DIVERGING DIAMOND INTERCHANGE
construction UPDATE

Commuters should see plenty of action on the I-285 at Ashford Dunwoody Road Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) over the next two weeks, weather permitting. Ramp construction work including pouring concrete, grading and utility relocation and installation is scheduled to occur. At this time, no lane closures are planned during this phase of construction.

The first DDI in Georgia, the I-285 at Ashford Dunwoody Road project is an innovative, low-cost interim design to improve traffic flow and safety.

To find out about this weekend's planned roadwork in Metro Atlanta, please visit www.511ga.org.


FIND OUT SATURDAY, MAY 19
10am to 2pm @ Perimeter Mall
(event lot on the corner of Ashford Dunwoody Road & Perimeter Center West)

The PCIDs invite you to experience the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) on Saturday, May 19th from 10am to 2pm at Perimeter Mall . Participants with a valid driver's license will have the opportunity to drive through a mini-DDI course in a golf cart. Light refreshments will be provided and the first 100 participants to successfully navigate through the DDI will receive a free t-shirt!
Be among the first to experience the DDI design in Georgia at this fun and educational event.

Dunwoody, Ga. – On Saturday April 14, 2012 at 7:00 AM Mount Vernon Road will close to through traffic between Mount Vernon Highway and Ashford Dunwoody Road for a storm drain pipe replacement.
The road will be closed most of the day Saturday and possibly for a short time between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM on Monday April 16, 2012. Through traffic on Mount Vernon Road should use Ashford Dunwoody Road and Perimeter Center West as alternate routes. Access to the neighborhoods along Mount Vernon Road will be allowed from the Sandy Springs end of Mount Vernon Road. Updated road closure information will be provided via the City’s Twitter feed as the work progresses.

For additional information on this stormwater project please contact Carl Carver, Public Works Deputy Director, at 678-382-6854 or by e-mail at carl.carver@dunwoodyga.gov.

The Atlanta Business Chronicle recently recognized Atlanta’s Healthiest Employers for 2012. Dunwoody was #5 on the list of small companies (1-99 employees).

“The city of Dunwoody’s wellness program was founded with the hope of creating a culture of wellness among employees and their families. As the No. 5 company in the small company category in Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2012 Healthiest Employers Awards, the city of Dunwoody seems to be succeeding in its goals, boasting about 80 percent participation from employees in one or more elements of its wellness program.” click here for the complete article.

To read about the #1 small company on this list, Fallon Small Benefits Group Inc., click here.

Dunwoody Takes Stock of Urban Canopy | Advances Health and Maintenance of Trees and Environment


Dunwoody, Ga., April 4, 2012 -- The City of Dunwoody manages over 175 acres of parks and other public property as well as roughly 150 miles of public rights of way. These areas feature mature trees, forested areas, native pines and hardwoods. To promote the long-term survivability of this natural resource requires planning, care and strategic maintenance.

Proactively addressing the need for proper maintenance and health of its urban forest, City leaders initiated an urban tree canopy inventory and assessment. This detailed study not only helps the City’s experts count and register our urban forest but also measures the needs of the tree canopy with a goal of documenting an annual work plan of best practices to maintain a healthy and thriving environment.

Kicking off several weeks in advance of Earth Day and the City’s formal Arbor Day event, the six week assessment and inventory program begins with careful data gathering which includes important activities and deliverables such as:

• An on-the-ground tree survey of the city’s parks, including activity areas and passive woodlands, as well as all 150 miles of right of way and roadways.
• Meticulous tree documentation collected onto a spreadsheet and categorized by size, species, location, vitality, site characteristics, etc., so that recommendations can be made about the trees’ maintenance needs and priorities.
• Compilation and development of a tree management plan and final report, to be reviewed and adopted by the Mayor and City Council as Dunwoody’s tree maintenance comprehensive plan.

Additionally, the intensive inventory and assessment will also help to identify species diversity, planning and removal needs, hazardous trees and insect and disease problems which all help with the preparation of the work plan for on-going maintenance activities.

While the inventory and assessment is underway, the City also plans to hold a special Residential Tree Care Clinic and Arbor Day Event. City of Dunwoody Arborist, Howard Koontz, will lead this instructional clinic and residents and attendees will have the opportunity to learn about proper tree care and take home seeds for cultivation. The Residential Tree Care Clinic and Arbor Day Event will take place at Dunwoody City Hall, 41 Perimeter Center East, Dunwoody, Ga. 30346 on April 27, 2012 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

For more information on the urban canopy inventory and assessment or the Residential Tree Care Clinic and Arbor Day Event please contact bob.mullen@dunwoodyga.gov.

Dunwoody Council Ready to Roll into the State Capitol

Ride to the Capitol in Support of Bike Safety

Dunwoody – March 15, 2012
Dunwoody citizens, with helmets in hand, are prepared to pedal to the State Capitol on March 27. Many Dunwoody residents will participate in the seventh annual “Georgia Rides to the Capitol”, to raise awareness of biking and alternative modes of transportation. Dunwoody Council Members Doug Thompson, Denis Shortal, and Mayor Michael Davis will join the group on the trip to the Georgia Capitol building.

The Dunwoody leg of the ride will begin near the Fresh Market in the Dunwoody Village shopping area. Free refreshments and snacks will be available to Dunwoody participants prior to the beginning of the ride. Riders should arrive by 9:30 a.m. and be prepared to leave by 9:45 a.m. The Dunwoody Police will escort riders and plan to travel along Mt. Vernon Road to link up with Roswell and East Cobb riders on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. The group will continue along the 16-mile route until they reach the Capitol in downtown Atlanta.

Shorter routes have been designated for novice and family riders; this includes the 5-mile route leaving from the Decatur East Lake MARTA Station. The ride from Dunwoody is approximately two hours; all groups should arrive at the Capitol around 11:40 a.m. Refreshments will be available to riders at the Capitol. There is no cost associated with the ride, but donations are encouraged. Registration for the ride is still open and riders can sign up by visiting the “Georgia Rides to the Capitol” website www.georgiaridestothecapitol.org/register.

The “Georgia Rides to the Capitol” began in 2005 as a way for the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association (MAMA), to raise awareness of the benefits of bicycling. Additional information on the “Georgia Rides to the Capitol” event can be found at www.georgiaridestothecapitol.org. To learn more or to ride with the Dunwoody group please contact Joe Seconder, Dunwoody Coordinator, at jseconder@yahoo.com.

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Georgia Planning Association Holds Conference in Dunwoody

Dunwoody, GA - March 15, 2012 -On March 21, more than 150 people will gather at the Georgia Planning Association’s (GPA) 2012 Spring Conference at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia in Dunwoody, Georgia. This will mark GPA’s debut in the City of Dunwoody, one of Georgia’s youngest cities and a perfect case study for the evolving urban form of metro Atlanta’s suburban communities.

GPA is a 1,000-plus member organization of professionals and officials who serve Georgia’s communities at all levels of government, the private sector and not-for-profit organizations. GPA’s mission is to promote and assist with the sustainable management of physical, economic, and human resources within Georgia, helping communities foster sensible land use practices and helping land developers produce more effective and contextually-sensitive designs.

“We are pleased to serve as host of this year’s GPA Conference because, as a City, we put great value on the expertise and skill involved in successful planning and development,” said Mayor of Dunwoody Mike Davis. “Since our inception three years ago, the City of Dunwoody has grounded itself in strategic planning that is centered on community goals, needs and future growth. Planning and communication will continue to play a critical role for all of our residents who are active participants in our City’s evolution. We are glad the GPA is here in our City to continue its important education and professional development efforts.”

The one-day conference is an annual training event for GPA members and other participants, providing education about the latest issues and advances in legal matters, development trends and professional practice. In addition to four classroom sessions, this year’s event will feature two mobile workshops exposing participants to different examples of development in and around Dunwoody. There will also be a keynote session featuring Doug Hooker, the new Executive Director of the Atlanta Regional Commission, and a presentation from Jason Jordan of the American Planning Association concerning national trends and issues facing community planning. Critical topics for this year’s event include discussions about the effectiveness of Community Improvement District tax policies and the impact of Georgia’s new plans for water resource management.

With roots back to just after the Civil War, Dunwoody was incorporated in 2008 after a citizen-led effort and today utilizes the third-party operated a public-private partnership form of government for many municipal services, including the Community Development Department (i.e. planning, zoning, inspections, permitting, GIS, code compliance, and city engineering) function. In hosting this year’s GPA Spring Conference, Dunwoody will provide participants with an opportunity to learn about how the young city is working to redevelop aging commercial centers and craft its identity as a new municipality with strong residential neighborhoods and some of the largest concentrations of office space in the United States. City leaders will participate in the conference both to introduce Dunwoody to the planning community and to learn what planners from other communities have to say about their hometown.
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GPA, is the Georgia Chapter of the American Planning Association, provides resources and services to planners and communities for more than three decades. GPA has been an advocate for good planning and a respected source of training and information over the years. Through conferences, professional development forums, partnerships with other organizations, the Community Planning Institute (CPI) and other means, GPA has sought to promote the most efficient, effective and sustainable development of Georgia and its
communities.

About the City of Dunwoody, Georgia - Dunwoody is a city located in metro Atlanta, in northern DeKalb County, Georgia. Dunwoody officially incorporated as a city on December 1, 2008. The City of Dunwoody will provide quality service to its citizens and support the largest economic engine in the Southeast by planning in a careful and thoughtful manner. The City of Dunwoody will be inventive, transparent and embrace responsible progress, tempered by the city’s rich history and strong desire to maintain a close and vibrant community atmosphere that values family life and the entrepreneurial spirit. The City of Dunwoody will continue to support and nurture a community dedicated to the preservation of family, education, religious institutions, and the environment. For more information, visit DunwoodyGA.gov.

CAC Marks 25 Years of Service with New Name, Logo & Website
Announcing the First Annual CAC Day on Saturday, February 25
Announcing the 2012 CAC Board of Directors



February 14, 2012

(Sandy Springs, GA) - CAC now has a new name to better reflect the center’s purpose and to commemorate 25 years of serving neighbors in need in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody.

Community Action Center is now Community Assistance Center (CAC).

Along with the new name, the center is presenting a new logo, launching a new website at the same web address, www.ourcac.org, and announcing the first annual CAC Day on Saturday, February 25.

Join us in marking 25 years of neighbors helping neighbors by supporting the local businesses that support us. On CAC Day, Saturday, February 25, shop and dine at participating businesses and restaurants and they will donate a portion of their proceeds for that day to CAC! Check our website for a list of supporting businesses or look for the red CAC sign at participating establishments in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody.

The center’s new name, logo, website and CAC Day are to be announced at CAC’s Annual Meeting, Tuesday, February 14, 2012 hosted at Dunwoody United Methodist Church, one of CAC’s founding member congregations.

The center also announces the 2012 board of directors including the new President of the Board, Bob Levinson and thanks outgoing President Cheryl Sykes for her 2 years of dedication as president. Ms. Sykes remains on the board as a director. The Board officers are Catherine Lautenbacher, Vice President; Eric Carlson, Treasurer, Gradient Systems; Terry Hartigan, Assistant Treasurer, Gifford, Hillegass & Ingwersen; and Judy Lehmann, Secretary, Fidelity Credit Union. Returning to the board are Villard Bastien, Attorney at Law; Shelly Dozier-McKee, Joan Gill-Redmond, Reverend Ron Gilreath, Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church; Leticia Leinard-Weidenhamer, Cox Enterprises; Jim Kelley, KelleyBoshell Toole & Ellison; Allen O’Brien, IRE Capital Real Estate Investments; Myron Smith, Temple Sinai, Stan Sonenshine, Preferred Real Estate Funds LLC.

New to the board this year are Eric Evans of North Atlanta Church of Christ; John Jokerst, Carter USA;, Julie Mainor, UPS; Judy Pollock, Brenda Rothchild and Charles Crosby. CAC thanks the following departing board members for their term of service, Bob Shumard, Van Westmoreland, Elana Perry, Sara White and Dawn Stark.

CAC provides compassionate assistance to neighbors in need in the Sandy Springs and Dunwoody communities. For more information visit us online at www.ourcac.org.

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Kristen Ristino
Communications Associate
Community Action Center
office 770-552-4889
cell 404-226-5217

Helping Neighbors in Need
in Sandy Springs & Dunwoody

If you have an issue with State regulations, you have a chance to be heard. Visit www.house.ga.gov/redtapewatch to register a complaint or request to testify at a hearing.

If you wish to learn when committee meetings are scheduled, please visit www.house.ga.gov and click on Meeting Notices.

Issues which have hindered growth or those that may cause hardship within business operations are of interest.

Mary Ellen McClanahan, I.O.M.
Director, Entrepreneur & Small Business / Project Manager, Existing Industry
p | 404-962-4820
c | 678-640-4377
Georgia Department of Economic Development
memcclanahan@georgia.org
www.georgia.org/smallbusiness

From the Georgia Chamber of Commerce
Georgia Business Action Network - News Alert

Starting January 1, 2012, several new provisions of theIllegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011 will go into effect. To help companies around our state abide by the new policies, the Georgia Chamber has compiled a summary of the upcoming changes.

E-Verify / Occupational Tax Certificate (Business Licenses)
Before any city or county issues any occupational tax certificate (also known as business licenses), or other license required to operate a business, which may include certificates of occupancy, alcohol licenses and taxi cab licenses, to a private employer, the employer must sign an affidavit stating that the employer either is authorized to use E-verify or is not required to use E-verify.
The requirement stating that the employer is authorized to use E-verify is effective for employers with 500 or more employees on January 1, 2012, for employers with 100 or more employees on July 1, 2012, and for employers with more than 10 employees on July 1, 2013.

• After July 1, 2013, if an employer has 10 or fewer employees then they must sign an affidavit stating the provisions do not apply to them.
• The number of employees is determined as of January 1 of the year the affidavit is submitted. The law is unclear whether the number of employee requirement applies to the number of employees in each particular retail location, city, Georgia or worldwide.

A form affidavit stating that the employer is authorized to use E-verify has been created by the Attorney General for employers with 500 or more employees and is available at http://law.ga.gov/vgn/images/portal/cit_1210/2/15/179148008Revised%20Private%20Employer%20Affidavit%2011.30.11.pdf.
A form affidavit stating that the employer is not required to use E-verify has been created by the Attorney General for employers with 10 or fewer employees and is available at http://law.ga.gov/vgn/images/portal/cit_1210/32/2/176576409Exempt_from_E_Verify_Affidavit.pdf.

• Form affidavits have not yet been created for employers with 100 or more employees and for employers with more than 10 employees. These forms will be available prior to July 1, 2012.
• The city or county is required to get one affidavit per business per year.

SAVE / Occupational Tax Certificate (Business Licenses)
Every city and county must register and use the Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement (SAVE) program. Effective immediately, for every public benefit a city or county issues to any person or entity, the city or county must receive a signed and sworn affidavit verifying the person's lawful presence in the United States.

• A list of public benefits is issued annually by the Attorney General. Public benefits include occupational tax certificates (business licenses), alcohol licenses, contracts and insurance license fees (pursuant to O.C.G.A.§ 33-8-8), among other public benefits. The Attorney General's report on public benefits is available at: http://law.ga.gov/vgn/images/portal/cit_1210/43/34/161685023SAVE_ANNUAL_REPORT_2011.pdf.

A form affidavit verifying the person's lawful presence in the United States has been created by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts and is available at http://www.audits.ga.gov/NALGAD/Files/OCGA_50-36-1xex2x.pdf.
Every applicant for a public benefit also must submit at least one secure and verifiable document (i.e., identification)before such benefit is issued.

• The Attorney General has issued a list of acceptable'secure and verifiable' documents at http://law.ga.gov/vgn/images/portal/cit_1210/63/43/173963603Secure_and_verifiable_document_list%208.5.11.pdf.
• The SAVE affidavit can be provided in person, electronically or by mail. However, the required secure and verifiable document can either be presented in person or electronically but cannot be submitted via mail. You should contact your local jurisdiction for specific information about their preferred method of submission.
• A new affidavit must be signed every time a public benefit is renewed.
• Any person who is 18 years of age or older and who is authorized to execute binding legal documents on behalf of an individual, business, corporation, partnership, or other private entity requesting a public benefit may sign the SAVE affidavit and present identification on behalf of said entity.

E-Verify / Contracts for Public Works
A city or county cannot enter into a contract for the 'physical performance of services' with a person or entity unless such person or entity signs an affidavit swearing they have registered and participate in E-Verify and will only contract with parties that swear to do the same.

• The Attorney General, through internal memos and verbally, has stated repeatedly that physical performance of services only includes contracts for public works and the maintenance, operation, and repair of buildings or structures.
• No affidavit is required for individuals or businesses that do not have any employees. However, a copy of a state issued drivers license or ID must be provided, and identification must be from a state that verifies immigration status. The Attorney General has issued a list of compliant states at http://law.ga.gov/vgn/images/portal/cit_1210/50/35/173461453Lists_of_states_that_verify_immigration_status_7_26_11.pdf.
• Form affidavits for contractors, sub-contractors and sub-subcontractors have been created by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts and are available at http://www.audits.ga.gov/NALGAD/section_3_affidavits.html.

If you have an issue with State regulations, you have a chance to be heard. Visit www.house.ga.gov/redtapewatch to register a complaint or request to testify at a hearing.

If you wish to learn when committee meetings are scheduled, please visit www.house.ga.gov and click on Meeting Notices.

Issues which have hindered growth or those that may cause hardship within business operations are of interest.

Mary Ellen McClanahan, I.O.M.
Director, Entrepreneur & Small Business / Project Manager, Existing Industry
p | 404-962-4820
c | 678-640-4377
Georgia Department of Economic Development
memcclanahan@georgia.org
www.georgia.org/smallbusiness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Susan Long 770-390-1794 or 478-256-5975
Jan. 12, 2012 slong@perimetercid.org


CONSTRUCTION OF INNOVATIVE NEW INTERCHANGE BEGINS NEXT WEEK

Construction of the first Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) in Georgia launches next week at I-285 and Ashford Dunwoody Road.

“A number of issues and changes are to be anticipated with a construction project of this type and magnitude,” said Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (PCIDs) Chief Operating Officer David M. Purcell.

“While the construction process will not significantly disrupt traffic, a new ramp, sidewalks and pedestrian islands will be built as part of the design,” Purcell said. “As a result, the existing interchange landscape will be replaced with a new stand of trees and landscape plantings to produce a grove-like effect.”

During the last several weeks, the PCIDs have contacted a number of public and non-profit organizations to find possible homes for some of the mature crape myrtles that currently landscape the interchange. These crape myrtles were installed by Perimeter’s business community years ago and their size, along with the large size of other varieties of trees along the interchange, makes any kind of transplantation difficult and expensive.

“Because crapes are hearty, we extended an opportunity for them to be relocated. However, their size, the cost to relocate (around $550 each tree) and no guarantee of survival make it prohibitive for us and most likely for the non-profit organizations we reached out to,” said PCIDs President and CEO Yvonne Williams.

“We do hope to be able to transplant some of the current interchange landscaping, including some of the perennial plantings, in the immediate area. The rest of the shrubs and trees will need to be removed to allow for the construction of the new DDI project, which is critical to maintain the quality of life and grow the economy of the Central Perimeter area,” said Williams.

In August 2011, GDOT awarded a $4.6 million contract to E.R. Snell Contractors, Inc. of Snellville for the DDI project, a concept which was initiated by the PCIDs. The first DDI in Georgia, the I-285 at Ashford Dunwoody Road project is an innovative, low-cost solution to improve traffic flow and safety. Under free-flowing traffic conditions on surrounding highways, the DDI is expected to reduce traffic delays during evening rush hours up to a projected 15 to 20 percent.

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For More Information: Dekalb Police Alliance

1711 Mt. Vernon Road - Dunwoody, Georgia 30338


Dear Chamber Members,

The most immediate issue for our business community is the new immigration law. The purpose of this letter is only to provide information as there is nothing we can do about it other than be prepared.

Beginning January 1, any company doing business with the City will have to participate in
'E Verify' which verifies the legality of all employees in that company. It only affects companies that sell either products or services to the City. There is a staggered initiation with larger companies being required in 2012. Smaller companies will be required in later years depending on the number of employees. Your Company will have to do E-Verify annually but it is good for the year, the exception is than you must run each new employee thru E-Verify. Evidence of your E-Verify standing will have to be provided to the City each year

The second impact of the immigration law is that any business that receives services from the City must participate in 'Safe' - the verification of the legality of the business owners, not necessarily their employees. Therefore, every business that applies for any license from the City, be it business, liquor license, building permits, etc. will have to produce evidence of legality. You can review the documents attached. Important to note that the Save verification has to be redone with each new license or permit and it cannot be emailed or faxed. Has to be original but it can be mailed.

On a different subject, as you know, the City of Dunwoody has two council seats and the mayoral seat up for election. In the forums it sounded as though some of the candidates had interest in impact fees which would affect all of us. After the election it is our intention to meet with the new Mayor and council people to discuss their views and acquaint them with ours. Rest assured we will stay involved.

Sincerely,

William D. Grant
Chairman of the Board



Click Here for City of Dunwoody Contractor Affidavit