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Officials consider added criteria for Slow Down in Roswell funds By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Discussion around a city traffic-calming program dominated the Feb. 24 Roswell Committees of Council meeting as elected officials debated how to determine which neighborhoods need the service most.
Slow Down in Roswell is part of the city’s Safe Streets and Roads for All developed under former Mayor Kurt Wilson. It identified 11 roads in the city, most within neighborhoods, deemed in need of improvement. They were assessed through a neighborhood calming matrix that factored in traffic volume, sidewalk accessibility, speeding,
poverty rates and area amenities, like shopping centers or schools. This year’s budget allocates $400,000 to fund the pilot program that includes the 11 neighborhoods. The budget also included $102,000 to create and fund a traffic analyst position.
See TRAFFIC, Page 25
Alpharettan to mark her 102nd birthday By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Coming up on March 15, Alpharetta resident Rita Simmons will turn 102 years old, keeping her title as the oldest resident at The Addison of Alpharetta. Born in 1924, Simmons lived most of her life in Massachusetts and moved to Georgia in 2013 to be closer to one of her two daughters. Her family has expanded to include six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. There’s a pattern of family living into their 90s and beyond. Six of Simmons’
siblings lived into their 90s, and the oldest turns 104 the day after she does. “I try to take care of myself,” Simmons said. “I try to eat right. I don’t exercise, but I move a lot.” Simmons learned about life by living it, she said. She didn’t graduate from high school but participated in vocational school while taking care of her four younger siblings. One of the most memorable moments of Simmons’ life was when she came home from school at age 10 and her seventh sibling was born.
North Point project hears developments ► PAGE 9
See SIMMONS, Page 25
Community journalist joins Appen newsroom ► PAGE 10
Rita Simmons, center, with her daughters, Jean Barrow, right, and Joan Loube, left, at The Addison of Alpharetta Feb. 23. Simmons will celebrate her 102nd birthday on March 15. HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA
Centennial alumnus returns to coach ► PAGE 22
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Alpharetta unveils list of top projects for TSPLOST III By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The City of Alpharetta is looking toward 2027’s county-wide transportation sales tax with an eye for pedestrian infrastructure. At its March 2 meeting, the Alpharetta City Council reviewed potential projects to be funded if voters renew the tax this November. Cities must submit a project list to Fulton County by May 31. The tax is three-quarters of a cent added to the county’s sales tax and is dedicated to transportation projects. The sales tax would go into effect in April 2027. City staff anticipate the city could receive about $71.6 million. Council members may propose additional projects for consideration before the May 31 deadline. A preliminary project list proposes numerous pedestrian improvements throughout the city, including upgrades for two of its most popular trail networks, the Alpha Loop and Big Creek Greenway. The Alpha Loop in the Brookside area could receive $5 million for a fitness park, 15-foot retaining wall, planting strip and sidewalk. About $2.5 million would benefit the Alpha Loop in the Northwinds area with a sidewalk, lane reduction and planting strip.
See PROJECTS, Page 10
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