Sandy Springs held its first state-required public hearing for the 2027 Comprehensive Plan, a long-range planning document that outlines where and how development should occur, at its April 21 meeting.
While elected officials won’t adopt a final plan for another 12 months, the kickoff signals the beginning of input opportunities for residents. During the public hearing no residents commented.
Sandy Springs planning process
In March, elected officials approved a $1.14 million contract with Rhodeside & Harwell, TSW Design, and KB Advisory to create the policy document and an update to the recreation and park plan.
The state of Georgia requires municipalities to update their comprehensive plans every five years to maintain access to state and federal grants. Like service delivery strategy negotiations, the legislature gives the city little wiggle room.
Updates to the Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Master Plan include a system assessment, analysis of needs and gaps, and a future investment strategy. Earlier this year, city officials discussed a future parks bond to fund new projects identified in the planning process.
Planning and Zoning Manager Michele McIntosh-Ross said the community engagement process includes pop-up events, focus group meetings, and open houses. The Sandy Springs Planning Commission and City Council will also receive periodic updates at public meetings.
Later, elected officials unanimously appointed members to the Sandy Springs Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee.
The committee, required by law to guide the planning process and gather input, has 14 residents appointed by the mayor. The committee includes Sandy Springs Council of Neighborhoods President Ronda Smith, Council Member Melody Kelley, Temple Sinai Rabbi Natan Trief, and Board of Appeals Chair Sherri Allen, who also heads the Fulton County Registration and Elections Board.
Other members include Los Niños Primero Founder Maritza Morelli, Jennifer Barnes of Solidarity Sandy Springs, Development Authority Chair Chip Collins, and Sandy Springs Conservancy Executive Director Linda Bain. The remaining advisory committee members are Tyler Ewing, Raymond Grote, Planning Commission Chair Reed Haggard, Kimberly Oliver, Andrea Settles, and Charan Shikh.
Mayor explains selection
Mayor Rusty Paul said the advisory group is not intended to replace public participation and input in the process. In forming the committee, Paul said he looked at applicants with community reach and planning knowledge.
“This group will meet with the consultant four or five times over the course of the planning process, just to provide feedback,” Paul said. “A lot of people want to serve, way more than we can ever appoint. [This group] represents a broad spectrum of the community, and that’s what I tried to do in putting this together.”
After Kelley asked about her inclusion on the advisory committee, city staff said the state Community Affairs Department recommends a council member be included.
Paul said an elected official is usually included to “make sure that the council’s viewpoints are expressed.”
“You and I have talked about housing on a number of occasions,” Paul said. “I thought this would give you an opportunity to get in and dig into that and have some input in the process.”
Access a list of the City of Sandy Springs’ plans and studies here.
In other business:
• Sandy Springs Public Works Director Marty Martin said residents can expect two-way traffic on Mount Vernon Highway and Johnson Ferry Road around May 15. Crews are working on burying utilities, adjusting traffic signals, and paving. Martin said full completion, including surface aesthetics and landscaping, will take longer.
• The city council submitted its street paving list to the Georgia Department of Transportation for its annual grant program, covering $1.24 million of the $1.45 million needed to pave 4.63 miles of roadway.
• Elected officials approved a cost-sharing agreement with GDOT for the second and final phase of PATH400, set to be completed by summer 2029. With the agreement, federal funds cover 20 percent of the project.
