North Atlanta Today: Fatal Plane Crash, Missing Teens and a Major Rental Settlement

A fatal plane crash in Lawrenceville, a search for two missing Norcross teenagers and a proposed $49.75 million settlement involving one of metro Atlanta’s largest landlords lead North Atlanta’s Wednesday briefing. School-boundary changes, health concerns and colder weather also require attention.

1. One person is dead after a plane crashes in Lawrenceville

A single-engine plane crashed into woods beside a residential area near Old Athens Road late Tuesday afternoon, killing one occupant and injuring another.

Gwinnett firefighters reached the wreckage at 5:39 p.m. and found both men trapped inside. One was pronounced dead; the other was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The aircraft did not catch fire.

Police closed the Rock House Road and Old Athens Road area while securing the wreckage. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the Lawrenceville crash.

2. Police are searching for two missing Norcross teenagers

Two 16-year-old boys who disappeared Oct. 28 are believed to be together, Gwinnett County police said Tuesday.

Jason Pham was last seen leaving his home in the Turners Ridge Drive area. He is approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and was wearing a dark blue hoodie, black pants and black Crocs.

Ryan Rodriguez was last seen leaving his home in the Anvil Court area. He is approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall. Police have not disclosed what he was wearing.

The search for both teenagers remained active Wednesday morning.

3. Major metro Atlanta landlord agrees to $49.75 million settlement

Progress Residential and its owner have agreed to pay $49.75 million to settle federal and state allegations involving hidden rental fees, security deposits, home conditions and customer service.

Progress manages more than 10,000 single-family rental homes across metro Atlanta. Regulators alleged that mandatory charges were omitted from advertised rents, some tenants moved into homes that had not been properly inspected and security deposits were withheld for normal wear or pre-existing damage.

The proposed order would require total monthly prices to include mandatory recurring fees and would establish new rules for inspections and deposit deductions. A federal judge must approve the agreement before it takes effect.

Of the settlement, $48.5 million would go to the Federal Trade Commission for consumer refunds. The FTC case remains pending, and no refund application process has been announced.

4. North Fulton middle-school boundary maps get a public hearing tonight

Families in Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Roswell can review proposed changes affecting Autrey Mill, Elkins Pointe, Haynes Bridge and Holcomb Bridge middle schools tonight.

The community forum runs from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Centennial High School gym. Fulton County Schools plans to post a virtual presentation and feedback survey Thursday.

The maps remain first drafts. No attendance-zone change, consolidation or closure has been approved. A revised proposal is scheduled for discussion Dec. 15, giving families another opportunity to respond through the district’s redistricting process.

5. Three new measles cases raise Georgia’s 2026 total to 28

Georgia has confirmed three additional measles cases, more than doubling last year’s statewide total.

All three new patients were close contacts of an earlier case in Macon County. No related North Atlanta exposure has been announced, but measles can spread before an infected person realizes the illness is present.

Georgia recorded 10 cases during all of 2025. The state’s 2026 total now stands at 28.

Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a spreading rash. People who suspect measles should call ahead before visiting a medical office or hospital so staff can limit exposure to others. The Georgia Department of Public Health’s latest measles update also recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for children.

6. Cherokee homeowners receive new guidance on school-tax limits

Cherokee County homeowners who already receive a homestead exemption will not need to submit another application for the school-tax limits taking effect Jan. 1.

The Tax Assessor’s Office will automatically apply the most favorable available limit. State law caps annual growth in a primary residence’s taxable value at the lower of inflation or 3% for school maintenance-and-operations taxes. Cherokee voters also approved a local 4% cap this month.

Homeowners without an existing exemption must apply by the filing deadline tied to the current tax year’s assessment-appeal period. The county’s new homestead guidance applies across Cherokee, including Canton and Woodstock.

7. Gwinnett plans to pursue church property for housing

Gwinnett County planners are preparing a more organized effort to identify unused church land that could support affordable housing.

Only about 9% of the county’s land remains undeveloped, increasing pressure to reuse existing properties. Several churches have already approached the county, and planners expect to expand the outreach in 2027.

One former church athletic field on Jimmy Carter Boulevard has been rezoned for possible apartments, although financing and construction are not assured. A county homelessness task force expects to present broader recommendations to commissioners by the middle of next year.

The emerging church-land housing strategy could become important in Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Duluth and other built-out parts of western Gwinnett.

8. Alpharetta approves $1.3 million for 531 roadside trees

Alpharetta will plant 531 trees along Webb Bridge Road and North Main Street after the City Council unanimously approved a contract worth up to $1,296,535.

The plan covers 271 trees on Webb Bridge Road and 260 along North Main Street. The price includes installation, root barriers, two years of watering and a two-year warranty.

Planting is expected during the dormant season and is scheduled to be completed by Feb. 28. The work will restore landscaping along corridors affected by road construction and utility relocation. The approval is recorded in the city’s Nov. 9 council meeting.

9. Red and Gold line riders should expect waits of up to 24 minutes

MARTA’s Red and Gold lines are operating on special schedules today and Thursday because of track work.

Trains serving North Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Chamblee and Doraville will run every 10 to 24 minutes. The Red Line will continue between North Springs and the airport through the end of service rather than ending through-service at 9 p.m.

Riders should allow additional time and review MARTA’s special rail schedule before traveling.

10. Mild Veterans Day gives way to rain, wind and a weekend freeze

Veterans Day will be mild, with North Atlanta temperatures reaching the low 70s. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms may move across areas north of Interstate 20 tonight into Thursday morning, but severe weather is not expected.

The front will bring a sharp temperature drop. Thursday’s highs should remain in the low to mid-60s, followed by windy and much colder conditions Friday.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for lows near or below freezing across much of North Georgia this weekend, with upper 20s possible in colder locations. Residents should check updated advisories before protecting exposed plumbing, outdoor plants and irrigation equipment.