JANUARY

2014

Target Tear Down

Transition

Lake Forrest Slope

Humanitarian Award

Upcoming Events

Public Meeting

GA 400/Northridge Interchange

Shopping Safety Tips

Dance

Winter Storm Prep

1/7	6 p.m.
City Council Meeting	City Hall
1/7	7 p.m.
Community Zoning Information Meeting	City Hall
1/9	7 p.m.
Board of Appeals Meeting	City Hall
1/11	8:30 a.m.
CERT Class 1	SSPD
1/14	9 a.m.
Design Review Board Meeting	City Hall
1/16	7 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting	City Hall
1/21	6 p.m.
City Council Meeting	City Hall
1/28	9 a.m.
Design Review Board Meeting	City Hall
1/28	7 p.m.
Community Zoning Information Meeting	City Hall
1/30	6 p.m.
Community/Developer Resolution Meeting	City Hall

Highlights from

December 2013

Citizen Response Center
770-730-5600

Answering calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Welcome to the January 2014 edition of the Sandy Springs E-Newsletter, a publication that highlights news and events happening within the City. More information from City Hall can be found online at sandyspringsga.gov. You can also telephone our Call Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 770-730-5600.

TARGET TEAR DOWN

While not her last "official" act, one of the most anticipated tasks for Mayor Galambos occurred Monday, Jan. 6, 2014 as the Mayor took the "first bite" out of the former Target building, signaling the official start of redevelopment in the City's downtown area. More than fifty people braved the cold weather and winter flurries to watch as excavators began the process of tearing down the building. The former Target structure rests in the heart of the City Center, with plans calling for a mix of office, retail, living and entertainment, along with a municipal complex and city green space.

TRANSITION

2014 brings several changes to Sandy Springs.

January 7, 2014 marked an historic change in leadership as Rusty Paul was sworn as the City's new mayor. The Swearing-in ceremony took place at City Hall. Also sworn in were the City Council: District 1-John Paulson, District 2-Ken Dishman, District 3-Graham McDonald, District 4-Gabriel Sterling, District 5-Tibby DeJulio, and District 6-Andy Bauman. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shawn LaGrua officiated.

During his inaugural address, Mayor Paul talked about completing the City Center project, creating a "heartbeat" for the City, and using City Center development as a catalyst for revitalization along the Roswell Road Corridor. The Mayor also stressed a commitment to community, citing the collection of neighborhoods that comprise Sandy Springs, and a desire to work with the neighborhoods to create a united sense of community.

LAKE FORREST DRIVE SLOPE REPAIRS UNDERWAY

Construction has begun to permanently stabilize the slope on Lake Forrest Drive. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2014, weather permitting. Lake Forrest Drive between Lake Summit and Chevaux Court will remain closed to traffic until the slope is repaired. For further information, click here.

MLK HUMANITARIAN AWARD TAKING NOMINATIONS

Jan. 10, 2014 at noon is the closing bell to nominate an individual for the MLK Humanitarian Award. The award is presented annually to a person distinguished for humanitarian contributions to society. The nominee must be a resident of Sandy Springs or someone who has worked within the City for the past three years or longer. The Nomination form and additional details can be found on the City's website at sandyspringsga.gov/mlk

Be sure to mark your calendar for Mon., Jan. 20, 2014, The City's MLK Day Celebration begins at 10 a.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. In addition to announcing the recipient of the Humanitarian Award, the keynote speaker will be former WSB TV news anchor Monica Pearson. The program is open to the public, and light refreshments will be served.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Sunday, Jan 19. | Heritage Winter Classics Series

Heritage Sandy Springs presents the Bonaventure Quartet from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Admission is $5/person and doors open at 4 p.m.

Saturday, Feb 1. | Morgan Falls Bird Walk

Join the Atlanta Audubon Society for a guided bird walk along the trails at Overlook Park from 8:30-10:30 a.m.

BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN AND TRAIL PUBLIC MEETING

The City of Sandy Springs will host a public information meeting as part of the development process for a Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trail Plan. The second meeting will offer participants the opportunity to review a preliminary bicycle, pedestrian and trails map. The meeting will include a brief presentation followed by an open house.

The Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trail Plan forums will be used to help develop a set of recommendations for creating a safe and efficient transportation system enabling connectivity both within the city and to the larger regional network.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 14, 2014
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Sandy Springs City Hall Council Chambers
7840 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs

GA 400/NORTHRIDGE INTERCHANGE CONSTRUCTION BLASTING AND STRIPING ACTIVITIES

Motorists who use the Interchange at Northridge Road and GA 400 need to take note of upcoming activities. The Georgia Department of Transportation's (GA DOT) contractor, C.W. Matthews, anticipates conducting limited blasting work on January 13, 15, and 17 between the hours of 12 noon and 4 p.m. Flaggers will be on site, stopping traffic intermittently, at the intersections of Northridge Road and Roberts Drive as well as Dunwoody Place. Traffic along GA 400 will be paced during this time period, and Sandy Springs Police officers will be on site to help with traffic coordination on GA 400 and at the Interchange. Motorists should expect traffic delays.

Additionally, in an effort to help mitigate northbound traffic delays on GA 400 and westbound traffic on Roberts Dr. at Northridge, restriping work is planned to begin the week of Jan. 14, 2014, weather permitting. The restriping includes the westbound lanes on Northridge at the intersection of Northridge Road and Dunwoody Place, removing a dedicated left turn lane, and adding a shared through/left turn lane.Include articles on topics of interest to your readers, relevant news and events.

PLAY BALL

On Dec. 17, 2013, Mayor Galambos and Council members Dianne Fries and John Paulson, along with officials from Fulton County Schools, cut the ribbon on a new artificial turf multi-purpose field at Dunwoody Springs Elementary School. The field was a partnership project adding a sports play area for the school to use for recess and team sports. Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks will use the field for after-school programming including team sports such as soccer, kickball, football and lacrosse.

"Physical activity plays an important role in preventing obesity among children. Through partnerships, like the one we have with Fulton County Schools, we are able to offer more options to keep kids busy in a healthy way," said Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos.

"This is a win-win collaboration," added Fulton County Schools Superintendent Robert Avossa. The new field enables additional opportunities for student to engage in physical activities that improve physical health as well as teaches sportsmanship in a safe and structured environment."

NEIGHBORHOOD CONTACT UPDATE

Help us keep you informed! Please complete this online Home Owners Association/Neighborhood Contact Form so we can keep you updated on city related projects and activities.

5TH ANNUAL FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE

A highly anticipated tradition returns in February as the Recreation and Parks Department sponsors the Fifth annual Daddy-Daughter Dance. The event will take place on Sat., Feb. 8, 2014. It's an evening of music, dance, games, complimentary snacks and goodie bags for each girl. Dads and father figures, enjoy a 'sweetheart' night out with that sweet young lady in your life. The cost to participate is $35 for father/daughter and is open to all girls in grades K-5 attending schools in Sandy Springs. The dance will take place from 6 p.m.-8p.m. at Spalding Drive Charter Elementary School located at 130 W. Spalding Drive in Sandy Springs. Click here for further information.

WINTER STORM PREP

The best time to prepare for a winter storm is long before it hits. Ready.gov is a website with tips to handle most natural disasters. From home supplies to keeping your car winterized, a few preparations should keep you winter ready.

Also important, remember to turn off sprinklers as our temperatures dip below freezing. Sprinkler systems, especially those that work off of a timer, can cause slick and dangerous roadways - no snowy skies needed.

Have a question or comment? Click here.