City of Sandy Springs Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2015

Public Works Named Agency of the Year

Project Update

City Earns Green Certification

Google Fiber Scheduled for Sandy Springs

GDOT Meetings

SSPD Safety Classes

Georgia Small Business Week

LSS Hosts Speaker on Community Engagement

Daddy Daughter Dance

Recreation and Parks Programs

Public Input Wanted for Transportation Study

Winter Weather - Be Prepared!

Business License Renewal Reminder

Neighborhood Contact Update

HSS Hosts Free Wedding Expo

SSEF Partners with GA Tech

Ribbon Cutting Celebrations

Welcome Take 5 Oil Change

Welcome Center Ice Arena

Citizen Response Center
770-730-5600

Answering calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Welcome to the February 2015 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.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT NAMED AGENCY OF THE YEAR

The City of Sandy Springs Public Works Department was named Agency of the Year by the Georgia Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers. This award recognizes governmental or quasi-governmental agencies which have made significant transportation improvements in their area of jurisdiction during the previous twelve months.

In 2014, the City attained a number of noteworthy achievements. Visit the City's website's Latest City News page to read the full release.

PROJECT UPDATE - ROSWELL ROAD IMPROVEMENTS

Meet the project manager behind the changes happening on both sides of Roswell Road. This project will provide sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and trees, from Northridge Road to Hightower Trail on the west side of Roswell Road, and from Hightower Trail to Roberts Drive on the east side. To view the video update, click this link to the project page on the City's website.

CITY EARNS GREEN CERTIFICATION

The City of Sandy Springs was one of seven local governments recognized by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) for leadership in implementing policies and practices that contribute to efficient and sustainable use of resources in metro Atlanta. The City was honored for becoming a Bronze Certified Green Community at ARC's January Board meeting. This is the first time Sandy Springs has achieved certification. Some of the actions Sandy Springs took to become certified include:

Conducting energy audits resulting in replacing inefficient light bulbs with more energy efficient light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs within city buildings.
Building a 2,000 gallon propane auto gas fueling station.
Initiating the development of a citywide Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trail Plan. The city has invested more than eight million dollars in the last five years to build new sidewalks.
Revising its Zoning Ordinance in 2013 requiring all new developments to install electric vehicle charging stations.

For more information, visit the Latest City News page on the city's website.

GOOGLE FIBER COMING TO TOWN

Google has announced that its speedy internet is coming to Sandy Springs. The City is one of 18 in four metro areas in the Southeast selected by Google as target cities. Google is promising speeds up to one gigabit per second, about 100 times faster than the average U.S. Internet connection. Google has not yet announced timing for rollout or pricing, by you can keep tabs via their website.

GDOT's PUBLIC INFORMATION

OPEN HOUSES

The Georgia Department of Transportation will conduct two public information open houses this week on its plans to reconstruct the Interchange of Interstate 285 and GA 400. The first open house is from 11 a.m., until 1 p.m., Thursday, February 5; and the second from 4 p.m., to 8 p.m., that same day. Both will be held in the Congregation B'nai Torah, located at 700 Mount Vernon Highway, NE, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328.

SANDY SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT-

FEBRUARY SAFETY CLASSES

The Sandy Springs Police Department sponsors monthly safety classes at no cost. Here's the schedule for January 2015:

Firearms Safety Class - Wednesday February 11, 2015, from 6-9 p.m. at the Sandy Springs Gun Range
Teen Driving Class Wednesday, February 25, 2015 from 6-8:15 at SSPD register for teen driving class (registration is mandatory)

For more information about Firearms Safety classes, contact Sergeant Ron Momon, Sandy Springs Police Crime Prevention Unit at 770-551-6947 or rmomon@sandyspringsga.gov. For more information about Teen Driving classes, contact Sergeant Dan Nable 770-551-3311 or sandyspringsteens@gmail.com

GEORGIA SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

Governor Nathan Deal proclaimed February 16-20, 2015, as the first ever Georgia Small Business Week. Sandy Springs is home to a wide assortment of small businesses. Our website will feature a Small Business Tool Kit with the goal of supporting our locally owned businesses.

LIVE, LOVE, LEAD ... SANDY SPRINGS LEADERSHIP SANDY SPRINGS HOSTS SPEAKER ON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Leadership Sandy Springs will host, Peter Kageyama, an internationally recognized community development and grassroots engagement expert. Kageyama's presentation on how to build an emotionally engaged city, will share insights on creating change in the community. The event is Thursday, February 5, 2015. Networking and appetizers at 6:30 p.m. / program at 7 p.m. at Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church 805 Mt. Vernon Highway. Cost: $25 for Leadership Sandy Springs members / $30 for non-members. For more information and to register, visit Leadership Sandy Springs' website .

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS FOR THE SIXTH ANNUAL DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Daddys and their little girls can have a night out on the town! The dance will feature music from both generations geared to the dads, or father figures, and daughters. The event includes dance contests, musical games, complementary snacks and refreshments, a keepsake photo, door prizes and a goodie bag for each girl. Attire is business casual to semi-formal. Registration is accepted on a first come, first serve basis until the event is full or February 6, 2015, whichever comes first. Open to all girls attending school in Sandy Springs. Spaces are limited so sign up early!

Saturday, February 7, 2015, 6-8 p.m.
Location: Spalding Drive Charter Elementary
Cost: $35/daddy-daughter includes keepsake photo; $10 each additional daughter

Click here to register for the Daddy Daughter Dance

MORE FROM RECREATION AND PARKS

WINTER BIRD WALK

Join the Atlanta Audubon Society for a guided bird walk along the trail at Morgan Falls Overlook Park. Binoculars will be available to borrow.

When: February 21, 2015 Saturday 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Where: Morgan Falls Overlook Park, 200 Morgan Falls Drive

Who: Ages 6 and up. Children 16 & under must be accompanied by an adult.

Cost: Free, registration requested

STAR GAZING

Look over the stars at Morgan Falls Overlook Park! Bring binoculars or your own telescope and join the Atlanta Astronomy club members to look at the moon, visible planets and other objects.

When: February 27, 2015 Friday 7:30-10:00 p.m.

Where: Morgan Falls Overlook Park, 200 Morgan Falls Drive

Who: Open to all ages

Cost: Free, registration requested

ADAPTIVE RECREATION EXCEPTIONAL ADVENTURES

The February Exceptional Adventures activity will be musical adventures and games. Participants also make their own musical instruments! The Exceptional Adventures Activity Club is a monthly social-recreational program designed to bring special needs kids ages 4-12 together for a fun and engaging time.

When: February 28, 2015 Saturday 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Where: Hammond Park Community Building, 6005 Glenridge Dr.

Who: Special Needs Kids Ages 4-12 Siblings invited!

Cost: $10.00 (plus $5.00 activity fee) per child

To register for these programs:

Visit www.sandyspringsga.gov/registration

More info: Call 770-730-5600

GRTA'S DIRECT XPRESS PROJECT SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT

Direct Xpress, an 18-month study designed to maximize the productivity of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority's (GRTA) Xpress regional commuter coach service, launched a survey to evaluate existing Xpress service and explore future opportunities, and they would like to hear from you. The survey will be available through February 16, 2015. Phase 1 recommendations for Perimeter include: Extend new Route 401 from Cumming into Perimeter and implement new service between Kennesaw and Perimeter and new service between Sugarloaf Mills and Perimeter. For more information visit the project page on the GRTA's website.

WINTER WEATHER - BE PREPARED!

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), urges Georgians to prepare for possible severe winter weather. They offer advice through their Ready Georgia program. Last year, we kept residents and business owners updated on road conditions, closures and available resources through our social media channels. Please "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on twitter to stay informed.

BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWAL

If you own a business in Sandy Springs, it's time to start thinking about that renewal paperwork. Reminders are in the mail, and you can find additional information on the business license and renewal page on the city's website.

NEIGHBORHOOD CONTACT UPDATE

Help us keep you informed! Please visit the Neighborhood Relations page on our website to learn how to submit your information so we can keep you updated on city related projects and activities.

HERITAGE SANDY SPRINGS PRESENTS FREE WEDDING EXPO

Heritage Sandy Springs will host a free Wedding Expo on Sunday, February 22, 2015 from 1 - 4 p.m. The event will provide engaged couples the chance to consult one-on-one with essential wedding vendors such as caterers, DJs, florists, photographers, stylists, and planners. Admission is free, but RSVPS are requested and can be made via email at rentals@heritagesandysprings.org.

COMMUNITY INVITED TO SSEF' s

TECH TALK

Sandy Springs Education Force in Partnership with Georgia Tech Research Institute, invites you to their 5th Annual STEM VIP community event: TechTalk: The Amazing World of Communication Technology -Thursday, February 26, 2015 at North Springs Charter High School, 5:30 p.m. Exhibition Preview - 5:30 p.m., Program - 6:30 p.m., Reception and Exhibition Showcase - 7 p.m.

NEW BUSINESSES, NEW LOCATIONS CELEBRATED AT RECENT

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIES

RIBBON CUTTING AT TAKE 5 OIL CHANGE

Take 5 Oil Change, known for the 5-minute oil change, opened its first metro-Atlanta location on Roswell Road, just south of Abernathy Road. Members of the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber of Commerce joined the staff for the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

RIBBON CUTTING AT CENTER ICE ARENA

Councilman Bauman, the city's director of Economic Development, Andrea Hall, along with members of the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber, joined the staff of Center Ice Arena at the ribbon cutting ceremony. The 200-foot-by-85 foot ice skating rink is located at 5750 Roswell Road, and will offer programs including Learn to Play Hockey, Learn to Skate, Adult Hockey Clinic, & Adult Skating.