Tallmadge

Dunwoody Councilmember Tallmadge resigns

BY SAMMIE PURCELL

Following her announcement that she won’t run for re-election, Dunwoody Councilmember Pam Tallmadge is resigning early.

Tallmadge is the District 1 representative for the Dunwoody City Council. Her resignation is effective July 15.

In an interview with Reporter Newspapers, Tallmadge said an offer to buy

her home in Dunwoody prompted her decision to resign. She and her husband had no plans to move immediately, she said, but the buyer made an offer they couldn’t refuse. Tallmadge said they are moving to Woodstock, Ga.

According to city spokesperson Jennifer Boettcher, Mayor Lynn Deutsch has

said she is “committed to appointing a replacement” for Tallmadge this summer. Tallmadge announced in May that she would not run for re-election this November, endorsing Catherine Lautenbacher, the program director for Leadership Sandy Springs and a 21-year resident of Dunwoody. Lautenbacher previously served as board president for the Dunwoody Nature Center and is board member for Discover Dunwoody, the city’s tourism organization. Tallmadge said Lautenbacher is “the perfect candidate” for the District 1 seat. In an emailed statement, Lautenbacher said she has Left, Dunwoody Councilmember Pam Tallmadge will not run for re-election. Right, Catherine Lautenbacher. (Special) filed some financial and committee paperwork. The official qualifying dates for candidates are Aug. 16-18. “I have volunteered in many different arenas here: schools, non-profits, city boards,” Lautenbacher said. “My job is centered on community leadership. I would like to take that experience and contribute in a bigger way. I believe in the vision of Mayor Deutsch. I want to help shape the future of my city.”

Dunwoody approves two open-container districts

At its June 14 meeting, the Dunwoody City Council approved an ordinance creating two new entertainment districts where visitors could walk around freely with alcoholic beverages.

The two new districts would be at the existing Ashford Lane Shopping Center at 4531 Olde Perimeter Way – which is un-

dergoing a massive redevelopment – and at the future High Street development. The High Street development has not been built yet, but is expected to include retail, office space, and living space, according to its website. The development would be located on 36 acres at the northwest intersection of Perimeter Center Parkway and Hammond Drive. Councilmember Tom Lambert asked how the city planned to ensure that all businesses were property educated on how the opencontainer rules work. Economic Development Director Michael Starling said the city is in the process of creating signs for each A rendering of the Ashford Lane project. (Special) business, and are going to meet with businesses to go over what they can and can’t do. “I want to thank everyone for being proactive on this, and getting these entertainment districts in place before these businesses open,” Lambert said.

— SAMMIE PURCELL