Community News: March 2018 Edition
Community News
The days are getting longer and spring is just around the corner. Enjoy the warmer days with happenings around town.
Community Input Sought for Johnson Ferry / Mount Vernon Highway Intersection Improvements
The City is hosting two Open House meetings regarding concepts developed to improve the intersection of Johnson Ferry Road and Mt. Vernon Highway. The meetings will offer you a chance to review the concepts, ask questions and provide input. The first of these two meetings will be on Thursday, March 8, 2018 , from 10:00 a.m. – noon
A second meeting will be held that evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  The meetings will be held at B’nai Torah, 700 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs 30328. Both meetings will provide the same information and displays and city representatives will be available to discuss the project and answer questions.
Reminder: Business License Renewals Needed
Business Occupational Tax Certificates (business licenses) must be renewed annually, with all business licenses expiring December 31 of each calendar year. As a courtesy, the City offers a 90-day grace period to submit your renewal materials.
A business which fails to have a renewed business license after March 31is subject to a one-time 10 per cent penalty fee. You can find more information by visiting the  Business Regulations and Licensing page on the City's website.
Summer Camp Registration is Now Open
Calling all happy campers, it's time to register for Sandy Spring summer camps! Athletes and artists alike will find activities suited for them and meet new friends along the way. Camps are conveniently located at City parks and schools and many offer before and after care options. For more information and to register, visit the Recreation and Parks registration page.
Spring Bird Watching
Bird Walk at Morgan Falls Overlook Park - Saturday, March 3 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The last month of winter will offer the chance to see waterfowl and eagles.

Backyard Birding at Lost Corner Preserve on Saturday, March 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. will introduce you to the 10 Common Birds of Atlanta.
Master Gardening Classes
Friends of Lost Corner will host the North Fulton Master Gardeners' Spring Lecture at the Lost Corner Cottage. This free lecture series will be held on Monday evenings in March, April and May and will cover a variety topics. For the schedule and to register, please visit the Friends of Lost Corner website. Additionally, Friends of Lost Corner sponsor a series of history lectures throughout the year.
Titles @ Twilight
Heritage Sandy Springs' Titles @ Twilight is a free series featuring local authors, whose stories of history and the South represent a variety of perspectives. On Wednesday, March 7 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. meet the critically acclaimed and award-winning author Zoe Fishman as she introduces her latest novel, Inheriting Edith, the story about a single mother who inherits a beautiful beach house with one small caveat – she must take care of the cantankerous elderly woman who lives in it.
Star Cup International Gymnastics Tournament
Gymnasts from Puerto Rico, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Russia along with regional gymnasts neighboring states will compete at the International Gymnastics Meet on March 10, 9am-9pm and March 11, 5-8pm at North Springs Charter High School. The event is presented by the Golden Ribbon Gymnastics and the City of Sandy Springs.
SSEF STEAM Showcase
Sandy Springs Education Force invites the community to their 8 th  Annual STEAM Showcase. Experience dozens of next-generation, interactive, hands-on exhibits from local luminaries in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). Learn about the STEAM initiatives in Sandy Springs' 11 public schools. Don’t miss this award-winning, free event. Wednesday, March 14 th , 6 – 8 pm , North Springs Charter High School, 7447 Roswell Road.  www.SandySpringsEducationForce.org  
Sandy Springs Conservancy's Spring Mingle
Join the Sandy Springs Conservancy and the Friends of the Conservancy on Sunday, March 18 at 4 p.m. for their SpringMingle celebration at Lost Corner Nature Preserve. See the winning photos from the Sandy Springs Conservancy Digital Photo Contest, learn about Lost Corner Preserve, and enjoy a hike.To join the Friends of the Conservancy program and attend the upcoming SpringMingle celebration, visit: sandyspringsconservancy.org
Sandy Springs Tennis Center Hosts Free Weeklong Events
The Sandy Springs Tennis Center is bringing back its popular Tennis Week, a free weeklong series of events designed to introduce players of all ages to the benefits of tennis. This year's events are scheduled for March 12-17 at the Tennis Center located at 500 Abernathy Road. Visit the SSTC's website for more information and a schedule of events.
It's Time for the Annual Egg Hunt
Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks and the North Perimeter Optimist Club's are teaming up for the annual Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 10 a.m to noon at Hammond Park. Egg hunting times schedule: 10:30 children ages 1-3, 10:45 for children ages 4-6 and 11 a.m. for children ages 7-9. The rain date is Saturday, March 31, 2018.
Cars & Q for the Cause - Fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis
Join Choate Construction on April 21 from 4-7p.m. for the 9th annual Cars and ‘Q for the Cause , a fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis that features classic and cool cars; tasty BBQ, craft brews, a silent auction and live music. Tickets in advance are $20 for event entry and dinner, and $40 for entry, dinner and access to the bar (legal age permitting). Tickets rise to $30 and $50 on April 13 and may sell out! Children under 8 are free.
Key Dates for Voter Registration
Residents should register to vote and/or verify their information ahead of the primary election in May and the general election in November, which will include the election of a new governor, Georgia General Assembly, and U.S. House of Representatives. The voter registration deadline for the May 22 primary election is April 24, and October 9 for the November 6 general election. Fulton County residents can register to vote online by mail, at city hall, the Georgia Department of Driver Services, any Atlanta-Fulton County Library Branch, or one of the three Registration and Elections offices, including the Fulton County North Service Center located at 7741 Roswell Road. Voter information can be checked on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website .
Join the Citizens Fire Academy
Ever wish you could help out in an emergency? Why not consider joining the Citizens Fire Academy. Through classes and hands-on activities, the CFA provides residents with a look at how the Fire Department is organized and operates. Classes begin March 22. For more information visit the Sandy Springs Fire Rescue's Citizens Fire Academy page on the City's website.
Zoning Corner
Here's a list of the cases which will be presented at Community Meetings in March. Meetings will be held at City Hall, except where noted. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our  interactive map and  public meetings calendar.
Board of Appeals - 3/13/18
CANCELLED for March 2018
*No cases at this time

Planning Commission Meeting 3/27/18
4795 Peachtree Dunwoody Road
RZ17-0007, Parcel #17 0013 LL0703
Rezoning from RE-1 to RD-18 to allow for the construction of two single family dwellings. 

Community Meetings I & II
  *None scheduled at this time

Calendar Changes for 2018 - The Sandy Springs Board of Appeals and the Sandy Springs Planning Commission now meet on the 2nd TUESDAY and the 4th TUESDAY of each month, respectively. Please check the Public Meetings Calendar for monthly agendas.
City Council Meeting – 3/6/18
*No Planning and Zoning cases on the agenda

City Council Meeting – 3/20/18
The Cliftwood, 185 Cliftwood Drive
RZ17-0004, Rezoning to reflect existing conditions.

24 The Landing Parcel # 17 0078 LL0366
RZ17) 0005
Rezoning from RD-27 to RD-27 to modify the front
setback. *deferred 30 days, February City Council Mtg

An Ordinance to amend the Development Code
(“six-month update” ), including the Zoning Map.

City of Sandy Springs requesting Street Name
Change - Windsor Pkwy to Old Windsor Pkwy
0 to 200 Block Windsor Pkwy
Other Important information and related dates - Sandy Springs receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)and is required to complete a Consolidated Plan every 5 years. Copies of the Consolidated Plan will be available for public review and comment between February 21, 2018 and March 21, 2018, at the following locations: The Sandy Springs Regional Library, 395 Mt. Vernon Hwy, NE, The Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex, 6500 Vernon Woods Dr., The Sandy Springs City Hall, 7840 Roswell Rd., and on the City’s website at spr.gs/cdbg with translation materials available by calling 770-730-5600.
This newsletter is prepared by the City of Sandy Springs. You can learn more about the City on our website at  sandyspringsga.gov. You can also telephone our Call Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 770-730-5600.