Please remember your equestrian neighbors this New Years! Do not shoot fireworks off near any equestrian properties! These illegal acts can have horrific results. Milton Georgia DOES NOT need another horse to perish due illegal firework use like this past July 4th! Help protect horses from abuse and harassment. Support Liberty's Law today!
by Mayor Joe lockwood / December 27, 2013
It's hard to believe 2014 is here. But I guess time flies when you're working as hard as Milton is at building the future of our great city. The coming year is going to be huge for us, and today I want to tell you about some of the great things you can expect from this city.
1. Bell Memorial Park Expansion: Here we go folks! This spring the City of Milton will begin its first park expansion project to more than double the size of Bell Memorial Park. During the roughly year-long project, crews will add two rectangular (football/lacrosse/soccer) fields and a host of beautiful amenities to develop Bell Memorial into a true gem for the City of Milton.
We have a wealth of information at the city's Web site about exactly what's going into the park, so I encourage you all to visit and take a look.
2. City Hall: Milton is moving forward with a City Hall. We're in the process of investigating prime real estate in historic downtown Crabapple, and on that land we'll build a City Hall that respects the history and architecture of the area. While City Hall isn't projected to open until 2017, this is an exciting step toward establishing not only Crabapple as the city's base of operations, but our place in the community as a whole. Plus, it's more fiscally responsible because we'll own instead of rent – and the debt payments are nearly cancelled out by the end of lease payments.
3. Addressing growth: At City Hall we are well aware of the unprecedented growth Milton is seeing in our residential sector, and we are hard at work on policies and plans to address our residents' concerns it's changing the character of our town.
In 2014 you'll see us take serious steps toward protecting our rural character. I can't get too specific right now, but trust me when I tell you we've been weighing all our options. When we're able to go public with our package of solutions, you'll see we're serious about protecting what makes Milton so special.
Well, that's all the space they'll give me. But, I want to make sure that each and every one of you to know that Milton's City Hall is your city hall. This staff is your staff. We're here to serve you. Don't ever hesitate to contact us or a staff member to find the information you need.
Here's looking to a great 2014!
A Milton Equestrian Park would not only put action behind the image, it would also offer additional recreation while encouraging equestrian focused development.
12.31.2013
Jim:
I enjoyed reading the recent article in the Milton Herald titled "Baseball To Play At Surrounding Communities" which discusses the substantial renovation and expansion from the current 18 acres to 32 acres that Bell Memorial Park is about to experience.
From the designs and your years of devotion to youth baseball, I have no doubt that the new Bell Memorial Park will be a huge asset to Milton Georgia next year. Fantastic job!
With Milton loving to promote images of horses all over it's website and claims of "rural character" being more than common, I was curious what plans are in place for an equestrian horse park for Milton in the near future.
This past month, I had the opportunity to visit an equestrian community called Three Runs Plantation in Aiken, South Carolina. I was more than impressed about the lengths taken to provide recreational outlets for the equestrian lifestyle.
I would like to offer my time as a volunteer to work with you and staff to create a horse park that all in Milton will cherish for generations to come.
Best,
Tim Enloe Accessmilton.com 770 653 0552
by Jonathan Copsey / The Milton Herald / December 27, 2013
MILTON, Ga. - A proposed event facility on Hopewell Road has split this community.
Jeff Runner and his family own the 30-acre Yellow House Farm on Hopewell Road, one of the few pristine horse farms left in Milton. They own a handful of the horse that graze this pasture, while renting stables on their land.
To help supplement his income, Runner asked the City Council Dec. 16 to turn four acres surrounding the house into a special events facility.
However, this has angered neighbors, especially those in the adjoining Bethany Oaks subdivision, who say the events that already take place on the property are noisy, disturbing and too intense for their quiet neighborhood.
After nearly two hours of discussion, council deferred the issue until late January, struggling both with opposing desires of the residents and a wrinkle in the city code that hampers special event facilities.
To operate an events facility in AG-1 (residential) zoning, Fulton County had laws that required the applicant return after three years to renew their use permit. According to city staff, this was possibly created to deal with events such as a Renaissance Festival that are held during set times of the year. A business hosting events year-round was not considered.
The law is still on Milton's books.
Given the neighbor disapproval of the facility, Runner balked at the idea of having to seek renewal after three years.
"That allows the fight to go on," he said. "You tie my hands behind my back, give them a gun and say 'go make your business work.' I can't do that. I won't do that."
There are plenty of other businesses Runner said he could use on his property that would be more disturbing to neighbors, including landscaping and kennels, that do not require such restrictions.
"This is a good example of a landowner trying to save land and avoid development," said Laura Rencher, of Preserve Rural Milton. "This keeps a horse farm and the rural character of the city."
Runner said the events would be kept to less than 200 people and restricted to weddings, bridal showers and charitable functions. He also said he would be considerate with sound and light at night.
"We want to preserve equestrian [uses] and promote people with larger pieces of property to hold onto them. Everybody is up in arms that these properties are being sold to subdivisions," said Mayor Joe Lockwood. "This could be a win-win."
However, as in so many things, the devil is in the details.
Council grappled with how best to enforce lighting and noise and how to "put a square peg in a round hole," as Runner called the use of the property.
The council deferred the issue, giving Runner and his neighbors one last time to sit down and work out their differences.
It could also allow the city time to craft rules to allow event facilities in the city.
by Aldo Nahed / The Milton Herald
Jim Cregge, Milton's parks and recreation director, explains the changes coming to Bell Memorial Park this summer. ALDO NAHED/Staff. (click for larger version)
December 27, 2013
MILTON, Ga. — Bell Memorial Park is kicking up dirt this summer, but when it settles, it's going to be a better community park.
"We want this to be the premier park of the city," said Jim Cregge, the parks and recreation director for the city of Milton.
On Memorial Day, May 26, when the recreation season is finished, the park will close for about 12 months while significant improvements take place.
Cregge said the improvements will not only be aesthetic, but they will be a matter of safety.
"What you have is an unsafe situation where children are running across the park and parking lot as they are going from field to field, bathroom or concession stands," Cregge said. "We're going to do something different. The layout of the park will be different."
What parkgoers can expect with the changes that begin in June, when the bulldozers take over, include a completely renovated landscape, instead of just baseball. Two multi-purpose rectangular fields will be built to accommodate football, lacrosse and soccer.
The park will grow in size to 32 acres from the current 18 acres.
"I would have loved to have more land to build more fields, but we are doing the best with what we've got," he said.
Additions will include a large pavilion that will house concession stands, bathrooms and a breezeway to hide from rain. In addition, the park will have two new playgrounds and walking trails, with about a half-mile accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
"The only thing we have right now at Bell Park is baseball," Cregge said. "We are trying to make the park something more than a place where your kid goes to play baseball. We want to make it a park more useful to the community."
The only other sport offered through the city is lacrosse. Boys' lacrosse is held at Hopewell Middle School and the girls' lacrosse is held at Northwestern Middle School. When Bell Park is completed, football will likely be offered.
The baseball program at Bell Memorial started 27 years ago, but the community's needs have evolved and now it's the park's turn.
"Those rectangular fields, that's the growth," Cregge said. "Baseball is not growing as fast as soccer and lacrosse."
The new park will accommodate players throughout the season.
"We are going to have more useful fields," Cregge said.
NO IMPACT TO THE BELL MEMORIAL PROGRAM
The baseball season will continue for the summer and fall of 2014 and spring of 2015.
What families need to know, Cregge said, is that even through the changes, there will be no impact to the programs offered at the park.
"Baseball will continue this season and beyond,"Cregge said. "The program will be unaffected."
Cregge said through agreements being worked out with Forsyth County, Fulton School District and city of Alpharetta, the players will have a bit of a drive to surrounding communities in order to keep playing.
"They will be leasing us some space," Cregge said. "Everything is moving forward in that regard."
Cregge, who started volunteering in the city 19 years ago with a program that teaches children to become umpires, said he had this vision for the Bell Memorial for a long time, and it's exciting to see the plan coming to fruition.
Still in the works is an entrance design that is going to be "spectacular."
"'Spectacular' is still being designed," Cregge said.
Read more: http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/12/23/six-miniature-horses-slain-stables-australia/#ixzz2ohHZ6zS2
Six award-winning show-quality miniature horses near Adelaide, Australia, have had their throat cuts in their stables in an attack a senior police officer described as particularly brutal. The two colts and four fillies, all about two years old, were found dead in their stalls around 8.30am on Saturday. Three other miniatures were spared by the offenders.
A reward of $A100,000 has been offered for information leading to a conviction over the attack.
Owner Julie Jackson was in tears as she spoke of the loss of her beloved animals.
Her son, Daniel Spong, said: “It would take an extremely sick individual, I would think, to carry this out.
“I certainly looks as thought it is a targeted attack, but obviously no idea as to why, or who was behind it.”
Terry Hocking, who works with the horses, was struggling to keep his emotions in check as he described the scene.
“I went straight to the first box, with a horse I love dearly, and his throat was slashed. I went down, and just kept finding one after another.”
Jackson, whose stud is located near Clayton Bay, between Finnis and Goolwa, is the daughter of Mt Gambier businessman and trucking tycoon Allan Scott, who left an estimated $A600 million estate when he died, aged 85, in October 2008.
The two staff members who found the horses were take to hospital to be treated for shock. It is understood Ms Jackson was shield from the scene.
Superintendent Rob Williams said the offence was particularly brutal and unlike anything he had ever seen.
“Unknown offenders came on to the property, came down to the stables and slaughtered six horses,” Williams said.
He told abc.net.au: “We are really asking for the community’s assistance in this crime – a particularly vicious crime on defenceless animals.
“Significant penalties [are] involved in these types of crimes, and we are asking for the community’s help to give us the information through Crime Stoppers. Any information will be of assistance.”
The offenders face up to 10 years in jail.
The animals were understood to be worth tens of thousands of dollars each. Miniature horses, which stand under 86cm, are shown in halter, harness and performance classes, including trail and jumping.
South Australia police, in a press statement, calling the killing of the horses a bizarre and cruel incident.
Hills Fleurieu Police are asking for anyone with information on the matter, including persons or vehicles seen in the Finniss-Clayton Road area, where the stud is located, to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
December 27, 2013 MILTON, Ga. – Someone stole pieces of equipment from a road crew working on Arnold Mill Road.
Police were called Dec. 18 after the crew came in to work and found two "string sensors" missing from the machine that pours concrete. Each sensor was valued at $2,000. Two other sensors appeared to be tampered with but not taken.
December 27, 2013 MILTON, Ga. – A Birmingham Road company was the victim of financial fraud.
Employees told police that while doing an audit, they found several unauthorized transactions using checks in the amount of over $10,000. Stores in Canton, Morrow, Covington, Smyrna, Cumming and Mississippi had items purchased.
The victims are unsure who the culprit is.
December 27, 2013
MILTON, Ga. — A 21-year-old man was arrested Dec. 21 at the Windward Walmart for allegedly trying to steal baby items and two bikes.
Employees told police they saw Imori Louis Brown, 21, of Old Chartwell Crossing, Alpharetta, pick out two bikes, children's clothing, diapers and wipes, placing them all in a shopping cart and then try to walk out the store without paying for the items. When confronted by employees, Brown allegedly fled across the parking lot to a truck parked at the nearby McDonalds. He was caught by police before he could leave.
Brown was arrested for shoplifting.
by Jonathan Copsey / The Milton Herald
December 23, 2013
MILTON, Ga. – Anyone driving through Milton's back roads may have seen an unusual amount of building activity. According to the city, this construction will continue and expand in the coming year.
According to numbers provided by Kathleen Field, Milton's community development director, there are 896 new homes either under review, under construction or seeking rezoning.
Most of the properties seeking rezoning are along Milton's southern edge, especially Ga. 9
These numbers for new homes to be completed in 2014 are triple 2013's numbers. In all of this year, there were 279 residential permits given. That number is in itself nearly three times the number of permits given in 2010 (103).
With these new homes, the city expects the population to jump from 34,588 this year up to 37,008 next year, an increase of nearly 2,500 people.
"It's because of the depression we had," said Field. "There has been a pent-up demand."
People want to come to Milton, she said, and now they have the chance.
This should come as no surprise. Milton is frequently touted as a rural, restful community of horse farms and quiet country roads. It has one of the highest median home prices in the Atlanta area.
Milton was named "best quality of life" in Georgia and ninth highest in the Southeast by the Business Journals' On Numbers Survey.
"This kind of honor just fuels the desire of people wanting to move here, as we all have chosen to do so at some point," wrote Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood in a recent letter to the community.
However, the city cannot simply close its borders to all newcomers, nor can it forbid residents selling their land for new development.
The trick is finding a way to make sure the developments coming in conform to what Milton wants to be in the future. With all the open space replaced with single family homes, what happens to that "rural" feel that drew people in the first place?
Part of the problem, said Lockwood, was that properties that meet all the legal requirements do not have to go through the same public scrutiny or come before the City Council. If land is allowed to have 50 homes built on it, it can. And the builder does not need to tell his neighbors about it.
Field says there is an array of options to help mitigate the issues.
The city could require setbacks from the road to be increased, limiting the views of endless houses, replacing that view with trees and shrubs.
Conservation subdivisions are another option. Developers would set aside a portion of their land as green space. That green space could be required to be at the entrance of a neighborhood.
There are no conservation subdivisions in Milton.
The transfer of development rights is also an option. This gives developers the chance to trade density in one area of the city for another. Instead of building 60 homes on Birmingham Highway, they might be able to build apartments along Ga. 9, saving the rural parcel.
The issue with conservation subdivisions and the transfer of development rights options is they are voluntary. The city cannot force builders to use them.
Field said the city needs to find ways to better promote and encourage developers to use these options.
Residents say 'it's too dense'
by Caitlyn Walters / The Milton Herald
December 23, 2013 MILTON, Ga. — Milton City Council approved in a 5 to 2 vote to rezone a 9-acre agricultural lot on the northeast corner of Bethany Bend and Cogburn Road for the development of 27 single-family homes.
On Dec. 16, the rezoning was approved with the following conditions: no more than 27 total dwelling units at a maximum density of 2.97 units per acre; a minimum heated floor area per unit with a 2,800-square-foot minimum and a 3,000-square-foot average; a minimum side yard setback of 7 feet; and a minimum of seven homes with three-sided brick and 360-degree architecture.
Several Milton and Alpharetta residents told councilmembers the development was too dense and needs to be taken "back to the drawing board."
"This model is a good compromise between developers and citizens with one exception, the density," said Milton resident Laura Rencher. "It's just too much."
Over the years, the council has received applications to transform the agricultural lot into a church, then, senior facility and homes, and now a single-family home subdivision.
The council had to extend the public hearing portion of the meeting to hear all four voices in support and 13 voices in opposition.
Residents said they want to see the land developed, but not if it is going to devalue their homes and the Milton standards.
"It just flies in the face of what I thought was one of the principles for the founding of the city of Milton and part of the justification of not wanting to become just another element of North Fulton County," said Milton resident Roger Cubler. "It seems to me that it's all about the money as opposed to what the city claims is an underlying objective."
Community Development Director Kathleen Field said the developer originally wanted 28 units, but was talked down to 27 in order to build the park, buffers and fencing requested in earlier meetings.
"What people are looking for is 2,800- to 3,200-square-foot really nice houses and as little lawn as they have to contend with," said Don Rolader, representative of the applicant. "It's what you put on the ground than how far away they are from each other that is important to this market."
Councilmember Bill Lusk motioned to approve the homes, and Councilmember Matt Kunz seconded it.
Councilmember Rick Mohrig and Councilmember Burt Hewitt were opposed.
"Four or five years ago, we passed a sewer map, and this lot wasn't included on it," Hewitt said. "I supported that map in the past, and when there have been others that have come forward, I haven't supported those.
"For that reason, I won't support this one either, and I do think it's a little too dense," he said.
by Staff Reports / The Milton Herald
ERIC B. BRANDON
December 13, 2013
MILTON, Ga. – It took a jury only 25 minutes Dec. 11 to convict Milton resident Eric Brandon, 48, of the Feb. 12, 2012 murder of his stepson. He was sentenced to life plus five years in prison.
Brandon's stepson, 16-year-old Alexander Koser, was found dead Feb. 12 after Brandon shot him three times with a shotgun.
Koser, a student at Alpharetta High School, was gunned down inside his Genesis Way home in Milton. Prior to his death, the teen was playing video games and rough-housing with a friend who was visiting. Brandon complained the boys were too loud and demanded they quiet down. When the noise did not subside to his satisfaction, Brandon retrieved his shotgun from a locked case and confronted Koser, who was in the kitchen preparing a snack. When the teen turned to face his stepfather, Brandon fired a single shot into the victim's chest. He then racked the shotgun and fired a second shot into his chest. Brandon once again racked his shotgun and fired a third shot into the teen's body.
After that final shot, Brandon put his weapon down, walked past the teen's body and called 911 admitting to operators that he had just shot his stepson. Police rushed to the scene and arrested Brandon. Brandon was reported boasting about the killing and stating he "hoped [Alex] was dead."
Brandon, who is battling cancer, worked for UPS and has lived in Milton for 10 years. His Facebook page says he joined the Army fresh out of high school and served until 1990 with several paratrooper battalions. He attended North Dakota State University-Bottineau and studied forestry, working six seasons as a park ranger in North Dakota. He later studied at Georgia Southern University.
Courtesy City of Milton
Get those lights off and stock up on tie downs, because Saturday, Jan. 4 the City of Milton and Milton Grows Green (MGG) will once again offer Christmas tree recycling as part of Georgia's "Bring One For The Chipper" program.
This year residents may take Christmas trees to multiple locations:
•Scottsdale Farms, 15639 Birmingham Highway (click here for directions) •Milton High School, 13025 Birmingham Highway (click here for directions) •Home Depot, 5300 Windward Parkway (click here for directions) Dogwood saplings will be handed out Jan. 4 to residents as quantities last and are donated by the Rotary Club of Alpharetta.
Volunteers from the Milton Chapter of the Young Men's Service League and the Alpharetta Rotary Club will offer assisted drop-off from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 4 at Scottsdale Farms and Milton High. Tree chipping services provided by Casey Tree Experts.
Additionally, Milton Boy Scout Troop 841 will pick up trees and recycle them for a donation of $15. To schedule a pick-up, e-mail treepickup841@yahoo.com.
“We appreciate the community’s awareness and cooperation in getting Christmas trees to a ‘mulch’ better place,” said Cindy Eade, Milton’s sustainability coordinator.
Organizers are hoping to see growth similar to last year’s Chipper effort. In 2013, Milton residents brought more than 500 trees to be chipped. They were used for mulch at local schools and in animal and fish habitats.
With more than 22 years of treecycling in Georgia, Bring one For the Chipper is the largest event of its kind in the nation. Since 1991, more than 5.7 million Christmas trees have been diverted from landfills and put to a greater use.
For more information about the chipper event, to get free mulch delivered, or to volunteer, please contact mgg@cityofmiltonga.us.
Crooked Creek HOA Treasurer Steve Wakefield explains what the neighborhood has done to plan for the gating.
An artist rendering of the Ga. 9 entrance, which will include a security guard.
December 17, 2013
by Caitlyn Walters; The Milton Herald
MILTON, Ga. – Saturday, Dec. 9 was the first of four Crooked Creek Homeowners Association meetings that informed residents of the neighborhood's plan to build gates at the Ga. 9 and Francis Road entrances, which will privatize the neighborhood's roads.
This has been an issue brought up by the HOA for several years, and John Morgan, the HOA vice president, said, "the neighborhood has done their homework to move this in the right direction."
This project is being considered as a way to eliminate the cut-through traffic and have more control over who comes through the neighborhood.
Morgan said the neighborhood has already made requests for proposals, selected the gating technology and security vendor, conducted road studies and completed design and architectural work.
The gating needs to be approved by the neighborhood by 67 percent, which is at least 429 homes.
There are two hurdles that the neighborhood has to clear in order for the city to approve the gating. First, they must prove that it is in the best keeping of the community and the city, and second, that it does not impact the surrounding community.
"The work that we have done is prove that Creek Club Drive is not a connector road from Francis to Ga. 9, and it was never intended to be," Morgan said. "The city has already acknowledged that."
Steve Wakefield, the HOA treasurer, said the road's use is substantially residential, which helps prove the gating's community impact.
"For us, it's best for the public interest because of safety," Wakefield said. "The reality is that it's probably more of a financial incentive for the city not to have to maintain seven miles of road."
Road maintenance is the main expense that would result from this project. There would be a quarterly fee taken up from each home to cover the cost such as maintenance, payments for the security company and maintenance of the gate.
The HOA meeting Dec. 9 allowed residents to ask questions before the voting begins.
The biggest issues involved repaving, security and policing and cost.
Milton Councilmember Joe Longoria, who is also a Crooked Creek HOA board member, helped to answer questions regarding repaving. Some residents expressed wishes to repave the neighborhood before gate construction.
"I can guarantee you this, the city wouldn't entertain repaving all the roads right before they abandon them," Longoria said. "That's not going to happen."
Morgan reassured residents the neighborhood intends to repave the roads every 15 years, instead of the city's schedule of every 25 years.
"Our intention is to take better care of our roads as a neighborhood than the city of Milton," Morgan said.
Morgan said the city has been asked to continue speed patrolling within the neighborhood to ensure safety, and keep a sense of transparency between the city and the neighborhood.
To move forward, the next steps will involve the neighborhood voting and then the city of Milton's process, which includes application submissions, initial council review, initial public hearing, secondary public hearing and resolution of mayor and council.
Annual operations cost
Road reserve – $112,000 Street lights – $19,728
Construction loan payment – $76,800
Security costs (software fees) – $7,716
Security costs (guard cell phone) – $1,200
Security costs (guard) – $127,896
Total annual costs – $345,340
Total cost per household – $135 per quarter, or $540 per year.
Savannah Lee contributed to this article.
 Council to vote on issue Dec. 16. |
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Milton held its fifth annual tree lighting at the
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Bethany Road between Mayfield and Providence offers 4x4 recreation in "rural" Milton!
By Tim Enloe; Accessmilton.com
As we continue our series promoting the "rural character" of Milton, Georgia, today we touch upon outdoor recreation.
With any "rural" community, "muddin" or "mud bogging" has always been a popular past time. Above, we have some recent pictures from Bethany Road; a great area to take your 4x4 or ATV and have a time!
No word when the annual mayor and councilman "Muddin' Milton Race" will take place, but keep an eye on Accessmilton.com for future details.
Many thanks to the City of Milton for putting action behind the image!
This month I want to talk about all the sudden construction and development we’re seeing around Milton. I know it seems like neighborhoods are popping up overnight, and I’ve been asked by many citizens why the city isn’t stopping the growth. I’ve even had comments asking “if we need to vote in new folks on city council?”
I wish it was that simple. If we had a magic button we could push and everything would stay the same, I, as well as city council, would!
When I first moved to what is now Milton, it felt like we were way out in the country. We rode our horses up and down the street and through hundreds of acres that are now developed. I remember sitting outside and hearing nothing but the breeze and birds. Things have changed over the last 20 years, and I cannot do any of that now.
The good and bad news is that Milton is a great place to live. We have quality schools, beautiful neighborhoods, proximity to good companies with great jobs, golf courses, horse farms, athletic facilities for our kids, etc. Believe me, I can go on and on.
Milton was even named "best quality of life” in Georgia and ninth highest in the southeast by the Business Journals’ On Numbers Survey. This kind of honor just fuels the desire of people wanting to move here, as we all have chosen to do so at some point.
That said, here is the reality of the situation:
•The change seems so sudden because of pent-up demand. What you are seeing is the result of about five years of demand that could not be fulfilled because of the collapse of credit markets. Normally, this development would happen more gradually. However, regional economic recovery means a groundswell of activity.
•Individual property rights are essential to our way of life. The City of Milton cannot, and would not, ever force a property owner into a decision that negatively affects the value of their land. If a property owner wants to sell acreage to a developer, they are free to do so. Developers buy the land because people want to live on that land. This is the free market system.
•This is not just happening in Milton. All across the region new residential development is popping up. Milton is very attractive to homebuyers for the exact same reasons you love the city: good schools, ample land, and good opportunity.
•Milton cannot absolutely stop all development. This is impossible. If we try, we will be sued and we will lose. And on top of losing, we will waste millions in tax money fighting lawsuits.
•Milton has tools in place to influence development – but some are voluntary. Our form-based code and comprehensive plan will keep heavy development contained to identified areas. But transfer of development rights, placing large swaths of greenspace in protective zones in exchange for heavier development in commercially viable areas, is voluntary. We cannot force this tool onto land owners.
•If a development follows the letter and intent of our laws – if it conforms to the stringent standards the community approved through our various zoning tools – its owner will be allowed to build without City Council oversight. For example, if a new neighborhood goes into land zoned AG-1 (agricultural use) and is broken up into one-acre lots (a standard) with one home that meets our building codes, that case will not come before City Council. Please understand: We are certainly aware of the development because of city staff reporting to us daily, but we have no legal decision to make.
•Finally, change is inevitable. Milton’s population doubled from 2000 to 2010. Every plan we’ve created since incorporation in 2006 contemplated population growth. This is nothing new, and it is nothing unexpected. The option we are left with is managing that growth so that what makes Milton unique is not lost.
I understand that many of us would like to "close the door and lock it once we are here," but because of the facts above we cannot do that.
Here’s the ironic thing: I often hear citizens from one development or neighborhood chastise property owners next door who consider selling. But I’m sure in the past the same property owner contemplating selling thought the exact same thing about the land next to them. That’s just life.
I am not saying living in an apartment, townhouse, cluster home, neighborhood, horse farm, agricultural land, on a golf course or in a country club is any better or worse. I believe diversity is what makes Milton a great place to live!
What can we do to preserve our city and keep the balance? The only way I know of is by all working together.
Step one is to embrace quality development, but more importantly, spread the word and encourage people to accept the rural lifestyle for which our city is known. Now this lifestyle is certainly a reality for only a small percentage of our population. But the “feel” of Milton, that rural quality, is something that attracted most of us.
Next, instead of sitting back and watching all the property that can be legally developed disappear, encourage people you know to consider buying property and living on it rather than purchasing a new home. Next time you see a 10-acre property for sale, consider getting two or three of your neighbors to go in and buy it. You’ll save the land by building and living on a larger piece of property, thereby preserving the look and feel we love. Right now the housing market is good so it is not hard to sell an existing home. Talk up living on larger acreage with people considering Milton.
I understand this may sound unrealistic at first, but for the same price as an upscale home you can still find a 3- to 5-acre lot with an older, modest home on it.
Now keep in mind you will have to make some sacrifices in living space, as my family did for 17 years. But there are many upsides as well. I can tell you all kinds of stories of sharing one bathroom with a family of five, or having your youngest use the living room for a bedroom. We’ve had the well go out. We’ve even had to keep 50-plus three year olds from going near the eggs in the "mud"(code for septic troubles) at our Easter egg hunt. But I will tell you my family wouldn't trade it for anything!
I challenge us all to join the cause and keep Milton what it was rather than sit on the sidelines frustrated with "all the bulldozers!” If only a minority of citizens pitch in, the majority of citizens will benefit.
And please know I’m always available to listen. Our staff is always available to listen.
And to me, that’s the best thing Milton can offer right now.
Sincerely,
Mayor Joe Lockwood
Perk up those ears for sleigh bells and pack the mittens, because the City of Milton will once again provide two holiday events for residents in December: the sixth annual Christmas in Crabapple on Saturday, Dec. 7 in partnership with the Crabapple Community Association (CCA); and the second annual Mayor's Holiday Open House hosted by City Council on Sunday, Dec. 15.
Sixth annual Christmas in Crabapple
Saturday, Dec. 7 is sure to have heaps of holiday cheer in Milton as the city, in partnership with the CCA, hosts the sixth annual Christmas in Crabapple from 2 to 5 p.m. in historic downtown Crabapple.
Again, Christmas in Crabapple will be a celebration throughout the Crabapple Crossroads. At Friendship Community Park there will be Christmas, Hanukkah and holiday music favorites, a holiday bounce house, funnel cakes, hot chocolate and holiday train rides.
In historic downtown Crabapple, the CCA is offering photos with Santa Claus at Blencoe and Co. Photographic Arts, a bonfire and the return of the "North Pole Passport" program featuring local businesses.
Click here for directions to the park, located at 12785 Birmingham Highway between Crabapple Crossing Elementary and Northwestern Middle schools. Click here for directions to historic downtown Crabapple.
Second annual Mayor's Holiday Open House hosted by City Council
In an effort to create the most welcoming, inclusive community in the state, every resident of Milton is again cordially invited to the second annual Mayor's Holiday Open House hosted by City Council Sunday, Dec. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the home of Mayor Joe Lockwood on Dorris Road.
You read that right: The entire city is welcome to the informal holiday party, which will be held at the Mayor's home. All food and drinks will be donated by City Council and local businesses.
Shuttled parking will be available from 4 to 7 p.m. at Milton High School, 13025 Birmingham Highway in Milton (click here for directions). Handicapped parking will be available at the home, 375 Dorris Road in Milton (click here for directions).
To RSVP, please e-mail rsvp@cityofmiltonga.us and include your name and address to verify you are a Milton resident. You will be sent an invitation to print out.
For more information on either of these holiday events, contact Special Projects and Events Manager Angela Thompson at 678-242-2530 or angela.thompson@cityofmiltonga.us.
Courtesy City of Milton
The City of Milton Public Works Department and Milton Grows Green are offering residents a bulky trash amnesty day Saturday, Dec. 7, so gather your large items for disposal.
From 8 a.m. to noon, residents of Milton can bring items to the City of Roswell Public Works Division at 1810 Hembree Road in Roswell (click here for directions). Only City of Milton and Roswell residents will be served. Proof of residency will be required, and utility bills are preferred.
Also, bring your gently-worn shoes for a recycling and reuse program to help fund Milton's Community Wildlife Habitat Project (click here for more information on the project).
Some of the items accepted are (reusable items will be donated to Atlanta Furniture Bank):
tires - must be off the rim, automobile tires only; limit 4 per car sofas tables refrigerators chairs washers dryers televisions deactivated cell phones computer equipment and electronics mattresses and box springs grills lawnmowers (with fluids drained) The following items will not be accepted: paint household hazardous waste any fluids including motor oil and anti-freeze household batteries construction and demolition materials yard waste
For proper disposal of these items, please contact either the Roswell Recycling Center at 770-442-8822 (motor oil and anti-freeze) or Chadwick Landfill at 770-475-9868 (construction and demolition materials).
Materials will only be accepted at the site on the day of the event and only during the hours of 8 a.m. and noon. Please note that the gate will close at noon.
A special thanks goes to the Young Mens' Service League for their continued volunteer support.
For more information, please contact Milton Sustainability Coordinator Cindy Eade at 678-242-2509 or cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.
Angel Tree
During the holiday season, Senior Services North Fulton and our team of dedicated staff and volunteers spread cheer and gift-giving throughout North Fulton. The holidays are a lonely time for many of our seniors, especially those who live alone.
The Angel Tree Giving program helps lift their spirits. Seniors submit a wish list, which students, volunteers and organizations fulfill. Many of the seniors in our program request gift cards to a local Kroger, Publix, Walmart, or Target to purchase personal items such body lotion and shampoo, or even groceries and medications. This year we are asking the community's help to fill the requests for gift cards.
If you would like to donate a gift card from Kroger, Publix, Walmart, or Target to help a senior this Holiday season, please mail it to:
Ms. Deena Takata Volunteer Manager Senior Services North Fulton 3060 Royal Boulevard South, Suite 130 Alpharetta, GA 30022
Community Gift Wrap Day
On Dec. 16 the senior center will host a Community Gift Wrap Day. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. friends from the community can stop by and let seniors wrap Christmas gifts. There is no charge, but donations will be accepted.
Also, if you would like to donate supplies -- wrapping paper, gift bags, boxes, gift name tags, tape and Christmas cards -- we will accept them. Last year's left overs are perfect!
To find out more information about The Angel Tree Program call 770-993-1906 ext. 230. For the gift wrapping day, contact Melinda Ross, Milton Senior Center manager, at 470-554-0758 or mross@ssnorthfulton.org.
Emma Harrison, daughter of Better Together member Teri Harrison, shows off two Thanksgiving baskets that will be provided to Better Together's sponsored senior.
Better Together, Milton residents looking for unique and fun opportunities to connect with neighbors, will be partnering with Communiteen in hosting its final event for 2014. The event will be held Dec. 14 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Bethwell Community Center, located at 2695 Hopewell Road in Milton (click here for directions).
Communiteen, a Better Together-affiliated organization of Milton-area high school students, encourages and fosters friendships among teens of all abilities.
At the event, participants will exchange gifts (limit $10), decorate cookies and collect gift donations for North Fulton Community Charities.
Ansley Bradwell, one of the founders of the Communiteen group, said there will be plenty to eat and drink. Hot chocolate, pretzels and fruit will be served.
All Milton-area high school students are encouraged to attend this event. If you plan to attend or would like more information, please contact Ansley Braswell ansley813@aim.com or Meredith Johnson meredithjdot@rocketmail.com.
Separately, in addition to participating in the Thanksgiving Senior Sponsorship program with North Fulton Community Charities, Better Together will also be helping a local family at Christmas by providing funds for needed food items.
Better Together member Teri Harrison coordinated these activities for the group. She said both are very rewarding experiences for Better Together and ones we hope to continue in the future.
All residents are invited to attend Better Together's twice-monthly meetings which take place at the Bethwell Community Center, 2695 Hopewell Road in Milton (click here for directions).
If you would like more information on Better Together or any of its activities, please contact Community Builder Wayne Boston at 678-242-2512 or wayne.boston@cityofmiltonga.us.
Once again, Casey Tree Company will donate their chipping services to Milton residents for "Bring One For the Chipper." This year's event will be held Saturday, Jan. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following locations: Scottsdale Farms, 15639 Birmingham Highway (click here for directions) Milton high School, 13025 Birmingham Highway (click here for directions) Home Depot, 5300 Windward Parkway (click here for directions) Milton Thanks to the Young Men's Service League for their volunteer efforts! Don't want to deal with getting your tree recycled? Then let Boy Scout Troop 841 pick up your tree for a $15 donation. Send an e-mail to treepickup841@yahoo.com or call our voice mail at 770-667-6207 to schedule a pick up. For more information, please contact Milton Sustainability Coordinator Cindy Eade at 678-242-2509 or cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.
Children's Charities, a Milton based non-profit, will host ICEFEST 2014 Ice Carving Festival Saturday, Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to benefit the Early Autism Detection Unit for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
This event will take place at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road in Roswell (click here for more information).
Ticket packages range from $10 to $45. Day pass includes access to the Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the Atlanta Ice Marvels sculptors, food truck alley from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., an ice sculpting competition, a magician and inflatables, a bonfire with s'mores and a live onsite broadcast from B98.5.
The reception and reveal from 6 to 10 p.m. is hosted by Jamie Bendall of the Punchline and includes a heated cocktail lounge, reveal of the 12-foot ice sculpture, lighting of the 10-foot ice torch, live music from the Stephen Lee Band, Farm fresh food by Harry's Farmers Market will be crafted by Chef Derek Dollar of Milton's Cuisine and Cocktails.
For sponsorship opportunities, visit www.childrenscharitiesga.org or call 404-217-4643. Purchase tickets by phone at 877-725-8849 or online at www.ticketalternative.com. Search: ICE FEST.
Congratulations to Paige Norris, an
eighth-grader from Mill Springs Academy, who won the Water Essay Contest for
Fulton County.
Norris' essay was one of hundreds received
from sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders in Bartow, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb,
Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry,
Paulding and Rockdale counties.
Students were asked to write a 300- to
500-word essay about water conservation. A subcommittee of the Metro Water
District's Education Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC) came together to
judge the essays. The district-wide winner and runner-up were chosen from the
winners from each county.
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