Area hockey team headed to Canada ► PAGE 3 S e p t e m b e r 1 4 , 2 0 2 3 | 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 , N o . 3 7
Sandy Springs ordinance tightens regulations on apartment housing By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs City Council has approved an update to the city’s multifamily housing ordinance that will place requirements on local apartment communities in an effort to make residents safer. At a Sept. 5 City Council meeting, officials unanimously approved an update to the city’s code of ordinances, increasing inspections for all of the city’s 98 communities and placing new requirements on property managers and thirdparty inspectors. Community Development Director Ginger Soto said these changes come after years of dealing with numerous rental communities with staggered inspection schedules that make protection and enforcement difficult. Previously, she said the city only inspected about 20 percent of its apartment communities per year. “Currently, the code and third-party inspections are spread out over five years, making it difficult for all parties to keep track of which buildings have already been inspected,” Soto said. “100 percent of code enforcement and thirdparty inspections will be completed annually instead of being spread out over five years.” Communities will also be required to complete separate mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment inspections every five years.
See HOUSING, Page 6
City advances Old Riverside Park project By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Construction for a 23-acre park on the banks of the Chattahoochee River will soon be underway, thanks to a recent approval from the Sandy Springs City Council. At a Sept. 5 City Council meeting, officials approved a contract with Lose Design to design and manage construction of the park that will be located off Old Riverside Drive in west Sandy Springs. Speaking to officials at the meeting, Recreation and Parks Director Michael Perry said the large river-side park will include multiple nature trails, river observation locations, play experiences and green infrastructure elements while retaining a passive and natural atmosphere.
See PARK, Page 6
ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA
Sandy Springs officials speak to the City Council about updates to the city’s multifamily housing ordinance at a meeting held Sept. 5. The ordinance update was unanimously approved.
I want to say I’m really excited to get this going. This has been around since I first arrived on city council in 2014.” ANDY BAUMAN City Councilman