Milton Parks and Recreation Director To Resign.

By Accessmilton.com

Milton's first parks director Cyndee Bonacci has turned her resignation in this week stating she needs more time to be a Mom to her three children.

She has provided a month's notice.

Bonacci was hired over a year ago to jump start Milton's Parks and Recs program. Most recently, she was part of the Bethwell Community House restoration.

The position, which pays an estimated $85,000 annually, was questioned by some as premature and over the top.

However, others were big advocates for the parks program to get under way and hiring Mrs. Bonacci was the first step forward.

The city plans to have a replacement in hand by early July.

So what do you think? Would you hire another director now or would you hold off?

Have your say in the comments section below.

Last Minute Father's Day Reservations at Milton's!

To find out more about Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails, click here=>
http://www.accessmilton.com/Advertisers/Miltons.php

Reminder: Free concert Friday, June 17.

By Accessmilton.com

Lisa Port & Friends perform at Birmingham Park from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

MILTON, Ga., June 16, 2011 - Don't forget that the first show of "Concerts in the Park: Boogie Down at Birmingham" sponsored by Doctors Express, is Friday, June 17 at Birmingham Park. This show, like the other two in the series, will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Milton's Birmingham Park, located behind Milton Fire Station No. 43, just west of the Birmingham Crossroads at 750 Hickory Flat Road (click here for directions). There will be food and beverages at the park provided by Wholly Pops and The Pup Truck, but feel free to bring a picnic and blanket and just enjoy the summer evening and free music. No alcohol is allowed in the park.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17: FATHER'S DAY WITH LISA PORT & FRIENDS This first show, timed to kick off Father's Day weekend, will feature Lisa Port, lead singer of Atlanta/Ketchum, Idaho band Four Stroke Bus, and friends performing a mix of originals and covers spanning Americana, blues, bluegrass and rock-and-roll. To hear Four Stroke Bus, visit the band's Web site, www.fourstrokebus.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 1: INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH SARAH PEACOCK The second event will usher in Independence Day weekend with Nashville's Sarah Peacock, an Atlanta native. A true troubadour, the powerhouse vocalist averages more than 200 gigs a year, honing her blend of classic rock, country and pop. She has shared the stage with Jessi Lynn, Barry Waldrep, Levi Lowrey and Clay Cook and appeared on Comcast, WGN, Me.TV, various FOX networks and radio stations across the country. At the show, Peacock will have her first CD, "Straight for Your Heart," and a live album recorded at Decatur's Eddie's Attic for sale. To hear her music, visit www.sarahpeacockmusic.com.

FRIDAY, AUG. 5: END OF SUMMER WITH MANDY GAWLEY Why not spend one of the last weekends before school starts with friends, food and free music? Milton's own Mandy Gawley, a wife and mother of two who is living her lifelong dream of singing, will bring the summer concert series to a close. She will perform cuts off her album "Life So Sweet," including "Biscuits and Chicken," as heard on 94.9 The Bull's Backyard Country. For more information on Gawley, including links to her debut album, visit www.mandygawley.com.

For more information on this summer concert series, contact Tom Gilliam, Recreation Programs Coordinator, at 678-242-2519 or tom.gilliam@cityofmiltonga.us.

Final School Map Pdf.

Courtey Fulton County Schools

http://www.fultonschools.org/redistricting/bethany/MAP_bethany_FinalRec_plotter_050911.pdf

Ga. Supreme Court Rules In Billboard Case.

Courtesy wsbtv.com

http://www.wsbtv.com/video/28236994/index.html

Do you agree or disagree with this decision? Have your say in the comments section below.

Check out photos from Basketball Camp.

All photos courtesy of Accessmilton.com

On A National Note...

Mexico, several other countries seek to halt Georgia's new anti-illegal immigration law.


By Jeremy Redmon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Anti-Defamation League, Mexico and the governments of several Central and South American countries filed court papers Wednesday in support of efforts to halt Georgia’s tough new immigration enforcement law.

The other countries joining on the side of those seeking a preliminary injunction in the case include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Peru.

The American Civil Liberties Union, the Southern Poverty Law Center and several other civil and immigrant rights groups filed a federal class-action lawsuit against Georgia's law this month and are now asking a judge to halt the measure pending the outcome of their case. They argue the measure – also known as House Bill 87 – is preempted by federal law and is unconstitutional.

“HB 87 substantially and inappropriately burdens the consistent country to country relations between Mexico and the United States of America,” Mexico says in its brief in support of halting the law, “interfering with the strategic diplomatic interests of the two countries and encouraging an imminent threat of state-sanctioned bias or discrimination.”State officials filed court papers this week seeking to dismiss the lawsuit. They say the law is constitutional and predict it will survive the court challenge. Proponents say the state needed to act to curb illegal immigration because the federal government has failed to secure the nation's borders. Illegal immigrants, say supporters of Georgia's new law, are burdening the state's taxpayer-funded resources, including public schools, jails and hospitals.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash has set the first hearing in the case for 10 a.m. Monday. He indicated he might rule from the bench that day on the plaintiffs’ request to halt the law.

Similar to a law Arizona enacted last year, Georgia’s measure empowers police to investigate the immigration status of certain suspects. It punishes people who transport or harbor illegal immigrants in Georgia or use fake identification to get a job here. And it requires many businesses to use the federal E-Verify program to ensure their newly hired workers are eligible to work in the United States. Much of the law is scheduled to start taking effect on July 1.

Milton to launch summer music series.

By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Milton kicks off its first free summer concert series Friday with Lisa Port of Atlanta/Ketchum, Idaho band Four Stroke Bus and friends performing blues, bluegrass and rock-and-roll.

This is the first of three concerts scheduled for Milton's Birmingham Park, 750 Hickory Flat Road. More concerts are scheduled for July 1 and Aug. 5. All shows will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be food and beverages at the park, but attendees can bring their own picnic and blanket. No alcohol is allowed.

Information: 678-242-2519 or tom.gilliam@cityofmiltonga.us.

N. Fulton school redistricting gets final OK.

By Nancy Badertscher
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Fulton County School Board gave final approval Tuesday night to new school attendance zones opposed by some Roswell parents and the city's mayor.

The change in school boundaries was triggered by the school system's plans to open a new school on Bethany Bend near the Forsyth County line in August 2012.

Roswell Mayor Jere Wood argued officials need to strengthen the connection between towns and schools, not weaken them by forcing some students who live in the city to transfer to other schools.

Parents also complained that the plan, which affects students at Alpharetta, Milton and Roswell high schools, unnecessarily moved too many students and will force some to travel already congested roads in north Fulton.

Milton police issue warning after rash of car break-ins.

Always lock car doors, keep valuables out of sight.

by Jonathan Copsey / Appen Newspapers
June 13, 2011

MILTON, Ga. — Nearly 20 vehicles were entered overnight June 8 and the early morning hours of June 9 in the Providence Oaks subdivision on Providence Road.

Milton police Capt. Shawn McCarty warns residents that summer time means an uptick in the number of car break-ins.

McCarty said all the vehicles were unlocked and had all manner of items stolen, including laptops, GPS devices, money and wallets.

"Whatever was in the car, really," he said. "It appears the guys were just walking through the neighborhoods looking for unlocked cars."These Crimes of opportunity, often perpetrated by criminals looking for easy-to-grab items, can be foiled by simply locking your car doors and keeping valuables out of sight, said McCarty.

"Always lock your car doors, even in your own driveway," he said. "These incidents occur because suspects simply go from house to house trying to open car doors. Whatever they can find inside they take."
The crime is common in North Fulton, said McCarty, and preventable.

"I can't stress this enough: Take your laptop, GPS, MP3 players and other devices inside the home with you. If you are out running errands, lock them in the trunk so no one can see them," he said. "Those simple, preventative steps go a long way toward keeping these expensive items from being stolen."
McCarty also cautions residents to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.

"If you see someone you don't know at a neighbor's house snooping around driveways, pay attention," he said. "If it seems too suspicious, give us a call."The Milton Police Department is always available by dialing 911 for emergency situations. For non-emergency situations, call 678-297-6300 and choose Option 1. The department's administrative number is 678-242-2570.

The Road To Privatization: For Or Against?

By Tim Enloe; Accessmilton.com

Talk is brewing up once again about the very sensitive topic of road privatization and abandonment in Milton.

Each extreme is very passionate about their stance.

Those for state that in the long run, the city will save money due to not having to maintain and patrol such routes. In addition, they believe that it empowers those citizens that would benefit by such closure.

Those against state that tax payers have paid for these roads and therefore should have full access to them. In addition, the same lot believes that such action dumps more traffic onto the already burdoned two lane residential roads and residents who reside on them while hindering the overall focus of road connectivity within the city.

So what is your take? Is this a hot topic for you or could you care less? Will each candidates stance on this issue have any impact on your vote this upcoming Fall or not? Have your say in the comments section below.

Milton FD installs LIFENET system to help save lives.

By Accessmilton.com

Allows paramedics to send heart scans to ERs in real time.

MILTON, GA., June 14, 2011 - The City of Milton's Fire-Rescue Department has taken another step toward improving the survival rate of heart attack victims by installing the LIFENET system, which allows paramedics to transmit heart scans from the field to emergency rooms in real time.

"The American College of Cardiology has set a standard of 90 minutes from the time heart attack patients walk into an emergency room to the time their arteries are opened as the standard of care," said Robert Edgar, Milton's Fire Chief. "With this new system, patients can go from 'door to balloon' in less than an hour."But LIFENET is more than just new machinery, said Edgar. It also involves: advanced training for paramedics so they can more accurately assess 911 patients while in the field; coordination with clinicians who prepare before the patient arrives via ambulance; and a lockstep system for local hospitals so that once the patient arrives, he or she is moved within minutes through the ER and taken to the catheterization laboratory to have an artery opened.

"Each year, close to 400,000 people suffer the type of heart attack this new system can help identify almost instantly," said Edgar. "There's no question it will save someone's life in Milton - it's just a matter of time."

First free Summer Concert Series begins June 17.

By Accessmilton.com

All shows take place at Birmingham Park from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

MILTON, Ga., June 10, 2011 - The City of Milton is proud to announce its first free Summer Concert Series, "Concerts in the Park: Boogie Down at Birmingham" sponsored by Doctor's Express, begins June 17 and continues July 1 and Aug. 5.

All shows will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Milton's Birmingham Park, located behind Milton Fire Station No. 43, just west of the Birmingham Crossroads at 750 Hickory Flat Road (click here for directions).

There will be food and beverages at the park provided by Wholly Pops and The Pup Truck, but feel free to bring a picnic and blanket and just enjoy the summer evening and free music. No alcohol is allowed in the park.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17: FATHER'S DAY WITH LISA PORT & FRIENDS

The first show, timed to coincide with Father's Day on June 19, will feature Lisa Port, lead singer of Atlanta/Ketchum, Idaho band Four Stroke Bus, and friends performing a mix of originals and covers spanning Americana, blues, bluegrass and rock-and-roll.

To hear Four Stroke Bus, visit the band's Web site, www.fourstrokebus.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 1: INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH SARAH PEACOCK
The second event will kick-off Independence Day weekend with Nashville's Sarah Peacock, an Atlanta native. A true troubadour, the powerhouse vocalist averages more than 200 gigs a year, honing her blend of classic rock, country and pop.

She has shared the stage with Jessi Lynn, Barry Waldrep, Levi Lowrey and Clay Cook and appeared on Comcast, WGN, Me.TV, various FOX networks and radio stations across the country.

At the show, Peacock will have her first CD, "Straight for Your Heart," and a live album recorded at Decatur's Eddie's Attic for sale. To hear her music, visit www.sarahpeacockmusic.com.

FRIDAY, AUG. 5: END OF SUMMER WITH MANDY GAWLEY

Why not spend one of the last weekends before school starts with friends, food and free music?

Milton's own Mandy Gawley, a wife and mother of two who is living her lifelong dream of singing, will bring the summer concert series to a close. She will perform cuts off her album "Life So Sweet," including "Biscuits and Chicken," as heard on 94.9 The Bull's Backyard Country.

For more information on Gawley, including links to her debut album, visit www.mandygawley.com.

For more information on this summer concert series, contact Tom Gilliam, Recreation Programs Coordinator, at 678-242-2519 or tom.gilliam@cityofmiltonga.us.

June 13 City Council work session notice.

By Accessmilton.com


Monday, June 13, 2011 Regular Council Meeting Agenda 6:00 p.m.

1. Discussion of Revision to Milton's Road Privatization Policy.
(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)


2. Discussion of City of Milton Strategic Planning Staff Overview, Vision and Mission Strategies.
(Sam Trager, Human Resources Director & Jack Flowers, Member of Horse Council)

3. RZ11-06 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to Create the "Film and Movie Media Productions Administrative Permit" (Sec. 64-1616).
(Agenda Item No. 11- 091)
(Deferred from May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting First Presentation)
(First Presentation on June 6, 2011 Regular Council Meeting)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)


4. RZ11-07 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to Revise the "Use Regulations" for the C-1 (Community Business) District (Sec. 64-775).
(Agenda Item No. 11- 092)

(Deferred from May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting First Presentation)
(First Presentation on June 6, 2011 Regular Council Meeting)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)


5. RZ11-08 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to Revise the "Use Regulations" for the C-2 (Community Business) District (Sec. 64-798).
(Agenda Item No. 11- 093)
(Deferred from May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting First Presentation)
(First Presentation on June 6, 2011 Regular Council Meeting)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)

6. RZ11-09 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to Create "Prohibited Uses in All Districts" (Sec. 64-395).
(Agenda Item No. 11- 094)
(Deferred from May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting First Presentation)
(First Presentation on June 6, 2011 Regular Council Meeting)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)


7. RZ11-10 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to Create "Separation Standards for High Traffic Uses" (Sec. 64-218).
(Agenda Item No. 11- 095)
(Deferred from May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting First Presentation)
(First Presentation on June 6, 2011 Regular Council Meeting)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)


8. RZ11-11 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to amend definitions in Section 64-1.
(Agenda Item No. 11- )
(First Presentation on June 6, 2011 Regular Council Meeting)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)


9. RZ11-12 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to amend Roadside vending in Section 64-1607.
(Agenda Item No. 11- )
(First Presentation on June 6, 2011 Regular Council Meeting)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)

Introducing The Westbrooks And Their Garden.

Double Click To Enlarge Screen.

By Tim Enloe; Accessmilton.com

As many Milton residents know, the area that is known today as North Fulton County initially had it's start in agriculture.

Large, 100 to 1000 acre farms were still common place even as recent as the 1970's.

These agrarian businesses dealt with many different types of stock and produce, from cattle and pigs to corn and cotton. Green Farm, originally located in Crabapple, is actually on the record books for having grown one of the largest plumes of cotton in the state. Those familiar with Silos park can see what is left of this farm today.

With so many subdivisions and strip centers taking the place of this unique lifestyle, those that farmed this land are also becoming part of our history books as well. Thankfully in Milton, we still have a few citizens who not only lived that simple but hard life, but actually still practice it to some degree today.

Enter Mr. Paul Westbrook and wife Barbara; residents of what is now Milton Georgia going on 80 years.

Recently, this wonderful couple was kind enough to invite Accessmilton.com in for a visit and to tour their two plus acre garden.

While I have gardened since I was eight, I can tell you that I have never toiled in a garden of this magnitude and perfection. Interested in learning the trade yourself? Then call the Westbrooks and just listen.

To see this piece of land is a sight to behold; with rows loaded with 50 plus plants each carrying such favorites as squash, broccoli, and tomatoes. And you can throw that belief that age can slow you down out the window; it was tough to find one weed and everything is neat as a pin.

For the past two years, the Westbrooks have been a great asset to what is now known as "The Milton Market." While their tailgate is always a beehive of activity, their blue berries typically sell out within a couple of hours and any gardener will tell you that Westbrook tomatoes are hard to beat.

People like Paul & Barbara Westbrook are truly treasures to the City of Milton. The knowledge and experience they have cannot be surpassed. They are living history of what once was. With that, I encourage you to reach out to the Westbrooks as well. Just bring some sweet tea and smile; the rest will fall right into place...

Protect yourself from car break-ins.

By Accessmilton.com

Always lock car doors, keep valuables out of sight.

MILTON, GA., June 9, 2011 - The City of Milton Police Department responded to a call June 8 in the Providence Oaks subdivision in which five unlocked cars were broken into. As such, Milton police Capt. Shawn McCarty warns residents that summer time means an uptick in the number of car break-ins.

These crimes of opportunity, often perpetrated by criminals looking for easy-to-grab items, can be foiled by simply locking your car doors and keeping valuables out of sight, said McCarty.

"Always lock your car doors, even in your own driveway," he said. "These incidents occur because suspects simply go from house to house trying to open car doors. Whatever they can find inside they take."The crime is common in North Fulton, said McCarty, and preventable.

"I can't stress this enough: Take your laptop, GPS, MP3 players and other devices inside the home with you. If you are out running errands, lock them in the trunk so no one can see them," he said. "Those simple, preventative steps go a long way toward keeping these expensive items from being stolen."McCarty also cautions residents to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.

"If you see someone you don't know at a neighbor's house snooping around driveways, pay attention," he said. "If it seems too suspicious, give us a call."The Milton Police Department is always available by dialing 911 for emergency situations. For non-emergency situations, call 678-297-6300 and choose Option 1. The department's administrative number is 678-242-2570.

Birmingham Falls Gets New Asst. Principal.

By Accessmilton.com

Milton's newest elementary school has recieved it's newest employee.

Teresa Cheatham has been named the institution's new assistant principal and will start August 1st.

She is replacing Jasmine Kullar.

Mrs Cheatham has been a Georgia educator for over 17 years specializing in special needs education at both the elementary and middle school levels.

Bethwell Community Center available for rent.

By Accessmilton.com


Looking for the perfect place to host a birthday party, family reunion, corporate retreat or non-profit team-building exercise? Why not try the recently renovated, affordably priced and spacious Bethwell Community Center?

The City of Milton is now taking rental reservations for the Bethwell Community Center, located at 2695 Hopewell Road in Milton. This beautiful, 1,300-square-foot facility includes a 500-square-foot porch, playground, seating for up to 55 and everything you would need for food preparation, including a refrigerator, microwave and sink.

Rentals are available for as low as $120 for a three-hour block. Prices vary based on residential and non-profit status.

If you are interested in renting the Bethwell Community Center, please click here. Make sure to call ahead to check availability and confirm fees due. Then just download the form, fill it out, and drop it (with payment) by City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway. You may also fax it 678-242-2499 Attn: Tom Gilliam or mail it to:

Milton City Hall
Attn: Tom Gilliam
13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107A
Milton, GA 30004

Click here for more information.

Milton expands youth sports programs.

By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Milton has revised its license agreement with i9 Sports, the company operating its recreational youth sports programs.

The City Council expanded the city's agreement with the firm Monday to include a coed youth soccer program and a fall youth flag football program for ages 4-12.

The city receives 25 percent of all registration fees, and Milton residents qualify for reduced rates.

Milton firefighters raise nearly $11,000 in a day.

By Accessmilton.com

At the June 6 City Council meeting, representatives from the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) stopped by to show their appreciation to Milton’s Fire Department and City Council for their continued support of the yearly Fill the Boot Campaign.

The department’s efforts have already gotten off to a great start this year, with firefighters raising $10,638 June 3.

Milton firefighters will continue their drive throughout the summer and into early September, so keep an eye out for them collecting at busy intersections.

Here’s the schedule:

•C shift will collect again on June 24
•B shift will collect on July 8 and 29
•A shift will collect on Aug. 12 and Sept. 2
In just four years, the City of Milton Fire Department has raised more than $161,000 for MDA, which uses the money to aid local children and adults affected by neuromuscular diseases by providing wheelchairs, leg braces, clinic visits, support groups and a chance for children to attend Camp Walk-N-Roll.