I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend! I also hope that you managed to find a few moments to express some gratitude to the men and women of our armed services who made the ultimate sacrifice in the ongoing fight to protect American democracy. We owe them so much.
There is much going on in our city right now, so pardon me if I bounce around a bit with updates and thoughts on a variety of subjects.
With the return of beautiful summer weather, folks are getting outside again, and there are so many ways to enjoy nature right now in our parks!
At Councilwoman Ruby Foster’s suggestion, we have added temporary bathroom facilities at Hutcheson Ferry Park, making it more comfortable to enjoy Parks Commission member Roland Alston’s beautiful new perimeter trail. Hutcheson Ferry Park seems to be a community secret, a great place for a gentle hike or picnic in a beautiful setting. Do you like to fish or canoe? Public Works Director Darold Wendlandt and his team have the Campbellton Park boat ramp in great shape. And we’re finalizing plans with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) on the new pavilion and bathroom facilities there (which they are paying for!), which will make that experience far nicer.
We’re doing the same work at the new Riverlands park on the south side of town, with TPL adding a bathroom and pavilion, AND an additional canoe launch, so soon you’ll be able to float the Chattahoochee all the way from one end of town to the other! If the movie studio goes forward, the developer will be donating another 70+ acres of land to the park, and a trail along the entire river frontage, expanding this City of Chattahoochee Hills park to over 330 acres.
Planning director Mike Morton has been following up on one of our Comprehensive Plan work list items, the detailing of plans for the Rico Historic Crossroads Hamlet, by working with residents and business owners in Rico. This project looks at the possibility of adding some minor but needed community services in the area right around Smith’s store in the context of the historical community that used to exist there. Look to see those plans soon; they show a light touch, but are very exciting.
We’re also expecting to review and act on the studio project this month. I gave a detailed rundown last month of my thoughts on the issue, which I won’t repeat here. But if you want a quick reminder/primer, please take a peek at that again.
In the meantime, be well and be safe.
Tom Reed
Photos from the Facebook of Jim
By Laurie Searle LittleChattahoochee Hills Police Chief Jim Little obtained a “personal” best when he rode his bicycle 286 miles from Norfolk, Virginia to Washington, D.C. in the 2023 Police Unity Tour, May 10-12.
Now in its 26th year, the Police Unity Tour raises awareness of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty, and raises funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial. It started in 1997 with 18 bicycle riders and has grown into nine chapters with nearly 2,600 members nationwide who make the trip annually.
Chief Little rode in honor of two fallen officers: his great-great-grandfather, Little Rock Arkansas Police Detective Sergeant George Moore (1923), and Chattahoochee Hills Police Lt. Mike Vogt (2010).
As an avid cyclist who rode over 9,000 miles last year and placed in several competitions, Chief Little felt confident about his ability to finish the long-distance ride. But since this was his first organized ride of this magnitude, he wasn’t sure what to expect. When a fellow rider said, “This isn’t a race, it’s a journey,” Chief Little shifted gears and thought about the journey that brought him there.
Start
Chief Little recalled the evening before he was to begin his new career in law enforcement 25 years ago. His grandmother had given him a box of momentos from his great-great-grandfather George Moore who served as a Police Detective Sergeant in Little Rock, Arkansas. It contained his badge, his gun, and the following newspaper clipping:
Detective Sergeant Moore - End of Watch Tuesday, July 24, 1923
Detective Sergeant Moore and Detective Sergeant Luther Hay were shot and killed as they investigated a dice game and other illegal activities. As the two officers approached the home three men opened fire on them without warning, striking Sergeant Moore in the head three times, killing him instantly. Sergeant Hay was shot six times
and succumbed to his injuries two days later.
Chief Little made a promise to his grandmother that he would remain vigilant and safe in his new career, and he would honor his great-great-grandfather’s sacrifice. He has kept that promise through the years and to this day.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Chief Little was among the many who turned to the outdoors for exercise. Already a better-than-average-bicyclist, he hired cycling coach Scott Moore to improve his skills and techniques, and set an impressive goal to increase his annual mileage from 2,000 miles to 9,000 miles.
By 2022, he was riding his bicycle 5 to 6 days a week, often in Chatt Hills after work and on the weekends. This had an added benefit for the city, as Chief Little kept an eye on properties as he rode his routes, and he gave gentle reminders to other bicyclists to obey the rules of the road. By the end of the year, Chief Little was on top of his game
and was the Chainbuster 50-59 year-old class champion in the three-hour mountain bike endurance series.
Chief Little's Journey on the Three-Day Ride
Chief Little rode with Chapter 8 of the Police Unity Tour, comprised of 115 law enforcement officers and survivors. His extensive training had prepared him well for the physical part of the ride; however, he was unprepared for the range of emotions he felt along the way.
On Day 1, Chapter 8 rode 114 miles from Norfolk to Tappahannock. During the ride, they did three honor stops to remember officers killed in the line of duty. Chief Little said, “It was an amazing day of riding, remembrance, and honoring our fallen officers.”
On day 2, Chapter 8 rode 72.5 miles from Tappahannock to Fredericksburg. Chief Little said, “It filled me with such joy to see crowds of people lining the streets, cheering us on as we rode by.”
On Day 3, Chapter 8 started at 5:30 a.m. for their 64mile ride into Washington, D.C. About five miles from the end of the ride, all of the chapters converged for the final ride into the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial. Chief Little said, “It was all quite overwhelming, with the long motorcade of police officers on motorcycles, sirens blaring, lights flashing; leading what looked like a thousand bicyclists in police-blue jerseys and bike shorts; then the nation’s Capital coming into view.”
As the riders approached the Memorial, they road through in single file, taking a slower pace to observe the blue-grey limestone walls, etched with the names of more than 22,000 officers who died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history.
After the closing ceremony, Chief Little returned to the Memorial to look for the names of the two fallen officers he was there to honor. He found the names of George W. Moore and Michael S. Vogt and took a photo and pencil etching. This seemed a fitting end to his 3-day journey.
At the end of my interview with Chief Little, he announced plans for his next life’s journey as he approaches his 60th birthday this year. See Part 2, page 26.
Rodale Institute, in partnership with a team of twelve universities, farming NGOs, and consulting firms, is working with vegetable farmers and farmers markets in the Southern Piedmont to promote the adoption of climate-smart farming practices and expand markets for the sale of climate-smart commodities.
The project, entitled “Quantifying the Potential to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Increase Carbon Sequestration by Growing and Marketing Climate-Smart Commodities in the Southern Piedmont” is part of an historic multimillion-dollar investment by the USDA.
We are partnering with Southern Piedmont organic and conventional diverse vegetable farmers through an enhanced incentives program.
Farmers will be asked to add cover crops to their vegetable rotation. We will monitor greenhouse gas emissions, soil health benefits, economic impacts, and social barriers to the adoption of using cover crops versus
not using cover crops on their fields. This information will provide farmers with the data needed to capitalize on carbon market programs and understand how they can better steward their lands and communities while providing recommendations to the USDA for ways to economically and socially support farmers’ transitions to climate-smart agriculture.
Through partnerships with Southern Piedmont farmers markets, we will expand markets for climate-smart commodities in the Southeast. We have designed a marketing campaign that investigates the best strategies for educating consumers about the value-added benefits of purchasing climate-smart commodities. The information gained from this work will help farmers get the value of their work and provide the USDA with recommendations on ways to support climate-smart markets through consumer education.
We are looking for diverse vegetable farmers and farmers markets in the Southern Piedmont region who are willing to commit to partnering with us on this historic project. Financial incentives will be provided to farmers and farmers markets who are selected to participate in the program.
Farmer Partners Will:
• Follow the planting and cover cropping rotation provided
• Commit to provide data via phone application
• Participate in project training events
• Allow project team scheduled access to enrolled acres for data collection
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/climate-smart-farmer-application
Chatt Hills Community Outreach (CHCO) hosted its second annual Movie Night on April 29th at Rico Park, featuring kids “Music Fun” pre-movie activities, followed by the blockbuster movie, “Field of Dreams.”
Even though rain cancelled the movie after its first 15 minutes of viewing, this event was counted as a Win, Win, Win.
With the support from CHCO volunteers, city staff, and the Art Farm at Serenbe, this event was offered to the community Free of Charge!
Residents began arriving at 6:30 p.m. when the gates opened. They were welcomed by volunteers offering free giveaways and new Chatt Hills baseball caps for a small donation. Near Judy’s Home Plate Concession Stand, Chatt Hills staff offered freshly popped popcorn, sodas, and bottled water. Public safety staff and volunteers helped residents park safely.
With their freebies, picnic blankets, and lawn chairs in tow, residents staked their ideal place for viewing the movie and for visiting new and old friends and neighbors.
The Cupcake Concert series hosted by the Art Farm at Serenbe has become a big hit with kids and adults alike. These concerts feature a wide range of musical talent from
pop groups, to chamber music, to interactive music with kids.
The Art Farm team announced the evening’s concert would start with percussion lessons given by Thomas Usher.
Residents received two drum sticks and a white construction bucket, which when turned upside down served as make-shift drum.
Thomas demonstrated the art of holding the drum sticks and the single stroke roll, which participants first practices in the air. Then, with a humorous apology to the adults, he taught several of the basic drum rudiments, resulting in a cacophony of rhythmic sounds and a neighbor’s howling dog joining in. After learning the multiple bounce roll, flam and paradiddle, the audience applied their skills and accompanied recorded music for their Cupcake Concert.
As the night sky darkened, CHCO event coordinators Councilmembers Camille Lowe (Dist. 4) and Ruby Foster (Dist. 1) thanked residents for attending and then introduced the movie, “Field of Dreams.”
Known for its ghostly phrase, “If you built it, they will come,” whispered by “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, the movie centers around a farmer driven by a vision to create a baseball diamond in his cornfield – a seemingly impossible dream.
That phrase was only uttered a few times before the night skies opened up in Chatt Hills and the
event was called because of rain. As residents packed up and dashed to their cars, a few gave parting words of thanks to the event team. Sarah Davis, who lives next door to the ball field said, “I love these community events. This is one of the reasons I moved here – to have this sense of community.”
And with that closing comment, it would seem that the Chatt Hills Community Outreach vision is becoming a reality. If you create opportunities for the community to meet up and connect with one another, they will come. And when people connect, they make a strong community.
On a bright spring morning in April, guests from Chattahoochee Hills, Atlanta and Serenbe gathered for the land blessing for Three Lotus Farm on the 25-acre site off Old Rico Road. Founded by Kim and Pierre Ferrari, Three Lotus Farm is envisioned as a refuge of contemplation and calm for students, retreat guests, visitors, and residents of the Chattahoochee Hills community.
Kim and Pierre’s long-time spiritual friend, Geshe Phende-la, resident teacher at Drepung Loseling Monastery of Emory University, conducted the blessing pujas, along with remarks from Ven.Thubten Chonyi, from Sravasti Abbey Pacific NW, on the importance of creating communities of lovingkindness and compassion.
In support of the project, Mayor Tom welcomed Kim back to her home state of Georgia, and her vision for the small, low-impact project with an inclusive mission: to be open to all who wish to explore paths to genuine well-being.
Opening in 2024, the retreat is rooted in Tibetan Buddhist wisdom traditions, and will offer programs in yoga, wellness, and meditation study and practice in a beautiful, peaceful and supportive environment connected to nature. In 2025, Three Lotus Farm will also offer retreat cabins for elders who wish to live in a warm-hearted rural community designed for quiet contemplation and shared conviviality.
Acton Academy at Serenbe recently announced the appointment of Dr. Brett Hardin as the new Head of School. Dr. Hardin’s arrival marks a significant milestone in Acton Academy's ongoing commitment to delivering cutting-edge and transformative education.
Dr. Hardin’s 25-year career in education has equipped him with a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of educational best practices. In addition to his seven-year tenure as the principal of the high school at The Paideia School, Dr. Hardin has taught high school economics and U.S History in public and independent school settings, and worked at education-focused non-profit organizations such as the Georgia Council on Economic Education.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Hardin's own academic journey includes an undergraduate degree from Wesleyan, a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a doctorate from Georgia State University.
“We are thrilled to have Brett Hardin as our Head of School, as he shares our values and vision for the future. With over 25 years of experience in education and a passion for our core mission, Brett has the background and growth mindset to lead our school,” said the Acton Academy at Serenbe Board.
Acton Academy is also celebrating the appointment of two additional senior leadership positions. With 18 years of teaching experience, Nicole Bettis has been promoted to Director of Education for Montessori learners aged six weeks to six years. Nicole will oversee guide development and curriculum design and development. In addition to her Montessori certifications, Nicole recently completed her capstone research with the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Larisa Wilson will be joining Acton as the Director of Education for learners aged seven to eighteen. With a proven track record of transforming middle and high school sciences at The Mount Vernon School, Larisa will be responsible for curriculum design and development.
“Our learning model, environmentally sustainable cam-
pus, and location in the iconic Serenbe community makes us truly unique. With the addition of all three of these leadership positions, we will further equip our learners with a team that is passionate about the Acton model and will inspire our learners to change the world,” said the Acton Academy at Serenbe Board.
The school is also building a state-of-the-art campus in Serenbe. Designed with environmental sustainability as a core principle, the campus aims to achieve energy independence, implement closed-loop water systems, and prioritize biophilic design, offering students unrivaled access to nature. The second of four buildings will open this Fall.
Enrollment is open to learners in all communities outside of Serenbe. To learn more and enroll at Acton Academy at Serenbe, visit https://actonacademyatserenbe. com/
When conceptualizing Ceres, I wanted to create a community that would be a feast for the senses—and feasting our eyes on great design and excellent construction is the start. I’m thrilled to share that our architectural design will be led by the extraordinary Elizabeth Graziolo with Yellow House Architects. Elizabeth’s talent and credentials are impressive, to say the least. She enrolled at Cooper Union at 16, worked for the famed Peter Pennoyer for two decades as a partner, and then founded Yellow House Architects. She opened YHA in NYC weeks before the COVID lockdown but continued to thrive, and now has a second office in Coconut Grove, FL. She has been on the Architectural Digest AD100 list for the past few years and designed the magazine’s Iconic Home that debuted in 2021. She is also a trustee of The Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, serves on the Delano & Aldrich/ Emerson Fellowship Committee for the American Institute of Architects, and is a designer for this year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House. The list of her accomplishments goes on and is only overshadowed by the sheer delight and pride that Clive Davis and I have for her joining our journey to bring Ceres to life…and for our residents and guests to live deliciously.
I'm also excited to share our rockstar project management team, IMPACT Development Management (www.
impactdm.com), which includes Jason Hughes, Ashley Johnson (project lead), Laura Leigh Barrett, Ashley Webb, and Alex White.
Impact DM has an impressive track record with more than 570 projects under their belt, including Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, The Bellyard Hotel at the Interlock in Atlanta, Adela at MiMo Bay apartments in Miami, Emory Medical Office Building at the Atlanta Falcons’ Training Facility, Atlanta United’s Training Facility, Kennesaw State University Student Housing, and many others, including impressive mixed-use projects.
Clive Davis and I have set our standards high for this project, wanting to work with the best, and we're proud of how our CERES development team is coming together.
To say we're in good hands with Impact is an understatement!
If you want Ceres updates, please sign up for our newsletter at www.ceresch.com
Before the city of Chattahoochee Hills incorporated in 2007, much of this area was known as Rico. Once of five thriving crossroad communities that developed in the mid 1850s, Rico was the last to survive with a few commercial businesses, churches, and an old school, now repurposed as city hall.
During the city’s first Comprehensive Plan process in 2011, residents were asked if there was an interest in reactivating the Rico Historic Crossroads Community. The answer was yes – contingent on the support from Rico residents. Rico Historic Crossroads was added to the Comprehensive Plan with a vision of adding smaller, historically consistent, commercial or civic development, and a future work plan for scheduling community meetings and developing a Master Plan.
During the 2016 Comprehensive Plan Update, planning meetings were scheduled with Rico residents. They were in agreement to reactivate the historic crossroads, and gave input for the type of smaller, historically consistent, commercial and civic development they preferred, as well as the suggested boundary.
In 2019, the city acquired 45 acres of land behind city hall, which expanded the potential boundary for the Rico Historic Crossroads. Soon after, students from the Georgia Tech Graduate Urban Design Studio worked with the city and residents to create a Master Plan for the Rico Historic Crossroad Community. The Plan primarily focused on the 45 acres behind city hall, and created a Town Center Plan with a 100-year build out.
When the Covid Pandemic hit in 2021, work on the Rico Historic Crossroads was put on hold. In the fall of 2022, a few Rico business owners requested the project pick up again, as they were ready to present plans for commercial development.
In the winter of 2022, Mayor Tom Reed asked Farmer D to continue the project. Farmer D is a dynamic team of farm community planners, designers, and activators growing thriving communities for developers, landowners, nonprofits, and governments. The founder and project lead, Daron ‘Farmer D’ Joffee, is a nationally recognized Biodynamic
farmer, educator, and consultant, who was hired in 2002 to be the founding farmer and establish the Serenbe Farms. Team member Greg Ramsey was also a part of this project. Greg is a village and conservation community designer and planner that has been collaborating with Farmer D for twenty years.
The Farmer D team had several meetings with the city’s project team, consisting of Mayor Reed, Councilmember Laurie Searle (Dist. 3), Community Development Director Mike Morton, and City Planner Caity Chandler. In the early winter of 2023, a draft plan was created as a starting point, and the Farmer D team began the process of contacting local business owners and key landowners within in the project area to get their initial input.
After several revisions to the plan, a workshop was scheduled on May 4 with the Rico business owners and key landowners to get their additional input before presenting the plan to the city council.
The Rico Crossroads Opportunities Map is designed to represent a long-term potential development buildout opportunity framed within the historic Rico crossroads to the North and City Hall to the South.
The Phase I Community Plan is designed to address short term potential work projects including: development startups, initiation of several trails and a street crossing, reinforcement of existing and proposed community anchors and spaces, next step on the public works area, and initiation of the city park community framework.
The Rico Crossroads Opportunities Map as a long-
term potential buildout can over time fulfil community and general market needs.
Some of these building opportunities may never be built and others may take a long time; the key is to hold places for these community-oriented buildings into the future as infrastructure is developed.
General Theme - Regaining some of Rico's Original Historic Character & Balancing Community Based and Destination Based Development
One of the primary issues that surfaced from the workshop is how Rico over time has lost significant character in regard to the businesses that used to cater to the needs of Rico and surrounding residents. A key question that surfaced from this discussion is how small entrepreneurs can be drawn into Rico to meet some of the needs of residents in the surrounding district and in Rico itself. In order to achieve at least part of this goal, Rico will need to create opportunities to meet the needs of small entrepreneurs, farmers, and artisans that need affordable opportunities for work spaces and housing.
One opportunity is to incentivize some of these affordable work places and housing opportunities using the city property as a key catalyst and identifying other private property owners, developers, and nonprofits interested in doing the same. The other key issue that arose was how to simultaneously create exceptional destination-oriented restaurants and other curated experiences; this combined approach has the potential to insure a balance in sustainable long term, mixed-income, community-based-development that the civic seat of Chat Hills can offer combined with unique destination-oriented development.
Approaches include:
• Partnerships to build those opportunities on city land
• Nonprofits and developers looking to help provide affordable work spaces and housing.
Next Steps
The Farmer D project team will give a presentation to the city council on June 6, with an overview presentation and the Concept Opportunity Map.
Laurie Searle
Nearly one third of the population in Chattahoochee Hills is senior citizens aged 60 years and older. We are an active group, accustomed to maintaining our large rural properties, bushhogging the back 40, tending our farm animals, keeping our households neat and tidy, attending church with our families, and driving miles and miles to shop or obtain services. It’s who we are, it’s what we do.
No doubt every senior would like to stay in their Chatt Hills home forever. But if there comes a time when that is no longer possible, there’s an active senior living community right next door in Palmetto that would still keep you close to all of the things you love in Chatt Hills.
Palmetto Park is a beautiful place to call home. Located near the intersection of Hutcheson Ferry Rd and Water Works at 519 Perkins Rd, the senior living community is tucked away in the woods and surrounded by the beautiful countryside we have all come to love.
home. This is significant, because as residents of Chatt Hills Joanna and Andy understand what draws people to our area – the peace and tranquility and the sense of community. These same qualities draw seniors to Palmetto Park.
Palmetto Park is a part of the Baptist Retirement Communities of Georgia, serving seniors 50 years and older. Belonging to the Baptist faith is not a requirement for residency; however, the ministry has maintained a clear mission: “To enrich the lives of senior adults by empowering each individual to flourish while aging within a Christian environment.”
Corporate Development
Director
Joanna Hannah contacted me when she learned we had started offering Chatt Hills senior lunch & learn programs. She wondered if our seniors might have an interest in learning more about Palmetto Park, so she invited me to tour of the facilities.
As it turns out, I’ve met Joanna before. She lives in Chatt Hills and is the wife of Andy Hannah who built my
The 25-acre Palmetto Park campus adjoins the 350acre campus of the Georgia Baptist Childrens Home on Hutcheson Ferry Rd. While these two facilities are not affiliated with each other, the vast open space and sprawling pastures of the Children’s home offer a scenic and natural buffer from the surrounding area.
Upon entering the campus, the Willis Cottages are on
the left in front of a lake, and the Baptist Manor and main parking are just past the cottages.
The Baptist Manor is a lovely manor-style facility. The foyer is welcoming with a reception and information desk to the left and an open library room to the right, adjoining Joanna’s office. As we toured the first floor, my first impression was, this is nice, really nice. The facility is well-appointed and newly decorated without being overdone. Hallways are wide and well lit, and the community rooms are spacious and teeming with activities.
We passed by a private dining room that is used for small parties, a fitness room with a schedule of activities, and my favorite, the Palmetto Perk-Coffee Café with fresh breads and pastries donated by local grocery stores. There is a full range of services available, including: spa services, hair salon, massage therapy, on-site chaplain & chapel, and free local grocery & pharmaceutical delivery.
Joanna showed two of the available 92 apartments, a studio and a two-bedroom with a fully-equipped kitchen and a patio. I found myself daydreaming about where I’d set up my piano and clarinet, then had to giggle a bit.
We did a quick walk-around the outside to look at the 26 Willis Cottages, which are offered with one or two bedrooms, plus garage. All of the cottages are currently occupied, so we didn’t tour the inside; however, Joanna said they have a waiting list and future expansion plans.
We returned to the main dining room for lunch, and as we made our way to our table, Joanna stopped to say hi to every resident, greeting them by their first name. She had
previously served as the activity director here for 12 years and said that personally getting to know each resident was the highlight of her job. Once we were seated, a server took our order and within minutes brought out hearty plates of food. After lunch, we visited another table with the guests who were all welcoming and asked if I was planning to live here. “That’s a definite possibility, at some point in my future,” I replied.
At the close of our tour, Joanna extended an invitation to our Chatt Hills residents to learn more about Palmetto Park. She is available to give presentations at churches and civic groups, and individuals may also contact her or the website to arrange tours. We have invited Joanna to attend our Chatt Hills Senior Lunch & Learn on June 16, 11 a.m., at City Hall, and she will bring informational brochures to share.
Palmetto Park
Senior Living Community 519 Perkins Rd, Palmetto, GA, Web: https://brcga.org
Joanna Hannah Corporate Development Directorjhannah@brcga.org
(770) 463-2460
Chatt Hills resident, Maribeth Wansley, is featured on the cover and on page D. Maribeth, who serves as Greystone Power Board of Director for our District 6: Fulton, Fayette, and Coweta counties, was featured in an article about plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).
The other story on page 8 about our Chatt Hills Barn quilt trail. It shows three of Laurie Searle's favorite barn quilts in our community: On Dave & Maria's property at Goodes, on Heather and Keith's Three Silos property on Hutcheson Ferry Rd, and on Emily & Paul Harrison's Good Shepherd Farm on Hearn Rd.
GreyStone Power will be making Fiber Internet available to Chatt Hills by next year.
Did you know that Chattahoochee Hills now has a hearing clinic located in Serenbe? We have recently completed our first year of business as The HearingSmiths, or Blake and Rachel Smith.
Rachel is a medical school school graduate who had aspired to becoming a pathologist. After graduation and a change of heart, she followed her passion into the field of hearing health. Rachel is now a board-certified hearing instrument specialist and licensed hearing aid dispenser. She also wears hearing aids and advocates for the positive change they've made in her hearing health.
We have over a decade of combined experience in the field of hearing health care. We offer free hearing screenings and mobile services for the community. Our perspective on hearing aids is that they're like glasses for your ears. We're proud to be your guides on the journey to better hearing.
For your FREE hearing test, call us at 770-778-3304. We accept most major insurance plans; mention this article for an exclusive discount.
The HearingSmiths, LLC.
Rachel and Blake Smith
(770) 778-3304
10916 Serenbe Lane
Chattahoochee Hills. Ga 30268
Every Wednesday, 7-9:00pm Get in Your Creative Flow with Figure Drawing Sessions!
StudioSwan llc | 6401 Campbellton Redwine Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
Email you are coming to: info@studioswan.com.
All Saturdays at 2:30 pm
Serenbe Farms Tour
8715 Atlanta Newnan Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Tickets $15 (Children under 3 free) https://bit.ly/3YI1Tnb
Serenbe Farms is a small, diversified certified organic farm located in the Serenbe community and surrounded by the rural oasis of the Chattahoochee Hill Country, just 30 miles southwest of Atlanta.
Learn how Serenbe Farms uses sustainable practices to grow and harvest more than 300 varieties of heirloom and hybrid vegetables, herbs, and flowers. They harvest more than 60,000 lbs of produce a year to feed the Serenbe Community!
Contact ian@serenbefarms.com for more information. Access parking through the main Serenbe Farms entrance at 8715 Atlanta-Newnan Road, or park on Serenbe Lane in Grange to come through the neighborhood entrance. Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred.
Fridays, 5:30-8:30pm
Farmhouse Fridays: Live Music & Drinks On The Porch
10950 Hutcheson Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Free
The Farmhouse invites you to start the weekend with them. Grab a drink from The Farmhouse Bar and enjoy the ambience of warm weather and live music on the wraparound porch.
Sommelier Guided Wine Education Class
9135 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA
Join the Wine Shop at Serenbe on the 3rd Thursday of each month for a professionally-guided wine education class with Sommelier Camille Balboa. Each class will be an in-depth exploration of fine wines throughout the world. We'll taste 5 premium wines that will be paired with a custom-made charcuterie board. Each month will have a new focus. Limited availability. Tickets $100. https://bit. ly/3BeIksx
Saturdays, 4:00pm
Wine Tastings at the General Store
10642 Serenbe Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
Cochran Mill Brews are now at the General Store.
Join Nadine to taste wines from around the globe every Saturday; $35/person with tasting notes and small bites. Please email nadine@generalstoreatserenbe.com with any questions.
June 3 | 10:00am
%ahoochee Hills has established a new Bee Club. We welcome New-bees to Novice beekeepers.
What: Our monthly mee?ngs include presenta?ons about the art of bee keeping, maintaining healthy gardens, honey making – and all things bees. We also schedule field trips to local hives and learn from each other with show & tells.
When & Where: Mee?ngs occur on the first Saturday each month, at 10 a.m. in the basement classroom of Bear Creek Nature Center, 6300 Cochran Mill Rd in Cha% Hills, unless otherwise specified.
• The June 3rd mee?ng will be a field trip to Serenbe to observe Flow Hives. RSVP to Brigit Bolton below.
Want to volunteer? Need more Info?
We’re looking for a few interested community members to help co-lead this effort.
For more informa?on, or to be added to the Cha% Hills Bee Club (CHBC) Google group and Facebook page, contact: Birgit Bolton at 404.783.2045 or Birgit.bolton@gmail.com
June 10 | 7:00pm
Private home/public concert
10544 Serenbe Lane, ChattGA 30268
BYOB-BYOC-kids are free
Tickets $25:https://bit.ly/3MgXnbs
Chuck E. Costa and Mira Costa are an Upstate New York based indie folk-pop duo featuring what Bob Boilen (NPR’s All Songs Considered) calls “excellent harmonies” & Huffington Post calls, “Two of the loveliest male-female voices you might ever hear this or any other year.” The group’s 2020 release, Stumbling Home dubbed “otherworldly” by RollingStone marks the duo’s third full-length album, and the duo’s first primary recording / engineering credits on one of their albums, as well as that of co-producers— teaming up with recent Grammy and Tony award winner Todd Sickafoose (Hadestown, Anais Mitchell, Ani DiFranco, Andrew Bird).
Chatt Hills Seniors are invited to a Free Lunch & Learn hosted in partnership with AARP, the city of Chattahoochee Hills, and Chatt Hills Community Outreach. The event will feature entertainment by Bill & Nesha Bryant, a lunch and presentation by AARP on How to Age in Place, Community Announcements from Guests & Participants, and Fellowship with your neighbors. Registration is required to reserve your seat.
June 17 | 10am-1:00pm
The Paint Space
10625 Serenbe Lane, Ste. A
Tickets: $95 https://bit.ly/3BPH8vP
In this fun-paced, three-hour workshop, we create and mount our 16-tile collection. The workshop offers energized cutting and layering exercises. Instruction is designed to open synchronicity through a series of feisty paper, coloring, and placement methods using simple tools. The assembly project approaches puzzling moods, shapes, and messages together while seeking integration. The alchemy of High Play unfolds for personal and group experience. A class for 6, beginner or advanced, all welcome.
Note: we previously listed the AARP registration link on our flyer, but it was too difficult for residents to use and so only 7 have registered so far. We decided to bite the bullet and create a new website for CHCO so we could offer simple registration forms or EventBrite registration. I’ve updated the URL in the attached flyers, and have included a higher resolution for print and a lower resolution one for the city’s website. www.chatthillscommunityoutreach.com
June 24 | 11:00am-4:00pm
Reptile Rally
BEAR CREEK NATURE CENTER
6300 Cochran Mill Road
Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
Admission: $6 per person
FREE for members
Our biggest event of the year is back! Join us at the cabin to meet hundreds of reptiles and amphibians between our resident animal ambassadors and our visiting herps! We will be hosting friends of the center including local reptile rescues Georgia Herpetological Association and Rescue and the Georgia Reptile Society. Meet the animals, participate in crafts & activities, talk to scientists and reptile rescuers, hike or canoe, and spend the day learning about the diversity of reptiles and amphibians. Local food truck, Me Lumpia Long Time, will have fresh Filipino island BBQ available for purchase. So fuel up and have fun all day!
The southeastern United States is home to one of the highest diversity of reptile and amphibian species in the world. All proceeds raised at Reptile Rally benefit the environmental education and conservation efforts at Bear Creek Nature Center, including the awareness we bring for these often misunderstood animals and the daily care for our resident rescued animal ambassadors. Visit bearcreeknaturecenter.org to learn more about becoming a member.
Follow us @bearcreekATL on Facebook and Instagram
June 24 | 7:00pm
Angela Easterling
Private Home, Public Concert
10735 Serenbe Lane, Palmetto, GA 30268
Tickets $25: https://bit.ly/3nI9dlH https://www.wildfernranch.org
Angela released her 6th album, Witness on October 28, 2022. It went on to be chosen by American Songwriter Magazine in their Top 24 Albums of the Year, was named “Album of The Year” in The Greenville Journal, and was chosen #6 in the Favorite Albums of the Year Reader’s Poll on Americana Highways. It has earned rave reviews in No Depression, Americana UK, Glide Magazine, and more. Her 5th album, Common Law Wife, went all the way to number 1 on the Roots Music Report Americana Country Airplay Chart, and remained in the top 5 on that chart for nearly 2 months, closing the year out as #12 on the top 100 albums. Her 2nd album, BlackTop Road, produced by Will Kimbrough, remained on the Americana top 40 airplay chart for 7 weeks, and was chosen as a top pick in both Oxford American and Country Weekly The Boston Herald named her song “The Picture” “Best Political Country Song” in their Year’s Best music picks.
Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is a charming neighborhood bookstore in the Serenbe development of Chattahoochee Hills and was founded by the couple behind Underground Books in Carrollton.
Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is open Thursdays through Sundays from 11am to 5pm, and we’re open 24/7 online at www.bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and www. bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and info@hillsandhamlets.com
New in Fiction: The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
Years ago, a reclusive mega-bestselling children's author quit writing under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly he resurfaces with a brand-new book and a one-of-a-kind competition, offering a prize that will change the winner's life in this absorbing and whimsical novel. Hills & Hamlets bookseller Patience says, “This incredibly fun read full of lovable and memorable characters takes the ‘story inside of a story’ genre to a whole new level!” Expected in-store June 6th, signed copies available in-store only!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780593598832
New in Nonfiction: The Book of Charlie: Wisdom from the Remarkable American Life of a 109-Year-Old Man by David Von Drehle
A veteran Washington journalist recounts his long friendship with Charlie White, the centenarian next door who, sharing his good and meaningful life, mastered survival strategies that reflect thousands of years of human wisdom as his sense of adventure guided him through a century of upheaval. Expected in-store June 6th!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781476773926
New in Picture Books: Bug Sandwich by Brady Smith
It's time to bite those bugs back, in this funny tale of a bitten-up boy who's not going to take it anymore! The kid in this story has had it with how much bugs love him—love to bite him, that is! Now he's determined to return the favor. But as he eagerly hunts the bugs in his backyard, he can't help noticing how impressive they are, too—they're basically master builders with super-strength! But will that remarkable quality be enough for him to change what's on the menu? This wacky tale will delight young readers, who will be itching to find out who wins the buggy battle! Expected in-store June 6th!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780593461747
Natalie McIntyre holds a BFA from Maryland
Institute College of Art majoring in fiber arts/Weaving with a minor in life drawing and a BS in Physical Therapy from University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Natalie is the newest member of the Chatt Hills Artist Co-op. Of her work, she says, "I’m always looking at what we see every day for what makes me want to stop and look again, whether it’s a bird on a roof, a tractor in a field or a random old snapshot. Mostly working in acrylics, I try to work with a limited palette looking for the brilliance of the colors even in the shadows. Working on large murals often has me returning to the studio to work on smaller pieces. Embroidery and hand stitching become a form of slow drawing. I look for portrait models that have a story behind their expressions."
Adrienne Anbinder, Scott Areman, Malinda Lively-Arnold, Morgan Boszilkov, Logynn B Ferrall, Gail Foster, BJ Glick, Vinayak Godbole, Wanda Hughes, Ann Jackson, Mary H Johnson, Pamela Kamor, Robert Lederman, Cindy Lederman, Natalie McIntyre, Julie McKinney, Ken Shepard, Mary Shepard, Karin Slaton, Tom Swanston, Judy Walker, and Eileen Wilson
9057 Selborne Lane & Paint Space, 10625 Serenbe Lane Unit A www.chatthillsgalleryserenbe.com
10625
The best kept secret around is the Paint Space in Serenbe, located next to Hills & Hamlets Bookshop. It's a place you can escape to the world of making art, enjoy Interfaith meetings on Sunday, learn about the latest astrological happenings, and if you are a parent of neurodivergent child, find a supporting community for sharing, and for a small group of children there is an after school program.
All levels of Oil Painting are taught by Malinda Lively-Arnold, individually or in small groups. You will learn about mediums, the color wheel, using color pallets, brushwork and pallet knife, composition, gridding, and drawing onto your canvas. These are wonderful classes to break through barriers. Text Malinda at 310-902-5358 for more information.
Gelli Printing is a relatively new form of mono printing that uses flexible printing plates to create textures and layers of color. Gelli Printing class happens on Fridays June 2, 16, 23 and 30th at 1:00, $25 each class.
In this fun-paced, three-hour workshop, we create and mount our 16 tile collection. The workshop offers energized cutting and layering exercises. Instruction is designed to open synchronicity through a series of feisty paper, coloring, and placement methods using simple tools. The assembly project approaches puzzling moods, shapes, and messages together while seeking integration. The alchemy of High Play unfolds for personal and group experience. A class for 6, beginner or advanced, all welcome. June 17, 10am-1:00pm, cost $95, all supplies included, tickets at https://bit.ly/3IvRZ1I
Dr. Tadd’s lectures on astrology address its value as a tool in understanding and improving interpersonal dynamics. She also speaks about astrological technique and application. Text Dr. Laura Tadd at 415-446-8293 for the June date, cost is $30.
Currently a one-hour program taught by educator BJ Glick, this program provides art programs to encourage expression and cognitive abilites in children. BJ can be contacted by texting 770-833-7432.
No two human minds are exactly alike. Driven by the autism community’s self-advocacy in the early 1990s, Australian sociologist Judy Singer imagined a new movement where people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other conditions could come together to advocate for their common interests. Neurodiversity itself is not a medical diagnosis. It’s an umbrella term that encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental disabilities and other conditions that impact brain function. The term has gained widespread use as an identifier for people of all ages. According to research published in the British Medical Bulletin, approximately 15% to 20% of people globally are considered neurodiverse. Text Malinda at 310-902-5358 for more information.
Become a supporting member for art education in our community by donating: https://donorbox.org/chatthillsartistco-op
May has been a busy month for us at Community Brickworks.
We had our first annual Community Brickworks Spring Fundraiser. Many folks from around Serenbe and the Chatt Hills area were in attendance. It was a great time! We used the opportunity to teach people about all the things that Brickworks does for the community along with raising some much needed funds for our organization. If you weren’t able to make it this year, please consider joining us for upcoming events throughout the year.
The Spring fundraiser will be an annual event each May. Our food pantry allowed families with children to come twice each month through the month of June. Thanks to a generous donation by Southside Church at Chatt Hills, we will be able to extend this program this summer, a much needed boost for families with kids at home.
For the month of April we saw: 55 Families, 176 Total served, 66 Children 20 families w/children came twice
Food Pantry
Our food pantry continues to see large numbers of clients. The month of April has been no exception. We have our new refrigeration systems installed, so we are better able to store any non perishables for food pantry clients. Please bring your garden extras on Wednesdays before 2 pm and we will give our clients much needed fresh produce.
Library
Nan has been working hard on classes and library events that you have suggested: register on our website @ CommunityBrickworks.org.
Toddler Tuesday-the First and Third Tuesdays of the month at 10:00
Women's Crafting Circle-Second Tuesday of the month at 4:00
Summer Reading Program-Every Tuesday the months of June and July from 10:00-12:00. Under the Sea will be the theme, ages--rising 1st-5th grade. Adult must attend with child(ren).
Gentle Chair Yoga-Every Thursday, June 1, 15, 29 at 10:30 in the City Hall Art Room
Chatt Hills Senior Lunch and Learn with AARP- June 16 at 11:00. Register@www.chatthillscommunityoutreach. com to attend this luncheon.
Stay tuned for information about the next painting class.
Many thanks to those who have donated to Community Brickworks! We wouldn’t be here without your help. Neighbors Helping Neighbors! Lisa Remley, CommunityBrickworks.org
The CHCO team has created a website to simplify registration for our upcoming events and to share information about our programs and activities.To check out our upcoming events and register for them, click on the EVENTS tab at: www. chatthillscommunityoutreach.com.
Campbellton Baptist Church
8660 Campbellton Fairburn Rd
Friendship Baptist Church
6090 Cochran Mill Rd
www.friendshipbaptistchatthills.com
Interfaith Fellowship at Serenbe
www.facebook.com/ groups/1964824926878340/
New Hope United Methodist Church
7875 Atlanta Newnan Rd Providence Baptist Church
Sardis Baptist Church has a long history of serving the rural community in Chattahoochee Hills. Established in 1875 as the "Baptist Church of Christ at Sardis," early records show 65 members on the role with services held one weekend each month on Saturday and Sunday.
As the surrounding community grew over time, so did the church. In 2008, a pavilion was added to the property and the church extended an invitation for the community to use it for fellowship activities.
When selecting a barn quilt for the pavilion, Sardis Church members chose a Cross & Tulips pattern in their favorite colors of purple and green. For more photos and the host's heritage story, visit: https://www.chatthillsbarnquilttrail.com/sardis-baptist-church.html
For a map of the 43 barn quilts on the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail, visit: https://www.chatthillsbarnquilttrail.com/tour-the-trail.html
Produced by The Art Farm at Serenbe
Watch Here: https:// www.youtube.com/ watch?v=TQphNmYA10M
6402 Campbellton Redwine Rd., www. pbcrico.org
Rico United Methodist Church 6475 Rico Rd
Rivertown United Methodist Church 9325 Rivertown Rd
Sardis Baptist Church
8400 Sardis Rd., www.sardisbaptistch. com
Southside at Serenbe
915AM & 11AM at One Mado. We'd love for you to join us and invite your friends and family! for more info contact Cathy Gailey at cgailey@ remax.net or 404-456-6347.
Southern Crescent Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentUUFellowship/
Vernon Grove Baptist Church 8440 Vernon Grove Rd.
Chattahoochee Hills Police Chief Jim Little announced his retirement effective June 29, 2023.
Chief Little joined the Chatt Hills Police Department on September 11, 2018, bringing with him more than two decades of public safety, crime prevention, officer training and management, and program leadership experience. His law enforcement career began in 1997 with the City of Alpharetta after serving in the United States Navy as a submariner from 1981-1996. Shifting gears when he joined Chatt Hills, Chief Little sharpened his focus on community policing.
“In a small town like Chatt Hills, it’s important to have a personal connection with residents,” he said. “There is more of a civic focus, such as providing vacation home monitoring, and assisting with the lost dog program. There is also a team approach among staff members in all departments. I don’t think I’ve ever worked in such an environment where everyone pitches in like they do in Chatt Hills.”
When asked what were his greatest accomplishments while serving Chatt Hills, Chief Little said there were two.
“Fully staffing the department with competent professionals is the greatest accomplishment any leader can hope for.
I am so immensely proud of our police department. They are also responsible for the second greatest accomplishment, which was the hard work over a period of two years to achieve the State of Georgia Accreditation.”
Thanks to Police Chief Jim Little, Lt. Kevin Digou, and the entire police department, the City of Chatt Hills is now among the elite 140 state agencies that have earned this prestigious certification, meeting the rigorous requirements for policies and procedures.
Police Chief Little will be recognized for his service at the city council meeting, scheduled for June 6, 6:00 p.m. at Chatt Hills City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd.
Chief Janet Moon from Peachtree City who serves on the State Accreditation Board presented the official Georgia State Accreditation plaque to Chief Little.
Congratulations to Dave Healy, Jr. who is retiring after five years of service to the City. He has been a tremendous asset to the public works and parks department and has played a significant role in making sure our parks, grounds, and facilities are maintained and look great. We told him the door is always open, and he will now have more time to attend Council meetings and volunteer on various boards and committees.
The Chattahoochee Hills Planning Commission held a public hearing on May 11 followed by a review of the application, deliberation, and a unanimous vote to recommend approval of the Kane Studio Project Rosebud application. The meeting was offered in person at city hall and virtually via ZOOM. The ZOOM recording is available on the city’s website, along with the Planning Commission’s information packet: www.chatthillsga.us/government/planning_commission.php
Chatt Hills Community Development Director Mike Morton introduced the application.
Kane Studio requested a rezoning of 1606.18 acres from RL (Rural) to HM-MU (Mixed-Use Hamlet) to create a film production studio. The applicant has requested three variances and five Special Use Permits. The recommendation of staff is for approval. Staff comments are listed below.
Proposed Variances:
1. A variance from Section 6-3.C to reduce the minimum residential units required in the HM-MU District from .5 units per acre to zero and to increase the maximum allowable percentage of property devoted to non-residential units from 25% of the developable area to 100%.
[Staff] While staff would prefer they weren’t applying for this variance and were building a mixed-use district, they do technically meet the variance criteria. Staff understands that public sentiment and perhaps elected and appointed officials, is toward the elimination of the residential requirement. Recommend approval.
2. A variance from Section 5-6. G to increase the maximum open space which can be transferred offsite from 20% to 50%.
[Staff] This would result in more protected land out in the rural district and would also result in more land projected overall, because when you move preservation off-site, you have to increase the amount of land preserved overall to maintain the overall ratio of preservation to development. Recommend approval.
3. A variance to eliminate all of the requirements of Article XII regarding thoroughfares in those portions of the development to which public access is restricted. [Staff] In hamlets and villages, there are certain rules that apply for thoroughfares that are not intended to apply for a business-type campus. This variance makes it clear that the driveways will be built in back behind the security fence and they aren’t intended to serve a mixed-use community. Recommend approval.
Proposed Special Use Permits, as required in the HM-MU district:
1. Motion Picture or Sound Recording Facility, Large
2. Hotel
3. College, University, or Professional School
4. Event Center, Large
5. Recycling Center
[Staff] Recommends approval subject to the five pages of conditions included in the packet.
Applicant: Carl Westmoreland, consultant for Project Rosebud, gave an update on the application since it was presented to the city council for a first read on May 2.
Clarifications: The Recycling center is for on-site use only; it is not a public recycling facility. The request for a height variance has been removed. The request for on-site residential has been removed. There are some residences on-site but they would only be used for people working on projects on the property and would not be for sale to the public.
Regional DRI Study: The application has undergone a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) review by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA). Their
conditions are included in the five pages of the city’s conditions. This proposal is an attempt to fit within the ethos of Chattahoochee Hills (the more rural area), and the size of the project, over 1,600 acres, gives the applicant the chance to do that.
Benefits to the City: The applicant proposes to give the city 70 acres of the property contiguous to the existing city park; dedicate 10 acres along the river for extension of the trail that Trust for Public Land has proposed, and plans on building a multi-use path on the property along the length of Campbellton Redwine Rd to the city’s specifications. The applicant will also purchase a fire truck for the city, and donate land for a fire station in the future, if requested by the city.
City Property Tax Revenue: Using the existing millage rate, the city’s portion of the property tax this year is estimated at $7,800. Next year, without any improvements to the property, it is about $134,000. In the following years, property taxes would increase incrementally as improvements are added to this property. After the project has been fully built, the city’s portion of the property tax is estimated between $5 million - $6 million per year.
Traffic: South Fulton Pkwy and Campbellton Redwine Rd (south of SF Parkway) are both state roads, so any improvements would have to be approved and permitted by Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The project would build two acceleration lanes at the two entrances. There have been some questions with neighbors who live on Campbellton Redwine Rd, and the project team met with them this past week and made it clear that while we show conceptual locations for road improvements on the plan, the roads are subject to GDOT approval and therefore could shift to a degree. The DRI suggests a series of roundabouts on SF Parkway. These have been in the GDOT plans for years, it’s nothing the applicant came up with or suggested to them. We’re working with the city to allocate the approximate percentages the applicant is responsible for. The city will not have any financial responsibility for those. GDOT and GRTA have assumed a 3.9% increase in traffic per year, even if this project were not built. Based on studio operations, we expect between 75-125 people per active set at any one time, which should give some idea of the traffic
that would be there. The DRI used warehouses as a category because there is no category for film studio in their instruction manual. We received some traffic numbers from the Trilith Movie Studio to get an idea of studio traffic. Their traffic count was at 5,200 trips/day prior to the studio being built, then increased over time to 9,000 trips/day, which places the actual studio traffic at around 3,800 trips/day.
1. Where is the maintenance building? Answer: We’ve now added it on the site plan.
2. Can you eliminate the Jones Ferry Rd driveway?
Answer: No, but there is a condition that shows a maximum of 24 houses can go on to it. There will be internal access from those to get to the studio property.
3. Was Hutcheson Ferry Rd part of the DRI study?
Answer: Yes, it was. GRTA assumed there was so little impact on that road they didn’t recommend any traffic improvements.
4. What happens if our development is ahead of the GDOT schedule for improvements on SF Parkway?
Answer: Condition 3A requires the applicant is obligated to pay 100% of the improvements, if needed, prior to GDOT improvements coming on line.
5. Will there be a helipad? Answer: No. The applicant talked about it, but never filed an application for it. There’s no helipad or airport anywhere on the property.
6. Is it true that this application was only possible because of the changes to the code the city council made in February? Answer: The application was filed on December 1. It did not require those amendments. The only thing those amendments have done is allow the elimination of a few of the variances, such as the request for building height.
7. Are there any changes to the conditions? Answer: Condition #13 requires a certain amount of open space be preserved off site. The way it’s written, it’s not clear that it isn’t an absolute regardless of how much open space you’ve got on site. We’re not asking for a variance to reduce what we’re required to have, but we need more clarity on the timing there. Condition # 19 requires preservation of a couple of houses on Campbellton Redwine. This needs more discussion. The improvements and standards required may depend on what those houses will be used for – will they be residences, or are they simply backgrounds for movie studio.
The Public:
Sixteen people stated their support for the movie studio. Their reasons included: the studio fits with the city’s vision to “Keep it Rural” adhering to buffer requirements so it would be well-hidden from the road, preserving 65% of the land in open space, and donating land for the park expansion, trail along the Chattahoochee River, and multi-use path. The studio would bring much-needed revenue to the city, and employment opportunities through studio work and jobs at the event center and hotel. The studio seems to be the best option for that large parcel of land, and offers less impact than a traditional village or hamlet. Eight people stated their opposition for the movie studio. Their reasons included: the studio will bring more traffic, people, and noise to the area. The build out of the property may displace wildlife and negatively impact the environment if trees are removed. People moved to this area because it was rural and they understood it would have three developments (Serenbe and two more) and nothing else would change.
Westmorland said the project team met with residents who live on Campbellton Redwine Rd to address their traffic concerns and GDOT will ultimately approve road improvements. They are not asking for any variances on noise or the dark skies and will comply with the city’s ordinances. The reason there are so many special uses is that special uses give the city more control over development, and that is exactly what has happened in this case.
Planning Commission chair Doug Cloud asked Mike Morton if he had anything to add before the commission’s deliberation. Morton gave a detailed description of how off-site open space works. If open space is moved offsite, the ratio of open space to developable land must be maintained in the on-site property as well as the off-site property. Before a recent change to the Unified Development Code (UDC), open space could be moved off-site acre for acre, which would have reduced the open space under the 65% requirement. After the UDC change, when an additional one acre is developed on-site, 2.8 acres of open space is required to be transferred off-site to maintain the 65% ratio. This benefits the city by increasing the overall open space and by placing it off-site in the rural district where it benefits the whole city.
Mike also clarified MRPA (Metropolitan River Protection Act). It’s not a prohibition on any development within the 2,000 ft corridor on both sides of the Chattahoochee River. It’s a complex review with land vulnerability maps, types of soil, slopes, and other factors reviewed by the ARC.
Each planning commission member was invited to give a statement before asking their questions. The following is a summary of their questions and answers.
Q1. What is the plan for utilities?
A1. They are anticipated to come from Douglas County at the expense of the applicant.
Q2. What will be seen from the street?
A2. The buildings are set back father than required. The three closest buildings are two existing houses (which will be preserved), and the mail center set back from the road 650 feet. The studio buildings will be over ¼ mile from Campbellton Redwine Rd, well-hidden
behind the 100ft tall trees.
Q3. Where will the roundabouts be located?
A3. They will be phased in per the traffic study on South Futon Parkway, at Cochran Mill Rd, Rico Rd, and Campbellton Redwine Rd; and in Douglas County at Shell Rd and Hwy 166.
Q4. What percentage of the traffic will go in which direction?
A4.Coming out of the studio at its northern entrance, 80% of the traffic will go north to SF Parkway, then 60% will turn east, 40% will turn left (the studio didn’t include the percentage for continuing north as it was an insignificant amount). The studio indicated 5% would go south on Hutcheson Ferry Rd, with no improvements deemed necessary for that road.
Q5. What is the genesis for the request for additional off-site open space?
A5. The city has discussed preserving farmland in the rural district through its future Agricultural Commons program, so it was thought this would be a way to participate. The off-site open space is not needed now, but may be needed in the future, so it was thought best to include it in the plan.
Q6. What are the conditions for the fire truck? Is it to be dedicated for the movie studio or for use by the city?
A6. Chief Brett answered and said it is intended to be a city-owned ladder truck that can be utilized anywhere in the city. If it is in use at the studio or elsewhere, fire support would be provided through the city’s mutual aid agreements with nearby cities.
Q7. What is the timeline for construction?
A7. The applicant should be in position to submit an engineer plan to get a permit within the next 6 months. Water and sewer should be functioning in about two years.
Q8. Would you clarify the bonding? Who pays for what?
A8. The city doesn’t pay for any infrastructure improvements. The applicant will program these improvements with GDOT and pay a percentage assigned to Kane studio.
Q9. What are the next steps?
A9. The planning commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the Kane Studio Project Rosebud application with all conditions, except 13 and 19, which are still under review. The city council will consider the recommendations at its June 1 work session. At its June 6 council meeting there will be a public hearing followed by a motion and vote on the Kane Studio Project Rosebud.
Over the last two decades internet providers have used a variety of methods to expand broadband access, including copper wire and satellite; however, those methods fall far short of the preeminent internet technology: fiber Although the process of building a fiber network can be lengthy fiber is the most efficient, most resilient and most future-proof technology used in broadband delivery That s why GreyStone Connect is dedicated to bringing fiber-fast internet to the residents of Chattahoochee Hills
Fiber is made up of tiny strands of glass that carry data in light
waves, resulting in faster, more reliable service
it less susceptible to interference and weather damage
Fiber-optics are more resilient than other delivery mediums, making Fiber offers symmetrical speeds for both uploading and downloading, greater bandwidth, and no data caps
Fiber infrastructure is necessary to expand 5G wireless technology, resulting in accelerated speeds on both sides
Show
Are you interested in receiving the new GreyStone Power fiber internet service available by 2024? Sign up to receive construction updates and future launch announcements at: https://bit.ly/3B9fYjj
The Mayor and Council will have the first Public Hearing for the FY2024 Budget on June 6th at 6:00 PM. There is a second public hearing that will be held prior to the end of June to officially adopt the FY2024 Budget which starts July 1, 2023. The second Public Hearing will be a virtual meeting on a date and time to be announced and published soon.
I know I have written a lot of articles about local governmental budgeting in the past, but there may be some new readers who missed some good information about your city budget, or those who may want a deeper dive into what is collected and how these monies are allocated. As a municipal government, we use what is referred to as fund accounting. All this means is that some monies that are collected are for general use while other monies collected are for specific and sometimes restricted use. Below is an easy-to-follow table that illustrates the different funds we use.
Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM
time), finance and human resources (1 full time), information technology (contracted), court services (1 full-time, 3 contracted), police (12 full-time, 2 part-time), fire (11 full-time, 10 part-time, 7 PRN) , public works (9 full-time), parks and recreation (1 full-time, 1 part-time), engineering (contracted), and community development (2 full-time). In total, we have 50 employees made up of 30 full-time employees and 20 part-time employees (not including the Mayor and Council).
So as can be seen, the General Fund is approximately 41% ($4.5M) of the overall $11M budget. The next largest fund is Capital Equipment, followed by TSPLOST and our reserves. The city’s budget is available on our website. Please reach out to me if you have any questions about the budget or other city operations; as I am happy to oblige.
When I present the monthly financials to the Mayor and Council, I make sure to identify the revenues and expenditures while explaining how there are different “buckets” of money that are used for budgeting. So when I say we have an $11M budget, this applies to all the different Funds, which include the General Fund, Debt Service Fund, Hotel/Motel Fund, Technology Fund, Grants Fund, Capital Equipment Fund, TSPLOST Fund, and our reserves. The latter, we strive to keep about 17% of the General Fund available for emergencies.
From an operational perspective, I place more emphasis on the General Fund. This is where we allocate revenue collections for our day-to-day operations to fund our departments such as legislative (Mayor and Council = 6 part time), city manager (1 full time), city clerk (1 full
Call to Order All members present.
Review and Approval of Agenda: Amended to add the following presentations:
1. Promotion of Firefighter Kevin Jones to Captain
2. Recognition of Fire Department Recruit Christian Pace
Passed 5-0
Approval of Minutes
1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 7, 2023
Passed 5-0
Presentations / Proclamations
1. Peace Officers Memorial Day – May 15th
2. Memorial Day – May 29th
3. Promotion of Firefighter Kevin Jones to Captain
4. Recognition of Fire Department Recruit Christian Pace
Public Comments
Staff Reports
Financial Update: Robbie Rokovitz
Fire Department Report: Greg Brett
Police Department Report: Jim Little
Public Works/Parks Report: Darold Wendlandt
Community Development Report: Mike Morton
Public Hearing
1. Item 23-012: Public Hearing and Action on an Ordinance to approve a Special Use Permit for an Event Center, Large, in the RL (Rural) District and for all other purposes related thereto – property is located at 8735 Wilkerson Mill Road. Motion to table passed 5-0.
Unfinished Business (None)
New Business
1. Item 23-015: Ordinance to Amend the Official Zoning Map to Rezone 1,606.18 acres from the RL (Rural) District to the HM-MU (Mixed-Use Hamlet) District and to approve Three Variances and to approve Special Use Permits for a Motion Picture or Sound Recording Facility; a Hotel; a College, University or Professional School; a Large Event Center; and a Recycling Center in the HM-MU (Mixed-Use Hamlet) District – the property is several tracts located between Campbellton Redwine Road and the Chattahoochee River, southwest of Jones Ferry Road. First read. No action
will be taken. No action taken.
2. Item 23-016: Consideration of a proposal to purchase Historic Marker sign(s) from Lake Shore Industries for $4,405.00 each and approval of signage content. Passed 5-0
3. Item 23-017: Consideration of a contract with Suresby, Inc. for the Chattahoochee Hills Visitor App at an annual cost of $7,800.00. Passed 5-0
Mayor and Council Comments
Executive Session (None)
Adjourn Meeting The meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
The City of Chattahoochee Hills hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, coordinated by the Chatt Hills Community Outreach (CHCO) initiative. The city shares a common goal with CHCO to offer events that foster camaraderie and help build a strong community by connecting residents with each other, city services, and local businesses.
Our FREE special events would not be possible without the support and partnership of volunteers, local community businesses, and organizations.
We invite you to join us in supporting our 2023 line-up of special events. As a sponsor of our special events, we will acknowledge you in our promotional material and offer a half-page ad in our municipal monthly newsletter. You will receive a letter to share with your accountant as a qualified deduction for 2023 tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Harvest Festival October 14 at Town Green
Community Awards Banquet November 10 Christmas In Chatt Hills December TBA City Hall
For more information contact: Robert Rokovitz, City Manager, robbie.rokovitz@chatthillsga.us 770.463.8881 or Ruby Foster, ruby.foster@chatthillsga.us - Chatt Hills Community Outreach
Community & City City of Chattahoochee Hills, City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268, Phone: (770) 463-8881, www.chatthillsga.us
City of Chatt Hills: www.chatthillsga.us
Chatt Hills Charter School: http://www.chatthillscharter.org/calendar
Community Brickworks: www.communitybrickworks.org
Serenbe Community: www.serenbe.com
Acton Academy at Serenbe: http://actonacademyatserenbe.com/#ourstory
We will be scheduling Special Called City Council meetings as dictated by circumstances. These will be virtual and open to the public. Meetings will be streamed live. Check details on the City’s website.
City Council Work Session - Thurs., June 1, 6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
City Council Meeting - Tues., June 6, 6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Historic Comission Meeting - Mon., June 12, 6:30 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
The parking passes for Cochran Mill Park are now available. Visit City Hall for your application. The fees are as follows:
• Residents – free
• Annual car/truck - $25
• Annual 3+ axels - $35
The official newsletter of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Chatt Hills News, is published monthly. This publication is compiled from submissions from the community and is available in public locations around the City, at City Hall, or via email subscriptions.
Email Subscriptions:
To subscribe via email, visit the City’s Website: www.chatthillsga.us
Or subscribe directly at this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/w9cGwxA
Parks Commission Meeting - Tues., June 13, 6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Planning Comission Meeting - Thurs., June 15, 6:30 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Senior Luncheon - Fri., June 16, 11:00 am
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Print Copies:
Residents of Chatt Hills who do not have Internet may request mailed copies by calling City Hall: (770) 463-8881.
Article / Event Submissions:
If you have a story, event, or suggestion for future articles, we’d like to hear from you. Please submit your information by the 15th of every month for publication on the 1st of the month to: chatthillsnews@chatthillsga.us
