Brookhaven reporter. (Sandy Springs, GA) 20??-current, December 25, 2015, Image 9

Previous Page Next Page

Previous Issue Next Issue

Clip Visible Area View Page Text View PDF

Newspaper Page Textwww.ReporterNewspapers.netl DEX3.25,2015 — JAN. 7, 2016 | 9 COMMENTARY In the New Year, we will finalize our long-term plan. At the start, Sandy Springs adopted Fulton County’s ex isting development codes because: 1) we needed some thing immediately, 2) we understood the process, and 3) we could fix its obvious flaws over time. After a decade of patching, we realized the old land use plan and de velopment regulations were mid-20th Century relics un suited for early 21st Century demands. This forced coun cil to implement three development moratoria because we lacked adequate controls to block certain types of un wanted development. In 2016, we will update our land use plan and devel opment ordinances to ensure public engagement before developers can apply for a rezoning. The goal is to develop a plan that our residents believe ensures our long-term quality of life. — Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul Notwithstanding the political claims that DeKalb is “back on track,” 2016 will be a year of decision. The Leg islature will consider further reform of our Organiza tional Act (County Constitution) and voters will elect a new CEO, four Commissioners and a District Attorney. A newly created independent Internal Auditor will, for the first time, provide an informed and focused critique of county operations. While new cities and annexations may slow, the conflicts generated by intensive develop ment along municipal boundaries will necessitate inter governmental cooperation that has been lacking. All res idents can and should be active in every election, because county decisions affect everyone. — DeKalb County Commissioner Jeff Rader The most significant local event will be formulating smart strategies and then making decisions to expand transportation alternatives and fund projects that alle viate traffic congestion. One example is whether Fulton Countians should consider a November referendum for an extra 1 percent sales tax to fund road, bridge and other transportation projects. Stakeholders will meet to adopt criteria, and local officials will then have to discuss priori ties and forge an agreement. This will lead to much-need ed debate and decision making. — Rep. Joe Wilkinson, (R-Sandy Springs) Brookhaven will continue to blossom and bloom in 2016. The MARTA development at the Brookhaven- Oglethorpe station will move forward, a decision should be made about where to locate the Brookhaven library, and City Flail will likely determine its next home. All the parks master plans will start coming to fruition, along with the bike-pedestrian plan. The folks studying the Ashford-Dunwoody Corridor should be engaging the community to create a vision for one of our busiest roads. With a good team in place at City Flail, I feel confident that it will build on the foundation that has been laid and continue building a great city. — Brookhaven Mayor Rebecca Chase Williams In 2016, I look forward to more partnerships pushing major projects forward that enhance Perimeter, Georgia’s corporate center, and benefit our city and county part ners and the region - projects like the 1-285 at Ga. 400 Interchange project. I see more big wins, collaborations and successes for our Perimeter business community as long as we continue to work together for the good of the whole. As we identify the needs of our thriving corporate center, PCIDs will continue to be at the table with a hand up, not a hand out. — Yvonne Williams President!CEO, Perimeter Community Improvement Districts A look at the 2015 news in cyberspace... Online readers had their own preferences when it came to news in our com munities. Here are some of the most-read stories on ReporterNewspapers.net for each Reporter Newspapers community. Brookhaven • Brookhaven introduces new tourism mascot ‘Brook’ • Historic Brookhaven residents wary of proposal for Hastings site • Peachtree apartment plan draws opposition despite negotiations Buckhead • Buckhead NPU approves 22-story condo tower • Lindbergh Kroger rezoning gets Atlanta City Council approval • PATH400 opens and Buckhead hits the trail • Atlanta Classical Academy: We’re counter-cultural • Two long-serving coaches reflect on football tradi tion Dunwoody • Dunwoody Tavern closes for filming, welcomes movie stars, seeking extras • New development rolls into Chamblee • Dunwoody voters choose new mayor • Cobb County man dies in one-car accident in Dunwoody • Police identify Dunwoody victim in 1-285 fatality Sandy Springs • Glenridge Hall: A little known Sandy Springs his toric gem • Ice rink opens in Sandy Springs • After 23 years, local icon Brickery grapples with change • Disney Springs? Planning chair wants a Sandy Springs monorail • Proposal for Galloway softball and tennis facility in Sandy Springs finds critics YOURFIRST SERVICE IS ON US. It’s true. When you lease or purchase your new Sprinter Van from us, you get the first service maintenance at NO CHARGE. That’s like, complimentary. Zero cost to you. Keep your money. Come see the selection, admire the prices and drive a Workhorse for your business. iPFRINTB of Buckhead People Drive Us. mercedesofbttckhead.com | 404.846.3501 | 2799 Piedmont Rd | Atlanta, GA

Georgia Historic Newspapers

Brookhaven reporter. (Sandy Springs, GA) 20??-current, December 25, 2015, Image 9