Mayor of Sandy Springs Rusty Paul, Sandy Springs Councilwoman Jody Reichel, Fulton County Commission Chairman Rob Pitts, Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis, and President of The Kroger Company, Jerry Clontz,

Protect the William & Sarah Power Historic Site. It is in imminent danger from development. Through co-operation, the land can be bought from the current property owners, Albert Ashkouti and the Ashkouti family (Heritage Capitol Partners, and Tabas Two Lllp).

The old-growth trees and the Power Cemetery on this site are under threat of demolishment by the Ashkoutis in order to develop a massive mixed-use complex anchored by a Kroger grocery store. Their current proposal allocates only a small square of land for the cemetery sandwiched between numerous town homes, but the property owners have been pushing to move the cemetery itself, which would destroy it. Furthermore, the legal status of the land is suspect and being investigated. We need your help to keep the bulldozers away until every possible recourse can be taken to save this irreplaceable piece of our heritage as Georgians.

The site has been the victim of vandalism throughout the years and is at its greatest crisis yet. According to research, pedestrian traffic, beautification, lighting, and maintenance of a cemetery are the best recourse against vandalism. This all can be accomplished through creating a public park. Moreover, a community park creates a connection between cultural and practical value. The area could have nature trails, a lawn, dog park, lighting, native landscaping, new fences for the cemetery, and access points to Roswell Road and the surrounding developments. Design solutions and a crowdfunding campaign have already been initiated. Trusts and grants for buying the land are being pursued.

This park would also be an asset to the Ashkoutis' redevelopment of the already developed neighboring land around it. The majority of land for the proposal is already developed. It would increase land value for them and others. Most importantly, as a public park and protected historic landmark, the site can remain a testament to the Cherokee, Power family, and Georgia history for generations. As representatives of the citizens of Sandy Springs and Fulton County stop this needless destruction.