Sullivan, Roberts want affordable housing in Sandy Springs

Key points Frank Roberts and Michelle Sullivan are facing off in a municipal runoff voting for Sandy Springs City Council District The candidates took part in a forum sponsored by Rough Draft that can now be viewed on YouTube Michelle Sullivan and Frank Roberts are in the runoff referendum for Sandy Springs City Council District with early voting starting Nov Photos provided by the candidates Sandy Springs City Council District candidates Frank Roberts and Michelle Sullivan declared they want to see redevelopment that provides affordable and attainable housing in the city Sullivan and Roberts participated in a live-streamed candidates forum sponsored by Rough Draft Atlanta that s now available on YouTube A forum with mayoral candidates Rusty Paul and Dontaye Carter also is posted on Rough Draft s YouTube page Related story Referendum Guide Sandy Springs Housing Options Roberts stated the price of property makes affordable housing options a obstacle Affordable housing is becoming more and more non-existent in Sandy Springs and that demands to change supposedly with a zoning variance of various sort maybe an incentive for developers to set aside certain areas for affordable housing Roberts announced Sullivan mentioned she s an advocate for housing that meets all residents necessities and she will advocacy developments that align with area requirements Partnerships and shared support with county administration the private sector and nonprofit organizations like the Council for Quality Increase can help guide the city to attainable housing she noted Both candidates disclosed they concluded the upcoming five-year update to the city s Next Ten comprehensive plan will be an opportunity to target areas that need and welcome redevelopment I believe specific of the projects with the Next Ten are going to help with the expansion and the economic advance in our district and the residents will be able to still have that region neighborhood feel right in their own area Sullivan announced Traffic woes Roberts believes setting proper timing for the traffic lights at the Abernathy Road and Roswell Road intersection could reduce traffic congestion that often backs up to Glenridge Drive Similar adjustments at other intersections could ease congestion he explained Sullivan mentioned the city should use the suggestions in its traffic management plan to reduce congestion and keep pedestrians safe Inquired how the candidates would shield neighborhoods that are next to Georgia from the chaos of the Express Lane project that will begin in Roberts reminded viewers that it is a Georgia Department of Transportation project He revealed when Georgia was expanded the city tried to get sound obstacles installed to reduce the noise of the equipment being used This will be a long ongoing project that he explained the city will do what it can to help residents Sullivan commented the city should implement its traffic assessment s suggestions She announced adjusting the times the loud noises are allowed in peak hours could help It comes down to communicating with the neighbors to spot the problems and create solutions she reported Police assistance might also be used to handle traffic during peak times Urged what unique role they would create within the city Roberts agreed with Sullivan s choice If I could create a role I would create an ambassador role that welcomes new residents to Sandy Springs and shows them around Sandy Springs introduces them to certain parts of Sandy Springs gives them the history of Sandy Springs makes them feel welcome to Sandy Springs Sullivan announced Roberts disclosed the city demands someone to help new residents find conveniences such as biological staff the close proximity of city hall lots of parks and recreation and restaurants Final thoughts Sullivan stated her goal on the city council would be to help Sandy Springs embrace cultural and economic diversity that comes with population enhancement Roberts announced his law enforcement career gives him an informed perspective that will serve the city well He commented the next city council will have business executives a lawyer and an educator and he will bring a unique perspective Early voting in the runoff referendum for the council seat begins Saturday Nov and ends Nov The Sandy Springs Library at Mount Vernon Highway and the North Fulton Institution Center at Roswell Road will be early voting sites within the city Poll day will be Dec at normal polling places The post Sullivan Roberts want affordable housing in Sandy Springs appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta