Seniors: Homestead exemption available through March 1
Seniors have through March 1 to opt into a homestead exemption passed by the State Legislature. This exemption is in addition to any exemptions for which they are currently eligible and goes against the state's .25 mills. Eligible seniors may make the election at the North Annex or downtown.
Click here for more information on the exemption.
Water main break affects Sandy Springs
A City of Atlanta water main break off of Georgia 400 created a water emergency for the City of Sandy Springs from Feb. 16 through 20. Thanks to citizens' conservation efforts, only small parts of Sandy Springs were affected and placed under a boil-water advisory.
A malfunctioning valve prolonged the crises after Atlanta Water repaired the break. But the up-to-the-minute flow of information, along with the positive response of citizens and businesses contributed to a highly successful resolution. The City thanks the fire departments and cities that provided service during this emergency.
If you didn't get a call from the Emergency Operations Center Reverse 911, click here to register during March.
City to honor volunteers March 6
Sandy Springs is holding a ceremony to honor volunteers for City events and activities. The event begins at 5 p.m. on March 6 at City Hall, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500. There will be light refreshments. Anyone who has volunteered for Sandy Springs may attend.
Click here for the complete release.
Livesaving classes begin
The City plans to train 1,000 people during the next year in CPR and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The first training session, which involved Sandy Springs staff, took place in February. Plans are underway for public access defibrillation programs and public CPR training.
The Sandy Springs Fire Department is working with emergency physicians from Emory University School of Medicine to provide a community-wide program to prevent sudden cardiac death. All City emergency vehicles, along with the City Hall building, are equipped with AED devices.
Read more here.
Council passes tree, noise ordinances
The Sandy Springs Mayor and City Council passed two critical ordinances during February. The Tree Ordinance passed Feb. 6, 2007, after an extended period of public input and committee recommendations. It defines the types and sizes considered protected. It also calls for the maintenance of 30% tree cover on residential properties and defines requirements for replanting trees.
The Noise Ordinance also passed Feb. 6. The new ordinance regulates noise in the City and provides for enforcement. Under the Noise Ordinance, construction may take place from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Radios may play until 11 p.m. on weeknights and until midnight on weekends and holidays with sound audible to the property line.
Vist the Sandy Springs home page for complete information on the new ordinances.
Traffic signal timing to help flow
The City is working to improve traffic flow on Roswell Road from Glenridge Drive to Abernathy by adjusting the traffic signal timing. The new timing plans are being implemented in two steps. The first is to coordinate a better flow between signals and more efficient ramp traffic at I-285. The two signals at I-285 have a new sequence that to help eliminate the backup of vehicles waiting to turn left and blocking the left through-lane.
The second step to the signal timing updates is to take the new sequence and shorten the cycle length. A reduced cycle length can reduce overall delay, especially on side streets.
For more information on traffic or transportation issues, contact the Public Works Department at (770) 732-5600.
Web has new features
The Public Works Capital Improvement Projects pages contain with new and updated information on the Web. There are reports for nearly 30 projects. Visit the web page here.
The Sandy Springs site also includes a History page containing information provided by the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sandy Springs Chapter. You can access it here.
Public offers input for Greenway project
The Public Works Department held public input meetings on the Abernathy Greenway project in January and February. Another public information meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on March 27, 2007, at City Hall. In April, the design team will make a presentation of three concept alternatives to the City Council.
Please visit the project Web page for more information.
Annual report survey
Sandy Springs wants your opinion about our annual report. Please take a minute to complete an online survey.
Upcoming meetings
Meetings on the calendar include regular City Council meetings on March 27 (7 p.m.) and a work session on March 13 (6 p.m.). Meetings of the Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Committee are scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 12 and 26; and the Impact Fee Advisory Committee will meet at 3 p.m. on March 21. Other meetings include a Dave Greenspan Town Hall meeting (7 p.m. March 28, location TBD).
Check the Web calendar for more information.
Grant to prompt development
Sandy Springs has been selected to receive a 2007 Livable Centers Initiative grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). The focus of the program is to encourage development in residential and economic areas, such as downtown Sandy Springs. The approved grant is for a study for the Roswell Road corridor south of I-285. It covers the area between Glenridge Drive and the Atlanta City Limits along Roswell Road; extending west to Lake Forrest Road and east to GA 400. Completion of the study will qualify the area to apply through the ARC for priority funding. The grant is based on a total study budget of $125,000, with 80% funded by the grant and a 20% local match. The study must be completed no later than Dec. 14, 2007.
Visit the ARC Web site here.