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Trees vs. People

During the Feb. 15th Sandy Springs City Council meeting, a presentation was made about an idea to improve the city’s tree canopy. To be sure, trees can enhance the beauty, air quality and overall quality of life for our community.  We want to pose the question to you… what are your thoughts? 

There is about $1 million in our Tree Fund and we spend about $150,000 annually for tree conservation, growth and maintenance. 

In this same meeting, according to the article in The Sandy Springs Reporter, it was recommended that the city create “a dedicated educational program that included seminars on tree selection and care, pruning classes, invasive removal workshops and volunteer events, activities with children and an Arbor Day celebration.” 

The presentation also suggested that the city hire an urban forestry coordinator for oversight and management of all Tree Fund programs, in addition to the full-time arborist the city already employs.  

The question we raised back in 2020 still stands: Do we, as a city, care more about our trees than about our people?  

A lack of housing choices at all income levels is our biggest challenge and our most dire need. We have long-time residents moving OUT of Sandy Springs every week because they can’t afford to live here. We have every task force, commission, committee, politician and employer talking about the impact the lack of affordable housing is having on our businesses, residents’  lives and our community. 

How can we even be talking about hiring an urban forestry coordinator when we don’t have a single person on our city staff dedicated to solving our affordable housing crisis?

We all like trees, but should we first focus on making housing affordable for our neighbors and essential workers – like those who work in child care, elder care, our hospitals and our schools? Should we be taking the $1 million for trees and hiring at least one staff person dedicated to developing solutions for Sandy Springs’ lack of housing options? 

Trees are wonderful. But with our current affordable housing crisis, there may soon be far fewer residents around to enjoy them. 

Sandy Springs Spring Break and Summer Camps

Is your child an athlete, a budding scientist or just someone who likes to have fun and make new friends? 

Sign them up for some of the spring and summer camps Sandy Springs has to offer! These camps are a great way for kids to explore their creativity, learn new skills and stay engaged while outside the classroom. 

Help your child tap into their imagination by signing them up for the Cross Country STEAM Adventure camp! This five-day camp gives kids creative ways to explore the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics. 

For middle school-aged children, Sandy Springs offers Summer Hangout! Held at Sandy Springs Middle School, Summer Hangout features indoor activities like arts and crafts plus indoor and outdoor sports activities.

If your camper is interested in exploring a new sport, then sign them up for any of the sports-based summer camps that Sandy Springs offers. From a youth soccer league to summer track programs, there will be plenty to do to keep your child active. 

There are also great summer camp options offered by local YMCAs around the metro Atlanta area. From swimming and sports to STEAM and traditional day camps, these programs have something for every child.

Camps are a great way for your child to make new friends in a safe, active environment that allows them to learn and grow. Sign your child up today!  

Explore Black History in Georgia

Art display at Tubman Museum (Macon, GA)

While Black History Month is an opportunity to learn and remember the pain and struggle of Black Americans in our country, it is also a time to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans and the central roles of African Americans in U.S. history.

Today in Georgia, we have access to a variety of museums, monuments and media that chronicle the history of Black Americans. From iconic figures like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to the effect of Jim Crow laws, we can gain valuable knowledge from these resources. Below are some of the Ga. exhibits, sites and resources dedicated to honoring Black leaders, history, art and culture.

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Atlanta, Ga.) – Website 

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum and human rights organization in Atlanta that inspires people to tap their own power to change the world around them. Visit to learn more about the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and human rights challenges today through immersive exhibits, dynamic conversations and engaging programs. 

The Atlanta History Center (Atlanta, Ga.) – Website

The Atlanta History History offers a variety of online and in-person exhibits that detail the history, struggle and triumph of African-Americans both in the city and across the nation. From Let the World See, an exhibit that details the life, death and legacy of Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley, to Explore Black Atlanta, which highlights the history of African-Americans fighting for equality and justice in Atlanta, there is much to see, learn and experience at the Atlanta History Center.

The Apex Museum (Atlanta, Ga.) – Website 

The APEX Museum was founded in 1978 by Mr. Dan Moore, Sr., with a mission to interpret and present history from an African American perspective. By doing so, the APEX hopes all visitors gain a better appreciation for the contributions of African Americans to the world.

John Lewis Mural (Atlanta, Ga.) – NPR News Article

Located at the corner of Auburn Ave. and Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, this mural honors the life and legacy of former Congressman and Civil Rights icon, John Lewis. 

Harriet Tubman African American Museum (Macon, Ga.) – Website

The Tubman Museum is the largest museum in the nation dedicated to educating people about African American art, history and culture. The Tubman serves as a center for social and civic engagement while offering experiences that enrich cultural understanding and inspire change.

The Douglass Theatre (Macon, Ga.) – Website

The Douglass Theatre has been home to a variety of Black artists over the years. From hosting musical legends like Little Richard and Otis Redding to screening feature-length films, the Douglass Theatre has been committed to highlighting diverse talent for more than 100 years.

Changes to steel & concrete building regulations coming to Sandy Springs?

On Dec. 21, the Sandy Springs City Council will consider a recommendation from the planning commission to change our city code making the North End a separate district. The recommendation would also remove the steel and concrete requirements for new construction of buildings over three stories, allowing for all new construction up to six stories to be built with wood.

Allowing wooden construction would make it possible to reduce building costs and open up possibilities for more affordable housing. 

“The proposed text amendments do not modify the existing zoning of any property. Any rezoning effort would require a separate zoning map amendment process, including two community meetings, a Planning Commission public hearing, and a hearing before the Mayor and City Council.” (Sandy Springs Planning Commission, 2021) 

More info: Sandy Springs Planning Commission Report 

It’s a possible change worth exploring, but there are several unanswered questions: 

  1. Where does the zoning change apply? Originally, the change presented in the Nov. 4 public meeting only applied to three underutilized shopping centers – the Kroger Shopping Center, the River Springs Shopping Center and the North River Village Shopping Center.

View: North End Open House Meeting Displays

On Nov. 17, the Planning Commission discussed removing the steel and concrete requirement for the site-specific locations of the shopping centers to cover, more generally, the North End. State law prohibits municipalities from requiring steel and concrete construction for buildings less than 6 stories. Given this law, could the proposed changes apply to the entire city?  

  1. What will be the impact of removing the steel and concrete requirement? How will our city be prepared for “unintended consequences” of such a dramatic change to our zoning code? Would an impact study be appropriate? The North End is home to our most concentrated density of racially, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse residents. Will this change have an impact on the current housing affordability? Will removing the steel and concrete restriction be ENOUGH to create building opportunities for affordable housing?

Our current zoning allows for the redevelopment of certain areas without public input, called “by right” zoning. Would the acceptance of wooden construction for buildings up to six stories – coupled with the “by right” zoning – allow for permit approval without public input? How would that affect future building?

  1. What is the family income the city is targeting for housing?

Do the proposed changes contribute to solving our housing affordability issues? The city’s recent Housing Needs Assessment study showed that we need over 6,000 housing units for families earning $50,000 a year. Will that need be met by these plans? 

Will removing the steel and concrete requirements lower the construction costs ENOUGH to incentivize developers to include significant housing options for our neighbors with low and moderate incomes? Do we need to do MORE to incentivize them, or will we wind up allowing increased density of more luxury properties that are financially out of reach for people making $45,000-$85,000, like our teachers and first responders?

  1. What is the feasibility of mixed-use on these sites? Due to COVID and online shopping, retail and the work environments have changed. Are these plans incentivizing developers with yesterday’s concepts of retail that could lead to vacant properties in our new developments? Do we need innovative approaches for these sites and the North End to become vibrant? Should we take our time and rethink this approach to make sure that we are building for the future?

This decision is too important for our city to make quickly. Do we need more time to understand and discuss the issues?  Do we need an impact study? We spent four years developing the “Next Ten” with countless hours of community input. We will need to be involved and voice our ideas as this process moves forward. What are the unintended consequences, and how can we be prepared?

Now is the time to get involved and learn more about where our city’s vision is for the future.