🌱 Fire Destroys Roswell Home + 2024 Budget Discussed + Road Closures

Hello, everybody. It's me, Jessica Griffin, your host of the Roswell Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally. In today's issue of the newsletter, we'll cover these stories and more...

• The city set to celebrate the opening of new fields at East Roswell.
• Roswell is designated as a bike-friendly community... again.
• Changes to the Canton Street plan.

But first, today's weather: Times of clouds and sun. High: 82 Low: 63.

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Here are the top stories in Roswell today:

1. A fire broke out at the president of The Varsity restaurant chain's home in Roswell on Monday night. The family was able to escape from the blaze. A neighbor alerted the fire department to the area after seeing smoke coming from the rear of the home. All nine occupants of the home were able to flee the home by the time firefighters arrived. Two people were under observation due to smoke inhalation. The Roswell FD were able to extinguish the flames with the help of Milton Fire Department, however, the home was destroyed. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. (Newsbreak)
2. The City of Roswell has announced a change in the plans to close Canton Street to vehicular traffic this summer. Mayor Kurt Wilson told Roswell business owners that "there’s no longer a timetable for closing off Canton Street to thru-traffic during weekends this summer." In an effort to keep downtown business owners from feeling slighted and to have their opinions heard, the city will partner with them to make this closure possible. The council will not vote on the project until a collaborative plan has been created with business owner's input included. (Atlanta News First)
3. The proposed budget for the 2024 fiscal year was reviewed by Roswell City Council at the specially called meeting on May 11. This was the first of three public meetings to discuss next year's budget. The funds for 25 new full-time fire department positions, upcoming transportation projects, and funding for historic parks and gardens were discussed. The investments the city is making to enhance the Public Safety Department was one of the main topics that was reviewed. The proposed 2024 budget is based on the current 2023 millage rate; however, the City of Roswell is waiting to receive the property tax digest values from Fulton County to set property tax rates. The first budget reading will take place on Monday, May 22. (Appen Media)

Today in Roswell:

• Ongoing Conversation: Assembly Point Exhibition — Roswell Visual Arts Center (10:00 AM)
• Beginner Class: Summer Leaves w/ Soft Glass — FlameTree Glass, Inc. (6:00 PM)
• Wednesday Live Music — Lola's Burger and Tequila Bar (6:30 PM)
• Acoustic set by Keira Rivers — Rock N' Taco Roswell (7:30 PM)
• Team Trivia — Lucky's Burger and Brew (7:30 PM)
• Kings of Karaoke Featuring Ian — Chaplin's Bar and Grill (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: Due to this month's Alive in Roswell, several roads in the downtown area will be closed Thursday afternoon. Elizabeth Way and Webb Street (from Canton Street to the Antique Lot Entrance) will close at 2 p.m. The remainder of Webb Street will close at 3:30 p.m. Canton Street will be closed starting at at 5 p.m. Traffic is expected to be heavy in the area; please plan accordingly. (City of Roswell, Georgia via Instagram)
• Keep Roswell Beautiful: The Gate City Brewing Company's Give Back Monday was a huge success. The Keep Roswell Beautiful crew raised funds to help invest towards the city's sustainable future. The group is also accepting new members at this time. (Keep Roswell Beautiful via Facebook)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: Roswell has had the honor of being designated as a bronze-level "Bicycle Friendly Community" since 2014. The League of American Bicyclists bestows this award to communities that are bike-friendly. This award also recognizes the efforts that the City of Roswell has taken to make the city more commutable for cyclist. (City of Roswell, Georgia via Instagram)
• Roswell NEXT: Join Roswell NEXT for a unique Town Builders Breakfast this morning at Variant Brewery. A panel of Roswell restaurant owners and operators will talk about the economic impact that the food and beverage industry has on Roswell. The breakfast and panel discussion will begin at 7:30 a.m. (Roswell NEXT via Facebook)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: The ribbon-cutting to celebrate the new turf fields at East Roswell Park will be this Friday, May 19, beginning at 5:30 p.m. After the "grand opening" ceremony, the Roswell fire and police departments will battle it out at the "Battle of the Badges" kickball game. The entire city is invited to come out to show your support. (City of Roswell, Georgia Government via Twitter)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Jessica Griffin

About me: My name is Jessica Griffin and I am a native of Roswell, Georgia. I have been in the Roswell-Alpharetta community for over 30 years. As a native "Roswellian", I embody, participate, and support all things local. Community is at the core of all of us, and I aim to convey the collectiveness and unity that should be promoted and celebrated throughout our community. Being a mother, a writer, a student of history, and the arts are my passions.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roswell Patch newsletter? Contact me at Roswell@Patch.com