Peachtree Corners Life LIVE

Rico Figliolini sits down with Scott Hilton, the incumbent Georgia House District 48 representative, to talk about his record and his re-election campaign. Hilton describes moving his family from Buckhead to Peachtree Corners as the city was founded, and spending almost 20 years as a commercial banker before running for office.

Most of the conversation is about affordability and education. Hilton talks about state tax relief, his proposed first-time homebuyer savings plan, childcare costs, his law taking cell phones out of classrooms, literacy, and school accountability grades.

Hilton also covers public safety, including upcoming legislation on Flock cameras, his opposition to data center tax incentives, and support for first responders and teachers. The episode wraps up with a personal lightning round and a reminder that early voting starts October 13.

City Manager Brian Johnson returns to Peachtree Corners Life for a wide-ranging update on the issues residents have been asking about most. Host Rico Figliolini and Johnson start with the long-awaited reopening of East Jones Bridge, then turn to the city-owned former Cinebistro property.

Johnson explains the three redevelopment paths JLL is studying for the site and how residents will weigh in at an upcoming community meeting. He also walks through the city's deer management program, from the survey and population study behind it to the state and federal rules on culling, which are strict about where it can happen.

The conversation closes with updates on the East Jones Bridge and Peachtree Parkway intersection project, a new right-turn signal on Peachtree Corners Circle, and the planned roundabout near The Forum. Watch the video or listen to the audio episode below.

In this episode of Peachtree Corners Life, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Adam Cleveland, the Democratic candidate challenging two-term incumbent Scott Hilton for Georgia House District 48. Cleveland shares his path from studying biology and working apartment maintenance in Athens to becoming an attorney who helped draft multiple pieces of legislation passed by the Georgia General Assembly — experience he says gave him a firsthand understanding of how laws actually get written, and why he's now running for the seat that writes them.

The conversation covers Cleveland's core policy priorities, including ranked-choice voting, redistricting reform, term limits, reproductive and medical decision-making, Medicaid expansion, data centers, public school funding, and housing affordability.

Throughout, he frames his campaign around generational opportunity — the idea that structural changes to Georgia's elections and government are necessary to give his children, and the next generation of Georgians, more say over the decisions that shape their lives.

Watch the video or listen to the audio podcast above, and learn more about Adam Cleveland's campaign at adamcleveland.com.

In this episode of Peachtree Corners Life, host Rico Figliolini sits down with City Manager Brian Johnson — fittingly, at a local restaurant table — to unpack one of the city’s most talked-about recent decisions: the $3.2 million purchase of the former CineBistro building and its adjoining parking lot at the Town Center.Johnson walks through how the deal came together, why it was negotiated privately before going to a public vote and how the city paid for it without taking on any debt.
The conversation goes beyond the transaction itself, diving into what comes next: a market analysis from real estate firm JLL, three possible development paths ranging from reusing the existing building to a full teardown and redesign and a firm signal from the city council that residential apartments won’t be part of the plan.Rico and Brian also address community pushback and transparency concerns head-on, explaining why real estate negotiations happen behind closed doors and what residents can expect from an upcoming public input process.It’s a candid, detailed look at how local government navigates an unplanned opportunity — and an open invitation for residents to weigh in on what comes next.

Peachtree Corners, GA City Manager Brian Johnson discusses some major topics shaping the future of Peachtree Corners. Brian explains why Technology Parkway is being reconfigured after years of autonomous vehicle testing and how advances in vehicle technology have made dedicated testing lanes unnecessary. 

The conversation also explores a recent City Council meeting that addressed a proposed modification to the 2 Sun Court mixed-use development and the city’s decision to purchase the former CineBistro site at Town Center. Brian shares how the Opportunity Fund made the acquisition possible, why local control matters for such a prominent property, and how residents will have an opportunity to help shape its future use through community engagement and market research.

Takeaways:

• Why Technology Parkway is being redesigned after years of autonomous vehicle testing
• How Curiosity Lab helped attract companies like May Mobility to the region
• What changes are being proposed for the Tucson Court mixed-use development
• How the city balances density, retail requirements, and development conditions
• Why Peachtree Corners created its Opportunity Fund
• The reasoning behind the city’s purchase of the former CineBistro property
• What adaptive reuse versus redevelopment could mean for Town Center
• How residents will help shape the future vision for one of the city’s most important properties
• Why local control gives the city more flexibility in guiding future development

Timestamp:
00:00:24 – Introduction and overview of recent City Council actions
 00:01:41 – Reconfiguring Technology Parkway and the future of Curiosity Lab
 00:06:11 – Autonomous vehicle testing, May Mobility, and evolving technology
00:07:14 – 2 Sun Court development modification request and additional residential units 00:09:07 – Background on the original rezoning and changing market conditions
00:13:17 – Trail connections, pedestrian improvements, and developer contributions
00:16:07 – Mixed-use development requirements and retail space challenges 
00:20:37 – How the city updated mixed-use regulations after previous development
00:23:07 – Development standards, substantial conformance, and project oversight
00:26:39 – The closure of CineBistro and its impact on Town Center
00:29:14 – How changes in the theater industry affected CineBistro’s viability
00:31:01 – Why the city considered purchasing the property
00:34:00 – Opportunity Fund, due diligence, and acquisition details
00:35:47 – Future possibilities: adaptive reuse versus redevelopment
00:38:41 – Community engagement and gathering public input on the site’s future
00:39:49 – Potential public-private partnerships and redevelopment opportunities
00:43:41 – Local business opportunities and final thoughts on Town Center’s future

In this episode of UrbanEbb, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Atlanta-based author and game writer, and MomoCon guest this year, Sarah Madsen. They explore the world of storytelling across multiple mediums. From tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons to video game writing and novel publishing, Sarah shares how she builds immersive worlds and characters that engage players and readers alike. 

The conversation dives into the creative differences between writing for interactive games versus traditional novels, the challenges of designing flexible storylines for unpredictable players, and the discipline required to meet deadlines as a full-time freelancer. Sarah also discusses her novels, including Weaver’s Folly and When the Stars Bleed, and offers insight into her creative process, from character-driven storytelling to revising drafts and finding inspiration in everyday life.

Resources:Sarah Madsen’s Website: https://unfetteredmuse.com/


Timestamp:
00:00:22 – Introduction and Sarah Madsen’s background 
00:01:43 – What tabletop RPGs are and how they work
00:04:16 – Writing for Dungeons & Dragons and other RPG systems
00:05:18 – Challenges of writing flexible game narratives
00:07:36 – Creative freedom and constraints in game writing
00:09:26 – Playing her own games and seeing them in action
00:11:39 – Deadlines and the discipline of finishing creative work
00:12:15 – Transition to full-time freelance writing
00:13:52 – Writing for video games and technical constraints
00:18:23 – Learning game engines and development systems
00:18:58 – Overview of Weaver’s Folly
00:20:49 – Story development and world-building process
00:22:36 – Structuring a story and finding the ending
00:24:31 – Music, playlists, and creative inspiration
00:28:14 – When the Stars Bleed and space opera storytelling
00:31:38 – Drafting, revising, and rewriting endings
00:34:12 – Where to find Sarah online and closing remarks 

In this episode of Peachtree Corners Life, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Georgia State Representative Scott Hilton to recap the latest legislative session and what it means for local residents. Scott shares insights into how the Georgia General Assembly operates, the challenges of reviewing thousands of bills in a short session, and the key priorities that shaped this year’s work at the Capitol. 

The conversation dives into major policy areas including education reform, property tax relief, and state budget priorities. Scott also discusses legislation around cell phone use in schools, academic “redshirting,” literacy improvements, and tax relief measures like gas tax suspension and property tax caps. The episode offers a practical look at how state-level decisions directly impact everyday life in Peachtree Corners and beyond. 

Resources:Scott’s Website: https://scotthiltonga.com/


Timestamp:
00:00:01 – Introduction and overview of the legislative session
00:01:40 – Scott Hilton’s background and role in the community
00:02:57 – How the legislative process works (biennial cycle)
00:04:36 – Cell phone legislation in schools and its impact
00:07:55 – Academic redshirting and parental choice in education
00:10:29 – State budget overview and funding priorities
00:12:18 – Property tax relief and assessment caps
00:15:50 – Georgia Gold Scholarship Program explained
00:20:32 – Literacy challenges and education reform efforts
00:22:53 – AI, technology, and legislative considerations
00:24:00 – Daniel Waters Act and healthcare-related legislation
00:27:32 – Election system updates and QR code discussion
00:31:21 – Gas tax suspension and economic impact
00:33:14 – Insurance reform and cost reduction efforts
00:35:47 – Campaign insights and engaging younger voters

In this episode of Peachtree Corners Life, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Kristie Onorato, a longtime art educator at Wesleyan School, to explore the intersection of creativity, teaching, and personal artistic practice. Kristie shares her journey from studying art education at Ohio State to teaching across grade levels before finding her home at Wesleyan, where she has spent the past 15 years inspiring students through art.

The conversation dives into how creativity is developed, why problem-solving is central to the artistic process, and how Kristie encourages students to embrace imperfection and pivot when things don’t go as planned. She also discusses her own artistic work, sources of inspiration, from travel to everyday life, and what it means to create and let go of deeply personal pieces as she prepares for the Wesleyan Artist Market. 

Resources:
Wesleyan Artist Market:  https://www.artistmarket.wesleyanschool.org/
Wesleyan School: https://www.wesleyanschool.org

5 Key Takeaways

1. Creativity is universal—not optional
   Creativity isn’t reserved for artists. It shows up in problem-solving, communication, business, and everyday life. As Kristie puts it, we’re all wired to create.
2. The process matters more than the outcome
   Students learn more from how they think, adapt, and reflect than from the final piece they produce. The journey shapes the mindset.
3. Problem-solving is at the core of creativity
   Art teaches resilience—things go wrong, and you don’t start over, you adjust. That mindset carries directly into real life.
4. Inspiration is everywhere—if you’re open to it
   From travel to everyday observations, creativity comes from awareness. The key is being in the right mindset to notice it.

Letting go is part of the creative journey
Whether it’s finishing a piece or selling it, artists have to release their work—even when it’s personal. That’s part of growth.

Timestamp:
00:00:00 – Introduction and Wesleyan Artist Market overview
00:02:28 – Kristie’s background and path into art education
00:04:31 – Discovering a passion for teaching and creativity
00:06:16 – The role of creativity and faith in artistic expression
00:08:00 – Problem-solving and adaptability in the art process
00:10:01 – Student portfolios, reflections, and creative thinking
00:11:20 – Staying connected with former students
00:12:57 – Kristie’s personal art practice and school art shows
00:14:36 – Collaboration and group art projects
00:15:55 – Field trips and exposure to professional art
00:16:33 – Travel and inspiration, including Greece
00:18:10 – Observing patterns, movement, and color in nature
00:19:59 – Preferred subjects and creating for an audience
00:21:15 – Studio habits and creative environment
00:23:12 – Finding inspiration in everyday life
00:24:10 – Planning vs. improvisation in art
00:26:22 – Letting go of artwork and emotional attachment
00:29:17 – Closing thoughts and Wesleyan Artist Market details

In this episode of Peachtree Corners Life, host Rico Figliolini sits down with City Manager Brian Johnson for a wide-ranging conversation on the issues shaping the city today. From the growing deer population—now far exceeding recommended levels—to the legal realities of wildlife management, Brian explains how the city is working within state constraints to implement long-term, humane solutions. The discussion also covers major infrastructure updates, including the East Jones Bridge Road replacement project and ongoing improvements along Peachtree Parkway to ease congestion and improve safety.

Beyond roads and wildlife, Brian shares insights into the city’s new mobile app designed to improve communication with residents, as well as the ambitious effort to rewrite the city’s municipal code from the ground up to better reflect its evolving needs. From development projects and pedestrian safety to innovation initiatives like Curiosity Lab, the episode offers a comprehensive look at how the city is balancing growth, livability, and long-term vision.

Timestamp:
00:00:00 – Introduction, sponsors, and episode overview
00:01:30 – Overview of topics: deer management, road projects, city updates
00:02:53 – Deer population study results and scale of overpopulation
00:04:30 – Legal limitations: why cities can’t directly manage wildlife
00:06:00 – Partnership with Georgia DNR and U.S. Wildlife Services
00:08:00 – How deer management will work (long-term, controlled process)
00:10:30 – East Jones Bridge Road project and bridge replacement details
00:13:00 – Additional roadwork: Peachtree Parkway (141) improvements and traffic flow changes
00:16:00 – Intersection redesign near Ingles & The Forum (safety improvements)
00:18:00 – Pedestrian crossings and roundabout plans at Peachtree Corners Circle
00:21:00 – City mobile app: features, service requests, and communication tools
00:24:00 – Municipal code rewrite: why the city is starting from scratch
00:28:00 – New challenges: EV charging stations, zoning, and regulation decisions
00:32:00 – ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) and housing considerations
00:36:00 – Development updates: townhomes, apartments, and The Forum plans
00:40:00 – Town Center improvements: restrooms, events, and Town Green updates 00:43:00 – Curiosity Lab expansion and innovation initiatives
00:46:00 – City events, community engagement, and closing thoughts

This episode of the Peachtree Corners Life Podcast features Dr. Paul Cable, High School Principal at Greater Atlanta Christian School, and Stephen Carter, leader of the school’s Business Innovation Program. The conversation explores how education is evolving beyond traditional classroom models to better prepare students for an unpredictable future.

Key Themes from the Conversation

1. Education as a Calling
Both guests describe education as more than a profession—it’s a form of ministry and service focused on shaping students as people, not simply transferring knowledge.

2. Personalized Learning at GAC
Rather than a rigid one-size-fits-all model, GAC emphasizes personalized experiences that help students pursue their individual passions and purpose. 

3. Real-World Learning Through the Business Innovation Program
A major example is the student-run Spartan Café, which operates as a real-world business laboratory where students handle:

• Customer service
• Inventory and operations
• Profit and loss statements
• Team collaboration and leadership

This hands-on approach helps students understand why they are learning skills instead of questioning the relevance of classroom lessons. 

4. Building “Agency” in Students
The program focuses on helping students develop agency, meaning they can:

• Set meaningful goals
• Gather resources to achieve them
• Ask for help when needed

This mindset prepares them for careers and challenges that don’t yet exist.

5. Responsible Use of AI in Education
The guests discuss how schools must avoid two extremes: banning AI entirely or allowing it to replace real learning.

Instead, GAC teaches students to use AI as a tool while maintaining human connection, creativity, and ethical responsibility.

6. Confidence Through Experience
Dr. Cable shares a story of a shy student who gained confidence working at the Spartan Café—illustrating how hands-on programs can transform students by helping them discover their abilities.