Your Voice Can Protect Our Neighborhood
A new Conditional Use Permit application at 4945 High Point Rd could fundamentally change the character of our residential community. Here's what you need to know — and what you can do.
What's Being Proposed
A new conditional use permit application has been filed on behalf of Merkos Linyonei Chinuch Chabad Lubavitch for the property at 4945 High Point Rd — currently St. Martin's Preschool, owned by St. Martin's Episcopal School. The prospective new owner plans to purchase this property and develop it into a much larger school and community center.
The current permit allows a maximum of 60 preschool children (ages 8 weeks–5 years) and 15 faculty, using 28% of the site. The new application requests 150 students from preschool through 12th grade, 36 faculty, and use of the entire site — more than double the current limits. Long-term plans include up to 300 students, as evidenced by a traffic study the applicant has already commissioned.
This is not the first time an expansion has been proposed here. Just five years ago, the City Council unanimously rejected a request by the then-owner (St. Martin's) for 120 students — approving only 60 preschool students. The current application exceeds even that rejected request.
Current Permit vs. Requested Permit
| Category | Current Permit | Requested Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Student Limit | 60 | 150 |
| Age Range | 8 weeks – 5 years | Preschool – 12th Grade |
| Faculty | 15 | 36 |
| Site Footprint | 28% of total site | Entire Site |
What the Applicant Plans to Build
Documents published online detail long-term development goals for this residential property that go well beyond a small school. The applicant has already commissioned a traffic study for up to 300 students.
- K–12 day school campus and expanded preschool facilities
- Robust summer camp programming
- Dedicated teen center, youth programming spaces, and activity centers
- Community gym and indoor sports courts
- Outdoor athletic fields
- Multi-purpose event and community gathering spaces
- After-school and weekend programs
Three Ways to Take Action
When the Planning Commission and City Council meetings are scheduled please plan to attend. Every voice matters.
Submit Feedback Online
Visit the Sandy Springs zoning portal and navigate to U-26-3 at 4945 High Point Road — Conditional Use Permit. You can simply write "Oppose" or add comments up to 1,000 characters. Your personal information is redacted.
Email Your Council Member
Contact Mary Ford, District 5 Council Member. The property at 4945 High Point Rd lies within District 5. Let her know your concerns directly.
Attend the Meeting
Your physical presence at the Planning Commission meeting sends a powerful message. Show up and let your neighbors and elected officials see the community's concern firsthand.
Also Contact the Mayor & Other Council Members
You may also respectfully express your concerns to the Mayor and the other city council members.