Seems like there weren’t enough – Marietta Tree Planters Meeting at City Hall

March 25, 2010 – 5:47 am

Held in the city hall council chamber this evening 3-24 was one of several
workshops on the trees in Marietta and how to plan and plant new trees.

Too bad there were less than 10 in attendance for this information filled couple of hours.

An arborist, landscape planner, and a Ga. forester presented great program of things to think about as we look at our tree canopy and decide which needs help and how to best address what needs to be done.

It was on the Calendar from the City of Marietta:
http://www.mariettaga.gov/departments/parks_rec/calendarview.aspx?id=3988

This workshop and others are supported via a federal grant.

Nicholas Cole

Leave your comments on this post…

By admin | Posted in Arts and Living, City Council, City of Marietta, City Parks in Marietta, Featured, Green Marietta, Headline, marietta events, Marietta Square, Redevelopment, Site Features | Tagged , | Comments (0)

New Brush on the Marietta Square First Friday Art Walk

March 24, 2010 – 8:58 am

Photos via melanieavita on Flickr


Marietta, GA – The Marietta Square is painting with a new brush with First Friday Art Walk. Held the first Friday of the month, April-October (with the exception of July), Art Walk is a free, self-guided tour to Marietta’s eclectic art scene. Art galleries, museums and merchants host artists within their stores and are open 6pm-9pm. Look for an official Art Walk banner in the window to identify the participating venues.

Choose your own route or begin from the Art Walk Headquarters Tent in “Artists’ Alley” – an intimate exhibit of juried artists showing a wide variety of styles. Artists’ Alley will be in the Courtyard and Alley by the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau, 4 Depot Street. There will also be performance artists based throughout the Square.

Pick up an Art Walk map, which denotes what locations are featured and what artists will be spotlighted. Maps of the venues are available at each participating merchant, the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau and online at www.artwalkmarietta.com. Remember to have your map stamped at each participating location. Return the completed map (with at least 15 locations stamped) to Art Walk Headquarters by 9pm and your name will be entered into a drawing for a “Hip to be Square” package including passes to attractions, dining experiences and a $100 gift certificate redeemable at any participating merchant on the Square.

Get around by trolley; take the “Scary-etta” tour at 8 pm!

The Historic Marietta Trolley will make it easier to get to all the Art Walk stops. They’re running a free shuttle service that evening from 6pm-8pm. Trolley stops are marked by flags around the Square and can be found on your Art Walk Map.

At 8pm the Historic Marietta Trolley Company and Ghosts of Marietta will be combining for “Scary-etta,” the trolley ghost tour. The tour leaves from the Trolley Headquarters, 131 Church Street. For more information about “Scary-etta” visit the Trolley website, www.mariettatrolley.com or the Ghosts of Marietta website, www.ghostsofmarietta.com.

Parking is available on the Square, in the Mill Street lots and in the Cherokee Street Parking Deck (free that evening). For detailed information about parking, visit www.artwalkmarietta.com. Admission to the Art Walk is free. First Friday Art Walk will be held rain or shine the first Friday of the month, April-October (except July). For more information, call the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau at 770-429-1115 or visit www.artwalkmarietta.com.

Contact: Theresa Jenkins, 770-429-1115; tjenkins@mariettaga.gov

By admin | Posted in Arts and Living, City of Marietta, City Parks in Marietta, Featured, Headline, Marietta Square, Site Features | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Local Marietta Square Area Restaurant Bar For Sale

March 22, 2010 – 8:32 am

It looks like one of the bars in the Marietta Area is for sale. Click here for full details

Here’s the overview from the for sale page. I wonder which Bar this is? Anyone have thoughts?

2 Full Bars with Complete Kitchen and Great Patio
Sales of 31 K Monthly
Established Location – Plenty of Traffic
Will Consider Owner Financing!
Owner must sell due to Famly Issues….
3750 SF Seats more than 175 People;Neighborhood Pub “Everybody Knows Your Name”;Video (tv) Pool Table and Full Service Restaurant;Great Lease in Place;150,000
Call Today for More Information:

404-892-4999

Anyone have an idea which restaurant this might be?

By admin | Posted in Arts and Living, City of Marietta, Featured, Headline, Local Restaurants, Marietta Square, Redevelopment | Tagged | Comments (4)

Marietta City Council reappointed Ray Buday, Mark Gibbs, Ron Francis, Terry Lee and John Schupp to the Marietta Redevelopment Corporation

March 18, 2010 – 8:30 am

Marietta City Council reappointed Ray Buday, Mark Gibbs, Ron Francis, Terry Lee and John Schupp to the Marietta Redevelopment Corporation (MRC) board for two-year terms expiring April 10, 2012.

The purposes of the MRC are to strengthen the economic and residential base of the city of Marietta by revitalizing neighborhoods, commercial areas and other distressed properties. The MRC’s primary roles are to advise the City Council on redevelopment matters, to facilitate efforts by the private sector to invest in the community, to make strategic real estate investments in blighted areas, and to assemble properties for redevelopment where needed.

In other news, Council appointed Terry Lee to the Board of Lights and Water board of directors to fill an expired term.

The mission of the BLW is to provide high quality, reliable and competitive utility services to customers and a fair return to the citizens of Marietta.

In other business, Council reappointed Kenneth Carter to the Planning Commission (Ward 5) for a three-year term expiring on March 12, 2013.

The Planning Commission reviews and recommends for adoption to the appropriate governing authority or authorities a comprehensive plan and amendments for the development of its political jurisdiction, reviews and recommends for adoption to the appropriate governing authority or authorities a zoning ordinance or resolution and map for its political jurisdiction and reviews and recommends for adoption to the appropriate governing authority or authorities regulations for the subdivision of land within its political jurisdiction, and to administer the regulations that may be adopted.

In addition, they reappointed Rev. James O. Speed to the Ethics Committee for a two-year term expiring April 9, 2012, and reappointed Jerry Gentry to the Ethics Committee for a two-year term expiring May 8, 2012, as recommended by the Ethics Committee.

The Ethics Committee helps ensure the city’s elected officials maintain an effective code of ethical behavior, a goal City Council established as part of Marietta’s vision statement.

Positive citizen involvement in decision-making, through boards, community organizations, and community meetings is a goal City Council established as part of Marietta’s vision statement.

For more information, call Marietta’s City Clerk’s Office at 770-794-5526.

By admin | Posted in City Council, City of Marietta, Cobb County, Featured, Headline, Marietta Square, Redevelopment, Site Features | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Marietta Police department’s alarm ordinance reduces false alarms, frees officers to patrol

March 17, 2010 – 8:28 am

The Marietta Police Department was honored March 10 for its alarm ordinance, which reduces the number of false alarm calls the department receives, allowing officers to spend more time on the streets proactively patrolling.

“False alarm dispatches from police are the number one call for service in most cases,” Glen Mowrey of the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) said. “For the police department to operate efficiently, these have to be reduced.”

“In the past two years the Marietta Police Department’s alarm management program, which involves all principles of community policing and problem-oriented policing, has reduced alarm calls by 65 percent,” Mowrey said. “This is one of the top in the nation we’ve had in several years.” The police department has seen a 26 percent decrease in the number of total calls for service as a result of the drop in false alarms, he said. “The results of the program are really outstanding.”

As a result of the ordinance, Marietta Police officers have more time to devote to proactive work on the streets, follow up on investigations, community policing, and are able to respond to calls faster, Mowrey said.

The SIAC looked at several aspects of Marietta’s alarm management program including the beginning of developing the program, which included bringing in stakeholders, members of the alarm industry and the community to look at the issue of false alarms, Mowrey said. “The program was then brought before City Council with the best practices for reducing false alarms,” he said. “Council approved the practices, and the ordinance was put in place.”

“The next aspect the SIAC examined was the building and tracking program, which really sets Marietta’s alarm management program apart from a lot of other programs I’m working with,” Mowrey said. “As a result of the program, the police department is able to operate more efficiently and better use officers’ time,” he said. “The department and city are to be commended for the job you’ve done.”

The Marietta Police Department has the highest percentage of reducing false alarms in the past three or four years out of approximately 60-70 agencies across the country Mowrey is working with. “Marietta’s alarm management program is a sustained program because after the first year numbers seem to drop off,” he said. “The Marietta Police Department’s numbers have stayed steady.”

Mowrey encouraged alarm users to pay attention to their alarms, to help make the program work for the city. “Ninety percent of false alarms and activations in Marietta and across the country are human error,” he said. “The Marietta Police Department has done a great job of educating the public about the program, which will ultimately change alarm users’ behavior.”

City Council passed the alarm ordinance in July 2007. Alarm users are allowed up to two false alarms without penalty a year, and then fines will be assessed.
Register your alarm

Under the ordinance, every residential and business alarm user in the city of Marietta must obtain a free permit from the city. The permit registers an alarm system with the city for tracking purposes, and permits are not transferable. Each new occupant of a dwelling or business must apply for a new permit, and failure to register an alarm is subject to a $100 fine.

Complete the registration form online
Enforcement

The ordinance allows alarm users up to two false alarms each 12-month period with no penalty.

Beginning with the third false alarm, fines will be assessed as follows:

* First and second false alarm: no charge
* Third through fifth false alarm: $50
* Sixth false alarm: $100
* Seventh false alarm: $100
* Eighth false alarm: $250
* Ninth false alarm: $250
* Tenth and over false alarm: $500
* Failure to register: $100

Violations of the ordinance are civil in nature and do not constitute a misdemeanor or criminal charge.

There is also an appeals process for alarm users who receive fines for false alarms.

For more information, call the Marietta Police Department at 770-794-2364.

By admin | Posted in City Council, Cobb County, Crime, Featured, Headline, Marietta Government, Site Features | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Marietta Strand to FEATURE SIX EMERGING and established local artists

March 15, 2010 – 12:09 pm

MARIETTA, Ga. (March 7, 2010) – The Earl Smith Strand Theatre will open its event rooms and Cobb Terrace overlooking the square to the public during the Square’s Art Walk in 2010 during its Brew With A View series. The second floor event room and gallery wall will feature a different fine artist each month, including Linda Flournoy, Eduin Rosell, Frank Buckner, Nita Burge, Claire Dunaway, and Brandon Hunt.

The artwork of each artist will be displayed at The Strand for a month, and Art Walk will be the opening night for each exhibition. Patrons can admire a variety of art as well as an unmatched view of Glover Park while enjoying a glass of wine, beer, or a mixed drink from The Strand’s terrace, just named “Best Place to See & Be Seen” by Cobb Life, during the following First Friday Art Walk events:

* Friday, April 2, 6-9 PM – Artist: Linda Flournoy
* Friday, May 7, 6-9 PM – Artist: Eduin Rosell
* Friday, June 4, 6-9 PM – Frank Buckner
* Friday, August 6, 6-9 PM – Nita Burge
* Friday, September 3, 6-9 PM – Claire Dunaway
* Friday, October 1, 6-9 PM – Brandon Hunt

“We like to say that The Strand is not only a place for the performing arts, but also the fine arts,” said Earl Reece, executive director at The Strand. “We’re proud to display original art from local artists at The Strand including oil and acrylic paintings, photography, and even scratch-board art. We’re honored to present the public a myriad of incredible local art.”

Here is more information on the upcoming featured artists at The Strand:

Linda Flournoy

The award-winning artist Linda Flournoy is a native of Oklahoma and was educated at Oklahoma State University with a Fine Arts major. In recent years, she has traveled a new direction with her art and has focused on painting marshes she photographed in St. Simons Island and South Africa as well as Italian landscapes. Her medium of choice is oil on canvas.

Eduin L. Rosell

Born in Havana, Cuba, Eduin Rosell planted his roots in Kennesaw in 2004 and focuses his free time on creating vividly colorful and often Latin-inspired art. The subjects are varied, but classic cars, performing arts, people, and architecture, such as The Strand, can be found in Rosell’s collections. Rosell generally paints in acrylic but dabbles in other mediums including oil, charcoal, illustration, and digital art. A selection of Rosell’s work can be viewed on www.EduinRosell.com or Facebook users can become a fan of “Eduin Rosell.”

Frank Buckner

A Georgia native, Frank Buckner began drawing and sketching at an early age. But his love of painting grew from a trip to the mountains and his wife’s gift to him of brushes and paints. Today, his work continues to evolve, but color is still what intrigues the self-taught artist. Buckner’s art consists of a mix of bold colors and compelling shapes and can be found in private and corporate collections throughout the country. The artist credits his wife of 42 years, and his “favorite collector” for inspiring him to cultivate his passion.

Nita Burge

Nita Burge, a Georgia native who lives in Marietta, is an oil painter who uses expressive brush strokes, rich color palettes, and discerning subject matter. No matter the topic of her paintings, the artist wants the viewer of the work to think, “How fun or wonderful is that? I love that too!.” Burge has a musical background which is often reflected in her artwork, along with other interests including dance, theatre, home, travel, and people.

Claire Dunaway

Marietta native artist and teacher, Claire Dunaway has drawn inspiration from her travels as well as family, canine camaraderie, faith, history, the great outdoors, and 800 elementary school students. With a B.A. in Fine Arts from Presbyterian College and an M.A.E.D. from the University of Phoenix, Dunaway works in charcoal, pastels, encaustic, and paint, sometimes venturing into photography, sculpture with ceramics, and printmaking. A selection of Dunaway’s work can be viewed on www.ClaireDunaway.com or Facebook users can become a fan of “www.ClaireDunwaway.com.”

Brandon D. Hunt

A multi-talented fine artist and graphic designer, the Iowa native Brandon D Hunt now resides in Atlanta and works in Cobb County. His art ranges from intricate hyper real color collage oil paintings to monochromatic landscapes. His inspiration can come from nostalgia or even from his dreams. Hunt received a B.F.A. from the Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio where his focus was illustration. A selection of Hunt’s work can be viewed on www.BrandonDHunt.com.

Art Walk is a free self-guided tour of the Marietta Square’s eclectic art scene. Galleries, museums, cultural venues, restaurants and boutiques host artists within their businesses from 6 to 9 PM on the first Friday of every month from April through October (excluding July), rain or shine. Look for an official Art Walk banner in the window to identify the participating venues. Choose your own route, or begin at Art Walk’s Headquarters at “Artist’s Alley,” just outside of the Welcome Center or Cool Beans Café. Participants will receive a map with the locations of participating venues, and will get them stamped at each location. Be one of the first 100 to return the completed map (with at least 10 locations) to Art Walk Headquarters, and receive a gift bag. For more information about Marietta’s First Friday Art Walk, visit www.artwalkmarietta.com/.

More information is available at www.EarlSmithStrand.org or 770-293-0080, The Strand box office, Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Earl Smith Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square, Marietta, Ga.

###

OTHER BREW WITH A VIEW DATES:

April – October (Select Dates on Fridays & Saturdays)

Brew With A View

Brew With a View is back by popular demand! Meet with friends and enjoy a beverage and an incredible view of Glover Park and Kennesaw Mountain from the popular Cobb Terrace on The Strand’s rooftop. The terrace was voted “Best Place to See & Be Seen” by Cobb Life Magazine in 2010. No cover charge. Beer, wine & cocktails are available for your refreshment. Cash and credit accepted. 18+ to enjoy the view with friends. 21+ to enjoy alcoholic beverages. The Strand IDs.

April 2 – Brew (6-10 PM) / Art Walk Feat. Linda Flournoy (6-9 PM)

April 25 – Brew & Taste of Marietta (12 PM – 7 PM)

May 7 – Brew (6-10 PM) / Art Walk Feat. Eduin Rosell (6-9 PM)

May 22 – Brew (6-10 PM)

May 28 – Brew (6-10 PM) / Glover Park Concert

June 4 – Brew (6-10 PM) / Art Walk Feat. Frank Buckner (6-9 PM)

June 5 – Brew (6-10 PM)

June 18 – Brew (6-10 PM)

June 19 – Brew (6-10 PM)

June 25 – Brew (6-10 PM) / Glover Park Concert

Aug. 6 – Brew (6-10 PM) / Art Walk Feat. Nita Burge (6-9 PM)

Sep. 3 – Brew (6-10 PM) / Art Walk Feat. Claire Dunaway (6-9 PM)

Oct. 1 – Brew (6-10 PM) / Art Walk Feat. Brandon D. Hunt (6-9 PM)

**Check www.EarlSmithStrand.org for more dates later this summer**

By admin | Posted in Arts and Living, City of Marietta, Cobb County, Featured, Headline, Marietta Square, Site Features | Tagged | Comments (3)

Marietta City Council revises historic preservation ordinance

March 12, 2010 – 2:55 pm

Marietta City Council revised the city’s historic preservation ordinance March 10 to clarify sections of the ordinance. The Historic Preservation Ordinance allows the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) to recommend to City Council specific districts or properties to be designated as a historic district.

A historic district is an area of a city that includes buildings with special character, historic, or aesthetic interest or value and represents one or more periods or styles of architecture typical of the city they’re located in, city of Marietta urban planner Shelby Little said. “Any property designated as a landmark or located in a designated district is required to receive a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission before the property owner alters or modifies any part of the building that can be seen from the street or sidewalk.”

Under the approved ordinance, Marietta would be allowed to proceed in creating its first historic district in approximately 30 years, director of development services Brian Binzer said. “The downtown area is the city’s first historic district.”

The approved ordinance would require property owners to get permission from the Historic Preservation Commission to change the outside appearance of their buildings, tear down the buildings or add on. Property owners wouldn’t need permission to repaint the buildings or make minor repairs to their buildings.

Council previously designated Kennesaw Avenue as Marietta’s first historic district, but Mayor Steve Tumlin vetoed the action with Council input to allow City Council an opportunity to revise the ordinance.

The city will conduct public hearings on the ordinance and design guidelines and notify property owners that the city is again considering establishing Kennesaw Avenue as a historic district. The HPC must poll residents and receive at least 60 percent approval before a historic district can be created. Sixty-seven percent approved the first version of the Kennesaw Avenue district.

Honoring Marietta’s past and preserving its history, while striving to create a more effective historic preservation ordinance is a goal City Council established as part of its vision statement.

For more information, call the Department of Development Services at 770-794-5669.

By admin | Posted in City Council, City of Marietta, Featured, Headline, Historic Landmarks, Marietta Government, Marietta Square, Redevelopment, Site Features | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Theatre in the Square gets a facelift, for the better?

March 4, 2010 – 10:31 am

Theatre in the Square

If you’ve been on the Marietta Square lately, you’ll notice the new front to the Theatre in the Square. They’ve put a lot of money into the project and I’m guessing it’s complete. What do you all think of the new front to the Theatre in the Square?

Comments? Leave them below!

By admin | Posted in Arts and Living, City of Marietta, Featured, Featured Merchants, Headline, Redevelopment, the VENT | Tagged , | Comments (4)

Marietta Square Construction Update: Church Street at Mill Street closed for construction

March 3, 2010 – 8:02 am

The intersection of Church Street and Mill Street on the Marietta Square will be closed March 4-18 for work on a new water main and construction of brick crosswalks.

A counterclockwise circulation of traffic around the Square will be maintained for access to parking and businesses on the Square. All other local traffic will be detoured, and through traffic with a destination outside the Square is encouraged to use North and South Marietta Parkways.

View the detour map here >>

To subscribe to receive transportation updates and city news by email, visit mariettaga.gov/subscribe. For more information contact the city’s Public Works Department at 770-794-5650.

By admin | Posted in City Council, City of Marietta, Featured, Headline, Marietta Square, Redevelopment, Site Features, Traffic | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Rare March Snow in Marietta, GA – National Cemetary in Marietta

March 2, 2010 – 9:51 am

While coming into the Square today, the snow coming down was a rare March treat. I had my camera with me so I decided to snap a couple pics around the Marietta Square. Here are the ones I wanted to share with every one, more to come later today :)


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By admin | Posted in Arts and Living, City of Marietta, City Parks in Marietta, Cobb County, Featured, Headline, Marietta Square, Marietta Weather Alerts, Site Features | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)