🥊 The struggle is real

Dunwoody is popping  JULY 9 — It’s Cathy from Rough Draft with my weekly newsletter on Dunwoody. Even though the 4th of July events are “done and dusted,” metaphorical fireworks are exploding all over the city. See below for details. This week’s explosive headlines: Two people arrested after an accident at the Dunwoody 4th of July parade that injured eight people. Next up: A report about the Dunwoody Planning Commission’s surprise decision to recommend a zoning change that would allow developers to build 200 low-income, age-restricted apartments on Ashford-Dunwoody Road.  On deck: Tonight’s open house about water infrastructure that is sure to include some attendees throwing out a truth bomb or two about a plethora of water main breaks over the last year.  Finally: a glimpse into upcoming projects in Dunwoody, including the installation of another way-finding sign that should spark conversation.  +  What do you get when you cross a Diplodocus with a firecracker? See answer at the end of this email. Read on,Cathy Photo by Cathy Cobbs Senior housing decision sparks citizens’ ire The Dunwoody Planning Commission at its July 8 meeting voted 4-1 to approve rezoning that would allow the construction of a low-income, over-55 apartment complex along one of the city’s most congested roads. The approval came with five conditions, including the development of a landscaping plan, the installation of a multi-purpose trail, and the stipulation that the development is consistent with Federal Fair Housing regulations. The majority of the 75 or so attendees at the meeting expressed deep disappointment in the decision. “This is not a community anymore,” said former State Rep. Dan Weber, who was one of the driving forces behind the effort to incorporate the city. “It’s run by developers and a city staff who don’t want to listen to the people.” Susan Mitchell, a long-time resident who opposes the development, said it was “disappointing and baffling that the planning commission is recommending this rezoning.” Read more about the controversial plan. Movies on the Town continues in July! SPONSORED BY TOWN BROOKHAVEN Movies on the Town, an annual summer movie series at Town Brookhaven, continues on Thursdays through July 24! Gather on the green space for this family-friendly activity with movies beginning at dusk. Bring a blanket or chair, order dinner from one of our restaurants, and bring it out to the green space. The series includes movies perfect for family nights, date nights, girls’ nights, or nights out with a few friends! Look for a DIY movie-themed craft activity and face painting before our screening on July 17! Popcorn is provided by LOOK Dine-In Cinema while supplies last. ➞ Don’t forget, you can shop or visit service-oriented merchants before the movies, too. Learn more here! Photo by Cathy Cobbs Two charged in Fourth of July parade incident  An investigation into a crash that injured eight people at Dunwoody’s annual 4th of July parade has resulted in charges for two people. According to a release from Dunwoody Police Sgt. Michael Cheek, Ruby Liversidge, a 22-year-old from Decatur, and Finn Drummond, a 23-year-old from Alpharetta, were cited in the incident. The release said Drummond was driving an F-150 truck with a trailer attached to it. Just before the crash took place, he and Liversidge decided to switch drivers. “They left the vehicle in drive and moving while they made the switch,” the statement said. “When Liversidge got into the driver’s seat, she mistakenly hit the accelerator, causing the F-150 to lunge forward and strike a 22-year-old female walking in front of the vehicle. She was knocked to the ground and injured, but not severely.” At the same time, the trailer disconnected from the truck, causing the occupants of the trailer to strike the side railings, which resulted in several injuries.  Read about the accident details and the investigation here.  Photo by Cathy Cobbs Fiery forum? DeKalb County Commissioner District 1 representative Rob Patrick and DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochrane-Johnson are hosting a town hall meeting on water infrastructure tonight, July 9, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Dunwoody Nature Center North Woods Pavilion, 5343 Roberts Drive. “We’ll provide updates on upcoming water infrastructure projects in the area and address the recent water main breaks that have impacted our community. I invite all residents to attend, ask questions, and share feedback,” the announcement from Patrick said. “Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you.” A full report will be forthcoming, but I’m betting there will be a robust amount of discussion about frequent water main breaks near Harris Circle, especially since another one happened this morning. ICYMI, Here is a roundup of the trouble going on over there. Photo by Cathy Cobbs A peek ‘Inside Dunwoody’ Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton publishes an e-newsletter called “Inside Dunwoody” wherein you can catch up on projects and events that affect the city.  In his latest edition, there is information about stream and wetlands projects at the Dunwoody Nature Center, a construction project at the Brook Run Veteran’s Memorial, an update on the building of a maintenance facility at Brook Run, and this little tidbit. “This isn’t a city project, but it’s sure to get some attention. You may have noticed construction activity at the corner of the I-285 westbound exit and Ashford Dunwoody Road,” the report said. “The California-based furniture retailer Living Spaces is beginning work on a 110,000-square-foot, two-story showroom.”  Customers will access the store using Ravinia Parkway, using a new crosswalk that will be added as part of the zoning conditions, the report said. “Another condition includes the installation of a gateway sign, like the one at Georgetown, funded by Living Spaces,” it concluded.  Another gateway sign? People are going to be pumped!  It also has a roundup of new restaurant openings, including The Hampton Social, pictured above.  Here is a link to the latest “Inside Dunwoody” report. A: Dino-mite. That one is for you, Lisa Torres.HBD! Share your love of Rough Draft with a friend Use the personal referral link below and get cool stuff. Get 10 referrals and we’ll send you some stickers.Get 20 and you’ll get a t-shirt! The post 🥊 The struggle is real appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.