🌱 Sandy Springs Tree Canopy Loss + Mayor Addresses Water Litigation

Hello again, everybody. It's Saturday in Sandy Springs and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Partly sunny and nice. High: 83 Low: 54.
• Sunday: Pleasant with plenty of sun. High: 84 Low: 55.

Here are the top three stories today in Sandy Springs:

1. Sandy Springs is taking action to address the decline in its tree canopy, with recommendations presented by Urban Forest Coordinator William Park. The city's tree fund is facing challenges due to limited planting space and access to smaller trees on private properties. Park recommends including forest restoration, pest/insect management, property acquisition by the city, landmark tree protections, private canopy expansions, and community canopies, with the goal of sharing responsibilities for maintaining the tree canopy between private citizens and the city. Sandy Springs is also using artificial intelligence to map tree canopy coverage more accurately and plans to establish an aggressive program to protect, renew, and expand its tree canopy. (Appen Media)
2. Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul expressed hope for the resolution of the city's litigation with Atlanta over water service during a recent speech to the Sandy Springs Bar Association. The city filed lawsuits to force Atlanta into an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) for water service and rate adjustments. Atlanta has operated a water system in Sandy Springs without an IGA since the city's formation in 2005. (Rough Draft Atlanta)
3. A year-long investigation led to the discovery of a human trafficking network and prostitution operation in north Fulton County. Down the road, Roswell police, along with the Fulton County District Attorney's Office, conducted raids on four massage parlors and executed search warrants at two others. Nearly two dozen young women believed to be victims of human trafficking were rescued, and three individuals were arrested and face charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and labor trafficking. Authorities believe all six locations are linked, and additional arrests are expected. (WSB-TV)

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Today and tomorrow in Sandy Springs:

Saturday, September 23

• The Birds Of Lost Corner Talk & Walk At Lost Corner Preserve (8:30 AM)
• Sandy Springs Fall Arts Festival At 6100 Lake Forrest Dr. NE (10:00 AM)

Sunday, September 24

• Carlos: The Santana Journey Global Premiere At The Springs Cinema & Taphouse (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Starting on Monday, Sep. 25 to Sep. 28, there will be a single-lane closure on Roswell Road between Mt. Vernon Highway and Johnson Ferry Road. The closure will be in effect from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Sandy Springs, Georgia: City News via Facebook)
• Check out the latest episode of "Inside Sandy Springs" with Xanthe Tilden at the link. The video covers local tips, events happening in and around town, and more. (Sandy Springs, Georgia: City News via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• FREE Kickoff for the Walk to End Alzheimer's (September 23)
• 3hr Beginner Bachata Class @ Ballroom Impact Atlanta Sat Sept 23, 2023 (September 23)
• Social Security Seminar on Sept 25th and 26th at Sandy Springs Public Library (September 26)
• FLAMENCO live music and dance concert (September 29)
• Microchip & Vaccination Clinic for Dogs & Cats - Low Cost (October 8)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox soon with another update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.