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Community News: December 2023 Edition

Community News

Sparkle Sandy Springs returns to kick off the holidays at City Springs on Sunday, Dec. 3! Anchored by the Sparkle Village (a month-long display of miniature lit homes), the event features a menorah and tree lighting, live music by The Rupert's Orchestra, the Sparkle Holiday Gift Market, food trucks, and the Sparkle Parade! Festivities begin at 4 p.m. and the parade steps off at 6 p.m.

Learn more.

Skate City Springs


Some might say that hot chocolate tastes better after a day of ice skating! It's time to lace up your skates and check out Skate City Springs, the City's first outdoor ice-skating rink. The ice-skating season will run through Jan. 21, 2024. Each session will cost $15 per adult and $13 for children ages 2-10, including skate rentals.

Reserve your spot!

Mount Vernon Highway Bridge Closure Update


The Mt. Vernon Bridge over I-285 remains closed after being struck by a tractor trailer in September. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has determined the bridge will remain closed, due to five of six bridge support beams sustaining damage. GDOT began construction of a previously planned new bridge, as part of the I-285 Westbound Auxiliary Lane Extension project, prior to this incident, and has identified opportunities to accelerate construction, moving the estimated completion date up from summer 2024, to March 2024. For project updates and the latest road closure information, please visit GDOT's website.


Snow Day Movie Matinee

Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Blue Stone Building at Heritage Park

Celebrate the start of winter with a Snow Day! Join us for an afternoon pajama party and movie matinee featuring, Frozen! Meet the characters, enjoy our hot chocolate and snack bar, and take home a goody bag! This is an inclusive event designed to create an opportunity for people with disabilities and their families to connect within the community. While you're here, visit Sparkle Village or Skate City Springs!

Register.


Update: Nancy Creek Streambank Restoration Work to Begin January

Construction at Windsor Meadows Park to stabilize Nancy Creek’s streambank and improve stormwater quality is scheduled to begin after the first of the year. Once the work has started, the park will be closed to the public for 6-8 weeks, depending on stream conditions, streambank stability and weather. Expect the pedestrian bridge across Nancy Creek to be closed during work hours. 

Learn more.


Trees Atlanta Front Yard Program



The City is proud to continue its Front Yard Tree Program in partnership with Trees Atlanta. Eligible residents can get up to three front yard trees planted this winter or next spring free of charge. Visit treesatlanta.org/yardtree for details and to reserve your trees.

 


Sandy Springs Environmental Stewardship Program

Become an Eco-Steward and lead the charge in keeping Sandy Springs beautiful. Beginning February 2024, the program will consist of two six-month semesters with each semester having eight sessions: five instructional classes and three volunteer events. Applications will be available the beginning of December. The first session is open to the public and will be located at Big Trees Preserve to discuss Old Growth Forests and their importance.

Got questions?

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Upcoming City Meetings

Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.– City Council Meeting (Studio Theatre)

Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. - Hospitality Board Meeting (City Hall)

Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. - ChatComm Authority Meeting us02web.zoom.us/j/86928181306 

 Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. - Board of Appeals Meeting (City Hall))

Dec. 19 at 6 p.m.– City Council Meeting (Studio Theatre)

Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. – Planning Commission Meeting (City Hall)


Each of the above listed meetings will also be livestreamed on the City's website.

Additional information can be found in the events section of the City's website.

The Gallery at City Springs

Last month, we hosted the artist reception for the latest exhibit in the Gallery at City Springs featuring local artist Diane Shaftman. Her beautiful paintings will be on display through the beginning of January. Please make a point of visiting the exhibit the next time you are at City Springs. The exhibit is open during City Hall's hours.

Artists interested in participating in a future exhibit can apply to Art Sandy Springs for consideration. Here's the link to the Gallery Application.

Roswell Dance Theatre Presents

The Nutcracker

November 24-December 3

Travel with Clara and her Prince to the Land of Sweets, where they are entertained by enchanting dancers from around the globe. Gorgeous costumes, magical scenery, beloved music, and exquisite dancing in this classic Nutcracker will delight guests of all ages.

Find tickets.

Ring in the New Afterparty

Dec. 31- Jan. 1

Ring in the new year with a rockin' party in Studio Theatre, including DJ Newk playing all your dancing favorites, a buffet of light bites, coffee and desserts, and a glass of sparkling beverage to toast the new year at midnight.

Find tickets.

For a full list of upcoming shows and events, please visit citysprings.com


Holiday Hoops

The Holiday Hoops challenge is a 2 on 2 tournament challenge held at Sandy Springs Charter Middle School on Friday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. Challenges include 2-2 tournament per grade level 6-8, three-point contest and free throw contest. It is a free program with prizes for the winners of each category. Walk ups are welcome.

Register here.

Feeling Creative?

Paint Like Bob Ross Parties

Gather your friends for a painting party where you can complete a Bob Ross painting in just one class! Parties are $420 for up to six participants, each additional person is $70 with a maximum of 12, unless prior approval is given. Parties are held in the Hammond Park Community Building.

Register here.

Photography Club

Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. at Lost Corner Preserve. Check out the Sandy Springs Photography Club Facebook Page for more information.

Crochet Buddies

Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Check out the Crochet Buddies Facebook Page for more information.

Abernathy Arts Center Happenings

Art Sandy Springs Hosts the Holiday Pin-Up Show and Sale  

Pin-Up Show

Budding artists and buyers are offered an opportunity to connect with our Sandy Springs creative community! Local art-lovers can purchase works at a very reasonable cost, and all proceeds will go directly to the artists. See the exhibition during business hours (10 a.m. through 6 p.m.) through Dec. 15. Join us for a casual and fun reception at the center on Dec. 6 from 6-8 p.m. This program is free and open to the public. 254 Johnson Ferry Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.

Amazing After-School Adventures at the Abernathy Arts Center!  

Afternoon arts classes will be offered for children and teens starting in January 2024:

  • Mixed Media: Paint, Drawing and Collage for ages 6-9
  • Creative Drawing and Painting for ages 9-12
  • Painting and Drawing Studio for ages 10-14

The Abernathy Arts Center is pleased to partner with Stage Door Theatre to present these children’s theatre arts classes in the afternoons starting in January 2024:

  • Stage Door Academy’s Musical Theatre: Broadway Bonanza for ages 6-8
  • Stage Door Academy’s Improv Acting for Ages 9-12

Adult Evening Classes at Abernathy Arts Center

The Abernathy Arts Center is now offering Adult classes in the evening beginning January 2024:


  • Impressionist Painting
  • Figure Drawing – All Levels
  • Painting with Watercolor
  • Mixed Media: Unexpected Creations
  • Evening Painting Studio



Check out the full schedule at: artsandysprings.org/abernathy-artss-2/

For more information, please contact us at classes@abernathyartscenter.org or 404-343-6692

Zoning Corner
Zoning Corner

Here is a list of the December 2023 Meetings and the cases that will be presented. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our Zoning Cases Map and the Event Calendar. 

City Council – Dec. 5, 2023 at 6 p.m.

Sandy Springs City Hall, Studio Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328. The Meeting will be live-streamed at sandyspringsga.gov/stream. For instructions on how to provide public comment during the Public Hearing, please visit spr.gs/publiccomment

·        TA23-0003 (a-e) – Comprehensive Development Code Update - Ordinances to amend the Development Code (5-Year update). These Code changes will be split into five items, TA23-0003 a through e.

·        TA23-0004 - An Ordinance to amend the Technical Manual

·        Crossroads Smal Area Plan 2023 - Request for Consideration to Approve the Crossroads Small Area Plan 2023 Update.



Board of Appeals Meeting - Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

Sandy Springs City Hall, Studio Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328. The Meeting will be live-streamed at sandyspringsga.gov/stream. For instructions on how to provide public comment during the Public Hearing, please visit spr.gs/publiccomment

·        V23-0041 – 7165 Brandon Mill – Request for a variance from the Technical Manual 3.B.3.g and Code Sec. 6.5.2.A.1. to allow two existing curb cuts to remain less than 65 feet apart on a single lot off of a collector road as part of a new construction project.

·        AP23-00003 – 8308 Hewlett Road - An appeal of the Director’s determination of the existing and proposed tree canopy and calculation of tree fund pursuant to their proposed development on the property

·        V23-0033 – 0 Zeblin Road - Request for a variance from Section 6.1.2.B. Building Placement, and Division 9.2. State Waters to encroach into the setbacks for the construction a new home.





 

City Council – Dec. 19, 2023 at 6 p.m.

Sandy Springs City Hall, Studio Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328. The Meeting will be live-streamed at sandyspringsga.gov/stream. For instructions on how to provide public comment during the Public Hearing, please visit spr.gs/publiccomment


·        U23-0002 – 6420 Roswell Road - Request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow for a drive-through facility in the CX-3 district at 6420 Roswell Road.


Planning Commission – Dec. 20, 2023 at 6 p.m. Sandy Springs City Hall, Studio Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328. The Meeting will be live-streamed at sandyspringsga.gov/stream.  For instructions on how to provide public comment during the Public Hearing, please visit spr.gs/publiccomment


·        U23-0003 – 590 Mount Vernon Hwy - Request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow for improvements to an existing church in RE-2 zoning district.



Community Meeting(s)

 

December Community Meeting I

There are no Community Meetings I scheduled at this time.



December Community Meeting II

There are no Community Meetings I scheduled at this time.

For the most updated information, please check spr.gs/zoningcases and spr.gs/pm.

If you have questions related to these meetings, contact us by emailing PZ@SandySpringsga.gov or by phone at 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.


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