Research Library

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Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs Decides: Participate in DemocracyOctober 16, 2024Are you planning to vote?  Every vote is crucial in the upcoming election.     Sandy Springs is a well educated and active community when it comes to voting habits.  We have close to 75,000 registered voters in our city of 110,000.  In the last General Election, called the “midterm election”,  40,000 of us voted for your candidate.  In the last General Presidential election 48,000 of us voted.     Almost half of the registered voters in Sandy Springs did NOT vote. IMAGINE the impact if an additional 30,000 registered voters in Sandy Springs had participated.  Voting impacts healthcare, gun safety, renters’ rights, funding for our public schools, what our municipal governments can and can’t do, how our tax dollars are used and much more.      Voting is a habit that many of us learn as children when we accompany our parents to the polls. Studies have shown that potential voters who did not have that example as children are less likely to vote as adults.  With a little support, habitual non-voters can be motivated to change their voting patterns.   In this election we will have two ballot questions to decide, both of them concern our taxes.   “Voters will decide two tax-related constitutional amendments the General Assembly passed this year as well as vote in a statewide referendum on tax legislation.” (Another resource can be found here.)   This election cycle, when you learn of a friend or family member who is not planning on voting,  encourage them to go with you to the polls, or to talk with them about your commitment to be a part of the voting public.  Voting amplifies your values and voice, giving you equal participation with others who share common interests. A sample ballot can be found here.    Every vote is extremely important. …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherSpalding Drive Elementary At-Risk: How Affordable Housing is LinkedOctober 3, 2024If you haven’t heard, the Fulton County School Board is considering closing Spalding Drive Elementary School due to declining enrollment and the deteriorating condition of the building. The schedule for the Fulton County School Board’s process and upcoming community meetings can be found here.  Fulton School Board sets timeline on Spalding Drive closure, redistricting   Let’s take a closer look at why a high-performing school like Spalding Dr. Elementary is being considered for closure. Fulton Co. Schools have an enrollment threshold of 450 students. When a school’s enrollment falls below this threshold, it can be considered for closure.   Spalding Drive Elementary has been a high-performing, traditional “community school” since it opened in 1966. In 2009 over 700 students were enrolled there. In 2010, Ison Elementary opened, and Spalding’s enrollment declined by 300 students, dropping to 428. For several years, the school maintained enrollment just above the closure threshold—until 2017, when the demolition of the Provence North apartment community caused a sharp decline. The redevelopment of Provence North, now known as “Juniper,” led to the loss of 66 students, four full-time teachers, counselors and support staff. The new apartments no longer offer the 3-bedroom units that were affordable to families, and the rental price now for a two-bedroom apartment is twice the price of a three-bedroom apartment before redevelopment, making it difficult for families to return.    Spalding Drive Elementary is NOT the only school with declining enrollment. Across Sandy Springs, both public and private schools have experienced a 10-12% decline in enrollment over the past decade. This trend reflects a broader issue in our community—the lack of affordable housing for families.   Housing, Schools and the Future of Sandy Springs   To thrive, communities need housing at all price points to support the families who work locally, send their children to …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs, Every Election Matters: Insights from Our Community SurveySeptember 27, 2024When election season arrives in Sandy Springs, many focus on high-profile races like the Presidential election. But in Sandy Springs, it’s the state and county elections that directly impact our daily lives. From public safety and transportation to healthcare and housing policies, state leaders shape the future of our community. Our recent community survey highlights this reality. We asked residents about their voting plans for both Presidential and state elections. The results show strong civic engagement, but they also remind us of the need to emphasize the importance of our county and state elections. Key Findings  We surveyed over 750 Sandy Springs residents about their intentions for the upcoming election: 97.8% said they are “very likely” to vote. 94.6% plan to vote for both Presidential and down-ballot candidates, reflecting an understanding of the importance of county and state governance. 1.8% plan to vote only in the Presidential race, while 1.3% remain unsure. Why State and County Elections Matter  Our state officials make decisions that directly affect our quality of life. Whether determining economic and education policy, building infrastructure and roads or election administration, these leaders shape our neighborhoods and communities. Voting in down-ballot races ensures your voice is heard on issues important to you and your family. Your Vote, Your Voice  While Presidential elections grab attention, state and county races have the most immediate impact on your life. Every vote counts, and every election matters—not just for the nation, but also for Sandy Springs. Be informed about your candidates and ready to vote in every race. When you vote, you’re voting for the future of Sandy Springs. Have you recently moved, changed your name, or turned 18? Click here to check your registration status and polling place here: https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/mvp-landing-page, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherEmpowering Young Artists Through Digital Art: A Partnership with PeQue BrownSeptember 18, 2024This past spring, internationally acclaimed artist PeQue Brown partnered with the City of Sandy Springs and local high school students to create meaningful digital art pieces. With a career spanning 35 years, Mr. Brown’s work is recognized globally, but it’s his passion for nurturing young talent that shines through in this project. His journey as a Navy illustrator and draftsman has evolved into a remarkable career that includes collaborations with Nike and renowned personalities like Kobe Bryant. Driven by his experiences as a Black parent and an artist, Brown has long advocated for creative opportunities for youth, particularly those who lack access to artistic outlets. His dedication to uplifting young artists came to life when he worked with 11 students from North Springs and Dunwoody High Schools in a digital art workshop leading up to this year’s Juneteenth celebrations. This program was designed to inspire the students to express their perspectives through art, with the theme “What Freedom Means to Me.” The project incorporated cutting-edge technology, allowing students to create interactive digital artwork that integrated augmented reality, adding an immersive dimension to their work. Over the course of several months, students met with Mr. Brown, refining their skills and developing pieces that would later be showcased as part of Sandy Springs Together’s ongoing feature series. We will be spotlighting each student’s incredible work over the next several months, giving our community the opportunity to witness the creative talent and powerful stories these young artists bring to life. This initiative underscores Sandy Springs Together’s commitment to supporting accessible and inclusive art programs that empower youth and bring communities together. Stay tuned as we share more about each student and their journey with digital art. In the meantime, we extend our heartfelt thanks to PeQue Brown for his mentorship and dedication to …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherExploring Sustainable Solutions at the Atlanta Regional Housing ForumAugust 13, 2024The Atlanta Regional Housing Forum is hosting an insightful program on August 28th, focusing on Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and Shared Equity Models. This free event will explore innovative approaches to making housing permanently affordable and highlight how cities like Atlanta and others in the metro area are using these methods to provide housing at all income levels. The event is available both in person and online. To learn more and register, visit Atlanta Regional Housing Forum. Community Land Trusts are an effective way to create and maintain affordable housing. These trusts, typically managed by non-profits or local governments, purchase land and then sell the homes on that land to low or moderate-income families at subsidized rates. The CLT retains ownership of the land, leasing it to the homeowner at below-market rates, which keeps the home affordable for future buyers. This model helps families achieve homeownership and ensures the community’s investment in affordable housing is preserved long-term. For more information on how CLTs work, check out this Freddie Mac guide. Shared Equity Homeownership further enhances affordability by creating homeownership opportunities that remain accessible across generations. This model uses a one-time public investment to make homes affordable for lower-income families while maintaining that affordability through resale restrictions. This ensures that the home remains within reach for subsequent low-income buyers, fostering wealth-building while protecting the community’s investment in affordable housing. For more details, visit Grounded Solutions. The majority of shared equity programs, often termed “resale-restricted” programs, ensure that homes remain affordable for income-eligible households over time. These programs balance enabling homeownership for families with modest incomes and preserving long-term affordability within the community. For a deeper dive into these models, explore the resources provided by Freddie Mac. By understanding and implementing these models, we can work towards a future where everyone in …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherHousing Affordability Council Work Session RecapAugust 5, 2024  At the heart of Sandy Springs Together’s mission and values is the pillar of Affordable Housing. We believe that affordable housing supports a sustainable economic model and allows neighbors at all income levels to dwell together and contribute to not only a diverse economy but also to promote innovative growth.  On July 16, 2024, Georgia Tech student, Mira Coffman, presented her research paper on Homeownership Assessment in Sandy Springs to the Sandy Springs Mayor and City Council. The city contracted with Ms. Coffman to conduct this applied research thesis as a candidate for a master’s degree in city and regional planning from the university. Coffman was directed by the city to focus her research on homeownership opportunities city-wide but especially for young adults and families to become homeowners in Sandy Springs. The study included factors such as age, race, income, mortgage originations and denials, and comparative data from 2018 and 2022, respectively. The study did not include housing options for older residents who would like to “downsize.” In addition, the study included recommendations for changes in our land use, zoning, flexibility of development codes to allow for a variety of home types and the use of federal funds.   Sources of data included ACS (American Community Survey) and HMDA (Home Mortgage Disclosure Act). While Sandy Springs encompasses a large (and majority) renter population, the study focused on the affordability of homeownership, particularly for young families and professionals. Currently, 56% of renters with incomes between $50K-$75K are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on rent.  Two additional factors make it difficult for young people in Sandy Springs in this income range to become homeowners; being cost-burdened makes it difficult for young people to save for a downpayment, and the median home price in Sandy Springs is $649,000 making …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs Community Spaces Survey ResultsJune 19, 2024Sandy Springs residents, we asked and YOU responded! In a recent community-wide survey that received more than 1,700 responses, we posed the question:  “When it comes to spending time with your family and friends, which of the following would you like to see more of in Sandy Springs?” The response choices were: Family Friendly Parks & Playgrounds; Shopping/Retail/Restaurant Options; Trails; Arts & Culture; a Skate Park; more Dog Parks. Here are the results:  The top two selected choices, Shopping/Retail/Restaurants (403 respondents) and Trails (348 respondents) accounted for 46.05% of the total responses in the survey. The option that was selected the least amount of times was Skate Park (23 respondents), which only accounted for 1.41% of total survey responses.  Of the respondents, 60% were women; 56% were married; 38% were families with children; and 66% were between the ages of 40 – 69.  Response Option# of Responses (% of total)Family Friendly Parks & Playgrounds266 (16.31%)Shopping/Retail/Restaurant Options403 (24.71%)Trails348 (21.34%)Arts & Culture218 (13.37%)Dog Parks116 (7.11%)Skate Park23 (1.41%)Other257 (15.76%) We also invited respondents to submit more in-depth responses using the “Other” option in our survey. We are still analyzing those responses and will report back later.  Understanding our community’s interests helps create a sense of unity as we work, live, and play together in Sandy Springs. With this information, we NEED you to join us in letting our community leaders know what you, as a Sandy Springs resident, want to see more of in this city. Knowing this information can help our elected officials make key decisions regarding how to best allocate dollars in our city’s budget. As always, we appreciate your continued support and engagement as we work to create a brighter, more equitable future for all in Sandy Springs., , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherThe Story of JuneteenthJune 18, 2024At midnight on January 1, 1863, enslaved African Americans in Confederate states awaited the news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. Union soldiers marched through cities and onto plantations across the south to read the Emancipation Proclamation, thus signifying freedom for enslaved Americans.  However, not everyone in Confederate territory would gain their freedom that night. In fact, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, nearly two months after the end of the Civil War and more than two years following the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation that enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay, Texas were notified of their freedom and the end of the war by Union troops.  Read More: The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth This day, known as Juneteenth, is recognized as the official end of slavery in the United States. Although Juneteenth did not become a federal holiday until 2021, it has been observed as a state holiday in Texas since 1980 and celebrated by Black communities throughout the country for generations.  In December of 2022, Sandy Springs city leaders voted to add Juneteenth to the city’s list of paid holidays beginning in 2023. Tomorrow, June 19th, Sandy Springs will hold its third annual Juneteenth celebration. More info: The 3rd Annual Sandy Springs Juneteenth Celebration Today, Juneteenth is a time for rejoicing, education and self-reflection. People of all races, nationalities and religions come together on Juneteenth to hold gatherings that commemorate this significant moment in history, celebrate Black culture and hold necessary conversations about how we can continue to create a more equitable society for all.  At Sandy Springs Together, we are excited to celebrate Juneteenth and continue doing our part to build a brighter future for everyone in our community., , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherWhat are the Hidden Costs Associated with a Lack of Affordable Housing?May 24, 2024The lack of affordable homes impacts our community in many ways. From poor healthcare to education accessibility issues, there are significant hidden costs associated with a lack of affordable housing.  Some leaders might believe that now is not the time to address the problem, but the issue of affordable housing has steadily gotten worse in Sandy Springs over the past five years. This issue is now taking its toll on Sandy Springs in multiple areas, from education to transportation. Below, we will examine how a lack of affordable housing impacts all of us . Education Findings provided by Habitat for Humanity show that the location and condition of a child’s home play a significant role in their physical, cognitive and emotional development and well-being. This, in turn, impacts their educational and social progress.  Habitat for Humanity: How Does Housing Affect Children’s Education? Low-income households tend to move at more than twice the rate of families with higher incomes, primarily because of their housing cost burden (spending more than 30% of their income on housing), structural and environmental housing problems, neighborhood violence or foreclosures and evictions.  Having to move frequently can significantly hinder a child’s progress in school, according to two recent studies. These studies found that children from low-income households who moved three times in a six-year span fell one full school year behind their peers. Students who moved even once during that timespan fell behind 4-6 months. This also impacts the overall performance of their schools, as research shows schools with highly mobile student body populations tend to underperform those with stable student body populations.  McArthur Foundation: How Housing Matters  Sandy Springs public schools are not immune to the problem of having a high rate of transience. There is data which shows that enrollment in the 11 Fulton County …, , , , , renters-rights-summit research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other video_tv_radio
Sandy Springs TogetherWhat Happens at The End of Your Lease?May 7, 2024Sandy Springs Speaks: Renters’ Rights Summit 2023 – What Happens at the End of Your Lease?Crystal Redd, co-director of the Safe & Stable Homes project through the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, discusses what renters should do to prepare for their lease agreement to be terminated, extended, or renewed. This video was filmed at the 2023 Sandy Springs Speaks: Renters’ Rights Summit, hosted by Sandy Springs Together. Crystal Redd, co-director of the Safe & Stable Homes project through the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, discusses what renters should do to prepare for their lease agreement to be terminated, extended, or renewed. This video was filmed at the 2023 Sandy Springs Speaks: Renters’ Rights Summit, hosted by Sandy Springs Together. This is the third blog in our series on Renters’ Rights. Click here or below to read our first two blogs in this series; you don’t want to miss any of the CRUCIAL information that’s being shared. Apartment Lease Review: What You Need to Know BEFORE You Sign a Lease How to Handle Apartment Maintenance Problems Renters make up over half of the residents in Sandy Springs. As a renter, one of the most important things you can do is to arm yourself with knowledge about your rights. That is why Sandy Springs Together hosted a Renters’ Rights Summit in November 2023. One topic that was discussed is the termination of your lease.  The content that follows is intended to inform the reader and is not meant to be legal advice.  The landlord and tenant may only end a written lease according to its terms. A lease can be terminated, extended or renewed at the end of its term depending on what the lease says.  Termination: If the lease expires or otherwise ends, the landlord can require that you immediately sign a new …, , , , , renters-rights-summit research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other video_tv_radio
Sandy Springs TogetherApartment MaintenanceApril 22, 2024Sandy Springs Speaks: Renters’ Rights Summit 2023 – Apartment MaintenanceEsther Graff-Radford, Atlanta-based civil litigation attorney, walks the attendants of the 2023 Renters’ Rights Summit through the process of making a maintenance request for your apartment. Disclaimer: The following content is intended to inform the reader and is not intended to be legal advice. In November of 2023, we brought together apartment residents to hear from experts in several disciplines, from specialized attorneys and policy makers, to advocates to discuss some of the most prevalent issues facing renters in Georgia. There are approximately 4.5 million renters in Georgia and slightly more than half of the residents right here in Sandy Springs are renters.  Whether you are an apartment renter or you know someone who is, it’s important to know the steps to take and the contacts to make in any given situation. Whether you have questions about your lease or, in the case of this blog, you’re dealing with maintenance issues in your apartment, we have the info you need to work through almost any problem you may encounter as an apartment resident. When dealing with apartment maintenance issues it is important to know that your landlord is responsible for keeping your unit in good repair. This is determined by state minimums and includes: making sure your toilets work properly; ensuring that your faucets provide clean water; making sure that the locks on your doors work; having working heat and air conditioning systems; ensuring that the smoke detectors work and that your windows open properly, in case of an emergency; overseeing the community trash bin disposal; and keeping up with regular rodent and insect control measures. If you are having issues with your landlord not responding to your requests for repairs, the first step you should take is to submit a …, , , , , renters-rights-summit research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other video_tv_radio
Sandy Springs TogetherHow Does a Lack of Affordable Housing Impact Our Local Economy?April 5, 2024Welcome to the third installment of Sandy Springs Together’s blog series about the importance of affordable housing. If you have not read the first two blogs in this series, we encourage you to click on the links below to read those pieces as well.  What is Affordable Housing?  Do All Communities Need Affordable Housing?  In this blog, we will discuss the economic benefits of having more affordable housing options in Sandy Springs.  In November of 2020, Sandy Springs business leaders, stakeholders, elected officials and more engaged in a ten-month process to identify the city’s emerging economic development goals, review the market findings, risks, and opportunities.  The resulting Strategic Economic Development plan is a 152 page report that mentions the word housing 105 times and specifically states that our city’s “economic development policy must not ignore the connection between housing development (affordable and workforce) and future economic sustainability and growth.” Listed below are points from the Strategic Economic Development plan that stood out to us the most: The need for policy and plans that allow for residents to age-in-place through new residential development types while also creating housing choice for the next generation of workers.  The opposition to higher density housing underestimates the positive impact that housing diversity has on preserving and attracting workers for entry and mid-level jobs that provide services and amenities that make Sandy Springs a great place to live. The emphasis on protecting legacy neighborhoods will continue to tip the balance towards smaller households and more renters. The lack of “Missing Middle” housing in Sandy Springs has been noted as a challenge by local businesses in attracting and retaining service-based and entry level workers.  Companies have shown preference in metro Atlanta for locations that can support a range of incomes while providing high levels of support amenities …, , , , research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other video_tv_radio
Sandy Springs TogetherApartment Lease Review – What You Need to Know BEFORE You Sign a LeaseMarch 21, 2024Sandy Springs Speaks: Renters’ Rights Summit 2023 – What You Need to Know BEFORE You Sign a LeaseEsther Graff-Radford, an Atlanta-based Civil Litigation Attorney with Graff-Radford Law, LLC, informs attendants at the 2023 Renters’ Rights Summit what they should be looking for before signing a lease. Sandy Springs Together hosted its first-ever Renters’ Rights Summit in November 2023. This event connected Sandy Springs apartment renters with experts who advocate for improved renters’ rights in the state of Georgia.  These experts shared information regarding apartment leases, rental property policy and the current rights that renters have in Georgia, from getting repairs to lease termination (voluntary and eviction).  This event also featured a discussion about the role of the state legislature in setting rules for landlords and municipalities in rental situations.  We have compiled a list of tips and important information that will be helpful  to remember specifically when you are reviewing your lease agreement. This information was provided by Esther Graff-Radford, a private litigation attorney, and is meant to inform and not be taken as legal advice.  LEASE REVIEW: When looking at an apartment:  Ask for a copy of the lease you would be signing PRIOR to actually signing it so that you can become familiar with the contents. Be wary of a “hard sell”. Ask to see the actual unit you would be renting. Model apartments don’t always represent the actual unit you would be renting. They don’t show roach infestation, flooding damage or plumbing problems, to name a few.   In Georgia, landlords cannot discriminate against you for color, race, national origin, disability or family status (too many children or same-sex or single parent).   The content of the lease should:  Indicate which, if any utilities are included as part of your rent. Describe other services that are provided and the …, , , , , renters-rights-summit research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other video_tv_radio
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs Together Youth MonthMarch 8, 2024Sandy Springs Youth Month is focused upon showcasing the skills and talents of our community’s younger members. To that end, we are highlighting the work of students from Sandy Springs Charter Middle School’s Journalism Club.  The SSCMS Journalism Club strives to promote an interest in journalism and communication among its students and community. Students write monthly articles covering topics such as global news, sports, school and community happenings, entertainment and creative writing. The SSCMS Journalism Club offers a platform for students to evolve their writing skills and their understanding of media literacy. Additionally, it helps introduce and prepare students for potential future involvement in journalism or similar fields. The monthly articles are a platform for students to share their ideas, experiences and opinions about the topics they love. Click on the links below to read some of the wonderful examples of these students’ work: Orchestra Concert (written by Austin G.)Download NBA Tip-Off (written by S. Chuma)Download Daniel the Dinosaur Delivery DudeDownload Sandy Springs Charter Middle School News (written by Nia A.)Download The iPhone 15 ReviewDownload Along with elevating the work of our community’s youth, we also want to bring awareness to the conversations that we at Sandy Springs Together are having with our future community leaders. At the end of 2023, Sandy Springs Together’s Community and Engagement Manager, Sequoia Hanneman, spoke with students in the Youth Leadership Sandy Springs program about the importance of affordable housing for our community.  Hanneman also led a simulated activity during which the students had to find and secure quality affordable housing (either through renting or purchasing) using the resources given to them through unique, scenario-based lifestyles. After the simulation, Sequoia and the students discussed the challenges they faced securing and maintaining affordable housing during the activity, as well as the importance of civic engagement …, , , research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherCelebrating Black Excellence 2024 Panel EventFebruary 28, 2024For the second year in a row, Sandy Springs Together had the honor of hosting the Celebrating Black Excellence program at Sandy Springs Middle School on Friday, February 23, 2024. The program featured a panel of four Black professionals who shared information about their respective careers and real-life experiences with the students, staff and faculty of SSMS. This panel featured the President and Founder of TheraVisc Biotech, LLC,  Dr. Juana Mendenhall, who is also the Walter E. Massey Professor of Physical Sciences at Morehouse College, and included:  Hank Stewart (Panelist) – Emmy Award-winning Poet, Poet Laureate, Best-selling Author Julius Williams (Panelist) – NFL and CFL Veteran, Youth Mentor Dr. Edward Jackson (Panelist) – Director of Sports Medicine for Grady Health System; Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery for the Emory Department of Orthopedics-Division of Sports Medicine Our panelists shared wisdom and knowledge with the students, including the following major takeaways: Surround yourself with people who encourage and uplift you. Be mindful of what you say on social media – it can have a lasting impact. It’s important to be of service to others and to your community. Grit and resilience can take you far in life. Our youth are the future of our city, and we are grateful to our panelists for taking time out of their busy schedules to speak and share their experiences with our young people. “Sandy Springs is home to brilliant leaders from all backgrounds, races and ethnicities who serve as role models for our youth,” said Melanie Couchman, co-founder and CEO of Sandy Springs Together. “Our goal for this panel discussion was to connect Sandy Springs students with those leaders and to cultivate positive relationships. We hope students left the program feeling inspired to pursue their goals and eventually become community leaders like our panelists.” We …, , , research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherCity of Sandy Springs Annual RetreatFebruary 6, 2024On January 30, 2024, the Sandy Springs City Council held its annual retreat.  Watch: 2024 Sandy Springs City Council Retreat The annual retreat allows city staff to update our mayor and city council members on the progress made toward achieving the goals and objectives that were identified during the previous year. This is also a time for local leaders to make decisions about the city’s priorities for the current and upcoming year. During this meeting, representatives from our city’s departments reported to and worked with our city officials to discuss the top priorities for Sandy Springs in 2024 and beyond in the areas of: Customer Service Public Safety/Fire Preparedness Transportation and Multi-Modal Accessibility Community Appearance Standards Economic Development Recreation and Cultural Enrichment Sustainable Growth and Environmental Stewardship Water Reliability To help ensure these priorities are addressed, city staff members presented the council with a list of recommended initiatives for 2024.  As illustrated in the graphic below, these initiatives are heavily focused upon improving the city’s presence on social media, increasing the number of customer satisfaction surveys residents receive and finding ways to improve our services through the use of artificial intelligence.  An important note to remember: the “Strengthen Neighborhood Engagement” initiative refers ONLY to Homeowners’ Associations; it does not refer to renters. Along with determining Sandy Springs’ priorities for 2024, city staff and leadership recognized successful initiatives in 2023, including: Launching a bilingual newsletter for residents Hiring an interpreter to attend the Crossroads Small Area Plan public meetings Holding a social event specifically for Hispanic Sandy Springs residents in the Crossroads area This report is filled with information that can be useful to ALL Sandy Springs residents. From creating more charging stations for electric vehicles to discussing strategies that other cities are implementing to incentivize economic development, we encourage you to …, , , research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherDo All Communities Need Affordable Housing?January 10, 2024Have you experienced long wait times at local restaurants, had your hairdresser or barber move out of town, or perhaps your child’s favorite teacher left their school? Chances are, you’ve experienced at least one of these scenarios or something very similar. But have you ever considered that these situations might be related to the lack of affordable housing options for people in Sandy Springs?   Our city has studied this issue for years and received advice from experts who warn that we aren’t doing enough to address the problem. While we have taken minor steps in the right direction with the recent Development Code Update and Crossroads Small Area Plan calling for creating a Housing Action Plan and Housing Commission (two actions we support), there is still more to be done.  We should approach the conversation about access to affordable housing as we do with clean water, healthy food and paved roads. Making housing attainable to people of all income levels is not a luxury; it’s essential to the economic vitality and sustainability of Sandy Springs.  Investing in more affordable housing will yield positive safety, physical and mental health benefits for residents. In return, those benefits will lead to positive short and long-term economic impact.  In November 2020, our city undertook a process to identify the economic development goals and review the market findings, risks and opportunities. The resulting Strategic Economic Development Plan emphasizes the connection between affordable housing and future economic stability and growth, mentioning the word “housing” 105 times. As the Sandy Springs City Council and Mayor plan the city’s priorities for 2024-2025 during their January retreat, it is time to develop and implement meaningful policies and a budget to finally address Sandy Springs’ housing crisis. Simply put, providing more affordable housing options, specifically for members of Sandy Springs’ …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherWhat is Affordable Housing?January 3, 2024One of our goals at Sandy Springs Together is to help create more affordable housing options for current Sandy Springs residents and people considering moving here. Over the next several weeks we will be offering a series of blogs to help explain the many aspects of this important topic.  But what exactly is affordable housing?  Affordable housing is not a thing but a ratio – a family’s income relative to its housing costs. According to a federal housing metric used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), ideally, no more than 30% of a family’s income should be spent on housing costs, leaving the remaining 70% to take care of other necessities and to put into savings.  Read More: Defining Housing Affordability According to HUD, these housing costs include the total income spent on rent, mortgage payments, utilities, taxes, insurance and other related housing expenses, like the cost of transportation from their home to their job. The term “affordable,” simply means that, after paying for all housing-related expenses, a person or family has enough money left for other necessities like food, clothing, medicine, etc. In most areas of Georgia, residents would have to earn approximately $24.75/hour to be able to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment. A person earning the minimum wage would have to work 136 hours per week to afford that apartment. The problem is that housing has become more expensive while fixed incomes and wages have remained the same. Working families, seniors and young college grads in entry-level jobs are being priced out of our city due to either rising rent costs for apartment residents or rising taxes for homeowners.   To determine where to best support their affordable housing needs, most cities rely upon Area Median Income (AMI), which is a measure of residents’ median income …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs Together’s Year in ReviewDecember 19, 2023In 2023, Sandy Springs Together engaged with more residents, organizations and community leaders than ever before to facilitate positive change in our community. From community barbeques to public forums, we met and heard from YOU, our neighbors in Sandy Springs. Celebrating Black Excellence Panel On Friday, February 24, Sandy Springs Together and Sandy Springs Charter Middle School partnered to highlight some of the many Black leaders who are making a positive impact within our community by hosting the Celebrating Black Excellence panel discussion for middle school students.  This event brought together local Black leaders from a variety of professions to share with students how they achieved personal success and to give students advice on achieving their own goals. Sandy Springs Together is proud to work with community partners to hold events such as the Celebrating Black Excellence panel discussion. Events like these introduce our students to leaders in Sandy Springs who are making important contributions to society and giving back to the community.    The Launch of Sandy Springs Speaks In March, more than 100 Sandy Springs apartment residents attended the inaugural Sandy Springs Speaks to voice their concerns and share ideas they’d like to see implemented in the community. Sandy Springs Speaks is a series of community-focused events that are designed to derive input from Sandy Springs residents about their living experiences. We held several Sandy Springs Speaks events in 2023, both in-person and online, and we’re looking forward to hosting more in 2024! Sandy Springs Speaks: Let’s Talk Trash, Rose Scott and Vox In response to feedback we received during our first Sandy Springs Speaks event, we invited representatives from Sandy Springs Code Enforcement, the Sandy Springs Fire Department and other local officials to answer apartment residents’ most pressing questions, from trash pickup and pest control to concerns …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs Speaks: Renters’ Rights SummitNovember 17, 2023Disclaimer: The following is not intended to be legal advice. “Georgia lags other states in tenant protection” from the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s ‘Dangerous Dwellings’ Series According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Dangerous Dwellings series, tenant-protection laws in Georgia are among the weakest in the nation. This, in turn, allows landlords to disregard health and safety concerns, charge excessive fees, and quickly evict residents who fall behind on rent. Read more: Dangerous Dwellings   On Sunday, November 12th, Sandy Springs Together invited four leaders in the battle to improve renters’ rights in Georgia to share there knowledge with Sandy Springs apartment residents during the first-ever Sandy Springs Speaks: Renters’ Rights Summit. Rep. Omari Crawford, Georgia State House District 84 Atty. Crystal Redd, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation and Co-Director of the Safe and Stable Homes Project Atty. Esther Graff-Radford, Atlanta-based Civil Litigation Lawyer Michael Waller, Executive Director of Georgia Appleseed The summit provided Sandy Springs apartment renters with helpful tips and information about their legal rights and how to address issues they may have with their landlords. Our panel of experts addressed topics such as reviewing a lease agreement to dealing with eviction and early termination issues. The following bullet points highlight general advice (not legal advice) given by our speakers during the Renters’ Rights Summit.  Lease Review: Make a copy of your signed lease before returning it; you may need to refer to it later.  All apartment landlords in Georgia are required to comply with health and safety laws and provide a “safe and habitable” unit.  Request information about the institution your security deposit will be deposited into. Leases remain valid even if the ownership of the building changes during your lease.  All charges should be outlined in the lease, i.e. water, security gage, valet trash.  Maintenance Issues:  Communicate to management, in …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherWhat is a Development Code?October 3, 2023Our city’s development code is undergoing a review. Here, you can find a detailed explanation about Sandy Springs’ development code: Development Regulations | City of Sandy Springs   “The development code is a set of regulations that govern land use and the built environment within the city. It includes rules about building height, lot size, building setbacks, land uses, and the zones where they are most appropriate, and many other development characteristics. The development code is updated periodically to reflect changes in the community and to ensure that it is consistent with the city’s goals for growth and development.” A public meeting was held on September 26 to explain the proposed code changes and to receive public comments. The city has created a helpful video, Sept 26, 2023 Development Code Public Open House, explaining the process and providing a summary of the proposed changes.   This code will direct the future development of our city in terms of what is constructed, what is replaced and what is preserved. Here is a link to the info boards that were shown at the meeting for your review: https://up.sandyspringsga.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/2023-09-26%20Open%20House%20Boards.pdf    A brief summary of the proposed changes… Could allow more housing options in some areas, such as accessory dwellings and cottage court housing configurations, which would allow more creative ways to provide additional housing, such as garage apartments and cottages around a central courtyard in more areas of the city Could also allow some smaller (4-12 unit) multi-family housing in areas outside of the Protected Neighborhoods, in the more urban settings within the city   Could also allow more options for restaurants and retail, including more small grocery stores Could allow new height allowances to specific districts, which would provide more affordable housing options as developers can build UP, reducing the cost of construction Additionally, there are …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherThe Link at North Springs High SchoolSeptember 26, 2023In 2023, North Springs High School became home to The Link, the newest Student and Family Engagement (S.A.F.E) Center operating in Fulton County Schools.  The Link is part of the Community School Initiative which was developed in response to the increasing need across our state to address non-academic barriers to student learning. Studies have shown that when a student’s basic needs are met, their academic, social and emotional success improves.  By operating under the principles of a Community School model, the Link at North Springs High School is able to offer FREE wraparound services and goods for students, parents, staff and the community at large thanks to partnerships between the education system, nonprofit organizations and local government. The services offered vary from school to school, as they are tailored to meet local needs. However, some of the most common services and goods provided across all schools address medical, dental and mental health; tutoring and other academic supports; and resources for families such as parent education classes, job training and placement, housing assistance and nutritional programs. The LINK at North Springs High School is managed by two dedicated full-time staff members who provide free wraparound services for not only students, parents and staff, but also for the entire community. This free services include but are not limited to: Groceries including personal hygiene supplies Clothing and shoes Laundry Services Mental Health Services Mentoring and Tutoring Programs Click here more information about The Link at North Springs High School, including their afterschool programs and food market services.   , , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherCrossroads Small Area Plan: Second Public MeetingSeptember 7, 2023Preservation and Rehabilitation of existing apartments in the Crossroads area is the FIRST principle for the revitalization of the area, according to the proposal presented by the planners, Rhodeside and Harwell, during the August 30, 2023, public input meeting. This is good news for workers living just inside I-285 along Northwoods Dr. and Roswell Rd, the area known as “Crossroads.” According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, there are almost 7,000 residents, comprising 2,800 households and over 1,700 children living in this area.   It is also good news for the employers who rely on these hardworking residents for businesses, from restaurants and retail to healthcare and even our school system. The proposal offers a compelling vision that includes preserving the most affordable apartments in Sandy Springs, all while keeping the rich Hispanic culture and tight-knit community intact. The proposal also includes plans for new townhomes and retail spaces in specific areas.  We support this vision and encourage everyone to review the Draft Design Concept presentation here. It is available in both English and Spanish. It’s important to remember, though, that this is just a proposal for now. So, it’s crucial that you voice your support and provide ongoing feedback.  You have until September 15 to leave your comments on this proposal on the city’s website, and we highly recommend you do so using either the English, or Spanish comment forms.    The next steps involve the consultants incorporating all the feedback received up until September 15. From there, they will draft a Report of Recommendations, set to be presented to the Sandy Springs Planning Commission in October. Once the Planning Commission weighs in, the final Report of Recommendations will be presented to our City Council in November. As soon as we know the specific dates, we will make sure to keep you …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs Crossroads Small Area PlanAugust 23, 2023Sandy Springs city leaders, in accordance with requirements to review the Next Ten Comprehensive Plan, will be holding a community input meeting at city hall on Wednesday, August 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. to discuss potential redevelopment of the Sandy Springs Crossroads area, which is located just inside of I-285, along Roswell and Northwood roads.  Read More: Sandy Springs’ Crossroads Small Area Plan The “Crossroads” area comprises over 2500 apartment units and is home to some of our most diverse and economically challenged populations in the city. Still, the individuals that live in this area have families to take care of. They’re cooks, nurses, teachers, entrepreneurs and more. Most importantly, they’re our neighbors. That’s why we need to do our part to ensure that any redevelopment of the Crossroads area includes respectful consideration of what potential displacement would mean for them, our city’s local businesses and our community as a whole.  In 2015, the Sandy Springs City Council approved rezoning of a similar area near Roswell and Wieuca roads and, in the process, demolished  4 apartment communities (Versailles, Chastain, Andalusia and Belle Isle) resulting in 825 apartments being destroyed and more than 2,226 residents being displaced. Not only were these residents displaced but they also received no compensation for moving expenses and were given just a two week notice. More Info: Residents Learn of Displacement Mostly Through Word-of-Mouth We cannot let this happen again. Sandy Springs should be a place where we look after each other and come together to ensure that everybody has the opportunity to live and succeed here.  That’s why we’re asking you to join us at city hall on Wednesday, August 30 to share your ideas on how redevelopment can occur without displacing our friends and neighbors.  Our collective voices can make a difference.    , , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherNational Nonprofit Day 2023August 17, 2023Every August 17th we celebrate National Nonprofit Day and the impact that nonprofit organizations have on the communities they serve. National Nonprofit Day was started by author and respected speaker, Sherita J. Herring. Along with celebrating the work of nonprofits, this day is also an opportunity to educate and empower everyone to be the change that we want to see in the world.  According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, there are more than 1.8 million nonprofit organizations registered in the United States. Nonprofits promote awareness of civic challenges, support the fine arts and aid individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing and more.  In Sandy Springs our non-profits offer a variety of services to our community, including job training, career fairs, food banks, emergency rent and mortgage assistance, afterschool programs, medical care, legal counsel, education enrichment, playable art in our parks and conservation of our natural resources.   In addition to these services, nonprofit organizations are a major source of jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 10% of America’s workforce is employed by nonprofit organizations, making them one of the largest employment sources in the country. Nonprofit organizations address some of society’s toughest challenges, from food insecurity to cancer research. In Sandy Springs, we are fortunate to have a variety of charitable organizations that work nonstop to improve the lives of others.  Read More: You Spoke & We Listened: Helpful Resources for Sandy Springs Apartment Residents We all can contribute in some manner, whether it’s by volunteering, giving, or just spreading the word about a nonprofit.  Find a non-profit that matches your interests and support them with your time, talent or skills to help further their cause.   , , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherAtlanta Regional Commission Awards City of Sandy Springs $200,000July 25, 2023Sandy Springs has been awarded $200,000 by the Atlanta Regional Commission to conduct a planning study for the Peachtree Dunwoody Road Corridor. The Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) is a program that awards  grants to cities in order to fund planning studies for various civic improvement projects. The grant program is available to help cities “across metro Atlanta reimagine their downtowns, create vibrant transit corridors and promote live-work-play environments. Upon completion of the studies, the grant recipients will be eligible to apply for federal transportation funding projects, such as corridor improvements and bike-ped infrastructure, to bring their visions to life.” The ARC reported that the funding awarded to Sandy Springs will be used for a study that, “seeks to identify spaces for placemaking improvements that will facilitate future multimodal mobility and align with the Perimeter Center LCI and Perimeter Small Area Plan’s vision for Sandy Springs. This vision includes connecting two transit stations and the Perimeter employment district. The study will also incorporate a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Plan for 13 acres of undeveloped land at the North Springs MARTA Station.”   We are interested to learn more about the vision for Transit Oriented Development on these 13 acres of land. Many cities have been able to create affordable housing in similar scenarios via federal funding provided for development projects close to transit stations. We would love to see similar plans for the Peachtree Dunwoody Road Corridor that include affordable housing developments as a component.   , , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Amy MortonCouchman Noble Foundation Awards $27,000 in College/Post-Secondary Tuition ScholarshipsJune 29, 2023The Next Step to Success Scholarship program awarded six Sandy Springs college students, on average, $4600 each for the 2023-2024 academic year. The program has cumulatively awarded $60,000 over the past three years. Scholarship recipients had received other Sandy Springs non-profit scholarships or grants during their first year of post-secondary education that were limited to one year. Next Step to Success scholarships provide funds for these students to assist with the cost of post-secondary education after successfully completing their first year of academic or vocational study. “Many of our recipients are the first in their families to go beyond the 8th grade, and many have multi-generational family responsibilities at home while also working and attending college. They have demonstrated a commitment to our community and are volunteering or interning with many of our non-profit organizations this summer,”  explained David Couchman, President of the Couchman Noble Foundation.    This year’s recipients include two students who have received the Next Step to Success Scholarship for at least one previous year. One of these students is entering her senior year in college. Colleges attended by scholarship recipients include Oglethorpe University, Kennesaw State University, Georgia State University and Rollins College.    “Our recipients have demonstrated the drive and dedication to be successful in their academic post-secondary educational goals but are facing financial barriers.  Our scholarship will assure that they do not have to drop out and can continue to graduation. In addition, it is our hope that when they graduate, they will have less student debt because of this scholarship,” said David Couchman.  It is Couchman’s hope that they will be able to expand this scholarship program to include additional deserving students in Sandy Springs. If you want to learn more about how to support this effort, please contact David Couchman at david@sandyspringstogether.org.   The Next Step …, sst-posts uncategorized research
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs Students SpeakJune 8, 2023The future of Sandy Springs is in good hands, thanks to the bright minds of our youth. During the 2022-2023 school year, Sandy Springs Together continued its partnership with North Springs High School and VOX Teen Communications to provide students with an additional outlet to express their ideas. This program with VOX ATL complements one of North Springs’ existing journalism programs led by language arts teacher Mr. Adam Throne.  VOX ATL is a teen-driven, nonprofit organization committed to uplifting the voices of youth from diverse backgrounds across metro Atlanta. Through this endeavor, VOX ATL seeks to create a stronger, more equitable community by fostering leadership and uncensored self-expression among teens.  VOX recognizes that young people in our community face many social pressures that often cause social isolation, feelings of low self-esteem, and powerlessness. The partner program allowed North Springs journalism students to express themselves through writing and podcasting. This experience helped students develop leadership skills and form healthy, supportive relationships with their peers. More than thirty students participated in four workshops where they learned from professionals, including Rose Scott, the award-winning journalist and host of “A Closer Look.”  Scott spoke to students about careers in journalism, best practices for finding reliable resources and her own experience as a journalist. Students who participated in the workshops spoke positively about them, citing the opportunity to share their experiences and opinions with other Metro Atlanta area teens as a bonus. Students’ published work highlights issues that are important to them. Some of the articles include peer pressure, social media and body shaming as well as podcasts on a variety of subjects. North Springs High School has a successful journalism track record of its own. North Springs students were recognized by the Georgia Scholastic Press Association (GSPA) at the Spring Workshop and Awards ceremony …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherYour Voice Is Needed: Help Sandy Springs Plan Its FutureMay 30, 2023Think of our city’s budget as a pie: there are slices of different sizes for parks and recreation, trees, public safety, traffic management and much more. Now is your turn to ask for money and effort to be spent on those items you care about. What would you like to see included in the proposed budget?   Our city leaders are in the process of making crucial decisions for Sandy Springs. With the future of our community at stake, Sandy Springs residents have opportunities to voice their opinions during the month of June. During the next few months, you will be able to share your thoughts and ideas on important matters ranging from our city’s budget, changes to our zoning code, and the Cross Roads Small Development Plan. Below is a list of some of the key dates where YOU can plan to be involved by giving public comment:    June 6 at 6 p.m.: First Public Hearing and Budget Workshop June 20 at 6 p.m.: Final Public Hearing and Budget Adoption Late July: Public meetings on Cross Roads and Zoning proposals If you wish to provide public comment, the city offers two ways to do so:  In-person comment: An individual can choose to address the commission body in-person during the meeting. In-person speaker requests must be submitted to the City Clerk in advance of the start of the meeting. Audio conference via Zoom: Audio conference speakers must register to speak by noon on the day of the meeting. After deciding how you are going to make a public comment, you should then consider exactly what you want to say. The most valuable public comments are unique, fact-based, and to the point. Following these practices will provide the most effective public comments. Below are some more helpful tips on how to build …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherHelp Sandy Springs Leaders Plan Our FutureMay 18, 2023Each year, Sandy Springs city officials work together to prepare a detailed budget that is used to determine how to best allocate our tax dollars. The budget provides a blueprint for how the city will invest in our community, our people, our roads, parks and public transportation. In 2023, Sandy Springs’ fiscal budget was $136 million. The city began its public budgeting process for fiscal year 2024 on May 2, 2023, and the final budget will be presented to our City Council on June 20, 2023.  Think of our city’s budget like your family or personal one. It’s important to prioritize the most pressing needs and sometimes tough decisions have to be made. The good news is that you have a voice in how the city makes the call on what’s important, and what can wait. The city budget helps Sandy Springs residents hold our local leaders accountable for how they spend our tax dollars. Ultimately, the budget that’s adopted and approved should reflect our city’s values.  How can I make sure my values are reflected in our city’s budget? Throughout the budgeting process, there are opportunities for Sandy Springs residents to voice their opinions on what’s most important to our community right now. We encourage you to stay informed by attending any of the scheduled budget meeting workshops to hear from our elected officials and give input:  •        Watch the initial Fiscal Year 2024 budget workshop from Tuesday, May 2 •        Watch the second budget workshop from Tuesday, May 16: •        May 23 at 4 p.m.: City Council Proposed Budget Presentation •        June 6 at 6 p.m.: First Public Hearing and Budget Workshop •        June 20 at 6 p.m. Final Public Hearing and Budget Adoption You can find more …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs’ Role in Fair HousingApril 26, 2023National Fair Housing Month may be coming to a close, but the conversation around eliminating housing discrimination must continue. More than 50 years after President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law, housing discrimination continues to disproportionately impact minority communities in Sandy Springs and across the country.  The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of housing based on various factors, including national origin. According to Census data, the Hispanic population is the fastest growing population in America. The Justice Department has taken steps to prevent municipal governments from attempting to reduce or limit the number of Hispanic families that live in their communities, but the reality is that there are still ongoing practices which discriminate against Hispanic families. An example of where this could happen in Sandy Springs is the proposed redevelopment of the “Crossroads” area, which includes land east and west of Roswell Road, from I-285 to the southern end of The Prado shopping center. This area is home to almost 7,000 Sandy Springs residents, most of whom are Hispanic, with a median annual income under $64,000.  Sandy Springs city leaders have an opportunity to demonstrate support for fair housing by developing a plan to prevent the displacement of our neighbors living in this area. A 2019 article in the Journal of Affordable Housing and Community Development Law describes actions taken by three local governments to protect lower-income residents from displacement pressures.  In these case studies, the authors recommend the following: “develop displacement strategies at the same time as revitalization efforts, prepare for large financial commitments, intervene early to remove land from market pressure and lower expectations about the ability to entirely eliminate displacement.” A summary of the study can be found here.  At Sandy Springs Together, we believe in a …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherYou Spoke & We Listened: Helpful Resources for Sandy Springs Apartment ResidentsApril 18, 2023During our first Sandy Springs Speaks event, we learned that many residents are unaware of the resources available right here in Sandy Springs to address some of the challenges they face. In order to build a more equitable Sandy Springs, we must ensure that all residents have knowledge of and access to available resources.  Below is a list of community organizations, government centers and nonprofits that provide assistance and resources to those in our community.  Housing, Food and Needs-Based Assistance Community Assistance Center: The Community Assistance Center provides assistance for a variety of needs, including utilities, food and clothing, education, career preparation and even tax preparation.  Address:  1130 Hightower Trail Sandy Springs, GA 30350 Mary Hall Freedom Village: The Mary Hall Freedom Village offers over 30 services to women, children, veterans and families, including housing assistance, child care, behavioral health and wellness services and career development help.  Address:  8995 Roswell Road Sandy Springs, GA 30350 Ronald McDonald House: The Ronald McDonald House offers families of children receiving medical treatment in nearby hospitals a “home away from home” by providing housing, food assistance, group support and more services during their stay.  Address:  5420 Peachtree Dunwoody Road  Sandy Springs, GA 30342 Second Helpings Atlanta: As part of their ongoing effort to reduce hunger and food waste in the Metro Atlanta area, Second Helpings Atlanta offers healthy and nutritious meals to those in need. Address:  970 Jefferson St NW, Suite 5 Atlanta, GA 30318 Solidarity Sandy Springs: Created in March of 2020, Solidarity Sandy Springs is a food pantry that provides food to families and individuals facing food insecurity.  Address:  86 Mount Vernon Highway NW Sandy Springs, GA 30328 U-Hope Community Development Center: U Hope CDC provides safe housing and life enrichment services to homeless men and veterans, ages 18 and up.  Address:  …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherSine Die for Georgia’s Legislature: What’s At Stake for Apartment ResidentsMarch 29, 2023Today is Sine Die, the last day of session for Georgia’s General Assembly &  the final chance for lawmakers to pass potential bills through the legislature, sending them to Governor Kemp’s desk to either be signed into law or vetoed.  A key piece of legislation that would strengthen the rights of our apartment neighbors still hangs in the balance. Here’s what you need to know:  House Bill 404 – The Safe at Home Act Highlighted in our blog in February, House Bill 404 would establish some basic protections for renters.  Read More: 2023 Legislation Focused on Safer Rental Conditions  Here are a few key components: HB404 would require rental contracts, leases or agreements to include a provision stating that the premises is “fit for human habitation.” HB404 would also prevent a landlord from requiring a security deposit that is more than two months rent. Under HB404, landlords would be required to give tenants three days after rent is due before filing for eviction. House Bill 404 was passed unanimously by the House on March 2 and by the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 20.  It is now up to Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to put the bill up for a vote before the end of today.   Stay informed about what’s happening under the Gold Dome during Sine Die by using any of the many non-partisan bill trackers available, including the two we’ve listed below. Georgia Legislative Navigator – AJC  WABE 2023 Bill Tracker If you would like to contact your State Representative or State Senator regarding legislation, you can find their contact information by logging into your my voter page and selecting the My Districts & Elected Officials tab.   , , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherCelebrating Black Excellence PanelMarch 1, 2023Today, more than ever before, it’s crucial for our students to hear from leaders and role models who have overcome many of the same challenges that they are currently facing.  On Friday, February 24, Sandy Springs Together and Sandy Springs Charter Middle School partnered to highlight some, of the many, Black leaders who are making a positive impact within our community by hosting the Celebrating Black Excellence panel discussion for middle school students.  This event brought together local Black leaders, from a variety of professions, to share with students how they achieved personal success and to give students advice on achieving their own goals. Read More: Panel helps Sandy Springs Middle students celebrate Black excellence A common theme among the stories shared by the panelists was that success requires you to challenge yourself.  Whether it’s learning a subject that you’re not comfortable with, as Dr. Michael Grady explained about being required to study physics, or overcoming insecurity to run for local office, like Le’Dor Milteer, each of the panelists encouraged students to be willing to step outside of their comfort zones in order to pursue their goals. Sandy Springs Together is proud to work with our community partners to hold events such as the Celebrating Black Excellence panel discussion. Events like these introduce our students to leaders in Sandy Springs who are making important contributions to society and giving back to the community. As the saying goes, “If you can see it, you can be it.” We believe that it is vital to give our young people positive examples that they can emulate on their own journey to success. Sandy Springs Together looks forward to collaborating on future events with our local partners in order to help our entire community to imagine a better Sandy Springs for all!   , , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs Together2023 Legislation Focused on Safer Rental ConditionsFebruary 22, 2023On February 7, 2023 and in August of 2022, we published two blogs that highlight the challenges Sandy Springs is facing due to negligence on the part of the management of some of our apartment communities regarding maintenance requests.  Read More: Sandy Springs Leaders Consider Improving Conditions for Apartment Residents , Additional Sandy Springs Code Enforcement Approved Recent news reports in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution have pointed out that Georgia is behind most of the nation when it comes to ensuring renters have rights. During the 2023 legislative session, so far, two key pieces of legislation pertaining to renters’ rights to livable housing conditions have been drafted for consideration.  These two pieces of legislation, HB404 and HB344, would be important steps in the right direction towards protecting the rights of our apartment neighbors. If passed, HB344 would give landlords specific duties when it comes to addressing the state of a rental property. The bill would provide specific living conditions that a property would have to meet in order to be deemed habitable for tenants, and it includes remedies for tenants whose properties did not meet said conditions, including withholding rent.  Key Provisions of HB344 The Building must comply with housing, fire or health codes and have effective waterproofing and weather protection of the roof and exterior walls, windows and doors. The property must have working and maintained plumbing, electrical, water and appliances with access to a lawful water supply that provides hot and cold running water  The property must have adequate ventilation and reasonable measures in place to control or prevent  the presence of rodents, pests and exposure to unsafe levels of radon, lead paint, asbestos, toxic mold and other hazardous substances. The property must have working locks, or other security devices, on all exterior doors and on windows that open and close …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherCode EnforcementFebruary 7, 2023Resident safety has long been a priority of our city leaders. Examples of this include: making Roswell Road safer by adding center medians, offering public safety classes for our residents and, most recently, ensuring that Sandy Springs apartment residents have a healthy and safe environment. In August of 2022, we published a blog highlighting the challenges Sandy Springs is facing due to negligence on the part of the management of some of our apartment communities regarding maintenance requests. Other challenges are the City Council review of the code enforcement process and proposed changes in that process.  Read More: Sandy Springs Leaders Consider Improving Conditions for Apartment Residents  The purpose of code enforcement, as mentioned in this presentation given by Ginger Sotile in August of 2022, is to help protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Sandy Springs. On January 17th, the City Council approved adding 2 full-time officers to the current Code Enforcement staff; the costs will be absorbed by the current Community Development budget. The decision to increase the staff by 2 and create a specialized Apartment Inspection Unit will allow 100% of the apartments to be inspected annually.  We hear from apartment residents frequently about unsanitary, unhealthy and unsafe conditions in their apartments. These additional staff members, who will be dedicated to giving their full attention to apartment living conditions, should improve the quality of life for thousands of our neighbors.   If you know an apartment resident who is experiencing unhealthy or unsafe living conditions, we encourage you to share this link to the Georgia Legal Aid website with them, which provides helpful information & resources about repairs to rental properties and more.  More Info: Georgia Legal Aid & Rental Property Repairs Also, if you are an apartment resident who has tried resolving a problem …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherCelebrating Black History Month & Local Black EntrepreneursFebruary 5, 2023Black Americans have enriched our community, country and world through innovative ideas and inventions across multiple areas, from science and technology, to mathematics, the arts, sports and especially, business. According to data collected through the Census, there are more than 2 MILLION Black-owned businesses in the United States today. As of 2012, Black-owned businesses generated more than $150.2 billion in gross revenue and employed more than 900,000 people across the country.  One of the most well-known historical examples of Black entrepreneurship is Madam C.J. Walker. Walker founded her own major corporation, Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, which trained thousands of beauticians and created and sold various hair care products specifically designed for Black women in the early 1900’s. The Madam CJ Walker Museum in Atlanta is dedicated to honoring her legacy. Another notable historical figure is Black Atlantan, Alonzo Herndon, who founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company in the early 1900’s. In 1922 the company achieved legal reserve status, a position enjoyed by only four other Black insurance companies at that time.  Right here in Sandy Springs,  there are many Black entrepreneurs who are thriving and making our community a better place for all.  Beautiful Curly Me: Founded by mother & daughter team Evana & Zoe Oli, Beautiful Curly Me is, “a brand that encourages young girls to love and be confident in who they are.” Born out of a need for then 6 year old CEO Zoe Oli, Beautiful Curly Me has a line of Black dolls, puzzles and books written by Zoe (now 11) that instill and inspire confidence in young girls. For every doll purchased on their site, one is given to a young girl in need.  A Space in Time: Located in the heart of Sandy Springs, A Space in Time is both an event venue …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherApplying to City Boards and CommissionsJanuary 24, 2023A new year means new opportunities to make a difference in your community. One of the best ways to do this is by serving on a board or commission. Being a board member is a great way to meet new people, develop new relationships and be more civically engaged. It can also help you step out of your comfort zone to pursue more leadership roles in the future.   When a vacancy occurs on a citizen board or commission, it is an opportunity to seek out new voices to contribute to the dialogue on community issues. Whether they are looking to add more diverse opinions and ideas, or find someone with specialized knowledge relevant to a specific task, boards are always looking for new members that can offer more insight. Learning About Boards and Commissions Boards and commissions are advisory or regulatory groups that work with many cities and counties. Regulatory groups set licensing standards and professional requirements for members. Advisory groups provide guidance to the program or agency with which they are affiliated. Board and commission members are unpaid volunteers. Examples of boards or commissions in Sandy Springs include the Board of Appeals, the Planning Commission and the Board of Ethics.  Who Can Apply?  Some boards require members to have a certain level of subject matter expertise, while others require few qualifications. In most circumstances, boards are looking for individuals who possess certain qualities. Teamwork, creative thinking skills and the ability to communicate effectively are all helpful characteristics of an effective board or commission member. An emphasis on diversity has led some cities to make a conscious effort to engage underrepresented populations in hopes that more individuals from these communities will join boards & commissions to share their ideas. To learn more about available boards & commissions in Sandy Springs, …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherLocal Option Sales Tax Deal Approved by City Council Nov. 7, 2022December 20, 2022Did you know that Sandy Springs will receive $85 million MORE in sales tax revenue over the next 10 years without any tax increase for our residents?  Recently, our elected officials negotiated a deal with Fulton County & 14 other cities that will see Sandy Springs collect a larger portion of the current sales tax revenue. That means more money for police, fire, EMS, emergency management, recreation, community events, sidewalks, road construction, maintenance and other essential services.  Read More: Sandy Springs Projects $350 Million In Sales Tax Collections Over Next 10 Years Sandy Springs City Council approved the newly negotiated arrangement on November 6. “I’m just glad it’s over. I think we probably negotiated the best deal that we could get,” Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said. We appreciate the hard work, diligence and dedication of our city leaders to achieve a result that not only benefits Sandy Springs, but also builds stronger relationships with local leaders in our neighboring cities. Our city leaders worked hard to achieve this result while building stronger relationships with local leaders outside of Sandy Springs. We appreciate their diligence and dedication. Now, it is up to each and every one of us to communicate with our elected officials to let them know our ideas about how this additional revenue should be spent.  What are the needs in your neighborhood?  What sort of investment in public safety would you like to see?  Where do sidewalks need to be repaired or built?  Does your neighborhood need a new park?  Plan now to call or write your representatives, or to attend a Sandy Springs City Council meeting and speak in person about your ideas for how our city can best grow and thrive. Sandy Springs is already a great place to live, work and raise a family, …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherLet’s Vote TogetherOctober 19, 2022Statewide and local elections directly impact our daily lives in more ways than you might think. From laws we must obey, to the amount of funding our schools receive, and even our election procedures and rules, these elections influence our community just as much as, if not more than, our national elections.  Even with so much at stake, voter turnout in statewide and local elections is notoriously low. One major reason why: voters feel that they either don’t have enough time or information to make an informed decision. According to a study by the National Civic League, “lower turnout is frequently a result of a lack of awareness of the candidates and issues.”  Read More: National Civic League & Low Voter Turnout We’ve experienced this ourselves. For example, chances are that you can name the candidates from recent national elections, along with a few policies they stood for. Yet many of us struggle to do the same for our local candidates. This is not because we are lazy, but because state and local information can be difficult to come by. That is why Sandy Springs Together has created a voter guide for the upcoming election.  Even for those of us who have voted before, the process can be confusing. Election rules can change between elections or might be different if you have just moved to the state.  More Info: Sandy Springs Voter Guide The Voter Guide includes information about voting rights, instructions for registering and voting, links to candidates’ websites and more information you can use to help make an informed decision this November. Evidence suggests that providing voters easy access to information about voting and candidates can lead to more qualified and accountable candidates being elected. No matter where we live, what we look like, or how much money we make, …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherProtecting Tenants’ RightsOctober 3, 2022What are tenants’ rights, and how do they impact housing affordability? These questions and more were addressed during the August, 2022 Atlanta Regional Housing Forum, Strengthening Tenants’ Rights in Georgia.  Watch: Strengthening Tenants’ Rights In Georgia The AJC published an investigative series over the summer, exposing absentee landlords and dismal management of apartment properties, resulting in dangerously unhealthy and unsafe living conditions in many of metro Atlanta’s apartment complexes.  Read: The AJC’s Dangerous Dwellings Series During the housing forum Bill Bolling, co-founder and moderator, stated that Georgia has some of the weakest laws regarding tenants’ rights in the entire country. As a result, many corporations and private equity firms view Georgia as a favorable environment for buying and renting multi and single family homes and townhomes. The practice of corporations buying a large volume of single family homes and townhomes and then renting them, reduces the number of homes from the home buyer inventory and inflates not only home prices but also rents.  Many states have laws that provide renters with legal options for recourse when infractions by landlords occur. However, other states, like Georgia, give the landlord more legal authority …the website below illustrates the differences, state by state regarding legal protections for renters.  More Info: Which States Have the Best and Worst Laws for Renters?  Desiree Fields, researcher with UC Berkeley, covers this practice in her recent report that details how Sunbelt cities with weak tenant protections are preferred locations for investors to grow their portfolios. Metro Atlanta is the leading target of investors for this activity. In her report Fields recommends, “nationwide, broad-based tenant protections to limit rent increases, ancillary fees, and fines and to promote security of tenure. The property rights of landlords should not take priority over the fundamental role of housing in supporting life, …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherWhen We All Vote, Good Things Can Happen!September 16, 2022Are you registered to vote? Have you moved or changed your name in the past several months?  Have you NEVER voted but are eligible to, or has it been a long time since you last voted?   Then you must register to vote or update your voter registration status! What are you waiting for?!  The upcoming midterm election will shape the future of our state and country for the next decade and beyond. Making sure you are registered to vote is the first and most CRUCIAL step in ensuring that your voice is heard this fall.  Registering to vote is a quick and easy process that takes very little time and can even be done from the comfort of your own home. The Georgia Secretary of State’s website has a helpful how-to guide that provides information on the steps and materials you need to register to vote. Read More: Georgia’s How-to Voter Registration Guide Voting is a means to communicate to our elected officials how well we think our local, state, or federal government is doing. It is the foundation of our democracy. By voting, we can elect officials who will represent our ideas and interests in government, as well as voice our opinion about public projects, services and laws that directly impact our communities.  October 11, 2022 is the voter registration deadline for the November 8th General Election. Is your voter registration up to date?  It’s time for a check-up. You can check to ensure that your voter registration status is active by going to the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page website. More Information: My Voter Page After logging in, look for “Status” under the “Personal Information” section. If you see a green “Active” status your registration is fine! Just make sure your address is up to date.  …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherShort-Term Rental and the Effects on Housing AffordabilitySeptember 7, 2022A troubling corporate investment strategy of buying properties with the intent to rent them on a short-term basis is having a major negative impact on residential neighborhoods and overall housing affordability. A recent Harvard Business article offers insight into how this strategy is presenting problems for cities. Read More: How Airbnb Short-Term Rentals Exacerbate Los Angeles’ Affordable Housing Crisis Renting apartments or homes on a short-term basis is not a new concept; some investors have utilized this approach for decades. With sites like AirBnB, VRBO, etc. it is now easier than ever for anyone to rent their apartment or home on a short-term basis. Short-term rentals have become controversial in many communities.  Initially, the biggest opposition came from the hotel industry, which argued that these rentals are functioning as hotel properties without being subject to the same regulations or taxes.  More recently, community residents have also expressed concern over the impacts short-term rentals have on their local neighborhoods. In July the Sandy Springs Planning Commission recommended approval of changes to the city’s short-term rental regulations to limit rentals of up to 100 days a year or less. The new zoning regulations include the rental of all or part of a dwelling unit. More Information: Sandy Springs Planning Commission Recommends Short-Term Rental Restrictions Short-term rentals reduce the affordable housing supply. Any housing unit that was previously occupied by a city resident but is now listed on one of the short-term rental sites year-round, is a unit that has been removed from the rental market and added to the community’s supply of hotel rooms. If a property owner or leaseholder can rent out their property cheaper than the price of a hotel room, there is an overpowering incentive to list each unit as a short-term rental rather than rent to local residents. …, , , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherCommunity Assistance Center Opens NEW Career CenterAugust 25, 2022Are you interested in a place where you can learn new job skills? Or, perhaps you could benefit from access to tools and resources that could help you find a better job and advance your career? If so, look no further than The Community Assistance Center’s brand new Career Center facility located at 1130 Hightower Trail.  Originally launched as an initiative in September of 2021, the new Career Center is the latest resource used to further The Community Assistance Center’s mission of providing emergency assistance to those in need and promoting their self-reliance. The Career Center will provide guidance for career transition, assistance entering the workforce, and tools to help clients find better employment opportunities with the goal of moving toward financial independence. The Career Center offers a wide range of services, such as career counseling, job training, and workshops:   Career Counseling – depending on your job search needs, CAC may be able to pair you with a Career Advocate who will provide one–on–one support to guide you through the job search process.  Job Connections – working with local companies, workforce specialists, and volunteers the CAC helps to connect job seekers with available jobs. Follow this link for more information on current local job openings.               Career workshops – these workshops will provide practical tools, advice, and skills to aid your job search. These include learning to write a quality resume, as well as interview tips and tricks. Follow this link to access a list of local employment job fairs, including Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and a workshop to create or improve your profile on LinkedIn.  Training Programs – utilizing connections with local organizations such as Goodwill Industries, the Career Center can connect you with job skill training programs, often at no cost to you. Career service programs offered at organizations …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs Leaders Consider Improving Conditions for Apartment ResidentsAugust 19, 2022Right now, Sandy Springs is facing major challenges regarding the lack of attention management puts towards maintenance requests made in some apartment complexes.  Everyone deserves to live in a place where they feel safe and secure, and that is why during its work session this week, the Sandy Springs City Council reviewed how the city’s current code enforcement process works and proposed changes to ensure that our apartments provide healthy living environments for Sandy Springs residents.  The presentation indicated there are 96 apartment complexes within the City of Sandy Springs. Annually, the city’s Code Enforcement group identifies 11-12 complexes to inspect: checking the common areas, exterior structures, and accessory structures for property maintenance or development code violations.  Properties that receive the most complaints are prioritized on the inspection list. However, the program cycle to inspect all 96 complexes takes 7-9 years. Furthermore, the Fire Marshal’s Office inspects all 96 of the City’s apartment complexes for compliance with fire safety and suppression codes in the common areas. Approximately 20% of the interiors are inspected by a third-party company, and  the reports are reviewed by the Fire Marshal’s Office for compliance.    To address the rising concerns for apartment residents, Code Enforcement is proposing that the City expand inspection services by creating a specialized Apartment Inspection Unit within Code Enforcement to inspect all 96 apartment complexes annually. The proposal outlines these key improvements: •        Partner with the Fire Marshal’s Office to conduct coordinated inspections •        Establish regular outreach programs to apartment complex management •        Enhance education programs targeted for apartment residents •        Require 100% of units to be inspected by a third-party annually •        Require mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections every five years by licensed individuals • Require …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs Diversity & Inclusion Task Force Concludes StudyJuly 26, 2022Sandy Springs City Hall On June 14, 2022, Sandy Springs’ Diversity and Inclusion Task Force concluded its study on ways to promote more inclusivity amongst our city government and the Sandy Springs community as a whole.  Following Black Lives Matter protests that took place in the summer of 2020, Mayor Rusty Paul announced the formation of the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force in February of 2021, with a goal of improving inclusion in the local government and community.  Since its inception, the diverse ten person panel has held a series of meetings and studied three key areas to draft recommendations for improving inclusivity: housing, communications and recreation & parks. Below you can find the task force’s top recommendations for each of the listed areas.  Diversity & Inclusion Task Force Recommendations for Housing:  Reinstate Phase 2 of the Housing Needs Assessment. This assessment will provide research-based recommendations of what other cities have done to tackle similarly complex housing obstacles.  Create a Director of Housing position which is responsible for ensuring all redevelopment projects are evaluated and implemented through a racial equity lens and impact of diversity. Increase the scope of incentives in the Economic Development Incentive Policy for Affordable Housing. Preserve and protect all remaining NOAH (naturally occurring affordable housing) the city is known for: older apartment complexes.  Diversity & Inclusion Task Force Recommendations for Communications:  Identify the most effective ways to communicate key information to city residents in places where they travel, work, shop and congregate. Make agendas and results of key city meetings more accessible. Identify a technological solution that can translate important information and documents into languages that have significant representation in the United States (other than English and Spanish). Work with apartment community owners, resident associations and local news publications (Sandy Springs Reporter, Sandy Springs Neighbor, etc.) …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs Students SpeakJuly 14, 2022The future of Sandy Springs is in good hands thanks to the bright minds of our youth. During the 2021-2022 school year, Sandy Springs Together partnered with North Springs High School and VOX Teen Communications to provide students with an additional outlet for them to express their ideas. This program was the first time VOX ATL has partnered with an organization outside of the Atlanta Public Schools. The result, VOX ATL, complemented the existing high school journalism program led by Mr. Adam Throne, language arts teacher and head of the school’s newspaper, The Oracle.    VOX ATL is a teen-driven, nonprofit organization committed to uplifting the voices of youth from diverse backgrounds across metro Atlanta. Through this endeavor, VOX ATL seeks to create a stronger, more equitable community by fostering leadership and uncensored self-expression.  VOX recognizes that young people in our community face many social pressures that often leave them struggling with social isolation, low self-esteem, and a feeling of having no control over decisions that directly impact their lives. The partner program created the opportunity for North Springs journalism students to express themselves through their own writing. Through this experience, students developed leadership skills and formed healthy, supportive relationships amongst their peers. More than twenty students participated in several workshops and heard from professionals, including Rose Scott, the award-winning journalist and host of “A Closer Look.”  Scott spoke to students about careers in journalism, the best way to find reliable resources and her own experiences as a journalist. Students who participated in the workshops spoke positively of the experience, citing the opportunity to share their experiences and opinions with other Metro Atlanta area teens as a plus. Students’ published work highlights topics that are important to them. The articles range from an exploration of a student’s Puerto Rican heritage to …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherCouchman Noble Foundation and Los Niños Primero Partner to Award Over $50,000 in Scholarship FundsJune 29, 2022The “Next Step to Success” scholarship will aid five Sandy Springs students in their pursuit of a college degree this year. The future of Sandy Springs is in our youth. As the next generation of leaders and decision makers in our community, our students must receive the support and encouragement they need to achieve academic success. That’s why the Couchman Noble Foundation is proud to announce the “Next Step to Success” college scholarship program. This program, developed in collaboration with Los Niños Primero, will award five scholarships for the upcoming academic year to prior recipients of the Martha Barrios Mead Scholarship, sponsored by Los Niños Primero. Mead Scholarships assist students during their freshman year in college, and “Next Step to Success” scholarships provide financial support for these same students after their freshman year. Read More: “Next Step to Success” Scholarship Fund “These awards complement other giving that our foundation has been doing to support both elementary and secondary education in our city,” said David Couchman, co-founder and president of the Couchman Noble Foundation. “It felt like the right thing to do and allows Los Niños Primero to give more scholarships to the first-year college students.” The Couchman Noble Foundation said they hope to expand the Next Step program next year by partnering with other city nonprofits who offer scholarships.  Established in 2019, the Martha Barrios Mead Scholarship was named in honor of Martha Barrios Mead, the Los Niños Primero program’s co-founder. Along with the program’s first executive director Maritza Morelli, Mead founded Los Niños Primero in 2001 as an educational summer camp for underserved Latino youth in the Sandy Springs area.  More Information: Martha Barrios Mead Scholarship Program  Combined, the “Next Step to Success” scholarship program and the Martha Barrios Mead scholarship program will award more than $50,000 in scholarships …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherYour Voice Is Needed: Help Sandy Springs Plan Its FutureJune 2, 2022Think of our city’s budget as a pie: there are slices of different sizes for parks and recreation, trees, public safety, traffic management and much more. The Next Ten Comprehensive Plan is the blueprint for how our city will be developed over the next 5 years.   Now is your turn to ask for money and effort to be spent on those items you care about. What is missing?   Our city leaders are in the process of making crucial decisions for Sandy Springs. With the future of our community at stake, Sandy Springs residents have important opportunities to voice their opinions during the month of June. During this month, you will be able to share your thoughts and ideas on important matters ranging from our city’s budget to work plans for the Next Ten Comprehensive Plan. Below is a list of key dates where YOU can plan to be involved by giving public comment:    o   June 7: City Council Work Session and initial FY2023 budget public hearing o   June 9: Public Open House + Virtual Engagement on Next ten 5-year update o   June 21: City Council final FY2023 budget public hearing o   June 22: Planning Commission Public Hearing Next ten 5-year update If you wish to provide public comment, the city offers two ways to do so:  In-person comment: An individual can choose to address the commission body in-person during the meeting. In-person speaker requests must be submitted to the City Clerk in advance of the start of the meeting.Audio conference via Zoom: Audio conference speakers must register to speak by noon on the day of the meeting. After deciding how you are going to make a public comment, you should then consider exactly what you want to say. The most valuable public comments are unique, fact-based, …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherNext Ten ReviewMay 25, 2022Every May, Affordable Housing Month marks a time to study and discuss housing policies that will create more vibrant and equitable communities. As Affordable Housing Month comes to a close, let’s take a look at what is being done here in Sandy Springs to promote more affordable housing. Could a housing policy be coming to Sandy Springs?  Since March, as a state requirement, the mayor-appointed Next Ten Five-Year Update Advisory Committee has been meeting. The committee is reviewing the accomplishments and evaluating the Vision, Needs and Opportunities for each element of the original Next Ten Comp Plan, adopted in Feb. 2017. On May 12, the Next Ten Advisory Committee met to discuss the feedback gathered from online surveys, in-person interviews and previous advisory committee meetings. Committee members also reviewed and discussed proposed work plans for the four elements of the Next Ten Comp Plan.  These work plans will be presented at Sandy Springs City Hall during the Next Ten Draft Comprehensive Plan 5-Year Update Public Meeting on June 9 at 6:30 p.m. Parking for the event is available in the City Springs parking deck. If you are unable to attend this meeting, be sure to check out the Next 10 website for more information on how to review and comment on the draft recommendations.  During the meeting, community members will be able to review and comment on draft recommendations for: Economic DevelopmentGreen Space, Natural Systems and SustainabilityHousing Land Use and Community Character Among the items being recommended is the creation of a city housing policy.  A city housing policy would determine the approach our city takes to meet its housing objectives. Housing policies help coordinate the actions of all other city government agencies that directly impact housing. From zoning and development codes, to economic development and planning, strong housing policies support …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherHow Will Sandy Springs City Officials Spend Our Tax Dollars?May 10, 2022Each year, Sandy Springs city officials work together to prepare a detailed budget that is used to determine how to best allocate our tax dollars. The budget provides a blueprint for how the city will invest in our community, our people, our roads, parks and public transportation. In 2022, Sandy Springs’ fiscal budget was $144.6 million, which was a new high mark for our city budget and a 19 percent increase from the prior year. The city began its public budgeting process for fiscal year 2023 on May 3, 2022, and the final budget will be presented to our City Council on June 21, 2022.  Think of our city’s budget like your family or personal one. It’s important to prioritize the most pressing needs and sometimes tough decisions need to be made. The good news is that you have a voice in how the city makes the call on what’s important, and what can wait. The budget provides accountability to Sandy Springs residents on how the City of Sandy Springs spends our tax dollars. Ultimately, the adopted approved budget reflects our city’s values.  How can I make sure my values are reflected in our city’s budget? Throughout the budgeting process, there are opportunities for Sandy Springs residents to voice their opinions on what’s most important to our community right now. We encourage you to stay informed by attending any of the scheduled budget meeting workshops to hear from our elected officials and give input:  •        Watch the May 3 initial Fiscal Year 2023 Budget workshop •        May 17 at 2 p.m.: Budget Workshop 2; Barfield Conference Room at Sandy Springs City Hall (1 Galambos Wy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328) •        May 24 at 4 p.m.: City Council Proposed Budget Presentation •  …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherWhy Do We Need More Apartments? Our Readers Weigh In.April 26, 2022In our recent blog, Why Do We Need More Apartments? many of you took the time to comment. We appreciate your feedback and engagement on this important issue. Many of the comments were in alignment with the points we made. Traffic was mentioned often as a reason to NOT build more density. Karlene Barger wrote: …Increased density adds more cars to the road structure!…  why should we support more and more roads for people to cut through our neighborhoods?  Drmbrooks wrote:  I have lived in Sandy Springs for more than 15 years and have watched it grow from a quiet peaceful area to the squashed-up housing and roads where there is often a traffic jam – viz Pitts Rd. So do we need more housing and more traffic?  Brett Levinson wrote: We need less people here. Place has gotten insane with traffic And we agree that traffic is a problem, but that is because our housing is too far from our places of employment, retail, and other services, causing these essential workers to spend more time on the road. Sandy Springs is a regional employment center, and as such, our city DOUBLES in size each workday, according to the Housing Needs Assessment Report. Nearly 112,000 cars commute daily INTO our employment centers and other city destinations.  These employment centers are a major portion of our city’s tax base, so we want to keep our employers happy.   Currently, employers are having difficulty retaining and recruiting employees because Sandy Springs  lacks housing.  We have a shortage of 6,320 owner units for employees earning less than $80K.  We also have a shortage of 5,270 rental units for employees earning less than  $33K.  The solution is two-fold… 1. IF we could offer housing that is closer to jobs, our traffic would be less because …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherWhy do we need more apartments?April 12, 2022Originally asked by a user on a Sandy Springs Together Facebook post, the question of, “Why do we need more apartments?” appears to be a reasonable one at first, especially considering that our city already has a fair share of apartments.  However, according to a 2019 New York Times article, 85% of residential land in Sandy Springs is zoned for single family homes. That percentage places Sandy Springs amongst the top ten cities IN THE COUNTRY with the highest percentage of residential land zoned for single family homes, alongside Los Angeles, Calif. and Minneapolis, Minn.  Read: Cities Start to Question an American Ideal: A House With a Yard on Every Lot With so much land being used for single family homes, where can we build new homes? If we are unable to build new homes, we will struggle to meet the needs of our citizens as our city undergoes an expected period of growth over the next several years.  If we want our city to grow, we must start by addressing the housing crisis we are facing. This is where building more apartments can help.  Here are the facts:  We need more workers in our restaurants, shops, medical offices, schools and other professions. Building more apartments will provide more affordable housing options in Sandy Springs which, in turn, can support an increased workforce.  Employers and local business owners have stated a desire to have their employees live near the places they work. Without enough affordable housing options, we will struggle to recruit and maintain employees in Sandy Springs.  The city’s Economic Development Plan states that opposition to higher-density housing is dangerous because, “This position underestimates the positive impact that housing diversity has on preserving and attracting workers for entry and mid-level jobs being sustained and created locally. These workers are …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherAre you ready for the primaries?March 30, 2022Candidate qualifying for the November 2022 General Election ended on March 11, 2022. Democrats and Republicans who have opponents in their own party will run in primary races on May 24, 2022.  Why are primary elections important? Primary elections give you, the voter, the opportunity to decide who from a pool of candidates should ultimately be nominated by your political party to run in the General Election. Primary elections normally attract more partisan voters, which is how extreme candidates can end up on the ballot in a General Election. Improving participation can help to moderate outcomes so elected officials more closely represent larger blocks of voters. There are important races up and down the ballot this year. You can review all the candidates who signed up to run for federal, Congressional and statewide and local races at Georgia Secretary of State’s website here.  If you do not know what your state and federal districts are go to My Voter Page. This information may have changed as part of the redistricting process.   It is also a great time to update your voter registration status if you have moved since the last election. Your vote is your voice., , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherDo You Know WHERE You Belong As a Voter?March 9, 2022Our state legislature and U.S. Congressional maps have been drawn based on the recent 2020 census and population changes. They were approved by Gov. Brian Kemp late last year. These maps determine Georgia’s General Assembly and U.S. Congressional districts, leading to reallocation of funds and resources.  Make sure you know what your new state and federal districts are so that your voice can be heard in the election process. To find the specific districts or current elected officials for your address go to My Voter Page. This is also a great time to update your voter registration status on the my voter page if you have moved since the last election. Look for more non-partisan communications on voter registration, and upcoming elections. Here is what we know now. The new district maps have a number of impacts to Sandy Springs districts. For a detailed view of the redistricting here is more information:  The U.S. Congressional map details are here:  The 11th Congressional District (light green) no longer includes any portion of Sandy Springs.The 6th Congressional District (teal color) has been extended into North Fulton. The 5th Congressional District (yellow) now includes what used to be the southern part of the 11th district.  The state senate map details are here:   There used to be four state senate districts in Sandy Springs – now there are two districts:  District 14 covers the majority of the city.District 6 is in the southwest part of the city. The state legislature map details are here: There are four Ga. State House of Representatives Districts in Sandy Springs: District 51 has an amended boundary.District 52 has an amended boundary.District 53 is a new district and now includes Western Sandy Springs and much of North Fulton.District 54 now includes the Southeastern part of Sandy Springs.DIstrict 45 and 80 no longer …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherTrees vs. PeopleMarch 2, 2022During 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 …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs Spring Break and Summer CampsFebruary 16, 2022Is 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.  Spring Break Camp: Cross-Country STEAM Adventure 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.  Summer Sports Camps 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. YMCA Summer Camps 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!  , , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherExplore Black History in GeorgiaFebruary 10, 2022Art 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 …, , research sst-posts sst-other
Sandy Springs TogetherChanges to steel & concrete building regulations coming to Sandy Springs?December 14, 2021On 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:  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?   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 …, sst-posts sst-other research
Sandy Springs TogetherVOX Teen CommunicationsNovember 16, 2021When we say “let every voice be heard,” we really do mean every voice.  That’s why Sandy Springs Together has created a partnership with North Springs High School and VOX Teen Communications to create a teen-only journalism experience through May 2022.  The workshop is designed so our youth can express their thoughts and ideas in an open and accepting forum. In addition to working in written mediums, they will also have the opportunity to work with YouTube, photography and other publication platforms.   The workshop is designed by Rachel Wallack, founder of VOX Communications, and has been a huge success in Atlanta Public Schools. The student-led program with adult “coaches” encourages youth to use true journalism skills, i.e., research and fact-finding, using multiple verified sources and factual photography. The teens will be encouraged to write about topics that interest them from their own unique perspectives. Here is an example of some students in another community who were concerned about the impact of language and using labels to describe various segments of the population.   >>> Watch “Let’s Talk About the Language of Youth Development”  Sandy Springs Together is thrilled to help create this program and will be featuring students’ works periodically throughout the school year.  sst-posts research
Sandy Springs TogetherWhat 715 residents told us about Sandy Springs Parks & Rec ServicesNovember 8, 2021We asked for your input and you responded. The Sandy Springs Diversity & Inclusion Task Force was developed as a way to explore areas where Sandy Springs can advocate for greater inclusion. Recently, the task force partnered with Sandy Springs Together to create an 18-question online survey, in both English and Spanish, to gather community feedback on diversity, inclusion, usage and awareness within our parks and rec services.  We were thrilled to receive 715 survey responses from community members, an unexpectedly high number. It’s clear that Sandy Springs residents are engaged and interested in how our parks and recreation services are utilized.  We promoted the unscientific survey via email and Facebook and have summarized the top-line survey results below. 85% of respondents use Sandy Springs parks; 15% do not. 74.4% of respondents indicated that they feel “extremely welcome” or “very welcome” at Sandy Springs parks. According to the 715 survey respondents, they use and feel welcome in our public parks and recreation facilities. Sandy Springs residents indicated they enjoy getting out into nature and value park features like open spaces, river access, accessible parking and equipment and programs for children.  However, Sandy Springs parks & rec facilities still face a major challenge: communication.  Less than 20% of respondents felt “extremely aware” or “very aware” of events at public parks.  There appears to be an awareness gap around park events, services and facilities and the single biggest factor preventing residents from using Sandy Springs Parks & Recreation facilities and programs is a lack of knowledge about what’s available.  The majority of respondents (56.4%) prefer to hear about free park events through email. 15% prefer Facebook communications and 14.1% prefer text messages.  In order to increase usage of Sandy Springs parks and recreation facilities and boost attendance at park events, we suggest …sst-posts research
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs Municipal Election GuideOctober 15, 2021What you need to know to make an informed decision about the Sandy Springs city elections – November 2, 2021 Scroll down for: Notebook version (with a link for downloading) & mobile device version. Notebook Version: Election-Guide-Oct-21Download Mobile Version: MAYORCandidate Forum Video: Mayoral Race – Sep 27, 2021 Dontaye CarterReporter Q&A Website Facebook Rusty Paul (Incumbent)Reporter Q&A Website Facebook CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1Candidate Forum Video: District 1 – Sep 27, 2021 Megan HarrisReporter Q&A Website Facebook John Paulson (Incumbent)Reporter Q&A Website Facebook (none) CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 2Candidate Forum Video: District 2 – Sep 27, 2021 Melody KelleyReporter Q&A Website Facebook Linda TrickeyReporter Q&A Website Facebook CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3Candidate Forum Video: District 3 – Sep 27, 2021 Melissa MularReporter Q&A Website Facebook Leslie MullisReporter Q&A Website Facebook Eric NewbergReporter Q&A Website Facebook (none) CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4Candidate Forum Video: District 4 – Sep 27, 2021 Tochie BladReporter Q&A Website Facebook Vernon GrahamReporter Q&A Website (none)Facebook Jody Reichel (Incumbent)Reporter Q&A Website (none)Facebook Michelle SullivanReporter Q&A Website Facebook CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 5Candidate Forum Video: District 5 – Sep 27, 2021 Tibby DeJulio (Incumbent)Reporter Q&A Website Facebook Colin HubbardReporter Q&A Website Facebook CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 6Candidate Forum Video: District 6 – Sep 27, 2021 Andy Bauman (Incumbent)Reporter Q&A Website Facebook Jeff HoweReporter Q&A Website Facebook You can see a map of the district lines here Find information about where and when to vote specific to your residence, as well as track the status of your ballot using the My Voter Page, , research sst-posts uncategorized
Sandy Springs TogetherWHAT CAME FIRST: THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG?September 29, 2021Traffic Congestion OR Lack of Housing? MYTH: Our traffic is caused by the housing density Sandy Springs has built over the past several years. FACT: A full 94 out of 100 people have to drive INTO Sandy Springs to get to their jobs. It is simple logic that to decrease the traffic congestion we need to take them off the roads by increasing their housing options, so they do not have to “hit the roads” to begin with.  As urban researcher William Fulton put it,” Instead of building expensive roads, we could be building housing that limits how far people have to drive in the first place.”   For example, building a walkable community around City Center which includes more than 1,000 new housing options to our city created a walkable city center, with the City Green, restaurants, shopping, and event venue that all people benefit from. The employment center is a short drive or hop onto MARTA to either Perimeter Center or the Northside, Emory and Children’s hospital area. This live-work-play model significantly reduces out-of-town, incoming commuter traffic for those who live in this area. In addition, a new mixed-use (retail, office and housing) development is being proposed at the old Parkside Shopping Center (where Egg Harbor restaurant is). This proposed mixed use re-development will require a change to the zoning to allow a 6-story building instead of the current three story limit; and will offer the same walkability and short commute to employment centers. Both approaches are forward-thinking in land use. However, will the newest proposal include housing options for residents earning $50,000 a year or less? We have a shortage of 5,700 housing units for residents in this income bracket according to the recent HR&A Housing Needs Assessment Study. The truth is that our traffic is caused …sst-posts research
Sandy Springs TogetherHow City Government Impacts Parks & RecSeptember 22, 2021Our city government touches many aspects of our daily lives. Our Parks and Recreation is another area where your local elected officials have an impact on daily resources and activities.  We recently launched a Parks & Rec survey in English and Spanish and received an overwhelming response from Sandy Springs residents of diverse backgrounds. We thank everyone for providing feedback. Our goal is to learn more from you, the community, about how the services and activities offered by our Parks & Rec Department can be more inclusive of everyone.  What’s missing? What can be improved upon? How can we have more people using our parks and what kind of new parks and programs are needed?  The survey was developed in conjunction with the Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Task Force’s Parks and Rec sub-committee. The results of the survey will be presented at the October D&I meeting scheduled for Oct. 12 at 6PM. Join us to watch it live on the city’s website.  Click here to watch live The city has a Parks and Rec Master Plan which was approved in Feb. 2019. The purpose of the Diversity and Inclusion Task force is to learn, from members of our community, how the city can be more inclusive of our diverse population in its plans for programming and accessibility to our parks and recreation.  Our Parks and Rec facilities are city-owned and city-run facilities. Here are a few of the activities we have: Hammond Park offers tennis courts, basketball courts, a gymnasium and much more Several walking paths such as Abernathy Greenway, Big Trees Forest Preserve, Path 400 and Lost Corners Allen Road Park for basketball courts Overlook Park for children’s playgrounds, pavilions and a boat dock for kayak & canoe rentalsSummer camp programs While these programs and services are a good start, we hope …, , research sst-posts uncategorized
Sandy Springs TogetherHR&A Contract Housing Action Plan Phase 2September 4, 2021HRA-Contract-Housing-Action-Plan-Phase-2-2, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherDo you vote in City Council and Mayoral elections? YOU SHOULD…HERE’S WHY!August 31, 2021The city council and mayor set the policies and the priorities that touch your daily life: Housing — What gets built and where; housing costs, zoning, construction and land useTraffic — Congestion, control and synching of the traffic lights Public Safety – Keeping our city safe; Hiring and training police officers and firefightersCity infrastructure – Roads, bridges, sidewalks and trailsBusiness licenses and economic developmentParks and recreation – Playgrounds, walking paths, community entertainment, free or discounted activities at the Village Green and other parksMARTA – Collaboration and coordination with other mayors on public transit Federal Dollars – Creating “shovel ready” projects to receive millions of federal funds PLUS, MUCH MORE. From summer camp programs for kids to dog parks for your pets. When something goes wrong, WHO DO YOU CALL? FIRST, be sure to register by October 4.  It is simple and easy…download the app and register.   Georgia My Voter Page. THEN, find your council district here.   NEXT, FIND the list of qualified candidates for city offices and follow your candidates.    FINALLY, vote! Early voting runs Oct. 12 – Oct. 25. North Fulton Annex location is open from 9-6 p.m. For a complete list of early voting locations, go to My Voter Page.   Join our email list to stay-up-to-date. , , research sst-posts uncategorized
Sandy Springs TogetherMy Experience: Sandy Springs Citizens Police AcademyAugust 9, 2021Editor’s Note: Sandy Springs Together periodically publishes letters or comments from community members who raise a concern we feel should be considered by the broader community.  Please let us hear your thoughts. By Melody Kelley I was pleased to learn that part of the Sandy Springs Police Department’s (SSPD) nearly $23 million dollar annual budget gets poured back into the community through programs like the Citizens Police Academy (CPA), Citizens on Patrol (COPS), and a range of other volunteer and training programs.  I recently took advantage of SSPD’s nine-week CPA course – the first cohort since COVID disrupted operations. Held on Tuesday evenings, I and 12 eager members of the community gathered in person (socially distanced, of course) for an intimate and in-depth look at where much of that $23 million dollars is spent. I highly recommend this experience to all residents of Sandy Springs and here are 3 reasons why: The Information: Did you know that Sandy Springs has one of the few full-service police departments in the area? Or that our Belgian Malinois K-9s actually come from Belgium? Each week is jammed-packed with facts, figures, and hands-on learning experiences. You even get to fight crime (virtually) in a Firearm Training Simulator (F.A.T.S.). The Ride-Along: The CPA experience isn’t complete without the much-anticipated ride-along. Each participant gets to choose their preferred shift in the patrol unit. While those who long for action opted for evenings, I chose a quiet Saturday morning because above all else, I desired conversation and connection. I split my shift between the North and South districts getting to know officers Davis and Sangster, respectively. I walked away feeling fortunate to have officers that care about the community they serve and wondering how 6 hours passed so quickly.  The Dialogue: The CPA offers weekly access to …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherShopping Center Design Study Summary Report (Dec. 2020)January 18, 2021SST: Shopping Center Study | Summary ReportCLICK TO DOWNLOAD, studies research
Sandy Springs TogetherReflecting on The Year That Was and Looking Ahead to a Brighter Day in 2021December 18, 2020A new year is (finally) right around the corner. Let’s face it: this year wasn’t the greatest. For many, this was the most challenging and unstable year of their lives. As we all reflect on this past year, take some time to pay respect to all who lost their lives this year and keep their loved ones in your thoughts. Equally, it’s also important to say thank you to all of the essential workers who risked their lives every single day to serve and protect our community. We will never forget. Though this year was undoubtedly dark, we must keep our spirits bright and look forward to what a new year can bring us. If 2020 has proven anything, it’s that a lot can change in just a single year.  We’re more confident than ever that if we continue to work together and support each other through difficult times, 2021 can be the best year yet. In fact, things are already looking up! We’ve seen our city come together like never before through volunteering, help from non-profit organizations, action from the city and so many simple, but important, acts of kindness from neighbors and members of the community.  We look forward to the day when we can all safely get back out into the community and shop the incredible local businesses we love and dine-in at our favorite restaurants. If we all continue to do our part, that day will be here before we know it. But, until then — continue to stay safe and follow safety guidelines. We can do this. Holiday blessings to you and yours!, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherLet’s Celebrate Hanukkah by Saying Thank You to Our Dedicated Essential WorkersDecember 10, 2020Today marks the beginning of Hanukkah, a joyous eight-day celebration for so many right here in Sandy Springs, around our country, and across the globe. Whether or not you join in the celebration of Hanukkah this year, we wanted to share a quick reflection with you, in light of the challenging year we have all faced. Did you know that Hanukkah translates to “dedication” in Hebrew? We found this translation to be especially fitting as we reflect on the year that has been. So many dedicated essential workers put their lives on the line to keep us safe, healthy and informed this past year. Their sacrifice will never go unnoticed, nor will it be forgotten. And while it isn’t much, we just wanted to say thank you. Thank you to the dedicated nurses, doctors, EMS workers and first responders who found themselves on the frontlines of our country’s response to this pandemic… …to the dedicated hospital housekeepers and sanitation workers for doing incredible work in keeping hospitals as clean and healthy as possible… …to the dedicated medical technicians and pharmacy technicians for helping to make sure our medical offices kept running as efficiently as possible… …to the dedicated grocery store cashiers, delivery personnel and stock clerks for making sure we were all able to keep our families safe and healthy at home… …and to the dedicated senior caregivers and bus drivers for helping to take care of our most vulnerable populations. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you have done, are doing and will do. We are forever grateful for your dedication this year and always. Happy Hanukkah, everyone. Blessings to you and yours.sst-posts research
Sandy Springs TogetherA Big Thanks to All of Our HEROESNovember 24, 2020On this Thanksgiving Day, we want to take a moment to thank all our first responders, healthcare providers, grocery clerks, bus drivers, teachers and others who have been on the front lines this past year helping to keep our community working and keeping us safe, our shelves well stocked and our community healthy. We also want to thank our Mayor and City Council for their leadership by getting out in front of the pandemic in August and issuing a mask mandate in public spaces. We are also grateful to the city allocating hundreds of thousands of dollars of CARES Act funds to our local non-profits who are caring for our neighbors experiencing extreme hardships due to COVID-19.  And we’re sending thanks to the legions of volunteers and donors who have supported all of the food distribution and rent assistance programs offered throughout the city by our untiring non-profits such as Community Assistance Center, Los Niños Primero, Sandy Springs Mission and Solidarity. There are literally thousands of people who donated their time or money.  To all of you, we appreciate your dedication and efforts to keep our city healthy, safe, and functioning., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherAffordable Housing IS a Racial Equity IssueOctober 13, 2020Did you know that 43% of renters in Sandy Springs are paying more than 30% of their income on housing? These affordable housing issues ARE ALSO racial equity issues because 40% of our population is non-white, and many of our neighbors who live in apartment communities are struggling to make their rent payments.   Since the lack of economic mobility stems from the lack of affordable housing, Sandy Springs Together has been advocating to correct this relationship. This past Thursday, Oct. 8, we hosted our first ever Candidate Forum to discuss these important issues in our community.  This forum was moderated by award-winning journalist Donna Lowry, and featured candidates from each state house district that represents Sandy Springs. If you’re interested in promoting racial equity in Sandy Springs, join us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on news, events, and ways to be active locally.  The biggest way YOU can make an impact right now is to VOTE!  This is the most important Election Year to date, so we would encourage you to take the time to watch the Candidate Forum and get a more informed idea of who to vote for. If you missed the live stream, click here to watch the recording on YouTube.  It is rare to get 90 minutes of detailed discussion on a single “hot topic” issue from these busy people, so we cannot thank them enough.  Rep. Matt Wilson, Rep. Josh McLaurin, Candidate Shea Roberts, and Candidate Sara Tindall Ghazal provided incredible insight into their platforms and plans in regards to 3 major areas:  State funding for affordable housingProtecting existing safe, decent affordable housingThe referenda on the current ballot as they relate to affordable housing Please take the time to listen to their thoughts and ideas on how the state can support cities in taking action …, , , affordable-housing research sandy-springs-together sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherGeorgia’s State Government: Why It Matters and What It Means for YouSeptember 17, 2020When you think about government and politics, you probably think about lawmakers, policies and issues at the national level. While having a good depth of understanding of the federal government is important, how much do you know about Georgia’s own state government? Oftentimes, policy changes enacted by our state government have a more direct impact on our daily lives than a law passed at the federal level.  There are several new Georgia State laws that went into effect as of July 1. Do you know what they are and what they do? Find out here.   So, how much do you know? We’re here to help you out. How The State Legislature Works Created in 1777 during the American Revolution, the Georgia state government is actually older than the United States Congress.  Our state government, similar to the federal government, is broken down into three branches: the executive, legislative and judicial branches. The executive branch is run by the Governor, while the General Assembly, broken down into the State Senate and the House of Representatives, makes up the legislative branch. And finally, our judicial system consists of a leveled court system. The General Assembly is a powerful body of elected lawmakers who pass laws and policies that make an impact on our lives at the most direct level. Each of the 56 State Senators and 180 members of the State House are elected to two-year terms with no term limits, per the State Constitution. 2020 Elections in Sandy Springs At Sandy Springs Together, our goal is to raise awareness and help educate our community on the issues that matter most.  And the most effective way to make your voice heard on the issues that impact you, your family and our community is to vote and make your voice heard. With that, …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherDive Deeper: The Launch of SST’s Research LibrarySeptember 10, 2020In today’s charged environment, it’s hard to avoid the terms “fake news”, “alternative facts” and “misinformation”. It’s growing ever more difficult to know what to believe, who to trust and what their motivation in this environment of many competing points of view. Sandy Springs Together wants to serve as more than a source of information and knowledge. We want you to trust us and the information we share with you. Ultimately, we want our neighbors to be informed on key items that are important and impact the quality of life here in the city of Sandy Springs. The Resource Library In the years since we first launched Sandy Springs Together, we’ve learned more and more about the important role that housing plays in every aspect of a person’s life. We also learned about the racial inequities in our housing system and are committed to raising awareness, sharing potential solutions, and keeping our community informed. With the launch of our official Research Library, you now have access to many of the sources of information that we have shared with you on affordable housing, racial equity and so much more. With hundreds of resources, such as articles, studies, reports, and more, we’ve put together a platform for you to dive deeper into this important group of topics. How The Research Library Works The Research Library is categorized by type content and allows for you to search based on keywords. Each source is summarized too, allowing you to quickly find out if the source is what you’re looking for. As we continue to share more content with you, this list will only continue to grow. And as new topics rise in popularity, we will publish new sources of information for you to engage with and learn more about. Also, as you probably know, …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherHow to Be a Proactive Citizen: Voting in Sandy Springs this FallSeptember 3, 2020The unfortunate reality is that far too many of us take for granted the right to vote. It just comes with being an American, right? Not exactly. In fact, it used to be quite the opposite. The History of Voting in America In the earliest days of our country, the right to vote was ONLY granted to male, predominantly white, landowners. It wasn’t until 1919 that women, again predominately white, were granted the right to vote. Voter surpression laws, like Jim Crow, made it extremely difficult for non-white men and women to vote. And so, the fight continued until finally, in 1965, the Voting Rights Act was passed — which prohibited voting discrimination on the basis of “race, color or nation origin.” Voting in Sandy Springs Today Despite the century-plus long fight for voting rights in America, far too many people still don’t make their voices heard by casting a ballot. In 2018, only 53% of registered voters in Fulton County cast a ballotIn 2016, that number was only 57% We can, should and must do better than this. How To Do Your Part Have you registered to vote? If so, have you verified your status? The deadline to register to vote is October 5. Register today! Have you moved in the last 30 days? Changed your name? If so, have you updated your voter registration with your new information? You need to update your voter registration with your new address change. You can do that here. Are you a new United States citizen? Will you be 17-and-a-half by Election Day on November 3? You are ELIGIBLE to vote in this election. Get registered today to make your voice heard. The deadline to register to vote and to confirm any changes to your voter registration is on October 5th! It …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherHow the Census Can Help Create A More Racially Equitable SocietyAugust 27, 2020“Regardless of place or profession, the Census affects everyone. It influences our country’s political landscape as the primary determinant for equal representation, the distribution of federal funding, and private and public community investments.” —  Regan Gruber Moffitt, Chief Strategy Officer at the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation   However, when one thinks about the role that the Census plays in our country, racial equity is likely not the first thing that comes to mind.  This is why it is more important than ever to make sure all of our residents, especially our non-white neighbors are counted.   Understanding Race Data In fact, the United States Census Bureau’s website states that “race data are used in planning and funding government programs that provide funds or services for specific groups.” The Census Bureau website also mentions that they use race data to “evaluate government programs and policies to ensure that they fairly and equitably serve the needs of all racial groups.” However, according to a recent report by Georgia Counts, as many as 177,000 Georgia residents may be undercounted in 2020 and Georgia’s self-response rate is currently 3.6 points behind its final 2010 rate.  Undercounted populations are also referred to as “hard to count” and traditionally include non-white residents. In Georgia, about 33% of our population identify as Black or Black mixed race, 9% identify as Hispanic, 5% as Asian, and 1% as Native American. How Race Data Helps Communities The Census Bureau’s main goal behind collecting race data is to ensure equal opportunity for communities of color by helping “governments and communities enforce anti-discrimination laws, regulations, and policies.” For example, racial data is used to: Establish and evaluate the guidelines for federal affirmative action plans under the Federal Equal Opportunity Recruitment Program.Monitor compliance with the Voting Rights Act and enforce bilingual election requirements.Monitor and …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherThe 2020 Census Will Determine the Future of Sandy SpringsAugust 20, 2020The deadline to complete the United States Census is fast approaching and there are still far too many of our neighbors that still haven’t filled it out. Have you done your part? If so, great! But, have you reached out to your friends, family, and neighbors to make sure they have? It’s crucial that EVERYONE take the Census. How to Fill Out the 2020 Census There are three ways to fill out the 2020 Census, each of which can be done from the comfort of your own home. Respond OnlineRespond by PhoneRespond via Mail If you need a Spanish version of the 2020 Census, click here. Worried About the Privacy of Your Information? This is often a concern that people have when filling out the 2020 Census. But, rest assured, the Census Bureau is required by law to keep your information confidential. You can learn more about how the Census Bureau protects your privacy and information, here. Why Is It Important That You Fill Out The Census? When you complete the Census, you are helping yourself, your neighbors, and your community.  By not completing the form, you are costing the city valuable resources for important city projects and goals that will ultimately benefit all of us. Data from the 2020 Census, and all those before it, is how the federal government determines the allocation of money to states and communities across the country. The more people fill out the Census in a given community or state, the more money they can count on receiving from the federal government. What Does It Mean to Have An Undercount? An “undercount” is the result of not enough people completing the Census, thus resulting in not enough money being distributed to a given community.  According to some local experts, this happened to Sandy Springs …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherThe city is listening. It’s on us to tell them what they need to hear.August 13, 2020When we all pull together, there’s nothing that we can’t accomplish. And right now that’s proving to be true in Sandy Springs. Many of us have been talking to our elected officials about the needs of our neighbors in these difficult times. Fortunately, our elected officials are now making decisions that reflect the community’s needs. City Awards COVID-19 Relief Funds to CAC In May, the Sandy Springs City Council awarded $25,000 in city funds to the Community Assistance Center for emergency COVID-19 relief for those in need. And later, on July 21st, the City awarded another $25,000 to Solidarity to help with food insecurity. This was the first huge step in the right direction. Allocation of Federal CARES Act Funds for Those In Need On June 16, the city awarded $284,000 of Federal CARES Act funds to several local non-profits supporting our residents. The funds will be used for rent relief and Chrome computers for educational programs needed during the COVID-19 pandemic for our lower-income pre-school and elementary students.   Civic Dinner Programs to Discuss Diversity and Inclusion On that same day, the Mayor also announced the Civic Dinner Program, which allows members of the community an opportunity to virtually discuss “Inclusion and Belonging” and what it means for us as a city to be inclusive.   What would you like the City to do to become more inclusive? Do you or others you know feel like they “belong” in our city, or do you feel that there are things or people who make you feel like you don’t belong? Now is the time to bring your concerns and ideas to the conversation.   If you haven’t yet signed up, do it right now, here: https://bit.ly/39VnZds Mayor Issues Statement In Support of Renters  One month later, on July 16, Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherSteps We Must Take to Address Inequality in Sandy SpringsAugust 6, 2020By Robyn Brown, Administrative and Community Support Specialist for Sandy Springs Together What can we do in Sandy Springs to address inequality?  If we begin to focus on changing our culture and celebrating our diversity, we can show the rest of Georgia and the nation what it looks like to address inequality in our communities. For starters, here are three ways we can make a stand. For one, let’s start with affordable housing for marginalized communities. This includes members of the Latinx and African American communities, as well as other minority groups, too. By ensuring affordable housing, we grant all residents access to great schools, healthcare, jobs, and economic opportunities. And it all starts with high-quality affordable housing for mixed-income families. By starting from the ground up, we also promote economic mobility along the way. It’s time to root out racism in Sandy Springs — in all of its forms. It’s just not enough to not be racist. Persecuted races need voices in the majority to fight against systemic racism, not just talk about it. How can you do that? Join Sandy Springs Together, support the NAACP or other organizations that are fighting racism in various forms. Not in a position to financially contribute? Take the time to do the work of educating yourself using resources and books that define and discuss the history and roots of racism that still haunt our society today. And while it may be uncomfortable, have those difficult conversations with others about racial inequality. You’ll be glad you did. And finally, recognize diversity as a strength and not a weakness. Sandy Springs residents and businesses must strive for equity and inclusion. Minority-owned businesses must be supported and championed. If we do this, we jumpstart the socio-economic progress of minority communities. Not only that, but our …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherRacial Equity: Helping Our Neighbors When They Need It MostJuly 30, 2020As many of us try to get back to some sense of “normalcy” in our lives, it can be easy to forget the hardships that some of our neighbors are continuing to endure. At the same time, it can also be easy to forget the armies of tireless volunteers that are still working hard each and every week to help our neighbors get through these uncertain times. “Many thanks. May God multiply your blessings today and forever for sharing your food with us. My family is made up of 6 people. I appreciate it so much. Amen.” “Thank you for the food you have given us. We have been out of work for one month. God Bless you.” “Thank you for the unconditional help. God Bless you.”  “I give you many thanks. God bless you. I was left without a job. My two daughters and I thank you.” Testimonials like these are far more common than they should be. But, the groups below are doing the work to make sure that our neighbors are taken care of. Jennifer Barnes with Solidarity Food Pantry, located 120 Northwood Drive, Suite 115 here in Sandy Springs and Jen Lott, the president of the Sandy Springs Charter Middle School Food Pantry, located at Samad Grill are just two of the groups lending a helping hand. Together, they are distributing food 3 times a week to between 150 to 200 families, mostly to communities of color. The pantries are well run and offer wholesome nutrition with fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy. The families are given the opportunity to “shop” for groceries at each of these locations. Not only that, but they are providing a respectful and positive, socially-distanced experience during these difficult times.  Another great group is the Community Assistance Center (CAC) — the main …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherThe Racial Divide, The Mask Debate and COVID-19July 23, 2020Group of Fulton parents, students and teachers demanding masks be made mandatoryFulton County’s School Superintendent said Tuesday he’s not yet prepared to decide whether to start the year off with virtual remote school or to mandate masks in the classroom should kids go back to class. History and statistics show us that many diseases are more prevalent and deadly in racial and ethnic minorities. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has proven to be no different.  As of June 12, 2020, hospitalization rates from COVID-19 are highest among the American Indian (Alaska Natives), African American, and Hispanic/Latino communities.  In Sandy Springs alone, 41% of our population is non-white, while our public schools are 73% non-white. This means that many of our citizens and students are among those who are at the highest risk of contracting COVID-19.  So what do we do about this? Well, one of the easiest ways to slow the spread of this deadly disease is by simply wearing a face covering, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), which is headquartered right here in Atlanta. The CDC recommends that all persons wear cloth face coverings when in public settings and when around anyone who does not live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. So, why does the CDC recommend cloth face coverings?  For starters, the use of them may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others. Not only that but if widely used by the public, face masks are proven to be the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We should note, however, that the CDC does not recommend that cloth face coverings be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherRacial Justice and Racial Equity: The Business ConnectionJuly 16, 2020Over the last few months, the terms racial justice and racial equity have become more familiar to more people. But, what do they really mean? And how do we actually accomplish what they set out to do? We want to start by applauding the Atlanta Business Chronicle for taking the lead on connecting racial justice and equity with business prosperity. This is a critical connection that must be made and one that we plan to more fully explore in the weeks ahead. The article discusses meetings between Black and white business leaders in an attempt to quell unrest in our communities and start a civil, productive dialogue.  This approach became known as the “Atlanta Way” and evolved into the moniker, “The City Too Busy to Hate.” Atlanta and the surrounding metropolitan area prospered under this banner. Businesses and international events flocked to our region, all under the impression that racial unrest and racial injustice were not a part of the landscape. This is “good for business.” But, somewhere along the way, we have lost our way. The metro-Atlanta area ranks FIRST in the nation in the rate of income inequality, according to a 2018 Bloomberg Report. And, to make matters worse, data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis published by 24/7 Wall Street, shows that the city of Sandy Springs is officially the most expensive city to live in Georgia. How can we support racial justice and racial equity without also addressing the financial disparities that exist in our community? Financial inequities are real. Look no further than the COVID-19 pandemic we are currently experiencing. We’ve talked about the workers on the frontlines who work in our hospitals, stock our grocery shelves, and clean our emergency rooms. These folks don’t have the “luxury” to work from home or be coaches …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherThe Affordable Housing Crisis is PersonalJuly 9, 2020At Sandy Springs Together, we frequently receive letters from residents who are being priced out of Sandy Springs, after trying desperately to remain in their homes. We wanted to share two of those stories with you today. The first is from a homeowner, Cathy, and the second is from a renter, Sandra. What you will learn from both of these stories is that the affordable housing crisis is real., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherImportant Remarks Made At Sandy Springs Rally for Racial JusticeJuly 2, 2020Editor’s Note: Sandy Springs Together periodically publishes letters or comments from community members who raise a concern we feel should be considered by the broader community. Whitaker Swann is an impressive rising Junior at Westminster School in Atlanta. On June 6, he organized the Sandy Springs Rally for Racial Justice. The event drew in more than 300 people, along with several dignitaries, including State Senator Jen Jordan and Keith White, Director of Multicultural Affairs at Holy Innocents School. The Mayor of Sandy Springs also announced that he wanted to start holding community conversations about race, and also that he would be asking the council to change Lake Forrest Drive to Lake Forest Drive. Please let us hear your thoughts. By Whitaker Swann Before we start, I would like to have a moment of silence for the following people: George Floyd Breonna Taylor Ahmaud Arbery, Terrence CrutcherPamela TurnerAlton SterlingPhilando CastileLaquan McDonaldSandra BlandNatasha McKennaStephon ClarkCorey JonesBotham JeanEric GardnerTamir RiceTrayvon Martin and the many forgotten black men, women, and children killed by police officers here and around the world. After my exams were over, my family and I went to the beach. While there, I decided for the first time in a while that I would check my Instagram. This was the day after George Floyd was killed. I don’t think it was a coincidence that I checked my Instagram to wake up and see on everyone’s story a police officer with his knee on someone’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. I think I was meant to see that, and meant to bring everyone here. That night, I cried. I didn’t know what to do, how to do it, or if I should do anything at all.  But, I thought to myself: Why is it fair that I can feel safe going on a …, , research sst-posts uncategorized
Sandy Springs TogetherBlack Lives Matter: Life With A Black Son in AmericaJune 25, 2020Editor’s Note: Sandy Springs Together periodically publishes letters or comments from community members who raise a concern we feel should be considered by the broader community.  Please let us hear your thoughts. By Robyn Brown I am a single, black mother living in Sandy Springs.  I have a thirteen year old son. I have had THAT talk with him. If you don’t know what THAT talk is, then you probably live a life of privilege. That talk includes discussions of how you must perform better than other classmates because you are black. It includes sermons about how to talk and speak to those in authority including police officers.  “Don’t be intimidating, don’t run, always show where your hands are, take off your hoodie, and speak clearly and slowly, because I want you to come home.”  Black Lives Matter! My son’s life matters.  And yes, your son’s life matters too, but do we need to say save all the marine life when we say Save the Dolphins? Do we put water on all the houses just because one house is on fire? Black homes are on fire! Black men and boys are dying!  We need the support of the entire community to put out those fires and save our families. I envision a diverse and inclusive Sandy Springs. I hope to continue relationships with police officers who care about all members of the community and especially embrace our young men of color.  Sandy Springs Together is working towards that same vision. Come walk with us as we learn, grow and change together. , research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs’ housing study will leave out essential workers. Take action today.June 18, 2020What’s New After a recent decision by the Sandy Springs City Council, our city has hired a group of consultants that will finally analyze the housing situation in Sandy Springs. However, there is a BIG caveat. The city only wants to look at housing for those who earn between $65,000 and $100,000. The Issue Is this really a sufficient housing study if we are excluding all workers and families that make less than $65,000?  Odds are, at one point in your career you made less than $65,000. The truth is that everyone starts somewhere. Why punish them for it? But here’s why this matters even more right now. The same essential workers that have stood on the frontlines of our response to the COVID-19 crisis; done their absolute best to keep us safe, healthy and out of harm’s way; educated our student’s despite ever-changing classroom dynamics — aren’t being considered. Many of those same hard-working men and women will be LEFT OUT simply because they don’t fall in the city’s chosen income range. This is just plain wrong. The Facts Let’s start with the topline: The city’s chosen income range for their housing study is $65,000 to $100,00. Now, let’s break down who that doesn’t include. And these numbers might surprise you. Did you know that starting pay for nurses in Sandy Springs is around $50,000? Many of them won’t be included. Did you know that teachers in Fulton County start with a salary of $44,892. Yep, that means so many of our dedicated teachers won’t be included in the city’s affordable housing study. And how about our preschool teachers, who can earn just $19,000 a year? That’s just one-third of the income required to fit within the city’s income range for affordable housing. The sad truth is that the …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherJob Searching During A Crisis: How Job Seekers Can Get Back to Work QuickerJune 11, 2020What’s Happened In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, many of our neighbors have lost their jobs and find themselves in a sea of financial uncertainty.  For those without work, looking for a job is hard even in good economic times, but in the wake of a global public health crisis, — it can be truly daunting. According to recent data released by the Georgia Department of Labor, our state has an 11.9% unemployment rate. Moreover, more than 1.3 million Georgians have filed for unemployment, which represents a little under ⅓ of our state’s labor force.  Remember that just a short time ago that number was at 3.1% — the lowest ever on record. So many of our fellow Georgians entire lives have changed in what likely felt like an instant. We must all do our part to help them get back on their feet. Resources and Tips There are resources being provided by many groups across the metro Atlanta area that are dedicated to helping those out of work return to employment. Employment Workshop | Roswell United Methodist Church Join Katherine Simmons and Jay Litton, co-leaders of Roswell United Method Church, on the second and fourth Monday of each month, for a live interview where they will discuss job networking and other topics, including: Do you know the key factors to finding a job?  Do you have a mentor to guide you though the path to new employment?Do you have a plan, are you prepared and practiced to have a GREAT interview? For more than 25 years, Roswell United Methodist church has been providing employment workshops, ‘mini’ job fairs and evening dinners with keynote speakers to those in need of employment or job readiness. The program itself exists to teach job seekers how to begin and sustain a job, while …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherThe 2020 Census is MONEY in our pockets! Fill out yours today.June 4, 2020It’s census time! Here’s everything you need to know about the 2020 Census in Sandy Springs, and why it is so important for you to fill it out! What Is The Census?  The Census is distributed every 10 years, and is used to gather information about the populations and communities all over the country.  In this data-driven era, you are right to be cautious about giving out your personal information. Companies are constantly trying to gather as much information about you to personalize their advertisements and products for you.  However… The Census is NOT like that at all. You CAN TRUST the Census!  This is the one place that you WANT to give your information.  The questions are simple and non-invasive. Check out some sample questions here.  What Is This Information Used For? The Census information is used to help represent you, and your community, in a bigger picture.  Here are some of the ways that the Census information is used: To determine the number of seats that each state has in the House of RepresentativesTo show where communities need new schools, hospitals, roads, restaurants, factories, and other critical operationsTo decide how billions of dollars are allocated into different programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP, Head Start, block grants for community development projects like sidewalks and mental health services, education programs, school lunch programs, and housing vouchers.  To adjust or redraw electoral and congressional districts The list goes on and on, but the bottom line is that the Census is designed to HELP us.  What About Sandy Springs? The Census has already been a huge help to our city. Have you noticed all of the sidewalks along Roswell Road? MIles of that came from money based on Census data. Also, just this month, the City was able to bring in about $384,000 …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherSST and community partners come together to provide updates to renters during COVID-19 crisisMay 28, 2020Resources for Rent Assistance in Sandy Springs, Georgia (Pt. 2)For the second time in a month, Sandy Springs Together hosted a telephone conference call with local apartment communities to provide updates about rent payments and community resources. We were honored to be joined by community leaders and activists, including Tamara Carrera, executive director of the Community Assistance Center and Alison Johnson from the Housing Justice League. For the second time in a month, Sandy Springs Together hosted a telephone conference call with local apartment communities to provide updates about rent payments and community resources. We were honored to be joined by community leaders and activists, including Tamara Carrera, executive director of the Community Assistance Center and Alison Johnson from the Housing Justice League. Both of these incredible women, who represent incredible organizations, were able to provide key insights into issues such as tenants’ rights, tenant organization, defense in housing courts and so much more. Not only were we able to provide critical information and resources, but our listeners were able to anonymously ask questions to our experts as to personal situations that they may find themselves in. We were thrilled with the response and look forward to hosting more of these in the future. Listen to the full call by clicking the play button on the video at the top., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherNow more than ever, Sandy Springs needs a housing study that is inclusive of all its citizensMay 21, 2020Editor’s Note: Sandy Springs Together periodically publishes letters or comments from community members who raise a concern we feel should be considered by the broader community. Please let us hear your thoughts. By Mary Baron Mr. Fred Rogers had a famous quote about confronting difficult, scary times. “My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world!” In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing many of these very “helpers” in our Sandy Springs community. On the frontlines of this crisis are the doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who are risking their own health to keep us safe and healthy. But, there are others whose work has largely gone unnoticed in the past who are now being recognized as crucially important in our daily lives and in the success of our local businesses. We owe a debt of gratitude to these people who are continuing to work.  The cashiers and grocery store employees who ensure that we can still get food on our tables. The school cafeteria workers who make food so that local children can get a meal even though schools are closed. The delivery truck drivers who are getting necessary items to stores and our homes. Janitorial staff, warehouse workers, senior caregivers, bank tellers, the list goes on and on. Of course, we should all say a thank you to the helpers whenever possible (and if you are able, tip generously). Another way to show our appreciation for these members of our community is to ensure that they have a home here in …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherWe must do more to protect our Essential Workforce, now and alwaysMay 14, 2020We’ve all heard a lot lately about just how essential our front-line workers are to the on-going functioning of our society and our economy. We‘ve come to understand that, in this world of COVID-19, front-line workers are not only first responders, nurses, and doctors, but also the EMS, medical technicians, hospital housekeepers, grocery store cashiers and stock clerks, sanitation workers, pharmacy technicians, senior caregivers, bus drivers and delivery personnel.  This additional group of workers, many of them our neighbors, have literally become OUR human resources. WE are relying on THEM to be there for us, and to help us in a variety of ways get through this difficult time and beyond But, how can we be sure that they will remain here? As we’ve said before, it’s only getting more and more difficult for them. When housing costs rise, and they have to pay more than half of their income on rent costs, they either have to look for a second job, which many of them have already done, or they need to move out of Sandy Springs for more affordable housing elsewhere. Back in 2013, Georgia Tech and the Boston Consulting Group conducted a study for The Essential Economy Council in Georgia. In their analysis, they say that “…we saw that the goods and services provided by these occupations are basic and essential to our economy and our way of life, hence the term Essential Economy.” In 2017, according to a report by the Atlanta Regional Commission, there were 17,000 JOBS in Sandy Springs that fall into the Essential Economy categories. In addition, a Georgia Tech report explains that there are 6 areas into which the Essential Economy can be grouped based on type of job and skills needed to perform that job. The workers of the essential economy …, sst-posts uncategorized research
Sandy Springs TogetherSST partners with Housing Justice League to offer guidance for rent payments during COVID-19 crisisMay 7, 2020Resources for Rent Assistance in Sandy Springs, GeorgiaSandy Springs Together was honored to organize a telephone conference call with local affordable housing advocate, Tim Franzen. Mr. Franzen, who co-founded Housing Justice League, a community-led organization focused on housing rights for all people, shared important information and answered questions about rent payments during the COVID-19 crisis. Sandy Springs Together was honored to organize a telephone conference call with local affordable housing advocate, Tim Franzen. Mr. Franzen, who co-founded Housing Justice League, a community-led organization focused on housing rights for all people, shared important information and answered questions about rent payments during the COVID-19 crisis. On the call, impacted members of the Sandy Springs community were able to get the answers they needed about their rent payments. We look forward to future opportunities to engage impacted members of our community with critical information that can help out during these tough times.sst-posts research
Sandy Springs TogetherWhere Have All The Young People Gone? (Part 2)April 30, 2020In a recent blog, we posed a simple question: Where have all of the young people gone? Much to our surprise, we received a lot of feedback that we found quite unsettling. For context, here is one resident’s response: “This is ridiculous. If someone is interested in the community, they will read the publications about their community. Few young renters have any vested interest in the happenings of the community, or much interest at all beyond free concerts! I don’t blame them for this, as I was the same in my younger years. In fact, I did not read up on community issues until I bought a house here, after renting here for several years. The ones who own property and businesses are the ones really vested in the community. They pay the taxes, study the issues, and show up at the meetings. Anyone interested in issues affecting the community can pick up a free Reporter all over Sandy Springs and attend the meetings if they are interested. But, they are not interested! Your position on this is ridiculous!” ~ Susan, resident of Sandy Springs for 39 years Sadly, there were more like this one. , research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherThe Role of Young People and the Future of Sandy SpringsApril 23, 2020Editor’s Note: Sandy Springs Together periodically publishes letters or comments from community members who raise a concern we feel should be considered by the broader community. Eliza Bruno, the newly elected Valedictorian of the graduating class at Mt. Vernon School and rising freshman at Ga. Tech and her classmate, Kylie Smith-Wolfe, a rising freshman at the School of Nursing at University of Pennsylvania submitted this letter, which offers a well thought out perspective and confirms that there are young people who are involved and who care about our community.  Please let us hear your thoughts. By Eliza Bruno and Kylie Smith-Wolfe We attended both the February 10th initial Sandy Springs North End Committee meeting for revitalization, and the open public meeting on March 5th. The Committee was established to generate public input regarding redeveloping and repurposing four shopping centers in the North End.  As teenage residents of Sandy Springs, while we applaud TSW and The City attempting to gather community input, we hope that both data and facts will be used to develop solid policy., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherICYMI: Elected officials in Atlanta call for rent controlApril 16, 2020Editor’s Note: The following blog was written before the current COVID-19 outbreak. Many of our neighbors are finding themselves unable to pay their monthly rent. The impact this will have to our schools, our businesses and our community is yet to be seen, but it will be devastating to our community if these residents are forced out. We applaud the city’s support of the Community Assistance Center  in the March 17th council meeting, and hope that there is more that our community can do. Once this crisis is over, however, our need for sustainable rent affordability will still be there, and here is how the City of Atlanta is addressing the issue. The affordable housing crisis is impacting cities and communities around the country, and our very own Sandy Springs surely isn’t exempt. Different cities have offered and implemented various solutions to solve this growing problem, and one thing is clear: there is no “one size fits all” solution. A (New?) Solution for Atlanta The news crew over at 11Alive is back with another great segment about affordable housing, this time focusing on efforts made by Atlanta city council members to protect existing affordable housing through calls for “rent control” to state officials. “We’re in dire need of rent stabilization to keep our residents in their homes,” said Atlanta Councilmember Antonio Brown in an article published by the AJC.  He’s right. Whether or not rent control is the solution, Brown correctly points out the dire need for rent stabilization, a problem that is impacting working families in Sandy Springs, too. A Step in the Right Direction In the same AJC article, Georgia State University professor and housing expert Dan Immergluck points out that rent control is a step in the right direction, but not an end all solution.  The bottom …, , research sst-posts uncategorized
Sandy Springs TogetherDoes Sandy Springs value tree preservation over affordable housing for working families?April 9, 2020This question becomes more and more important as the city moves forward with plans to conduct a housing Study, as was approved in the City Council meeting on March 17., , research sst-posts uncategorized
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs offers $25,000 emergency payment for Community Assistance CenterApril 2, 2020At a time when emergency support is critically important, the Sandy Springs city council approved a $25,000 emergency payment to the Community Assistance Center. Councilman Bauman brought the motion to the council., , research sst-posts uncategorized
Sandy Springs TogetherThank you for your CAC donationsApril 1, 2020Dear Neighbors,  We have been blown away by the support you have shown our community by participating in Sandy Springs Together’s COVID-19 Relief Fund for the Community Assistance Center.  Your generosity is humbling and, once again, you have shown that we are a unique city, which comes together to make sure we all can benefit from each other.   This city is full of acts of kindness all around us, with food being taken to drop off locations, masks being sewn, young people running errands for older folks and so much more. If you hear about an act of kindness, please do let us know. We’d love to learn more about it.   SO many of our neighbors are scared and struggling, not knowing if they will be able to make ends meet with all of the business closings and reduced hours. The Community Assistance Center’s call volume has risen 400% with more than 100 requests for rent assistance in process and more coming in hourly. Their budget for COVID relief is $250,000 per month for the next 3 months. The impact of this pandemic and the economic fall-out is staggering.   But you have made a difference and we thank you.  If you haven’t made your contribution yet, and you want to see your donation matched by the Couchman Noble Foundation, head on over to the COVID-19 CAC donation link to have your donation matched by the Couchman Noble Foundation. The match will end on April 4th. But, the link we will remain active beyond that date for all future donations., , research sst-posts uncategorized
ForbesStrip Malls; The least glamorous segment in retailMarch 31, 2020The performance of inline strip centers is holding up exceptionally well, and is second to high street opportunities in performance. Strip Malls: The Least Glamorous Segment In Retail Is Among The Sector’s Strongest PerformersTenant demand and a broad mix of tenants have made strip malls strong performers as retail continues its transformation., studies research
City LabSeven Uses for Failing Strip MallsMarch 31, 2020A collection of some of the most interesting ideas we’ve heard for what comes next for the shopping mall. BloombergNo Description, studies research
The MacArthur FoundationPreserving Affordable Rental HousingMarch 31, 2020Our $150 million Window of Opportunity: Preserving Affordable Rental Housing initiative seeks to preserve and improve affordable rental housing nationwide. MacArthur FoundationThe MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. In addition to selecting the MacArthur Fellows, we work to defend human rights, advance global conservation and security, make cities better places, and understand how technology is affecting children and society., studies research
Urban Land InstitutePreserving Workforce Housing ULIMarch 31, 2020This report from the ULI Terwilliger Center for Housing provides a broad-based overview of this rapidly evolving landscape. It profiles 16 leading efforts to preserve multifamily workforce and affordable housing, including below-market debt funds, private equity vehicles, and real estate investment trusts. No TitleNo Description, news research
Urban Land InstituteCities across the US are finding creative ways to preserve affordable housingMarch 31, 2020A new report from the Urban Land Institute and NeighborWorks America showcases 16 of the best ideas for affordable rentals from around the country. https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/affordable-housing-funding-ideas-us-cities, news research
Change Lab SolutionsPreserving, Protecting and Expanding Affordable Housing – A Policy ToolkitMarch 31, 2020Preserving, Protecting, and Expanding Affordable Housing: A Policy Toolkit for Public Health provides public health practitioners, along with their allies in public agencies, community organizations, and the private development community, with the tools and strategies needed to preserve and promote safe and affordable housing for low- and moderate-income renters. No TitleNo Description, studies research
Urban Land InstituteULI Preserving affordable housing – rentalsMarch 31, 2020This article highlights five pathways that successful efforts have taken to preserve affordable housing. https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/preserving-affordable-housing-what-works, news research
Harvard StudyHarvard Study Preserving NOAH in Metro Atlanta – full reportMarch 31, 2020Atlanta needs to create conditions to help preserve its naturally-occurring affordable housing. No TitleNo Description, studies research
Noah Impact FundTwin Cities, MN – NOAH Impact FundMarch 31, 2020Naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) is essential to the economic vitality of Twin Cities communities and enables employees to live near work and school while supporting employers to retain a stable workforce. The OpportunityNationwide, affordable rental housing is at risk. National investors are rapidly acquiring NOAH properties and aggressively raising rents by 10 to 15 percent in the first year, and continuing to increase rents in subsequent years. The Twin Cities region, like metropolitan regions across the U.S., is losing affordable h, news research
Miami HeraldAffordable housing for teachers Miami, FLMarch 31, 2020A proposal to bring affordable housing to teachers in the Miami-Dade school system is explained. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article206839799.html, news research
Next City OrgDenver spending $100’s Millions to create affordable housingMarch 31, 2020Denver City Council approved a controversial plan to raise $150 million over the next 10 years for affordable housing, however they are short on funds. https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/councilor-thinks-denvers-100m-short-on-affordable-housing-impact, studies research
Arlington GovtArlington, Va. Buckingham Apartments relocation PlanMarch 31, 2020This county in Arlington, VA has established guidelines regarding tenant displacement when residential rental properties are proposed for demolition, rehabilitation or conversion. When tenants must be relocated due to redevelopment, they may be entitled to relocation payments or other benefits. The goal is to assist displaced tenants to move directly to safe and affordable replacement housing convenient to their employment or school. Rental ServicesWe provide info and resources to help low-income individuals and families find affordable housing in Arlington – including grants and vouchers to cover a portion of monthly rent payments, a listing of affordable units throughout the County, and more., studies research
SS ReporterBrookhaven pioneers affordable housing requirementMarch 31, 2020Brookhaven is the first city in metro Atlanta to adopt a mandatory citywide inclusionary zoning ordinance as one way to tackle housing affordability. Brookhaven pioneers an affordable housing requirementBrookhaven is the first city in metro Atlanta to adopt a mandatory citywide inclusionary zoning ordinance as one way to tackle housing affordability. The new regulation is being praised by an Atlanta city councilmember who is working to create regional affordable housing policy guidelines, but is also being knocked by building professionals who say a […], news research
Pulse WestsideAtlanta, Development without DisplacementMarch 31, 2020New single-family homes built in the Westside as part of the Legacy Home partnership welcome families struggling with homelessness. Moving the Westside Forward: Development without DisplacementOver the past four years, we, at The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, have seen our role on the Westside as serving as a catalyst for positive neighborhood transformation., studies research
Georgia TechEssential Economy Workers and housing-jobs mismatch in Sandy Springs, Ga.March 31, 2020This case study examines the demographics of Sandy Springs as well as the housing market. It outlines a a variety of possible affordable housing interventions. No TitleNo Description, studies research
Next City OrgHow cities are preserving affordable housing – 2017March 31, 2020This article documents some of the ways cities have attempted to preserve affordable housing in 2017. These include linkage fees, inclusionary zoning, and corporate subsidies. https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/how-cities-preserved-affordable-housing-in-2017, studies research
Community ProgressHomeowner rehab and curb appeal incentivesMarch 31, 2020Community Progress exists to help meet the growing need in America’s cities and towns for effective, sustainable solutions to turn vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties into vibrant places. This webpage outlines incentives for homeowners for home improvement, repair and curb appeal improvements. The purpose of these incentives is to make visible improvements to the housing stock; increase housing value; improve neighborhood image; and raise the standard for housing quality. Building American Cities Toolkit | Center for Community ProgressComing Soon!Local Tools for Cities, Towns, and Municipalities Thanks to support from Enterprise Community Partners, for years, The Building American Cities Toolkit™, has helped practitioners think through strategies, identify tools, and learn about other communities that have improved the land, buildings, neighborhoods, and other elements of the built environment., studies research
House ATLHouse ATL recommendationsMarch 31, 2020HouseATL is a cross-sector group of civic leaders committed to building the political and community will for a comprehensive and coordinated housing affordability action plan in the City of Atlanta. This webpage outlines their recommendations for investing in an affordable Atlanta without displacement, working together and empowering Atlantans. https://houseatl.org/recommendations/?fbclid=IwAR1d4Y5kyA_VA0bJSXDwIsEkeV9rHBo5Y6MinTYMwQwjITjHwc-O53_B524, studies research
VideoLife of Privilege explained in a $100 raceMarch 31, 2020A popular YouTube video that examines equity and privilege. No TitleNo Description, research video_tv_radio
NPRZip Code destiny – NPRMarch 31, 2020Hidden Brain Podcast that discusses early variables in your life, from the quality of your kindergarten teacher to the neighborhood you grew up in, and the can lasting effects it can have on economic mobility. Zipcode DestinyThere’s a core belief embedded in the story of the United States: the American Dream. The possibility of climbing the economic ladder is central to that dream. This week we speak with Raj Chetty, one of the most influential economists alive today, about the state of economic mobility in the U.S., research video_tv_radio
Georgetown LawNegative Impacts of GentrificationMarch 31, 2020This article defines gentrification as an influx of capital and concomitant goods and services in locales where those resources were previously non-existent or denied. The author discusses the problems that gentrification causes. Examining the Negative Impacts of Gentrificationby Emily Chong, studies research
Arlington GovtArlington, VAMarch 31, 2020The Arlington County Board approved a plan to build a five-story mixed-income apartment building. It will include 98 committed affordable units, most of them family-size. https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/arlington-county-board-approves-plan-financing-for-buckingham-neighborhood-mixed-income-housing-complex/, government_private_partnerships research
SS GovtAug. 2017 City Council Meeting Minutes – Mayor announces desire to form task forceMarch 31, 2020Aug. 2017 City Council Meeting Minutes – Mayor announces desire to form task force http://www.sandyspringsga.gov/home/showdocument?id=15707, government_private_partnerships research
SS GovtSmall Area Plan, North River Node Next TEN Comprehensive planMarch 31, 2020The Roswell Road Small Area Plan is an addendum to The Next Tex: Comprehensive Plan for Sandy Springs, GA. This Small Area Plan provides a vision and an implementation path for a re-imagined Roswell Road. This addendum builds background and explains the community engagement process. It delves into the demographics of the area as well as outlining existing land use and the character of the community. 2017 0207 Roswell Road Plan_For Online Viewing-SpreadDownload, , government_private_partnerships research uncategorized
SS GovtNewest Development Code 07/10/17March 31, 2020This Development Code is intended to guide the future growth of the City of Sandy Springs in alignment with the vision set forth by The Next Ten Comprehensive Plan. No TitleNo Description, government_private_partnerships research
SS GovtCouncil districtsMarch 31, 2020Map of the Sandy Springs City Council Districts and Council Members as of August 22, 2016 http://www.sandyspringsga.gov/home/showdocument?id=11295, government_private_partnerships research
SS PatchStory on Chastain apartments still leasing through the date that Gateway project was approved and how most residents didn’t know about coming displacement. July 2013March 31, 2020Apartment communities located on Roswell Road near Windsor Parkway will be torn down for luxury apartments, retail and office space, restaurants and Sprouts grocery store. The apartment residents, mostly Latino, were not made aware of the displacement. Residents Learn of Displacement Mostly Through Word-of-MouthResidents Learn of Displacement Mostly Through Word-of-Mouth – Sandy Springs, GA – Chastain and Versailles apartment residents in Sandy Springs will be displaced for a new development that will include luxury apartments and retail and office space., news research
SS PatchStory on City Council approving Gateway development a year later, in July 2013March 31, 2020Sandy Springs City Council approves a huge Roswell Road development. This plan is admonished by residents who say the process was not transparent. City Council Approves Huge Roswell Road Development, Admonished by ResidentsCity Council Approves Huge Roswell Road Development, Admonished by Residents – Sandy Springs, GA – Sandy Springs City Council members also approved a $3.7 million intersection improvement option that will cut through part of the Gallery 63 property and raze a historic church building., news research
New York TimesSeattle commits $500M to affordable housing 1/16/19March 31, 2020Microsoft Pledges $500 Million for Affordable Housing in Seattle Area. Microsoft Pledges $500 Million for Affordable Housing in Seattle Area (Published 2019)The move is the most ambitious effort yet by a tech company to fund construction for local teachers, firefighters and other middle- and low-income residents., news research
SS ReporterWorkforce exodus as rents rise in SS 4/14/17March 31, 2020Article highlights a meeting of the Community Assistance Center, a nonprofit aimed at preventing hunger and homelessness, with residents who say they are being priced out of their apartment homes. As Sandy Springs rents rise, a working-class ‘exodus’ beginsAyanna Souffrant moved to Sandy Springs 10 years ago for reasons many people do: to live in a safe community with good jobs and schools. Employed at the Perimeter Mall Chick-fil-A to support her two children, she’s one of the service workers who keep Perimeter Center in business., news research
SS ReporterBrookhaven/Buford Hwy zoning includes affordability mandateMarch 31, 2020Brookhaven’s proposed Buford Highway Overlay zoning district will include an affordable housing mandate and apartment tenant protections as city leaders try to address gentrification of the corridor known for its international restaurants and immigrant residents. Brookhaven’s Buford Highway zoning to include affordability mandateBrookhaven’s proposed Buford Highway Overlay zoning district will include an affordable housing mandate and apartment tenant protections as city leaders try to address gentrification of the corridor known for its international restaurants and immigrant residents. Besides an affordable housing mandate, other recommendations are expected to include requiring apartment complex owners to give “extended notices” to […], news research
SS ReporterCity of Atlanta releases housing affordability action plan, commits to $1Billion for affordable housing preservation or creation.March 31, 2020The city of Atlanta issued a “Housing Affordability Action Plan” on June 25, this article lists the plan’s main goals and “initiatives”. Atlanta releases ‘Housing Affordability Action Plan’; touches on Buckhead issuesThe city of Atlanta issued a “Housing Affordability Action Plan” on June 25, drawing together a diverse slate of tactics for improving residential stability and equity that touches on several recent concerns in Buckhead. The lengthy plan elaborates a major agenda of Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ administration and ties together ideas compiled from a wide […], news research
SS ReporterTask Force told to boost retail and avoid gentrification 5/25/18March 31, 2020Mayor Rusty Paul, challenges the North end Task Force to boost higher-end retail, which hinges on a wealthier customer base, without displacing the working-class residents of the city’s perhaps most diverse area Sandy Springs north end task force is told to boost retail, avoid gentrificationThe city of Sandy Springs’ North End Revitalization Task Force kicked off its brainstorming for redevelopment of northern Roswell Road on May 16 at Pontoon Brewing – the sort of hip, trendy business leaders want to see proliferate in the area of today’s aging shopping centers and apartment complexes., news research
Sandy Springs TogetherTask Force Approves plan without advocate supportMarch 31, 2020Sandy Springs’ North End Task Force is sent proposals to redevelop the area to the City Council without the approval of three members, who are affordable housing advocates. The advocates presented an alternative plan that called for anti-displacement measures. Sandy Springs’ north end plan heads to City Council without advocate supportSandy Springs’ north end task force is set to send its proposals to redevelop the area to the City Council without the approval of three members, who are affordable housing advocates. The advocates presented an alternative plan at the task force’s Dec. 5 meeting that called for anti-displacement measures, but it was not supported by […], news research
Sandy Springs TogetherWhere Have All The Young People Gone?March 27, 2020Where have all the young people gone? That’s a question you might be asking yourself if you attended the North End Community Input meeting on March 5th; a room filled with mostly middle-aged and older members of our community. So, where have they gone? Young People are Missing the Message Our young people are not absent because they don’t care, they are absent because they are being left out of the conversation.   Our residents aged 20 to 44 make up 41% of the total population of Sandy Springs — that’s a 7% increase over the past decade. Such a large portion of our residents should not be left out of this conversation! It is their future that the city is planning.  We need their voices.  Inclusivity is key,  so why are they not in these meetings? City Meeting Advertising If young people are unaware of these meetings, why is that happening? How does the city advertise these meetings? Well, for one, the city advertises community input meetings in the two local newspapers, the “Sandy Springs Neighbor” and the “Sandy Springs Reporter”. But, according to both paper’s circulation departments, only single family residences receive these publications. Yes, that’s right. Residents of our many apartment complexes don’t even get the papers. In addition, the Sandy Springs Council of Neighborhoods posts announcements about community input meetings on their social media platforms, but only homeowners and condo owners are allowed to be members of this non-profit.  And finally, there’s the Home Owners Associations, which also publish information about community input meetings — but here again, only homeowners receive the information. It’s common knowledge that most young people can’t afford to own property in Sandy Springs and, therefore, are not able to be homeowners. This means they are living in apartments, condos and townhomes — …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs needs Community Block Grants to address real housing problems for working familiesMarch 19, 2020What’s Happening Did you know that Sandy Springs applies for federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) that are primarily designed to assure “fair housing” for all, and are intended to benefit low and moderate-income families? Well, now you do. And every five years, the city of Sandy Springs must submit an “Analysis of Impediments”, which evaluates how we are doing in regards to housing affordability, and outlines what the impediments are to providing fair and affordable housing in Sandy Springs. So, What’s the Problem? Our city first applied for CDBG funding back in 2008. To qualify for the funds, our City Council declared Sandy Springs a “slum city”, using the demographics of our low-income working families.  These funds have been mainly used to build sidewalks. This was, in fact, a good thing due to the fact that the people that most often use the sidewalks are those that do not have automobiles. But, there may be a better use for these funds that more directly benefit our city’s low to moderate-income residents in the long run. Why Does It Matter Right Now? Well, the city is about to go through the 2020 application process again. And, after putting together their assessment last November, it was open to “public comment” for 60 days, which closed on February 20. As you might imagine, after reviewing their assessment, we were surprised by a few items.  You can download our complete commentary on their report, below: Click Download to Read Our CommentsDownload We are told that our comments about their assessment will be included in their report to city council on March 17.  What The City’s Plan Gets Wrong Ignores the impact that gentrification is having on the city’s socio-economic and racial diversity, displacement of over 2,500 residents (87% non white residents);Claims to be …, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherCOVID-19 resources available in Sandy SpringsMarch 18, 2020In light of the crisis currently facing our nation and world, we want to take just a minute to talk about what matters most in Sandy Springs right now.  While we are an organization that has primarily focused our efforts on affordable housing policies, we know that there are more urgent needs facing our city today. Sandy Springs Together knows that there are many in our community that would be glad to help, if only they knew where to put their effort. , research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherICYMI: Citizens submit input at city’s first North End Revitalization MeetingMarch 9, 2020If you missed the March 5th Community Meeting, PLEASE go to Menti.com; access code 23-56-46 and complete the poll. Deadline for poll responses is March 19, 2020. YOUR voice is needed. , research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherBelieve it or not, gentrification is happening right now in Sandy SpringsMarch 5, 2020What’s Happening Gentrification is happening right now in the city of Sandy Springs. The ever-rising cost of housing is impacting our city in many ways, including forcing families to move out, all the while existing apartments are replaced with newer, higher market-rate properties. In addition, owners of existing apartments are choosing to increase rent for their tenants, in response to reduced supply and increased market demand. , , research sst-posts uncategorized
Metro PlanningEvanston, IL, Affordable Housing Demolition TaxFebruary 28, 2020Evanston, Illinois, has created a demolition tax. Revenue raised from this tax is contributed to the Affordable Housing Fund for the creation, preservation, maintenance and improvement of affordable housing within the city. http://www.metroplanning.org/homegrown/case.aspx?case=affordable-demolition-evanston, government_private_partnerships research
Amy MortonLife of privilege explained in a $100 raceFebruary 28, 2020A popular You Tube video that examines equity and privilege. No TitleNo Description, research video_tv_radio
NPRZipcode Destiny: The Persistent Power Of Place And EducationFebruary 28, 2020Hidden Brain Podcast discusses early variables in your life, from the quality of your kindergarten teacher to the neighborhood you grew up in, and the can lasting effects it can have on economic mobility. Zipcode DestinyThere’s a core belief embedded in the story of the United States: the American Dream. The possibility of climbing the economic ladder is central to that dream. This week we speak with Raj Chetty, one of the most influential economists alive today, about the state of economic mobility in the U.S., research video_tv_radio
Amy MortonDemolition to displacement and race in Atlanta’s northern suburbs Oct 2018February 28, 2020A look at the movement from exclusion of hispanics and blacks in Northern Atlanta neighborhoods, to expulsion through exclusionary zoning, auto-mobility, and anti-crowding ordinances, colorblind justification. From Exclusion to Expulsion: Demolition, Displacement, and Race in Atlanta’s Northern SuburbsScott Markley examines suburban redevelopment projects in Atlanta and their role in changing neighborhood racial composition., studies research
Sandy Springs TogetherCity of Sandy Springs to hold North End revitalization community input meeting on March 5thFebruary 27, 2020HEADS UP! The city of Sandy Springs is hosting a community input meeting on Thursday, March 5th at 6:00pm and will be held at City Hall, located at 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, Ga. 30328.  Will you be there? We NEED your voice.   What We Know The city is considering REMOVING some of the zoning restrictions on the North End, the same restrictions currently in place throughout the rest of the cityThis would allow developers to begin work on new constructionThe city is weighing tax breaks for developers so that they are given additional free right to build what they want, with little limitationsSome members of the CURRENT Advisory Committee want ONLY single-family homes built in Sandy Springs, and many are representing their neighborhood’s Home Owners Associations. There is ONE renter on the committee.  What We Don’t Know There’s a few questions that we need answers to that we hope will come out of this meeting: Where will the current families be when all of this is finished?Will they still be here?Or will they have been forced out? We Need You There Your voice is needed at this meeting.  Is this the type of city we want? Or do we want to have development with preservation of housing affordability? We can, and should, do both. But we need YOU to stand with us by making your voice heard, loud and clear. Share your stories, your insight, your feedback. Lift your voices. See you on March 5th at 6pm at City Hall!, , research sst-posts uncategorized
Sandy Springs TogetherLocal media highlights far-reaching impact of Atlanta’s lack of housing affordabilityFebruary 20, 2020Since the inception of Sandy Springs Together, we’ve harped on the importance of the city addressing the growing affordable housing crisis before it’s too late. We’ve also highlighted the fact that this problem isn’t exclusive to Sandy Springs — it’s impacting the entire city of Atlanta and similar metropolitan areas around the country. 11Alive Speaks Up Recently, the news crew over at 11Alive produced a great segment articulating the key issues and consequences that the ever-rising cost of housing is creating in the Atlanta area. As 11Alive says in their report, “it has become common in Atlanta — homes coming down, expensive buildings and developments going up.”  Why This is a Problem This is a huge problem because people who have lived in these areas for decades are being forced out of their neighborhood, and the average person cannot afford to live in, or even near, the city.  As it stands now, according to an Atlanta Business Chronicle report, roughly 340,000 Atlanta households pay more than 30% of their income toward housing costs, including rent and mortgage. The 11Alive segment points out that the fact that these high housing costs impact people’s ability to spend money on other things, such as healthcare, daycare and even basic necessities, like groceries. Perhaps an even more compelling argument comes from the National Association of Realtors, who argue that as housing prices increase, workers have to live farther out, which means businesses are less likely to come to Atlanta due to workers’ longer commutes. Solid Evidence  Housing prices are up nearly 50% over the last 5 years; that is a short time to see such a price hike.  Housing prices are more than double the growth rate of the median family income.  It’s evident that the impact of a lack of housing affordability is …, , research sst-posts uncategorized
Sandy Springs TogetherHeads up! Sandy Springs is holding its first public North End Advisory Meeting to discuss future plansFebruary 6, 2020What’s Happening The first North End Advisory Meeting has been officially scheduled. The details are: DATE: February 10, 2020 TIME: 4:00 p.m. PLACE: 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, Ga. 30328, , research sandy-springs-together sst-posts
Amy MortonTransparency is the key to local government accountabilityJanuary 30, 2020Editor’s Note: Sandy Springs Together periodically publishes letters or comments from community members who raise a concern we feel should be considered by the broader community. Please let us hear your thoughts. By Mary Baron “Until we have responsive government close to home that is accountable to us, it is not representative government.”  ~ Eva Galambos, The Atlanta Constitution, February 17, 2005 The movement for Sandy Springs’ cityhood was fueled by a sense that the representatives of the Fulton County Commission were not being responsive or accountable to the Sandy Springs residents. Sandy Springs residents were also paying more in taxes than they were receiving in dollar value for services. , , sandy-springs-together sst-posts uncategorized research
Sandy Springs TogetherCommunity Foundation of Greater Atlanta calls for inclusive, reflective changes to decision making processJanuary 23, 2020As Sandy Springs moves forward with revitalizing the North End, we are hopeful that not only the decisions themselves, but also the process, is inclusive and reflective of the needs and well-being of all of our neighbors. Everyone should be included and heard in the decision making process. This is true no matter how much you earn, what you look like, or where in our city you live. Everyone deserves a voice. All of us bring value to Sandy Springs. Isn’t that what Martin Luther King, Jr. would say?  Recently, Alicia Philipp, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta addressed the Atlanta Regional Commission’s annual meeting. Her remarks were truly impactful, and as we celebrate this week the life and legacy of MLK, we wanted to take time to highlight a few of Philipp’s remarks. In her statement, she asked, “What is our path forward … as a city and as a region?”  She states that we must not only face the difficult issues, but that we must change the way decisions are made. In metro-Atlanta, more than a quarter of families do not have $400 on hand in the case of an emergency, while another 1 in 3 families spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs. She points out that we have all of the ingredients to become the land of opportunity and provide pathways to the American Dream, but that the system is falling short for so many. She talks candidly about race, and how we tell ourselves the lie that there are no racial biases in society. Yet, in reality, we are more divided than united along racial lines, especially when it comes to education, health outcomes, employment and housing. The data is there — our minority neighbors are not prospering.  But at …, , research sst-posts uncategorized
Sandy Springs TogetherPreserving Rent Affordability in the Private Housing MarketJanuary 16, 2020How can Sandy Springs — or any city for that matter — preserve the affordability of apartments which are privately owned? Over the past year, you’ve heard us talk a lot about preserving the affordability of rent in Sandy Springs. But you might be asking yourself — how can a city actually accomplish that for privately owned properties? , , research sst-posts uncategorized
Sandy Springs TogetherCity moves forward with shopping center plansJanuary 9, 2020Are you ready for change?  The city of Sandy Springs is moving forward with its plans to engage a private design company to come up with ideas for how three shopping centers could be redeveloped. The three shopping centers are: the former Loehmann’s shopping center (where the Sandy Springs Diner is located); Northridge Shopping Center (where the former Kroger’s was);North River Shopping Center (where Stars and Strikes is currently located) Mayor Rusty Paul has said that the designs are intended to act as ideas or suggestions of what “could be” developed, and that the city could take the designs and develop the ideas someplace else in the city. According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, rents in the metro region increased by 35 percent between 2011 – 2017, and home prices have increased 60 percent. One in three residents pays more than 30 percent of their income on housing.  Atlanta is no longer an affordable place to live.  And how are we doing here in Sandy Springs?  One thing is for sure, the city has done NO study to determine the impact the desired redevelopment of shopping centers will have on the affordability of housing. And all of this talk about redevelopment is driving the cost of land and rents even higher.  What are your thoughts about all of the proposed changes with no impact study being done? You will have a chance to share your opinions with the city soon.  The city will conduct community input meetings in the months ahead and your voice is needed. All of the walking paths, new retail and restaurants will be great to have, but at what cost? Stay tuned to Sandy Springs Together to learn more about how you can make a difference by letting your voice be heard at the upcoming community meetings., , research sst-posts uncategorized
Sandy Springs TogetherIn case you missed it: Best of Sandy Springs TogetherJanuary 2, 2020As we begin a new year — our second year as Sandy Springs Together — we want to review some of our best work from the past year and highlight a few headlines you may have missed., , research sst-posts uncategorized
Sandy Springs TogetherNorth End is ‘Open for business’ but at what cost?December 19, 2019The city wants to send a message to developers that  the ”north end is open for business.” This has been an objective since the formation of the North End Revitalization Task Force in July 2018. In a step toward that goal, the city passed a resolution last week, on Tuesday, Dec. 3, to hire the design firm TSW Design Group. By taking this action, the city has sent the first signal.  TSW Design will offer 3 design suggestions for 4 underutilized shopping centers on the north end.  The four shopping centers are: the former Loehmann’s shopping center (where the Sandy Springs Diner is located); Northridge Shopping Center (where the former Kroger’s was);North River Shopping Center (where Stars and Strikes is currently located), and; the Big Lots shopping center. We welcome revitalization if it addresses one of the objectives of the mission of the same task force, specifically “…that (it) creates a place for the families currently living in the neighborhood”.    These families are our workforce and our neighbors and many of them have already been priced out of the city due to rising rents and redevelopment. Mayor Rusty Paul said, “While there’s too much rental housing in the area, we’re not interested in gentrification. I want to make that real clear.” Sandy Springs Reporter, May 25, 2018.  We are interested in seeing how the design plans from TSW evolve and what price point the housing will come in at. Keeping housing costs affordable for both renters and homeowners is our primary concern.  We have been advocating for the city to conduct an affordable housing impact study before development begins, and we will continue to raise awareness for this issue. There are options available to the city to ensure that housing remains affordable —  other cities are taking steps to accomplish this. Sandy …, research sst-posts
Amy MortonSandy Springs’ children are our future, and we must protect their opportunitiesDecember 12, 2019Editor’s Note: Sandy Springs Together periodically publishes letters or comments from community members who raise a concern we feel should be considered by the broader community.  Please let us hear your thoughts.  By RM Hoelting Since retiring 5 years ago, I have been fortunate enough to be able to tutor at Lake Forest Elementary School. I say fortunate because this school is filled with the most grateful, hardworking and humble children I have ever known.sst-posts research
Amy MortonLack of housing is heart-rendering at this time of yearDecember 5, 2019Editor’s Note: Sandy Springs Together periodically publishes letters or comments from community members who raise a concern we feel should be considered by the broader community.  Please let us hear your thoughts.  by Peggy Stapleton The funny thing about addressing housing issues during December is that this is the month when many of us celebrate the birth of a king, a poor king — a king who lodged who-knows-where on his birthday., sst-posts uncategorized research
Sandy Springs TogetherWhere can I go to learn more about affordable housing in the Atlanta Metro Region?November 28, 2019Our top priority is to keep our community as informed about affordable housing issues as we possibly can. And we are hearing more and more people ask us where they can go to learn more about affordable housing, so we figured we’d provide a few resources where you can go to learn more about affordable housing in our region. , , research sst-posts uncategorized
Amy MortonSandy Springs Charter Middle School sees double digit improvements on Georgia MilestonesNovember 21, 2019Editor’s Note: Sandy Springs Together periodically publishes letters or comments from community members who raise a concern we feel should be considered by the broader community. Please let us hear your thoughts.  By Melody Kelley, PhD Sandy Springs Charter Middle School, (SSCMS), located on the northern end of Sandy Springs, has a lot to be proud of this year.  After accomplishing significant increases in Georgia Milestones Assessment scores, this school was awarded a Certificate of Excellence from the Fulton County School System for Outstanding Academic Achievement.   8th grade Science 8th grade Social Studies 7th grade Math and Physical Science 6th, 7th, and 8th grade English Language Artssst-posts research
Sandy Springs TogetherBeltLine officials outline top regret: Keep original residents in placeNovember 14, 2019Were you there? On a rainy Thursday evening last week, about 150 people came to hear, “What can Sandy Springs learn from Atlanta’s BeltLine?” This strong show of support underscores how important affordable housing is to the people who live here in Sandy Springs., , research sst-posts uncategorized
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs: LEARN from D.C. on the importance of smart revitalizationNovember 7, 2019Are YOU coming?  We hope so… On November 7th at 6:00 p.m., Sandy Springs Together is hosting a Community Meeting to discuss the lessons learned from the Atlanta BeltLine, and we really hope to see you there. One thing is clear: We, as a city, can do a better job of anticipating the OBVIOUS consequences posed by the proposed amenities that our city is implementing, such as the Master Trail System, the community center, access to the river, among others. For example, let’s take a look at the Bridge Park in Washington D.C., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs must be innovative, but smart when tackling the affordable housing crisisOctober 31, 2019For many years now, the city of Sandy Springs has made it a point to say that revitalization in our city is not about gentrification, or even displacement.  And yet — that is exactly what is happening. Recently, the city council approved the Trail Master Plan, which is comparable to the Atlanta BeltLine. And to be clear, we are in favor of the trails and know that they will enhance our community. However, we know that the BeltLine made clear mistakes, as was acknowledged by the Mayor in the kickoff meeting for the city’s North End Revitalization Task Force. At Sandy Springs Together, we feel it’s necessary to educate our community  about the mistakes that have been made — and that Sandy Springs is about to make, as well., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherWhat can Sandy Springs learn from Atlanta’s BeltLine?October 28, 2019We have an exciting invitation to share with you.  On Thursday evening, November 7, we will host the most important public meeting so far in the life of our organization. From 7 to 9 pm, we will talk seriously about skyrocketing housing costs, traffic congestion and how future development impacts affordable housing. Our special guests will be Dwayne Vaughn, Beltline Inc. and David Jackson, Beltline Partnership.  The discussion will be moderated by Bill Bolling, founder of the Atlanta Regional Housing Forum and a member of the Board of Directors of The Author M. Blank Foundation. What can Sandy Springs learn from Atlanta’s Beltline?Thursday, November 77-9 PMSandy Springs United Methodist Church86 Mount Vernon Hwy.Atlanta, GA 30328SandySpringsTogether.org/RSVP Sandy Springs is investing in redevelopment by building green space and walking trails and other much needed projects.   How do we add all of these improvements while REDUCING TRAFFIC and making sure our families, including young families and seniors, will still be able to afford to live here? We MUST ACT NOW and learn from others who have faced these challenges. Please join us for this important conversation: SandySpringsTogether.org/RSVP IMPORTANT: Save yourself a seat by registering in advance, and receive a chance to win one of several $50 gift certificates! Must be present to win. SandySpringsTogether.org/RSVP, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherEnterprise Community Partners Southeast announces support of Sandy Springs TogetherOctober 17, 2019Sandy Springs Together is excited to announce that on July 25, 2019, we received an official letter of support from Enterprise Community Partners Southeast. Read the Letter: ECPS Support Letter of Sandy Springs TogetherDownload On their website, ECPS lays out their goal to “bring together nationwide know-how, partners, policy leadership and investment to multiply the impact of local affordable housing development.” For more than 35 years, ECPS has been working toward a vision where “one day, every person will have an affordable home in a vibrant community, filled with promise and the opportunity for a good life.” In their letter of support, ECPS lays out the challenges presented by the ongoing affordable housing crisis. “These housing cost increases create burdens on working families, making their ability to afford other basic needs such as food, medical, and education more and more challenging.” They go on to say that affordable housing “is a regional problem and it must be addressed with a regional solution. Sandy Springs Together may be a model others want to explore.” We are excited to have our friends at ECPS standing with us as we work toward the future. The best is yet to come for our community., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherThe challenges of housing affordability and where we go from hereOctober 10, 2019What does it mean to address the challenges of housing affordability? Well, to start, we will need to learn from other cities, such as Brookhaven, where the City Council passed an inclusionary zoning code mandate last fall, which includes special restrictions on redevelopment, to account for the necessity of affordable housing. The zoning codes require that “when a special land use permit or rezoning is approved anywhere in the city for a multi-unit residential housing project, then 10 percent of the residential units must be defined as workforce housing. Residential housing projects include new construction, rehabilitation of a current apartment building or converting apartments to condominiums and can be built out in phases. The inclusionary zoning was first sought just along Buford Highway, but the Planning Commission asked the City Council to consider it citywide.” Brookhaven pioneers an affordable housing requirement, research sst-posts
Amy MortonSay YES to future residential developmentOctober 3, 2019Editor’s Note: Sandy Springs Together periodically publishes letters or comments from community members who raise a concern we feel should be considered by the broader community.  Please let us hear your thoughts.  BY MARY BARON If I told you that a new residential development is coming to Sandy Springs, I bet some of you would quickly think, “We have too many people here already and traffic will just get worse!” But let’s be honest. We can’t bury our heads in the sand and ignore the inevitable — Sandy Springs is growing. Development is on it’s way. The question to ask ourselves in the face of this growth is whether we will  continue with the same development plans that have caused our traffic congestion or are we willing to look to new and creative solutions to alleviate it., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherThe city must measure impact of redevelopment projects before breaking groundSeptember 26, 2019The city of Sandy Springs has made the decision to hire an architectural design firm to revitalize four under-utilized shopping centers, including North River Shopping Center, Loehmann’s Shopping Center, Northridge Shopping Center, and the former Big Lots shopping center. These underutilized tracts have given the North End a “depressed” look for decades, so we absolutely welcome this redevelopment., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherBold steps are necessary to solve the Sandy Springs affordable housing crisisSeptember 19, 2019Since we started Sandy Springs Together, we have constantly talked about the need for the city of Sandy Springs to take bold, decisive action to tackle the ever-growing affordable housing crisis. But despite this, you might be wondering: What’s it gonna take? What’s it gonna take for the city of Sandy Springs to implement comprehensive, bold, affordable housing policies and plans? Well, for starters, we need will — political and community will., research sst-posts
Amy MortonEthics concerns abound with Sandy Springs RFP processSeptember 11, 2019Editor’s Note: Sandy Springs Together periodically publishes letters or comments from community members who raise a concern we feel should be considered by the broader community.  Please let us hear your thoughts.  by Maurice Hoelting At the beginning of the summer, the City of Sandy Springs put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) for four North End Shopping Centers.  I had an immediate question when I heard that our city government is funding a study for redevelopment: Why is the city spending taxpayer money on a study for private property owners when the owners should be paying for their own study?  The shopping centers and the developers are the ones to profit from these studies. They should be the ones paying for the study. Additionally, two of the shopping centers already have plans for renovation., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherComplacency is acceptance: Civic action is needed to protect housing affordabilitySeptember 5, 2019For many months now, Sandy Springs Together has been educating the community about the dangers of losing our workforce housing — the housing affordable for teachers, officers, nurses and others.  We have also shared what surrounding communities are doing. We understand that our lives can get busy, making it easy to lose our focus and get distracted. It happens to each and every one of us. But, we must do more.  So, we offer a challenge: If we do nothing, we are, in fact, doing something., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs Together asked to write an op-ed on the future of Sandy SpringsAugust 29, 2019The founders of Sandy Springs Together, David and Melanie Couchman, were asked by the Sandy Springs Reporter to write an op-ed on the future of Sandy Springs. We took this opportunity to lay out our vision of the future of our city.  “For the first time, the children of working families are less likely to do better than their parents. This problem is impacting middle-income families, including teachers and first responders. From 2011 to 2016, rents rose at five times the rate of a family’s income. Young families, with rents taking more than 50% of their income, can’t save for a home down payment, and with high home prices and student loan debt, many don’t qualify for mortgages, disrupting a natural progression to home ownership. Apartments are an asset: Given today’s land-acquisition and construction costs, many cities have created policies and incentives to protect this valuable resource and the families living there.  Forward-thinking cities realize that existing apartments are a necessary component of a growing and thriving community. We encourage our city to do the same. Together we can do this.”, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherHousing affordability created decades of growth for our area, is about to backfireAugust 16, 2019How many of you moved here in the last decade?  If we had to guess, probably the majority of you. The Atlanta region has added more than 400,000 people since 2010, and the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) forecasts the additional growth of 2.5 million by 2040., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherRevitalization projects are great but miss a few crucial marks for workers and their familiesAugust 7, 2019Currently, the city of Sandy Springs is studying three promising projects aimed at improving and revitalizing the North End:, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs Together highlighted in latest issue of Southeastern Council of Foundations magazineAugust 2, 2019The work of Sandy Springs Together was recently featured in a profile written by Southeastern Council of Foundations (SECF). SECF is a “membership association of more than 360 grant-makers working together to strengthen, promote and increase philanthropy in 11 Southeastern states, including here in Georgia”. The magazine article highlights outstanding philanthropic work across the southeastern United States. In the article, titled “Bringing People to the Table” by Peter Panepento, the Couchmans’ outline their work with Sandy Springs Together and the vision they have for the future of the city of Sandy Springs., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs should look to surrounding communities for affordable housing solutionsJuly 29, 2019Sandy Springs has an affordable housing crisis. It’s a fact, and we shouldn’t beat around the bush when we talk about it. It’s important to note that the Task Force’s mission included the phrase: “creates a place for the families presently living in the neighborhoods”.  Well, what is the city actually doing about it? Spoiler alert: Nothing., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs is losing its edge in the age of opportunityJuly 23, 2019The affordability of housing in Atlanta has been fueling the entire region’s economic growth for the past several decades. According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, our region has added more than 400,000 people since  2010 and forecasts another 2.5 million people will move hereby the year 2040. However, Sandy Springs is projected to only increase in population by 20,000 residents.    We are losing our edge., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs Together thanks Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta for supportJuly 15, 2019At Sandy Springs Together, we have made it our mission to advocate for affordable housing for everyone in our city. Access to affordable housing is an essential aspect to any strong and diverse community. We take pride in our ability to hold elected officials accountable, educate the public and create change around such an important issue. With that, we could not be happier to announce that we have received a letter of support from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. Endorsement Letter: Community Foundation for Greater AtlantaDownload, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherIs Sandy Springs forgetting about the importance of affordable housing?July 9, 2019We have reached a pivotal moment in our short history as a city.  In recent statements, Mayor Rusty Paul and the City Council have announced that they are making the redevelopment of the North End a primary focus for the remainder of their current terms in office. Since receiving the final report from the North End Revitalization Task Force in January, the city government has already made plans for a new community center and a non-motorized trail system a part of the city’s Parks and Rec Master Plan. In addition, they have initiated a request for proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of four under-utilized shopping centers. But this just begs the question that so many in our community are asking themselves — where are the city’s plans to address affordable housing? It’s undeniable that affordable housing is the true key to any kind of revitalization or redevelopment project., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherSST, ARC join forces for needed discussion on affordable housing in metro-AtlantaJune 27, 2019On Monday night, we joined forces with the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the region’s top urban planning agency, to host a needed discussion on affordable housing issues in metro-Atlanta. Despite the pouring rain, roughly 100 attendees came out to engage in this important conversation.  Some of those in attendance included City Councilman John Paulson, City Councilman Andy Bauman, Executive Director of the Sandy Springs Council of Neighborhoods Rhonda Smith, as well as Andrea Settles, who serves on the Planning Commission. Sam Shenbaga with the ARC presented some of the issues and potential solutions to this problem.  INTRODUCTION by Sandy Springs TogetherDownload FULL PRESENTATION: Atlanta Regional CommissionDownload, research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs must avoid the risk of unintentional gentrificationJune 19, 2019We support the city’s decision to request proposals for the redevelopment of four under-utilized shopping centers on the north end of Sandy Springs, and the creation of a Community Center as is outlined in the Parks and Rec Master Plan. The potential redevelopment of these properties will most likely send a message that the North End is “open for business” as the North End Revitalization Task Force Plan stated was needed to stimulate economic growth in this area of town. We are, as is most everyone, in favor of economic growth on the North End and realize that a stimulus is most likely needed. However, we are concerned that there is no actionon the city’s part to create a place for the families presently living in the neighborhoods, a stated goal of the Task Force., research sst-posts
New York TimesCities Start to Question an American Ideal: A House With a Yard on Every LotJune 18, 2019A number of major U.S. Cities are making a shift in single family zoning amid mounting crises over housing affordability, racial inequality and climate change, and beginning to incorporate more required workforce housing. Cities Start to Question an American Ideal: A House With a Yard on Every Lot (Published 2019)Rising concerns about housing affordability, racial inequality and climate change are causing cities nationwide to re-examine their attachment to the detached house., , exclude news research
Sandy Springs TogetherGDOT to invest billions in toll lanes, displace 40 single-family homes along the wayJune 12, 2019A recent article published in the Sandy Springs Reporter raised an important concern regarding the Georgia Department of Transportation’s recent decision to bring toll lanes to Sandy Springs, rather than MARTA rail expansion. These toll lanes will cost billions of dollars. Yes, billions. Not only that, they will displace 40 single-family homes, causing unnecessary hardship for working families in our city. The idea behind this project was to reduce commute times for workers, so you might be wondering … by how much? 1 minute. This multi-billion dollar project has been promised to reduce commute times by one, single minute., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherSandy Springs does not have to make the same mistake againJune 11, 2019The following is in response to the city of Sandy Springs issuing a RFP for ideas to  revitalize four under-utilized shopping centers that will provide “detailed concepts for how each property could be developed to attract developer interest” quote from:    Sandy Springs to study redevelopment of four north end shopping centers.  (Sandy Springs Reporter dated 5/31/2019)  Response from Melanie & David Couchman: We are pleased that the city has decided to pursue the redevelopment of the North End by focusing on “repurposing” four underutilized shopping centers, an alternative approach that was outlined by the three dissenting task force members in the Appendix of the Task Force Plan., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherFounders of Sandy Springs Together attend event to study affordable housing in metro regionJune 3, 2019Left to Right: Sandy Springs Together founder Melanie Couchman, Carol Naughton, President of Purpose Built Communities and a panel member for the event, and Sandy Springs Together founder David Couchman. The Founders of Sandy Springs Together, David and Melanie Couchman, attended “Defining Atlanta: Q2 Affordable Housing” an informative event hosted by the Atlanta Business Chronicle to explore the topic of affordable housing in the metro-region. The event included panelists of private and public sector backgrounds. One of the panelists was Carol Naughton, pictured above. Carol is the President of Purpose Built Communities and served as a panel member for the event., research sst-posts
Sandy Springs TogetherWelcome to Sandy Springs TogetherMarch 29, 2019We are excited to launch the Sandy Springs Together website and to begin working with you to build a better, stronger and more inclusive community. In this section, you will find the most-up-to-date news and information about changes coming to our community. You will also find ways to impact that change in ways that benefit everyone., research sst-posts
SS ReporterBrookhaven pioneers an affordable housing requirementDecember 15, 2018Brookhaven is the first city in metro Atlanta to adopt a mandatory citywide inclusionary zoning ordinance as one way to tackle housing affordability. Brookhaven pioneers an affordable housing requirementBrookhaven is the first city in metro Atlanta to adopt a mandatory citywide inclusionary zoning ordinance as one way to tackle housing affordability. The new regulation is being praised by an Atlanta city councilmember who is working to create regional affordable housing policy guidelines, but is also being knocked by building professionals who say a […], , exclude news research