-as-usual approach? At the end of July, Canada’s last intact ice shelf – the 4,000-year-old Milne Ice Shelf – collapsed, breaking into huge

“iceberg islands.” The melting was caused by hotter air above and warmer water below, according to a glaciologist who said, “Without a doubt, it’s climate change.” Last year, fifteen extreme weather disasters caused at least a billion dollars in damage each and seven of them cost much more: California wildfires ($25 billion), Typhoon Hagibis in Japan ($15 billion), and flooding in the American Midwest ($12.5 billion) – all events exacerbated by climate change, according to scientists. In 2018, Georgia Tech launched its Global Change Program, designed to coordinate and grow education and research activities that create positive change: solutions and economic opportunities at the intersection of global change, climate change and energy. Planning and engineering students at the university are readying themselves with information and strategies to help communities grapple with the impacts of climate change that are already observed – and those that will come. The students will need all the tools in the proverbial toolbox to help communities thrive and embrace changing circumstances, be they related to pandemics, global warming or other issues. My hope is to inspire them to seek new ways to build their toolboxes – to be resilient and resourceful in the face of uncomfortable and, in many cases, frightening change. To do that, I will first need to overcome my own trepidation about online teaching. Instead of complaining about how hard and different it will be, I’ve decided to learn about any creative approaches that will make remote learning as meaningful and satisfying as possible for all participants. I am learning to adapt. Sally Bethea’s first water resources planning class at Georgia Tech in 2015.

22 September 2020 |

At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

ECO BRIEFS ►Keep America Beautiful and The Coca-Cola Foundation has placed 25 new recycling bins at Piedmont Park as part of the Coca-Cola Public Spaces Recycling Bin Grant Program. “As Atlanta’s crown jewel, it is vital for Piedmont Park to set a high standard in green efforts such as recycling. Therefore, we are proud and grateful to receive recycling bins from Keep America Beautiful and The Coca Cola Foundation,” says Mark Banta, President and CEO of the Piedmont Park Conservancy. “The new bins are an integral part of our continuous mission to maintain the Park’s pristine nature.” Ten organizations have joined forces with national recreation retailer REI for the Hikes for Health Challenge encouraging the public to hike, walk, or jog 10 trails in 10 greenspaces over the next 10 months. Organizations participating in the challenge include Blue Heron Nature Preserve, Chastain Park Conservancy, Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Dunwoody Nature Center, Friends of Lost Corner, Livable Buckhead, Parks Cobb County, Peachtree Creek

Greenway, and Sandy Springs Conservancy. Participants are encouraged to use #HikesForHealthREI in social media postings after walking, jogging, or hiking a trail from each greenspace organization. For more details, visit hikesforhealthchallenge. splashthat.com. The Atlanta Audubon Society Board of Directors recently voted to change the name of Atlanta Audubon Society to Georgia Audubon. Along with the new name comes a new statewide focus and partnerships with other Audubon chapters across Georgia, scaling up successful programs, and engaging with more diverse communities. “With an ever-growing list of conservation threats facing Georgia birds and their habitats, there is a clear need for habitat restoration and resilience, education, and community engagement on a statewide level,” says Executive Director Jared Teutsch. “As Georgia Audubon, we will seek to adopt a broader focus to connect birds and people across the state.” Established in 1926 as the Atlanta Bird Club, the organization later voted to become an independent chapter of National Audubon Society and was

granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 1973. Since hiring its first part-time staff person in 2006, the organization has grown to include eight full-time and one part-time staff positions at its headquarters at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve in Buckhead. ►Georgia Power and MARTA have partnered to be electric car charging stations at local transit stations. The first phase of the partnership included the implementation of 60 EV charges at nine MARTA locations for a connected load of 426 kilowatts (kW). Further phases will include a second wave of EV charging at MARTA locations and the potential for fast chargers to support Lyft EV rideshare drivers at popular MARTA station destinations. MARTA, with Georgia Power’s assistance, also recently won a grant for six electric buses slated for deployment at the end of 2021.Learn more at GeorgiaPower.com/EV. Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) has reached a settlement for litigation concerning an industrial facility along Burnt Fork Creek in Tucker. The A&R Ironworks facility’s violations were discovered as part of CRK’s Protecting

Streams and Communities from Industrial Pollution program. During a survey of industrial operations in the watershed, staff identified potential pollution issues at the facility, which fabricates structural and ornamental ironworks for commercial building projects. After CRK filed a lawsuit, A&R Ironworks substantially cleaned up and stabilized the property and has altered operations to eliminate almost all outdoor activities, storage, and stormwater exposure of industrial materials. Additionally, in

agreeing to terms for settlement, CRK has secured $60,000 for supplemental environmental projects, paid directly to two entities in and around Burnt Fork Creek and the South Fork of Peachtree Creek, the larger Chattahoochee River tributary into which Burnt Fork Creek flows.

Working Hard For My Clients In Intown And Beyond R ECE NT LY SOL D S

Jefferson Hopkins REALTOR®

c: 678.588.3013 o: 404.480.HOME JEFFERSON@ANSLEYATLANTA.COM

1381 N MORNINGSIDE DR

2284 OAKVIEW ROAD

offered for $800,000

offered for $706,000

2757 OAK GLEN MANOR ROAD

2879 LOOKOUT PLACE

offered for $1,000,000

offered for $596,000

404.480.HOME 952 PEACHTREE STREET SUITE 100 ATLANTA, GA 30309 ANSLEYATLANTA.COM

Christopher Burell, Principal Broker. Information believed accurate but not warranted. Equal Housing Opportunity. If you have an existing relationship with a Broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.

At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

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September 2020 | IN

News You Can Eat Restaurants � Reviews � Events

Thinking Outside the Lunch Box Culinary organization supports other nonprofits as it saves itself By Donna Williams Lewis

athering Industries, a Christian nonprofit that operates a culinary training program for homeless men, was doing brisk business before the pandemic. Its paid trainees, called “clients,” worked with the organization’s top-notch chefs in a former Chosewood Park church to prepare and deliver as many as 400 high-end boxed lunches a week to Atlanta offices, hospitals, churches and other sites around town. All of that was thrown into flux when the pandemic hit. Training is suspended over concern for the safety of all involved, and lunch orders — which fuel about 40 percent of the group’s revenue — vanished in a new work-from-home world, said Amber West, director of operations. A proposal from a donor in mid-March through Gathering Industries a lifeline: “If I give you $2,000, how many lunches can you make to send to front-line hospital workers?” That led to 500 bagged lunches for Piedmont Hospital workers, all prepared by a pared-down staff – Gathering Industries’ founder Alex Reethof, kitchen supervisor Chris Hardaway and West. “And then it just sort of had a chain effect,” West said. During the next several months, additional donations poured in allowing the hearty trio, with the help of an occasional volunteer, to make and donate 15,000 lunches to hospitals and nonprofits across Atlanta. One of the ongoing recipients is Wellspring Living, an organization that provides recovery services for sex trafficking victims through residential and communitybased programs. Currently, Gathering Industries delivers enough meals to provide daily lunches for up to 20 children and their direct-care staff in Wellspring Living’s new Receiving Hope Center – Georgia’s first residential intake center for trafficked youth. Barb Giuliano, logistics program coordinator, said the gift of free meals has given her organization “a fiscal and mental break.” “It was a tangible act of love that is just so heartwarming, especially in a time of crisis,” she said. And, as for the food, “It’s been very nutritious. It’s been very balanced. It’s been very well presented. It’s very clean. It’s very appetizing looking … something that’s been done obviously with care,” Giuliano said. “The kids have been very enthusiastic.” Mercy Care, a federally qualified health

24 September 2020 |

TOP PHOTO: Kitchen supervisor Chris Hardaway, operations director Amber West and Gathering Industries founder Alex Reethof make lunches pre-pandemic. (Carly Kleban) MIDDLE ROW PHOTOS: From left, volunteers Maggie Benson, Wildine Saint Paul and Chelsey Nwadike, all students at Georgia State University, distribute Gathering Industries lunches at Mercy Care’s Healthcare for the Homeless Day. (Mercy Care) Alex Reethof delivers donated meals to the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House, which gets Gathering Industries meals once or twice monthly. (Gathering Industries) BOTTOM ROW PHOTOS: From left, Chris Hardaway and Alex Reethof prepare an order of lunches, which involves making from 100 to 500 sandwiches a day. (Gathering Industries) As part of their training program, Gathering Industries clients prepared a meal for Peachtree Baptist Church, one of the organization’s supporters. (Hadyn Hilton)

center and Atlanta’s only healthcare for the homeless program, got about 150 free meals weekly from Gathering Industries from March to June. Volunteer Coordinator Nicole Smith said the lunches were distributed to staff, and when there were extra lunches, patients benefitted as well. “They became known as the white bag lunches. Everybody looked forward to them,” Smith said. “It was just always something that everyone appreciated because it reminded them that we’re part of a bigger community and there were wonderful people in the world.” Gathering Industries returned to Mercy Care in mid-August, but this time on business. The facility purchased about 250 lunches to use as a giveaway for anyone who showed up for a COVID-19 testing event. “We just really wanted them to give them the best,” Smith said. Other new orders have been coming in. An online clothing store with a factory in Atlanta ordered 500 sandwiches for an appreciation lunch in August, West said. In the meantime, Gathering Industries has just opened a new revenue stream — a hot meal home delivery service. Dishes such as lasagna, pot roast and lemon chicken in portion sizes from four to 12 servings can be ordered on its website. “We’re really sort of trying to figure out everything we can to keep the doors open so that when the worst of this gets past, we can get back to normal operating measures,” West said. Since 2015, Gathering Industries has worked with local faith-based homeless shelters to train men who have successfully completed transitional programs for drug and alcohol dependencies and prisonrelease programs. Several hundred clients have gone through the culinary training and management skills program, which is designed to prepare them for sustainable jobs and self-sufficiency. The group’s founder, Alex “ChefTainer” Reethof, has worked in the hotel and restaurant industry since 1974 and at fine dining restaurants across the country. “When clients leave, the way Alex likes to say it, is that they’ve got a full tool belt ready to use, a set of skills,” West said. “So that when somebody’s looking at their application, they’re not looking at their past. They’re looking at like, ‘I’ve been through this training program, I’ve gotten this certification, and I’m ready for this job.’ ” Find more information at gatheringindustries.org. At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival reimagined amid pandemic By INtown Staff In light of COVID-19 and in an effort to give back to the restaurant community its celebrated for the past 10 years, the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival (AF&WF) will hold a series of digital seminars and select socially distanced meals Sept. 10 – 19. This year’s event will forgo the festival and instead present 13 digital seminars, called AF&WF At Home Edition Presented by Publix, as well as 11 dinners, two lunches and one brunch, all with limited, socially distanced seating. One hundred percent of ticket sales from the digital seminars will benefit the talent and 70 percent of ticket sales from the chef experiences will go back to the restaurants. “COVID-19 has had a life-altering impact on the restaurant community that has helped build this festival to internationally known status over the last 10 years,” said Brett Friedman, CEO of Agency 21 Consulting. “We are leveraging our platform to drive business and revenue back to them as a show of solidarity for our partners and friends.” Special virtual guests at this year’s event include chefs Ron Hsu, James Kerwin, Deborah VanTrece, John Castelluci Misti Norris, and Erik BrunerYang. There will also be a pie masterclass with Pie Bar’s Lauren Bolden to a seafood couvillion with crab fat rice from Isaac Toups and curry in a hurry from Miami culinary sensation, Timon Balloo. For a list of digital seminars, visit atlfoodandwinefestival.com/athome. Dining events will include a special collaboration dinner with Chef Jeb Aldrich, Chef Matt Weinstein and Chef Claudia Martinez at Tiny Lou’s, An Evening in Provence dinner with AIX’s Nick Leahy or The Pasta & Vinyl Experience presented by Chef Craig Richards at Lyla Lilah. Tickets for chef experiences range from $95 to $200 and $10 for the seminars. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit atlfoodandwinefestival.com.

Tacos. Tequila. Sports.

Dinner served Tuesday - Sunday

www.lazyllamacantina.com

Order and pay online for pick-up Delivery by UberEats and Zifty.com

1551 Piedmont Avenue

(corner of Piedmont & Monroe- across from Ansley Mall) old hobnob location

Mexican Restaurant 2895 North Decatur Rd Decatur, GA 30033

(404) 508-0404

Hours: 11am to 10:30pm

Buy any two fajita dinners, get

$7 OFF OR

Buy any two combination dinners with two drinks, get

Dinner 1 FREE Not valid with any other combination offer. Expires 9/30/20

Our assisted living is accredited for two reasons. You. And your family. Because having the confidence and peace of mind of accreditation is important. That’s why The Piedmont is accredited by CARF International, an independent organization that sets exceedingly high standards for care and service. It’s a lot like an accreditation for a hospital or college. Or a five-star rating for a hotel. So if you’re looking for assisted living services, take a good look at The Piedmont at Buckhead. We think you’ll find that our accreditationis only one of the many reasons you’ll like what you see.

Call 404.369.7523 to schedule a personalized tour. CARF-ACCREDITED INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCES IN BUCKHEAD

650 Phipps Boulevard NE • Atlanta, GA• 404.369.7523 www.ThePiedmontatBuckhead.com At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

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September 2020 | IN

QUICK BITES

We are pleased to announce we are OPEN! The safety and well-being of our patients is our main concern

At Atlanta Hearing Associates, you can expect:

We also offer the following services:

■ Prescreening in accordance with CDC guidelines

■ Curbside

■ Required to wear face masks

■ Remote Access by Telehealth

■ Practicing social distancing ™

REDISCOVER THE SOUNDS OF LIFE WITH PHONAK LYRIC

Introducing Phonak Audéo™ Marvel:

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Con Leche, a coffee bar offering specialty coffee and baked goods for those on-the-go, will open in Reynoldstown this fall. The 400 square foot space at 181 Flat Shoals Road is expected to open early-October, and offer a simple menu including drip coffee, cold brew, cappuccinos and lattes. Con Leche will offer a membership program that includes unlimited drip and iced coffee, and a $1 discount on all espresso drinks for $10 a week. The membership will be piloted with 100 members and refine prior to expanding further. For updates and information, visit ConLecheCoffee.com. Ju-C Bar is opening a second location in late fall at Krog Street Market in Inman Park offering made to order fresh juices, smoothies, organic açai bowls, superfood bowls, salads, wraps, and small bites. ►Fowling Warehouse is now open in the Blandtown neighborhood on the Westside offering food and games. The restaurant menu, created by Chef Demetrius Brown, features burgers with pimento cheese, wings, barbecue shrimp, Philly cheesesteak and more. While noshing, guests can play a round of Fowling (pronounced FOH-ling), whcih combines football and bowling using a regulationsized football and 20 bowling pins. Apt. 4B is now open in the former 1 Kept space on Peachtree Street in Buckhead. The menu from Chef Dayana Joseph offers a mélange of Caribbean and French flavors like duck wings a l’orange, cracked conch with a Scotch Bonnet pepper emulsion, oxtail bucatini, cashew chicken roulade, and roasted mackerel escovitch. For more visit apt4batl.com.

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Chef Hugh Acheson has opened an online wine shop, ESS Bottle Shop, based at his Empire State South restaurant in Midtown. The virtual market is run by the restaurant’s longtime sommelier Steven Grubbs. ESS Bottle Shop will offer 20 or more wines each week in the shop, ranging from the expensive and rare to wallet friendly. Wines will be available for pickup at the restaurant Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m.

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◄Perc Coffee Roasters has opened its first Atlanta shop next at the Hosea + 2nd development in East Lake. The Savannah-based coffee and bake shop currently has a walk-up window with patio seating but will eventually offer dine-in once the pandemic numbers shift. Visit perccoffee.com for more information. ►Hero Doughnuts & Buns is now open at 33 Georgia Avenue in Summerhill offering a variety of doughnuts, sandwiches, and burgers. Visit herodoughnutsandbuns.com for the full menu.

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►Ted’s Montana Grill is now offering premium steak cuts and fresh burger grinds for next day delivery with its Butcher Shoppe program. Ted’s Butcher Shoppe features American bison raised without hormones or steroids and Certified Angus Beef. The aged steaks are hand-cut to order and the high-quality meat is ground twice daily before safely packaging to arrive fresh, never frozen. Options include the Delmonico Ribeye, Ted’s Filet, New York Strip, Ground Beef or Ground Bison, complete with Ted’s proprietary seasoning. Visit TedsButcherShoppe. com to place an order.

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September 2020 | IN

The Studio Arts & Culture

Curtain Call

Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony to kick off fall arts season live and virtually

Alliance Theatre’s Susan V. Booth

By Collin Kelley

ive theatre and music venues remain shuttered around INtown due to the ongoing pandemic, but The Alliance Theater and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra have announced they will try and kickstart the 20202021 arts season later this fall with social distancing in mind. The Alliance plans to reopen in November to kick off its 52nd season with drive-in movie style productions, sociallydistanced shows on the Coca-Cola Stage at the Woodruff Arts Center, and a brandnew streaming platform. “Theatre continues to be a necessary town square for essential conversations and a balm for our souls” said Susan V. Booth, Jennings Hertz Artistic Director, in a media statement. “Even in a pandemic and in deep and necessary civic unrest, still we are human. Still we love, we grieve, we rage, and we commune with friends and family – okay, maybe via Zoom, but still. We navigate forward, equally informed by truth and hope, and always in need of joy, dialogue, and heroes.” The season will begin in November with the world premiere of A Very Terry Christmas – a one-woman holiday show featuring Broadway star Terry Burrell. The Alliance will then present a reimagined drive-in version of its annual production A Christmas Carol, staged for the first time as a live radio play. A cast of eight actors will play all the roles accompanied by a

28 September 2020 |

foley sound effects artist giving audiences a peek into the play-making magic. Projections and interactive moments will allow audience members the chance to connect with the story, performers, and each other in this innovative new staging. In February 2021 the Alliance will produce “The New Black Play Fest’s Hands Up: 7 Playwrights, 7 Testaments.” Produced in collaboration with Spelman College, “Hands Up” depicts the realities of Black America from the perspective of varying genders, sexual orientations, skin tones, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Later in the season, the Alliance will stage the world premiere of the 17th Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition winner, “Data” by Matthew Libby, in March 2021. In April, there will be a world premiere musical “Accidental Heroes – The Real Life Adventures of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans,” followed by “Toni Stone” in June 2021 about the first female athlete to play professional baseball in the Negro Leagues. The Alliance will launch a new streaming platform – Alliance Theatre Anywhere – to bring shows to homes and will feature theatre for youth, including “Sit-In” by Atlanta author and playwright Pearl Cleage inspired by the award-winning picture book by Andrea Davis Pinkney with illustrations by Brian Pinkney. For more information, memberships, and details visit alliancetheatre.org. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

is taking a different approach: while musicians will be playing on the stage, the audience will be watching from home on the ASO Virtual Stage platform through Dec. 31. The programs will be comprised of smaller orchestral ensembles and will feature Music Director Robert Spano, Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles, selected guest conductors and artists, and ASO members as soloists. “Our patrons, donors and subscribers have shared with us how much they need the music of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, now more than ever, just as our musicians have expressed how important it is to bring comfort and connection to people during these uncertain times,” said

ASO Executive Director Jennifer Barlament, “At this time, the safest way to perform and engage with our community is through virtual performances. These programs are just the first phase of reimagining the fall season; stay tuned for announcements of smaller outdoor performances with live socially distanced audiences.” The switch to streaming performances means the annual Symphony Gala set for September has been cancelled, along with Christmas with the ASO and Handel’s “Messiah” in December. The ASO said it is working on “reimagined” holiday programming for the virtual platform. “As musicians, our greatest joy is to share our love of music with our audiences, and we have missed them terribly,” said Robert Spano, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Music Director. “We’ve also missed gathering on stage to make music together. We can’t wait to connect with all of you again this fall, even if it’s done virtually. We’re thrilled to feature several of our principal musicians as well as an incredible Talent Development Program alumnus. We look forward to welcoming music lovers not only from Atlanta, but from around the world, to our Virtual Stage this fall.” The ASO is investing in and installing a new robotic camera system at Atlanta Symphony Hall, which will allow for a steady stream of content with enhanced audio and video quality. The ASO said it will continue to monitor COVID-19 numbers and make an announcement by year-end regarding concerts scheduled for January through June 2021. Visit aso.org to view the reimagined virtual season.

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By INtown Staff Last year’s Atlanta BeltLine Parade saw 70,000 participants and spectators packed on the Eastside Trail, but like everything else in 2020, this year’s event is going to be different due to the pandemic. Rather than cancel the event, creator Chantelle Rytter and the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons are encouraging participants to “parade-in-place.” Beginning Sept. 21, residents in Beltline neighborhoods are being asked to put homemade lanterns on their porches or balconies or put them in yards or windows and use the hashtag #BeltLineParadeInPlace when posting to social media. Participants are also asked to include their neighborhood name in the post. Instead of the usual one-night event, the parade-in-place event will continue through Sept. 26. Those who post their lanterns on social media throughout the week could get a visit from continued on page 30

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September 2020 | IN

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continued from page 29 the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons accompanied by giant lantern puppets and a marching band. If the Krewe does show up, be sure to watch from a safe distance – such as from your windows or porch – to maintain social distancing. A statement on the Lantern Parade website reads: “While we will not get together in person this year, and discourage lantern parade parties or gatherings, your participation from your home will provide a unique way to spread joy across the city, celebrate creativity, and build community on a granular level while keeping Atlanta safe.” “While this year will be different, everyone is always invited to join in in the fun and lights of one of the most magical events of the season – with plenty of space,” the parade’s website said. In lieu of the usual lantern workshops, kits are available for purchase from select retail shops, while lantern-making ideas, DIY tutorials, and free downloadable coloring sheets are available at chantellerytter.com/lantern-parade-resources. For more information, art.beltline.org/events/lantern-parade.

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Focus on Education Special Section

On the Job

New Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring says APS is ready for virtual learning challenge By Collin Kelley

ew Atlanta Public Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring has quickly become a familiar face to parents and students, despite only being on the job – officially – since July 1. Herring was the face of a series of online information sessions and town halls over the summer as the district wrestled with the choice of holding inperson or virtual classes with COVID-19 cases on the rise. Stepping into a high profile new role during a raging pandemic while the country also reckoned with racial injustice could have easily been a baptism by fire, but Herring has also seen opportunities for better education and equity emerge from the chaos. The decision to continuing with virtual learning became clear as the district looked at the ongoing spread of COVID-19 in the community, Herring said. “I know parents and students want to be back in the classroom, because I agree that virtual learning is not a substitute for in-person learning,” Herring said. “But it’s a decision we had to make for health and safety purposes.” Herring said she had been “grieving” not being able to meet more of the staff and teachers in person as social distancing and Zoom meetings have become the norm, and would sorely miss visiting schools to meet students on opening day. Still, the new superintendent said there were abundant resources for parents and students online to ease into the academic year from home. “We’ve had town halls for every grade level, and those have been recorded so parents can go back and refer to them for information. We’ve created a new website (atlantapublicschools.us/backtoschool) to access all the information on technology, meals, and we’ll have an overview of the educational platform looks like for each grade level.” With APS students facing at least nine weeks of learning at home, one of Herring’s top priorities has been making sure every student has access to a laptop, iPad, and internet. The Atlanta Board of Education’s Aug. 3 vote to spend $24.6 million over five years to lease devices for 40,000 students – making sure every APS student has one – was a crucial step toward remedying disparities in education. Herring said a survey sent to parents received 20,000 responses, with more than 50 percent of those stating their child needed a device to begin or continue virtual learning. “There continues to be a need, but we’re in a solid place,” Herring said, directing parents who still need a device or individuals or organizations that would like to donate devices to atlantapublicschools.us/getourkidsconnected. Since many children rely on breakfast and lunch for their daily nutrition, Herring said the food distribution program started last spring would continue. Five breakfasts and five lunches per week will be made available for each student, and parents must order each week via the APS website. Herring said she hopes that community partners will step in to fill the gap of evening and weekend meals for students. When classes do resume, Herring said all of APS’s brick and mortar facilities are ready – including the renovated David T. Howard Middle School in Old Fourth Ward – with plans for social distancing in place. Masks will be required for students and teachers. Herring has also been busy behind the scenes working with the school board to reinstate positions eliminated by her predecessor, along with new hires the superintendent said will be essential to APS’s growth. Herring received board approval to reinstate four positions including chief of schools, chief of staff, chief academic officer, and senior administrative manager. Herring also got approval to bring colleagues from her previous appointment as superintendent of Birmingham City Schools to fill two of those positions. Jarod Bishop, who served as Herring’s executive coordinator of policy governance and external affairs, will take the APS chief of staff position, while Anita Williams, who served as instructional superintendent in Birmingham, will become APS’s new chief of schools. At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Perhaps the most significant new leadership position will be the Chief Equity and Social Justice Officer, which will be filled after a nationwide search. Herring described the position as a “monumental” step forward for the school district and said she was “super excited” to get board approval for what she believes is the first position of its kind in the region – maybe the country. “Atlanta is the most unequal city in our nation due to income inequality,” Herring said. “White students are 4.5 grade levels ahead of their black peers.” Herring also noted that full-time staff – including paraprofessionals, clerks, custodians, and food staff – would get a pay increase to $15 per hour. On a personal note, Herring said her return to Atlanta has been a welcoming one despite all the challenges. She said parents have started to recognize her in the supermarket and she’s had quite few conversations about the new school year and those just stopping to welcome her back to the city where her career began. The Macon native and Spelman College graduate completed her observational field work at APS’s Therrell High School. During her time at Spelman, Herring also volunteered and worked at Warren Memorial Boys and Girls Club of Atlanta. She is a 2008 graduate of Leadership Georgia and spent several years as a school counselor and assistant director of student support services in DeKalb County with a similar role in Bibb County. “I’m home,” Herring said with delight. “I wake up every morning and I am grateful to be here.”

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September 2020 | IN

Virtual Learning

Students head back to class at home for – at least – the fall semester

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NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN Each January, we feature students from Intown’s public schools, private schools and colleges who have given back to their community in a significant way. Over the last ten years, we’ve featured students who have created their own nonprofits, have given up summer vacation to work domestically and abroad to help the less fortunate and one even helped build a library by collecting books. The 13th annual 20 Under 20 will appear in our January 2021 issue and we are now seeking nominations of

students ages 19 and younger who have committed themselves to service to the community. Nominations are welcome from teachers, counselors, administrators, parents, siblings, fellow students or community leaders. Here’s the information we need: • Nominator (name, relationship to nominee and contact information) • Nominee (Name, age, grade, school, parent or guardian names, contact information) • Characteristics and service: Please provide a paragraph describing why this nominee deserves recognition. Include service projects, goals, interests and areas of interest to help illustrate your point. The deadline for nominations is Nov. 6. Please email your nominations to editor Collin Kelley at collin@atlantaintownpaper.com.

32 September 2020 |

By Clare S. Richie In the May edition of INtown, we spoke to parents from Atlanta Public Schools’ Grady cluster about how they and their kids were adapting to learning at home when the coronavirus pandemic abruptly shuttered schools. As APS was still rolling out their plans for the new school year, we spoke to those parents again plus a couple of new ones about what they learned in the spring and how they’re preparing to spend the next nine weeks – at least – with their kids in virtual classrooms. Tessa Pickren, who has a senior, sophomore, and 7th grader, praised the teachers and administrators for making the most of a difficult situation. “I am grateful for all that they are doing to make this hard situation the best for all our kids,” she said. “It’s no easy task!” Pickren, said she was most concerned about her 7th grader, who was disappointed about more virtual learning. Admittedly, he wasn’t a big fan of going to school in person but after spending his final weeks of 6th grade learning at home, he was eager to go to class. “He’s tired of being at home and is tired of doing school online,” Pickren said. “I’m trying to set expectations for him that this is going to be different than spring. Spring was survival – he could get all of his work done in an hour and a half. I think this is going to be more structured this go around.” Pickren also said learning new math concepts isn’t easy to do online, even for her 10th grader. “She learns best face to face, which is not an option, so we will have to make the best of it.” Renee Klein, mom to a sophomore and 7th grader, said she and the kids weren’t surprised when APS and other local school districts announced that virtual learning would continue. “Is it really only going to be 9 weeks or is it going to be until January or is it the whole year?” Klein mused. “I guess we don’t really know, but I feel very nervous about that.” Klein said she hopes there is more structure and interaction with the teachers this goround. She’s also discussing creating “learning pods” where a small number of students At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

meet – socially distanced – to learn together. “I’ve talked to a couple of parents about doing a pod, but I don’t know what that looks like yet,” Klein said. “I’m open to that idea because the interaction will be helpful for my 7th grader. We’re going to explore that if we can do it safely.” With three boys at home – in 2nd, 4th, and 6th grade – and the need to also balance a career, Lauren Ellen is expecting the fall to be a bigger challenge. Still, she agreed with APS’s decision to go virtual. “I felt like there was no good answer,” Ellen said. “Going back wasn’t the right answer, virtual wasn’t the right answer. I knew there was no way we were going back, so I began to prepare myself – as we were watching the cases rise – I knew we were going to be home. I’m ok with that, I do think it is the wisest decision.” Her kids’ reactions were mixed to the decision: “My oldest son who is starting middle school, was really upset because he wanted to ride his bike to school every day. The younger two were sad to miss their friends but they weren’t too extremely upset.” Ellen said virtual teaching new material to students who have risen to a new grade was likely to be tricky. She’s discussed hiring a school day facilitator with other parents in the neighborhood for her 2nd grader and would like to for her 4th grader as well, if they are financially able to. “For my 6th grader, we’ve talked about hiring a math tutor once a week and an English tutor once a week to come for an hour and work with the three 6th graders on our street to make sure they are getting what they need to out of each class,” Ellen said. The idea of creating a “learning pod” in the neighborhood has come from necessity as parents also must work. “The economy has changed. We’re all thinking, ‘I want to have a job in a month, I want to perform and do what I need to do.’ That’s what got the conversation going – we’ve got to do something since we all work from home.” Kafi Green, who has two high school students, shared that she wasn’t doing too much extra to prepare. “I am hiring a math tutor to work with them a couple of hours a week and I hope to set up some social gatherings – masks, social distancing – with friends,” Green said. A Grady cluster mom who wished to remain anonymous, but who has a senior and freshman, hasn’t looked into the possibility of study group or pods yet. She knows her students miss socializing with their classmates but she is more focused on maintaining social distancing to keep them safe. “My freshman was excited to start high school and have that experience ideally in person,” the mom said. “My senior has a lot of AP [advanced placement] courses so she knows it’s going to be extra difficult but they are looking at it like, ‘I’ve got to make the best of it.’” “My biggest concern is not that my kids are in a brick and mortar schedule it’s that they’re getting the best education they can during this time,” the mom said.

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September 2020 | IN

Learning Plans

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By INtown Staff Many of metro Atlanta’s private schools have opted to begin the new year with inperson classes on campus, while others are offering a hybrid model or virtual learning option. All the schools have implemented social distancing and are requiring masks, along with a host of other safety measures. Here’s a roundup of local private schools and how they’ve chosen to start the new academic year. Atlanta Country Day School In-person. atlantacountrydayschool.org Brandon Hall In-person and optional hybrid. brandonhall.org/reopening-plan Holy Spirit Preparatory School In-person and remote optional. holyspiritprep.org

The Westminster Schools Hybrid, varying by grade level. westminster. net/covid-19-updates The Lovett School In-person. lovett.org Pace Academy In-person. paceacademy.org/pace-health

The Davis Academy In-person. davisacademy.org/davis-together

The Galloway School In-person or remote. gallowayschool.org/ about/coronavirus-response

Atlanta Jewish Academy In-person and/or remote, varying by grade levels. atljewishacademy.org

Marist School In-person, hybrid, and virtual learning. martist.com/coronavirus

Atlanta International School In-person and/or remote, varying by grade levels. aischool.org/return-to-school

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School In-person. hies.org/back-to-school

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Atlanta Girls’ School Hybrid. atlantagirlsschool.org/new-daynew-way

Greater Atlanta Christian In-person and remote. greateratlantachristian.org

Epstein School In-person or remote, varying by grade levels. epsteinatlanta.org/start-dates-forschool-year

St. Pius X Catholic High School In-person, hybrid, and virtual. spx.org

Mount Vernon School In-person or hybrid with remote option. mountvernonschool.org The Paideia School Remote learning. paideiaschool.org

The Weber School In person and virtual. weberschool.org/ plans Woodward Academy In-person or remote. woodward.edu The Howard School In-person. howardschool.org At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Donating Knowledge VolunTeach offers tutoring for donations to nonprofits

Nathan Guzman

By Collin Kelley The old idiom about one door closing and another opening certainly applies to Lakeside High School grad and current Vanderbilt University senior Nathan Guzman. Guzman’s summer internship was lost to the pandemic, but his passion for justice reform and helping others led to the creation of VolunTeach – an online tutoring service where students make donations to nonprofits instead of paying instructors. In a matter of months, VolunTeach already has 25 tutors who have helped more than a dozen students while raising hundreds of dollars, Guzman said. At $25 per hour, it’s a competitive rate and the students using the service get to support a favorite charity. Guzman originally conceived of the soon-to-be nonprofit as a way to raise money for the Nashville community bail fund to help low-income arrestees and those detained for protesting against social injustice. “With my internship cancelled, I knew I’d have a lot of time on my hands, so I planned to do online tutoring,” Guzman recalled. “That’s when the idea hit me to tutor for donations.: He pitched the idea to friends at Vanderbilt and at home in DeKalb, who also expressed their excitement and interest in becoming tutors. Guzman’s friend and roommate, Nisarg Patil, came up with the name VolunTeach. Another friend, Andrew Crites, helped Guzman set up the website and online procedures for students and tutors, while Alaina Bacante created the organization’s logo and assists with social media. The tutors offer a variety of knowledge and skill sets and offer assistance for ages kindergarten to adult. Those looking for a tutor don’t even At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

CREATE YOUR PATH have to be in school, but just looking to learn or expand a skill. Learning the Adobe software suite, guitar lessons, and one-on-one quarterbacking sessions for football players are some of the unique sessions available. Guzman said customers can feel safe about donating their money, since it goes directly to the nonprofit of their choice rather than being filtered through VolunTeach. Some of the organizations that have received donations are Atlanta Mission, Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort (AWARE), and DonorsChoose. With school back in session, Guzman said he expects an influx of new students, but VolunTeach is ready to scale up to meet the demand. For more information or to schedule a tutoring session, visit volunteachtutoring. org.

home-based for

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town 35

September 2020 | IN

EDUCATION BRIEFS OUR CURRENT LISTINGS

FOR SALE

NEW LISTING

HARVIN GREENE + STEPHANIE MARINAC

1668 Grace Street

3BR | 2BA | $450,000

Rare, comprehensively renovated Philip Schutze Normandy Farmhouse on Druid Hills estate lot.

FOR SALE

Custom-built bungalow in hip and trendy East Atlanta.

845 Clifton Road

6BR | 6BA | 2HB | $5,000,000

1355 Harvard Road

850 Oakdale Road

6BR | 5.5BA | $2,500,000

4BR | 3BA | $1,150,000

Distinctive Architecture abounding with charm and offering a Pebble Tech pool.

406 Spring House Cove

546 Ridgecrest Road

Updated home with designer finishes on quiet cul-de-sac in Durand Mill.

Tudor Revival in historic Druid Hills. Elegant restoration and designer finishes.

4BR | 3BA | $995,000

UNDER CONTRACT

5BR | 5BA | $1,050,000

1170 Oakdale Road

269 Southerland Terrace

Classic Druid Hills home complete with mature English Gardens.

Lake Claire Craftsman charmer. Multiple living spaces and generous bedrooms.

JUST SOLD

5BR | 3BA | $1,099,000

1856 Grist Stone Court 6BR | 5.5BA | $1,050,000

Spacious home in Durand Mill community. Tasteful updates and large back yard.

4BR | 3.5BA | $849,900

Let us help you find your forever home. Harvin Greene

M 404.314.4212 O 404.352.2010 harvingreene@dorseyalston.com

Stephanie Marinac

M 404.863.4213 O 404.352.2010 stephaniemarinac@dorseyalston.com

100 West Paces Ferry Road | Atlanta, Georgia 30305 | dorseyalston.com Information believed accurate but not warranted. Equal Housing Opportunity.

36 September 2020 |

STEN Academy is set to open Sept. 1 at 3525 Piedmont Road in Buckhead offering both virtual learning and small pods of socially-distanced, in-person learning at its expansive facility. STEN Academy proctors, who’ve worked as teachers, caregivers, and counselors, will facilitate the virtual learning and face-to-face learning for grade K-12. The school will require COVID-19 screenings and temperature checks daily, face masks will be required, and the facility will be disinfected nightly. To learn more, visit www.stenacademy.info. Greater Atlanta Christian School has implemented “Synchronous Learning,” which allows parents and students to choose on campus or at-home virtual learning on a daily basis. Those who decide to learn at home will have access to smart cameras, directional microphones, and interactive white boards that will allow them to be seen and interact with their classmates and teachers. For more, visit greateratlantachristian.org.

FOR SALE

1915 Neel Reid masterpiece in Druid Hills restored and renovated throughout.

► Morehouse College has been named one of 10 new regional hubs for coding and creativity as part of Apple’s Community Education Initiative, a partnership that is increasing tech training and certification opportunities at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and their surrounding communities. “We are excited to be partnering with Apple as a new hub in this important coding initiative at HBCUs,” said David A. Thomas, President of Morehouse College. “This partnership will help Morehouse grow its profile as a leader in tech training and create opportunities for minorities to develop new coding skills that could bring them lucrative jobs. Now that Morehouse has its own HBCU C2 (coding and creativity) site, the college will eventually host training sessions to provide continuing education opportunities for residents of Atlanta and its Southwest corridor, one of the city’s most economically challenged Black communities.

Paint Love, an Atlanta-based nonprofit with a mission to bring arts programming to youth facing poverty and trauma, recently received two grants totaling $15,000 from the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, to help recover from the COVID-19 shutdown and supporting operations for 2021. In addition to the $10,000 Resiliency Grant, Paint Love received a $5,000 Partner Grant for operating support for 2021. Funds awarded by Georgia Council for the Arts include appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Paint Love has also had board member transitions. Founder Julie McKevitt has stepped down as board chair but will remain on the board. Former attorney Cara Hergenroether has been elected as the new board chair. For more information, visit gopaintlove.org. Two Atlanta Public Schools students held summer internships at Bank of America as part of the financial institution’s Student Leaders program. The paid internship, which focuses on leadership, civic engagement, and workforce skills-building, was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The students selected were Alaira Blackwell from Booker T. Washington High School and Maria Nino-Suastegui from North Atlanta High School. Atlanta student Kabal Caldwell is one of five students nationwide to receive a $1,000 scholarship from Sertoma and hearing aid manufacturer Oticon to pursue a college degree that might not otherwise be possible. This is the 16th year Oticon and Sertoma have paired up to recognize students with hearing loss assistance and provide scholarships to help them pursue degrees and achieve their goals. Kaba, who will attend Georgia State Univeristy was selected from among more than 480 applicants across the country. ◄ One of Atlanta INtown’s “20 Under 20” honorees, Kennedy Walls, was awarded a National Security Language Initiative for Youth Virtual Summer Intensive scholarship to study Arabic language for five weeks. NSLI-Y is a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) that promotes critical language learning among American youth. Kennedy was selected from 3,000 applicants from across the United States. She will be attending Princeton University this fall.

At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Preparing the family for the strangest school year ever

OY MYRICK associates

FE ATURED LISTING

TIMMY DADDY

Greetings from Blairsville, Georgia where we are swimming, kayaking and fishing away the final week of an otherwise pretty darn boring summer. We rented a cabin on Lake Nottely and it has been like a magic balm for the constant worries of 2020. It’s just less pandem-alyptic out here. Hopefully, this lifts the kids By Tim Sullivan spirits because on Monday they will begin the strangest school Tim Sullivan grew up year of their lives. in a large family in the One night in June, Kristen and I hashed out the possible fall Northeast and now lives school scenarios. She said, “On one hand, it doesn’t even sound with his small family in Oakhurst. He can feasible to open and on the other hand, these kids HAAAVVVE be reached at tim@ to go back to school!” Her frustration stretched the one syllable sullivanfinerugs.com. word clear across the dining room table. But as COVID-19 cases in Georgia steadily rose throughout July and into August, we waved the white flag. Like thirsting for a chocolate milkshake and settling for a glass of Metamucil, virtual learning seemed the only way to go for the foreseeable future. Margo and Elliott’s schools do seem well prepared for online classes but as of this writing others in our area are attempting inperson learning. The early results of those efforts suggest many of those schools could be partially or wholly closed by time I finish typing this sentence. It’s a bummer. Even kids who loathe school want to be back at school. Sure, when I was young there was a sadness that summertime was coming to an end but getting to see school friends again balanced it out. My family always marked the change of season with a trip to the shoe store. It was primarily an olfactory experience, the distinct smell of the new, leather Buster Browns with the rubber sole bottoms meant it was go time. The goal was finding the best shoe for recess kickball and dodgeball while staying within the uniform guidelines. My kids don’t wear uniforms so our preparedness ritual includes the purchase of a new backpack. Elliott has settled into the sporty Under Armour genre of school bags but Margo always finds ways to really express herself. There was the spiky, pink, Goth backpack, the Emoji one, the Slytherin and my favorite, the Chewbacca. But it occurred to me with something of a thud that this schoolyear doesn’t require a backpack at all. Or shoes, really. Ugh. We’ll still trot the kids out to the front steps to take the First Day of School picture if for no other reason than to elicit the social media comments from friends up north: What!? School starts already? Typically, an exchange ensues about how we finish around Memorial Day because the temperatures in June are insufferable down here yada yada… but I imagine this year we’ll be answering: No, not in person, virtual to start… it’s not the heat so much as the Covidity! And that may be funny for about a split second and then, rather sad. Yeah, maybe I’ll refrain from that quip. After the photo-op the kids will turn around, hike back up the steps and take their designated learning places. Thus far I have resisted any dorky dad impulses to name our home school but how about Sullivan Prep? Motto: Family, WIFI and Cheez-Its. Oh snap – did I just nail it or what? Can we charge tuition? Suffice to say this isn’t an ideal scenario for anyone involved – parents, teachers, administrators or the students. For starters at least, I’ll be cutting liberal amounts of slack to all involved. Somewhat similarly, Elliott took a shine to fishing this summer. Now, I know as little about fishing as I recall about 8th grade Math. We relied on family and friends who do know their way around a rod and reel to teach him. I pitched in where I could – untangling a line, offering encouragement and preaching patience. It was frustrating at times but eventually, he got his fish. So, let’s just see how this goes. At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

1941 LENOX ROAD Offered for $1,350,000

JOY MYRICK, REALTOR

c. 404.408.2331 | o. 404.874.0300 joymyrick@atlantafinehomes.com atlantafinehomes.com | sir.com

1555 Peachtree Street, Suite 100 | Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

Lillian Schapiro, MD, FACOG

Kathryn Garren, WHNP

Our Gynecology Team Specializes in: • Abnormal Paps • Colposcopy • Coolsculpting • Fibroids • Gyn Ultrasound • Hydrafacial • Irregular Bleeding

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www.idealgynecology.com 3200 Downwood Circle, Suite 220, Atlanta, GA 30327

town 37

September 2020 | IN

AROUND INTOWN

Annie Boland, NORTH GEORGIA BUYER AGENT c. 404.449.1179 | o. 404.874.0300 annieboland@atlantafinehomes.com atlantafinehomes.com | sothebysrealty.com

Blue Ridge, Georgia

I M AG I N E T H E E S C A P E . . . R I V E R L I F E , L A K E L I F E , M O U N TA I N L I F E

Atlanta’s latest public art piece is a six-story mural, “From the Ground Up,” located at the new 8West development in West Midtown at 8th Street and Howell Mill Road. Designed by internationally renowned artist Craig Alan, the mural depicts a phoenix rising out of the ashes, a symbol closely related to the city. Among the notable local figures featured in “From the Ground Up” are Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, William Hartsfield, Maynard Jackson, Killer Mike, Ted Turner, Margaret Mitchell and a range of essential workers.

NEW CONSTRUCTION COMING SOON

representation of a home that could be constructed

CUSTOM MOUNTAIN VIEW LODGE | offered for $1,200,000

representation of a home that could be constructed

CUSTOM LAKE VIEW CABIN | offered for $750,000

RESALE CABIN

CHARMING CREEKFRONT CABIN | offered for $349,000 Annie Boland has been selling properties in the area for 16 years and is now a full-time Blue Ridge resident. Whether you are looking for a cozy little cabin, a mountaintop lodge or a turn-key investment property, North Georgia has something to offer for everyone. Let Annie put her knowledge of the area to work for you!

Annie Boland, Your North Georgia Connection.

Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Not all photos above are from the actual listing; some are conceptual.

38 September 2020 |

The late Congressman John Lewis was brought to the State Capitol on July 29 to lie in state before his funeral service at Ebenezer Baptist Church and burial at Southview Cemetery. (Photos by Asep Mawardi) At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

town 39

September 2020 | IN

185 Elizabeth St NE

Andre de Winter

$2,150,000 5 Bed | 3.5 Bath

770.256.6222

661 Cresthill Ave NE

David Jones

$1,750,000 5 Bed | 4.5 Bath

404.966.5483

454 Hamilton St SE, Unit 19

Alison Sternfels

$725,000 4 Bed | 3.5 Bath

404.569.3674

640 Glen Iris Dr NE, Unit 506

Niki Paris & Kevin Steward

$439,900 2 Bed | 2 Bath

404.735.6915

Inman Park Virginia Highland

andre.dewinter@compass.com

david.jones@compass.com

TEAM 360° ATL 404.946.7000 | team360atl.com | team360atl@compass.com L to R: Dylan Corbett, Laura Percarpio, Kevin Steward, Andre de Winter, Troy Perry, David Jones, Alison Sternfels, Lloyd O’Neill, Hal Freeman, Niki Paris and Todd Brunsvold

$95+ Million Sold in 2019! Delivering 360-degree service, we strive to gain a clear understanding of a client’s unique goals from the start and advocate on their behalf from search to signing. Built on the bedrock of communication, collaboration, and a can-do spirit, this top-producing team is truly in a class of its own.

Intown office | 1409 Peachtree Street NE | 404.668.6621 compass.com | compassatlanta

40 September 2020 |

alison.sternfels@compass.com

Glen Iris Lofts

Glenwood Park

Real Estate, Reimagined.

COMING SOON

niki.paris@compass.com

At l a n t a I N t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

September 2020 - Atlanta INtown

Articles inside

VolunTeach

Virtual Learning

Quick Bites

Education Briefs

Above the Waterline

Eco Briefs

Water Boys