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Moderator’s introduction

JULY 17, 2013-SANDY SPRINGS: Photo of The Chastain Apartments near Roswell road & Windsor Parkway that could be replaced by the Sandy Springs Gateway project, on Wednesday July 17th, 2013. Sandy Springs has given the green light to the $120 million development it says will upgrade one of its major corridors. The City Council voted 5-1 Tuesday to allow JLB Realty permits to build a mixed-use development with 630 high-end apartments, retail and office space. The vote came over the objections of nearby residents who claim the city is going back on its commitment to preserve neighborhoods. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM

Credit: Phil Skinner

Credit: Phil Skinner

JULY 17, 2013-SANDY SPRINGS: Photo of The Chastain Apartments near Roswell road & Windsor Parkway that could be replaced by the Sandy Springs Gateway project, on Wednesday July 17th, 2013. Sandy Springs has given the green light to the $120 million development it says will upgrade one of its major corridors. The City Council voted 5-1 Tuesday to allow JLB Realty permits to build a mixed-use development with 630 high-end apartments, retail and office space. The vote came over the objections of nearby residents who claim the city is going back on its commitment to preserve neighborhoods. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM
By Rick Badie
July 30, 2013

Today’s moderator: Rick Badie

Rick Badie joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as an education reporter in 1997. A South Georgia native, he’s covered the region’s immigrant communities, was a feature obituary writer and opinion columnist for the AJC’s Gwinnett edition.

»Join the discussion online today: Weigh in below with your thoughts and opinions.

The Sandy Springs City Council recently approved a mixed-used development that would demolish dilapidated apartments and replace them with more upscale units, along with office and retail space. Some welcome the project, while others view it as cautionary tale for the city. Here are two views.

Guest columnists:

Welcome, JLB by Tibby DeJulio

Beware unintended consequences by Jane Kelley

About the Author

Rick Badie
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