🌱 Metro Area Updates Tree Planting Rules + Murder Suspect In Custody

Good morning, neighbors! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Smyrna-Vinings Daily — here to explain all the most important things happening in our community.

But first, today's weather:

Low clouds and fog may break. High: 71 Low: 59.

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Here are the top three stories today in Smyrna-Vinings:

1. The City Council passed a new revision to city rules Monday, establishing new guidelines for planting trees in order to protect the Atlanta area's tree canopy. The ordinance hasn't been updated in about 15 years. (The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
2. The City Council voted to allocate $500,000 to the downtown Village Green Park development. The additional funds will bring the total cost of the park to $1.5 million. The project includes replacing the roundabout south of the park's community center with a new greenspace that includes water features, plaza areas, bike racks, and an event stage. (MDJOnline.com)
3. A suspect in a murder that took place three months ago at a Vinings apartment complex is now in Cobb County jail. The suspect was being held on unrelated charges in Crisp County and was transferred to the county jail on Sunday. (The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

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Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

• Sony Demo Day At KEH Camera (11:00 AM)
• Soundcheck Music Bingo At Varners Restaurant & Tavern (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• It's that time of year for bright lights and lovely drives to look at them! Check out the Smyrna Bright Nights self-guided tour map to see where to see the best holiday lights and add your own home if you'd like to share your own display! (City of Smyrna, GA Government via Facebook)
• Looking for a new home for the holiday? Check out the newest additions to the real estate market in the Smyrna-Vinings area, including a three-bedroom, four-bathroom red brick home in the Chadsworth Community. (Smyrna-Vinings Patch)
• If you're looking for a way to give back this holiday season, consider donating to Shop with a Hero by the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation. The program pairs 82 children and their families with Smyrna public service workers to shop for clothing items and gifts. (Smyrna Public Safety Foundation via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Terminus Ballet presents "A Christmas Carol Told Again" (December 9)
• Georgia Festival of Vendors 2022 (December 10)
• Aura Reading & Chakra Balancing (December 10)
• Jazz at the Ballroom Presents "HOLIDAY IN" (December 17)
• Holidays on Stage and Screen (December 17)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.