Brian and Jen's Real Estate Blog

Georgia Home Foreclosures Begins a New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:21:04 PST

It is hard to believe that January 2012 is here, and we’ve put another great year of business behind us. GaHomeForeclosures is proud to announce that with the help of our network of listing agents, we sold 239 investor owned foreclosures in 2011, totaling $56M in total sales. We want to thank our loyal affiliated listing agents and quick-responding preferred lenders for helping us to have a very successful year in 2011!

For 2012, GaHomeForeclosures is bringing more homes to market for sale and we anticipate another stellar year of sales. We only pick the best listing agents in the industry and experts in the field of selling foreclosure homes to represent our new construction foreclosures. At GaHomeForeclosures, we understand that a home is more than a house and we invest in each home to get it move-in ready for our buyers. We provide a warranty on any work that we have done for a full year to make sure our buyers are protected and happy in their new residences.

We also want to congratulate our 2011 buyers on their new home purchases and the tremendous value in price that they received for their home. Our preferred lenders were able to offer our buyers the best interest rates on homes that have ever been available, and those rates are staying incredibly low so far this year – especially for first time homebuyers. Now is the perfect time to buy the home of your dreams at the lowest prices in the industry in the last five years, and with our extensive selection of homes, you are bound to find the right one for you.

iPhone 5 - Next-Gen iPhone Rumored to be Ready for Production

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:39:22 PST

The folks over at 9to5Mac are reporting that they have received word from a “reliable” source at Foxconn that Apple is gearing up to begin production of the iPhone 5. It is being suggested that the company could be pushing for a mid-year launch more in line with pre-iPhone 4S debuts.

The source said various sample devices are also floating around (which vary slightly from one another) so it is impossible to tell which one will be the final. Some things in common with all of them, however are:

- 4+ inch display (made by LG on at least one of them)
- No teardrop-shaped devices as were rumored in the lead up to the iPhone 4S. Samples so far have been symmetrical in thickness. Also longer/wider.
- None of the sample devices have the iPhone 4/4S form factor
- None of the devices are final versions
It was reported that the start of the production seems to be coming several months ahead of last year’s schedule, indicating that Apple could be targeting a launch that is much sooner than last year’s October debut of the iPhone 4S. Consequently, Apple could be returning to its traditional iPhone launch pattern of an introduction at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference, which is typically held in June with the availability being said to come to the first batch of countries just a few weeks later. This would ultimately shorten the life span of the iPhone 4S, which I don't think many consumers would be happy with and therefore I feel that a summer launch isn't likely to happen.

The details of this report seem similar to those that were rumored before the release of the iPhone 4S with the supposed 4-inch next generation iPhone 5 coming out without a teardrop shape being targeted for a summer launch.

Speculation on Apple’s next generation iPhone launch timing has currently been split with some observers suggesting that the iPhone 4S was just an anomaly for Apple and that it will be returning to the usual mid-year timeframe, while others suggest that the cycle is permanently going to be moved back to that started with the iPhone 4S. Daring Fireball’s John Gruber specifically refutes the claim that the iPhone 5 production is starting up. He also doubts the claim that the device is likely to be longer and wider than the current form factor, although he doesn’t appear to have any insider information on the aspect.

Good for Him - Bruins goalie Thomas declines White House visit for political reasons ines-white-house-visit-for-political-reasons

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:57:25 PST

Boston Bruins' star goaltender Tim Thomas skipped Monday's White House visit by the Stanley Cup champions due to political differences with President Barack Obama.

Thomas, a Flint, Mich., native and one of only two American players on the Bruins' Stanley Cup roster last season, was the only Boston player to decline the invitation.

"I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People," Thomas said in a statement.

"This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government," he wrote.
"Because I believe this, today (Monday) I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL."
Thomas, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in last year's playoffs, is known to be a political conservative and has publicly stated he is a fan of right-wing commentator Glenn Beck, according to Boston sports radio website WEEI.com.

"Everybody has their own opinions and political beliefs and he chose not to join us," team president Cam Neely said, according to ESPNBoston.com. "We certainly would have liked to have him come and join us, but that's his choice."

In brief remarks, President Obama noted Thomas' stellar play on the title run, even though the netminder appears unlikely to return the compliment.

"This Stanley Cup was won by defense as much as by offense," Obama said. "Tim Thomas posted two shutouts in the Stanley Cup Finals and set an all-time record for saves in the postseason and he also earned the honor of being only the second American ever to be recognized as the Stanley Cup playoffs MVP."

Thomas also won the Vezina Trophy last season as the league's top goalie, helping the Bruins raise the cup for the first time in 39 years.

Crabapple Crossroads: Where Luxury Comes Standard

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:52:48 PST

Dreaming of the picturesque communities of yesteryear where children could play freely in a safe environment and Saturday afternoons consisted of leisurely strolls down to the local ice cream shop? Well, now you can make that dream a reality by visiting the Atlanta new homes at Crabapple Crossroads by The Providence Group.

Located in the heart of the historic Crabapple District in desirable North Fulton, Crabapple Crossroads is a fantastic new home community where residents are within walking distance to everything including restaurants, an ice cream shop, bakery, boutiques and medical facilities, as well as award-winning Milton schools.

When you do have to leave Milton, you’ll find that you have easy access to GA 400 for quick drives throughout Atlanta.

Crabapple Crossroads is composed of spacious new Garden-style homes with up to five bedrooms and 3,000 to 3,500 square feet of living spaced priced from the mid-$300,000s. Homes offer spectacular features such as rear-entry garages and private, fenced courtyards.

Inside you’ll find amazing finishes such as owner’s suites on the main level, large sitting rooms, 10-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, finished third-level retreats, lofts and gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, oversized islands, stainless steel appliances and beautiful stained cabinets.

Although historic Crabapple District has fun just a short walk away, you’ll find that you don’t have to even leave the community to have a little quality time with your family. Crabapple Crossroads has many wonderful amenities including a pool, clubhouse and parks; and a new playground with pavilion and picnic area is on schedule for a spring completion date.

Plus, the community offers low-maintenance living with lawn maintenance provided for the front and backyards.

A5 Jailbreak is Live For OSX, Windows Coming Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:01:58 PST

@P0sixninja (Joshua Hill)z tweeted minutes ago the A5 jailbreak is live, and it is available for download at www.greenpois0n.com. However, it seems the massive demand for the jailbreak has crushed the site's servers as repeated attempts to access the site returned an "Error establishing a database connection."

Here is the download link courtesy of @pod2g. This circumvents the massive traffic that is likely drowning the greenpois0n blog. @p0sixninja has confirmed that the greenpois0n website has to load on the A5 device before the jailbreak can be triggered. He is fixing the problem, but in the meantime use the above link to download the Absinthe tool.

The A5 jailbreak tool Absinthe reuses both Corona exploits "as well as like five others" according to @p0sixninja. The Chronic Dev team will be releasing a Command Line Tool along with the jailbreak to help diagnos any problems that crop up. The Jailbreak has been tested extensively, but as always there is no way to test for every possible error or conflict.

Happy downloading!

http://modmyi.com/content/6677-a5-jailbreak-live-osx-windows-coming-soon.html

The Providence Group Offers Incentive at Highlands of Sandy Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:02:39 PST

Any Way You Want It $10,000 Buyer Bonus on midrise condos until March 15

The Providence Group announces a new homebuyer incentive at Highlands of Sandy Springs in Fulton County. The builder of metro Atlanta new homes is giving a $10,000 Any Way You Want It Buyer Bonus to use toward closing costs, upgrades or appliances on the community’s recently released midrise condominium flats.

“Since we announced the release of our new midrise condominium building at Highlands of Sandy Springs, we’ve seen a lot of interest and demand,” said Kelly Fink, vice president of sales and marketing for The Providence Group. “With its affordable pricing and HOA dues, low-maintenance living, FHA financing and low interest rates, the community is already one of the best deals in Sandy Springs; but now with our Any Way You Want It Buyer Bonus, it’s more affordable than ever to purchase one of our elegant homes.”

Highlands of Sandy Springs boasts six unique condominium flat designs with one and two bedroom plans as well as dual owner’s suite plans. Priced from $116,900, condominiums are move-in ready and offer upscale interiors with up to approximately 1,300 square feet, hardwood floors, 10-foot ceilings, beautiful cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, tiled baths, private covered balconies, spacious family rooms, formal dining rooms, walk-in closets, extensive trim and crown molding.

Additionally, Highlands of Sandy Springs offers two- and three-story townhomes priced from $194,900. These homes feature gourmet kitchens, upgraded cabinets, granite countertops, extensive trim and hardwood floors. For a limited time, buyers may take advantage of the $10,000 Any Way You Want It Bonus for these homes as well.

Homeowners enjoy beautiful amenities that include an architecturally-designed swimming pool and gathering area, community clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, two gated entrances and low-maintenance living. In addition to the community’s onsite amenities, Highlands of Sandy Springs residents have access to miles of nearby hiking and biking trails, and are conveniently located near GA 400 and Interstate 285.

Children residing at Highlands of Sandy Springs are served by Woodland Elementary, Sandy Springs Middle and North Springs High schools.

To visit the neighborhood, take 400 North to the Abernathy Road exit; exit heading west. Travel for one mile and turn right on Roswell Road. Travel approximately 1.5 miles and turn right on Dalrymple Road. The entrance to Highlands of Sandy Springs is on the right.

MIlton - Westminister Place Offers Incentives on Move-in Ready Homes

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:42:32 PST

Traton Homes is helping homebuyers achieve their dreams of home ownership this year with incentives on move-in ready homes at Westminister Place. Conveniently situated in Milton, a location that was recently recognized as having the best quality of life in the state of Georgia according to an “On Numbers” study, Westminister Place features new price reductions up to $75,900 plus $5,000 in closing cost bonuses.

“Milton is a highly desirable area for home buyers, and the city has seen a lot of recognition lately including being distinguished as having the best quality of life in Georgia,” said Kimberly Garwood, marketing manager for Traton Homes. “In addition to its rich culture and suburban charm, Milton is further distinguished as having one of the finest high schools in the country.”

Westminister Place is an intimate enclave of only 14 full-acre, basement home sites, priced from the $500,000s. Buyers may choose from three move-in ready homes including the Inglewood, Providence, and Lexington designs. These featured homes each offer five bedrooms and 4 to 5.5 bathrooms with popular interior finishes such as granite countertops, deluxe trim, coffered ceilings, hardwood flooring, gourmet kitchens, fireplaces, three-sides masonry exteriors, 10-foot ceilings, iron balusters, media rooms, three-car garages and more. In addition to the great move-in ready opportunities, buyers may choose their plan and build with new presale pricing.

Children in Westminister Place are served by Summit Elementary, Northwestern Middle and Milton High schools.

To visit this Traton community, travel GA 400 North to Exit 8 (Mansell Road). Turn left off ramp and stay in right lane. Continue approximately 2 miles (crossing Atlanta Rd/Hwy 9), following signs to GA 140W (140W/Houze Road and Arnold Mill Road are all the same Road —it changes names as you travel). Turn right on 140W/Houze Road. Continue 3.2 miles and bear right (at Fire Station) on New Providence Road. Continue on New Providence Road for approximately 2 miles and Westminster Place will be on your right.

You never know who lives next to you - Woman arrested in mall jewelry theft

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:50:06 PST

A Milton woman was arrested Jan. 6 after allegedly stealing more than $300 in jewelry from Dillard's.

Store employees said they saw Ana L. Fraser, 47, of Dockbridge Way, Milton, carrying a bag containing items she had already bought. She allegedly picked out a purse and jewelry, which she then placed into the bag and left the store.

Fraser was arrested for shoplifting.

The Perfect Time to Buy a New Pulte Home is Now

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:41:28 PST

If you’re finally ready to purchase a new Atlanta home, start your search with Pulte Homes. We have communities throughout metro Atlanta that offer a variety of plans and pricing. Don’t settle for a resale – now is the perfect time to get the home you’ve always dreamed about. Here are some of the reasons why now is the time to buy a new home from Pulte.

Best Plans – We’re always searching for ways to improve the design of our homes to meet the needs of today’s homebuyers. Concepts that worked even a few years ago are now being altered to keep up with the ever-changing demands of families. From interior design to building materials to environmentally-friendly building processes, each Pulte home is Life Tested™ – built from the idea up.

Best Pricing – Regardless of your price range, we’re sure to have a community with affordable options. For example, our new Barrington community in Sugar Hill, Ga., has brand new single-family homes priced from the $130’s. All of our homes include modern features, which means you won’t have to sacrifice style for affordability. Qualified buyers can also take advantage of the Pulte Mortgage program, which offers several financing options that can be tailored to your specific needs.

Best Locations – Each of our community locations is carefully selected. We understand that today’s homebuyers place a premium on convenience. Our neighborhoods offer easy access to job centers, major roadways, shops, restaurants and more. Ferncliff at Lenox is located just steps from Lenox Square Mall. Sterling Brooke is minutes from North Point Mall, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater and Big Creek Greenway. Overlook at Westbury is close to Smyrna Marketplace Village, West Village and Vinings Jubilee. These are just a few examples of the convenience found at each Pulte Homes community.

Now that you know about all the benefits of buying a Pulte Home, here’s one more: When you purchase a new home in January, we’ll cover your closing costs, an upgraded gourmet kitchen or upgraded hardwood floors.*

Forsyth County - KM Homes Offers Savings Up to $12,000 at Evans Farms

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:39:04 PST

To celebrate the New Year, KM Homes is rolling out fantastic promotions at several communities. At Evans Farms in Forsyth County, the builder is offering homebuyers up to $12,000 in savings. From now until Jan. 31, 2012, you can take advantage of the following offer for the Home of the Month:

$5,000 flexible spending cash to spend any way you choose!
Move-in package featuring free blinds, a free refrigerator and free washer/dryer
$3,500 in closing costs when using a KM Homes preferred lender
Evans Farms offers a Home of the Month, allowing you to save even more on a new Forsyth County home. Homesite #158 features a beautiful two-story house with 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3,004 square feet of space and a full basement. This home has a beautiful brick and siding exterior with a welcoming front porch. The two-story family room opens into the breakfast area and kitchen. The kitchen offers everything you could want: upgraded cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and tile backsplash. The 1st floor also features a study and separate dining room. This home offers upgrades throughout, including a granite fireplace surround, master bath package, trim, door hardware, lighting and colonial stair railing. There are hardwoods featured in the kitchen, breakfast area, powder room and dining room. This home is available for just $272,568.

Evans Farms is a wonderful community for active families. It boasts an impressive array of amenities, including an open air cabana with outdoor fireplace; junior Olympic pool with colorful tumbling water buckets; tennis courts; and community pocket parks with playgrounds. Evans Farms also features a two-acre community playfield that is great for outdoor sports.

Children in the community attend Sawnee Elementary, Vickery Creek Middle and West Forsyth High schools.

For more information on Evans Farms, please contact 770-331-1206

Roswell - Stonecrest Homes Reduces Prices at Pine Grove Estates

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:50:44 PST

Looking for a new home in Roswell? The exclusive community of Pine Grove Estates is located just minutes from historic downtown Roswell. This means enjoying all of the trendy shops and restaurants that the city has to offer. Plus, Stonecrest Homes has just reduced prices on these beautiful homes. There are three move-in ready homes, so visit today and imagine the possibilities!

The Belmont is priced at $449, 900 and is a must see. This five bedroom, four bath home features a great open design that will fit your family’s needs. The home boasts a large kitchen that opens to the family room, living room and formal dining room. The first floor guest room has easy access to a full bath. Upstairs features an oversized laundry room with built-in linen closet. The beautiful master suite even includes a sitting room. With a full basement, this home has ample amounts of storage.

Priced at $474,900, the Churchill also has five bedrooms, four baths and a full basement. This popular two-story home has an open floor plan that includes sought after additional spaces such as a keeping room and first floor guest bedroom and bath. The home’s gourmet kitchen is any chef’s dream with a storage-sized pantry, huge island and an open design. Upstairs boasts large secondary bedrooms and a great master suite with sitting room and incredible closet.

The Saratoga is another available home and is priced at $489,900. It features five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and a full basement. This elegant master on the main home boasts a large family room with a bowed window wall and a coffered ceiling that is open to the kitchen. The master suite includes a sitting room and his and hers closets. Upstairs, the home features a large media room. No detail has been overlooked in this amazing home.

Residents residing in Pine Grove Estates attend Roswell North Elementary School, Crabapple Middle School and Roswell High School.

Visit these homes today before they are gone! To schedule a tour, call 770-331-1206.

Account Hacked? These Password Managers Keep Your Everything Safe

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:45:53 PST

You know you should be using strong, unique passwords for every website and service you login to. You don't, of course, because it's a pain. A password manager can help. But which one should you use?
Today, Zappos informed its customers that millions of their login credentials were compromised over the weekend. Horrible, if you're a Zappos customer. But it's also a very good reminder that being lazy about your passwords can lead to huge trouble. If your Zappos password was the same as any of your others—you need to change them right away.

A password manager can help you do the right thing. All of the password information for the websites you use are stored in an encrypted file, managed by a single application or web-based service. The password manger deals with remembering all of your login credentials for you, so you can make all of your passwords herculean masterpieces without having to actually memorize them.

1. LastPass
Price: Basic for Windows, Mac, Linux: Free. Premium (includes mobile) $1/month

Pros: Excellent cross-platform support. Manages all of your passwords, as well as additional data in a simple, easy-to-use interface. Allows you to use additional data to auto-complete forms. Great free version with a premium upgrade that won't break the bank. LastPass will generate passwords for you.

Cons: Interface not as pretty or customizable as 1Password. There was a scary incident last year, since LastPass is web-based.

Overall: If LastPass has flaws, they're mostly in comparison to 1Password's huge number of features and beautiful interface. And some people might prefer a locally managed password solution. LastPass is the cheap, easy-to-use password manager for the masses.

2. 1Password
Price: $50 after 30-day trial. $10.00 (iPhone and iPod Touch) and $15 (iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch).

Pros: 1Password has a gorgeous, customizable interface. The desktop versions of the client will also sync via a Dropbox account with iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad versions (available as additional purchases) or with the new and fairly limited Android application (free). 1Password will store almost anything, including attachments, in your vault and allows you to use this information to auto-complete forms. There are also handy touches you wouldn't necessarily think of, like "Clipboard Security," which automatically removes passwords from your clipboard after 90 seconds. 1Password will also generate passwords for you.

Cons: 1Password is expensive, and while it now supports Windows and Android, it's clearly designed with Apple users in mind. The features might be more than you need.

Overall: 1Password is a big, well-designed program that's heftier than necessary to just keep track of your passwords and some additional auto-complete information. Even if you've got the money, why splurge when cheaper alternatives—ahem, LastPass—will do the job very well?

3. KeePass
Price: Free

Pros: KeePass is a free, open-source application with a sizable user base behind it. There are lots of plugins out there that will make it do almost anything you could want from a password manager.

Cons: Because it's open source, KeePass isn't as easy to use as other applications straight after downloading. It's built for Windows, so you're going to have to put on your brain and get your hands dirty with add-ons if you want it to run on anything else.

Overall: KeePass is free, which is great, but the average user is going to find it limiting. If you aren't on a Windows machine, it's probably not worth the effort to get KeePass to work for you.

4. Clipperz
Price: Free

Pros: Clipperz is a free online password manager that doesn't require you to download any software. You can also download your Clipperz data to an encrypted local file so you can access it when you're offline. It works on any computer that can run a browser with a JavaScript browser, including Safari on the iPad.

Cons: While Clipperz works equally well on Macs and PCs, it has limited support for mobile devices. The "direct login" system is less intuitive than the other one-click systems. While it will store additional information like credit cards, Clipperz is really designed mostly as a password tool.

Overall: Clipperz isn't loaded with features or support for syncing with mobile devices, but it's free and it will do the job of managing your passwords relatively easily once you get the hang of it.

Dodge Dart Debuts in Detroit

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:29:52 PST

Dodge is debuting its next big thing at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week, and it's a compact.
The 2013 Dart revives a name used by the automaker for a small car in the 1960s and 1970s and applies it to the first Fiat-based vehicle that Chrysler has introduced since it hooked up with the Italian automaker.
The sporty-looking four-door features an aggressive wedge-shaped profile and modern take on Dodge's signature crosshair grille, and represents a dramatic departure from the Caliber hatchback it is set to replace.
Power comes from a selection of three four-cylinder engines, including a high-tech turbocharged 1.4-liter unit that promises fuel economy in the 40 mpg range. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the top of the line Dart R/T gets a 2.4-liter equipped with Fiat's cutting edge MultiAir intake system. All are matched to 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
The driver-focused interior of the Dart takes its cues from the one in the Dodge Charger, but adds a unique "racetrack" lighting element that wraps around the both the center control panel and instrument cluster. A large 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the highlight of an options list that also includes backup sensors with a cross-traffic alert feature that warns the driver of cars approaching from the sides.
Pricing for the Illinois-built Dart has not been announced, but should be competitive with the Chevy Cruze and Ford Focus when it goes on sale later this year

Company Recalls Bottles of Excedrin, Other Drugs Over Broken Pill Concerns Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/01/09/company-recalls-bottles-excedrin-other-drugs-over-broken-pill-concerns/#ixzz1iyWGPO4O

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:26:48 PST

Novartis is recalling some bottles of Excedrin, NoDoz, Bufferin and Gas-X Sunday over concerns that the bottles could contain stray pills from other medicines, or chipped or broken tablets.
The news follows Novartis' recent decision to temporarily suspend production at its Lincoln, Neb., plant for "maintenance and other improvement activities."
The Swiss drug maker said it implemented the recall, which affects U.S. retailers, voluntarily and is working with the Food and Drug Administration during the process. It became aware of the potential problem during an internal review that identified broken and chipped pills, and inconsistent bottle packaging that could cause pills to be mixed up. The company said it wanted to make sure that customers didn't take any pills that they might be allergic to or that might become dangerous when mixed with their other medications, though it also said that there have been no such reports from consumers.
Novartis said that some of the bottles of headache medicine Excedrin and caffeine caplets NoDoz with expiration dates of Dec. 20, 2014, or earlier will be subject to the recall. Some of the packages of pain medicine Bufferin and stomach medicine Gas-X with expiration dates of Dec. 20, 2013,or earlier will also be affected.
The company said it will post more information Monday at www.novartisOTC.com . Customers can also call the company at 1-888-477-2403 Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.

Milton Georgia Mondays City Council Agenda

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:23:33 PST

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=fsk9m7bab&v=001zsj4A0_3E1F9vX6K_haVJOD1Nr5T0FPNBXqSqCfuYYmw_JvGV8RM5JObcCoOTS5FbCRjj9J2qHfNY5_uoP_BKe55OMX30pA01JebFvTToVmCwV3PKyH4AtrjCQdIM0Yng5dSDXvuLUwczBzApNur9csXrz8jJc6Rj0s2V8iCSWaigpxY-4pzba-3P4A3aYwdFCWqUMwX6ehfcj8x0_Td9PrmJkJQkn5ykVJyOzY-tc_jGPQcthMNqugRBl59e0fG

Fulton mulls property tax increase - Obviously Commissioner Tom Lowe is out of touch with reality!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:29:07 PST

Fulton County staff is examining the feasibility of a property tax increase after a Jan. 4 request from Commissioner Tom Lowe.

Commissioner Liz Hausmann said Lowe suggested at the Fulton County Commission meeting that day now would be an appropriate time to revisit the millage rate and proposed a study of raising it. Lowe asked county financial staff to see what an increase of 0.6 mills would look like.

"I do not support that in any shape, manner or form," Hausmann said.

In discussion at the meeting, Hausmann noted that Fulton has a 9.7 percent unemployment rate and its property values are declining. She said Fulton County has a spending problem, not a revenue problem, and now is not the time to be burdening property owners with additional taxes. Many people are struggling just to hold onto their homes.

Hausmann said she favors reducing spending to solve the county's financial problems. The District 3 Budget Committee has examined ways to streamline processes and recommended outsourcing as much as possible. In particular, the committee proposed looking for possible overlaps between Fulton County's health services and Grady Memorial Hospital's health services. The goal is to see how much money is being spent and how services can be delivered more efficiently.

"We've suggested to the county manager that the spending levels for 2012 be at the maximum what they were in the 2010 budget year," she said.

During the meeting, she said none of her constituents had suggested a property tax increase. She asked the community to tell her if a property tax increase is desired, or tell her if it is not desired.

"I personally can't imagine that this is the right time to even consider this, but I want to hear from the people I represent," she said.

The Fulton County Commission will hear back on the millage rate at a workshop held on Jan. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Fulton County government headquarters in downtown Atlanta.

This story will be updated with comments from other Fulton commissioners and staff.

Carrabba's submits plans for restaurant at Avenue Forsyth

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:52:17 PST

Carrabba's Italian Grill restaurant has submitted plans to build a restaurant location at the Avenue Forsyth.

Plans were submitted Jan. 2 for a restaurant on 1.5 acres at 410 Peachtree Parkway in Cumming.

Forsyth County Planning and Zoning officials will review the submitted plans Jan. 11.

Carrabba's is owned by Tampa-based OSI Restaurant Partners, which also operates Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine restaurant brands.

For the company's third quarter, which ended Sept. 30, OSI reported same-store sales increases across all brands. Carrabba's reported a 6.3 percent increase.

OSI Restaurant Partners is the ranked No. 2 in casual-dining company in terms of revenue. Darden Restaurants, which runs Olive Garden is ranked No. 1.

The closest Carrabba's for Forsythians is in Duluth. There are also Kennesaw, Atlanta and Dunwoody locations of the Italian eatery.

Petition for a Whole Foods in Cumming garners more than 1,000 signatures

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 07:55:05 PST

Company flattered, but have no plans to bring store to the area

CUMMING, Ga. — Ever since Kroger left the Lakeland Plaza shopping center last year - a rumor was started that a Whole Foods was thinking of snatching up the prime location off Ga. 400 and exit 14.

However, Whole Foods execs say they have no such plan for a Forsyth County location.

In early December, Elleni Tzortzis, who runs Giorgio's Italian Restaurant at the same plaza, began asking the community to show the company it would do well opening a location in Cumming. As of Dec. 19, more than 1,038 people signed the petition - http://www.change.org/petitions/put-whole-foods-in-lakeland-plaza

"Definitely needed in our area," writes Christine Vallianatos, a Whole Foods shopper and Cumming-area resident. "The entire area would flourish with Whole Foods being the anchor store of that shopping center. Not to mention it would also bring in lots of people from other surrounding areas. Definitely a win-win situation."

Kroger closed its doors at Lakeland in November 2010, and used to bring in thousands of potential customers to the shopping plaza.

Keith Hawang, a manager at Town and Country Cleaners, had said a large anchor store like a Whole Foods would help get customers to find his independently-owned business.

Whole Foods, the eighth largest food and drug store in the U.S., according to Forbes, said it has no plan for a store in Forsyth County at this time.

"Store site decisions are based on a combination of factors that include the availability and cost of real estate, population density, education, income and interest in natural and organic foods," said Darrah Horgan, a spokeswoman for Whole Foods. "No one factor is most important, but the right combination is important. While it's flattering that there is interest in our brand, online petitions do not impact our real estate decisions."

New stores are announced four times annually on the company's quarterly earnings calls.

Current stores in development for the South region over the next year: Greensboro, Wilmington and Charlotte, N.C., Columbia, S.C. and Knoxville, Tenn.

Whole Foods shoppers in the Forsyth County area can take a ride to Roswell, 1180 Upper Hembree Road in Roswell or Johns Creek, 5945 State Bridge Road in Duluth to get their fix. There are eight total stores in Ga., including two Harry's Farmers Markets, and their newest store in East Cobb, opened in July.

Forsyth, Milton show residential permit growth

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 07:48:55 PST

Neighboring communities happy with end-of-year construction numbers

MILTON/FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Two neighboring communities are finishing the year in the black when it comes to residential construction permitting.

Forsyth County and city of Milton planning and development officials say their area has seen an overall positive outlook when it comes to new home permits.

"We will permit a few more homes, more homes than last year," said Tom Brown, director of Forsyth County Department of Planning and Community Development.

Commercial permits are a bit harder and a bit more misleading, Brown said.

"You could have a commercial permit for a Walmart and a commercial permit for someone doing a dumpster enclosure," Brown said. "A residential unit is pretty comparable."

In the case of a residential construction, one may be taking about a detached home, an apartment or a townhome.

"You're talking about a new household coming online," Brown said.

Percentage-wise, it may seem like a small increase, but it's still more than the previous year.

"The good sign is that people still find this area attractive, people want to move here," Brown said. "Compared to other counties, we are doing much more activity. Regardless of people's opinions, people want to be here."

In Milton the picture is a little different. While commercial numbers for building permits dropped off significantly from 2010 to this year, residential spiked. New homes got a small bump, but the real jump in construction came from additions and extensions of current homes, including pools and garages.

"Not a lot of commercial businesses are spending money right now [in Milton]," said Wade Greene, chief building inspector with Milton. "Instead we're finding people are adding on to their current homes. They decided they can live with their home for another couple years."

Green said the numbers are a far cry from the boom of 2007, but still not as bad as 2008 or 2009.

Board approves new Ga. 400 exit report

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 04:50:08 PST

Interchange justification report for McGinnis Ferry exit moves project forward

Some of the traffic in south Forsyth County may soon be alleviated with a new south and northbound on and off ramp at McGinnis Ferry Road and Ga. 400.

The new Ga. 400 interchange would create new exits between the existing Windward Parkway exit 11 and McFarland Parkway exit 12, said John Cunard, Forsyth County engineering director. The new interchange would be created between Windward and Union Hill Road bridges.

At the Dec. 6 work session, Forsyth County Board of Commissioners approved $62,500 funding for an interchange justification report — the Georgia Department of Transportation's share is $250,000 — to go toward the project's design.

A consultant from Moreland Altobelli Associates has been chosen to complete the reports that will include: a need and purpose statement; environmental impact studies; traffic volumes; and alternative designs and cost estimates.

The interchange justification report could take about six months to complete. GDOT funding could then be available for the construction a year later.

"This is the next step in the process to get it approved as a project," Cunard said. "GDOT has already approved the feasibility study and now they've authorized the county to administer the contract for the interchange justification report."

Once this scope of work is complete and approved by GDOT and the Federal Highway Administration, then the project can move forward and the interchange can be designed.

In October, commissioners reviewed plans and approved the project framework agreement with GDOT for the new ramp project that would impact motorists in the Alpharetta and Forsyth County jurisdiction.

The North Fulton Community Improvement District has contributed $125,000 toward the feasibility study, Cunard said.

The amount of county contribution to the entire project has not been determined. The interchange project is estimated about $30 million.

"Any new interchange would help ease congestions in county roads in the area," Cunard said. "That's why we're jumping through all these hoops to get it identified as a project, so it can be designed and built."

Alpharetta changes formula for alcohol sales

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 04:47:40 PST

In an effort to be more "business friendly" and allow its restaurants to be more competitive, the Alpharetta City Council lowered its food to alcohol sales ratio.
The city had heretofore required food establishments selling alcohol to adhere to a requirement that food sales be 60 percent of total receipts. The idea was to ensure the city had no bars, where alcohol sales were primary.
At the Dec. 12 meeting, council relaxed the requirement to a 50-50 standard, where no more than half of retail receipts be alcohol sales. Local restaurants had complained they were having trouble meeting the "60-40 rule."
"It will be consistent with the surrounding communities, which enforce a 50-50 rule on its restaurants," said Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard.

Milton named best in state, 9 in south

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:25 PST

MILTON, GA. - Milton has been named the ninth best city in the Southeast and the best overall in Georgia.

The results come from a survey compiled by The Business Journals, a Charlotte, N.C.-based collection of business publications and websites, which includes the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

The report's author, G. Scott Thomas, said he analyzed 3,764 cities throughout the country, searching for places that have "healthy economies, light traffic, moderate costs of living, impressive housing stocks and strong educational systems."

Nationally, Milton ranked 37

The other North Fulton cities ranked high on the list, each making the top ten in the state. Of Georgia cities, John Creek ranked second, Alpharetta was fourth and Roswell eighth. Mountain Park was 17.

West University Place, Tex, home of Rice University, placed first in the south.

Thomas said the raw numbers used came from the five-year version of the U.S. Census Bureau's 2009 American Community Survey. Milton's 2009 estimated population was 15,572.

Alpharetta, Milton want citizen survey for future of Ga. 9 corridor Alpharetta, Milton want citizen survey for future of Ga. 9 corridor

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:46:51 PST

The cities of Alpharetta and Milton are offering citizens an opportunity to shape the future of a portion of the Ga. 9 corridor that runs through portions of both communities.
In February, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) awarded the Cities of Alpharetta and Milton a $100,000 Livable Centers Initiative grant for a planning study of the Ga. 9 area from Bethany Bend to Mayfield Road and the areas east of Ga. 9 to Ga. 400, which includes Deerfield Parkway.

As the majority of the subject area is within Milton, that city is serving as the lead agency for the study effort.
Currently citizens are invited to take an online survey, includes a visual study of business, residential and green space areas. Residents are asked to rank the images based on their appropriateness for the Ga. 9/Windward/Deerfield parkways area.

Additionally, there are a series of questions detailing transportation, business, housing and pedestrian access issues.
The 10-minute survey is available at http://collage.questionform.com/public/Milton-Hwy-9-LCI-Compass-Survey.
Results from this informal survey will give city planners and consultants from plan partner Urban Collage a good starting point from which to craft a citizen-based plan for business, housing and green space growth. It is the first in a series of public input opportunities planned for the project.

Westside Pkwy's 'missing link' acquired by Alpharetta

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:42:20 PST

City paid $3.25M, but Route may be open soon

ALPHARETTA, GA. – The last piece of Westside Parkway, the major collector that mirrors to Northpoint Parkway on the east side of Ga. 400, could be open by the end of the year, it was announced at the Monday night Alpharetta City Council meeting.
The key artery parallels Ga. 400 and Northpoint Parkway handling thousands of cars on its four-lane with median through the heart of the business district.
But its effectiveness has been stymied several years because the link between Old Milton Parkway and Windward Parkway has not opened. The road is 95 percent completed but the city could not get its hands on it because the property was hog-tied.
Only 1.25 miles lay unfinished, but the road had been caught up in the bankruptcy of Prospect Park – now called Avalon by its new owners North American Properties – until the deal announced Nov. 28.
Part of the trouble lay not with the 1 mile of road North American owned, but with the quarter-mile stretch that still belonged to developer Stan Thomas, head of Thomas Enterprises that went bust trying to get Prospect Park off the ground.
"That stretch of the road and the 10 acres that surround it belonged to him and not his company," said Alpharetta City Administrator Bob Regus. "So we had to negotiate that deal with him separately."
The city paid $3.25 million for the 10 acres, but it was not such a bad deal for the city, Regus said.
"If we had condemned it, we would have had to take the whole 10 acres anyway, and it contains some valuable infrastructure besides the road. The cost of that would have been part of a condemnation," he said.
It contains the detention pond for the entire now-Avalon project and an expensive Con/span Bridge System culvert over the pond.
Alpharetta City Attorney Sam Thomas said in effect the city was paying for all of the improvements Stan Thomas (no relation) had made before the project went belly-up.
North American Properties agreed to turn over the road to the city in return for Impact Fee credits in an amount to be determined through an agreed-upon formula for the value of the road and the right of way.
The city got some help with the sticker shock of Stan Thomas portion, though. The North Fulton Community Improvement District will kick in $789,000 of the cost and the Ga. Department of Transportation has set aside $800,000 for finishing up the "missing link" to Westside Parkway.
With the completed Westside, Alpharetta will have four main north-south arteries – Westside, Northpoint, Ga. 400 and Ga. 9 (Main Street), giving the city a grid that includes east-west routes of Windward, Old Milton Parkway, Haynes Bridge Road and Mansell Road.
The Asphalt was barely dry on Northpoint Parkway before the city and major developer-property owners on the west side of Ga. 400 began huddling to build Westside Parkway in 1996. The engineering and rights of way for the most part had been completed, making it an attractive, ready-made project for GDOT.
Still, it has taken years as the road was completed in phases with the Mansell-Haynes Bridge link completed first.

ICE raids ceramics facility

noreply@blogger.com (Brian and Jen Vanderhoff) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:58:23 PST

About 30 employees, employer under scrutiny

November 13, 2011

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A ceramics manufacturer in south Forsyth is involved in a federal criminal investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security.

Vincent Picard, a spokesman for ICE's Homeland Security said on Oct. 26, agents "conducted an enforcement operation at Innovation Ceramics in Alpharetta."

Picard said he could not release additional details about the government's investigation. The business, 3020 Trotters Parkway in Alpharetta, makes and distributes tile products to building, designing and architectural communities and has been in operation for about nine years, a company employee who wanted to remain anonymous told the Forsyth Herald.

On Nov. 7, Innovation Ceramics President Hans J. Pracht did not want to comment about the federal investigation.

The company is trying to get employees' work documents in order for ICE officials, an employee told the Forsyth Herald. About 30 workers are being investigated.

"As this is an ongoing investigation, no other information is available at this time," Picard said.

Joseph A. Azar, an attorney representing about six of the workers at Innovation Ceramics who may qualify for political asylum, did not return requests for an interview.

Those close to the investigation said that when agents raiding the facility arrived Oct. 26, they discovered several employees working without their Social Security card.

Some of the 30 people were taken into custody. Many of the women, the number of workers is unconfirmed, were let go because they are mothers who had children in school, sources say.

Unlike a state criminal investigation, most of the documents, including search warrants involved in federal criminal investigations, are not subject to public disclosure laws, Picard said.

Picard said that companies have a number of options, including the ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers (IMAGE) program, to find out "how to remain in compliance with the law and ensure they are following best practices in hiring."

According to the National Immigration Law Center, IMAGE raises a number of questions and concerns.

"The program's requirement that employers verify their employees' Social Security numbers through the Social Security Number Verification System and verify their employment eligibility through the Basic Pilot program are of particular concern," the immigrant advocacy group says. "Workers' advocates have long distrusted the accuracy of the Social Security Administration and DHS databases and have known that some unscrupulous employers abuse these programs."