City OKs limited beer, wine in downtown parks

Beer and wine could be sold and consumed city parks in Alpharetta’s downtown district under an ordinance amendment working its way through the city council.

The council on Monday JUNE 12 approved the measure on first reading; a second vote is required before it becomes law. It would limit alcohol consumption to a city-sponsored or partnered event where a licensed vendor has a special event temporary permit to sell alcohol, according to a staff report to council.

Beer and wine would be the only alcohol allowed. Sales would be limited to one per person, no more than 16 ounces, dispensed into a paper or plastic cup. Drinking from a can, bottle or glass would be prohibited. “same service budget” of about $122.9 million, up from the FY 2017 budget of some $117.9 million. He said that general government operations expenses under a general fund budget would decrease 4.2 percent but that other operations would become more expensive, such as the court system and public safety budget lines. Gruen indicated that with the tax digest projected to increase 8.3 percent and with other revenue sources in good shape, the county should have about $7.6 million more to work with next year. The new fiscal year will begin on Jan. 1.

Improvements coming to 3 intersections

Three north Forsyth County intersections will get makeovers as the result of action by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners.

In one move, the juncture of Settingdown and Martin roads will be converted to a roundabout. The approximately $1.1 million project will be paid for with SPLOST funds.

Two other intersections will get turn-lane upgrades. The intersection of Elmo and Bannister roads will see left and right-turn lanes added on Bannister. The $440,000 improvements are a SPLOST project. And the convergence of Ga. 9 and Smith Lane/ Coal Mountain will see left and right-turn lanes added on Ga. 9. A traffic light is also planned. The $666,000 project will be paid for with transportation bond money.