Recently two private schools situated within Sandy Springs neighborhoods have petitioned for Special Land Use Permits from the City to expand. The Epstein School on Colewood Way would like to increase enrollment by 30% from ~650 to ~850 students with an addition of a two-story classroom building and another two-story "theater". As requested, the expansion would increase the size of the school by about 38% and include the loss of 70% of the existing tree canopy. Eight homes would be demolished, thereby reducing the tax base, to create a parking lot. At present the traffic congestion at the start and end of the school day paralyzes the surrounding roadways. Neighborhood opponents cite worsening traffic, loss of green space, increase use of water resources, noise and light pollution as well as the nuisance of the theater being used nights and weekends as detriments to their community. Concerned neighbors have created a website where you can learn more and take action here.

Holy Spirit Preparatory School wants to develop eight acres between Lake Forrest and Long Island Drives which also abuts neighborhoods. In addition to a soccer/football field, Holy Spirit would like to build an administrative building, 400 seat bleachers, a pool, two tennis courts and 150 parking spaces. Again, the surrounding neighbors who contest this proposed development note that increased traffic, overflow parking, noise and lighting at the athletic field, more storm water runoff and virtually unrestricted use of the site would negatively impact their neighborhoods. To learn more and voice your concerns on the Holy Spirit project, neighbors have created a website here.

Lots of comments about these projects are here in an AJC Article/Blog.