Georgia Homebuyer Tax Credit

Welcome back!

It’s still preliminary, but the state of Georgia is working on a homebuyer tax credit in addition to the $8,000 tax credit passed by the federal government last month.

Georgia residents who buy a home would get a three-year tax credit under legislation that easily passed the House today.

Under the bill, home purchasers would receive income tax credits of up to $3,600, up to $1,200 for each of three years. In order to qualify, homeowners would have to apply for the credit within six months of the date the governor signs the bill.

The measure now moves on to the Senate. The goal is to help revitalize Georgia’s residential real estate market.

Georgia’s housing issues are not nearly as bad as many parts of the country, but it’s great to the Georgia leaders understand the importance of kick-starting home sales as this will have a direct impact on a multitude of industries and the overall economy.

The legislation would apply to new and previously occupied homes as well as residences that have been foreclosed.

The credit could be used either for houses and condominiums and either on primary or second residences.

We’ll keep you posted on as this bill moves forward. For some homebuyers, this could mean a total of $11,600 in tax credits for the purchase of their new home and for others who didn’t qualify for the federal $8,000 credit, it would mean a $3,600 tax credit. Either way, it’s a great incentive to take advantage of this great buying opportunity in the Sandy Springs real estate market.

Sidewalk Program Update

River Valley Road Sidewalks Construction
Construction is underway on sidewalks on both sides of River Valley Road from Riverside Drive to Amberidge Trail. This project, originally developed by Sandy Springs Revitalization, Incorporated, involves construction of new curb and sidewalks as well as associated driveway tie-ins and utility relocations. Repaving is scheduled upon project completion. An overall construction period of six months is planned. To date, new retaining walls, curbing, sidewalks and driveway tie-ins have been installed from Riverside Drive to Colewood Way.

Lake Forest Elementary School Sidewalk Design
A consultant is designing a sidewalk on Lake Forrest Drive from the I-285 underpass to Hammond Drive to provide improved pedestrian access within the neighborhood. The project includes improvements to the intersection of Lake Forrest Drive and Hammond Drive. Requests for variances to support proposed construction are currently under review.

Ridgeview Middle School Sidewalk Design
A design is underway to develop a complete sidewalk system along Peachtree-Dunwoody Road in the vicinity of Ridgeview Middle School. Surveying began along the portion of Peachtree-Dunwoody Road from the Glenridge Connector to Trimble Walk Lane to include indentifying specimen trees near the proposed route. An online public survey was conducted in December and a preliminary study plan was shown during the January 12, 2009 City Open House. A presentation of preliminary concept plans is being planned.

Riverwood High School
Construction is complete on this project to install sidewalk on one side of Powers Ferry Road from Dupree Drive to Heards Drive. Pedestrian crossings and ramps were also constructed at Heards Ferry Road and Heards Drive.

Woodland Charter Elementary School
Sidewalks have been installed on one side of Spalding Drive from the school to Georgia 400.

Spalding Charter Elementary School
Design will soon begin on this project to construct sidewalks on Brandon Mill and Riverside near the school.

Homestead Exemption Information

A homestead exemption is a reduction in homeowners’ property taxes.  To qualify, the homeowner must apply for this exemption on or before April 1st. Once granted, this exemption is automatically renewed each year as long as the home is continually occupied under the same ownership.  The home must be the legal residence for all purposes including the registration of vehicles and the filing of income tax.  A homestead exemption cannot be filed for rental property, vacant land or on more than one property.  In addition to basic homestead exemption, there are additional exemptions for residents age 62 and older and/or disabled veterans.  These exemptions must be applied for in person with Fulton County.  For additional information and requirements, please contact 404-612-6440.

City Hosts Public Information Open House March 9, 2009

March 9, 2009
5:00 pm	to	7:00 pm

February 27, 2009 — The City of Sandy Springs will present topical information at the City Open House on March 9, 2009, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The open house will be held in the Council Chambers at Sandy Springs City Hall, located at 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500.

The public is encouraged to attend the open house, which will focus on a variety of topics. The topics presented at each individual station range from the Police Department’s updated crime statistics to the Recreation and Parks program offerings.

Community Development staff will present information for public comment on the Roswell Road Overlay District Amendments, Code Enforcement’s Vacant Property Enforcement Program and the conceptual plan for Overlook Park, formerly the location of the Dog Park, which has been temporarily relocated to Morgan Falls Park just below the Dam.

Public Works staff will showcase concept information on the Peachtree Dunwoody Sidewalk project, as well as, the Windsor Parkway Sidewalk project, which will begin construction soon. Also, general information about the Capital Improvement Projects and Public Works programs will be discussed. The public is asked to provide comments on the proposed concept for the Peachtree Dunwoody Sidewalks project. The Fire Department will discuss public participation in their Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and CPR classes.

Recreation and Parks will be showcasing Spring Break programs as well as Summer Camp information. Recently, Recreation and Parks staff held an input meeting gathering information about the tennis program and residents’ thoughts about how the local courts should be utilized. The public is asked to provide additional comments on the questionnaire provided at the open house focusing on the tennis programs.

There will be no formal presentation, but there will be an opportunity for the public to comment and ask questions about the information provided.

For more information on other upcoming public meetings, please visit the Community Calendar on the City of Sandy Springs Web site at www.sandyspringsga.org or call the Citizen Response Center at 770-730-5600 for further information.