Wendy Parker, Author at East Cobb News

Cobb 2021 elections advance voting continues through Friday

October 27, 2021 7:17 PMOctober 26, 2021 1:05 PM by Wendy Parker

Just a reminder that there’s one advance voting location in East Cobb for the 2021 elections—The Art Place, 3330 Sandy Plains Road—where you can cast your vote in Education SPLOST VI referendum.

The advance voting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and there isn’t going to be any voting until election day, Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Through Monday, Cobb Elections is reporting 6,018 people have voted in advance, including 1,169 at The Art Place.

If you elect to vote on Nov. 2, you’ll report to your usual election-day precinct, and Cobb Elections has sent along the following info for that, as well as for those dropping off absentee ballots:

For personalized precinct information, please visit My Voter Page.
For information on voting by mail, visit the Absentee Voting page or call (770) 528-2581.
Absentee ballots may be dropped off in person to a limited number of locations though Saturday, Oct. 30, as well as Monday, Nov. 1, and Tuesday, Nov. 2. Click here for details.

Those absentee ballot drop-off locations include the East Cobb Library (4880 Lower Roswell Road) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this week, including Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.

For questions and for more information, visit cobbcounty.org/elections email info@cobbelections.org, or call 770-528-2581.

We’ll have more later in the week setting up the culmination of the 2021 elections, which include municipal elections in Cobb’s six cities, as well as school board races for Marietta City Schools.

The Cobb Ed-SPLOST VI, as we’ve noted before (our summary story from May; full project notebook here), would generate $894 million from 2024-2029 for school construction, maintenance and technology in the Cobb and Marietta school districts.

In Cobb, the big-ticket items are a rebuild of Sprayberry High School’s main campus buildings, as well as classroom additions at Kincaid, Mt. Bethel, Murdock, Sope Creek and Tritt elementary schools in East Cobb.

Cobb voters haven’t rejected a school SPLOST since the first referendum in 1998, but Cobb superintendent Chris Ragsdale has been actively defending the sales tax and how the money has been distributed following criticism of school district finances.

‘Give Thanks For Those Who Served’ slated for East Cobb Park

October 26, 2021 12:32 PMOctober 26, 2021 10:31 AM by Wendy Parker

*The Tunnel Rats performing Vietnam-era pop tunes at the 2019 United Military Care Veterans Day event. (ECN file)*

Back in 2019 we attended a Veterans Day tribute sponsored by the East Cobb-based non-profit United Military Care, which served up hot dogs, hamburgers, mid-20th century musical favorites and support.

United Military Care works with local veterans who are struggling with a variety of issues, including housing and homelessness, hunger, mental and physical health issues, isolation and tangling with the bureaucratic red tape of veterans agencies.

Last year, the group had a virtual food pick-up for veterans due to COVID-19, but next weekend its fourth annual “Give Thanks For Those Who Served” will be expanded to include a full range of festivities at East Cobb Park.

The date is Saturday, Nov. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at what it’s calling the “Hug A Hero” Pavilion.

The special theme will be “Strength In Numbers,” with a special recognition include the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

Also being honored is Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady, Jr., a combat veterans.

Here’s more from United Military Care on what else is featured on the schedule:

Kelly’s Zeroes’ living military timeline featuring equipment and memorabilia from WWI through the Vietnam War will also be on display with representatives from the Atlanta History Center’s Veteran History Project. Live music featuring popular songs from the 1940s through the 70s from Rome, Georgia band, GI Jive, the Marietta-based group, The Tunnel Rats, and Air Force Veteran Pam Cushenan is singing the National Anthem. United Military Care will provide free lunch and fun for the entire family and a special kids area, “All American Jr.” that features an American History trivia with great prizes, including two bicycles.

November 6th is the perfect fall day to give thanks for real American Heroes. “Our objective for the day is twofold, first to kick off Veterans Month by giving thanks for the men and women who served in the military protecting us, and, second, to bring together the community, both old and young, to enjoy a great free day in the park,” said Kim Scofi, President of United Military Care, Inc.

Special thanks to our Pearl Harbor Sponsor, Datascan for their continued support. The event will feature nonprofits, businesses, and social clubs that cater to Veterans around the Marietta area.

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!

Bodybar Pilates East Cobb to hold grand opening events

October 29, 2021 12:23 PMOctober 25, 2021 1:04 PM by Wendy Parker

Bodybar Pilates will be opening in East Cobb (3460 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 120) on November 8. Bodybar Pilates East Cobb opening

It’s in the new Sandy Plains Marketplace shopping center, and is the second Bodybar location in Georgia.

Grand opening events will take place starting Nov. 1 and include the following:

Founding Member Classes – Nov. 1 and Nov. 2
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Nov. 2 at 11 a.m.
BODYBAR 101 – Nov. 3 – Nov. 6
Open Bar Event – Nov. 6

Studio owner Joe Stockman’s local business background includes sales and business consulting, and he’s been involved with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Cobb, the North Cobb Rotary Club, the Kennesaw Business Association and the Northwest Cobb Family YMCA Advisory Board.

He says he had never been exposed to Pilates before, “but once I started to learn more about the brand, its values and the approach it takes to business management, I was sold. As a Cobb County local, I know that there isn’t another fitness concept like it, and I’m so looking forward to creating a community of people who love and support each other in East Cobb.”

The Bodybar Pilates classes run 40-50 minutes, providing a full-body workout that, according to concept literature, “is high-intensity, low-impact and perfect for increasing flexibility, muscle strength, posture and boosting overall health.”

For more information about Bodybar Pilates location in East Cobb please visit https://bodybarpilates.com/studios/eastcobb/?presell=1

Basketball legend Dr. J to speak at Salvation Army Marietta event

October 25, 2021 12:44 PMOctober 25, 2021 9:32 AM by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photo: Julius Erving, Salvation Army Marietta Corps

Former professional basketball player Julius Erving is scheduled to be the featured speaker at The Salvation Army Marietta Corps’ Red Kettle kick-off on Nov. 6 at Marietta Corps beginning at 11 a.m.

Internationally recognized as “Dr. J,” Erving was a dominant basketball player of his era having scored more than 30K points in his 16-year professional career with the American Basketball Association and National Basketball Association.

“Money raised through these kettles in Cobb County provides much needed funding for The Salvation Army’s programs and services in our area,” said Jose Valentin, co-commander of the Marietta Corps that serves Cobb and Douglas counties.

The Red Kettle kick-off, which will be held at 202 Waterman St. in Marietta, is free and open to the public. Following the one-hour event, tours of the facility are available.

Following the kick-off, the red kettles will be available in front of Cobb businesses from Nov. 8 through Dec. 24. Donations will also be accepted online at salvationarmyatlanta.org/Marietta.

In addition, checks can be mailed to The Salvation Army Marietta, 202 Waterman St., Marietta, GA, 30060.

For more information, please contact David Nutt, event co-chair, at nutt_d@bellsouth.net or 678-409-5229.

Cobb schools report fewer than 100 active COVID-19 cases

October 23, 2021 1:23 PM by Wendy Parker

Mountain View Elementary School

For the first time in the 2021-22 school year, fewer than 100 active COVID-19 cases are being reported in the Cobb County School District.

The district’s weekly case notification report shows 86 cases currently, but 13 of them are at Mountain View Elementary School in East Cobb.

That’s the only school in the 112-campus district that’s in double figures this week, as cases continue a steady drop since the start of the school year.

Last week, that figure was at 136, under 200 for the first time since the first week of classes in early August.

But a surge in COVID-19 cases across the South ramped up those figures dramatically later into late August, surpassing 1,000 active cases at one point and prompting the entire 5th grade at East Side Elementary School in East Cobb to learn remotely for nearly two weeks.

This week, most schools are reporting no cases at all, including the following in East Cobb:

Elementary schools: Addison, Bells Ferry, Brumby, Davis, East Side, Eastvalley, Garrison Mill, Keheley, Mt. Bethel, Nicholson, Powers Ferry, Rocky Mount, Sedalia Park, Timber Ridge.
Middle schools: Daniell, Dodgen, Hightower Trail, McCleskey.
High schools: Lassiter, Sprayberry, Walton, Wheeler.

Cobb and Douglas Public Health figures from Friday indicated that the 14-day average of cases per 100,000 people in Cobb is 182, above the “high” threshold of 100. That’s a figure that also has been dropping in recent weeks.

The Georgia Department of Public Health keeps a 7-day moving average of COVID-19 figures, and for Cobb County that number is dropping toward that threshold, at 118 cases per 100,000 according to date of onset.

Cobb jail inmates to be provided 24/7 mental health services

October 23, 2021 1:07 PMOctober 23, 2021 9:02 AM by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

Under the leadership of Sheriff Craig Owens, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office will become the first sheriff’s office in the state to provide its detainees around-the-clock access to behavioral and mental health services.

Beginning Nov. 15, the Adult Detention Center will have a full-time psychiatrist on staff and be able to quickly assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mental health issues. The staff will also include psych registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.

“Many of the men and women in our custody would likely never have entered the criminal justice system if someone ensured they had access to quality mental health services at various stages of their lives,” said Sheriff Craig Owens. “From intake to discharge, we are committed to getting our detainees the help they need so they never have to walk back through our doors again.”

The new mental health program will utilize the American Psychiatric Association’s assessment and treatment plan formulation, leading to patient-specific support. The Sheriff’s Office and the healthcare team will place emphasis on suicide prevention and substance abuse support.

“Wellpath supports the Sheriff’s vision to treat our patients with the dignity and compassion they deserve by enhancing the mental health services being provided, said Zela Guirola, Group Vice President of Partnership Development. “We are committed to providing 24/7 mental health coverage, enhanced staffing, intensive programming, and discharge planning focused on finding resources to support inmates upon discharge back into the community. These soft handoffs to community resources will support the continuation of care resulting in better served communities.”

The Sheriff’s Office will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony when the program launches to celebrate the launch of this momentous shift in prioritizing detainee care.

Walton HS parent announces campaign for Cobb school board

October 22, 2021 2:28 PM by Wendy Parker

The mother of four children in the Walton High School cluster who pushed for the Cobb County School District to drop its mask mandate during the 2020-21 school year has declared her intent to run for the Cobb Board of Education.

Cobb Board of Education Post 6 — CCSD map

Amy Henry, who moved with her family to East Cobb from DeKalb County in 2019, filed her declaration with the Cobb Board of Elections and Registration on Tuesday.

It says she is running as a Republican in Post 6, which includes most of the Walton and Wheeler clusters and part of the Campbell cluster.

That seat is currently held by first-term Democrat Charisse Davis, who has not announced whether she’s seeking re-election.

Henry was the leader of a group called “Let Parents Choose” (since renamed CCSD Parent Alliance) that pushed for in-person learning at the start of the 2020-21 school year.

That school year began with all-virtual learning after Superintendent Chris Ragsdale initially announced in-person classes, but switched due to high COVID-19 metrics.

Henry also spoke at school board meetings as a mask mandate continued in Cobb schools through the school year, urging the district go make masks optional.

“They need to have a normal childhood,” Henry told the school board in March. “We’re teaching them that they’re dirty. We’re creating a fearful environment that for these kids cannot be normal.”

That was right before other Cobb school parents filed a lawsuit trying to overturn the mask mandate (Henry wasn’t one of them). The suit was dropped when Ragsdale said in May that masks would be optional for 2021-22.

When contacted by East Cobb News, Henry declined to comment on why she’s running and to state her priorities, saying she wanted to wait until she makes a formal announcement at the Cobb Republican Party breakfast on Nov. 6.

She’s also involved in the revived East Cobb Cityhood effort, and has listed as her campaign chair Cindy Cooperman, who handles publicity for the current Cityhood committee.

Post 6 has traditionally been in Republican hands. In 2018, Davis, who lives in the Campbell cluster, edged two-term GOP board member Scott Sweeney, who is now the chairman of the state board of education (and also is part of the Cityhood group).

That seat is one of three up for grabs in 2022 elections, with the lines for those three posts expected to change.

Members of the Cobb legislative delegation will redraw Cobb Board of Education post boundaries after the first of the year, following Congressional and legislative reapportionment.

In Post 4 (Sprayberry and Kell clusters), three-term Republican incumbent David Chastain has said he is seeking re-election but hasn’t formally announced; the only announced Democrat is Kennesaw State University student Austin Heller (previous ECN story here).

Democrat Jaha Howard, a first-term board member from Post 2 (Campbell and Osborne clusters), recently announced his intent to run for state school superintendent.

Republicans hold a 4-3 majority on the school board. In 2020, three of the current GOP members won re-election to maintain that edge.

Davis and Howard have challenged their GOP colleagues on racial and equity initiatives and have questioned the Cobb school district’s COVID-19 protocols, often leading to contentious disputes at board meetings.

In 2019, the Republican majority passed a policy change to bar board members from making comments during public meetings, with Davis and Howard objecting, calling it censorship.

In late 2020, after the elections, the GOP members approved a policy change that allowed board members to add agenda items to public meetings only if a board majority approved.

At the October board meeting, and in a party-line vote, the Republicans approved a resolution condemning Antisemitism and racism that the Democrats said took them by surprise. Davis was absent from the meeting.

The Avenue East Cobb to hold ‘Boo Bash,’ UGA football watch party

October 22, 2021 2:49 PMOctober 22, 2021 9:42 AM by Wendy Parker

Submitted information: Avenue East Cobb Boo Bash

Ghouls, goblins and football enthusiasts unite. A fang-tastic fall experience is brewing at Avenue East Cobb as the lifestyle center prepares to host its first-ever Boo Bash and Game Day viewing party on Saturday, October 30. The Halloween-themed community celebration, happening from 1 to 6:30 p.m. in partnership with East Cobb Church, will include spooky-fun festivities for boos of all ages.

Starting at 1 p.m., Avenue East Cobb will be activated with a monstrous trick-or-treating family adventure. Upon arrival, guests should check-in at the pop-up Concierge in the Central Boulevard to grab a stroll map highlighting treat stops. After gathering all the goodies, Boo Bash attendees are encouraged to meet back in the Central Boulevard at 2 p.m. for East Cobb Church’s Mega Awesome Costume Contest featuring silly challenges, music and dancing. The winner of the costume contest will receive an Avenue East Cobb Experience Basket of items from onsite retailers and restaurants. While exploring the center, revelers can indulge in complimentary face painting, balloon art and photo-worthy roaming entertainment.

A doggy costume contest will also be hosted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by Gussied Up Pet Boutique, a new pop-up retailer opening at Avenue East Cobb on October 21. Created by Beth Simpson at the height of the pandemic, Gussied Up Pet Boutique offers a large collection of pet clothing and accessories; toys and bedding; and a wide range of gifts for animal lovers.

Inspired by her dog Gus and the massive increase in pet adoptions, Simpson launched her first short-term store at Avalon during its inaugural Holiday Market in 2020, an idea initially sparked by Simpson’s interest in opening at the Alpharetta mixed-use destination. The success of the shop’s debut led Simpson to extend her lease, participate in Avalon’s 2021 Spring Market and prospect other locations with North American Properties (NAP).

“NAP is unrivaled in creating community-driven environments where retailers and restaurants can thrive and forge authentic relationships with shoppers. After having such a positive experience with the team at Avalon, I knew this was a partnership I wanted to expand on,” said Simpson. “Pets are such an important part of our lives and I love building inviting spaces where owners feel welcomed to bring their furry friends in-store and treat them with exceptional products. We can’t wait to meet our neighbors in East Cobb and invite everyone to join us on October 24 for the grand opening celebration.”

The doggy costume contest will be held at Gussied Up Pet Boutique, located next to Bravura and Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. One winner will be announced at 3 p.m. during the Mega Awesome Costume Contest and receive a special Gussied Up Pet Boutique dog basket. Regular shopping hours for the store will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Learn more about Gussied Up Pet Boutique online.

Following the Boo Bash, football fans are invited to show their team spirit as the Central Boulevard transforms into the ultimate outdoor tailgate zone ahead of the Georgia versus Florida rivalry showdown. The football viewing party kicks off at 3 p.m. and the game will be broadcasted on a giant LED screen.

All Boo Bash and Game Day activities will be located in the Central Boulevard between Kale Me Crazy and Banana Republic. Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar will also provide drinks for purchase at its pop-up bar in the Central Boulevard all afternoon long. Guests are encouraged to grab to-go food from Avenue East Cobb restaurants to dine on during the game.

Cobb County School District’s 2021 graduation rates released

October 21, 2021 12:36 PM by Wendy Parker

Pope High School, Cobb SAT scores

The Cobb County School District announced Thursday its graduation rates for the Class of 2021, and three high schools in East Cobb are near the top of the list.

Pope High School had a 97.2 percent graduation rate, second only to Harrison High School, which led the district at 97.7 percent (full table below).

Lassiter and Walton tied for third at 96.1 percent; they were among the six schools in the 16-high school district at or above 96 percent, according to a release.

Also in East Cobb, Kell’s graduation rate was 88.9 percent, Wheeler’s was 87.1 percent and Sprayberry’s was 86.3.

The Cobb school district average was 87.2 percent, ahead of the statewide average of 83.7 percent.

All of those figures are calculated by the U.S. Department of Education, which covers a four-year period, including students who are enrolled for a minimum of one day over that time.

Here’s how the Cobb school district is explaining what it calls a more accurate reflection of graduation rates, and as shown in the table below:

“The federally mandated method for calculating the 4-year graduation rate includes all students expected to graduate in 2021, including those enrolled for a single day. When examining the graduation rate for students enrolled for a minimum of two years in Cobb Schools, the graduation rate for the district is 92.3%. The graduation rate climbs to 94.6% for students enrolled for three years in Cobb. Cobb’s 16 traditional high schools all have graduation rates above 91% for students who attended all four years.”

Cobb schools 2021 graduation rates

East Cobb food scores: Johnny’s Pizza; Duck Donuts; Rise Coffee; more

October 23, 2021 1:01 PMOctober 21, 2021 9:20 AM by Wendy Parker

Johnny's Pizza, East Cobb restaurants Coronavirus

The following East Cobb food scores for the week of Oct. 18 have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing for inspection details:

Duck Donuts
1281 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 116
October 20, 2021 Score: 100, Grade: A

Johnny’s New York Style Pizza
4880 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 155
October 19, 2021 Score: 90, Grade: A

Karachi Broast & Grill
1475 Terrell Mill Road, Suite 110
October 19, 2021 Score: 95, Grade: A

Mirko Pasta
1281 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 120
October 20, 2021 Score: 87, Grade: B

Parc at Piedmont
999 Hood Road
October 19, 2021 Score: 81, Grade: B

Rise Coffee & Tea
4651 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 108
October 18, 2021 Score: 100, Grade: A

Tritt Elementary School
4435 Post Oak Tritt Road
October 19, 2021 Score: 100, Grade: A

Xtraction
2932 Canton Road, Suite 190
October 21, 2021 Score: 100, Grade: A

Ebenezer Road subdivision approved by Cobb commissioners

October 20, 2021 2:53 PM by Wendy Parker

Ebenezer Road subdivision approved

The Cobb Board of Commissioners approved a 92-home subdivision on Ebenezer Road Tuesday after several days.

Some changes were made by the developer, Pulte Homes, after being held last month. Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve that number of homes, with additional provisions.

Pulte maintained its request for 92 homes on nearly 50 acres, but added a viewshed protection plan to address concerns from nearby residents of major stormwater runoff.

The revised site plan is here; and here is the stipulation letter from Rod Hosack of Taylor English Decisions, Pulte’s representative.

Hosack, a former Cobb County Manager and head of the Cobb community development agency, said the density of 1.96 units per acre was consistent with nearby subdivisions.

John Steutzer, a nearby resident, said while he and other neighbors are pleased with an R-15 rezoning request, 92 homes is “too dense for the area,” and suggested a limit of 85 homes.

He also said the lot sizes were not “buildable” enough and the proposed home sizes were too small, and urged that they be at least 3,000 square feet.

They also wanted more buffer, berm, landscaping, architectural, traffic and stormwater management changes.

While Pulte proposed a four-way stop at Ebenezer and Maybreeze, Steutzer said the traffic stemming from a 92-home subdivision was sufficient to require a roundabout, and said the neighbors want a signaled crosswalk for children using nearby schools.

He requested a delay or denial of the request. Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, whose District 3 includes the Ebenezer Road property, made a motion to approve the 92 homes with several stipulations, including a 35 percent maximum of impervious surfaces on all lots.

She also included the 3,000-square foot minimum for home sizes in her motion.

Ebenezer Road subdivision approved — *Cobb commissioner JoAnn Birrell*

Veronica Lilly, who lives on nearby Catalina Court and spoke to commissioners last month with stormwater concerns, got emotional in asking for a delay on development so the county can upgrade its stormwater services.

She referenced recent flooding that prompted a virtual town hall last week by Cobb commissioner Jerica Richardson, and a declaration of a disaster by the U.S. Small Business Association resulting in a loan program.

“An SBA loan is not a fix,” Lilly said. The Pulte Homes project has two lakes and a creek, she said, “that affect many people downstream. Could this be the reason why I have a sinkhole on my property? Maybe.”

Birrell asked county stormwater officials to work with the developer to resolve issues during plan review regarding a lake that currently is owned by private residents.

She also said that final landscaping and buffer determinations should come back for her approval.

“A lot of this will be done in plan review and will be looked at by all of us when it’s final,” Birrell said.

Special Needs Cobb golf tournament fundraiser nets $45K

October 20, 2021 1:47 PMOctober 20, 2021 11:46 AM by Wendy Parker

Special Needs Cobb fundraiser

Submitted information:

Special Needs Cobb, a local non-profit that provides respite, residential and resources for special needs people and their families, hosted its 23rd annual Golf Invitational fundraiser on Oct. 11, 2021, at Dogwood Golf Club in Austell, Ga. The organization raised nearly $45,000, a first-time record for them.

The golf invitational is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, and it was unfortunately cancelled last year for the first time in more than two decades due to COVID-19. The impact to the organization was multiplied as SNC closed Cobb’s only facilities-based weekend respite house during the pandemic, eliminating the fees that typically support much-needed operational expenses.

“The funds we raise at the annual Golf Invitational are used to maintain and operate our weekend respite program, which is dedicated to special needs children and adults, as well as our 23 adult group homes,” said Debbie Day, executive director. “Our service and reach in Cobb County is unique. Up to 40 percent of our residents are orphans or have no family connection, and the work we do ensures they have a safe, loving home right in the community.”

The “Play Your Way, Golf All Day” event ran from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. with food, prizes, a raffle and goody bags provided. Sponsors included Cobb EMC Foundation, Butler Creek Animal Hospital, Nadler Biernath: Special Needs and Elder Law, Alterman Commercial Real Estate, Robert McLean DDS, Blad & Associates, WatchtheDeer.com and more than 20 hole sponsors.

In addition to money raised for Resources, Respite and Residential services in Cobb County, the golf fundraiser attracted 100 new donors, 72 golfers and 105 attendees. Approximately $10,000 in prizes were awarded.

Special Needs Cobb fundraiser

Chattahoochee Nature Center to resume Halloween Hikes

October 20, 2021 1:40 PMOctober 20, 2021 8:35 AM by Wendy Parker

Chattahoochee Nature Center Halloween Hikes

Submitted information:

Back for its 36th year, for 4 nights only, Halloween Hikes at the Chattahoochee Nature Center provides the perfect non-scary family-friendly holiday event, October 22, 23, and 29, 30 starting at 6PM.

A unique Halloween adventure that will take your child on a well-lit hike through the forest to meet woodland creatures and hear about how they live. Halloween Hikes lets guests connect with nature and experience the mystery of a guided night hike.

Meet costumed characters including everyone’s favorites, the Box Turtle, Red-tailed Hawk, Barred Owl, and Kingfisher during a ~45-minute hike. Each character tells its audience about itself and its place in the Chattahoochee River watershed.

Along with the hikes, there is plenty of fun Halloween happenings during the nights. Wear your costume and join CNC for games, campfire, music, wildlife encounters, and family fun. Camp Kingfisher will have s’more set-ups available for purchase to support the Camp K scholarship fund.

“Halloween Hikes connects people of all ages to nature by experiencing a guided night hike and learning about the Chattahoochee River watershed,” said Tamara Kinmon, Events Director at CNC. “It is so much fun to meet families who have been coming to Halloween Hikes for multiple generations making it a fall tradition. They cannot wait to see their favorite character on the trail!”

CNC has added hike times and reduced the size of the timed group hike to 10 people. Additional center-wide policies and procedures have been implemented to offer the safest and best experience possible.

Advanced ticket sales online starting October 8. CNC members will be able to purchase tickets during the presale starting October 1. Purchasing tickets ahead of time will allow families to select the hike time that works best for them.

For more information on Halloween Hikes, visit https://www.chattnaturecenter.org/special-events/halloween-hikes/.

Please note: There is local construction in the area and the Chattahoochee Nature Center can only be accessed from the east near Azalea Drive. CNC is open during construction and we can’t wait to see visitors this fall. For more information, please visit https://www.chattnaturecenter.org/visit/.

Cobb commissioners approve East Cobb Church rezoning request

October 20, 2021 1:53 PMOctober 19, 2021 11:19 AM by Wendy Parker

East Cobb Church rezoning approved — *North Point Ministries attorney Kevin Moore points to the latest site plan at Tuesday’s Cobb Board of Commissioners hearing.*

By a 3-1 vote, the Cobb Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved the North Point Ministries rezoning request for a mixed-use development.

The vote comes 10 months after it was first considered, and after nearly two dozen site plans and other revisions were submitted.

The 33-acre assemblage at the southwest corner of Shallowford and Johnson Ferry roads will include the East Cobb Church, some retail space and 95 high-density residential units.

That figure was part of the latest site plan, filed last week by North Point, but which hadn’t been formally presented to the community.

Another major revision was to restore access from Johnson Ferry to the Waterfront and MarLanta subdivisions along a relocated Waterfront Drive, but without cut-through access from the new residential community.

Cobb commissioner Jerica Richardson, whose District 2 includes the Johnson Ferry-Shallowford area, made as part of her motion to approve the rezoning the creation of a three-member “JOSH” community advisory group that would be included in site plan review.

Two of those individuals, resident Ruth Michels of the MarLanta subdivision and former Cobb commissioner Thea Powell of Chimney Lakes, spoke in opposition to the rezoning.

“We’re at a loss for words,” Michels said, calling the further revised site plan “completely inappropriate.”

She said the last-minute changes show that “the applicant isn’t listening to and working with the community.”

Michels said she wondered whether the rezoning would have been considered at all had it not been made by a religious organization.

Questions over density, traffic and stormwater runoff have dogged the application from the beginning. A total of 95 people, in person and watching virtually, were counted as being opposed, with 54 in support.

The residential portion of the new site plan would include 44 townhomes and 51 single-family detached homes under the RA-5 category.

North Point will sell off the 20.6 acres for the residential development to Ashwood Atlanta. The property owners, Bill and Lynn Hanna of East Cobb, have wanted to sell off all the land at once, and not in segments.

Kevin Moore, the North Point attorney, said that “we do believe that this strikes the proper balance,” and noted that there were fewer townhomes than detached homes, when in earlier site plans that mix was the other way around.

The Waterfront Drive access would be limited to those living in nearby subdivisions, with cut-through mitigation elements to be determined in site plan review, according to Richardson’s motion.

That intersection currently includes a traffic light at Johnson Ferry and the entrance to the Shallowford Falls shopping center.

She also included a provision that exit access from the new development onto Johnson Ferry be right-turn only, meaning southbound.

In addition, the limit of impervious surfaces on the residential area would be capped at 40 percent, down from an estimated 45 percent proposed in a North Point stipulation letter submitted last week.

Richardson’s motion also limits density in the residential portion to five units an acre. She also said that revisions to the church plans (under the low-rise office category) and the retail portion (neighborhood activity center zoning) could be brought back to commissioners.

Voting against the rezoning was commissioner Keli Gambrill of North Cobb, who called the last minute changes “speculative” and objected to having to vote on a case that staff hadn’t had time to examine.

Gambrill wondered why residential revisions couldn’t also be brought back, since that’s been the most controversial portion of the rezoning case.

She noted that in September, North Point was proposing private roads in the residential community, which would have allowed for greater lot sizes, but wasn’t sure if that was the case now.

“What is the lot size we are looking at?” asked Gambrill, who said that “I’m very surprised at how this is being handled.”

Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid recused herself from the vote, due to a conflict of interest (a family member attends another North Point church).

After the vote, nearby resident Rachel Bruce said the commission’s decision to pass a site plan proposed at the hearing “sets a dangerous precedent for our area that will allow developers to do this over and over again.

“It is clear we need to vote in favor in the 2022 midterms [a] Cityhood vote to protect East Cobb’s interests and ensure we have a zoning board that listens to its taxpayers,” she said in a message e-mailed to East Cobb News.

East Cobb Church also posted a pre-recorded message from Pastor Jamey Dickens on its Facebook page, saying “WE DID IT!”

In his comments (you can watch them here), Dickens made several references to home. Since its inception in 2019, East Cobb Church has been holding services at Eastside Baptist Church.

“We’ve been dreaming of a home, not just to go but, but to launch from, into the community, on a mission to love, where we live,” he said, standing on the property where the 125,000-square foot church will be built.

Walton, Wheeler lead Cobb schools in 2021 ACT scores

October 19, 2021 10:24 AMOctober 19, 2021 9:34 AM by Wendy Parker

Walton High School

Students at Walton and Wheeler high schools in East Cobb had the highest composite scores in the ACT in the Cobb County School District for 2021.

The district sent out a release Tuesday morning saying that Walton students in the Class of 2021 had an ACT composite of 27.6 and Wheeler students were at 27.1.

The overall Cobb school district’s composite score was 24.3 across 16 high schools, higher than the Georgia average of 22.6 and the national average of 20.3.

The Cobb score is 1.1 percent higher than 2020. The district explained how the ACT works:

“The composite ACT score is based on curriculum-based tests in English, math, reading, and science. Cobb students scored 24.0 in English, 23.7 in math, 25.1 in reading, and 23.9 in science – all above the Georgia and national averages.”

The district statement said that Wheeler students had two-point gains in English, reading, math and science over 2020, and Sprayberry students scored 2.3 percent higher in science in 2021 from the previous year.

There were 15 students with perfect individual composite scores of 36 on the ACT. Four graduated from Wheeler, two from Lassiter and one each were from Pope and Sprayberry.

More from the district release; here are the ACT breakdowns at the six East Cobb high schools. The number in parenthesis next to the school name is the number of students at that school taking the test:

	Avg. Composite	Avg. English	Avg. Math	Avg. Reading	Avg. Science
Kell (79)	21.7	20.6	21.3	22.3	22.1
Lassiter (194))	25.5	25.2	25.2	26.3	24.8
Pope (180)	25.6	26.0	25.2	26.3	24.7
Sprayberry (52)	22.5	22.2	21.2	23.2	22.8
Walton (300)	27.6	28.1	27.0	28.0	27.0
Wheeler (107)	27.1	27.1	26.6	27.7	26.7

Cobb Republican Party opposes East Cobb Church rezoning

October 19, 2021 10:13 AMOctober 18, 2021 4:49 PM by Wendy Parker

Political parties at the local level don’t often get involved in what are typically non-partisan issues, especially zoning cases.

But the Cobb Republican Party has come out in opposition to the North Point Ministries/East Cobb Church rezoning case, which is being heard again by the Cobb Board of Commissioners on Tuesday.

In a statement issued over the weekend on its Facebook page, the Cobb GOP said while it wasn’t against the church, the “density and intensity of this over-reaching zoning is a deal breaker.”

(UPDATE: This post appears to have been deleted or is not available to the general public. Here’s an archived version.)

Like much of the opposition that has formed against the proposed mixed-use project at Johnson Ferry and Shallowford roads, that’s a reference to the residential portion of the assembled 33 acres.

North Point last week submitted yet another site plan, and is now asking for 44 townhomes and 51 single-family detached homes.

“They are using flood plain in the density calculation to make it appear there are only 5.37 homes per acre, knowing there is already down stream flooding,” says the Cobb GOP message, which urges its followers to contact the two Republican commissioners, JoAnn Birrell and Keli Gambrill, in particular and tell them to vote no.

At the September zoning hearing, Democratic commissioner Jerica Richardson of District 2 asked to hold the case when traffic, density and stormwater issues were renewed. “Jerica needs one of their votes for this to pass as Chairwoman Cupid has recused herself,” the Cobb Republican message states.

In recent weeks, the Cobb Democratic Party has been holding forums about municipal elections in Cobb County, which are non-partisan. They’ve invited candidates running in Acworth and Kennesaw and the party has been canvassing for unspecified candidates in Marietta, where voting for city council and school board races is continuing through the Nov. 2 elections.

From a Sept. 30 social media message that was also repeated last week:

“All politics is local and it doesn’t get more local than City Council elections. Let’s build those true blue grassroots by electing some local officials that represent our values. Blue from the bottom-up.”

Otherwise, both local major political parties have stuck to internecine and boilerplate partisan matters.

The Cobb GOP passed a resolution censuring Gov. Brian Kemp, prompting the resignation of former chairman Jason Shepherd from the county committee. The Cobb Young Republicans then denounced the censure.

Cobb Democrats have been sounding off on the GOP-led Cobb Board of Education, most recently blistering chairman Randy Scamihorn for an anti-Semitism resolution passed without input from the three Democrats on the school board.

How to Do Business With Cobb to hold virtual ‘Lunch-N-Learn’

October 18, 2021 3:55 PMOctober 18, 2021 12:50 PM by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

Cobb County Purchasing Department and Department of Public Safety – E911 Emergency Communications Center will be hosting a “How to Do Business with Cobb County Government” webinar.

This month’s free informational webinar info session will highlight E911 Emergency Communications Center.

Event number: 2303 438 4635
Event password: COBB

Audio conference information

+1-415-655-0003 U.S. Toll
Global call-in numbers

Join from a video system or application

23034384635@cobbcounty.webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.

Please note: this is a virtual event and not being held at a physical location.

Attend the Event via WebEx by clicking here.

Meeting ID: 2303 438 4635

Akers Mill Road ramp groundbreaking kicks off $44M project

October 18, 2021 9:54 AM by Wendy Parker

Akers Mill Road ramp groundbreaking

Submitted information and photos:

The Cumberland Community Improvement District and the Georgia Department of Transportation held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new access ramp to the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes.

The new ramp begins at Akers Mill Road and is the newest of 12 access points for the express lanes. This particular project will provide an exit for the southbound express lanes in the morning and as a northbound entrance ramp in the evening. It is expected to substantially improve regional mobility and will continue to provide travel time savings.

The Cumberland CID and its state, regional and county partners, including Georgia Department of Transportation, State Road & Tollway Authority, Atlanta Regional Commission and Cobb County each committed significant funding for the completion of the Akers Mill Ramp Phase II project, and the INFRA grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation completes the final funding needed for the project.

This Akers Mill Ramp represents a true public-private partnership. The leadership of Cobb County’s Congressional delegation to advance this project reflects their support for vital transportation projects that positively impact the residents of Cobb County and the greater Atlanta region.

For more information click here.

Akers Mill Road ramp groundbreaking — *Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp*

Freddy’s Steakburgers opens on Sandy Plains after ribbon-cutting

October 18, 2021 7:01 AM by Wendy Parker

Freddy's opens Sandy Plains Road

Occupying a former Burger King on Sandy Plains Road is Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, which had a ribbon-cutting and official opening on Friday.

It’s located at 2716 Sandy Plains Road, on an outparcel in front of the Sprayberry Crossing Shopping Center. The restaurant is 2,614 square feet, seating 72 guests and has additional seating on the patio.

Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For more information, click here.

Cobb superintendent defends Ed-SPLOST funding distribution

October 16, 2021 6:03 PMOctober 16, 2021 4:42 PM by Wendy Parker

Cobb Education SPLOST critics — *A Cobb school district graphic shows how SPLOST funds have been distributed by school board post.*

During a Cobb Board of Education meeting Thursday night, school superintendent Chris Ragsdale took issue with criticism of how Education SPLOST funds have been distributed across the county.

Early voting began Monday in a Cobb Education SPLOST VI referendum that would extend the one-percent sales tax for school construction, maintenance and technology from 2024-28.

That extension, if approved, would provide nearly $900 million for the Cobb County School District and Marietta City Schools.

The Education SPLOST (Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax) began in 1999 and has been extended by voters ever since. The current SPLOST V expires Dec. 31, 2023, and is expected to collect nearly $800 million.

At a SPLOST virtual town hall earlier this week held by the Mableton Improvement Coalition, there were complaints that some parts of Cobb County were being left behind in SPLOST funding.

“I truly do not understand how anyone in due conscience can propagate such a false narrative,” he said. “I need to present data to show a true and accurate picture of SPLOST. Some continue to push the idea that only certain schools or areas of Cobb get the majority of SPLOST funding.”

Ragsdale then showed a pie chart illustrating how SPLOST revenues from the first five sales tax collections have been distributed, according to school board post (above).

Although dollar figures were not provided, the chart showed that Post 2 (Smyrna/South Cobb), Post 1 (North/West Cobb), Post 6 (Part of East Cobb/Cumberland) and Post 3 (South Cobb/Mableton/Austell) have had the highest percentages.

The other two East Cobb-area posts, 4 and 5, and Post 7 (West Cobb/Powder Springs) had the lowest percentages, at around 10 percent each.

“Cobb has always provided SPLOST funds to the areas of greatest need,” Ragsdale said, reading from prepared remarks. “Those areas change over time. . . . When those needs change, that’s where the funding will be provided as well.”

Ragsdale did not respond to citizens who spoke earlier in the meeting that they were opposing SPLOST because they think the Cobb school district isn’t doing a good job handling the money.

Among the critics is Heather Tolley-Bauer, an East Cobb resident and a co-founder of Watching the Funds, a citizen watchdog group that’s been tracking Cobb school district finances since late last year.

The group (we profiled WTF in July) has been critical of district spending on COVID-19 safety measures, as well as the AlertPoint emergency system that has malfunctioned.

Her message was “No Accountability, No SPLOST.”

“In the past I’ve voted yes, but as a parent and an advocate for fiscal responsibility in our schools this year I will vote no,” Tolley-Bauer said during a public comment session. “And I am not alone.

“Because of the actions of this board, we have no confidence in you. . . . Why have you neglected your fiduciary responsibility to us?”

Later Thursday, the school district posted the pie chart on its Facebook page but faced more criticism from voters who made similar complaints.

Some wanted to know more details of how the district has been spending federal money designated for COVID-19 recovery, and the district linked to a Georgia Department of Education page with related information.

That didn’t satisfy some citizens, including one who wrote “Clean house, CCSD leadership and I, along with a large number, will happily vote for this 2024 SPLOST.”

Those responses have concerned parents who are advocating for SPLOST VI, which includes a rebuild of the main campus building at Sprayberry High School (full list of projects here).

They’re having a community meeting on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the school (2525 Sandy Plains Road) to go over the proposed rebuild, as well as newly approved projects for a new Sprayberry gym and renovations to the school’s career training facility.

Shane Spink, a leader of the Sprayberry rebuild effort, has continued to counter current criticisms by saying that the “Ed-SPLOST is not about the curriculum or school board policies. The Ed-SPLOST is not partisan. The project list for Cobb County School District reaches across party lines of the school boards and each and every Cobb County School gets improvements through this.”

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