Perhaps I’m unusual, but I’ve never decided to buy a pizza because the company littered my neighborhood. If its coupons that sway me, I can just use one of the 300 stuck to my refrigerator. It’s not as if we don’t receive hundreds of coupons in the mail each week — not that I’m a particular fan of junk mail, but at least that doesn’t litter the streets, and blow across my lawn.

So, what can we do to combat this deluge of mailbox propaganda? Is it time for a revolt? Maybe not, but I’d sure like to take a box of those fliers and stick them to the pizza companies door!

Well, that’s just one of my many pet peeves. We recently asked you, our readers, for your pet peeve, as part of a “Special Section” of the Readers’ Choice Awards and got a variety of responses including the usual traffic, speeders and inconsiderate drivers; as well as poor restaurant service and snobby people.

We also asked for suggestions of businesses you’d like to see in Towne Lake. And, again, we got a variety of responses, but, leading the pack was La Madeline, Harry’s in a Hurry and a “meat and veggies” restaurant. For those of you who responded that you’d like to see an Atlanta Bread Company in Towne Lake (and there were quite a few of you), we have good news. Although it won’t be in Towne Lake, there will be an Atlanta Bread Company going in at Woodstock Square. We’ve also passed along all of the suggestions to some of the local developers, who seem really eager to find out what the community wants in the area.

Speaking of new development in the area — although for months it seemed that virtually nothing new was going on in Towne Lake — lately, I suppose because spring is in the air, there’s a lot of buzz.

In addition to the Woodstock Square, which will be hosting a Grand Opening March 9 — 11 (see right for list of stores), Towne Lake is actually getting some new businesses. Buckhead Crossing will soon be home to the newest Publix grocery store. According to developer Bo Means, they hope to bring some interesting and unique businesses to fill the surrounding space.

After a change in ownership last year, the Manhattan Bagel has finally closed its doors for good. And, just down the sidewalk, Centre Court has moved across the street to a larger space at the Plaza at Towne Lake. Next door to the former location of Centre Court, Moon Communications has closed.

The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Authority is opening a new Activities Center in Woodstock to accommodate its growing gymnastics, dance, karate and workout programs. For more information, see story on page 68.

Readers’ Choice Award winner Fresco Cucina Rustica is now open for lunch. According to owner and Executive Chef, Sal Comorato, the lunch business is growing steadily as people discover that the menu has a lot to offer at reasonable prices. Speaking of the Readers’ Choice Awards — make sure to check out pages 26 — 29 for a listing of the businesses our readers selected at the area’s “Best of the Best.”

Just down the street from the Woodstock Square, between the Office Depot and the Wachovia, Fowler Properties is building two retail centers. As of print date, there were no signed leases.

Several people have asked us about the traffic signal that was supposed to be installed on Towne Lake Parkway at the Eagle Watch entrance. County Commissioner Larry Singleton tells us that it should be going up very soon. The sidewalks promised as part of the 1% Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax should be installed this summer, according to Singleton.