New congressional districting maps for Georgia are being considered, some of which split the Piedmont Heights neighborhood into two political districts. Having multiple political districts covering one small neighborhood would cause confusion as well as a dearth of inefficiencies.

Having one district for the entire neighborhood would maintain much-needed clarity and efficiency for the many residents who call Piedmont Heights home.

We realize Piedmont Heights is a small neighborhood. And yet, Piedmont Heights is one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods, being settled in 1822 – even before Atlanta’s predecessor Terminus in 1837. We wish to remain unified – as a community and via our political districting. Vote to keep the Piedmont Heights neighborhood unified in our political representation. One community, one district!

The Piedmont Heights Civic Association Board of Directors asks you, our neighbors and friends, to join us in urging those involved in the redistricting process to keep the Piedmont Heights neighborhood unified under one political district.

Step 1: Sign Our Petition

Step 2: Submit Your Comments Directly to the Legislators

In addition, the Piedmont Heights Civic Association Board of Directors sent this letter to Representative Mainor on Tuesday, November 2, urging our legislators to keep our community unified under a single district. 

Meet Piedmont Heights Resident, Jane Shalhoub, M.Ed

It is not often that we turn the spotlight on a resident who has called Piedmont Heights home for forty years! But that is the case with Jane Shalhoub who moved to the neighborhood in 1981. She is a retired middle school educator who taught at both Inman Middle School and Christ the King School. Here is what she had to share:

What is something about you that surprises people?

I know how to juggle, and I can play the ukulele.

What makes Piedmont Heights such a great neighborhood?

The people. Many of the residents, like myself, have lived here for many, many years and are invested in the growth and future of our community. It is close-knit, safe, and pet- and children friendly.

What’s your favorite Piedmont Heights store?

The new Brooklyn Bagel is SO good. The menu is fresh and interesting, and the bagels are delicious and authentic.

What is the best Halloween costume you’ve ever had?

I grew up with nine siblings, and every year my Mom, God bless her, made costumes for all of us for the school costume parade. One year she found a discarded dress with a pattern that looked like armor. So I went as Joan of Arc and won first prize!

What was your first job?

I grew up in northern Wisconsin and picked cherries each season with my siblings. It was sticky and exciting. We still laugh about it, and anytime we pay for some expense, we say “Now how many pails of cherries would I need to pick to pay for this?”

Thanks to Helen Kacur for volunteering to interview Jen and write this Resident Spotlight!

Jen Owen has called Piedmont Heights home on Rockridge Place since 2013. She runs her own business serving professional educators. We spent some time getting to know Jen, and here is what she shared:

We are all looking forward to more travel soon. Where do you want to go?

My husband, Dave, and I have a never-ending travel bucket list. Our destinations must have the “Big Three” as we call them—rock climbing, beaches, and wine! I’m dreaming of the day we can safely visit Peru and a few other parts of South America.

Tell us more about your business.

I founded the first “market network” for educator professional development. I genuinely believe education is the way to change the world. I’ve taken my decade-plus of experience as teacher, principal, executive director, and more to start Co-CreatED, a marketplace for professional development for educators. I’m making high-quality training more accessible to teachers and schools. A win for students!

What does an ideal day exploring Piedmont Heights look like for you?

First, I’d grab a coffee at East Pole and walk our two shepherd mixes—Ari and Boss—down the Atlanta BeltLine to Piedmont Park. Then browse for all the things you never knew you needed at Richard’s Variety Store. Lunch would be tacos from Little Rey. Deciding on what to do in the evening is REALLY hard! Blues and BBQ at Fat Matt’s? Daiquiris and lounge vibes at Cirque? Rooftop views from Grana? Depends on your mood, but you can’t lose!

What are you most grateful for today?

I’m grateful to use my work to make a real difference. I’ve been chasing the best way to do that through education and now do it through an EdTech venture. I’m grateful for a spouse who supports my big crazy dreams.

Thanks to Helen Kacur for volunteering to interview Jen and write this Resident Spotlight!

After a recent bridge fire, part of Cheshire Bridge is closed from both directions. 

Learn more from ATL DOT.

Reopening unknown but could be more than a year, according to ATL DOT Commissioner, depending on bridge condition. Read more (AJC)

On Monday, August 9, the third fire in just over a week disrupted Cheshire Bridge Road. Las Margaritas restaurant suffered severe damage, according to a news report. The family-owned restaurant has been in the community for more than 20 years. Thanks to our firefighters for an amazing job shutting down this blaze quickly.

Despite the three recent fires along Cheshire Bridge, Nakato Japanese Restaurant, Roxx Tavern, Taqueria del Sol, and others are open!

Nakato and Roxx: Turn onto Cheshire Bridge from Piedmont Road, or cut through the Manchester area side streets. The road is blocked from the other direction further down Cheshire Bridge (near Taqueria del Sol).

Taqueria Del Sol: Use Google Maps or Waze to reroute through Morningside or from Piedmont to Lindbergh to Cheshire Bridge. Not too far from Nakato, the Cheshire Bridge is closed before you get to Taqueria.

Photo: Patrick Wheelus on Creative Loafing

Are you interested in learning more about the Atlanta Police Department? Sign up now to join APD’s Citizens Police Academy. The deadline to apply is Monday, August 23.

The program begins on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, from 6 – 9 p.m. and will run eight consecutive Tuesdays. You must attend 6 out of 8 classes to complete the program.

Most classes will be held at Public Safety Headquarters at 226 Peachtree Street SW. There will be more than 20 hours of professional instruction and topics may include:

• How homicide investigations are conducted
• Information on 911
• Fraud
• Use of force
• Traffic stops
• The Special Victims Unit
• The crime lab
• A ride-along

Applicants must be at least 21 years and a resident of Metro Atlanta or work in Metro Atlanta. Spaces are limited, so if you are interested, please contact Ms. Elizabeth Espy at enespy@atlantaga.gov to receive an application.

Steve Saenz (a.k.a. ATLsherpa) has been leading walking tours throughout Atlanta since 2014, and his last public walking tour will be August 15, 2021. 

Don't miss this walking tour celebration with the wonderful historian who helped PHCA with our PiHi Historic Walking Tour in 2019!

Tickets are just $5 on Eventbrite. 

If you missed APD's Zone 6 Virtual Town Hall, you can watch the recording online.

To recap the  July 28 Town Hall... Chief Bryant, APD Chief of Police, and Major Peter Ries, Zone 6 Commander, were on the call along with other APD leaders to answer questions from neighbors. They discussed recent increases in crime, street racing, homelessness, hiring and retention of officers, officer training for alcohol license enforcement, departmental reorganization, and more. On a bright note, officer resignations have leveled off.

Major Ries often joins the monthly PHCA meeting, along with a Zone 2 representative, since Piedmont Heights is split between two zones - similar to other neighborhoods. Join us at our next meeting if you'd like to ask your own questions and meet the people working very hard to keep our city safe. 

Toni and her husband, Bryan, along with their sweet Golden Doodle named Abby, live on Wimbledon Road. They have a son who lives in Athens and a daughter in Colorado. We asked Toni to tell us a little about herself. Here’s what she shared. If you'd like to nominate a neighbor to be in a future Resident Spotlight, let us know so that PHCA Communications Volunteer Helen Kacur from Rockridge Place can get in touch!

What brought you to Piedmont Heights?

The main reason we moved here from East Cobb back in 2017 was the unbearable commute time for my husband. And it just seemed like a good time for a change. We are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary this year. 

How do you spend your time?

I’m a former school psychologist, and I now create fused glass art. I’ve been working in that medium for more than a decade. I even have my own kiln in the backyard. You can see some of my work on Facebook at GlassArtByToni.

What do you enjoy most about Piedmont Heights?

We’ve enjoyed meeting new neighbors. The diversity is so refreshing. We love being able to walk to shops and restaurants—something we never did before.

Where do you like to travel?

We love the beach. Fripp Island in South Carolina is our favorite for relaxation.

Any good shows you’ve been watching lately?

During quarantine, like many, we have spent a lot of time watching Netflix. Some favorites include Schitt’s Creek, Broadchurch, and The Queen’s Gambit. And, I must admit I still love and watch Grey’s Anatomy!

Thanks to Helen Kacur for volunteering to interview Toni and write this Resident Spotlight!

Hi neighbors! If you're not already on the email list for Piedmont Heights (it's free to sign up), here's the latest newsletter. 

READ THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER

Highlights include:

• The Carlyle Venue (PHCA Presenting Sponsor)
• ShelfGenie of Atlanta (PHCA Impact Sponsor)
• Bob Glascock Realty (PHCA Impact Sponsor)
• 2021 PiHi Tshirt Revealed!
• Filming in Piedmont Heights?
• ATL311 Tickets

• Historic Preservation Month - Mayson Chapel Baptist Church

• Osteria 832 Giveaway

• News from The Buttery ATL, Indie Studios, Phidippides

• And more...

Kristina is a new resident of Piedmont Heights, having just moved into our vibrant corner of Atlanta less than six months ago. She has already jumped right in as a volunteer for the Piedmont Heights Civic Association. We asked Kristina to share a bit about herself. If you'd like to nominate a neighbor to be in a future Resident Spotlight, let us know so that PHCA Communications Volunteer Helen Kacur from Rockridge Place can get in touch!

What do you like to do for fun?

As the mom of five-year-old, highly gifted Beau the poodle, I spend a lot of time playing at the dog park, picking up toys, and buying new shoes. I love cooking, wine, and most water sports like kayaking, and I’m certified for scuba diving.

What brought you to the neighborhood?

Frankly, the pandemic. I lost my job when the lockdown started. While I was looking for a new job, I visited friends in Atlanta and fell in love with the city and this great neighborhood. We bought the new home site unseen.

What do you love most about Piedmont Heights?

People are genuinely kind. The area is very liberal and open, and even during a pandemic, there is so much to do and see.

Where do you hope most to visit?

I am dying to use my passport… at this point, anywhere. I got the travel rush when I got it out to use for my new GA license.

For what are you most grateful for today?

Our freedom, health and prosperity.

Thanks to Helen Kacur for volunteering to interview Jim and write this Resident Spotlight!