Kennesaw council could settle with gas station, developer
Shaddi Abusaid MDJ 6/1/18
Kennesaw’s City Council could vote on a settlement agreement Monday that would bring an end to a yearlong battle between Ellison Lakes residents and a developer hoping to build a gas station at the end of their street.
Under the tentative agreement, the city would use $150,000 in voter-approved sales tax funds to purchase 3.58 acres inside the development for the creation of a passive community park. The developer, meantime, would place a commercial business other than a gas station at the development’s entrance.
A lawsuit was filed last June against the city, its mayor and councilmembers by convenience chain Speedway and Ellison Lake Partners, the developer of the 130-acre community, after a request to build the gas station on undeveloped land near the entrance of Ellison Lakes was denied in May of 2017.
Ellison Lakes, located along Cobb Parkway just north of Old 41, includes two townhome communities and two apartment complexes totaling more than 800 units.
Residents fought against the proposed gas station at council meetings last year, arguing they didn’t want a 24-hour service station sprouting up at the end of their dead end street.
The request was ultimately denied by council members, prompting the developer to file a lawsuit against the city.
The community’s master plan was initially approved back in 2001 with the intention of including commercial development along the property’s frontage. In 2011, however, the city changed its zoning ordinance, removing convenience stores from the list of commercial uses in districts zoned “planned village commercial,” Richard Calhoun, the developer’s attorney, said last year.
But an agreement between city officials and developers was hashed out during a mediation conference in late January, according to Monday’s council agenda. Under the tentative agreement, the city would buy undeveloped land inside Ellison Lakes and create a park. In exchange, the land along Cobb Parkway would be developed according to city code. The settlement agreement includes a lengthy list of commercial businesses that could go into the undeveloped space at the front of the neighborhood, but a gas station is not one of them.
City Manager Jeff Drobney said the prospective parkland is valued at $450,000.
While city officials hope to settle the suit once and for all Monday, nothing is set in stone. City attorney Randall Bentley said there were still a few “substantive tweaks” to make before the council can vote on the agreement.
“It’s not finalized yet,” Drobney said. “There are still a few minor changes that we’re waiting to get approval on. There could be some slight modifications on Monday if they agree to it.”
Joyce Yung, president of the Ellison Lake Homeowners Association, was one of the residents who led the charge against the Speedway last year. She remains hopeful the city and developer will reach a resolution.
“It’s been a long effort for the mayor and council and the city staff and we appreciate them standing up for us,” said Yung, who plans on attending Monday’s meeting. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
Drobney said if all goes well, the settlement would be a win for the residents, who would get a new park in their community but not the gas station they fought so hard against.
Councilman Chris Henderson said the settlement would be a “best of both worlds” scenario.
“The city would get a new park out of it and it’s straightforward about what the other side would have to do to develop on that land,” Henderson said. “That community lost their trust in the city there, but I like that we’re able to get them a park at a pretty large discount… $150,000 is pretty cheap for multiple acres in this area.”
VIARS TO BE SWORN IN
Kennesaw’s newest council member Tracey Viars formally assumes her new role Monday. Viars, who chaired the Kennesaw Downtown Development Authority, defeated opponent Kemela Carlson last Tuesday in a city wide special called election to fill the Post 2 seat vacated earlier this year by former councilwoman Yvette Daniel.
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5/30/18
BEFORE THE KENNESAW CITY COUNCIL MONDAY JUNE 4th:
NEW BUSINESS:
Approval of RESOLUTION to ratify certified election results of the May 22, 2018 Kennesaw Special Election for Council Post 2 as provided by Cobb County Board of Elections & Registration.
Prior to the newly elected official joining the dais, Oaths of Office will be administered to Post 2 City Councilmember, Tracey Viars by Judge Phil Taylor.
There were 19,579 registered voters with 2,696 votes cast, equivalent to a 13.8% turnout.
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5/27/18
MY ADVICE TO THE KENNESAW CITY COUNCIL
If you have not already had 'the talk' with City Attorney Bentley about 'due process' and his opinion that no one on the council should voice any opinion on any issue coming before the council until you vote on it, you will be hearing from him about this.
He has provided misleading and incorrect information to various city council members for years and unfortunately they all seem to believe him and in my own contacts with elected officials on council over the years they were uniform in refusing to voice any indication of how they might vote on any decision.
In particular this came up when the Cruchelow Pawn Shop opened in a Kennesaw strip mall where it was specifically prohibited. My contacts with the entire council of 5 got 3 replies all to the effect that the matter could not be commented on until it was voted on. This foolishness is direct from Bentley who seems to have been absent on the days his law classes discussed 'due process' and he has for years infected city council members with his incorrect interpretation of the term.
In the civil sense all due process means is that this clause promises that 'before depriving a citizen of life, liberty or property, government must follow fair procedures'. It has absolutely no bar for any legislator to take a position on any matter and make that position known. All matters before any legislative body must be given a fair hearing.
No other legislative body in this country restricts its legislators from voicing their opinions on any pending matter that comes before them. It seems that this restriction is solely found in Kennesaw and it is due to Bentley's mis-interpertation of what due process means.
Whether it is abortion, immigration, the budget or what sort of businesses should be allowed in downtown Kennesaw, no legislator can be barred from stating their opinion before they vote on the matter.
So if, or when, the city attorney cautions you that you can't comment on an issue that is before the council or may come before the council, before it is voted on, I hope you will ignore his poor advice and if you think that this or that issue is not in the best interests of Kennesaw, then give your opinion. Remember that due process only applies to the legislators giving a fair and impartial hearing to any and all issues before it, there is no restriction(s) in the 5th and 14th amendments for any legislator to have to stay silent on any issue until it is voted on.
Viars wins in Kennesaw
Ross Williams MDJ 5/23/18
There will soon be a new face on the Kennesaw City Council.
Tracey Viars, a mother of three who runs a Kennesaw-based advertising and marketing company, defeated her opponent Kemela Carlson, who also has three children and who works in revenue management for Delta Air Lines.
Viars got 1,377 votes out of a total 2,352, good for 58.6 percent, while Carlson took 975 votes, or 41.5 percent, according to unofficial results.
Viars will finish the term of former Councilwoman Yvette Daniel, who resigned abruptly in January after missing 29 meetings over her two years in office, including 23 in 2017 alone. That term is set to expire at the end of 2019.
Viars said her edge in the race was thanks to her experience, which includes six years as a member of the Downtown Kennesaw Development Authority and three years as its chair, and serving as leader for a host of community events.
Note: The above totals did not include the absentee votes, they are included in the below totals.
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Precincts Reporting: 100%
Votes
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MEMO - APRIL 2018 CRIME STATS
To: Chief Westenberger
Re: April 2018 Crime Stats
Incidents: 1192
Citations: 854
Warnings: 728
Arrests: 95
Part 1 Crimes: 25
Homicide: 0
Rape: 0
Robbery: 0
Aggravated Assault: 1
Burglary: 4
Larceny: 19
Auto Theft: 1
Part 1 Crime 2018: 133 -44 (-25%) from 2017
Sincerely,
Wm. Craig Graydon
Lieutenant Craig Graydon Commander – Criminal Investigations Division
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KENNESAW - City to open splash pad on May 28
Kennesaw Parks and Recreation will open the Swift-Cantrell Splash Pad for its second season on May 28.
The splash pad will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily (except Thursdays) at Swift-Cantrell Park, 3140 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw.
Hours also are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Admission is $2 per person but free for children ages 2 and under.
Only major credit/debit cards will be accepted for admission payment.
Since capacity is limited, admittance is first-come, first-served.
Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
Swimsuits and/or appropriate attire must be worn at all times.
Guests will be identified by a hand stamp for re-entry into the pad if they choose to leave.
The 3,200-square-foot facility offers various water play options for all ages, including a fountain spray, ground geyser, jet stream and sea silhouettes.
The fenced-in venue also includes shade structures and seating.
Information with a complete list of splash pad rules: kennesaw-ga. gov/parks-and-recreation/splashpad.
CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM FOR THE AJC
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COMCAST OUTAGES:
This evening in the NW Atlanta area we had some rain storms go through, probably near 2" rain and a lot of thunder. Around 8:30 the power went off for about 3 seconds before rebooting.
Just before the outage I had noticed my Dish TV was a bit fuzzy then when the power went it had to reboot to get the service back up. Didn't think anything more about it until about 11:30 pm when I happened to look outside to see if it was still raining (it was) and noticed at the end of my driveway a big Comcast cherry picker rig.
The Comcast box was opened up, it is right on my property line but before I had a chance to snap a photo they had backed up to the prior box across the street and were working on it. So probably the Comcast service was out from 8:30 onward. Made me real pleased to have dumped them 5 or so months ago.
See also: https://comcastgeorgia.blogspot.com/
Below: In our area these green boxes every few houses are the Comcast repeaters which boost the signals.
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The link for live following is:
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5/8/18
55+ RENTALS IN KENNESAW
When 2/3rds of the old slum trailer park called Castle Lake was sold to Fuqua Development a major regional shopping center was put in on those 53 acres and that section of the park was annexed into the City of Kennesaw with the remaining 23+ acres remaining as a trailer park and that section is still in the County.
Anchoring the west side is a large rental complex for seniors and it is up and running with monthly rentals for the smallest unit going for $1,395.
Here is some minor info on this complex with a link to their site.
“Overture Barrett
Brand New 55+ Apartment Living
Bedrooms: 1-2, Baths: 1-2, Rentals Starting At: $1,395
At Overture Barrett, the style is modern and luxurious so the living is easy. Our 55+ active adult apartment home community is one like no other. The moment you walk through the lobby doors, you become a special guest in your own home. We take care of all your maintenance, provide concierge services to assist you with any want or need, and offer over 12,000 square feet of resort-style amenities aimed to keep you active, healthy and social.”
https://www.liveoverture.com/communities/kennesaw/
Years worth of information and photos about the trailer park, the Cities actions, the construction of the entire site (including Whole Foods) can be found at: https://castlelakekennesaw.blogspot.com/
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The Kennesaw Watch
NBC's 11 Alive Continues with the Incredible Screw Up of the Kennesaw Police
On Friday May 4th 11Alive presented another chapter in the saga of the Kennesaw Police Screw Up which resulted in a Hero being arrested while a drunk who threatened citizens in a bar's parking lot got a nice ride to the hospital instead of being arrested on multiple Felony charges.
Here is the intro to the story that the NBC affiliate has been presenting this week:
"BLURRED JUSTICE: 'Hero' arrested after disarming gunman
KENNESAW, Ga. – What would you do if a man in a bar parking lot pointed a gun at you and your friends?
Matt Solon, now 25, leapt into action, disarmed the gunman and whaled on him, making sure he was unable to further advance on him or his friends.
His swift moves seemed heroic, but when police arrived, they arrested him. And, only him.
Solon was handcuffed, put in the back of the Kennesaw Police officer’s cruiser and charged with battery and possessing a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Solon told 11Alive investigators that he was saving his three friends, including a U.S. congressman’s son from being shot -- police said he was an assailant who went too far.
The man who pulled the gun? He wasn’t immediately arrested—but, already had charges pending against him that involved drugs and gun possession."
Here’s the whole story: https://www.11alive.com/…/blurred-justice-hero…/85-546168373
Fortunately when the foolish charges reached the County Attorney they were dismissed at once. It does however, leave Mr. Solon with serious arrests showing on his record and those will stay with him forever at Federal level. At State level he can probably spend $2,500 and get his record sealed but the FBI is prohibited by law from ever deleting any criminal justice information.
If Mr. Solon ever applies for a job involving bonding or for a job with any governmental agency a record check will still reveal his arrests despite their being sealed at a local level.
Kennesaw deserves a better police chief and better policing, that can be done by merging the KPD with the much more professional Cobb County Police Department whose Precient 1 is about 1 1/2 miles south of the Kennesaw City Hall.
Make Mayor Easterling and the 4 City Council Members aware of what you think at:
deasterling@kennesaw-ga.gov,
jeaton@kennesaw-ga.gov,
pferris@kennesaw-ga.gov,
chenderson@kennesaw-ga.gov,
dblinkhorn@kennesaw-ga.gov,
5/2/18
KENNESAW POLICE ARE INCOMPETENT
NBC’s 11Alive has a multi part story on the KPD who arrived at the parking lot of a Kennesaw bar and arrested the wrong person for 4 charges, one a Felony. This was a ‘Hero’ who disarmed and subdued a drunk gun waving Felon.
Here is what happened when the charge reached the County Prosecutor:
District Attorney Vic Reynolds released the charges against Solon, stating: “Insufficient evident to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The above-named individual acted in self-defense and in the defense of others by disarming and subduing an individual who approached him and then proceeded to brandish a firearm.”
This Gunman (Dwight Cooper) was already awaiting trial on felony gun, drug charges.
On April 22, 2017, Cobb County Police found Cooper passed out with his foot on the brake and his car in drive, at an intersection.
Officers located a loaded 9mm handgun in his car’s center console, along with scales and a jar full of marijuana.
He was arrested and charged with having an open container, DUI, felony possession of drugs with intent to deliver, and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony.
Cooper’s bail restrictions did not prohibit him from possessing firearms while he was on bail for felony gun charges.
The June disarming incident in Mazzy’s parking lot happened between the time the gunman was arrested in April and indicted on Aug. 17, 2017.
While in court for those charges in January 2018, Cooper pleaded guilty to a felony.
You can read about this miscarriage of justice at: http://www.11alive.com/article/news/investigations/blurred-justice-hero-arrested-after-disarming-gunman/85-546168373
I’ve said for years that KPD should be merged into the Cobb Police. Kennesaw has no need for a boutique police department. They didn’t need a City jail and they DO NOT need a separate police department.
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NBC's 11 Alive Continues with the Incredible Screw Up of the Kennesaw Police
On Friday May 4th 11Alive presented another chapter in the saga of the Kennesaw Police Screw Up which resulted in a Hero being arrested while a drunk who threatened citizens in a bar's parking lot got a nice ride to the hospital instead of being arrested on multiple Felony charges.
Here is the intro to the story that the NBC affiliate has been presenting this week:
"BLURRED JUSTICE: 'Hero' arrested after disarming gunman
KENNESAW, Ga. – What would you do if a man in a bar parking lot pointed a gun at you and your friends?
Matt Solon, now 25, leapt into action, disarmed the gunman and whaled on him, making sure he was unable to further advance on him or his friends.
His swift moves seemed heroic, but when police arrived, they arrested him. And, only him.
Solon was handcuffed, put in the back of the Kennesaw Police officer’s cruiser and charged with battery and possessing a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Solon told 11Alive investigators that he was saving his three friends, including a U.S. congressman’s son from being shot -- police said he was an assailant who went too far.
The man who pulled the gun? He wasn’t immediately arrested—but, already had charges pending against him that involved drugs and gun possession."
Here’s the whole story: https://www.11alive.com/…/blurred-justice-hero…/85-546168373
Fortunately when the foolish charges reached the County Attorney they were dismissed at once. It does however, leave Mr. Solon with serious arrests showing on his record and those will stay with him forever at Federal level. At State level he can probably spend $2,500 and get his record sealed but the FBI is prohibited by law from ever deleting any criminal justice information.
If Mr. Solon ever applies for a job involving bonding or for a job with any governmental agency a record check will still reveal his arrests despite their being sealed at a local level.
Kennesaw deserves a better police chief and better policing, that can be done by merging the KPD with the much more professional Cobb County Police Department whose Precient 1 is about 1 1/2 miles south of the Kennesaw City Hall.
Make Mayor Easterling and the 4 City Council Members aware of what you think at:
deasterling@kennesaw-ga.gov,
jeaton@kennesaw-ga.gov,
pferris@kennesaw-ga.gov,
chenderson@kennesaw-ga.gov,
dblinkhorn@kennesaw-ga.gov,
jeaton@kennesaw-ga.gov,
pferris@kennesaw-ga.gov,
chenderson@kennesaw-ga.gov,
dblinkhorn@kennesaw-ga.gov,
5/2/18
KENNESAW POLICE ARE INCOMPETENT
NBC’s 11Alive has a multi part story on the KPD who arrived at the parking lot of a Kennesaw bar and arrested the wrong person for 4 charges, one a Felony. This was a ‘Hero’ who disarmed and subdued a drunk gun waving Felon.
Here is what happened when the charge reached the County Prosecutor:
District Attorney Vic Reynolds released the charges against Solon, stating: “Insufficient evident to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The above-named individual acted in self-defense and in the defense of others by disarming and subduing an individual who approached him and then proceeded to brandish a firearm.”
This Gunman (Dwight Cooper) was already awaiting trial on felony gun, drug charges.
On April 22, 2017, Cobb County Police found Cooper passed out with his foot on the brake and his car in drive, at an intersection.
Officers located a loaded 9mm handgun in his car’s center console, along with scales and a jar full of marijuana.
He was arrested and charged with having an open container, DUI, felony possession of drugs with intent to deliver, and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony.
Cooper’s bail restrictions did not prohibit him from possessing firearms while he was on bail for felony gun charges.
The June disarming incident in Mazzy’s parking lot happened between the time the gunman was arrested in April and indicted on Aug. 17, 2017.
While in court for those charges in January 2018, Cooper pleaded guilty to a felony.
You can read about this miscarriage of justice at: http://www.11alive.com/article/news/investigations/blurred-justice-hero-arrested-after-disarming-gunman/85-546168373
I’ve said for years that KPD should be merged into the Cobb Police. Kennesaw has no need for a boutique police department. They didn’t need a City jail and they DO NOT need a separate police department.
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4/30/18
Advocates push to save Cobb Co. libraries
By Ashley ThompsonCONNECT
Advocates launch website, petition to save libraries in danger of closing
COBB COUNTY, GA (CBS46) -
Some may argue that libraries are no longer relevant, with all sorts of technology at our fingertips, but for many what's inside of those buildings still served an important purpose.
"When I was a little kid we didn't have a ton of money," said Becca Duvall. "I went to the library in the summertime and that provided me this space to learn and grow."
Public libraries provide access to computers, the internet, textbooks and research support.
Now eight of them are in danger of closure or consolidation. In Cobb County there is a $30 million shortfall, and closing libraries would save millions.
"The library might be the only outside of school internet or computer that they have. So it's really more than just books, it's resources especially for those in underprivileged areas and communities," said Duvall.
Duvall and Rachel Slomovitz are behind a social media blitz to keep all of the libraries open.
The 'Save Cobb Libraries' ground swell just launched a site and Facebook page showing residents how to take action and get involved.
The group also have more than 1,500 signatures on a Change.orgpetition, which will be turned over to commissioners.
"The chairman has said that the libraries are one of the hottest of the top button topics," said Ross Cavitt.
Cavitt is the communications director for Cobb County. He said no decision on the closures has been made.
"It will all depend in July on what the commission decides the mileage rate to be and how that will support keeping everything open."
The proposal suggests consolidating the Kennesaw and Acworth libraries and closing the East Cobb, Kemp Memorial, Lewis A. Ray, Sweetwater Vallet, Sibley and Windy Hill Libraries.
The Windy Hill Branch which is used primarily by those with special needs.
"I think in Cobb County it's easy for the more affluent of us to forget that there are these resources that people depend on," Duvall said.
The commission will vote on a budget on July 24.
Before then, there will be a total of 10 town halls and public hearings where residents can address commissioners.
Copyright 2018 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
Read more: http://www.cbs46.com/…/advocates-push-to-save-cobb-co-libra…
Sunday, April 29, 2018
HOLLY MILL Residents
ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION - The largest source of litter in Georgia
I note that a Kennesaw resident has complained to CBS 46 about the vast amount of litter that the AJC tosses into driveways, lawns and sidewalks in Kennesaw.
On Monday 4/30/18 reporter Harry Samler, Harry.Samler@cbs46.com will have a report on this at their 6 a.m. slot and from my prior experience in being on local TV it will be repeated about 4 times over 2 days with slight changes of verbage. And YES I was on TV with this issue ten or so years ago, don't recall which network it was.
I wish them well, however, without having seen more than the promo pluggins the report I have to say that my expectations are that the AJC will fob them off with phoney references to a ‘Do Not Throw List’ that citizens can register for by phone.
Does this work? From experience I can give you a firm ‘maybe’.
It should take 5 or so weeks for your address to filter down the the regional manager and get added to the list. Said list is only good if the retiree or college student doing the drive by tossing of papers bothers to look at it, some don’t, particularly if they know they will be leaving shortly.
I went back and forth with the AJC for years while living in Kennesaw. See: https://atlantajournal-constitution.blogspot.com/ I made up post cards, magnets etc and passed them out endlessly.
Now and then the Summer Stream development I was in had deliveries of this crap stopped, then it would start up again.
As usual the City of Kennesaw elected officials of that time were completely useless and would not touch the issue with a ten foot pole. Probably they wouldn’t get involved even now with a new crew rowing that leaky ship.
The entire issue pits ‘Freedom of the Press’ against an individuals right to their quiet enjoyment of their property (ie: not having to go out and pick up useless crap that dipshits toss onto your property).
Property owners simply lose on this issue. Not just in Kennesaw but all across the country.
I looked into getting a TRO issued to stop the littering of my property, the cost for an individual, or even an HOA, is prohibitive. Cox, the parent company of the AJC has deep pockets so there is little that individuals, even HOA’s can do. They will run out of money before Cox does.
Where I am now, I understand that 2 sections of the 663 home subdivision are getting the junk tossed onto their property and 2 sections are not. Fortunately I am in one of the sections that this is not happening in.
Go take a look at the blog site. Maybe you or CBS can come up with a solution, I and others were not able to do it.
From my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008587503434
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ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION - The largest source of litter in Georgia
I note that a Kennesaw resident has complained to CBS 46 about the vast amount of litter that the AJC tosses into driveways, lawns and sidewalks in Kennesaw.
On Monday 4/30/18 reporter Harry Samler, Harry.Samler@cbs46.com will have a report on this at their 6 a.m. slot and from my prior experience in being on local TV it will be repeated about 4 times over 2 days with slight changes of verbage. And YES I was on TV with this issue ten or so years ago, don't recall which network it was.
I wish them well, however, without having seen more than the promo pluggins the report I have to say that my expectations are that the AJC will fob them off with phoney references to a ‘Do Not Throw List’ that citizens can register for by phone.
Does this work? From experience I can give you a firm ‘maybe’.
It should take 5 or so weeks for your address to filter down the the regional manager and get added to the list. Said list is only good if the retiree or college student doing the drive by tossing of papers bothers to look at it, some don’t, particularly if they know they will be leaving shortly.
I went back and forth with the AJC for years while living in Kennesaw. See: https://atlantajournal-constitution.blogspot.com/ I made up post cards, magnets etc and passed them out endlessly.
Now and then the Summer Stream development I was in had deliveries of this crap stopped, then it would start up again.
As usual the City of Kennesaw elected officials of that time were completely useless and would not touch the issue with a ten foot pole. Probably they wouldn’t get involved even now with a new crew rowing that leaky ship.
The entire issue pits ‘Freedom of the Press’ against an individuals right to their quiet enjoyment of their property (ie: not having to go out and pick up useless crap that dipshits toss onto your property).
Property owners simply lose on this issue. Not just in Kennesaw but all across the country.
I looked into getting a TRO issued to stop the littering of my property, the cost for an individual, or even an HOA, is prohibitive. Cox, the parent company of the AJC has deep pockets so there is little that individuals, even HOA’s can do. They will run out of money before Cox does.
Where I am now, I understand that 2 sections of the 663 home subdivision are getting the junk tossed onto their property and 2 sections are not. Fortunately I am in one of the sections that this is not happening in.
Go take a look at the blog site. Maybe you or CBS can come up with a solution, I and others were not able to do it.
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Monday, April 23, 2018
Ramadan in 2018 will begin in the evening of May 15, and will end in the evening of June 14.
When is Ramadan 2018, what dates does the festival start and end and why do Muslims fast?
It celebrates the first time the Quran was revealed to Muhammad, according to Islamic belief
RAMADAN is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate "the best of times".
It celebrates the first time the Quran was revealed to Muhammad, according to Islamic belief - but what else do we know about the festival?
When is Ramadan 2018?
Ramadan in 2018 will begin in the evening of May 15, and will end in the evening of June 14.
The beginning and end are determined by the lunar Islamic calendar.
Hilal, the crescent, is usually a day or more after the astronomical new moon.
The "night of power" or "night of decree" is considered the holiest night of the year, as Muslims believe the first revelation of the Quran was sent down to Muhammad on this night.
It is thought to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan - the 21, 23, 25, 27 or 29th.
The holiday of Eid as-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month.
What happens during Ramadan?
The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which means scorching heat or dryness.
Fasting is obligatory for adult Muslims, except those who are suffering from an illness, travelling, are elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, chronically ill or menstruating.
Muslims also engage in increased prayer and charity during Ramadan.
Ramadan is also a month where Muslims try to practice increased self-discipline.
As well as fasting - abstaining from eating and drinking - Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran throughout the month, before the holy festival of Eid-al-Fitr.
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
Ramadan is seen as a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship.
Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and this includes fasting - which teaches people how to be more self-disciplined and have empathy for those less fortunate.
The pre-dawn meal before the fast is called the suhur, while the meal at sunset that breaks the fast is the iftar.
In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, Muslims also increase restraint, such as abstaining from sexual relations.
The act of fasting is said to cleanse the soul by freeing it from worldly activities, in addition to abolition of past sins.
Dates usually break the fast at sundown, as is tradition.
After that the usual practice is to adjourn for prayer and then the main meal is served.
4/16/18
Minor Update:
My further question was:
"Thank you for your speedy reply to my inquiry!
Are there any other installs planned in Kennesaw?
In particular will you have anything for downtown Kennesaw coming soon (or at all)?"
Reply was:
From: Amy Garner [mailto:Amy.Garner@cobbemc.com]
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2018 1:15 PM
To: Angela Kelley <Angela.Kelley@cobbemc.com>
Subject: RE: Information NeededWe are slated to change out the City of Kennesaw in the early part of next year (2019). The lights we serve are in the City limits of Kennesaw.Amy GarnerCobb EMCSpecial Projects Tech.678-355-3409
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NEW STREET LIGHTS FROM COBB EMC
I asked them about placements of these new lights. Here is the reply FYI, it would be helpful if City asked for these lights for downtown K and other areas in K.
Some concerned citizens might want to contact various elected folks in K and ask them to see what they can do. I don't live in K anymore so it is up to you readers to carry this forward if you are interested.
Here is what I got back on placements from COBB EMC
From: Amy Garner [mailto:Amy.Garner@cobbemc.com]
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2018 9:22 AM
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2018 9:22 AM
To: Angela Kelley <Angela.Kelley@cobbemc.com>
Cc: Tyler Roper <Tyler.Roper@cobbemc.com>
Subject: RE: Information Needed
Cc: Tyler Roper <Tyler.Roper@cobbemc.com>
Subject: RE: Information Needed
Lighting Modules were placed in around the Town Center area on Barrett Parkway in the beginning and on some of the Publix and Kroger’s we serve.
Around 14,000 LED out of 67,000 total lights . 5,500 control modules
To knowledge as of today. Control modules will be on all lights when completed.
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COBB EMC - NEW STREET LIGHTS
In Feb. 2018 COBB EMC included a mailer with bills about 60,000 new white LCD street lights that were coming over the next few years.
Since the City of Kennesaw has decided to charge taxpayers money each month for street lights it seems that the least they could do would be to get some of those fancy new street lights for Kennesaw.
SENIOR DISCOUNTS FYI:
Eating Out
If you don’t feel like cooking be sure to turn to these places for good senior dining deals. From fast food to steak restaurants, our compiled restaurant list will definitely help you make your choice.
Keep in mind that deals may vary at participating locations and can change without notice.
■ McDonald’s: discounts on coffee and beverages (55+)
■ Whataburger: free drink with purchase of a meal, depending on location (55+)
■ Wendy’s: give free coffee or other discounts depending on location
■ Piccadilly Cafeteria – 10% discount with “Prime Time for Seniors” card
■ IHOP – 10% discount (55+) and a menu for people aged 55 and over at participating locations
■ Golden Corral: Senior discount varies by location
■ Krispy Kreme Senior Discount: 10% off (50+) (age and discount varies depending on location)
■ Perkins Restaurants: Fifty-Five Plus menu Offers special deals (55+)
■ Subway: 10% off (60+) varies by location
■ The Old Spaghetti Factory: Spaghetti Factory “Senior Menu” offers discounted list of menu items
■ Uno Pizzaria & Grill: “Double Nickel Club” 25% off on Wednesday (55+)
■ Sizzler: Offers “Honored Guest Menu” (60+) varies by location
■ Papa John’s Senior Discount: check with your local stores (no standard senior discount policy)
■ Old Country Buffet: Daily discounts for seniors (55+)
■ Friendly’s Restaurants: 10% off meal w/ free coffee at breakfast or free small sunday during non-breakfast hours
■ Fazoli’s: Join “Club 62” for special senior menu items (62+)
■ KFC: free small drink with any meal depending on location (55+) some locations give 10% discount from bill
■ Country Kitchen: Great Senior Menu (55+)
■ Burger King: 10% discount on purchase depending on location (60+)
* * * * * * * * *
Hotel Rooms
If you want to settle down for the night someplace away from home you can be sure to get a discount at Marriott, Comfort Inn, Motel 6 and more.
Keep in mind that discounts may vary and change without notice.
■ Marriott – 15% discount (62+). You can book online or call and ask for the senior discount
■ Red Roof Inn – option of “senior rate” when you book online, may not be available for all locations
■ Choice Hotels – 10% discount if you book in advance (60+)
■ Hyatt Hotels – up to 50% off in participating locations. To qualify for this deal you have to make a reservation in advance and book for two people (60+)
■ La Quinta – varying offers at participating locations (65+). Book online or call and ask for senior discounts
■ Omni Hotels – varying offers at participating locations (55+)
■ Motel 6 – 10% discount (60+). Call and book over the phone in order to get discount
■ Wyndham Hotels – varying offers at participating locations (60+)
■ Hampton Inns & Suites – 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance
You can find more senior hotel discounts by using Booking.com to look for your next hotel room.
