Video podcast debuts, highlights City
A new video podcast, accessible from the Sandy Springs Web site's home page, provides a quick overview of the City. A Windows Media Player embedded on the page displays photos and video clips from around Sandy Springs to complement the narration about the City's history, location and features. This is the first in a series of informative podcasts that will run from the Sandy Springs Web site.
To access the podcast, visit www.sandyspringsga.org. Double-click the Play button on the media player.
Free CPR/AED classes Sept. 8
September is National Preparedness Month – an initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. As a Preparedness Month 2007 coalition member, the City of Sandy Springs encourages all residents and City-based employees to be ready if an emergency of any kind strikes. In observance of National Preparedness Month 2007, the Fire Rescue Department will be offering free community CPR and AED trainings at all four fire stations. These trainings will be held on Sept. 8, and both morning and afternoon trainings will be available.
For a map showing station locations, times and to sign up, visit www.sandyspringsga.org/prepared.
Demolition begins for Abernathy projects
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has begun demolition to prepare for the widening of Abernathy Road and the City construction of a linear park space. The work will involve the removal of some trees – marked with orange bands – and some existing homes. GDOT will remove trees along Abernathy Road to clear the way for sidewalks and curbs. The projects are designed to reduce traffic congestion and provide residents with walking trails, gardens and greenspace.
Click here for more on these projects.
Certificate of occupancy policy to change
After Oct. 1, 2007, Sandy Springs will no longer issue a certificate of occupancy without a sealed statement from the site plan’s design professional. This statement must contain verification that the work performed at this site is in accordance with the approved plan submitted, regarding structure location within setbacks.
For more information, call Community Development at 770-730-5600.
Oxygen masks aimed at saving pets
Pet-sized oxygen masks will now help the Fire Rescue team save the lives of dogs and cats overcome by smoke. The nonprofit organization HELP Animals Inc. provided the special devices, which slip over the snout of an animal that is not breathing properly. Communities and businesses donate to HELP Animals Inc. to supply the $55 kits to fire departments. Volunteer Kathy Wright headed the effort to get a donated kit for each of the four Sandy Springs fire stations. Firefighter/paramedic Craig Miceli headed up department training.
Read the complete release here.
Meters parcel out rush hour traffic
GDOT is helping improve rush hour traffic by installing ramp meters at key locations. Meters from the Northridge exit (GA 400 northbound only) to the Old Milton Parkway exit are in place and will operate from 3:45 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. They work like traffic lights at intersections, turning green for one second and red for three so cars can proceed one at a time. According to GDOT, the meters manage merging traffic, decreasing backups on interstates. Fewer idling cars also cut down on emission, GDOT says.
For more information, visit the GDOT site here.
Meetings for September
During September, the City Council will hold regular meetings at 6 p.m. on Sept. 4 and18 at City Hall. A work session is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Sept. 11. The Zoning Board of Appeals (7 p.m. on Sept. 19), Planning Commission (7 p.m. on Sept. 20), Design Review Board (9 a.m. on Sept. 11 and 25) and Comprehensive Plan Impact Fee Advisory Committee (3 p.m. on Sept. 24) will also meet at City Hall.
For the City’s online calendar, click here.
Festival set for Sept. 15-16
The 22nd annual Sandy Springs Festival will include an artists’ market, children’s park, collector car show, silent auction, plenty of food and more. The event, presented by Heritage Sandy Springs, is set for Sept. 15-16 at the Sandy Springs Historic Site, 6075 Sandy Springs Circle. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16. Other attractions will include live music and the Doug Kessler Lightning 10K (Peachtree Road Race qualifier). The City of Sandy Springs is a festival sponsor.
For more information, visit www.sandyspringsfestival.com.
Boot Drive helps battle muscular dystrophy
The City has teamed up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association to hold a Boot Drive fundraiser from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 31 though Saturday, Sept. 1. Firefighters will be at three Kroger Supermarket locations (227 Sandy Springs Place, 4920 Roswell Road and 8331 Roswell Road) and at Lowe’s (5925 Roswell Road). The goal is to raise $40,000 to help the fight against muscular dystrophy.
Click here for the complete release.