Get your first look at Dunwoody's City Council candidates live and in person on Sunday at the monthly DHA meeting.
North DeKalb Cultural Center
7:30 PM
On the agenda is a presentation by Mike Davis an Eric Linton regarding the 2016 budget.
Also on the agenda is time for candidates to introduce themselves.
Sparks may fly.
DHA meetings are always FREE and open to the public. No tickets or reservations required.
But for this one, get there early as parking spaces and seats will fill quickly.
The latest updates from SDOC Publishing Internet Solutions for our clients, our community, and the web design field. Our Dunwoody, Georgia studio serves clients all over the United States and Canada.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Thursday, October 1, 2015
CANCELLED - Dunwoody Food Truck Thursday October 1
Tonight's Food Truck Thursday has been cancelled.
Damn.
Only 4 Food Truck events left at Brook Run for 20015. Don't miss out!
Brook Run Park
5PM til Dark
Musical Guest
Adult Beverages
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Georgia State University Professor Threatens DeKalb Commissioner and her Family
From Nancy Jester's website at www.nancyjester.com
At the next DeKalb County Board of Commissioners (BOC) meeting, I will begin the process to introduce legislation to provide a pay increase to our rank and file police officers, fire fighters, and 9-11 operators.
Additionally, I will work within the framework of the DeKalb BOC County Operations and Public Safety Committee (COPS), to initiate a process to provide additional funding for the DeKalb County police so that they have every type of (and the necessary amount of) equipment to both protect themselves and the civilian population.
I also will initiate a discussion with the BOC and the DeKalb County Department of Public Safety to examine what types of specialized training needs to be considered for our police officers.
Both our officers and the civilian population will benefit from an effort to determine if our officers should receive training in matters such as, dealing with deaf and blind citizens, veterans, and issues such as, PTSD.
I will also ask the BOC to start the process of supporting the establishment of Veteran’s Courts in DeKalb County.
I strongly feel DeKalb County will be a better and safer place if we move forward and expand our training – to both offer protection to our officers and civilians.
DeKalb County is united in our support for our public safety heroes which include our firefighters, emergency management team, paramedics, 911 operators, and our police officers.
Across every demographic, people of good will in DeKalb, the ones who pay the taxes and obey the law, agree it is the men and women of the DeKalb County Police Department who protect us from those who would do us and our families harm.
Recently, I had the privilege to meet with some family members of DeKalb county residents who have been involved in incidents with the DeKalb County Police.
I, like all Christians, mourn the loss of a life - I know all lives matter.
Regrettably, a small group of political activists have come into DeKalb County – not seeking to unite people, but, rather, to divide our county – and the good people of DeKalb County will not allow any outside group of political activists to divide or define us.
The “so called” DeKalb County Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability has attempted to hijack the dialogue and exploit grieving families in DeKalb County to advance their extreme, anti- police, anti- taxpayer agenda.
They have tried and they have failed.
It is irresponsible and unforgivable that this small group of political activists have exploited grieving families.
It is counterproductive that this small group of political activists have issued a list of demands aimed at degrading the ability of the DeKalb County Police to serve and protect the taxpayers of DeKalb County.
Their agenda is so out of touch with reality as to be dangerous to the safety and well-being of both police and civilians.
The leader of this small group of political activists must be held accountable for the actions of his organization.
The self–identified leader of DeKalb County Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability is Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela.
On Tuesday, September 15, members of Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela’s organization announced via social media their plans to disrupt my Town Hall meeting in Tucker and to demand I attend a meeting the following day.
Their desire to disrupt and hijack the meeting failed to gain traction as I announced I had previously committed to attend the meeting in question.
The following day, Wednesday, September 16 members of DeKalb County Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability did hijack what was supposed to be a private meeting between DeKalb County officials and members of a small number of DeKalb County families.
Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela dominated this meeting and self-identified as the leader of the DeKalb County Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability.
At some point in this meeting, after Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela had already allowed his members to use language which included profanity, threats, and outright hostility towards a number of people from DeKalb County government, Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela’s took no action when one of his members threatened my life. He, likewise, failed to immediately disavow both the person and her threat – he allowed it to stand.
Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela, as the self-identified leader and self-appointed chair of this meeting, failed to address one of his members calling me a BITCH and condoned hate speech.
It is unclear if Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela was on taxpayer time when this occurred.
It is imperative Georgia State University send an immediate and direct message that they do not tolerate hate speech and a “War on Women” from their taxpayer funded employees.
Unfortunately, it gets worse and more dangerous.
On Sunday, September 20, a member of Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela’s organization sent a series of tweets threatening the lives of my minor children.
There is no circumstance, no scenario, where threats against children are acceptable.
None.
These threats, by a member of Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela’s organization, have not been denounced by Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela.
Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela has not reached out to me to apologize.
In fact, Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela has shown no compassion to the reality that one of his members threatened the lives of two children.
Georgia State University must address the reality that they have chosen to give taxpayer dollars to a man who leads an organization whose members threaten the lives of minor children on social media.
Does Georgia State University condone this type of action?
Sadly, there is still more.
I am a Christian. However, I posted a number of statements and photos in support of the DeKalb County Jewish community as they began their holy celebration of Rosh Hannah and Yom Kipper.
I am in possession of posts to my Facebook page where members of the DeKalb County Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability have used numerous anti-Semitic slurs interwoven with insults to women and one which states I am an operator of Satan.
There can be no place in DeKalb County, Metro Atlanta or Georgia State University, for a man who leads an organization which tolerates anti-Semitic posts on social media.
I look forward to Georgia State University reviewing the activities of Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela.
I want to thank all the members of law enforcement at the federal, state, and local level who have enacted protocols regarding the safety of my minor children.
I ask for prayers of safety for both my children and those who are working to protect them during this scary time.
I want to conclude by saying there is difference between the families of DeKalb County, who are grieving the loss of life of a loved one, and the members of the DeKalb County Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability, who are exploiting these families to advance their political agenda.
It is important to note a large number of the members of the DeKalb County Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability do not live in DeKalb County - the good people of DeKalb County – White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic will not allow this small outside political organization to divide us or define us.
I have listened to the DeKalb County Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability and they responded with death threats against my minor children. Moving forward, no one of good faith in DeKalb County should show this organization any legitimacy - because when your members threaten to kill kids and use anti Sematic slurs, we don’t welcome that hate in DeKalb County.
At the next DeKalb County Board of Commissioners (BOC) meeting, I will begin the process to introduce legislation to provide a pay increase to our rank and file police officers, fire fighters, and 9-11 operators.
Additionally, I will work within the framework of the DeKalb BOC County Operations and Public Safety Committee (COPS), to initiate a process to provide additional funding for the DeKalb County police so that they have every type of (and the necessary amount of) equipment to both protect themselves and the civilian population.
I also will initiate a discussion with the BOC and the DeKalb County Department of Public Safety to examine what types of specialized training needs to be considered for our police officers.
Both our officers and the civilian population will benefit from an effort to determine if our officers should receive training in matters such as, dealing with deaf and blind citizens, veterans, and issues such as, PTSD.
I will also ask the BOC to start the process of supporting the establishment of Veteran’s Courts in DeKalb County.
I strongly feel DeKalb County will be a better and safer place if we move forward and expand our training – to both offer protection to our officers and civilians.
DeKalb County is united in our support for our public safety heroes which include our firefighters, emergency management team, paramedics, 911 operators, and our police officers.
Across every demographic, people of good will in DeKalb, the ones who pay the taxes and obey the law, agree it is the men and women of the DeKalb County Police Department who protect us from those who would do us and our families harm.
Recently, I had the privilege to meet with some family members of DeKalb county residents who have been involved in incidents with the DeKalb County Police.
I, like all Christians, mourn the loss of a life - I know all lives matter.
Regrettably, a small group of political activists have come into DeKalb County – not seeking to unite people, but, rather, to divide our county – and the good people of DeKalb County will not allow any outside group of political activists to divide or define us.
The “so called” DeKalb County Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability has attempted to hijack the dialogue and exploit grieving families in DeKalb County to advance their extreme, anti- police, anti- taxpayer agenda.
They have tried and they have failed.
It is irresponsible and unforgivable that this small group of political activists have exploited grieving families.
It is counterproductive that this small group of political activists have issued a list of demands aimed at degrading the ability of the DeKalb County Police to serve and protect the taxpayers of DeKalb County.
Their agenda is so out of touch with reality as to be dangerous to the safety and well-being of both police and civilians.
The leader of this small group of political activists must be held accountable for the actions of his organization.
The self–identified leader of DeKalb County Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability is Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela.
On Tuesday, September 15, members of Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela’s organization announced via social media their plans to disrupt my Town Hall meeting in Tucker and to demand I attend a meeting the following day.
Their desire to disrupt and hijack the meeting failed to gain traction as I announced I had previously committed to attend the meeting in question.
The following day, Wednesday, September 16 members of DeKalb County Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability did hijack what was supposed to be a private meeting between DeKalb County officials and members of a small number of DeKalb County families.
Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela dominated this meeting and self-identified as the leader of the DeKalb County Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability.
At some point in this meeting, after Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela had already allowed his members to use language which included profanity, threats, and outright hostility towards a number of people from DeKalb County government, Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela’s took no action when one of his members threatened my life. He, likewise, failed to immediately disavow both the person and her threat – he allowed it to stand.
Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela, as the self-identified leader and self-appointed chair of this meeting, failed to address one of his members calling me a BITCH and condoned hate speech.
It is unclear if Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela was on taxpayer time when this occurred.
It is imperative Georgia State University send an immediate and direct message that they do not tolerate hate speech and a “War on Women” from their taxpayer funded employees.
Unfortunately, it gets worse and more dangerous.
On Sunday, September 20, a member of Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela’s organization sent a series of tweets threatening the lives of my minor children.
There is no circumstance, no scenario, where threats against children are acceptable.
None.
These threats, by a member of Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela’s organization, have not been denounced by Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela.
Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela has not reached out to me to apologize.
In fact, Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela has shown no compassion to the reality that one of his members threatened the lives of two children.
Georgia State University must address the reality that they have chosen to give taxpayer dollars to a man who leads an organization whose members threaten the lives of minor children on social media.
Does Georgia State University condone this type of action?
Sadly, there is still more.
I am a Christian. However, I posted a number of statements and photos in support of the DeKalb County Jewish community as they began their holy celebration of Rosh Hannah and Yom Kipper.
I am in possession of posts to my Facebook page where members of the DeKalb County Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability have used numerous anti-Semitic slurs interwoven with insults to women and one which states I am an operator of Satan.
There can be no place in DeKalb County, Metro Atlanta or Georgia State University, for a man who leads an organization which tolerates anti-Semitic posts on social media.
I look forward to Georgia State University reviewing the activities of Georgia State University Professor Makungu Akinyela.
I want to thank all the members of law enforcement at the federal, state, and local level who have enacted protocols regarding the safety of my minor children.
I ask for prayers of safety for both my children and those who are working to protect them during this scary time.
I want to conclude by saying there is difference between the families of DeKalb County, who are grieving the loss of life of a loved one, and the members of the DeKalb County Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability, who are exploiting these families to advance their political agenda.
It is important to note a large number of the members of the DeKalb County Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability do not live in DeKalb County - the good people of DeKalb County – White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic will not allow this small outside political organization to divide us or define us.
I have listened to the DeKalb County Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability and they responded with death threats against my minor children. Moving forward, no one of good faith in DeKalb County should show this organization any legitimacy - because when your members threaten to kill kids and use anti Sematic slurs, we don’t welcome that hate in DeKalb County.
Here is the "professor's" faculty page at Georgia State: http://cas.gsu.edu/profile/makungu-akinyela/
Even though his faculty bio page is blank, here is his CV where he is listed as a professor of African-American Studies.
Here's an image of this person from a search:
President Mark P.Becker's blog and information page is here: http://president.gsu.edu/
HIs phone number is: Telephone: 404-413-1300
I encourage every citizen in District 1 of DeKalb county, all students, alumni, and parents of students of Georgia State to complain directly to the president about one of his faculty members issuing death threats against an elected official. This professor needs to be removed from his position at Georgia State and permanently barred from higher education in Georgia.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Taste of Dunwoody Returns for 2016
After the 2015 hiatus, when they were sorely missed, the Taste of Dunwoody is back in Feburary 2016!
Taste of Dunwoody is a celebration of cuisine in Dunwoody and the surrounding Perimeter area. It is hosted by the Dunwoody Friends of CHOA and benefits Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta programs.
SDOC has been a local corporate sponsor of this event for several years and will be back to sponsor again for 2016. Learn more on the official page.
Get tickets now at the above link. OR - enter for a chance to WIN two FREE VIP tickets on SDOC's Facebook page.
Taste of Dunwoody is a celebration of cuisine in Dunwoody and the surrounding Perimeter area. It is hosted by the Dunwoody Friends of CHOA and benefits Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta programs.
SDOC has been a local corporate sponsor of this event for several years and will be back to sponsor again for 2016. Learn more on the official page.
Get tickets now at the above link. OR - enter for a chance to WIN two FREE VIP tickets on SDOC's Facebook page.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Public Service Announcement Regarding Dunwoody Government and Elections
Dunwoody has a city council of 7 seats, representing 3 districts.
Each district has 2 representatives: 1 elected from that district itself, and 1 elected "at large" by the entire community.
The Mayor is always an additional "at large" seat.
The form of government is called a "weak mayor" system. That is, the Mayor in city council matters, has a single vote like everyone else on council and serves mainly as a tiebreaker. The title itself is a glorified honorific; the Mayor is a representative position only. The "face of Dunwoody" if you will.
So if you really want to vote as a city council member and "make changes" or whatever the hell else is on your mind, you can run in whatever district for which you qualify. You'll have the same vote as the Mayor and just as much measurable political power - no more, no less.
Why is this announcement necessary?
Because we have a four-way race for Mayor as of a few minutes ago, while three other seats are going uncontested. Those with a chip on their shoulder or an axe to grind are more likely to be successful to run a race for the uncontested seats than to join a rat-race for the ceremonial spot.
It's obvious that the candidates we have thus far are all members of the "We Hate Mike" club. They have no platform to speak of, they just hate Mike and this is the way they express it. If it was a disagreement over policy, then it would show in their platform. But there is no difference in policy, so the motivation must be purely personal.
Those of you supporting these candidates - what are you trying to accomplish? What kind of Dunwoody will result from your friend getting into office? No, really, what??? Comments are open below.
Each district has 2 representatives: 1 elected from that district itself, and 1 elected "at large" by the entire community.
The Mayor is always an additional "at large" seat.
The form of government is called a "weak mayor" system. That is, the Mayor in city council matters, has a single vote like everyone else on council and serves mainly as a tiebreaker. The title itself is a glorified honorific; the Mayor is a representative position only. The "face of Dunwoody" if you will.
So if you really want to vote as a city council member and "make changes" or whatever the hell else is on your mind, you can run in whatever district for which you qualify. You'll have the same vote as the Mayor and just as much measurable political power - no more, no less.
Why is this announcement necessary?
Because we have a four-way race for Mayor as of a few minutes ago, while three other seats are going uncontested. Those with a chip on their shoulder or an axe to grind are more likely to be successful to run a race for the uncontested seats than to join a rat-race for the ceremonial spot.
It's obvious that the candidates we have thus far are all members of the "We Hate Mike" club. They have no platform to speak of, they just hate Mike and this is the way they express it. If it was a disagreement over policy, then it would show in their platform. But there is no difference in policy, so the motivation must be purely personal.
Those of you supporting these candidates - what are you trying to accomplish? What kind of Dunwoody will result from your friend getting into office? No, really, what??? Comments are open below.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Dunwoody City Council Elections Qualifying Period Starts Today
The three at-large seats and Mayor are on the ballot for November 3. Qualifying period for candidates is today through September 3 4:30 on September 2.
As of 11:30 AM on 8/31, the field of candidates is thus:
(Update: Denny Shortal qualified later in the day after this post went live.)
When Dunwoody began, we had all kinds of people with all kinds of experience throwing their hats in the ring. No big deal, you have to start somewhere, right? Then the election cycles adjusted to bring them up to the regular 4-year cycle we have now. The discourse was polite, the elections mild. Some seats were not contested, some previous council members chose to resign or not see reelection.
Then 2 years ago, Dunwoody saw its first slate of candidates. Those who were pissed at Mayor Mike over the suggestion of a novel intersection upgrade rallied to "Save (sic) Dunwoody" and had partial success with the election of Jim Riticher. But exactly what "change" or "saving" was effected? Because Jim and Mike almost always vote the same way on whatever issue comes to council.
This year has a hint of a darker turn. There are no slates of candidates (yet). The "SD" crowd is active if smaller and have quietly cultivated a single candidate. There is open conflict over the Mayor's office. In both of these cases, long-term friendships are going to be strained to the breaking point and there is no discernable difference in policy or vision between the candidates for any given seat. Yet.
In years past, choosing between friends and acquaintances for an elected office was uncomfortable business, but it had to be done. In 2015, it looks like it's getting personal. The structure of our community is going to undergo a radical change in its network of relationships and foundation of trust (or lack thereof) because political business is going personal.
Dunwoody Voter Information
including list of candidates as they qualityAs of 11:30 AM on 8/31, the field of candidates is thus:
- Mayor
- Mike Davis (Incumbent)
- District 1 At Large, Post 4
- Terry Nall (Incumbent)
- Becky Springer
- District 2 At Large, Post 5
- Lynn Deutsch (Incumbent)
- District 3 At Large, Post 6
- John Heneghan (Incumbent)
- District 1, Post 1
- Pam Tallmadge
(Update: Denny Shortal qualified later in the day after this post went live.)
When Dunwoody began, we had all kinds of people with all kinds of experience throwing their hats in the ring. No big deal, you have to start somewhere, right? Then the election cycles adjusted to bring them up to the regular 4-year cycle we have now. The discourse was polite, the elections mild. Some seats were not contested, some previous council members chose to resign or not see reelection.
Then 2 years ago, Dunwoody saw its first slate of candidates. Those who were pissed at Mayor Mike over the suggestion of a novel intersection upgrade rallied to "Save (sic) Dunwoody" and had partial success with the election of Jim Riticher. But exactly what "change" or "saving" was effected? Because Jim and Mike almost always vote the same way on whatever issue comes to council.
This year has a hint of a darker turn. There are no slates of candidates (yet). The "SD" crowd is active if smaller and have quietly cultivated a single candidate. There is open conflict over the Mayor's office. In both of these cases, long-term friendships are going to be strained to the breaking point and there is no discernable difference in policy or vision between the candidates for any given seat. Yet.
In years past, choosing between friends and acquaintances for an elected office was uncomfortable business, but it had to be done. In 2015, it looks like it's getting personal. The structure of our community is going to undergo a radical change in its network of relationships and foundation of trust (or lack thereof) because political business is going personal.
Friday, August 28, 2015
UPDATED: SDOC Returns to Business Radio X at noon today!
Listen to the session online here!
Several weeks ago, Matt Holmes of DeKalb Business Radio X reached out to me via email and invited me to be a guest on his show. I was thrilled to accept as last fall I was on Lee Kantor's program on the same online radio network.
Hit the link below to listen online wherever you are at 12 Noon EDT
http://dekalb.businessradiox.com/
Thursday, August 20, 2015
I Like Big Bugs and I Can Not Lie... Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays Aug 20 and Comparison Lobster Dining
Dunwoody Homeowner Association's
Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays
8/20/15 @ Brook Run Park 5 PM until Dark
This Week's Sponsor
Home Energy Solutions
Guest Musician
Michael "Hurly" Hurwitz
Adult Beverages
Moondog Growlers
Home Energy Solutions
Guest Musician
Michael "Hurly" Hurwitz
Adult Beverages
Moondog Growlers
Dinner Trucks
(**DWG Top Picks)
Dessert Vendors
Know Your Lobster Truck
No one was happier than I was when the lobster trucks started showing up at Food Truck Thursdays! My family have been New Englanders going back into the 17th century so seafood and lobster rolls are a dietary requirement.The offerings between the two trucks in metro Atlanta are not the same. This is your PSA before you head ot to Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays, or any other regional food truck gathering.
Tasting Maine (appearing tonight) and Cousins Lobster have been making the rounds in Dunwoody.
I have no idea which one was actually founded first; our family visited Tasting Maine before Cousins.
 |
| Tasting Maine |
 | |
| Cousins Lobster |
Cousins Lobster was created by two Maine natives and is franchised around the country. The menu-board-side of the truck features a celebrity collage of the owners mugging with the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Barbara Corcoran of "Shark Tank" who became a company investor after the owners appeared on her show.
Tasting Maine was created in and is local to Atlanta. Not a lot of other company info is available.
Comparing the goods:
Both trucks provide the traditional lobster sandwich offerings: the Traditional Maine (cold poached lobster with mayo - best for hot summer evenings) and the Connecticut (warm lobster with drawn butter dressing. Wait til the weather cools for that one, trust me.) Cousins Lobster sticks to a variety of lobster concoctions with a limited amount of sides. Tasting Maine starts with lobster and runs the gamut of Maine seafood including fried clams, haddock, and tuna.
A Traditional Maine Roll at Cousins' will run about $13 (don't make that face, fresh lobster isn't cheap down here). At Tasting Maine, it runs about $18 and change. The difference is partially in the side offerings. Cousins lobster rolls are sold a la carte with small sides like tater tots or bisque/chowder available separately. Tasting Maine offers a complete meal with seasoned french fries, cole slaw, and a pickle spear.
The rolls themselves are also different. Each time DWG has visited one of these trucks, the Tasting Maine lobster roll was noticeably larger with more lobster than the Cousins truck.
Whichever truck is present on any given Thursday (they're never in Dunwoody at the same time) grab a beer from Moondog before you get in line. You'll stay cool a lot longer in the evening.
Cheers!
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Georgians for Local Area School Systems Fundraiser at McKendrick’s Steak House in Dunwoody - August 25
Meet the legislators, citizen volunteers, and concerned parents working to make accountable school systems available to all in Georgia who desire them.
(The real website address is www.glassnow.org but the one in the ad will get you there too.)
Monday, August 17, 2015
Kosher BBQ Contest Takes Over Brook Run in October!
Back in May, Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays incorporated Kosher food trucks and related providers with MJCCA sponsorship. It was a smash! Largest turnout at FTT EVER. Playground was packed. Almost caused panic attacks over traffic and whether the neighboring community could handle it. (Just kidding - had to get a jab in on those who use "traffic" as an excuse to stall everything.) The only drawback was the guy with the beef ribs ran out before I could get to him.
Looks like we all get another chance at Beef Rib Perfection in October. The competition was posted at FTT and now it's official.
All info including team sign up, videos, the works is below. Remember, this is Kosher, so there are going to be more rules and regs than your typical BBQ fight to the finish.
Thanks to everyone for marking a day on my calendar when I don't have to cook!
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Brook Run Park
11:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Free Admission for visitors
See website for contestant entry fees
See website for contestant entry fees
Kids stuff, "Live entertainment" (that must be required or soemthing)
Dare someone to enter the Kosher Pickle Eating Contest!
http://www.theatlantakosherbbq.com
Dunwoody City Tax Refunds are Coming
This letter arrived from City Hall this morning. If you believe you are entitled to a city tax refund, watch your mailbox or your mortgage escrow statement. Post in the comments if you've received yours.
Dunwoody, GA – August 17, 2015 – The City of Dunwoody completed the distribution and mailing of homestead exemption refund checks to all Dunwoody homeowners who qualified for a residential property assessment freeze exemption for the purpose of city taxes over the three year period from 2012 to 2014.
Dunwoody homeowners qualifying for the refund will receive a check according to individual annual tax payment methods. Refund payments were distributed either directly to the taxpaying homeowner or to the homeowner’s mortgage company escrow account. All affected homeowners were sent a letter from the City of Dunwoody indicating refund amounts and distribution method.
Refund payment amounts will vary according to individual property assessment increases incurred over the three year period. The City is requesting all qualifying homeowners cash or deposit the checks, regardless of the refund amount, to help ensure accurate reconciliation.
The City of Dunwoody and the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office examined residential tax records from 2012 to 2014 and determined approximately one in five residential parcels within the city were not properly credited with the property assessment freeze exemption. The city then worked closely with Tax Commissioner’s Office to issue individual refund checks and expedite check distribution and mailing.
Dunwoody homeowners who filed and qualified for a homestead exemption and received an increased property assessment during 2012, 2013 and/or 2014 above what their assessed home value was in 2009 have been mailed a refund check. Approximately 2,748 residential parcels were affected based on analysis of the Dunwoody residential tax records for the three year period. The city issued a total of approximately $150,000 plus interest in property assessment freeze refunds for affected residential parcels.
For questions or concerns regarding property assessment freeze refunds please contact City of Dunwoody Finance Director Chris Pike at chris.pike@dunwoodyga.gov
Dunwoody, GA – August 17, 2015 – The City of Dunwoody completed the distribution and mailing of homestead exemption refund checks to all Dunwoody homeowners who qualified for a residential property assessment freeze exemption for the purpose of city taxes over the three year period from 2012 to 2014.
Dunwoody homeowners qualifying for the refund will receive a check according to individual annual tax payment methods. Refund payments were distributed either directly to the taxpaying homeowner or to the homeowner’s mortgage company escrow account. All affected homeowners were sent a letter from the City of Dunwoody indicating refund amounts and distribution method.
Refund payment amounts will vary according to individual property assessment increases incurred over the three year period. The City is requesting all qualifying homeowners cash or deposit the checks, regardless of the refund amount, to help ensure accurate reconciliation.
The City of Dunwoody and the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office examined residential tax records from 2012 to 2014 and determined approximately one in five residential parcels within the city were not properly credited with the property assessment freeze exemption. The city then worked closely with Tax Commissioner’s Office to issue individual refund checks and expedite check distribution and mailing.
Dunwoody homeowners who filed and qualified for a homestead exemption and received an increased property assessment during 2012, 2013 and/or 2014 above what their assessed home value was in 2009 have been mailed a refund check. Approximately 2,748 residential parcels were affected based on analysis of the Dunwoody residential tax records for the three year period. The city issued a total of approximately $150,000 plus interest in property assessment freeze refunds for affected residential parcels.
For questions or concerns regarding property assessment freeze refunds please contact City of Dunwoody Finance Director Chris Pike at chris.pike@dunwoodyga.gov
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Help Name Dunwoody's New Park on Pernoshal Ct
Dunwoody, GA – August 4, 2015 – The City of Dunwoody offers an opportunity to get involved in creating a lasting impression on the city with a newly introduced contest asking residents to name the city’s newest park at Pernoshal Court.
The “Name Your Park” contest begins August 5 and runs through September 30, 2015 and provides an opportunity for city residents to vote on potential park names or provide a write-in name. Interested residents can participate in the contest by registering at the “Name Your Park” online contest portal at www.connectdunwoody.com.
The “Name Your Park” contest offers participants a chance to choose a favorite new park name from a list of five potential selections or provide a write-in idea for a potential park name. The five potential park name selections are Pernoshal Park, Hightower Trail Park, Muskogee Park, Old Buck Park, and Magnolia Park or a write-in name submission.
Contest participants will be limited to one vote per person. After all votes are submitted the winning name will be identified by city staff and announced by the Mayor and City Council on Monday, December 14, 2015 at the 6 p.m. City Council Meeting.
The new park, located at Pernoshal Court, will be approximately 5-acres and the largest newly-built park created since incorporation. In addition to the multi-use trail, the park will have a centralized pavilion/restroom facility, 162 parking spaces for park and trail users, passive and active open areas/fields for sports, and basketball courts with a pickle ball court overlay. The park construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2015.
“Name your Park” contest rules and additional details on voting procedures are available at the online contest portal at www.connectdunwoody.com.
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This contest/reaching out to the public to decide the identity of the new park is a classic case of Doing Something Right. There is enormous talent, skill, perspective, and insight about our city and region right inside our borders. That local citizen perspective (and skill set) should be the first go-to resource in building elements that contribute to our shared municipal identity. Bonus points for the write-in option.
IMHO - I would not name any of our parks or other city features after a single person. There is too much room for egos to get in the way and it would block the "organic" growth and evolution of identity. No disrespect intended to Liane Levitan, but the locals think of Brook Run Park as Brook Run Park. A space can be set aside to immortalize the efforts of individuals to establish a major feature (like a park) but leave naming the feature itself to the citizens.
Paving Dunwoody Roads, Timing, and Teachable Moments
(Insert picture here of Dunwoody ES, Vanderlyn ES, Dunwoody HS parking lots overflowing on to side streets during registration while road work continues on both Vermack and Womack.)
A picture of the streets-turned-parking-lots right outside of Dunwoody ES would have said all that needs to be said about schools and traffic. But it isn't the first day of school - it's Registration Day in DeKalb County and that means that our centrally-located intersection with 3 public schools in close proximity are packed to the gills. It wasn't safe to inch through the line while snagging a cell-phone photo of the above.
But wait, there's more.
Two much needed street improvements are also occurring at the same time. (paving on Vermack, a refuge island outside of Dunwoody ES on Womack)
Discussion was had on Facebook with Terry Nall about the construction and its timing. Terry reports that the contractor was required to complete work before the first day of school.
A picture of the streets-turned-parking-lots right outside of Dunwoody ES would have said all that needs to be said about schools and traffic. But it isn't the first day of school - it's Registration Day in DeKalb County and that means that our centrally-located intersection with 3 public schools in close proximity are packed to the gills. It wasn't safe to inch through the line while snagging a cell-phone photo of the above.
But wait, there's more.
Two much needed street improvements are also occurring at the same time. (paving on Vermack, a refuge island outside of Dunwoody ES on Womack)
Discussion was had on Facebook with Terry Nall about the construction and its timing. Terry reports that the contractor was required to complete work before the first day of school.
The work on both Vanderlyn Dr and Vermack Rd was intentionally scheduled to be completed before school started back.
Anyone who has ever had a child in public schools even for a single year can see the problem with that logic. The "first day of school" is not the first day that activity gets heated in public schools. Teachers and staff return in advance to set up their classrooms and get other operations in order. then a few days BEFORE the first day of school is registration. Even with prepping paperwork through the summer, families have to show up on registration day to finalize it all. Dunwoody ES had a packed parking lot with overflow parking clogging both driveways. Parking for all three schools spread into the neighborhood side streets. A roundabout would have done nothing to ease the congestion at Dunwoody's most controversial intersection.
So what did we learn today?
1) Allowing contractors to schedule street work at the last minute results in a clusterf*** by any definition.
2) The "first day of school" is not a reasonable deadline for road work. Assume the contractors are going to wait to the last minute to finish up.
3) The real deadline should be a week before the first day of school, to get out of the way prior to registration.
4) Whoever made this decision can read a calendar but needs to brush up on the actual start-of-school logistics.
Remember an earlier post where I said it's time to stop making mistakes? This would be a good mistake to stop making. Fortunately it's an easy one to fix. Start construction projects around schools immediately after school lets out in May and mandate completion before August 1.
Best of luck to everyone in this new school year!
Saturday, August 1, 2015
A hole in Dunwoody's zoning code
Full Story
Dunwoody's zoning code is silent on the parking of personal aircraft. Any bets as to how long it will take to fill the hole?
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Dunwoody Home Business Update: Data through May 2015
Once again, the folks at the City of Dunwoody Code Enforcement department came through with the usual open records request of residential complaints.
Since December 2014, the number of substantiated complaints regarding home business owners in Dunwoody is:
There were four complaints filed against other homeowners with claims of "commercial activity" in various forms but could not be substantiated by code enforcement. Those cases were closed with a "no violation" note.
Again, the data straight from the City of Dunwoody itself confirms that home businesses and their owners are not an inherent nuisance that requires extra oversight or public hearings for customer contact.
This article in an issue of the Dunwoody Reporter last month features an interview with Dunwoody's code enforcement chief, Tom LaPenna, who offers some valuable insights into his job and ideas to make your code complaint stick.
Dunwoody code compliance officer’s job focuses on safety, aesthetics and signs
The article mentions last month's DHA meeting where LaPenna was a guest speaker. The meeting was also summarized on John Heneghan's blog where he ran down a list of common code complaints.
Here's the article - note the conspicuous lack of mention of home businesses.
That last one is important because John was one of the city councillors who struck down a change to our municipal codes that would have allowed home business owners to have limited customer contact with an administrative permit instead of the full SLUP required now. He also requested data from other cities regarding their rates of home business ownership and how they were regulated. Except for Doraville, all other cities in the survey had higher rates of home business ownership and less regulation with no increase in code enforcement problems.
Dunwoody City Council elections are in November and our Mayor and at-large council members are up for re-election. Of those running (to date) Denny Shortal, Lynn Deutsch, and John Heneghan have all stated consistent opposition to home business owners and their customers and have stated their support for procedures that force these homeowners to prove they are innocent of any nuisance activity after being presumed guilty, should they publicly request a permit for limited customer contact.
Dunwoody's own code enforcement data show that home business owners are not a nuisance. That includes those with clandestine customer contact. Should a home business owner vote for a candidate that wants to restrict an activity even if they are not causing a problem in their neighborhood?
This question will be explored again before November. Stay tuned....
Since December 2014, the number of substantiated complaints regarding home business owners in Dunwoody is:
ZERO
None of the documented home business owners in Dunwoody had any complaints lodged against them, regardless of their activities.There were four complaints filed against other homeowners with claims of "commercial activity" in various forms but could not be substantiated by code enforcement. Those cases were closed with a "no violation" note.
Again, the data straight from the City of Dunwoody itself confirms that home businesses and their owners are not an inherent nuisance that requires extra oversight or public hearings for customer contact.
Home business nuisances are the rare exception, rather than the rule, and can be addressed individually rather than restricting the majority. Just like animal owners.
No one has ever advocated for allowing "nuisance" activity. On the contrary, it is important to nip true neighborhood problems in the bud as they happen. What most people forget is that in the US system of jurisprudence, the burden of proof is on the one doing the complaining. When you report to the City, this isn't the same as your local homeowners' association meeting or over-the-fence gossip session. Filing a complaint requires PROOF. In this day and age of cameras on every smartphone, it isn't hard to capture photos and videos confirming your complaint.This article in an issue of the Dunwoody Reporter last month features an interview with Dunwoody's code enforcement chief, Tom LaPenna, who offers some valuable insights into his job and ideas to make your code complaint stick.
Dunwoody code compliance officer’s job focuses on safety, aesthetics and signs
The article mentions last month's DHA meeting where LaPenna was a guest speaker. The meeting was also summarized on John Heneghan's blog where he ran down a list of common code complaints.
Here's the article - note the conspicuous lack of mention of home businesses.
That last one is important because John was one of the city councillors who struck down a change to our municipal codes that would have allowed home business owners to have limited customer contact with an administrative permit instead of the full SLUP required now. He also requested data from other cities regarding their rates of home business ownership and how they were regulated. Except for Doraville, all other cities in the survey had higher rates of home business ownership and less regulation with no increase in code enforcement problems.
Dunwoody City Council elections are in November and our Mayor and at-large council members are up for re-election. Of those running (to date) Denny Shortal, Lynn Deutsch, and John Heneghan have all stated consistent opposition to home business owners and their customers and have stated their support for procedures that force these homeowners to prove they are innocent of any nuisance activity after being presumed guilty, should they publicly request a permit for limited customer contact.
Dunwoody's own code enforcement data show that home business owners are not a nuisance. That includes those with clandestine customer contact. Should a home business owner vote for a candidate that wants to restrict an activity even if they are not causing a problem in their neighborhood?
This question will be explored again before November. Stay tuned....
Friday, July 10, 2015
Car Crashes into Dunwoody Home - July 10
According to all of the local news sources (AJC and the 4 TV stations) a car crashed into a home at about 4 AM on Brook Ridge Drive. The driver died but the exact cause isn't released yet.
If you are commuting in or through Dunwoody via Dunwoody Club, Mt Vernon, etc, it's going to be messy for a while.
CBS 46 story
WSB-TV Story
If you are commuting in or through Dunwoody via Dunwoody Club, Mt Vernon, etc, it's going to be messy for a while.
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| From CBS 46 |
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| From WSB |
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays - July 9
Dunwoody Homeowners Association’s Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays
Brook Run Park 5 PM until Dark
Dinner Vendors
On Tapa The World
Blaxican Food Truck
(DWG top pick. Try the quesadillas. You'll never look at collard greens the same way again!)
Genki Noodles and Sushi
Mac the Cheese
MIX'd UP
(DWG top pick. The ONLY vendor my kids prefer! Tastes for the grownups too.)
Nectar
Pressed for Time
The Pup Truck
Dessert Vendors
Monday, July 6, 2015
New Fines for Passing Stopped Garbage Trucks?
We already know about emergency vehicles and school buses, but now the new Georgia law is adding garbage trucks to the list of vehicles you need to be careful about passing on the road, or risk a big fine.
From now on, if you want to pass a garbage truck, you have to move a full lane over.
If it's impossible to do that, then you have to drop down to ten miles under the speed limit while passing.
The complete story from CBS 46
CBS46 News
The text of the new law
I hope to see some commentary from Dunwoody PD on how they will enforce this new law on Dunwoody's streets, especially at the stereotypical rush hour.
From now on, if you want to pass a garbage truck, you have to move a full lane over.
If it's impossible to do that, then you have to drop down to ten miles under the speed limit while passing.
The complete story from CBS 46
CBS46 News
The text of the new law
I hope to see some commentary from Dunwoody PD on how they will enforce this new law on Dunwoody's streets, especially at the stereotypical rush hour.
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