Advance voting for the District 2 Special Democratic Primary Runoff Election will be held March 3 – 7. On Election Day, March 11, voters must go to their assigned polling location.
The District 2 Democratic Primary contest will be held between candidates Erick Allen and Jaha V. Howard. District 2 Republican candidate Alicia Adams was unopposed. There will be no voting March 8 – 10.
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Recreation Center Day Camps Registration opens March 5 at noon. Sign up for one-week sessions, June 2 – Aug. 1.
Locations:
Fair Oaks Recreation Center
Fullers Recreation Center
Ron Anderson Recreation Center
Ward Recreation Center
Cobb Therapeutics Camp Horizon
A highly mobile indoor/outdoor camp for ages 7- 21 with developmental, mental, and physical disabilities. Activities include arts, nature, music, sports, swimming, pet therapy, and dance. Campers are grouped for comfort and participation. One-on-one care is not available. New campers require a preregistration assessment (appointments available weekdays until 5 p.m.). Contact: Matt Ulmer (770-528-2569)
Registration opens Wednesday, March 5 at noon.
Art Camps Registration opens 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 5. Locations:
The Art Station – Big Shanty
The Art Place – Mountain View
Mable House Arts Center
Sewell Mill Cultural Center
Nature and History Camps Nature Camp at Hyde Farm Park, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m, June 23 – 27, for grades 3 – 5. Registration begins 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 5 on Civic Rec.
History Camp at Green Meadows Preserve: June 2 – 5. Registration begins 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 5 here.
In addition, here’s a selected list of activities that are scheduled to begin in early and mid-March, and for which registration is still available:
Open Garden Time (45161)
March 6, Thursday, 9 – 11 a.m. Register here. March 8, Saturday, 10 a.m. – noon Register here. Wright Center. All ages. Come explore the trails and native plant gardens of the Wright Environmental Education Center. During open garden time, you can walk the trails, visit the Jean Wright museum, and a master gardener volunteer will be on site to answer questions about the plants you see.
Forest Bathing (45627)
March 11, Tuesday, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Hyde Farm Park All ages. Register here. Forest bathing is a Japanese practice that involves spending time in a forest to relax and connect with nature.
Farm Friday: Garden Prep (45108)
March 14, Friday, 9 a.m. – noon Hyde Farm Park All ages. Register here. Join us for Farm Friday, a hands-on garden education and volunteer program. This month, we are learning about garden prep, including soil amendments, mulching, and more.
Homeschool at Hyde (39756)
March 20, Thursday, 10 a.m. – noonHyde Farm Park
Ages 6 – 13. Register here. Pollution Solutions: Understand various pollution sources and their impacts, create repurposed art, and participate in a cleanup hike to beautify the park.
Georgia Wildlife Trackers (45186)
March 29, Saturday, 9 – 10 a.m. Hyde Farm Park Ages 10 and up. Register here. Join Georgia Wildlife Trackers Club to learn to identify wildlife tracks, understand their behaviors, and contribute to conservation efforts. We will take a walk around the pond and visit the wildlife education trail in search of wildlife track and sign.Hyde In Season: History (44637)
March 29, Saturday, 10 – 11 a.m. Hyde Farm Park All ages. Register here. A walking history tour, where you’ll get an up-close look at Hyde Farm’s historic buildings and learn about the rich history of the area.
And here are upcoming activities at Fullers Recreation Center in East Cobb:
Hunter Athletics Cheer and Acrobatics
Mar. 4 – April 10, Tuesdays and Thursdays Ages 5 – 12. Register here.
Senior Pickleball Lessons
March 4 – May 29 Ages 55 and up. Register here.
Home School Programs
March 5 – May 30, Wednesdays and Fridays Ages 5 – 13. Register here.
Comic Book Kids (45171)
March 5 – April 9, Wednesdays, 6 – 7 p.m. Ages 7 – 10. Register here.
Volleyball Training
March 6 – June 6 Ages 10 – 14. Register here.
Gideon Warriors School of Martial Arts (45106)
March 15, Saturdays, 9 a.m. – noon Ages 5 and up. Register here.
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Cobb Fire officials said Friday that a woman died in a house fire in East Cobb and several other people were injured, including firefighters.
The fire broke out shortly after 3 a.m. Friday at a home on Oakland Drive, located off Powers Ferry Road, according to the Cobb Fire and Emergency Services Department.
Fire crews began a search of the home upon arrival, and discovered the victim, whose name was not released, deceased in a carport area that had collapsed.
Some news reports said the woman may have tried to go back into the home to retrieve a family pet.
Three other occupants in the home and two firefighters were also taken to hospitals for treatment, Cobb Fire public information officer Nick Danz said.
He said another firefighter was treated on the scene for minor injuries.
Danz did not know the conditions of the home occupants who were hospitalized.
He said fire crews were on the scene cleaning up after 7 a.m. Friday.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Cobb Fire said.
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Nels S.D. Peterson, an East Cobb resident who has served on the Georgia Supreme Court since 2016, has been named the body’s Chief Justice.
He succeeds Michael Boggs, who announced earlier this week he was resigning from the court on March 31.
Peterson, 46, a Kennesaw State University graduate, is an active member of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church.
He was appointed to the high court in 2018, then won six-year terms in non-partisan elections in 2018 and 2024.
As chief justice, he will serve a single four-year term. Most recently Peterson served as the court’s presiding judge.
According to a release from the Supreme Court, the chief justice “is the spokesperson for the Supreme Court, as well as for the entire state judiciary. He presides over the Court’s oral arguments and the Court’s deliberation of cases, although he has only one vote as does each of the eight other Justices.
“The Chief Justice also chairs the Judicial Council of Georgia, the judicial branch policy-making body created by the Supreme Court that includes the State Bar President and 27 judges who represent all classes of courts in the state. The Presiding Justice serves in the Chief Justice’s absence and is the vice-chair of the Judicial Council.”
Peterson also served on the Georgia Court of Appeals, was Georgia’s first solicitor general in the Georgia Attorney General’s office, was an executive counsel in the Georgia’s governor’s office and was general counsel for the University of Georgia.
In private practice, Peterson was a partner with the Atlanta law firm of King and Spalding and was a clerk to Chief Judge William H. Pryor Jr. of the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.
After graduating from KSU, Peterson earned a law degree from Harvard University.
He and his wife Jennifer have two children.
In 2021, Boggs succeeded as chief justice Harold Melton, a Wheeler High School graduate who served on the high court for 16 years. Melton is now in private law practice.
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Two book discussion groups meet regularly at the East Cobb Library branch, which also conducts a walking book club at East Cobb Park.
Submitted information:
Cobb County Public Library’s March calendar features several Book Discussion options for adults. The sessions include a walking book group, a Silent readers program, and more conversations between neighbors on works spanning a variety of topics.
The Silent Book Club at Gritters Library, 880 Shaw Park Rd., Marietta 30066, will meet Saturday, March 1 with participants arriving at 2 p.m., reading at 2:30 p.m. and socializing at 3:30 p.m. Unlike a regular book club, there is no assigned reading or discussion. There are about 1500 Silent Book Club chapters in more than 50 countries across the globe.
The Short Story Discussion Group meets at Sewell Mill Library, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta 30068, on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. The March 4 meeting will be on The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins-Gilman.
Science Fiction Book Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at Switzer Library, 266 Roswell St., Marietta 30060. The book for March 4 is Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.
East Cobb Walking Book Club will meet 10 a.m. Thursday, March 6 at the East Cobb Park, 3322 Roswell Road, Marietta 30068. Members gather near the park entrance to walk for exercise before a book discussion. The title for March 6 is West with Giraffes, historical fiction by Lynda Rutledge. The club is organized by East Cobb Library. The book selection may change if there are not enough available copies. To confirm the March title and for more information, call 770-509-2730.
The Shakespeare Reading Group meets at Switzer Library 2 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of the month to discuss works from the expansive canon of William Shakespeare, including drama, tragedy, sonnets and lyrics. Upcoming sessions include March 6 and March 20.
Page Turners Morning Book Group and Page Turners Afternoon Book Group next meet Wednesday, March 12 at Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta 30066, at 10:30 am and 1 p.m., to discuss novels. The Morning title is the novel Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt and the Afternoon selection is A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, the semi-autobiographic novel by Betty Smith. Page Turners meets the first Wednesday of the month. To register, visit cobbcat.org.
Sewell Mill Library’s Creative Studios:Fantasy Book Club meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The March 12 discussion will be on What the Woods Took, a young adult horror novel by Courtney Gould.
Sewell Mill Book Club meets each month on the third Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center. The title for March 19 is Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, the autobiographical novel by Robert Pirsig.
The East Cobb Book Discussion Group meets the third Thursday of every month with the morning session at 11 a.m. and the afternoon session at 2 p.m. at East Cobb Library, 4880 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta 30068. The March 20 morning selection is the novel A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci and the afternoon title is Emilia Hart’s novel Weyward. The book selections may change if copies are not available. For more information, call 770-509-2730.
Let’s Talk Multicultural Book Club next meets 1 p.m. Thursday, March 27 at Switzer Library,. The session will be a discussion on the historical novel Brooklyn by Irish writer Colm Toibin with guest speaker historian and retired Cobb librarian James Camp.
For information on March Book Discussion programs offered by Cobb County Public Library, visit cobbcounty.org/library.
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The California-based eatery will be moving into the former Kouzina Christos and Aurelio’s space (1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 22), but an opening date hasn’t been announced.
A message on the location’s Facebook page said that “we are hoping to be ready by March.”
The chain serves a variety of Vietnamese specialties—pho dishes, rolls, vermicelli and lemongrass pork chops—along with teas, cocktails and fruit drinks.
Some menu items also will have gluten-free options.
Pho Hoa (the latter word is Vietnamese for “harmony”) has locations in California, Washington state, British Columbia, Charlotte, N.C. and two in Florida.
Phoa was founded in 1983, and has 60 locations in six nations. Jazen Tea, also of California, was founded in 2012 and has 18 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
According to the East Cobb location’s social media pages, the concept is about “creating a space where family, harmony, and tradition come together. With fresh, high-quality ingredients, hearty bowls of flavorful pho, and refreshing craft cocktails, we’re committed to bringing something truly special to Marietta.”
East Cobb News has reached out for more information.
Renovations are continuing and hiring is underway.
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On Wednesday, the Cobb County Board of Tax Assessors appointed Christine Stinchcomb as the new Director and Chief Appraiser of the Tax Assessors Office.
Stinchcomb brings over 25 years of experience in property tax services, beginning her career at the Paulding County Tax Assessors Office before serving as a manager with the Georgia Department of Revenue. Most recently, she held the position of Commercial Division Manager at the Cobb County Board of Tax Assessors Office.
She succeeds Stephen White, who was recently promoted to Support Services Director for Cobb County Government.
The Chief Appraiser is a state-mandated position responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of the Tax Assessors Office and overseeing the appraisal of every parcel in the county at least once every three years.
A Cobb County resident, Stinchcomb has two grown sons.
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Atlanta Ballet Dancers Denys Nedak and Madison Penney perform in “Coppélia.” Photo copyright Rachel Neville.
Submitted information and photo:
Atlanta Ballet is delighted to present the beloved classic by an iconic choreographer George Balanchine’s Coppélia March 21-23 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. This family-friendly performance will feature Atlanta Ballet company dancers and a large cast of talented students from the Centre for Dance Education, bringing the enchanting tale to life.
Set to the enchanting score by Léo Delibes performed live by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, this comic ballet centers on a playful heroine determined to save the young man to whom she is betrothed and a pivotal encounter with an eccentric toy maker and his mysterious daughter Coppélia, who is a whimsical creation from his workshop which he imagines bringing to life using his magic book.
This production marks a special occasion as it will be the first time that Atlanta Ballet has presented this ballet. Balanchine’s original choreography, known for its intricate and playful storytelling, will shine with the added energy of young performers, ensuring a fresh and exciting take on this classic ballet.
“This charming story, full of humor, drama and romance, is perfect for families and newcomers to ballet, and we’re excited to present it in a way that feels both magical and entertaining” said Atlanta Ballet Artistic Director Gennadi Nedvigin. “This is the largest production Atlanta Ballet will bring onstage merging its professional dancers with student of different ages from our own Centre for Dance Education in history, which will make these performances truly special.”
The “love conquers all” story set in a small town features a quartet of central characters including quirky inventor Dr. Coppélius and pawn as his beautiful daughter Coppélia and a bride and groom to be, Frantz and Swanilda. The show includes mischief, mistaken identity, comedy and action as characters overcome obstacles. The ballet culminates in a grand festival.
For more information about Atlanta Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s Coppélia and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.atlantaballet.com/performances. Tickets can be purchased online at atlantaballet.com or in person at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre box office. For groups of twenty or more, please order tickets via the groupsales@atlantaballet.com email.
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Dodgen Middle School’s Science Olympiad Team continues its legacy of excellence! Dodgen students recently claimed first place at the Regional Tournament held at Georgia State University, securing a spot at the State Tournament on April 19 at the University of Georgia.
The competition was intense, with 21 teams from 15 different middle schools—including fellow Cobb County schools McCleskey Middle and Campbell Middle—vying for a chance to advance. Science Olympiad challenges students in 23 STEM events, from building structures like towers and air trajectory devices to demonstrating knowledge in earth science, chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering.
Dodgen’s Science Olympiad program has been a powerhouse since 2001, consistently ranking among the best in the state. The team has won regionals multiple times, including the past two consecutive years. In the last 11 state tournaments (excluding 2020), Dodgen has placed first or second, earning the opportunity to compete at Nationals against top teams from across the country and Japan. Under the leadership of Coach Barbara Kappel, the team has made Nationals the past two years, a streak they hope to continue.
“I am so proud of the hard work and commitment our students have put in this year to continue Dodgen’s Science Olympiad success!” said Mrs. Kappel, who has coached the team to consecutive national appearances.
A Commitment to Excellence
Dodgen’s Science Olympiad program is so popular that the school has fielded three full teams for the past two years. Fifteen students per team compete in three or four different events, preparing weekly by conducting research, building and testing devices, and refining their problem-solving skills. With the help of dedicated parents and community volunteers, students sacrifice countless hours during the week and on weekends to strengthen their skills.
Science Olympiad isn’t just about competition—it fosters a collaborative community of young scientists and engineers. Older students take on leadership roles, guiding younger teammates and helping them grow in confidence and ability.
As Dodgen prepares for the state competition, the school community is cheering them on. A strong performance could earn them a third consecutive trip to Nationals at the University of Nebraska in late May.
Congratulations to the Dodgen Middle School Science Olympiad Team, Coach Kappel, and the dedicated parent and community volunteers who make this success possible!
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PORCH-Marietta volunteer Tara Randall stocking food cans at a Cobb elementary school.
Submitted information and photo:
PORCH Marietta, an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to reducing food insecurity, celebrates its third anniversary by announcing it has donated over 100,000 pounds of groceries to Marietta food pantries since its inception in February 2022. This translates into over 83,000 meals for neighbors in need.
In 2024, PORCH Marietta’s network of participating neighborhoods held 398 food drives and delivered more than 54,000 pounds of food to serve over 44,000 individuals. They also helped start a new food pantry serving students at Marietta Middle School. In addition, PORCH Marietta used financial donations to provide over $4000 worth of fresh milk and eggs to the Center for Family Resources and a year’s worth of snacks for students at each of 12 different Cobb County and Marietta City Title 1 schools.
“In 2025, we are seeing a growing number of people facing food insecurity,” said Liz Platner, chapter leader of PORCH Marietta. “By picking up a few items next time you’re shopping and leaving them on your porch or by contributing financially, you can help us make a meaningful change in Marietta. This is the power of crowdsourcing – individual donations of all sizes create a big impact.”
PORCH Communities was started in 2011 in Chapel Hill, and there are now over 550 neighborhoods in 13 states serving their local communities. PORCH chapters have collectively distributed more than $15 million worth of food to neighbors in need. The PORCH Marietta chapter was founded in February 2022.
Contributing non-perishable food to 15 local food pantries on a monthly basis is the flagship program of PORCH Marietta. To date, PORCH Marietta has donated over 100,000 pounds of food to these pantries. They collect food via monthly neighborhood food drives, based on customized wish lists from the pantries. Neighbors put the requested groceries out on their porch and volunteers pick up and deliver them to the pantries. Currently there are over 50 Marietta neighborhoods participating. To add your neighborhood to the team, contact marietta@porchcommunities.org. For more information or to make a financial contribution, visit PORCH Marietta’s website.
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After hearing the pleas of citizens to opt out of a new state law capping property taxes, the Cobb Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to do just that.
By a 4-0 vote, commissioners voted against adopting HB 581, a law passed by the Georgia legislature in 2024 designed to limit property tax increases at the local level.
Georgia voters later approved a Constitutional amendment that tied property tax increases to the previous year’s inflation rate.
But citizens speaking during public comment and commissioners agreed at Tuesday’s meeting that the current homestead exemptions in Cobb are more beneficial.
Commissioner JoAnn Birrell of District 3 in East Cobb said that she received 215 messages in support of opting out of the law, and only two in favor of it.
“What we’ve had in place is better for the citizens and is beneficial for taxpayers,” she said to loud applause right before the vote.
Cobb’s decision follows similar action by the Cobb Board of Education, the Marietta City Council and Marietta Board of Education and city governments in Smyrna, Powder Springs, Acworth and Kennesaw.
Local governments have until March 1 under the new law to decide whether to opt out.
But speakers claimed Tuesday that HB 581 was altered by lobbyists to trigger automatic tax increases that elected bodies could do nothing about.
Some called HB 581 is “a shameless con” and others called it a “joke.”
Resident Ann Parsons called it “a politician’s dream. More money. No consequences.”
Chairwoman Lisa Cupid made the motion to pass the opt-out resolution, saying that “we feel the pain of our citizens who are here” and “we are fortunate to live in Cobb” because of the existing homestead exemptions.
In other action Tuesday, commissioners voted 4-0 to begin a process that would call for a referendum in 2026 to renew the Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), which collects a one-percent sales tax to fund county construction, maintenance, improvements and technology operations.
The current SPLOST ends at the end of 2027.
The resolution passed Tuesday did not indicate how long the next SPLOST collection period might be, nor did it provide an estimate for how much money would be raised.
Birrell asked deputy county manager Jimmy Gisi if it was “premature” to ask for those details.
He said it would be, because the county first must meet with officials from Cobb’s cities as well as county staff to begin developing a project list.
The maximum SPLOST collection period is six years.
The proposed timeline leading up to a 2026 referendum (click here) would include meetings with the other cities this year, followed by an Oct. 1 deadline for a draft project list to be submitted.
In early 2026, the county would conduct public input and town hall meetings, with commissioners to approve the final project list next April.
Commissioners also would have to vote separately to hold a referendum in November 2026.
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Nearly a year after a fire partially damaged a now-closed funeral home in Northeast Cobb, the Cobb Medical Examiner’s office has identified the cremated remains of at least 57 individuals at that building.
Cobb government said in a release Wednesday morning that Medical Examiner Christopher Gulledge has posted a list of those people whose remains were taken from the former Norman Medford Peden funeral home on Canton Road.
The funeral home had closed and the building had been scheduled for a foreclosure auction on April 23, 2024 when the fire broke out. Initial reports indicated there were no remains of any deceased.
But the county said that remains were recovered at the funeral home in November and turned over to the Cobb Medical Examiner’s Office.
“We hope to provide answers to any family with lingering questions about a loved one’s passing,” Gulledge said in the release. “Our office has worked tirelessly to identify these cremains using various methods, and we are committed to reuniting them with their families.”
His office said that if any cremains may belong to a loved one, survivors should contact the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office at 770-590-6596 or via email at gillian.fletcher@cobbcounty.org.
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
The Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) has partnered with the University System of Georgia (USG), the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), and private institutions to provide application fee waivers to Georgia high school seniors through the Find Your MATCH in March initiative. Over 60 Georgia colleges and universities have agreed to waive their application fees for high school seniors between March 1-31.
“We are working to let every Georgian know there is a path to a successful career for them right here in the Peach State, starting at one of our institutions of higher learning,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “That’s why allowing our prospective students and their families an opportunity to apply to college with no application fee this month is so important. It further opens the door to a rewarding career and lets young Georgians know they can find success right here in their home state.”
This is the 8th time the Georgia Student Finance Commission has promoted application fee waivers since the initiative started in 2022. There is no limit on the number of schools a student may apply to using the application fee waivers. While application fees may vary by institution, the cost savings to high school seniors applying to multiple colleges are significant.
“Over 137,000 Georgia high school seniors have an opportunity to apply to college free in March through the GEORGIA MATCH dashboard,” said Georgia Student Finance Commission President Lynne Riley. “The Find Your MATCH in March initiative encourages seniors to take advantage of college application fee waivers, direct admissions through GEORGIA MATCH, and over $1 billion in financial aid available annually through Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship and other grant and loan programs.”
Students who claim their spot at a college or university through the GEORGIA MATCH dashboard will automatically have their application fees waived. The full list of participating schools and information on how to access the application fee waivers may be found at GAfutures.org.
The mission of the Georgia Student Finance Commission is to help students pursue higher education with the least out-of-pocket costs possible. Students interested in learning more about application fee waivers, GEORGIA MATCH, scholarships, and grants may connect with their regional GSFC Outreach Representative by visiting GAfutures.org/Outreach.
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Truist Park spurred the development of The Battery, an example of a Planned Development category not currently included in the Cobb zoning code.
A consulting firm that is putting together a Unified Development Code proposal for Cobb County is suggesting the addition of a new mixed-use category to address “innovative” types of development that currently does not have a streamlined process under existing ordinances.
Geoff Green of Clarion Associates, a nationwide land-use and planning consulting firm, said during a Cobb Board of Commissioners work session Tuesday that the Planned Development category (PD) would make it easier to assemble such projects where they make sense.
He pointed to The Battery, the Atlanta Braves-financed restaurant, retail and entertainment center next to Truist Park, as an example of such a category.
The property also has hotels, office space and parking decks for a total in a 2.25 million-square-foot development.
Most of the land at The Battery and Truist Park is zoned regional retail commercial (RRC), which is a rarely used category in Cobb, reserved for high-intensity commercial use of at least 500,000 square feet.
Without specifying, Green said that other types of development would qualify under the Planned Development use, which would allow for modification of some standards, such as parking and landscaping.
Like any other zoning case, he said, PD cases would have to go before commissioners for approval.
Commissioner Keli Gambrill was troubled that she and her colleagues hadn’t seen the proposal before it was presented on Tuesday, saying “we haven’t been able t0 read and digest” a rather significant change.
Cobb Community Development Agency Jessica Guinn said Green’s summary is “a snapshot of what’s coming.”
Gambrill was especially concerned about a list of exceptions to the county code that would be included in the PD category, even down to details of how signs can look and how large they can be.
Guinn responded that those items are still “in progress.”
Gambrill said that “what I’m seeing is a lot of red flags” not just about the emerging PD standards but about the long-standing UDC process in general.
“We have a lot of animosity out there about this whole process and how it’s being handled.”
It’s been more than two years since the county hired Clarion Associates, at a cost of around $500,000. Gambrill and fellow Republican Commissioner JoAnn Birrell were against that measure, saying the work could have been done the Cobb Community Development Agency.
The UDC is working with the agency, whose goal, according to previous county statements, “is to produce a document that encourages and enables development and redevelopment in identified centers while preserving the unique character of the county’s rural areas.”
Cobb Community Development Agency Director Jessica Guinn
Community development officials said it’s needed because development regulations in Cobb date back to the 1970s.
Some critics have accused the county of launching ““a war on the suburbs,” but agency officials said it’s an increasingly common approach to pulling together all components of development projects.
Guinn tried to reassure Gambrill that her office will be posting more details of the proposals as they are completed, and there will be public feedback and community meetings along the way.
Clarion’s work is taking place over several phases, given the comprehensive scope of the project.
In his presentation Tuesday, Green said that in preparing for proposed new zoning districts, that one of the primary tasks is to preserve single-family neighborhoods that are popular with citizens and homeowners.
But other proposed changes to high-density residential zoning categories prompted questions by Birrell, of District 3 in East Cobb.
The existing residential midrise (RMR) and residential highrise (RHR) multi-family categories would be replaced by residential multifamily categories RM-24 and RM-60.
Guinn said the new categories would actually reduce the allowed density, from 33 units per acre to 24 and from 66 units per acre to 60, respectively.
“This process doesn’t change the zoning of any property in the county,” Guinn said. “They are just tools in the tool box.”
Green said the multifamily proposals will be finished next month and presented to commissioners before being made public.
The Cobb UDC website is gradually adding materials as they are completed.
She said there will be public meetings this spring on the first two installments of the UDC draft.
The third installment, which comprises the details of development standards, will follow that, with additional public meetings, before the county advertises the proposed UDC and commissioners are asked to adopt it.
“Ultimately, the document is adopted as a whole, as one big code amendment,” Guinn said. “We want to be sure that before we do that we’ve got something that the board will be comfortable adopting.”
Since the county zoning ordinance was first passed in the 1970s, she said, the UDC moving forward is likely to be in effect for a lengthy period as well.
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On Saturday, Feb. 22, Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta, the Cobb County High School Coalition, and future homeowner David hammered the first nails in the first home build of the season in Austell. This is the 28th Habitat home built by the Habitat club students from Campbell, Harrison, Hillgrove, Pope, and Walton High School.
David is a single father of two sons and grew up in Smyrna, GA. He remembers learning about Habitat for Humanity as a child and riding his bike in neighborhoods where Habitat was building new homes for families. Now living in Dallas, he works as a mail handler at the U.S. Postal Service, a role he has held for nearly four years. David loves the physical, team-oriented nature of his job and spends his free time outdoors with his two sons, exploring parks and playing sports.
For David, homeownership means creating a legacy of love, safety, and opportunity for his family. He’s a dedicated father eager to provide stability and a safe space for his boys and excited to partner with Habitat to build his home from the ground up. He is grateful to the sponsors, donors, and volunteers for making this dream possible.
“To see young people give up their Saturdays for nine weeks to build a house for a family in their community is an inspiration,” says Kyle Huhtanen, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta. “We are so thankful for the longevity of this coalition and the better life they are creating for this single dad and his children.”
This year’s Habitat Club sponsors include Crystal Kidd and Abbey Christie, Campbell; Anna Eck, Harrison; Crystal Frizie, and Heather Boyle, Hillgrove; Cindy Casanova, Pope; and Jennifer McKelvey and David Dewar, Walton.
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Two residents of a home in East Cobb that was heavily damaged in a fire Monday night are being treated for smoke-related injuries, according to Cobb Fire officials.
Lt. Stephen C. Bennett of Cobb Fire told East Cobb News in a release that the two individuals had apparently escaped after fire crews conducted a search of the home in the 1800 block of Greenfinch Court, in the Hedgerow subdivision off Mabry Road.
Bennett said crews arrived at the scene around 11 p.m. and “discovered a well developed fire with heavy fire involvement of rear side of the house, extending into the attic through the eaves.”
Their work began in the basement “and it was believed that two occupants were still inside the structure so another crew initiated an aggressive search to locate them,” Bennett said.
“While searching, a report across the radio informed the incident commander that the residents walked up to an ambulance. The two adult residents were transported by ambulance for smoke-related injuries.”
Bennett said fire crews continued extinguishing the fire via the front door.
He added that the homeowner said a space heater was in use at the time and it could be the cause, but that has not been determined and the fire remains under investigation.
Bennett said Cobb Fire does not share patient information.
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On February 20th, 2025 a special event was added to the regular meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K. It was a most happy day as representatives from 11 sponsored programs and sustaining charities each received a sizable check from the Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K.
Checks totaling $16,400 were distributed. “I wish we got check like this every Thursday,” one of the representatives was heard to say as she was handed a check.
The check presentation event has turned out to be an annual affair of the club. The proceeds presented by the Kiwanians were derived from the annual Youth Charity Golf Tournament, held last fall and the entire process is expected to be repeated next year!
As familiarization for the Kiwanis Club members, the organizations set up information tables and handed out literature so everyone could become familiar with what services are provided for the children & the communities.
Everyone anticipates at least two changes for next year and those are:
An increase in the amount of the checks awarded
An increase in the number of people participating
When those two “increases” are achieved a very successful event will become even more successful.
Photo information L to R: Chris Ferguson (Path to Shine), Rev Gary MacDonald (Murphy-Harpst), Tom Gonter (MUST Ministries), Nick Carberry (Next Step Ministries), Kylie Pearce (Goshen Valley), Brenda Rhodes (Simple Needs & KCMGK member), Angela Thornton (CCYA), Donnis Steele (Mountain Top), Autumn Sines (Family Promise), Scott Ginter & Marissa Turner (Empower Cherokee. Front Center: Rosie Teague, Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K Sponsored Programs Chair.
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From the blue waters of the Copacabana to the vivid colors of the Selarón Steps, The Center for Family Resources (CFR) is excited to announce its annual Gala, “A Night in Rio” on May 10th, 2025, at the exquisite Cobb Galleria Centre. This event, presented by Genuine Parts Company, is more than just an elegant evening out, it is the night community comes together to “step up” to prevent homelessness for children and families in Cobb County.
The 2025 gala is co-chaired by Croy Engineering’s Chief Operating Officer Eddie Wade and Vice President Sasha Ugi. Their combined expertise and dedication will provide attendees with a colorful Rio experience, while emphasizing The CFR’s essential services and its overarching goal to keep children housed one family at a time.
“We are honored to support and assist an organization that is making a difference in the lives of children and families in Cobb County,” said the co-chairs. “The work that The CFR does in the community is an invaluable asset to us all. From working with clients to find housing to helping food insecure families at The Family Cupboard choice pantry, The CFR is changing the trajectory of lives. We, as the Gala co-chairs, are committed to making “A Night in Rio” a resounding success and to furthering the organization’s mission of creating lasting positive change in the lives of families in our community.”
Those interested in becoming corporate sponsors are encouraged to reach out to MelanieKagan@thecfr.org. Tickets for tables and individual seats are now on sale at bit.ly/4j4bXlb. Supporters unable to attend the gala can still make an impact through donations of any size.
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
I promise, my message to you for this last week of February won’t go longer than that!
I just wanted to thank readers for their contributions as we surpassed January’s donations totals!
We’re nearing the $800 mark, but I’d like to ask those of you who haven’t contributed to consider doing so today!
I think we can get to $1,000 in donations during these last few days of the shortest month, so please give what you can today, on a recurring monthly or annual or one-time basis.
Your donation will go a long way to help us continue to give you the local news you love!
Thanks so much!
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Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
On Wednesday, the Cobb County Board of Tax Assessors appointed Christine Stinchcomb as the new Director and Chief Appraiser of the Tax Assessors Office.
