Tom Hogan Opposes New City of Brookhaven

Over the past several months I have been asked what I think about the proposed City of Brookhaven, and until now I have been mute on the topic.  As a citizen of Chamblee, I have been a part of a city for the past 10 years, and as a member of Chamblee’s City Council, I have given the concept of self-determination and Home Rule more thought than the average citizen.  I support the philosophy of Home Rule as one of the key foundations of American governance, and in that light I support anyone that wishes to organize with their neighbors to form a city.

I don’t want to say that my support is conditional, but as the concept of the City of Brookhaven has taken shape, the effort seems to have moved far away from the concept of self-determination, and become a commercial tax base “land grab” in effort to provide economic justification to support the efforts of a small number of people in the study-area.

I live in the part of Ashford Park that also lies in the city limits of Chamblee, so I often feel that I have one foot in Chamblee and the other in Brookhaven. Also, as someone who has been extremely involved in our community, few know as well as I the brand inequity between Chamblee and Brookhaven.  Never mind the recent Atlanta Magazine cover article naming “Bramblee” as one of the top 5 neighborhoods in Atlanta.  While Chamblee continues to see positive movement in the eyes of those in the Metro area, I believe Brookhaven enjoys the benefit of being a top-tier brand in the entire Metro area (on par with Vinings, but not quite Buckhead or Dunwoody).  As such, with localized services, I am sure incorporating as Brookhaven would strengthen/increase property values. 

However, as a policy maker, I view the situation a little differently.  I am a true believer of efficient and effective delivery of government services.  Taking the “name” out of the equation, I think forcing the creation of a city where there are really only neighborhoods is not the best choice to make.  Moreover, the notion of a rallying around a brand name to me is short-sighted and presents a false sense of political representation.  I don’t think it represents the foundation that an area needs to truly grow long-term.  I believe any argument boasting a resulting increase in property values is short-sighted and harshly underestimates the value of a 3-minute 911 response time.

If the residents of the unincorporated area want to produce a truly powerful result from this summer’s activities, with leverage at the Capitol and access to state resources for real economic development and improved public spaces, I think they should envision the long-term benefits of a larger City of Chamblee, with new found political influence to parallel other Metro Area cities, instead of potentially duplicating a government administration that is already in place, resulting is 2 relatively less significant DeKalb cities.

I am not suggesting that I have a perfect solution, and this letter to the editor cannot possibly approach the many topics this raises with the depth they deserve, however, I want to put my position on the record.  While annexing a new area almost always brings a short-term financial burden to the “old area”, I also currently believe that the City of Chamblee would benefit greatly in the long-term by being a bit larger, and I would currently support an effort to that end.

I welcome your thoughts.

Thomas Hogan
thogan@chambleega.com

Chamblee Business Association Releases Roundtable Summary

The Chamblee Business Association hosted a Economic Development Roundtable at its July General Meeting.  The Roundtable was part of the City of Chamblee's continuing process to update it's Comprehensive Development Plan.

Chamblee City Council voted in December of 2010 to budget the funds necessary to produce a Major Amendment to the CDP due to the recent annexation, the changing economic climate, and the requirement that an update be provided to the 2006 document.

The summary of the Chamblee Economic Development Roundtable has been prepared by Pond & Co., and is available on the Chamblee Business Association website.

You can view the report at the site: 
http://chambleebusinessassocia​tion.com/economic-development-​roundtable-discussion/

YOUR ACTION NEEDED
Please read the report and voice your opinion.  Comments can be left on the CBA site.  The more comments, the more value!

Chamblee Fireworks Make-up Date Announced

The City of Chamblee has announced on the Parks and Recreation Facebook Page that the City's fireworks display and festivities will be made up on Saturday, July 9.   Music and food vendors will start at 7:30 with fireworks at dark.  For more information about this event, you are encrouraged to call Chamblee City Hall at 770-986-5010.

See you at Keswick!

Be a Part of the Visioning Process for The City of Chamblee

The City of Chamblee announces important meetings for citizens and area residents. Throughout the summer of 2011, the City of Chamblee will be holding meetings to allow for the community to participate in a Major Amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

What is a Comprehensive Plan?
The Comprehensive Plan is a road map for the future. This official public document provides long range policy guidance for land use, transportation, economic development, housing, public facilities, and intergovernmental agreements. It serves as a guide for elected and public officials by providing the framework for evaluating development proposals. Some consider the Comp Plan the “will of the City”.

Why is Chamblee conducting a Major Amendment to the Comp Plan?
In 2006 Chamblee prepared a complete update of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Since then, the area has undergone sever economic change and significant growth through the recent annexation of surrounding area. It is the goal of Chamblee’s City Council to have one plan that represents the vision of our entire city.

What will the Comp Plan Amendment process include?
• Assessment of the newly annexed area (data collection, analysis, issues and opportunities)
• Community meetings focused on the needs of Community Members and The Businesses Community
• City-wide data collection and assessment of economic climate relevant for updating the Economic
Development component of the Comprehensive Plan
• Consideration for existing and potentially new Character Areas
• Prepare amendments according to results and present amendments for review and adoption
• An update to the Short Term Work Program

Who Should Get Involved?
City Residents, Area Neighbors, Business Owners, Business Managers, Service Providers, Land Owners, and Real Estate Professionals, Educators, and Developers.

Where Can I Get a Copy of the Current Comprehensive Plan?
A copy of Chamblee’s Comprehensive Plan can be found on the City’s website at http://www.chambleega.com/client_resources/departments/development/Comprehensive%20Plan.pdf

How Can I Participate?
Please read the Comp Plan and bring your ideas and recommendations for change to one of the planned meetings. The meetings are being conducted by Pond & Co., the City’s contracted City Planner. All questions about the Amendment process should be directed to Michelle Alexander at alexanderM@pondco.com. Any questions about the City of Chamblee can be directed to Niles Ford, PhD, Chamblee City Manager at 770-986-5010.

Schedule:

Community Meeting - June 23, 2011 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Chamblee Civic Center, 5480 Broad St., Chamblee, GA 30341

Business Community Roundtable - July 21, 2011 - 8:00am to 10:00am
Chamblee Civic Center, 5480 Broad St., Chamblee, GA 30341

Council Vision Workshop - August 2011 - Details TBD
Public Hearing for submitted plan August 11, 2011 - Detials TBD
Work Session September 15, 2011 - Details TBD

New Wine Shop Opening In Chamblee

Grand Opening

Saturday, May 28th

Le Caveau, a new fine wine shop in Chamblee, is holding its Grand Opening this Saturday, May 28th, from 11:00-8:00.

Press Release:
Le Caveau Fine Wines carries a unique selection of wines to suit every budget. We've been busy tasting wines from across the world since last Fall and have curated an amazing selection of artisanal wines, most not widely available in the Atlanta market. While our focus is primarily on European wines, we also carry a fine selection of New World gems for you to choose. We are very excited to offer these wines to you at amazing prices! Le Caveau literally translates to "vault," and that is just what we have created here at 5256 Peachtree, a vault of wines for you to enjoy or add to your cellar.

Come check out our newly opened wine shop! We will have an eclectic selection of wines open for you to taste paired with artisanal cheeses from the Thomasville, Georgia based Sweet Grass Dairy Farms along with a tasty selection of house-cured meats from Atlanta's own Pine Street Market.

Le Caveau also carries a unique selection of decanters and wine glass cleaning supplies, as well as several great wine reference books not typically found in Atlanta. We also have an array of wine totes, aerators, corkscrews, cocktail napkins and other items that are necessities for all those with a passion for wine. We are your one-stop shop for great gifts for wine lovers.

We look forward to seeing you Saturday. We are located at 5256 Peachtree Rd., Ste. 102, (Chamblee, GA 30341) across the street from the Chamblee Marta station.

La Caveau can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LeCaveauWine

Chamblee 5K This Saturday (4/23) !!!

(Reposted from City of Chamblee Web Site)

INFO:  jrackley@chambleega.com

Chamblee Race and Rotary Roll

Course Description:


The City of Chamblee is proud to offer its 2nd annual road race for all abilities! On Saturday, April 23, starting and finishing at Peachtree DeKalb Airport, participants have a choice of a 5K route through Chamblee’s downtown & mid-city district or 1K route around one of PDK’s runways!

There is ample parking at the airport.

All entrants receive our colorful race shirt as well as plenty of food, fluids, and music at our famliy fun area in a hangar sponsored by Epps Aviation!

Lots of kids activities and a visit from the Easter Bunny makes this a great event for the whole family! Start time is 8:30am!

REGISTRATION: Early entry fee is $20. Race day registration and any entries postmarked after Monday, April 18 is $25. Race packets may be picked up on race day. NEW AGE DIVISIONS: Awards to the overall male & female and the top three finishers in the following age groups will receive awards: 10 & under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 & over.
04/23/2011
Resident's Fee: $20.00
Non-Resident's Fee: $20.00

Chamblee Spring Camp Announced

(forwarded from City of Chamblee)

Spring Break is just three weeks away; do you have plans for your children?


We have two fun camps to offer this year. First is our Camp Chamblee Day Camp which is an all day camp for children ages 6-12 offering sports, games, arts & crafts, and a field trip to Atlanta 300 Bowling! Camp Chamblee costs just $60 for City of Chamblee residents and $90 for non-residents. This is for the whole week April 4-8!! Camp Chamblee runs from 8:30am-3:30pm with drop off starting at 7:30am and pickup running until 6:00pm. Camp is held in the Community Building at Keswick Park (3496 Keswick Dr.)

Our other option is CFC East Soccer Camp. This camp will be run on our Keswick Park Soccer Field from 9am-12pm during Spring Break. This camp is open to children ages 5-14 and is run by certified soccer coaches! It is a great opportunity for kids to improve their skills or learn some new ones! CFC Soccer Camp is $100 for the week and the registration form is attached.

YOU CAN DO BOTH! If your child wishes to attend the soccer camp but a half day camp is difficult for your schedule, we can arrange for one of our Camp Chamblee counselors to pick them up after soccer camp and join the day camp for the remainder of the day. If you choose this option, we will charge you just half price for Camp Chamblee (in addition to the $100 soccer camp fee.)

I do need to make sure I have enough staff on hand for Camp Chamblee, so if you are planning on signing up for our Spring Break Camp, please do so soon to enable me to hire my counselors in time!

Please feel free to call or e-mail with any questions!

Jennifer Rackley, Recreation Coordinator
jrackley@chambleega.com
770-986-5016

Annexation Discussion Not Over for Brookhaven

From the Dunwoody Crier
(By Rebecca Chase Williams)

State representatives Mike Jacobs (R-North DeKalb) and Tom Taylor (R-Dunwoody) introduced legislation Tuesday to “create a path to annexation” for parts of North DeKalb to become part of the city of Dunwoody. House Bill 428 allows cities formed after 2008 (Dunwoody) to be able to annex nearby areas by simply drawing up a plan, holding public hearings, and passing a referendum on the proposal.

“There is enough interest in a possible annexation to open discussions,” Jacobs told The Crier. “It is time for someone to lead this discussion forward. I certainly intend to play a role in helping that to happen.”

Jacobs said the interest stems from increasing discontent with DeKalb county government: rising tax bills, fewer services, inefficient government and a lack of confidence that things are going to get better at the county.

A committee hearing on the proposed bill is expected to be held in the coming week, but Jacobs is optimistic that while there might be some opposition from members of the DeKalb delegation, he has the support of the Georgia Municipal Association and the Association of City and County Governments, mainly because the bill is limited to the city of Dunwoody. Jacobs said he is considering amending his bill to give North DeKalb residents the option of annexation to Chamblee as well since some neighborhoods abut that city and are interested in being part of that municipality.

“The main point that needs to get across is that there would be three options: a new city of Brookhaven, annexation to Dunwoody or Chamblee, or a combination of all three, “ said Jacobs. The state representative who lives near Harts Mill Road said his goal is to start the discussion, that his bill only creates “a path to annexation.”.

“You have to put the mechanism in place before you travel down that road. My plan is to have a core group in the next few months to start the conversation about where we are going to be city wise, “ explained Jacobs, who added that there is a big gap between interest in annexation and a fully vetted plan.

Options that have been discussed include expanding the city of Dunwoody, south of the current border at I-285, to include Perimeter Summit or the rest of the PCID, going as far south as Wieuca Road or even Peachtree Road. That would include neighborhoods like Murphey Candler (including the park), West Nancy Creek, Byrnwyck, and the neighborhoods around Silver Lake including Hampton Hall, Cambridge Park, Brittany.

Dunwoody officials say any plan would have to be thoroughly researched. Mayor Ken Wright said the council has not discussed this possibility,

“I do know that Representative Jacobs says he has been getting a stronger and stronger message from residents that they want more local control of their community. If there is a desire of these areas to join the city of Dunwoody, it would be something that needs to be studied and looked at by myself, council and our community.”

Jacobs is scheduled to speak to the Murphey Candler Homeowners’ this month about the potential annexation, and plans to schedule larger community meetings once the bill is voted on this session. If the bill is passed, if there is enough interest and a specific plan can be drawn up, residents could vote within the year to move from unincorporated DeKalb County to a municipality.

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Mayor Clarkson Suggests Tax Rate May Come Down

(from the Brookhaven Reporter)

2/24


If all goes well, the city of Chamblee may be able to reduce its tax rate this year, Mayor Eric Clarkson said in his “State of the City” message.


“My hope is that the millage number can come down,” Clarkson told members of the Chamblee Business Association on Feb. 17. “It’s a shame we’ve had to balance our budget on the backs of our property owners. I think it’s time for it to come back down.”

Clarkson said the city historically had imposed a tax rate of about 5 mills, but that in recent years the rate had risen to cover city costs. The millage now is 7.95, he said. Taxes are calculated by multiplying a property’s assessed value by the millage. A new city tax millage will be set in May or June, the mayor said.

Chamblee city officials may be able to reduce the millage, he said, because the city is rebuilding its reserves to acceptable levels. In recent years, the reserves had fallen to near zero, he said, but this year the city’s reserves reached $1.7 million.

The budget projects revenues of about $13.7 million and expenditures of about $13 million, he said, meaning the city can add about $700,000 to its reserves. Clarkson said the total could still be below the amount city officials would want to keep in reserve funds. He said the reserve should equal about a quarter of the operating budget.

“One thing the city of Chamblee has always done is be fiscally responsible,” Clarkson said after the speech. “We intend to keep it that way.”

Clarkson said the annexation that took effect Jan. 1 will increase the population of the city by about 50 percent, to about 18,000 from about 12,000. The area annexed increases the size of the city to about 5 square miles from about 3.5 square miles, he said.

The city added 12 police officers, four communication officers and employees in public works in order to provide services to the area, he said. The city now has 104 employees, he said.

Residents of the annexed area began getting city services except garbage pickup on Jan. 1. The city contracted with DeKalb County to continue garbage pickups in the area for up to three years.

Leadership DeKalb Infoformation Open House To Be Held In Chamblee

Leadership DeKalb is now accepting applications for the Leadership DeKalb Class of 2012 that will begin next fall. Upon successful completion of the 10-month program, you may become an active member of Leadership DeKalb, a non-partisan not-for-profit organization that has fostered networking and connections among its 950 distinguished graduates to positively impact DeKalb County for 25 years.


To learn more about Leadership DeKalb, you are invited to attend a Prospective Members Open House hosted by the City of Chamblee on March 3 at the Civic Center, 3540 Broad Street, Chamblee. The Open House begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and potential members will hear from graduates about the value of the Leadership DeKalb experience from 6-7 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about us! For reservations, e-mail info@leadershipdekalb.org or call 404-373-2491.


A Selection Committee comprised of Leadership DeKalb graduates will determine the members of the Class of 2012. If you are selected, you will be asked to commit to attending two overnight retreats and seven full-day program sessions. Additionally, Class members meet monthly in a study group and participate in other enrichment activities. These sessions give Class members an opportunity to meet face to face with key decision makers as well as to develop a valuable network of friends and colleagues.


UPCOMING DATES


• Applications Due – Wednesday, March 16, 2011 (*If mailed, postmarked by March 16, 2011)


• Class Member Notification – mid-April, 2011


• Tuition Due – Monday, May 16, 2011


• Class of 2012 Orientation – August 2011


• Class of 2012 Program – September, 2011 – May, 2012


• Opening Retreat – Friday to Saturday, September 9-10, 2011


• Closing Retreat – Thursday to Friday, June 7-8, 2012


Visit our website at www.LeadershipDeKalb.org to learn more about how participating in Leadership DeKalb can positively impact your future and our community. Please plan to attend and RSVP today!

Town Hall Meeting for DeKalb County Budget

DeKalb County Commissioner Jeff Rader is hosting a Town Hall Meeting to review the Proposed 2011 DeKalb County Budget.  The public is invited to come share its concerns.
DATE & TIME
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
6:30 pm -8:00 pm

LOCATION
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Annunciation
2500 Clairmont Road
Atlanta, GA 30329

Commissioner Jeff Rader represents District 2 on DeKalb County's Board of Commissioners. He was re-elected in November of 2010 (terms are 4 years).

Please forward any correspondence to jrader@dekalbcountyga.gov

Doraville GM Study to be unveiled at Open House

The City of Doraville is holding an open house to unveil the recent LCI Study for the GM Plant.  The event is scheduled for Wednesday 1/26, 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Doraville Civic Center, located at 3770 Central Avenue, Doraville, GA 30340.

LCI stands for Livable Centers Initiative. Since 1999 the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) has been providing funding for planning studies and transportation projects across the Atlanta region. This program of studies and projects has become known as the Livable Centers Initiative (LCI). The focus of the program is to encourage increased residential development, mixed-uses and connectivity in different community types.

A portion of the GM Study includes an area that is now part of the City of Chamblee.  Chamblee citizens are encouraged to attend the meeting if they wish to learn more about the study.  A copy of the flyer and information on the plan can be found here:  FLYER.

Anyone with further questions about this issue are requested to contact Doraville online at http://www.doravillega.us/ or by phone at 770-451-8745.

2011 Taste of Chamblee Seeks Fresh Programming Ideas

The 2011 Taste of Chamblee is seeking fresh ideas.  As in the past, the Taste of Chamblee is turning to the community for programming suggestions in effort to build upon our success and continue to make improvements to the festival.  We are continually trying to think of ways to make the Taste of Chamblee Fall Festival better, and are very interesed in new and fresh ideas. We have listed the preliminary theme areas below. Please let us know if you have an idea we should consider:


Preliminary Theme Areas for 2011 Taste of Chamblee Fall Festival

The Main Stage: live music 11-9, including local talent to be highlighted between 1-3.

Chamblee Showcase: special area with booths featuring Chamblee city services:  Parks & Rec, Area Development info, police, and public works

Kids Zone: climbing wall, jumpers, carnival games, gyro, face painter, crafts, etc.

Touch a Truck: fire, ambulance, police, tow truck, GA Power bucket truck, etc.

Beer Garden: selection of 6-8 craft beers and premium wines

Sustainability Fair: New this year is an industry theme to atrract companies to showcase sustainable products, such as consumer products, cars, and building materials (or companies with major sustainable practices)

Note:  Due to a lack of demand, last year's feature theme area, The Wine Garden, will not return for 2011.  We will have a nice selection of wines, but will sell them through more efficient channels such as at the Beer Garden, and other beer booths.
The organizers of the festival are very interested in hearing from you if you have an idea we should consider.  The deadline for submissions is February 28.  Please send ideas via e-mail to thogan@chambleega.com.

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Chamblee State of the City Address

2011 State of the City Address Chamblee, GA


Mayor R. Eric Clarkson to give State of the City Address at February Chamblee Business Association Meeting.

The Chamblee Business Association is proud to present Mayor R. Eric Clarkson, Mayor of the City of Chamblee, as guest speaker for the February 2011 general meeting. Mayor Clarkson is scheduled to deliver his third annual State of the City address at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, February 17th, at the Chamblee Civic Center, located at 3540 Broad St. in Chamblee.

The Mayor will review the accomplishments and challenges of 2010, and look ahead to the future of Chamblee. Topics scheduled to be discussed include the recent annexation, the financial health of the City, the accomplishments of the police department, the services of public works, the status of recent and planned developments, and important personnel issues.

Brent Morris, President of the Chamblee Business Association, stated "Chamblee has expanded its boundaries, population, and number of new businesses have come into the City. We at the CBA are looking forward to hearing about the City’s plan for addressing the new opportunities that we have."

The event will include a brief question and answer session. In the interest of time, the CBA respectfully asks that all questions be submitted in writing in advance. All questions should be sent to Brent Morris, President of the Chamblee Business Association, at bmorris@peachtreebenefitgroup.com.

The State of the City Address is being hosted by the Chamblee Business Association, and while it is open to the public, there may be a cost for attending the meeting. The Chamblee Business Association is supported through memberships. Meetings are open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. The meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Chamblee Civic Center, located at 3540 Broad St. Chamblee, GA 30341. Doors open at 7:30am, and the program begins at 8:00am. There is no charge for first-time guests, returning guest are $10, and members are $5.

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