Sandy Springs reporter. (Sandy Springs, GA) 2007-current, August 21, 2015, Image 1

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Newspaper Page TextAUG. 21 - SEPT. 3, 2015 • VOL. 9 - NO. 17 Inside A ‘sense of place’ Development director shares vision COMMUNITY 2 Going old school Two coaches talk tradition HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 16 'erimeter Business PAGES 7-11 New school, new year PHIL MOSIER Heards Ferry Elementary School Principal Lisa Nash, right, greets the Gayles family, from left, kindergartner Grace, father Jonathon, sister Gabrielle, 3, and mom Pamela, during the first day of school at the brand new facility on Aug. 10. See more photos on page 19. Neighbors may sue city over approved Ashton Woods housing plan BY JOHN RUCH johnruch@reporternewspapers.net The Ashton Woods housing portion of the Mercedes-Benz USA headquarters project— whose plan now includes a new 14-acre public park—won approval from Sandy Springs City Council on Aug. 18 in a 5-1 vote. “It’s an imperfect project.. .but it’s a good project,” said City Councilman Andy Bau man, who, like his peers, said he wrestled with the pros and cons. But many opposing neighbors—includ ing dozens wearing red shirts to the meeting to symbolize their opposition—may sue the city over the approval, an attorney and a neighbor hood association leader said afterward. Matt LaMarsh of the Mount Vernon Woods Homeowners Association, a leader of local opposition, said residents are considering SEE NEIGHBORS, PAGE 20 Windsor Meadows not a ‘destination’ park, residents say BY JOHN RUCH johnruch@reporternewspapers.net Should a new city park include parking spaces? That’s the question surrounding Windsor Meadows, a small neighborhood park planned for the floodplain at Windsor Parkway and Northland Drive. The addition of three parking spaces to the design is drawing concerns from some neighbors who worry it may attract shady strangers in stead of local walkers. “Our plan involved a walking park with trails,” said Christopher Laird, one of three residents who spoke against the parking spaces at an Aug. 4 Sandy Springs City Coun cil meeting. “We did not want this to be a destination park.” Officials say the parking is needed for maintenance and for people with mobility problems. And there is plenty of time to change the design, which the city recently submit ted to the state for approval. “We have some time to work these issues through,” said Linda Bain, executive director of the Sandy Springs Con servancy, which designed the park. She said she thinks the neighbors have valid worries, but “all things considered, that’s a fair number of [parking] spaces.” Everyone seems to agree that the park would be a wel come addition to the neighborhood. The 4-acre green space with trees, paths and benches would go on the site where three houses were ruined by a historic 2009 flood of Nancy Creek. The neighborhood park ties into city plans for side walks and a new pedestrian bridge on Windsor Parkway. For now, however, the city must wait for Georgia Emer- SEE RESIDENTS, PAGE 20 Windsor Parkway ( GOOGLE MAPS The 4-acre park is planned for the floodplain at Windsor Parkway and Northland Drive. To see a larger version, go to ReporterNewspapers.net. AUGUST 29™ AT 5 SEASONS BREWING IHOMIl^-2" 1 IHEE ADMISSION THE MtAlWfSHOm>lX<; CENTER 5gooB|d SANDY Sl’lUlviisfp 303?2l A&, -GASPSOUTH Savor Sandy Spring*

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Sandy Springs reporter. (Sandy Springs, GA) 2007-current, August 21, 2015, Image 1