High Occupancy Toll lanes were created to give drivers the option to pay a toll to avoid congestion on the I-85. The lanes - which run from Chamblee Tucker Road to Old Peachtree Road - have been a topic of controversy since they opened last month because of the prices.  Cars carrying one or two people will be requried to pya tolls that range from 10 to 90 cents per mile.  Patch asked locals what they thought about the new HOT lanes.

As the nationwide Occupy Wallstreet movement has grown, Atlanta now has a branch of this organization formed known as Occupy Atlanta. Brookhaven Patch wanted residents to have an opportunity to respond to this movement in this addition of "Patch Asks."

In November of 2010, residents living in the neighborhoods between Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Peachtree Boulevard, and I-285 voted in favor of annexation into the city of Chamblee. Supporters of the transition won, but by a slim margin at around 58 percent voting yes and 42 percent voting no. Patch Asks follows up with locals living in Huntley Hills, one of the areas now calling itself a part of Chamblee, to see how residents like life after the annexation. Turns out they seem to like it a lot.

DeKalb County commissioners are still considering reducing the number of trash pickups from twice weekly to once a week. They learned in a survey prepared by the public works department that DeKalb residents are paying less annually for weekly trash pickup services than surrounding counties that provide less frequent trash services. While the responses are mixed, the majority of Brookhaven residents responding to Patch aren't happy with that. Check out what a few of them had to say on this week's Patch Asks.

The DeKalb County commissioners are set to vote on the proposed county public smoking ban Tuesday, Sept. 13. The ban, if approved, would prohibit smoking in and around businesses and their entryways, outdoor entertainment arenas, parks, standing in ATM lines, and more within DeKalb County lines. Brookhaven locals are mixed as to whether or not they support the ban. Concerns about the vote range from health issues caused by second hand smoke to placing too many restrictions on where smokers can light up. While many, including smokers, agree that a smoking ban is appropriate in shared public …

Do you remember where you were at the time of the events on the morning of Sept. 11 and how you learned about it? This week's Patch Asks video reveals five unique views of that fateful morning, including those of a student, a lawyer, an Army veteran, an oil worker, and a businessman. They may have different jobs today, but they'll never forget the impact of the attacks on the World Trade Center. Share your story with Patch.

With the start of a new school year, parents are concerned about the level of education their kids are getting in the DeKalb County education system. Patch Asks takes a small sample of local attitudes towards DeKalb County schools, finding optimism towards Brookhaven area public schools as well as a high level of community involvement. Community and education organization leaders like Sheila Lantier of the Ashford Park School Education Foundation and Beverly Moon of Oglethorpe's Presbyterian Preschool represent just a few Brookhaven locals actively working to help the schools in this …

Have you noticed lately that the Hastings Nature & Garden Center keeps getting emptier? That super discount, 50-70% off, and the dwindling stock of plants has many Brookhaven locals looking around the huge store in shock. What's happening to Hastings? It's not going away, it's just moving! The new location at Peachtree Corners is still under construction, and the move itself takes place next week. Are Brookhaven regulars willing to make the extra 15 minute commute to stock up on Hastings garden wares? Check out this week's Patch Asks video to see how a few customers react to the big change, …

Fresh basil and cilantro, grass-fed beef, artisanal soups and cheeses, locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables and more can be found at Brookhaven's own farmer's market. If you haven't been, then you definitely want to check it out. Get into eating healthy, delicious food and supporting local farmers. All you have to do is show up, stroll along, taste the samples, and bring a big basket. Check out this Patch Asks video of week one of the Brookhaven Farmer's Market, in which a few of the vendors and Brookhaven Farmer's Market president Lori Harris invite you to join them and shop for the …

Atlanta summers are known to be hot, but a heat dome parked over the eastern United States is turning the typical sweaty, sticky experience of a hot summer day into a potentially deadly one. Heat indices well above the 100s make daily activities like walking your pet, yard work, and exercising easy ways to overheat and possibly suffer from heatstroke. This week's Patch Asks features how a few Brookhaven locals cope with the temperatures, including a few tips on proper precautions for pets and children. How do you beat the heat?

The Atlanta public school Criterion-Referenced Competency Test cheating scandal is inspiring intense debate and criticism of the education system among Atlanta residents and families. Many parents are questioning the sense of a system that puts so much pressure on teachers to produce high scores in order to keep their jobs and be promoted. Locals are calling for better ways to keep cheating practices like changing test scores in check. Despite the pressure, the consensus appears to be that the teachers, principals, and superintendents involved are each directly responsible for their …

It's that time of year again to pull out the sparklers, flags, fireworks, and the red, white and blue coozies. The Fourth of July long weekend is here! Are you going to check out the fireworks at Lenox, the Braves game, or the parade in Dunwoody during your celebrations this year? Perhaps your family will enjoy backyard barbecue grilling and poolside fun? Check out what Brookhaven locals and visitors are doing to celebrate the anniversary of U.S. independence on this week's Patch Asks! 

More families are staying local this summer due to the high price of travel, reports the Atlanta Journal Constitution's article about 'staycation' ideas. Summer 'staycations' can be fun, affordable. Watch Brookhaven residents describe their ideas about staying close to home and still have fun in Atlanta.

What do you think of having one cent added to all of your purchases in DeKalb County, excluding groceries and prescriptions as per the Special Purpose Limited Option Sales Tax? (SPLOST) The proposal for SPLOST IV was passed by the school board last week and goes to a vote in November. The county looks to raise $475 million to aid in renovations and new building for targetted DeKalb schools. (here's the link to see which schools and more) If you're a parent with faith in the DeKalb education system, you might support more funding for infrastructure, which is the sole purpose allowed for SPLOST…

A recent Channel 2 investigation revealed that DeKalb County commissioners spend more than $2,000 per month to provide themselves and staff with breakfast and lunch during commssion meetings. Brookhaven shoppers aren't happy with that, and think that state employees should bring their own meals to work just like they do. Checkout the community responses here on this week's Patch Asks!

The DeKalb County School System has been hurting for funding, and a possible deal with T-Mobile promises to bring in several million much-needed dollars. However, the parents of DeKalb students have raised serious concerns including safety, property values, use of space, and transparency. The DeKalb County School Board has held several community meetings at area schools to allow residents to weigh in on the option. This weeks's Patch Asks offers a valuable insight into their opinions, and you'll find that most locals are receptive to the idea of added funding to increase the quality of …

MARTA is making fee changes again and will discussthe proposed FY 2012 budget during two public hearings on Monday, May 16 and Tuesday, May 17. Atlanta's metro system is planning on raising its ticket prices another 50 cents, and will start to charge $1 for previously free MARTA parking. Increases are also coming for monthly and handicapped passes. Waiting times between trains, already very long, will get longer, and passengers could see a change in station closing times from 1 a.m. to Midnight, as well as changes or eliminations in bus routes. The transit system suffers from severe budget …

Have you noticed that Brookhaven is a fantastic, safe, naturally beautiful place to get in shape? Brookhaven has amazing parks, running trails, personal training and gyms, recreation centers, and more! Check out what these Brookhavenites had to share about their favorite ways and places to exercise.

Brookhaven is buzzing about the new Town Brookhaven Publix hybrid grocery store. The huge facility's beautiful design with specialty sections for cheese, wine, a cafe, fresh seafood, gourmet prepared foods, organic, curbside pickup, and much more makes this place a new favorite for the locals. Residents also let Patch know which  soon to open businesses at Town Brookhaven they're looking forward to the most. It's all in this week's "Patch asked, You answered" video!

The ban on Sunday alcohol sales may be no more as a bill that would let individual counties choose passed quickly through the state House and Senate, and is on its way to Gov. Nathan Deal. The new legistlation, if approved, will allow Georgia counties to introduce a referendum to let voters decide whether or not grocery and convenience stores can sell alcohol on Sundays between the hours of 12:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Patch asked Brookhaven locals what they thought about Sunday alcohol sales. See if you agree after checking out this week's 'Patch Asked, You Answered' video!