No to Daycare Center, Yes to Riverside Drive Roundabouts at Busy City Council Meeting

Sandy Springs City Council members had a full agenda and work session on Tuesday night.

Items covered included the following:

• Day Care Center

Rezoning for the day care center at Lake Forrest Drive was denied.

• Riverside Roundabouts

Council members approved a letter of support for roundabouts for ramps on Riverside Drive and I-285.

The ramps will be funded by the Georgia Department of Transportation. Sandy Springs will pay landscape maintenance and the electric bill for street lighting.

The project is likely three years away due to the design and public comment process, said Tom Black, Director of Public Works. However, a temporary signal will be installed within a month, he added.

• Radar Signs

Council members discussed the placement of 33 radar signs in neighborhoods which will alert motorists to speed or treacherous roads.

The color, size and appearance of the sign on display in Council Chambers was not a hit with members.

• Bicycle Safety

There was a discussion on House Bill 180, which would provide greater automobile, pedestrian and bicycle safety.

Councilwoman Dianne Fries would like to see Sandy Springs designated a "Bicycle Friendly Community."

“Support of the bill says that if you are going to pass a cyclist and there is not a car coming the other way, you need to give the cyclist three feet clear zone, as you go by,” said Fries. “A good number of accidents happen from getting buzzed; or honked at as you pass and they get startled and crash.”

• Potential Park Site

There was a discussion of a possible Sandy Springs park area, located off Old Riverside Road at Fulton County Sewer Pump Site.  While interested, Mayor Eva Galambos said fact-finding is still necessary. The Mayor said staff has to ascertain if Fulton County is on board; the cost of a lease; and if there will be access to the water for kayaking, etc.

Councilman Chip Collins wants make sure neighbors are agreeable.

“If they get excited I will do everything I can to push it forward with residents as soon as possible,” he said.

Everyone agreed that more park space is good for Sandy Springs and would provide relief for popular Overlook Park.