By RACHEL TOBIN RAMOS , NANCY BADERTSCHER www.ajc.com
When The Avenue Forsyth opens its doors Wednesday, it will be the first of three planned retail centers targeting wealthy bedroom communities and affluent offices on the northern reaches of Ga. 400.
Where some may see traffic, retail developers are seeing a "gold-lined brick road" to one of the wealthiest demographics in the country.
The Avenue Forsyth shopping center (shown getting some work last week) will debut Wednesday in Cumming. By mid-May, about 50 stores and five restaurants will be open at the mall, at Exit 13 off Ga. 400. It will be anchored by Barnes & Noble, DSW and AMC Theatres.
Mike Ashworth cleans the ornate ceiling at The Chocolaterie at The Avenue Forsyth. There are also two luxury malls in the works for Exits 10 and 12 off Ga. 400.
They cite office workers and McMansion dwellers that need more options for lunchtime meetings, afternoon shopping and weekend "retail-tainment" in north Fulton and south Forsyth counties.
The Avenue Forsyth, developed by Atlanta-based Cousins Properties, will open at Exit 13 off Ga. 400 with about 50 stores, anchored by Barnes & Noble, DSW and an AMC Theatre.
Meanwhile, two luxury malls are in the works: developer Stan Thomas' Prospect Park at Exit 10 in Alpharetta, and Taubman Centers Inc.'s proposed mall in Cumming at Exit 12.
The new retail centers will compete with malls that already snake up Ga. 400, starting with Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza in Buckhead at Exit 2 and ending with North Point Mall in Alpharetta at Exit 9.
To be sure, two of the malls aren't yet out of the ground. But despite the flagging economy, retail developers' interest in this tony region of metro Atlanta hasn't waned.
"There's such captive demand," said Joel Murphy, president of Cousins' retail division. The excitement for the center, he said, "is palpable. You can feel it."
Marketing materials for Prospect Park cite Alpharetta's median home price of $300,000, 30 new developments where home prices start at $1 million and 140,000 workers within a 10-minute drive of the project in north Fulton.
And Forsyth County was dubbed the 13th richest county in America by Forbes.com, which cited the area's median income of $83,682. Per capita income in the county grew by 84 percent between 1990 and 2000, according to Tim Perry, a local banker and member of the Forsyth County Development Authority.
"Certainly, the demographics of the county are conducive to an upscale center," Perry said.
"People with money have money," said Randy Stuart, an assistant professor of marketing and retailing at the Michael J. Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University. "If somebody can go to Saks to shop today, I really don't think it [a recession] will matter to them."
Ward Kampf manages leasing for Prospect Park, the 540,000-square-foot retail center planned for the northwest quadrant of Ga. 400 and Old Milton Parkway.
A Whole Foods and 16-screen AMC Theatre complex could open there in 2009. The project is about 60 percent leased, with letters of intent for another 20 to 25 percent, he said.
"What we've seen is that the demographics of Alpharetta just jump off the charts," said Kampf.
"Retail up and down the 400 corridor has been underserved, from the standpoint of casual luxury to luxury retailers," he said.
The proposed Taubman mall in Cumming is less defined, as the developer hasn't announced any retailers. Taubman has proposed a $1 billion luxury mall, hotel, class A office and residential units to open in fall 2011. The company still needs zoning changes to the 164-acre lot.
The Forsyth mall would be Taubman's first in metro Atlanta. Taubman specializes in luxury retail, like Beverly Center in Los Angeles, anchored by Bloomingdale's.
As for The Avenue Forsyth, it's targeting a lower price point, with Chico's and Coldwater Creek, and restaurants from Jim & Nick's BBQ to Chick-fil-A. There's also the higher price point Ann Taylor for women and Jos. A Bank for men. It will also have a 12-screen AMC Theatre.
"We want to appeal to a lot of the households there. Not just one of every 10, but eight or 10 of every 10," said Murphy. "We've proved this time again, as have other developers, what attracts people isn't the size of the stores but the quality of the retailers."
The Avenue is an open-air retail concept that Cousins developed in 1998. The Avenue Forsyth will be the fifth such center in Atlanta, and ninth nationwide.
By the official ribbon cutting on May 14, about 50 stores and five restaurants will be open at The Avenue Forsyth.
Some stores will open Wednesday.
The last time Forsyth County was giddy over a new local shopping center was 1991, when crowds welcomed a Belk department store in Cumming.
"That was a milestone for us," said Linda Ledbetter, a lifelong resident of Forsyth County and member of the county commission. "This is another," she said of The Avenue Forsyth, "and it's been 20 years in coming."
Ledbetter said: "Not to have to leave Forsyth County to have a nice shopping mall is just really awesome. I never really thought I'd see it in my lifetime."
North Fulton and south Forsyth County are "a gold-lined brick road because of the executive housing," said Frank Norton Jr., a Gainesville real estate broker and analyst.
And the economic downturn isn't an issue for companies like Taubman. "They look for returns (in) five, seven and 10 years," he said.
Still, there's disagreement over the impact the malls will have on Phipps and Lenox malls in Buckhead.
Michael Puline, vice president of leasing for DLC Management, a national mall owner with 16 in metro Atlanta, thinks "the pie is only so big."
Puline isn't confident all the proposed malls will be built. And if they are, Lenox and Phipps will suffer for it, he said.
But Ray Uttenhove, managing principal for brokerage Staubach Retail's southeast region, doesn't think Phipps and Lenox will take a hit.
"There's a flourishing customer in that area that doesn't want to trek to Buckhead," she said. "There's room to have luxury in north Fulton and south Forsyth."
Tisha Maley, head of retail leasing at Phipps and Lenox, isn't worried about losing business.
Stores like Gucci, Tory Burch, Jimmy Choo, and Barney's Co-op are the only outposts in the Southeast, and draw from "beyond the Atlanta market," she said.
For his part, Norton thinks North Point Mall will have the most to lose if all the malls go up.
"It's their market to lose," he said. "They've got to remerchandise and maintain their image of quality."
For Ledbetter, the Forsyth native, her priorities are clear: "I have traffic. Now I want amenities, and we're getting them."
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
One Person... For One Cawz.
By Tim Enloe; Magnolia Media, LLC
It is amazing to me the power that one person can have. A simple soul doing a simple act and with that positive act so many can benefit. Such is the instance of Milton's very own Lizbeth Grall; the founder of the "Pawz For A Cawz" adoption extraganza held at Wills Park this past Saturday.
Numerous adoption / rescue groups were part of this wonderful doggie day and many breeds were represented, from Greyhounds to German Shepherds and everything in between.
Thanks to Lizbeth's many long months and late nights of preperation, dogs whose lives would have been cut short due to over crowding and lack of interest are now in the loving arms of their new families. If you haven't had the chance to meet Lizbeth, you are truly missing out. You can see her passion within minutes of meeting her and Milton, Georgia is lucky to have her as a resident.
I have seen first hand her acts of compassion; most notably that of Leo aka "Superdog", who was days away from euthinasia in late 2007. To see the before and after pictures of this wonderful fellow would make even the toughest guys well up. Leo was last seen this past Sunday at Alpharetta's Corner Deli patio giving out some wonderful kisses and love!
She plans on having the "Pawz For A Cawz" event annually. So grab your calendars for spring '09 and make a note to come and hang out with man's best friend.
The following is a video of the first of many "Pawz For A Cawz" events to come!
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001_Sr53Na37gP6LI0R4go-GbGGPpelgrFZOF-s1g7r2ic0eKnczgiZGwL2brEchCGhZJsOtvJuyufgHIw3wd9x35T943BeJGJ7TLsJey3j401qW4Oj_iKEL53lcPwI-5VY7SuJ6gpat_PTMWTf0QjnAlrTUZbWol7mUoySdEAoCYL2LG-ZTZRVA4QCuOHVhDeRwdtt02JV2b2rxPaif8vtxw==
It is amazing to me the power that one person can have. A simple soul doing a simple act and with that positive act so many can benefit. Such is the instance of Milton's very own Lizbeth Grall; the founder of the "Pawz For A Cawz" adoption extraganza held at Wills Park this past Saturday.
Numerous adoption / rescue groups were part of this wonderful doggie day and many breeds were represented, from Greyhounds to German Shepherds and everything in between.
Thanks to Lizbeth's many long months and late nights of preperation, dogs whose lives would have been cut short due to over crowding and lack of interest are now in the loving arms of their new families. If you haven't had the chance to meet Lizbeth, you are truly missing out. You can see her passion within minutes of meeting her and Milton, Georgia is lucky to have her as a resident.
I have seen first hand her acts of compassion; most notably that of Leo aka "Superdog", who was days away from euthinasia in late 2007. To see the before and after pictures of this wonderful fellow would make even the toughest guys well up. Leo was last seen this past Sunday at Alpharetta's Corner Deli patio giving out some wonderful kisses and love!
She plans on having the "Pawz For A Cawz" event annually. So grab your calendars for spring '09 and make a note to come and hang out with man's best friend.
The following is a video of the first of many "Pawz For A Cawz" events to come!
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001_Sr53Na37gP6LI0R4go-GbGGPpelgrFZOF-s1g7r2ic0eKnczgiZGwL2brEchCGhZJsOtvJuyufgHIw3wd9x35T943BeJGJ7TLsJey3j401qW4Oj_iKEL53lcPwI-5VY7SuJ6gpat_PTMWTf0QjnAlrTUZbWol7mUoySdEAoCYL2LG-ZTZRVA4QCuOHVhDeRwdtt02JV2b2rxPaif8vtxw==
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Pawz For A Cawz Gears Up For Weekend Event.
Looking to adopt a new pup? Then come out to "The Pawz For A Cawz" Extravaganza this Saturday at the Wills Park Equestrian Center from 9am to 3pm. Click on the link below for a video on man's best friend!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Dire Drought Predictions At Alpharetta Forum
By Jonathan Copsey / Beaconcast.com
Radio station WGKA hosted a forum on the state of the drought last Wednesday at Alpharetta city hall. A panel of experts from government, private institutions and companies and the Weather Channel assembled to discuss every aspect of the drought that may affect Georgia. For an event touching on such a timely topic, it was sparsely attended. The audience was composed of slightly more people than there were on the panel.
If anyone was looking for good news from the discussion, they were sadly disappointed. According to the panel, North Georgia is still in a drought and will remain so for some time.
Charles Macmillon, of the AEC engineering and land planning firm was first to speak, addressing how building techniques have begun to change due to the water restrictions and the drought. Primarily, he said, building is becoming much more environmentally aware, with energy and water saving techniques, from rain barrels to “green roofs,” gaining in popularity throughout the area.
Fulton County commissioner Lynn Riley stressed the fact that Georgia is still in a severe drought, despite the rain in recent months. Water restrictions are not expected to be relaxed in the foreseeable future. She also outlined how the county is taking steps toward saving more water by building more reclamation facilities – notably at Johns Creek – to reuse gray water for irrigation.
One of the more respected voices on the panel was the Weather Channel’s Greg Forbes. His assessment of our current state was of little comfort.“We’re a little better off now than we were then (December), but we’re not out of the woods yet,” he said. Georgia is currently in the “wet season,” which is the reason for all of the rain in the past few months (which was still below normal levels). Once summer arrives, the drought will again be in full swing.“[This time last year] 1 percent of North Georgia was in drought,” he said. “This year 11 percent is. We’re not in a position where we can waste water.”
State Representative Harry Geisinger, who is on the House natural resources and environmental committee, also weighed in on the topic. He explained the various measures taken by the legislature to combat the water shortage, such as building reservoirs and giving the environmental protection department clear directions on water policies.
Perhaps the most dire note of the evening came when Geisinger talked about Atlanta’s future: “Our demand for water in the next 30 years will double along with the population. We’ve seen what’s happened in this last drought. If we double our population and we don’t have any additional water – reservoirs or even ground wells – it won’t give us enough water that we need.”
To that end, Geisinger pressed the issue of the Tennessee River basin and the flap over the traditional state borders. Evidently, squatter’s rights have no bearing as far as he is concerned.
Rick Gilma of Cotton Creek Carwash presented a plan to organize the car wash industry by creating a uniform set of rules and a voluntary certification process car washes can go through to prove that they are environmentally responsible.
His speech, and that of Mary Kay Woodworth of the Metro Atlanta Landscape and Turf Association (MALTA), echoed each other’s in regard to uniformity in the state laws concerning water usage. The patchwork of restrictions, they said, make work nearly impossible for businesses that operate in several counties or municipalities.
“It has been very difficult,” said Woodworth. “There are 61 different water providers in the Atlanta area and each can have a different set of rules. That is where the problem is. Educating our professionals is one thing but keeping them informed so they can operate their business is very difficult.”
The landscaping industry lost $3 billion and 35,000 jobs statewide last year and, if the predictions of the panel are correct, it can expect little relief this year.
Chris Browning of Fulton County Public Works had a more upbeat message to give, saying that his department has met every challenge presented to it from the state.The 10 percent mandated reductions in water usage were met last year and the department is taking an aggressive policy toward meeting this year’s reductions.
“We’re going to have to be very creative to meet these mandates,” he said before adding a warning: “[Our customers] understand what’s going on, but the sense of urgency and cooperation is going away because of the rain. Folks need to understand we’re still in a drought and will be there for quite some time.”
Radio station WGKA hosted a forum on the state of the drought last Wednesday at Alpharetta city hall. A panel of experts from government, private institutions and companies and the Weather Channel assembled to discuss every aspect of the drought that may affect Georgia. For an event touching on such a timely topic, it was sparsely attended. The audience was composed of slightly more people than there were on the panel.
If anyone was looking for good news from the discussion, they were sadly disappointed. According to the panel, North Georgia is still in a drought and will remain so for some time.
Charles Macmillon, of the AEC engineering and land planning firm was first to speak, addressing how building techniques have begun to change due to the water restrictions and the drought. Primarily, he said, building is becoming much more environmentally aware, with energy and water saving techniques, from rain barrels to “green roofs,” gaining in popularity throughout the area.
Fulton County commissioner Lynn Riley stressed the fact that Georgia is still in a severe drought, despite the rain in recent months. Water restrictions are not expected to be relaxed in the foreseeable future. She also outlined how the county is taking steps toward saving more water by building more reclamation facilities – notably at Johns Creek – to reuse gray water for irrigation.
One of the more respected voices on the panel was the Weather Channel’s Greg Forbes. His assessment of our current state was of little comfort.“We’re a little better off now than we were then (December), but we’re not out of the woods yet,” he said. Georgia is currently in the “wet season,” which is the reason for all of the rain in the past few months (which was still below normal levels). Once summer arrives, the drought will again be in full swing.“[This time last year] 1 percent of North Georgia was in drought,” he said. “This year 11 percent is. We’re not in a position where we can waste water.”
State Representative Harry Geisinger, who is on the House natural resources and environmental committee, also weighed in on the topic. He explained the various measures taken by the legislature to combat the water shortage, such as building reservoirs and giving the environmental protection department clear directions on water policies.
Perhaps the most dire note of the evening came when Geisinger talked about Atlanta’s future: “Our demand for water in the next 30 years will double along with the population. We’ve seen what’s happened in this last drought. If we double our population and we don’t have any additional water – reservoirs or even ground wells – it won’t give us enough water that we need.”
To that end, Geisinger pressed the issue of the Tennessee River basin and the flap over the traditional state borders. Evidently, squatter’s rights have no bearing as far as he is concerned.
Rick Gilma of Cotton Creek Carwash presented a plan to organize the car wash industry by creating a uniform set of rules and a voluntary certification process car washes can go through to prove that they are environmentally responsible.
His speech, and that of Mary Kay Woodworth of the Metro Atlanta Landscape and Turf Association (MALTA), echoed each other’s in regard to uniformity in the state laws concerning water usage. The patchwork of restrictions, they said, make work nearly impossible for businesses that operate in several counties or municipalities.
“It has been very difficult,” said Woodworth. “There are 61 different water providers in the Atlanta area and each can have a different set of rules. That is where the problem is. Educating our professionals is one thing but keeping them informed so they can operate their business is very difficult.”
The landscaping industry lost $3 billion and 35,000 jobs statewide last year and, if the predictions of the panel are correct, it can expect little relief this year.
Chris Browning of Fulton County Public Works had a more upbeat message to give, saying that his department has met every challenge presented to it from the state.The 10 percent mandated reductions in water usage were met last year and the department is taking an aggressive policy toward meeting this year’s reductions.
“We’re going to have to be very creative to meet these mandates,” he said before adding a warning: “[Our customers] understand what’s going on, but the sense of urgency and cooperation is going away because of the rain. Folks need to understand we’re still in a drought and will be there for quite some time.”
Monday, April 21, 2008
Alpharetta's Housing Among Top Investments, Business Mag. Says
By DAVID PENDERED http://www.ajc.com/
Alpharetta ranks among the nation's top six markets where housing prices are expected to drop the least over the next year, according to a new report in CNNMoney.com.
The simple law of supply and demand contributes to the relative stability of home prices in Alpharetta, the report says.
"Frenzied home building here has stalled, which should start to reduce the area's large supply of vacant housing and propel prices upward," the report says.
The average home price in Alpharetta is $359,950, the report says.
The five other cities cited in the report are Boston, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit and Houston.
The report is based on information collected in the fourth quarter of 2007.
CNNMoney.com considered the nation's 30 largest metro areas and ranked them according to a formula that included housing price increases and the cost of renting a house.
Alpharetta ranks among the nation's top six markets where housing prices are expected to drop the least over the next year, according to a new report in CNNMoney.com.
The simple law of supply and demand contributes to the relative stability of home prices in Alpharetta, the report says.
"Frenzied home building here has stalled, which should start to reduce the area's large supply of vacant housing and propel prices upward," the report says.
The average home price in Alpharetta is $359,950, the report says.
The five other cities cited in the report are Boston, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit and Houston.
The report is based on information collected in the fourth quarter of 2007.
CNNMoney.com considered the nation's 30 largest metro areas and ranked them according to a formula that included housing price increases and the cost of renting a house.
Sneak Peek Of New Amphitheatre
By Duffie Dixon www.11alive.com
The new Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre is set to open May 10. It will seat a 12,000 people. More than half of the seating is under a state-of-the-art 65-foot-high roof that leads out to a sprawling green lawn.
Trudging over the packed and graded Georgia Clay, Don Fox, the Chief Financial Officer of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, proudly surveys the 45 plus acres off Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta. "It's really amazing the work that's been done over the past ten months," remarked Fox. "There's still a lot to do but it's right on schedule."
Fox is talking about the new Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre that's set to open May 10. It will seat a 12,000 people. More than half of the seating is under a state-of-the-art 65-foot-high roof that leads out to a sprawling green lawn "We really wanted to created a park like setting. You'll notice we saved some of the biggest trees on the property, but we're also planting 1200 more," said Fox. Developers even had the foresight to dig a well on the property so they could water all of the green spaces.
As you walk the grounds, you see construction crews installing the last rows of seats, building the gates for the main entrance and finishing up the restrooms and walkways. The venue is specifically designed to be wider instead of deeper to create great views of the stage no matter where you're at. Each side has concessions, hot food and restrooms in addition to kiosks for snacks and merchandise.
Right now there are eight symphony concerts already scheduled for this summer along with 17 popular music shows. The Eagles are kicking off their North American tour May 14. All four shows have already sold out. Tickets were bought from people in 48 different states and several other countries. Fox says they also hope to use the amphitheatre for local events. Alpharetta High School seniors will take the stage this spring for graduation ceremonies May 24. Neighbors seem mostly supportive of the new outdoor venue. "I think it's fantastic. I'm a big lover of music. I play drums and I think it will be great for the community and bring a lot of life to the area," said resident Andy Nigro. There are some though who worry about possible noise and traffic. "I'm a little concerned about the traffic primarily on the weekends because that's when I'm out on you know Mansell Road and Old Milton Parkway. I'm sure it will be bringing in a lot of people," said resident Christy Turner.
The marketing department for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra say it is working with the Georgia Department of Transportation on a comprehensive traffic plan. It includes bringing in patrons off three separate exits off Georgia 400 and a color coded parking system. Organizers say they have also addressed possibly noise issues and security. "We are very conscious of the neighbors. We want them to feel a part of the community as well so we want to take every step to make sure they're enjoying it whether they're here or at home," said Holly Clausen, Director of Marketing for Popular Presentations. The amphitheatre in Alpharetta brings a new element North of Atlanta. Fox say the next closest outdoor venue of its caliber is Chastain Park which the Orchestra already uses.
The new Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre is set to open May 10. It will seat a 12,000 people. More than half of the seating is under a state-of-the-art 65-foot-high roof that leads out to a sprawling green lawn.
Trudging over the packed and graded Georgia Clay, Don Fox, the Chief Financial Officer of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, proudly surveys the 45 plus acres off Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta. "It's really amazing the work that's been done over the past ten months," remarked Fox. "There's still a lot to do but it's right on schedule."
Fox is talking about the new Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre that's set to open May 10. It will seat a 12,000 people. More than half of the seating is under a state-of-the-art 65-foot-high roof that leads out to a sprawling green lawn "We really wanted to created a park like setting. You'll notice we saved some of the biggest trees on the property, but we're also planting 1200 more," said Fox. Developers even had the foresight to dig a well on the property so they could water all of the green spaces.
As you walk the grounds, you see construction crews installing the last rows of seats, building the gates for the main entrance and finishing up the restrooms and walkways. The venue is specifically designed to be wider instead of deeper to create great views of the stage no matter where you're at. Each side has concessions, hot food and restrooms in addition to kiosks for snacks and merchandise.
Right now there are eight symphony concerts already scheduled for this summer along with 17 popular music shows. The Eagles are kicking off their North American tour May 14. All four shows have already sold out. Tickets were bought from people in 48 different states and several other countries. Fox says they also hope to use the amphitheatre for local events. Alpharetta High School seniors will take the stage this spring for graduation ceremonies May 24. Neighbors seem mostly supportive of the new outdoor venue. "I think it's fantastic. I'm a big lover of music. I play drums and I think it will be great for the community and bring a lot of life to the area," said resident Andy Nigro. There are some though who worry about possible noise and traffic. "I'm a little concerned about the traffic primarily on the weekends because that's when I'm out on you know Mansell Road and Old Milton Parkway. I'm sure it will be bringing in a lot of people," said resident Christy Turner.
The marketing department for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra say it is working with the Georgia Department of Transportation on a comprehensive traffic plan. It includes bringing in patrons off three separate exits off Georgia 400 and a color coded parking system. Organizers say they have also addressed possibly noise issues and security. "We are very conscious of the neighbors. We want them to feel a part of the community as well so we want to take every step to make sure they're enjoying it whether they're here or at home," said Holly Clausen, Director of Marketing for Popular Presentations. The amphitheatre in Alpharetta brings a new element North of Atlanta. Fox say the next closest outdoor venue of its caliber is Chastain Park which the Orchestra already uses.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Company Wants To Save Eyesight
By Bob Pepalis www.gwinnettherald.com
An Alpharetta company is ahead of its competitors in a treatment for diabetic macular edema, which causes many patients to lose vision after the onset of diabetes.
"Diabetes is an epidemic in our country, and many countries throughout the world," said Dan Myers, Alimera's president and CEO.After 10 years of diabetes, a patient starts to develop ocular complications, "and the incidents of these complications just grow with time," he said.The macula is the back part of the eye where we see, he said. When the macula swells with fluid it distorts vision.
Alimera developed a treatment called Medidur™ FA to be used via an implant with a simple injection into the retina, something specialists are used to doing. The implant allows a very long treatment time.Alimera has its clinical research on Medidur™ FA at Phase III, the most advanced stage, at more than 100 sites "scattered literally around the world," Myers said.
Almost 1,000 patients were enrolled in the two-year trial. In 2010 the drug will be registered with the Food and Drug Administration in the United States and its counterparts in other countries."We'll get what is called fast-track review. Our expectation is that if it is approved, it would be approved by the end of 2010," Myers said.
Patients who develop diabetic macular edema (DME) lose vision."They lose the ability to see as well as they once could. And so this treatment, the hope is that many patients would have a significant improvement in their vision," he said. Some patients may not improve as much, but it should prevent them from experiencing as big a decline in their eyesight.
Many drugs for eye treatment tend to be delivered via drops, a topical treatment, or monthly injections. Myers said a big market opportunity exists to develop treatment for the back of the eye and for better ways to deliver those drugs. More drugs exists to treat retina disease than anything at the back of the eye."It's becoming a quality of life issue how it delivers. No one wants to come into the office monthly," he said.If Medidur is approved and implemented, the patient may only need to come in every two or three years."We're well ahead of anyone else in the industry with our Phase III trial," he said. "We will be the first drug to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of DME.
Alimera closed a Series C financing round of $30 million with all five of its existing venture capital firms exercising the right to participate at their full pro rata share to enable the company to acquire a majority stake in Medidur™ FA from development partner pSivida Ltd and fund the remaining development obligations for the product."One of the reasons for the $30 million capital raise was to complete the financial transaction that we had with our development partner, pSivida. They were the codeveloper with us on Medidur. They also enjoyed 50/50 profit share when we commercialize the product after FDA approval," Myers said."We were anxious to get more control of development and reduce the split to 80/20. We were willing to pay $12 million to do that," he said.Alimera also has issued a $15 million note (which would accrue interest of up to $6 million over the life of the note) and will make an additional $25 million milestone payment upon FDA approval of the product.
An Alpharetta company is ahead of its competitors in a treatment for diabetic macular edema, which causes many patients to lose vision after the onset of diabetes.
"Diabetes is an epidemic in our country, and many countries throughout the world," said Dan Myers, Alimera's president and CEO.After 10 years of diabetes, a patient starts to develop ocular complications, "and the incidents of these complications just grow with time," he said.The macula is the back part of the eye where we see, he said. When the macula swells with fluid it distorts vision.
Alimera developed a treatment called Medidur™ FA to be used via an implant with a simple injection into the retina, something specialists are used to doing. The implant allows a very long treatment time.Alimera has its clinical research on Medidur™ FA at Phase III, the most advanced stage, at more than 100 sites "scattered literally around the world," Myers said.
Almost 1,000 patients were enrolled in the two-year trial. In 2010 the drug will be registered with the Food and Drug Administration in the United States and its counterparts in other countries."We'll get what is called fast-track review. Our expectation is that if it is approved, it would be approved by the end of 2010," Myers said.
Patients who develop diabetic macular edema (DME) lose vision."They lose the ability to see as well as they once could. And so this treatment, the hope is that many patients would have a significant improvement in their vision," he said. Some patients may not improve as much, but it should prevent them from experiencing as big a decline in their eyesight.
Many drugs for eye treatment tend to be delivered via drops, a topical treatment, or monthly injections. Myers said a big market opportunity exists to develop treatment for the back of the eye and for better ways to deliver those drugs. More drugs exists to treat retina disease than anything at the back of the eye."It's becoming a quality of life issue how it delivers. No one wants to come into the office monthly," he said.If Medidur is approved and implemented, the patient may only need to come in every two or three years."We're well ahead of anyone else in the industry with our Phase III trial," he said. "We will be the first drug to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of DME.
Alimera closed a Series C financing round of $30 million with all five of its existing venture capital firms exercising the right to participate at their full pro rata share to enable the company to acquire a majority stake in Medidur™ FA from development partner pSivida Ltd and fund the remaining development obligations for the product."One of the reasons for the $30 million capital raise was to complete the financial transaction that we had with our development partner, pSivida. They were the codeveloper with us on Medidur. They also enjoyed 50/50 profit share when we commercialize the product after FDA approval," Myers said."We were anxious to get more control of development and reduce the split to 80/20. We were willing to pay $12 million to do that," he said.Alimera also has issued a $15 million note (which would accrue interest of up to $6 million over the life of the note) and will make an additional $25 million milestone payment upon FDA approval of the product.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Pedestrian Community Requested Along Ga. 400
By DAVID PENDERED www.ajc.com
Land along both sides of a portion of Ga. 400 in North Fulton should develop into a community where people can walk easily among office buildings, shops and homes, according to a group of civic leaders who met Wednesday night.
The group's recommendations generally match those of property owners who met in January. The owners, working through the North Fulton Community Improvement District, have hired an urban planner to devise guidelines for future growth in the area from Holcomb Bridge to McGinnis Ferry Road.
Both groups favor future developments that provide for a mixture of homes, shops and offices to be built close to each other, according to Eric Bosman, an urban planner with Urban Collage, who is overseeing the planning effort.
The emerging preference for development with a mixture of uses represents a dramatic shift for North Fulton.
The region is typified by projects that put some distance among office parks, shopping centers and homes. This development pattern relies on lots of car trips because people don't find it easy or safe to walk from one project to another. The pattern is becoming difficult to sustain as traffic congestion worsens and the price of fuel rises, according to another urban planner, Andres Duany, who spoke in Atlanta last month.
Bosman said the civic leaders who attended Wednesday's meeting expressed their preferences clearly.
"They want a very walkable, mixed use community," Bosman said. "They want a high degree of character and quality."
The development plan, called Blueprint North Fulton, is a project of the North Fulton Community Improvement District. The guidelines will not mandate the type of developments. But they are expected to influence the shape of overall growth as it's considered by the city councils of Milton, Johns Creek and Alpharetta.
The CID is a group of property owners who pay additional taxes to improve the area. The CID's past projects include helping to pay for a bridge on Westside Parkway and intersection improvements near Encore Park.
Bosman said the next steps include more meetings with CID members and city officials from Milton, Johns Creek and Alpharetta. The general public will be brought back into the planning process this summer, to discuss and refine potential recommendations. The final guidelines are to be completed late this summer, Bosman said.
Land along both sides of a portion of Ga. 400 in North Fulton should develop into a community where people can walk easily among office buildings, shops and homes, according to a group of civic leaders who met Wednesday night.
The group's recommendations generally match those of property owners who met in January. The owners, working through the North Fulton Community Improvement District, have hired an urban planner to devise guidelines for future growth in the area from Holcomb Bridge to McGinnis Ferry Road.
Both groups favor future developments that provide for a mixture of homes, shops and offices to be built close to each other, according to Eric Bosman, an urban planner with Urban Collage, who is overseeing the planning effort.
The emerging preference for development with a mixture of uses represents a dramatic shift for North Fulton.
The region is typified by projects that put some distance among office parks, shopping centers and homes. This development pattern relies on lots of car trips because people don't find it easy or safe to walk from one project to another. The pattern is becoming difficult to sustain as traffic congestion worsens and the price of fuel rises, according to another urban planner, Andres Duany, who spoke in Atlanta last month.
Bosman said the civic leaders who attended Wednesday's meeting expressed their preferences clearly.
"They want a very walkable, mixed use community," Bosman said. "They want a high degree of character and quality."
The development plan, called Blueprint North Fulton, is a project of the North Fulton Community Improvement District. The guidelines will not mandate the type of developments. But they are expected to influence the shape of overall growth as it's considered by the city councils of Milton, Johns Creek and Alpharetta.
The CID is a group of property owners who pay additional taxes to improve the area. The CID's past projects include helping to pay for a bridge on Westside Parkway and intersection improvements near Encore Park.
Bosman said the next steps include more meetings with CID members and city officials from Milton, Johns Creek and Alpharetta. The general public will be brought back into the planning process this summer, to discuss and refine potential recommendations. The final guidelines are to be completed late this summer, Bosman said.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Repairs To Close Alpharetta Roads
By DOUG NURSE www.ajc.com
Motorists beware.
For most of Saturday, the city of Alpharetta is blocking off Hembree Road between Maxwell and Wills roads to install a stormwater utility pipe under the pavement.
Work starts at 7 a.m. and lasts until 12 p.m. The city recommends that stymied drivers consider Ga. 9 as an alternative.
While through traffic will be turned away, people heading for specific places inside the road closure area will be allowed to proceed.
Motorists beware.
For most of Saturday, the city of Alpharetta is blocking off Hembree Road between Maxwell and Wills roads to install a stormwater utility pipe under the pavement.
Work starts at 7 a.m. and lasts until 12 p.m. The city recommends that stymied drivers consider Ga. 9 as an alternative.
While through traffic will be turned away, people heading for specific places inside the road closure area will be allowed to proceed.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Arrest Made In Alpharetta $1M Diamond Thefts
An employee of Shane Co.'s Alpharetta store remains in Cobb County Jail after confessing to stealing jewelry valued close to $1 million from the Haynes Bridge Road store in Alpharetta. Most of the gems have been recovered.
Sara Lane Tolar, 30, of Marietta, has been charged with three felonies in Cobb County, faces three charges in Alpharetta and awaits indictment in Fulton County. Tolar confessed to the crimes, said Alpharetta Public Safety Department Public Information Officer George Gordon."She has been identified as the sole person involved in this crime," he said. Gordon said the big break in the case came when Tolar met with a Cobb County jeweler to sell him some of the jewelry. That jeweler contacted Cobb County Police, creating an opportunity for Cobb Detective David Dunkerton to contact Alpharetta's case detective, Cory Miller, to set up an operation to catch her.
After Tolar was caught meeting with the jeweler again, police searched her car after getting her consent and found jewelry reported missing from Shane Co.
"The employee was the prime suspect all along since she received shipment of all the missing jewelry." - George Gordon
"The employee was the prime suspect all along since she received shipment of all the missing jewelry." - George Gordon
Approximately 200 pieces of jewelry have been reported stolen over a five-month period, with most of it already recovered.A report made Feb. 11 listed 16 pieces of jewelry worth more than $130,000 were missing. Gordon said Alpharetta and Cobb County police expect to recover the rest of the jewelry.
Gordon said police suspected Tolar because all the missing jewelry was shipped to the store when she was working. She admitted she would check the jewelry into inventory on the store's computers, and later take the pieces. To cover her tracks she would report the jewelry as sold by changing inventory records. In this way, Tolar could disguise the thefts and were not readily apparent in normal checks. However, Shane Co.'s internal audit procedures caught the thefts, Gordon said. Tolar has no prior criminal record, he said.
Detective Miller spent 30 days working solely on this case due to the convoluted nature of the crime and the value of the stolen merchandise. Gordon said such "inside job" thefts rise as the economy worsens. Also burglaries, entering autos and other crimes of opportunity tend to rise during weaker economic times.
Detective Miller spent 30 days working solely on this case due to the convoluted nature of the crime and the value of the stolen merchandise. Gordon said such "inside job" thefts rise as the economy worsens. Also burglaries, entering autos and other crimes of opportunity tend to rise during weaker economic times.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Roswell, Alpharetta Ease Watering Restrictions.
By MARY MacDONALD, DOUG NURSE Roswell and Alpharetta both softened their watering restrictions Monday to mirror Fulton County's decision to allow more outdoor watering and pool-filling.
Both cities will allow residents to hand-water in their yards for up to 25 minutes, one day a week.
In addition, city residents can now top off or fill existing swimming pools. And residents can water newly installed landscaping for 30 days, whether it is professionally installed or a do-it-yourself project.
The new rules take effect Tuesday and mirror those set by Fulton County authorities late last month. Roswell wanted its city watering rules to be consistent with the county because most customers in the city use the Fulton County water system.
The new watering restrictions approved by both cities allow the following outdoor water use:
• Owners of swimming pools must register with the city and post a permit before filling up.
• Gardeners are restricted to hand-watering one day a week, on a staggered schedule. People with even-numbered addresses may water on Saturday between midnight and 10 a.m. Odd-numbered addresses can water during the same hours on Sundays. Hand-watering is one person with one garden hose, using a spray nozzle that automatically shuts off when released.
• For newly installed landscapes, homeowners must register with the state through its Web site, http://www.urbanagcouncil.com/, and in Roswell they must also register online with the city's Outdoor Water Registry. Once approved, they may water for up to three days a week for four weeks, between midnight and 10 a.m.
Several restrictions remain in place. Under state outdoor watering restrictions, city residents cannot use ornamental fountains, unless they contain fish, use automatic sprinklers to water lawns, or hand-wash automobiles.
In Alpharetta, police enforce the rules, and even cited the city for violating its own watering regulations for a couple of malfunctioning sprinklers at City Hall.
The two cities join Milton and Johns Creek, which had earlier adopted Fulton County's watering rules.
In October, Alpharetta was one of the leaders in cracking down on water usage, passing restrictions that prohibited watering new landscaping among other bans.
But after scores of panicked landscapers showed up at a City Council meeting to plead for mercy, the city softened its stance to allow watering of new landscaping except for what is called overseeding or planting grass seed over an existing lawn.
Alpharetta Names Drinkard Assistant City Administrator
By Bob Pepalis - http://www.northfulton.com/April 07, 2008ALPHARETTA -
City Administrator Bob Regus didn't have to look too far to find a new No. 2 in City Hall. He found James Drinkard just down South Main Street in the Community Development offices when the city needed a new assistant city administrator.
Drinkard was appointed by Regus to the post last held by Robbie Rokovitz, who resigned to become city manager of Holly Springs in Cherokee County. Regus said recently that four in-house candidates had applied for the position.
Drinkard worked as the city's economic development director under Community Development Director Diana Wheeler. He was hired in August 2000 after having worked as director of the Effingham County Development Authority.
Drinkard's economic development position had him serving as a liaison between the city government and businesses, working to address the needs of existing businesses and industries and market Alpharetta to new ones. A resident of Woodstock, Drinkard has served as the Cherokee County city's planning commission chairman.
Road Construction At Alpharetta Theater To Be Completed
By David Pendered - http://www.ajc.com/An intersection improvement at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park appears likely to be complete when the theater opens May 10, a North Fulton business leader said Monday.
Georgia Power completed its job Friday to relocate power lines at the intersection of Maxwell and Hembree roads, said Ann Miller Hanlon, chief operating officer of the North Fulton Community Improvement District.
Moving the power lines was a major part of the effort to improve access to the theater from the region west of Ga. 400. The intersection already is congested, Hanlon said.
The intersection of Maxwell and Hembree roads is getting some additional lanes and traffic light upgrades, Hanlon said. The power lines had to be moved to accommodate the work, she said.
Alpharetta is working on the Maxwell-Hembree intersection as part of the citywide upgrade of 10 intersections, Hanlon said.
The CID contributed about $800,000 toward the $14 million citywide improvement effort, Hanlon said. The CID is a coalition of business owners along the Ga. 400 corridor from Holcomb Bridge to McGinnis Ferry roads. Members pay additional property taxes to help pay for transportation and other community improvements.
"Getting the power lines moved was a really big step to improve the intersection," Hanlon said. "The city of Alpharetta has been pushing a rush order on getting that intersection finished before [Encore Park] opens."
Alpharetta Police Arrest Violent Rape Suspect
April 02, 2008 ALPHARETTA - http://www.northfulton.com/An Alpharetta woman was saved from a suspect who allegedly tried to kidnap and rape her after neighbors heard her screams and chased him away March 30. In custody on charges for the attack is Arnold R. Harris Jr., 30, of Atlanta. He was arrested after a struggle with police near the victim's home off Westside Parkway, during which he was Tasered.
According to a police statement, officers were called to the victim's home shortly after 9:30 p.m. She told them she was unloading groceries from her car when a man put a sweatshirt over her head and tried to drag her away to a secluded area. She put up a fight, the sounds of which alerted neighbors who ran in and chased off the attacker.The suspect ran off toward Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.
Within minutes of the attack an officer saw a Mazda Protégé parked in a secluded area near the victim's residence. Officers observed a man approach the vehicle who matched the clothing description of the suspect and made contact with him.
According to police, evidence gathered on scene of the attack and inside the vehicle indicated Harris was the alleged attacker.Harris is being held without bond in Fulton County jail for obstruction of officers, kidnapping with bodily injury, sexual battery and battery.
The victim was treated for small lacerations and bruising.
The victim was treated for small lacerations and bruising.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Couple Sues Psychiatrist, Claim He Hit On Wife.
By D.L. BENNETT www.ajc.com
An Alpharetta couple who sought out a psychiatrist to help their 4-year-old son contend they were emotionally victimized by their therapist's efforts to break up their marriage and seduce the wife.
Beverly Wilhelm contends in a lawsuit filed late last month in Fulton County State Court that Dr. Jonathan Lauter's improper advances drove her to depression. Her husband, Madison Wilhelm, alleges Lauter preyed upon his insecurities in therapy sessions.
The couple's lawyer, William G. Quinn of Decatur, said the case represents a horrific violation of trust even though Lauter and Beverly Wilhelm never had sex."In this case, my client came to me feeling decimated emotionally and betrayed," Quinn said. "Psychiatric literature confirms that when a patient feels they have been exploited by a trusted professional therapist that the psychological consequences are very similar to incest or child molestation."
Lauter, who moved to New York in 2006, was practicing in Roswell at the time. He acknowledged the Wilhelms were his patients and that Beverly Wilhelm confessed her love for him during a therapy session but said he did nothing wrong."I have no idea what this is all about," Lauter said Thursday in a phone interview from New York. "I've never even been sued before."
The psychiatrist emphasized that "there wasn't even a touch between us."The case highlights the potential dangers that can occur when people in crisis seek help from doctors, lawyers, therapists, ministers and others.
Dr. Spencer Eth of New York, past chairman of the ethics committee of the American Psychiatric Association, said the power a psychiatrist can develop over a client is so strong that APA ethics rules say its never appropriate for a therapist to have a romantic relationship with even a former client.
"What we are really talking about is exploitation," Eth said in a telephone interview. "Our ethics are very clear on what we should and should not do."Dr. Glen Gabbard, a psychiatrist with the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston said at a recent Manhattan conference reported on by the New York Post that about 12 percent of therapists admit to sexual contact with patients. Many who cross the line are "the last person we would expect," he said. There's a Web site, psychwatch.blogspot.com, devoted solely to cataloging "psychiatrists behaving badly."
And, Eth said, psychiatrists are trained to be wary of transference, when a patient in crisis falls for the counselor, and counter-transference, when the therapist becomes attached to the patient.
The topic has even become the focus of HBO's new show, "In Treatment," about a psychoanalyst who falls in love with an attractive female patient.The lawsuit doesn't contend that Lauter consummated the relationship, just that he took advantage of a confused patient by pushing her toward romance, even pursuing her from afar after he moved.
The suit claims the Wilhelms went to Lauter in August 2005 thinking their son had issues adapting to a new sibling. The therapist saw them for about six months before deciding he no longer needed to treat the boy. By early 2006, Lauter began couples counseling for the Wilhelms and eventually individual sessions for both.
By April 2006, Beverly Wilhelm confessed to Lauter she had fallen in love with him, the suit says."Beverly, you have to know that I feel the same way about you. Nothing exists in a vacuum," the suit contends Lauter told her. The suit alleges Wilhelm wanted to break off therapy, but Lauter convinced her to continue the relationship.
Lauter "had targeted her and had embarked upon a plan to sexually seduce and exploit her in order to meet the defendant's own personal sexual and emotional needs," the suit states.
The suit contends that in June 2006 he told Wilhelm, "I would love to make love to you. I have always been attracted to you. I saw doors opening when you told me how you felt."
Lauter moved to New York in August 2006 but continued to call her in Alpharetta, including an invitation to rendezvous in New York; the contacts continued through July 2007, when Lauter told Wilhelm he no longer matched her feelings, the suit says.
"Rather than strengthen her marriage, and increasing her self-esteem, the defendant caused the plaintiff to feel unworthy, depressed, isolated and at times suicidal," according to the suit.
It further claims Lauter was counseling her husband, in part, because of stress from a prior marriage that ended after unfaithfulness. Rather than helping him, Lauter was trying to undermine the couple's marriage, the suit maintains.
An Alpharetta couple who sought out a psychiatrist to help their 4-year-old son contend they were emotionally victimized by their therapist's efforts to break up their marriage and seduce the wife.
Beverly Wilhelm contends in a lawsuit filed late last month in Fulton County State Court that Dr. Jonathan Lauter's improper advances drove her to depression. Her husband, Madison Wilhelm, alleges Lauter preyed upon his insecurities in therapy sessions.
The couple's lawyer, William G. Quinn of Decatur, said the case represents a horrific violation of trust even though Lauter and Beverly Wilhelm never had sex."In this case, my client came to me feeling decimated emotionally and betrayed," Quinn said. "Psychiatric literature confirms that when a patient feels they have been exploited by a trusted professional therapist that the psychological consequences are very similar to incest or child molestation."
Lauter, who moved to New York in 2006, was practicing in Roswell at the time. He acknowledged the Wilhelms were his patients and that Beverly Wilhelm confessed her love for him during a therapy session but said he did nothing wrong."I have no idea what this is all about," Lauter said Thursday in a phone interview from New York. "I've never even been sued before."
The psychiatrist emphasized that "there wasn't even a touch between us."The case highlights the potential dangers that can occur when people in crisis seek help from doctors, lawyers, therapists, ministers and others.
Dr. Spencer Eth of New York, past chairman of the ethics committee of the American Psychiatric Association, said the power a psychiatrist can develop over a client is so strong that APA ethics rules say its never appropriate for a therapist to have a romantic relationship with even a former client.
"What we are really talking about is exploitation," Eth said in a telephone interview. "Our ethics are very clear on what we should and should not do."Dr. Glen Gabbard, a psychiatrist with the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston said at a recent Manhattan conference reported on by the New York Post that about 12 percent of therapists admit to sexual contact with patients. Many who cross the line are "the last person we would expect," he said. There's a Web site, psychwatch.blogspot.com, devoted solely to cataloging "psychiatrists behaving badly."
And, Eth said, psychiatrists are trained to be wary of transference, when a patient in crisis falls for the counselor, and counter-transference, when the therapist becomes attached to the patient.
The topic has even become the focus of HBO's new show, "In Treatment," about a psychoanalyst who falls in love with an attractive female patient.The lawsuit doesn't contend that Lauter consummated the relationship, just that he took advantage of a confused patient by pushing her toward romance, even pursuing her from afar after he moved.
The suit claims the Wilhelms went to Lauter in August 2005 thinking their son had issues adapting to a new sibling. The therapist saw them for about six months before deciding he no longer needed to treat the boy. By early 2006, Lauter began couples counseling for the Wilhelms and eventually individual sessions for both.
By April 2006, Beverly Wilhelm confessed to Lauter she had fallen in love with him, the suit says."Beverly, you have to know that I feel the same way about you. Nothing exists in a vacuum," the suit contends Lauter told her. The suit alleges Wilhelm wanted to break off therapy, but Lauter convinced her to continue the relationship.
Lauter "had targeted her and had embarked upon a plan to sexually seduce and exploit her in order to meet the defendant's own personal sexual and emotional needs," the suit states.
The suit contends that in June 2006 he told Wilhelm, "I would love to make love to you. I have always been attracted to you. I saw doors opening when you told me how you felt."
Lauter moved to New York in August 2006 but continued to call her in Alpharetta, including an invitation to rendezvous in New York; the contacts continued through July 2007, when Lauter told Wilhelm he no longer matched her feelings, the suit says.
"Rather than strengthen her marriage, and increasing her self-esteem, the defendant caused the plaintiff to feel unworthy, depressed, isolated and at times suicidal," according to the suit.
It further claims Lauter was counseling her husband, in part, because of stress from a prior marriage that ended after unfaithfulness. Rather than helping him, Lauter was trying to undermine the couple's marriage, the suit maintains.
Alpharetta Assistant City Manager Leaves Job
Takes city manager job in Holly Springs.
By DOUG NURSE www.ajc.com
The Alpharetta city manager is searching for a replacement for Robbie Rokovitz, a fixture in Alpharetta for 15 years.
Rokovitz, 40, has left Alpharetta to become city manager at Holly Springs.
In 1993, Rokovitz became a 911 operator, and a year later joined Alpharetta Police Department as an officer.
In the 1996 began taking government classes and studying the administrative side of City Hall. In 2000, it paid off when he bested a field of 65 applicants to become assistant to the city manager. His title changed in 2005 to assistant city manager. He said mainly served as a liaison between the public and the city government, providing information and trying to solve their problems."I had a tough time leaving," he said. "It's been a good ride."
By DOUG NURSE www.ajc.com
The Alpharetta city manager is searching for a replacement for Robbie Rokovitz, a fixture in Alpharetta for 15 years.
Rokovitz, 40, has left Alpharetta to become city manager at Holly Springs.
In 1993, Rokovitz became a 911 operator, and a year later joined Alpharetta Police Department as an officer.
In the 1996 began taking government classes and studying the administrative side of City Hall. In 2000, it paid off when he bested a field of 65 applicants to become assistant to the city manager. His title changed in 2005 to assistant city manager. He said mainly served as a liaison between the public and the city government, providing information and trying to solve their problems."I had a tough time leaving," he said. "It's been a good ride."
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