The

CITIZENS REVIEW
Newsletter of the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association, Inc. October 2006
By YOLANDA ADREAN President Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association

Vol. 22

Democracy is Built on Choice

Have We Just Stopped Caring?

Why didnt we vote in Julys primaries? In the three places where we vote, the statistics are as follows: At Jackson 11.5% voted. That amounts to 225 Yolanda Adrean votes cast and 1673 votes that did not get cast! At Northwest Presbyterian Church 10.2% of the registered voters showed up. The turnout for our neighbors who now live in Sandy Springs was 25%. Why were the summer primaries important? These primaries were important because they determined our choices in the November 7 elections for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State School Superintendent, various Commissioners and Judges and seats for Fulton County. Most of these races were contested, and in fact, a run off was required for the Secretary of State. What message are we sending to elected officials? If we are not engaged enough to vote, we are going to risk losing our voice in Government. No one will pay attention to us because it will not be worth the few hundred votes at stake. The average voter participation in the primaries in Georgia was 25%. We voted at less than half that rate! Why? I know we can do better and we must. There are countless opportunities to meet candidates including at our Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association Annual Meeting on October 18, to be held at the Jackson School beginning at 7:30 PM. Candidates Robb Pitts and Bill Loughrey (District 2 At-Large) and Lee Morris and John Eaves (Fulton County Chair) will be participating in a debate and Q & A session. This is why you need to come. Whoever gets elected is accountable for 28% of your tax bill. Worse, they are responsible for the Tax Commissioners who assess your property! In fact why dont you pull out your tax bill and bring it with you. It may inspire some questions for the candidates. REIN IN UNBRIDLED SPENDING Listen to the candidates. Know who wants to spend your dollars and HOW. Plan to come to the October 18th Annual Meeting and dont forget to bring your friends!

The Immoral Majority

By SHEL SCHLEGMAN shelarchitect@comcast.net Mt. Paran

We no longer have government at any level, which is representative of our citizens. Our neighbors have abdicated their responsibility to our democratic form of government by choosing not to vote. In our precinct during the last Primary election 88.5% of you did not vote. The Runoff results were worse, 92.8% did not vote. Has this wealthy, educated majority become so removed from reality that you cannot see what is happening to this once great nation? Perhaps it is time to mandate voting as Australia and nineteen other nations have done. If you are interested in learning more go to www.australianpolitics.com/voting/systems/compulsory.shtml
Shel Schlegman

Editor's note: Voter turnout of those registered to vote in Australia was as low as 47% prior to the 1924 compulsory voting law. In the decades since 1924, voter turnout has hovered around 94% to 96%.

IN AND AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Atlanta City Council Honors... MAIL DELIVERY PROBLEMS The Mt. Paran Garden Club The Board of the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens

Association has received reports of problems with the US Postal Service mail delivery in our area. We would like to gather information including addresses, dates and the specific nature of the problems so that we can see if there is a pattern of poor service relating to specific routes. The Postmaster might be more interested if the complaints are compiled, documented and reported by our organization. Please outline your mail problems giving as much information as possible. We especially need to know the day of the week and the date of the problem. Send your information to Al Goodgame at Goodgame@bellsouth.net

A PROCLAMATION HONORING THE MT. PARAN WOODS GARDEN CLUB FOR THEIR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION IN CREATING AND MAINTAINING BEAUTIFUL GARDEN AREAS THROUGHOUT THE MT. PARAN/NORTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD WHEREAS, The Mt. Paran Woods Garden Club was founded in 1955 and currently has 40 active members, 21 social members and 10 patrons; and WHEREAS, The club is open to anyone in the area with an interest in gardening and socializing, and holds meetings from September through May; and WHEREAS, For the past 25 years, the Mt. Paran Woods Garden Club has taken on various beautification projects within the Mt. Paran/Northside area, some of which include plantings in triangles or pocket parks on West Conway at Broadland Road, Mt. Paran and Northside Dr. at the Country Store, and Cave Road at Mt. Paran; and WHEREAS, The Mt. Paran Woods Garden Club is registered as a non-profit corporation, and receives its funding strictly by membership fees and donations, with all money raised going directly to garden projects within the neighborhood; and WHEREAS, With the money they raise, the Mt. Paran Woods Garden Club spends every year approximately $10,000 to $12,000 for bi-annual plantings and maintenance, with one of the clubs more recent projects alone costing $7,000; and WHEREAS, Along with all the members of the Mt. Paran Woods Garden Club, we particularly want to honor certain club members Merry Carlos, Janie Merrill, Angie Everett, Ann Woodruff, Roberta Foley and Louise McDermott for their hard work and dedication in creating and maintaining beautiful garden areas throughout the Mt. Paran/ Northside neighborhood. NOW, THEREFORE, THE MEMBERS OF THE ATLANTA CITY COUNCIL, ON BEHALF OF THE CITIZENS OF ATLANTA, HEREBY RECOGNIZE THE MT. PARAN WOODS GARDEN CLUB ON THIS 21ST DAY OF AUGUST, 2006 FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS AND OUTSTANDING SERVICE IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.
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High Society Sunday Morning Walk

By DICK PERKINS Glen Devon Drive

I go for a High Society walk on Sundays, around Fairfield Road. Weekdays, its still a beautiful ramble, but theres traffic and workday clutter, and the mansions dont have their makeup on. On Sunday mornings its a different world. Scads of M-B SUVs hover round the soccer fields, and the glint of diamond rings is awesome as girlish laughter and screams of encouragement urge on the Top Hats and the Lady Jets. Further along, the mud of the pasture is transformed into a scene out of Harpers, as the Polo players ride to and fro. They must know what theyre doing, but I never hear a yelp or a cry of exultation. The horses snort, but thats the only sound from that unusual pastiche. Next along the trek comes a well-made pen where a Llama and a Goat chew their cuds and gaze stolidly at me as I pass them by. What is a llama doing here in the heart of Buckhead? I dont even know where to ask to find that out. The American flag at the Soccer fields is more noticeable on Sundays. I cant tell you why, but there seems to be a constant breeze making it riffle and snap. All in all, its a pretty nice experience. It makes me remember Sunday mornings in West Virginia and Fort Jackson when things didnt look so bright and shiny, and I wondered if there were places like this out there in that big world I kept hearing about.

Legislative Work Comes Full Circle

Subdivisions to Sewers
By CLAIR MULLER Atlanta City Council Member, District 8

Some of you may remember that before I became very involved in Atlantas underground sewer infrastructure which took up most of my time at City Hall for about 15 years, I worked to rewrite the Land Subdivision Ordinance. I remember in 1993, after two years of hard work with four city departments and a hard-working citizen panel, and the final overwhelming passage of the Land Subdivision Ordinance which I authored in my freshman term, telling the late zoning administrator, Bill Kennedy, that I wanted to move to work on environmental issues which I thought had broad consensus. Bill Kennedy took great glee in teasing me through the years about that statement because, as many of you know, getting the Clean Water Atlanta Program underway, including compliance with the Federal Consent Decrees, separating some of our sewer basins to bring our city up to 90% sewer separation, cleaning up the long-neglected circle around the inner city with sewer cleanup projects such as the Nancy Creek Tunnel, required huge energy and public debate. For many years, I By KAREN C. HANDEL was called the sewer lady while I fought to get us to Chairman of the Fulton County Commission clean water faster and cheaper. I was pleased to have a new Mayor arrive on the scene in 2002 and even more pleased The Board of Assessors and the when she answered my plea to champion clean water with county Assessors department have a resounding yes. I asked the Mayor to put together a new department with all water issues in one place and been in the spotlight for the past year. An independent audit initiated the result is the Department of Watershed Management. Now I find myself in my fifth term on Council looking at my request and with approval back at some of the legislation that I mothered over a from both the Board of Assessors decade ago. The Land Subdivision Ordinance (LSO) was (BoA) and the Board of Commissionin great need of repair in the early 1990s and, when asked ers (BoC) revealed serious deficienby my colleagues to take on the rewrite, I did not pause. I cies. This led to a review by the had such greats as Bill Kennedy to help me with such a rewrite State Revenue Commission. The findand we brought together representatives of four departments ingsinconsistent appraisals, misidentified tax-exempt properand a good group of citizens to help. We worked weekly ties, poor processes and a general lack of customer service for almost two years to hammer out issues that would provide came as little surprise to the many citizens that have had to deal with the department. for orderly development in the City of Atlanta. However, there is now some good news to report! Under One of my biggest concerns at the time was water run off and drainage issues. We worked hard to ensure in the the leadership of new Chief Appraiser Burt Manning, and new ordinance that existing property owners were not adversely with a newly formed professional BoA chaired by Bill affected by new development. (Following those same Huff, the tax assessors office is finally showing some lines, I have subsequently introduced the Post Develop- positive signs. In just a few short months, the office has ment Stormwater Management Ordinance, the Riparian reviewed and revamped office policies and procedures, Buffer Ordinance and the Conservation Subdivision Ordinance.") revised management philosophies to return day-to-day operations I am clear in my mind that new subdivisions should be considered to the Chief Appraiser (where it belongs!) and reaffirmed very carefully because, as Bill Kennedy said many times that the BoAs responsibility is to set policies and provide back in those days, there is a good reason that some lots Continued on Page C4 were passed over when Atlanta began to develop. Some 3

lots, if developed, could cause damage to existing properties. One of the goals of this new ordinance was to minimize disturbance of natural topography, tree cover and natural drainage ways. Therefore, one of the sections reads: Land subject to flooding and land that is topographically unsuitable shall not be platted for residential occupancy nor for other uses when to do so will create or increase danger to health, life, or property or aggravate erosion or flood hazard. It is this section of the Ordinance, as well as others, which I have been reviewing quite a lot lately as I have taken the step to appeal the decision of Administrative Officer of the City of Atlanta to the Board of Zoning Adjustment concerning a six lot subdivision approval on Cloudland Drive. This particular subdivision application seeks to subdivide a two lot parcel into six new lots, the back two lots of which would require driveway bridges across two creeks to reach potential build-able areas. I do not think these back two lots comply with the intent of the Land Subdivision Ordinance in that they are topographically unsuited and would not have uniform set backs with the other proposed lots on the ball of the proposed new cul-de-sac. This is an unprecedented step for me. I have never formally appealed the decision of the City to the Board of Zoning Adjustment. I will keep you informed as to the results of such an appeal and I will also begin a review of the Ordinance to see what other areas may need to be strengthened or clarified so that the intent of the Ordinance is not misinterpreted again.

TAX ASSESSORS OFFICE ON THE RIGHT COURSE

IN AND AROUND THE CITY OF SANDY SPRINGS

Public Safety Enhanced

By EVA GALAMBOS Mayor, City of Sandy Springs

After the first nine months, Sandy Springs government services continue to improve. I hope that your neighborhoods have noticed the vastly improved police coverage with our new police department. Now there are at least twice as many police patrols on the roads, and increasingly the officers are spotted in neighborhood streets that had not seen such security before. Some officers report that residents are so pleased to see them, that they have been invited to dinner. Tree preservation continues to be a lively topic. A citizens advisory committee has been at work during the past two

months to develop a proposed new tree ordinance. The committee is made up of neighborhood representatives as well as developers. The City Council recognizes the importance of our tree canopy in Sandy Springs, while at the same time responding to new construction. A revised ordinance will be addressed by Council later this fall. (See related article below.) Friends of Sandy Springs, a new non-profit organization, has been organized to aid the start-up of our public safety functions. Mr. Bruce Weiner is President of the group. Already private contributions have financed acquisition of motorcycles and bikes for the police. We will be taking over the total operation of the Fire Department in late December. Of course, private donations to assist in equipping our Fire Department will also be appreciated. (Donations can be made to: Friends of Sandy Springs, City Hall 7840 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs, GA 30350) Our web site, www.sandyspringsga.org is becoming ever more interactive, and many functions can be completed electroncally. Let us hear from you!

City of Sandy Springs Plans New Tree Protection Ordinance

By KAREN McENERNY Sandy Springs City Council Member, District 6

It is estimated that 900 acres in Sandy Springs has been permitted for new development since Dec 1, 2005. 25% of that acreage is in District 6 which contains almost all of the area south of the River, and west of Roswell Road to the City of Atlanta boundaries. Further estimates support the fact that 90% of the tree cover (also known as Tree Canopy) in Sandy Springs is located in our residential neighborhoods. Your new city adopted the Fulton County Tree Ordinance in December of 2005 unchanged which provides for protection of larger, older trees over 28 in diameter known as Specimen Trees; but no protection for other trees in the canopy except the requirement for a certain level of tree density to remain on the site or be replanted. Unlike the City of Atlanta which requires a permit and a fee to be paid for tree removal by all parties, including a homeowner, the City of Sandy Springs current ordinance only applies to a site if a building permit of some nature is required. Examples of permits which trigger the City of Sandy Springs Tree Ordinance include pool installation, land disturbance, building permit and the like. Due to the unremitting pressure to reside in our neighborhoods inside I-285, due, in large part, to (i) the metro areas increased commuting time due to traffic congestion, (ii) the quality of life issues that define the character of our existing neighborhoods including significant remaining 4

tree canopy, streams, and wildlife inherent with less dense development; and (iii) our proximity to Downtown via Northside Drive, District 6 is a Bulls Eye for re-development. It shares that distinction with District 5 also which is south of I-285 to Peachtree Dunwoody on the east. In recognition that the current Tree Ordinance is not sufficiently protecting the Tree Canopy and all the unacceptable impacts inherent with excess tree loss, the Mayor & City Council determined that a revision of the Tree Ordinance was one of three ordinance revisions that was of priority to our citizens. (Another of those three, known as the Flag Lot Ordinance, was recently enacted on August 2. This Fulton County holdover ordinance allowed the subdivision of land such that houses could be built directly behind each other with limited (35 feet) frontages on the street. This affected the smaller properties that didnt have enough land in which to put a street and cul de sac and in essence had the effect of increasing density which also meant significant tree canopy loss. The third of these priority ordinances was known as the Apartment Inspection Ordinance passed July 18, 2006 which requires internal inspections of all multi family units to ensure they meet minimum state standards). In July 2006 the Council authorized a re-write of this Ordinance which is now underway under the direction of a well respected Urban Forestry expert, Mr. Ed Macie, currently the Southeast director for the US Department of Forestry. (Mr. Macie also wrote the first Tree Ordinance for Fulton County while he was their county arborist.) He is working with a Citizens Advisory Committee which meets the last Monday of each month at 7:00 pm in the city hall. These meetings are open to the public with public comment at the end. This committee represents a balance of interests inContinued on Page C4

October 2006

The Crime Report

The Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association produces this public safety report for the benefit of our neighborhood. If you see suspicious activity, or are the victim of a crime, call 911 and then report the details for this newsletter to our Security Patrol (404)310-7361 or Jo Ann Rau (

Security Patrol Activity

During the months of February through August 2006, Officers Doug Cole, Jim Hendrix and Sergeant Ellis (J.R.)

Security Patrol Information

The Mt. Paran Security Patrol is a neighborhood funded patrol staffed by two retired Atlanta police officers and a part-time sergeant currently assigned to the motorcycle squad. Officer Doug Cole and Officer Jim Hendrix work full time and Sgt. Ellis (J.R.) works part-time. To date there are 386 patrol members of which 33 live in the Randall Mill Civic Association area. The patrol monitors the Atlanta police radio and responds to alarms in the area. The patrol checks doors and windows daily while you are out of town and picks up newspapers. The fee to join the patrol is $150 a year and covers the time period from January 1 to December 31. The fee for new residents will be pro-rated. Subscribers receive a mailbox decal, telephone stickers and access to the security hotline as well as daily surveillance of your house and property. For information on joining, or to meet the patrol officers, call (404)310-7361. Be sure to leave a message during off-duty hours and one of the patrol officers will call you back.

Logged 12,208 miles patrolling our neighborhood Made 3664 house checks for traveling subscribers Responded to 76 alarm calls Investigated 71 suspicious persons or autos Investigated 8 incidents of vandalism Investigated 11 incidents of vehicles entered Investigated 12 incidents of larceny Investigated 5 break-ins Found 7 open doors Investigated 1 incident of criminal trespass Investigated 1 incident of criminal damage to property (arrest made)

February: Bon fire on Whitewater Trail. Kids ran away when fire department arrived. Kids reported fighting on Whitewater Trail. Summer Lane resident came home to the alarm ringing. Found an open door and the alarm panel missing but no items missing. March: Car windows smashed on Sentinel Post. Door-to-door sales people reported on several streets three days in a row. Break-in on Harris Trail (small item taken). April: Several suspicious autos and people were reported throughout the neighborhood. Someone through a beer bottle at a front door on Regency Rd. and significantly damaged the door. A house on Conway Glen was entered but nothing was taken. The burglar of a house on Mt. Paran was arrested by police. Front door of the Country Store was forced open and the ATM machine was taken. Cash and credit cards taken from a car on Regency Rd. Purse taken from inside the garage on Garmon Ferry Rd. Laptop taken from inside a car on Monte Carlo Dr. Lawn truck stolen from Andover Dr., keys were in the vehicle. May: Several suspicious people reported in the neighborhood throughout the month. Thefts from unlocked autos on Regency Rd., Garmon Ferry, Garmon Rd., and Swims Valley. Car stolen from driveway on Whitestone Place. Sgt. Ellis helped Atlanta police to apprehend suspects who robbed

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More Crime News: Know the Law Against Illegal Signs

Editors Note:
On August 30 an article appeared in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution about illegal signs on poles in Atlanta. It quoted the city's chief solicitor, Raines Carter, who doesn't appear to know the law. Mt. Paran resident, Mary Lou Floyd, responded to Solicitor Carter's comments in the email below. Copies of her response went to the mayor, the reporter who wrote the story and the chairman of the City Utilities Committee. The illegal sign ordinance was amended by City Council in 2004. Hats off to Mary Lou for taking the time to set the record straight! Now spread the word to those who are interested in combating Atlanta's visual pollution. Dear Solicitor Carter: I read the August 30, 2006 AJC article in which you were quoted as saying "the city's code addresses only the person hanging the sign, not the agency or sponsor." I bring to your attention that on June 21, 2004 an ordinance sponsored by Councilmember Anne Fauver (04-0-0785) was adopted by Council and approved by Mayor Franklin. This 2004 ordinance amended section 138-13 so that the responsible party "shall include...any individuals or businesses whose advertisement, message or information appears on or is contained in any sign or notice unlawfully placed on public property." In this August 30 AJC article I read that you "recommend enforcement sweeps to catch many spamsters at one time and charge them a fine of $100 for each illegal sign." May I bring to your attention that since 2004 City Code 138-13 has been very specific about citations and penalties. I have copied below that section of City Code 138-13 that defines the responsible parties (See (d) Removal). Under (f) Citations and (g) Penalties I copy the city law that defines such. We private citizens are most fortunate to have Atlanta's Code of Ordinances available to us with a keystroke at www.Municode.com May I add that I differ with your statement in the article that "Most of the sponsors (of illegal signage) are outside Georgia"? Over the past five years, I have removed hundreds of illegal signs. Rarely were these signs sponsored by agencies outside Georgia. Many, however, are sponsored by businesses outside of Atlanta because they advertise 770- telephone contact numbers. As a board member of Keep Atlanta Beautiful, I work with the Department of Public Works and Solid Waste's efforts to combat this visible pollution blighting our city and encouraging other crimes. I attended the 2006 Governor's Litter Summit August 29. Fortunately, illegal signage is included in this precedentsetting statewide assault on litter. We will have opportunities to partner with state government on the eradication of illegal signage. May I suggest that Atlanta revisit adopting the Board of Code Enforcement Act (passed by the State in 2000) that would allow the prosecution of code enforcement violations under a civil law process? The following is an excerpt from Atlanta's Code of Ordinances, accessible at www.Municode.com Sec. 138-13. Affixing signs within right-of-way. (a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: (1) "Affix" shall mean the act of tacking, nailing, posting, gluing, painting, stapling, marking or writing upon the surface of any structure or directing, authorizing or paying another to do such act. (2) Public property" within the public right-of-way shall mean the area lying within the dedicated or prescriptive easement of any street or road located within the city, whether improved or not, including sidewalks, ditches, drains, the tree lawn areas between detached sidewalks and streets, roadway medians, parkways, bridges, utility poles and boxes, street signs and sign poles. (3) "Sign" shall mean any material containing printed or written matter in words, symbols, pictures, or any combination thereof, including, but not limited to flyers, handbills, pennants, posters, and streamers. (4) "Special event sign" shall mean any temporary sign which shall advertise or promote any meeting, event, gathering, function, entertainment or other activity scheduled for a particular date or series of consecutive days. (b) Signage prohibited. Except as provided in this section, it shall be unlawful to post or affix signs on public property within the public right-of-way. (c) Exceptions. Nothing in this section shall apply to the installation of the following: (1) Metal plaques or plates commemorating a historical, cultural or artistic event, location or personality; (2) Signage identifying licensed franchisees of the city or indicating the presence of workers of permitted utilities and their facilities or equipment within or immediately adjacent to the right-ofway; (3) Signage identifying or directing vehicular or pedestrian traffic to or from property immediately adjacent to the signage when displayed on structures under the ownership or control of the property owner or lessee; (4) Signage providing public transportation information; (5) Signage providing direction to governmental facilities, hospitals or houses of worship; (6) Signage affixed pursuant to permits issued by governmental entities having authority to do so; (7) Signage used to provide for the safety of individuals using the public right-of-way or immediately adjacent property; (8) Flags, banners, bunting, signs, displays or other forms of decoration which are displayed in conformance with and permitted by section 138-60; or (9) Commercial advertisements which are displayed in and on bus shelters in conformance with the requirements of O.C.G.A. 32-6-51. (d) Removal. Any signs found upon any public property, not in compliance with this section, may be removed by the city. The person(s) responsible for causing the unlawful sign to be placed on any public property may be held responsible for the cost of removal. These persons shall include, but are not limited to, any individuals or businesses whose advertisement, message or information appears on or is contained in any sign or notice unlawfully placed on public property. (e) Special event signage. Any special event signs found upon any public property may be removed by the city. The person(s) responsible for causing the unlawful special event sign to be on public property may be held responsible for the cost of removal. In addition, the person(s) responsible for causing the unlawful special event sign to be on public property shall be subject to a minimum of three days in jail. These persons shall include, but are not limited to, any individuals or business whose special event appears on or is contained in any special event sign or notice unlawfully placed on public property and any individual responsible for authorizing, directing, or paying persons who unlawfully place special event signs on public property. (f) Citations. Any person violating this section shall receive a citation. The citation shall state the date, location, and brief description of the violation. The citation penalty may be paid prior to the assigned court date, in the amount of $100.00 per violation to cover the removal of the unlawfully placed sign. Payment may be made as directed by the citation. Upon a third, and subsequent,
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More Crime News: We Can Help Stop Crime Security Patrol Activity THINGS YOU CAN DO
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June: Bicycle taken from garage on Randall Mill Rd. Tomatoes taken and fire started in a yard on Harris Trail. Mailbox damaged on Garmon Drive. Identity theft on Mt. Paran where a credit card statement was taken from the mailbox. Bogus credit cards were used at a hair salon. House egged on N. Harris Ridge. Damage to mailbox on Harris Trail. Along with damage to the dashboard, a CD player and satellite radio taken from car on Conway Valley Rd. July: Officer Hendrix monitored a report on the police radio about lawn equipment being taken from a house on E. Conway. Two suspects ran away and crashed the vehicle they were driving at W. Conway and Mt. Paran. Officer Hendrix apprehended one suspect when he ran down Randall Mill Rd. Atlanta police were called and took the suspect into custody. Theft from autos on Garmon Rd. and W. Garmon. Landscapers truck stolen with keys in the ignition on Garmon Rd. Car window broken and purse taken on Sentinel Post Rd. August: Garage panel kicked in on Sentinel Post Rd. House entered but alarm did not activate. Arrest made on Conway Glen for criminal trespass and criminal damage to property. Teen walking her dog on Sentinel View reported being followed by a white male in his 30s. When teen began screaming the suspect drove away in a black Chevrolet Impala.

TO PREVENT THEFT FROM AUTOS

Tips from the Sandy Springs Police Department

Crime Report Terminology

Burglary: Suspect enters house, business or secured area Robbery: Suspect takes property (jewelry, wallet, etc.) from person by force Larceny: Theft from vehicle or unsecured place

Penalties of Illegal Signage

violation, the person cited must appear in court. (g) Penalties. Any person violating this section shall be subject to one or more of the following penalties: (1) A minimum fine of $150.00 for each unlawfully placed sign or special event sign; (2) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five days. Fines that remain unpaid after 60 days will automatically trigger a separate violation, resulting in the responsible person(s) being subject to the penalties provided in this Chapter, in addition to the original fines and/or jail time. (h) Enforcement. Any person empowered by the City of Atlanta to issue citations may enforce the provisions of this section. Sincerely, Mary Louise Floyd Proud resident of the city of Atlanta

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One of the top two crime categories in both Sandy Springs and the metro area is the theft of items from cars. Sandy Springs averages between 8-15 thefts from cars each day. Some of the thefts occur in overnight hours in areas including corporate parking decks, condo and apartment parking areas and residential streets. Most of the business-area thefts from cars occur during the day when the victim parks the car in a commercial lot and leaves the car unattended while shopping. One trend in theft from auto is thieves working the parking areas of gyms and other workout areas. The victim leaves the car and, in most cases, is gone for at least an hour. Unfortunately the vast majority of victims leave items of value in the car. Even though the car is locked, the items are in view and the opportunity for the theft is presented. Locked cars will deter a percentage of thieves who dont want to make any noise during the theft. Some crooks dont mind at all putting a rock or other items through the window to get to the items they see inside. Others use punch tools to force the locks open. Others use Slim-Jims to unlock the window via the door lock cable. Almost all criminals use the PATH OF LEAST RESISTENCE or what we call the RISK vs. OPPORTUNITY formula. You can directly increase the RISK of the criminal by lowering the OPPORTUNITY to commit the crime. Heres how: Remove everything of value from sight. Use stereo slide brackets or removable face-plates for in-car music systems. When parking at a gym, if possible, dont take the electronic lock pad inside with you. Take only the key itself to eliminate a thief taking the keys and finding your car in the lot. Lock items in the trunk and not inside the car where they can be seen. Inside the trunk, find a place to conceal watches, jewelry, and cash so that anyone who gets into the trunk would still have to look for items. Make the criminal take time to look. They dont have much time. Get in the habit of taking items of value inside at the end of EACH and EVERY day. CALL 911 WHEN YOU SEE SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY THEN MT. PARAN SECURITY (404) 310-7361

Tree Preservation in Sandy Springs

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cluding professional land planners, architects, builders and neighborhood advocates. Their work is scheduled to come before the City Council in early November 2006 for a vote after it is heard by the Planning Commission. Public Comment at those meetings is also welcome. Points of discussion, among others: Need to protect adjacent neighbors trees whose root zones extend into the adjacent lot being re-developed; Creation of incentives to leave trees if a portion of the critical root zone is impacted; How to measure/provide credit for replacement trees that wont reach full canopy for 10 + years; Protection for the tree canopy located in the side, front, and rear set backs; Is a 45% post development tree canopy coverage, measured in square feet, the correct percentage?; Should the city staff be granted discretion and at what standard for approval of tree canopy requirement variances or should that authority to grant relief from the Ordinance stay with the Board of Appeals, a public noticed appellate body as is currently done with specimen trees?; Are Specimen (older larger trees ) to be protected?; and loop hole versus property rights issues for Homeowners. Is there a loop hole that needs to be closed that allows homeowners to take down any of their trees in recognition of their individual property rights or should the tree ordinance apply only if a building permit is required as is the current ordinance? These are all issues in which you may have an interest and you may have others to add. Your involvement is welcome. For future dates of meetings which might be of interest, check out our web site www.sandyspringsga.org under calendar and agenda. I also am always pleased to hear from my c l: on any issue of interest to you. You can also e-mail the Planning and Zoning Department at pz@sandyspringsga.org with any comments you would like shared with the Tree Ordinance Committee or zoning matters coming up in the future.

BE INFORMED ABOUT THE AMENDMENTS AND REFERENDUM QUESTIONS ON THE NOV. 7 BALLOT
The November 7 General Election ballot contains several constitutional amendments and statewide referendum questions. The three amendments propose to restrict the use of eminent domain, protect the traditions of fishing and hunting, and authorize the General Assembly to dedicate revenues from special motor vehicle license plates to use by agencies, funds, or nonprofit corporations, to name a few. Two of the six referendum questions include the expansion of ad valorem tax exemptions for property of charitable instutitutions and providing a homestead exemption to certain residents who are senior citizens with respect to state ad valorem taxes. The link below will take you to the website where you can read more about the proposed amendments and referendum questions: http:// www.sos.state.ga.us/elections/2006AmendRefBooklet.pdf

TAX ASSESSORS OFFICE

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TIPS EVERYONE CAN USE

WHEN DIALING 411 INFORMATION Phone companies are charging us $1.00 or more for 411/ information calls when they don't have to. When you need to use the 411/information option, simply dial 1-800FREE-411 (or 1-800-373-3411) without incurring a charge. Pass it on! Works on home phones and cell phones. HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE Contrary to recent circulating emails that instruct one to attempt to rhythmically cough during a heart attack to increase the chance of surviving it, the best thing to do is to call 911, then take a 325 mg Aspirin at the onset of chest pain or other symptoms of a severe heart attack.
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oversight. Additionally, a full review of all properties in the county, both commercial and residential is underway. In process right now is the complete reorganization of staff to ensure that the department has the right skills and experience. And, theres a new emphasis being placed on customer service with citizen response time and case resolution goals. Customer service is now a priority for which employees are being held accountable. The tangible result from the hard work over the last few months is that the 2006 tax digest was approved by the State Revenue Commission, allowing for the completion and mailing of tax bills. To be sure, we still have a long way to go in the department. However, I am confident that we are now truly on the right course with the right kind of leadership and expertise in place. Please feel free to email me at Karen.handel@fultoncountyga.gov As always, I value your feedback.

E-Mail is Your Window To The Neighborhood

If you are not receiving regular email alerts from the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association, please send your email address to MtParNorCitAssoc@aol.com And, add our address to your on-line address book so our emails wont be caught by internet providers your spam controls.

Neighborhood Briefs
Free Dog with Lots of Love and Lots of Extras!
This is our dog, Riley, for whom wed like to find a new home. Hes an 8 year-old non purebred black lab who doesnt get as much attention as he did before our kids went to college. Since he doesnt get along well with our little yorky-poo, hes outside most of the time but likes to come inside when theres bad weather. Hes neutered, in good health and up-to-date on shots. He comes with various accessories (doghouse, bowls, heartworm pills, leash, and leftover food, etc). All FREE! RSVP, orge Hauptfuhrer,

MANY THANKS TO THE CASTELLOS

WE HAD A GREAT TIME!

BY BRENDA SMITH Garmon Road

Upcoming Events At Chastain Horse Park

Horse Show October 14 Featuring our hunter equitation program riders & boarders. Dog Show October 291 p.m. to 4 p m. Neighborhood best of show for the whole family with a Special Auction of one-of-a-kind dog houses designed by Harrison Design Associates. 5th Annual 24 Carrot Gold Dinner October 19 & 206:30 p m. Two elegant dinner/wine evenings...Featuring ten of Atlantas premier chefs. 3rd Annual Chastain Chase February 10, 20078 a m.; 5k and 1 mile Fun Run Miracles Happen VI March 24, 2007 Annual black tie/blue jeans affair for 400 guests

May 10, over 105 neighbors turned out for a great time at the beautiful home of Northside neighbors John and Jane Costello. I had to increase the number three times for the caterer then she had no time to buy more food. Thus, sorry if you were too late for one of the greatest parties in the hood! Yes, it rained as people entered, but it was dry inside except for the barsand plenty of room for everyone. Janet had lovely flowers all over the house. About 8:00, the rain cleared, and we were able to visit the side and back gardens. Remember, the Costellos were on the Sandy Springs garden tour, so no weeds were within a 200 yard radius. Around the pool, the Costellos landscaped with huge rocks, a rock waterfall into the spa, and lots of singing frogs in residence. I did not see anyone putt on the golf green, but many enjoyed the outdoor fire under the pavilion. The side courtyard has a fish pond and more blooming flowers. Neighbors sat with others on the lower level porch with candles enjoying the atmosphere. It was a beautiful evening, thanks to our gracious and generous hosts. Also, thanks to Janet Costello for the cheese and cracker hors d'oeuvres, Paula Hill for the marinated onion spread, Barbara White for the veggies and dip, and me for the layered guacamole dishes. Thanks to our bartenders, Dick Smith, Marci Vincent, Jerry Vincent, and Paula Hill. Many thanks to Judi Schindler for her fine financial work with the checks. We broke even which is always our goal! Beth Harshaw and her crew outdid themselves with the foodtenderloin, artichoke cakes, asparagus salad, stuffed baked tomatoes, green salad, and desserts! It was a wonderful event and lots of new neighbors attended. Thanks to everyone for making it welcoming and fun.

Notable Neighbors
Congratulations to the Mt. Paran Woods Garden Club. Several neighbors recently accepted a Proclamation from the Atlanta City Council on behalf of the Garden Club for their dedication to maintaining the beautiful garden triangles around the neighborhood. (See related article, page 2)

The Galloway Calendar of Events

Congratulations to Mt. Paran neighbor and author, Mary Louise Floyd, on her recently published October 28 Fall Fun Fest - 10 am to 3 pm book, Retired With Husband: Superwomans New (Elliott's Run which is usually held at Challenge. Mary Lou Floyd
this same time has been rescheduled for the Spring. No date yet.) January 7 Sampler and Open House (for Prospective Parents) - 1 pm to 4 pm

Please tell us about your notable neighbors: Email lmoscow@mindspring.com or mail to Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association, P.O. Box 724153, Atlanta, GA 31139 Are you new to the neighborhood? Did you forget to renew? Participation in your neighborhood association costs pennies a day. Cost of membership: 7 cents a day Cost of security patrol: 41 cents a day 5

February 15 Alfie Kohn, 7:30 pm- noted educational author February 24 An Evening in Paris - party & fundraiser Email m.watkins@gallowayschool.org for details and more info.

March 30th More than 60 neighbors attended the Ladies Luncheon at the home of Corky Gelder. We were able to tour this beautiful home decorated by the hostess herself. Lunch consisted of beautifully presented plates of chicken salad and vegetables along with flower-like fruits from Edible Arrangements. Guests enjoyed lunch around the pool and under the shade of the pool house. No one ate on the golf green or in the sand trap!

Photos by Yolanda Adrean

Installation of Severe Weather Alert System in Chastain Park

By MARY DODSON Chastain Park Conservancy, Membership and Fundraising Chair

It is hard to believe this was the third summer for the Chastain Park Conservancy. Each year brings new improvements and opportunities. This year has been harder on all the trees, both old ones and new plantings, due to the heat and drought. Unlike last year, this summer didnt bring the major storms in the afternoons. However, in anticipation of these storms being a part of summer in Atlanta, the Conservancy, with help from our stakeholders and supporters is installing a severe weather detection and warning system in the park. Similar systems are used by many public and private golf courses, schools, pools and were used during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The system detects when conditions exist for severe weather (e.g. lightning strikes) by measuring electrostatic charges on the ground and in the air. It then triggers horns and strobe lights located throughout the park to warn park patrons they are potentially in danger of severe weather and should seek shelter. Once the danger has subsided, horns and strobe lights signal the all clear. Look for the banks of horns and strobe lights around the park, along with informational signs in the next few weeks. This system, along with the new lighting, netting and landscaping around the PATH and painted pedestrian cross walks are all part of the Conservancys mission of making the park safer, 6

cleaner and greener. November 4th is the date for the second annual fundraiser for Chastain Park Conservancy which will be held in the amphitheater. Everyone is welcome. A Celebration for Preservation A Night Under the Stars is the theme of this years dinner and silent auction. The event will begin with a VIP reception at 6:00 P.M and doors open for general admission at 7:00 P.M. Individual tickets are $200 and tables are available for $2500 - $7500. All proceeds go directly to the park to support the Conservancys mission. A major part of the mission is creating a new master plan for Chastain Park. The Conservancy has received Request for Proposals from several consulting firms and is negotiating a contract. This plan will be the vision for the park for the next five to twenty years. The process will involve input from NPUs all over the city, as well as stakeholders and patrons of the park. The Department of Parks and Recreation, APAB and the Urban Design Commission are all important members of this process. You will be hearing more about the Master Plan as it evolves. Chastain Park is such an asset for our neighborhood. Whether you walk the PATH, play golf, attend concerts, cheer your children at the ball fields and gym or take classes at the Art Center, there is something for everyone. In addition, the passive green spaces are helping our environment every day. Thank you for your support and interest in the Chastain Park Conservancy.

Gardening Tips
By PIKE FAMILY NURSERIES

Where Do Your Recyclables Go?

Dreamsan Recycling Group holds the city of Atlantas recycling contract. According to general manager, John Hayes, the recyclables come to Dreamsans processing center on Fulton Industrial Boulevard where they are separated and distributed to various locations. Most newspapers are sent to Southeast Paper Company. Other companies buy mixed paper, fiberboard, cardboard and other stock for reuse. Glass items go to Strategic Materials where it is processed for use by Owings Corning. Plastics used for soft drinks, juice, water, peanut butter, salad dressings and oil, cosmetics and household cleaners are sent to carpet mills around the state, where they are made into backing for carpet and some carpet fibers. Other plastics, from which milk jugs and detergent bottles are made, are processed and sent to several companies where they are colorized and pelletized for manufacturing to new non-food container products such as lumber, paint cans, recycling bins and garbage cans. Most metals go to Newell, a metal recycling company. The majority of aluminum goes to Alcan in Greensboro, N.C. So if you think that recyclables are thrown into landfills, it appears they go everywhere except the landfill.

Plant Fescue seed by the 15th. Aerate, lime, then keep watered while seed is germinating. Lower your mowing height to 2-3 inches for Fescue & St. Augustine, 1-2 inches for seeded Bermuda and 0.5 1.5 for sodded Bermuda & Zoysia. Plant Spring flowering bulbs like Daffodils, Hyacinths and Lilies and apply a light, complete fertilizer such as Espoma Bone Meal or Pennington Bulb Food. Divide overgrown clumps of perennials, such as Daylilies, Daisies, Hostas and Coneflowers. Replant divisions or give to friends as "pass-along" plants. Plant Snapdragons, Violas and Pansies for fall and winter color. Still time to plant Ornamental Mustard and Ornamental Cabbage. Fall is the time to plant or transplant shrubs. Water newly transplanted shrubs thoroughly. This is a good season for improving the soil by adding organic amendments - such as Soil Conditioner or Professional Potting Soil - and rototilling. Add vines and ground covers to your garden such as Clematis, Mondo Grass, Creeping Raspberry and English Ivy. If you move plants inside from the patio, make sure they get the best light possible. Also, check for insects. You may need to use an insecticidal soap prior to the big move.

RECYCLING GUIDELINES
When placing items in the black recycling bin: DO include aluminum and metal food and beverage cans. Rinse. Flatten cans to save space. Leave labels on. DO include glass bottles and jars. Dont include lids. Rinse. Leave labels on. Clear, green and brown glass is accepted. DO include all #1 and #2 clear and green plastic beverage bottles, and white or translucent milk jugs. Plastic bottles are marked with a 1 or 2 in a triangle, usually on the bottom of the container. Remove all caps and neck rings. Rinse. Flatten containers to save space. DO include newspapers. Place newspapers in bin with top firmly closed. No newspapers in plastic sleeves or plastic grocery bags, or bundled in string. DO include items recently added to the Atlanta Program: magazines, catalogues, junk mail, office paper, phone books, envelopes, cereal boxes, shoe boxes. Break down shoeboxes or cereal boxes to flatten them as much as possible. DONT include foil, pie tins, or other items such as aerosol or paint cans, which contain contaminants. DONT include such items as Pyrex, window glass, light bulbs, ceramics, china, or other heat resistant items such as ovenware or drinking glasses. DONT include plastic bags, plastic wrap or fast food containers, or other types of plastic bottles such as those used for motor oil, antifreeze, cleaning products, or other hazardous materials. DONT include pizza boxes, beverage cartons, heavy/corrugated cardboard, rolled fax paper, NCR paper, carbon paper, blueprints, photographs, or items with spiral binders. Dreamsan Recyling Groups website: www.dreamsan.com Atlanta Recycling Hotline: (404)792-1212 7

2006 ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP:

NEVER TOO LATE TO JOIN

Although some neighbors pay membership and security dues before the annual statements are mailed, everyone receives an annual statement in January. To date, 550 neighbors have joined the association and received the 2006 Mt. Paran-Northside Membership Directory. We still have a few 2006 directories left so let us hear from you if you would like one. Please let us know when new neighbors move in so they can be welcomed and added to our database of over 900 homes. To join or to share information, please contact Membership Vice Chair, Debbie Goot: To join, mail a $25 check made out to Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association (MPNCA) to Debbie Goot, Atlanta, GA 30327.

Return Service Requested

MT. PARAN-NORTHSIDE CITIZENS ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. BOX 724153 ATLANTA, GEORGIA 31139 OFFICERS President/Yolanda Adrean Vice President/Communications/Jo Ann Rau Vice President/Membership/Debbie Goot Secretary/Jean Smith Treasurer/Jim Carter BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sandra Adair, London Andes, Pat Daly, John Feeley, Al Goodgame, Alan Leet, Howard Margol, Jane Merrill, Dana Scavo, Karen Swim, Pamela Tremayne, Marci Vincent, Richard Wilson, Alan Yates EX-OFFICIO (PAST PRESIDENTS) Brenda Smith, Lynne Moscow, Sheldon Schlegman, Robert Hurst (d), Edward Floyd, John R. Martin (d), Robert Miller, H. Clay Moore, Jr., J. Martin Turbidy Editors: Lynne Moscow and Jo Ann Rau Design & Typeset: Jo Ann Rau WEB SITE

Pre-Sorted First Class Mail U.S. Postage PAID Atlanta, GA Permit No. 3207

www.mtparannorthsidecitizensassociation.org

Association Newsletter and Crime Report Inside

No Excuse Voting...No Excuse Voting

There are a number of opportunities to exercise your constitutional right to vote in the November 7 General Election. If you wont be here on that date or cant get to the polls, absentee ballot applications are available at the County Store on Mt. Paran Road and the fire station at Northside and West Conway. Instructions on faxing or mailing are on the side of the application. You can also download an absentee ballot application at myfultoncountyga.us. Or you can vote absentee in person until October 27 (see location below). Early voting begins on October 30th through November 3rd at the following locations: North Fulton Annex, 7741 Roswell Road, Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor Street. Voting will take place from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. For more information, call 404-730-7020. In addition to a myriad of opportunities to vote, a sample ballot for neighborhood precincts will be available at the Mt. ParanNorthside Citizens Association annual meeting on October 18, 7:30 PM, at Jackson School, 1325 Mt. Paran Road. In addition to candidates and judges, the ballot contains proposed referendum and statewide constitutional amendments that should be reviewed prior to voting. (See related article page C4.)