Mixed-use project in Forsyth County gains steam J a n u a r y 2 3 , 2 0 2 5 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 9 , N o . 4
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North metro governments plan to integrate new floating homestead exemption By ZOE SEILER zseiler@decaturish.com NORTH METRO ATLANTA — Georgia counties, cities and schools districts will soon decide whether to opt out of the statewide floating homestead exemption established in House Bill 581. Voters across Georgia approved a
referendum in November that puts HB 581 into practice, placing a floating homestead exemption that caps property assessments at the inflation rate. Since the referendum was approved, the law went into effect this month. A floating homestead exemption generally offsets or reduces increases in the taxable value of property.
“The intent is to protect those homeowners. It does slow the growth of the digest for your residential homestead properties,” said Dante Handel, associate director of governmental affairs at Association County Commissioners of Georgia, which lobbies for and advises all 159 counties in the state. Under HB 581 property assessments
could not increase more than the inflation rate each year. Only residential, homestead properties. The floating exemption. It does not apply to commercial, industrial or non-homesteaded properties, such as rentals.
See HOMESTEAD, Page 12
Donated public art approved for site at Newtown Park By ADAM DARBY adam@appenmedia.com
ADAM DARBY/APPEN MEDIA
Johns Creek City Council members discuss the benefits of public art at Newtown Park at their Jan. 13 meeting at City Hall. The project is funded with no public money.
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Johns Creek City Council discussed the installation of a proposed art project for Newtown Park at its Jan. 13 meeting. In November, Johns Creek Beautification (JCB) submitted a public art application to install a trio of stainless-steel, life-size dog sculptures at Newtown Park. The sculptures are from artist Jim Collins and funded by Michèle Morel, a JCB board member. After careful review and consideration by the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Committee, JCB was granted permission to propose the project to the City Council for public hearing and consideration. Once approved, JCB will commission the three sculptures and officially donate them to the city. The council voted unanimously in favor of the project moving forward for installation. The project is expected to be completed by early spring. “I think this is a wonderful addition to Newtown Park. Art defines a city,” City Councilman Bob Erramilli said. “At a certain age, we will not be here, but [the city’s] culture will be there for a long, long time and we’ll talk about how good the city is and promoting artists…I’m really thankful that you thought about this.”
See COUNCIL, Page 21
Caroline Nalisnick C: 404.513.9226 | Caroline@HOMEgeorgia.com
Sam DiVito C: 404.803.5999 | Sam@HOMEgeorgia.com
Allison Kloster C: 404.784.5287 | Allison@HOMEgeorgia.com