On Monday Cobb County will hold its official service to honor Martin Luther King Jr. on his national holiday.
King, who was assassinated in 1968, would have turned 90 years old on Jan. 15. The service on Monday takes place at 10 a.m. at Turner AME Church, 492 North Marietta Parkway (at Fairground Street).
The emcee is Fred Blankenship of WSB-TV. The service includes entertainment performances with messages that convey Dr. King’s dedication to freedom, justice and equality for all.
The event will also feature the annual presentation of the “Living the Dream” award by the Cobb branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
This honor is given to community members who demonstrate leadership and commitment to making our county more diverse and inclusive.
This annual celebration is free to the public and hosted by Cobb County Government and the Cobb NAACP.
All Cobb government offices and services, including libraries, will be closed on Monday. Cobb schools also will be closed on Monday.
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Earlier this week, they announced another school safety measure. It’s the SafeSchools Alert tip line, and it will launch on Tuesday, when classes resume following the Martin Luther King holiday.
Students, teachers, staff and parents can contact the school district online, via text or phone and e-mail about any matter that they think might affect safety.
This information can include, but is not limited to, bullying, harassment, drugs, vandalism and threats of violence, and reports can be made anonymously. However you get in touch, you’re asked to provide the “1760” code number, which has been designated for Cobb schools.
Here’s more from what CCSD issued earlier this week about the program:
Every tip submitted through the SafeSchools Alert will be immediately logged and routed to the appropriate administrator to investigate and take appropriate action.
The SafeSchools Alert tip line does not replace 911. For emergencies, please dial 911.
“We are seeking information that can allow the school to better address the school climate issues that cause students anxiety or fear and are not being addressed because people are afraid to share the information,” Cobb County School District Police Officer Phil Bradford said.
“We are trying to become more aware of what is going on. We are asking for information from all quarters of the school so we can become preventive, and we can be more proactive.”
Cobb schools said the SafeSchools tip line builds on the AlertPoint system that’s used when there’s a safety concern within school facilities.
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The Cobb Board of Education voted Thursday to accept a bid from Morgan Stanley to borrow $90 million in short-term loans to begin projects on the Cobb Ed-SPLOST Vconstruction list.
The one-cent sales tax extension collection period began on Jan. 1, but Cobb County School District officials said waiting for the revenues to roll in before beginning work on new schools, renovations and technology upgrades would end up costing more due to increasing interest rates.
The $90 million will be paid back by the end of the year, at an interest rate of 1.72 percent (around $1.54 million), according to Brad Johnson, the district’s chief financial officer.
At a school board work session Thursday afternoon, he said nine financial institutions bid for the loans. Johnson said that for the loans, Moody’s Investors Service gave Cobb schools its highest credit rating, which is unrelated to its overall AAA long-term rating.
Johnson said interest rates have been rising 4-5 percent a year, so being able to start on the first batch of projects at once will enable the district to lock in construction interest rates.
“This is a good deal for us,” he said.
Cobb schools borrowed a similar amount last year for similar purposes, in closing out many SPLOST IV projects.
The district is estimating it will collect around $797 million in sales tax revenues for SPLOST V over the next five years.
Among the primary projects on the SPLOST V list (here’s the full notebook) is rebuilding and relocating Eastvalley Elementary School to the former site of East Cobb Middle School on Holt Road.
Major additions and modifications are planned for Lassiter HS (theater renovation), Sprayberry HS (CTAE building renovation), Walton HS (new tennis courts and softball field) and Wheeler HS (Magnet School renovation).
Dickerson and Dodgen middle schools are slated for major classroom additions.
The first project on the new list was approved by the school board Thursday. The district is merging Harmony Leland and Clay elementary schools in Mableton and building a new school on Factory Shoals Road at a cost of $26.8 million.
SPLOST funds also are used for technology upgrades at every school, including for security measures, and for general maintenance of facilities and equipment.
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The following East Cobb restaurant scores from Dec. 31-Jan. 18 have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing to view details of the inspection:
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In his first State of the State address, Gov. Brian Kemp said Thursday he wants to give Georgia teachers a pay raise of $3,000 a year, launch a number of school safety measures and create a statewide task force to crack down on criminal gangs.
Speaking in the Georgia Capitol after being sworn in earlier this week, Kemp said the teacher pay increase will cost $480 million annually, but represents “a large down payment” on his campaign pledge of funding a $5,000 year raise.
In his remarks, he noted that 44 percent of teachers in the state leave the profession in their first five years.
Kemp’s proposed fiscal year 2020 budget of $27.5 billion would also include a two percent pay raise for all state employees that would cost $120 million.
School safety measures also highlight Kemp’s first budget, following a special legislative study committee that toured the state last year.
The former Georgia Secretary of State, Kemp, a Republican, defeated Democrat Stacey Abrams in a close election in November. While Abrams, the former state House Minority Leader, won Cobb County, Kemp prevailed in most East Cobb precincts.
Kemp is proposing $69 million in one-time funds for school security grants, with all Georgia K-12 schools receiving $30,000 each. Those priorities would determined by their local school boards, administrators, teachers, parents, and students.
Kemp also wants to provide $8.4 million in additional funding for the Apex program, which addresses mental health in Georgia high schools. Georgia has been at the bottom nationally in providing funding to help students with mental health care needs.
He would spend $500,000 to form a gang task force within the Georgia Bureau of Investigation that would work with local prosecutors and law enforcement agencies.
The proposal would be to use the Criminal Gang and Criminal Alien Database, to be funded with existing resources from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, to track and arrest criminal gang leaders, including drug kingpins.
Kemp also said he will pursue a state Medicaid waiver and is earmarking $1 million in the Department of Community Health’s budget to pursue possible options to the current program “that increases choices, improves quality, encourages innovation and grows access to affordable healthcare across the state.”
We will be adding reaction from Cobb officials when we get it.
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The Pope and Walton wrestling teams are in Macon, competing in the Georgia High School Association duals wrestling meet through Saturday.
The event got underway on Thursday morning, and it features 16 teams in each classification who qualified last weekend at regional meets.
Walton’s first-round opponent today in Class 7A is Camden County, while Pope will face Habersham Central in Class 6A. The only other Cobb County school competing is McEachern, also in Class 7A.
Duals is a team vs. team event, conducted in double-elimination fashion, and which began in Georgia in 2002.
Pope won the Class 5A state duals in 2013 and 2014, as well as the traditional state crown in Class 4A in 2011 and 2012.
Last weekend, the Greyhounds defeated Cambridge, another Class 6A powerhouse, by a 36-31 score for the 500th duals victory for coach Jim Haskins in the regional meet.
Walton is back in the state duals for the first time since 2007 after finishing second in its regional meet that was held at Walton.
However, the Raiders face a stiff challenge to start off.
Camden County has been dominant in recent years, as the two-time defending Class 7A duals and traditional state champion, and having won a state title in either discipline for the last four years.
The traditional regional and state wrestling meets will take place in February.
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Two women were arrested on Tuesday night on drug-related charges near Keheley Elementary School in Northeast Cobb.
According to Cobb Sheriff’s Office records, Brenda Craver, 63, and Latricia Patton, 40, were taken into custody at 4263 Keheley Road, located around the corner from the school on Keheley Drive.
Craver, of an Acworth address, is facing three felonies, including possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute and possession of a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of an elementary school. Her bond is $27,720, according to jail records.
Patton, of a Keheley Road address, is charged with possession of methamphetamine and several misdemeanor drug counts, and her bond is $6,820.
Both women are charged with a misdemeanor count of prowling, according to jail records, which indicate they are still in custody.
WSB-TV, which first reported the arrests, said neighbors notified the police after noticing an unfamiliar and suspicious truck at a nearby building.
East Cobb News does not publish photographs of crime suspects before their cases have gone through the legal system, and then only if they are convicted or plead guilty and are sentenced.
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Leaders of the Walton High School Marching Raider Band have announced the location of the 2019 garage sale donations site. Now through Friday, March 8, 2019, donations may be brought to 1290 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The 2019 garage sale will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Walton High School, 1590 Bill Murdock Rd, Marietta, GA 30062.
The annual garage sale is one of the largest fundraisers for the 150-member marching band. Proceeds support the marching band program and help provide a high-quality experience for East Cobb students attending George H. Walton Comprehensive High School.
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Boyce offered a “State of the County” address to the East Cobb Business Association members at their January luncheon Tuesday. (ECN photo: Wendy Parker)
In sharpening his fiscal year 2020 budget proposal he’ll take around the county starting this spring, Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce said Tuesday that he’s adamant he won’t be asking for a tax increase.
He also wants to give all county employees a pay raise, open all library branches on Sunday, begin drawing down the amount of money transferred from Cobb water system revenues and eliminate senior fees that were imposed during a contentious budget process in 2018.
And how to pay for all this without raising taxes?
“The county is on fire,” Boyce told East Cobb News Tuesday afternoon after addressing the East Cobb Business Association monthly luncheon at the Olde Towne Athletic Club.
That was a reference to a growing tax digest—2018 was a record year for that, at $36.7 billion—and what he said was the beginning of restoring some county services that had been cut back since the recession.
In order to do that, however, Boyce got an increase of 1.7 mills for the general fund, which pays for most county government expenses.
It was a grueling process, as he conducted a number of town hall meetings and got his $454 million general fund budget, but only by a 3-2 margin. His fellow East Cobb residents, commissioners Bob Ott and JoAnn Birrelll, voted against him.
But the additional funding closed what he said was a $30 million deficit and enabled the hiring of more police officers and road work crews, and the opening of regional libraries on Sunday.
His remarks were similar to those he made last week to the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Boyce doesn’t have a formal budget proposal yet, and some details—such as how big an employee pay raise may be—also haven’t been included.
But he said he’s confident growth in the tax digest in 2019 would enable the county to continue adding services without a millage hike.
“I made a promise last year that I wouldn’t do it [in 2020],” he said, adding that the county is still finding other budget savings.
He received applause for that sentiment, as well as expanding library hours, additional nature trail acquisitions and the purchase of greenspace (including part of the Tritt property next to East Cobb Park).
Boyce also outlined for the ECBA audience of around 100 members and guests a number of business developments, including development around SunTrust Park, which will open its third season as the Atlanta Braves home venue in April.
The stadium, partly financed by the county—and with an annual general fund cost of $8.6 million—has been the magnet for so much more than that. The Battery Atlanta mixed-use project developed by the Braves has become a year-round hub of commercial, retail, restaurant and entertainment activity that’s attracting more business growth.
“Forget the stadium, it’s The Battery that’s driving development,” Boyce said. “It’s sparked a halo effect in the Cumberland CID area and beyond.”
He also predicted that the county would begin recouping that $8.6 million budget investment “sooner than I thought,” but didn’t offer a prediction of when that might be.
Looking ahead to 2019, Boyce said transit and transportation issues will loom larger. The county conducted a transit survey that was released in December that indicated that nearly 60 percent of respondents would support a sales tax for new projects.
Before any transit options are decided, there will be town hall meetings and a likely referendum in 2021.
As for the next Cobb budget, Boyce said a total of 16 town halls coming in March and April—including two a day in some cases—will seek taxpayer feedback as was done last year.
“I just want you to enjoy your life,” Boyce said. “Cobb is in as good a place as it’s ever been.”
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CobbWorks staff is hosting a free workshop series this month, presented by employment expert Leeza Byers. The two-hour classes will provide participants with the tools and techniques needed to conduct effective job campaigns in today’s competitive market.
Creating a Rock Solid Career Marketing Kit 9-11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 18 Learn how to get noticed and have your resume read.
Creating a Web Presence and Maximizing LinkedIn 9-11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 25 Learn how to use the Internet to your advantage.
Mastering Interviews and Maintaining Focus 9-11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 1 Learn how to sell yourself and negotiate your salary. Develop a plan of action and stay connected.
All of the workshops will be held at the CobbWorks Workforce Development Center, 463 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 100, Marietta. Registration is required. To register, call 770-528-4300 or email information@cobbworks.org.
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Mike Collins of Wheeler, at left, and Jep Irwin of Lassiter were the deans of East Cobb football coaches. Photo: ECN file
Principal Peter Giles announced this afternoon that Mike Collins, the Wheeler football coach, has resigned to accept another position.
Giles released the letter at the bottom to the Wheeler community. He did not indicate where Collins is going.
Collins was 37-56 in his time with the Wildcats, and had two winning seasons. Wheeler made three trips to the state playoffs in his tenure, in 2012, 2015 and 2016.
In 2018, Wheeler started out with a promising 5-0 record. The Wildcats also returned to the state rankings for the first time in 27 years, but missed the state playoffs after losing four of their last five games to finish 6-4.
In their final two games, the Wildcats gave up 76 points to Westlake, then surrendered a 14-point lead to Pebblebrook in a win-or-go-home playoff setting in losing their season finale.
The Wildcats were flying high in the first half of the 2018 season. Photo: ECN file
Collins is the second East Cobb football coach to leave his position since the end of last season.
In December, Jep Irwin stepped down after nine seasons at Lassiter. The Trojans were 1-9 in his final year. His successor has not been named.
The other four East Cobb high schools have named new coaches in the last two years. Walton’s Daniel Brunner has taken the Raiders to the state playoffs in both of his seasons, as has Brett Sloan of Kell, a former Walton assistant.
Former Pope player Tab Griffin also has guided the Greyhounds to a playoff berth, while Sprayberry’s Brett Vavra continues rebuilding the Yellow Jackets at his alma mater.
Collins, who previously coached at Chamblee and Pebblebrook, was hired at Wheeler in late 2009 to succeed Tom Flugum, who is now the Pope High School principal. Wheeler’s football fortunes had long faded from its days when Corky Kell presided in the 1970s, and as the school became better known for its basketball success.
In his letter, Giles thanked Collins, saying he has “done a tremendous job in improving the facilities, building a supportive and well-organized booster club, and developing the football program.”
Giles said Wheeler athletics director Troy Jones is accepting applications for Collins’ replacement.
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They’re having a “reunion” dance there on Friday, and it’s open to anyone 55 and older, whether they’ve been a member of the club or not.
The attire is formal/dressy, and a live band will be playing from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
The cost is $10, and participants are asked to bring a sweat or savory treat for the buffet table.
East Cobb Senior Center is located at 3332 Sandy Plains Road. Here’s what else is going on there the rest of January, and for information, call 770-509-4900:
Cooking Class with Pampered Chef
CSS membership required
Wednesday, January 16
11:30 a.m.
Registration required
$8 supply fee payable to the instructor
History Corner: “Forgotten Ellis Island”
CSS membership required
Tuesday, January 22
1-2p.m.
This is the first film about the once abandoned immigrant hospital on Ellis Island. In the era before antibiotics, tens of thousands of immigrant patients were separated from family, detained in the hospital, and healed from illness before becoming citizens.
Dine-a-Round
No CSS membership required
Wednesday, January 23
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Stockyard Burgers & Bones 26 Mill St, Marietta
Separate checks for lunch; Registration required. Everyone meets at the restaurant.
Couponing Seminar
CSS membership required
Wednesday, January 30
1-2 p.m.
Free/Registration required
Couponing is great way to save money and even get a little cash back. It is a popular hobby and even a TV show. Join us and learn how to not only clip paper coupons but move into the digital age with your mobile device. You can now use coupons right from your phone.
AARP Smart Driver
No CSS membership requiredJanuary 24
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
$15 AARP members / $20 Non-members
Check with your insurance agent about a possible discount. Bring a lunch.
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With the longest government shutdown in U.S. history entering its fourth week, members of the U.S. Senate, including Georgia’s Johnny Isakson, have reintroduced legislation that would prohibit them in the future.
On Friday Isakson announced he has co-sponsored the End Government Shutdowns Act, which would permanently ban shutdowns. The bill, which was introduced on Thursday, is being sponsored by several Republican senators.
Isakson, an East Cobb Republican, has co-sponsored the bill each year since 2012. It has never passed. Isakson said in a statement:
“It is wrong to continue the constant threat of a government shutdown, and Americans should expect their government to function and budget responsibly. Too often, last-minute omnibus bills do little to address out-of-control spending, while shutdowns cut off essential federal government services and force Americans to bear the burden of Congress’ dysfunction. This is the one proposal in Washington that will work to end these irresponsible shutdowns that harm Georgians and Americans.”
The bill would would automatically continue funding for discretionary programs that haven’t had a budget approved by the Oct. 1 deadline for each fiscal year.
If spending bills haven’t been approved for 120 days after the Oct. 1 deadline, budgets for those programs would be reduced by one percent.
Funding would further reduced by one percent every 90 days thereafter until appropriations are approved by Congress.
The current shutdown came about when Congress did not include $5.7 billion demanded by President Donald Trump for the construction of a wall across the entire U.S. border with Mexico.
Both the House and the Senate approved stopgap spending measures before Christmas to keep the government open, but Trump indicated he wouldn’t sign.
This week the president spoke on national television to make his case for border funding.
Georgia’s junior senator, David Perdue, one of Trump’s most vocal supporters, defended the president this week, saying the border funding is about national security.
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Earlier this week new 6th District Congresswoman Lucy McBath announced she is co-sponsoring legislation expanding background checks for firearms sales.
U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath
The Marietta Democrat spoke from the House floor and at a press conference for H.R. 8, called the “Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019.” It would require background checks for every purchase of a gun, including those sold by private vendors.
She is one of 173 co-sponsors, most of them Democrats, who have made gun-control efforts one of their top priorities since taking control of the House in November elections.
McBath defeated Republican incumbent Karen Handel as part of that electoral surge.
The bill was introduced on Tuesday, the 8th anniversary of the shooting of former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. She was one of 13 people injured in a rampage that killed six others.
McBath’s 17-year-old son, a former student at Marietta High School, was killed at a Florida gas station in 2012 by a gunman upset at loud music coming from his car. She became nationally prominent in gun-control advocacy after that.
“Too often gun sales without background checks have allowed guns to end up in the hands of violent criminals,” McBath said at a Democratic press conference in Washington that included Giffords. “By closing these loopholes and expanding background checks, we will make our communities safer. . . Quite simply, background checks save lives.”
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The weather’s expected to be cold and rainy, but there’s plenty going on in warm cozy indoor settings in East Cobb to help beat the winter blues.
The Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road) will be hopping with events on Saturday, including the Spoken Arts Showcase from 2-4 p.m. in the Black Box Theater.
The Open Mic event is hosted by Master Peace, and features performances by Mr. B Rock, author of “Artistic Slave,” Camille Victoria and Justin Patton. Musical guest and book signings will following the show. This is a family friendly event.
From 11-1, the theater will screen “They Won’t Forget,” the latest in the Murderino Movie Series, and like all other films there you can bring your own food and drink. This film is rated R.
Both the Sewell Mill Library and The Art Place (3330 Sandy Plains Road) are venues for The Kaleidoscope Fine Arts Showcase, which begins Saturday and continues through Jan. 31 during regular opening hours. The show features art work by students from the Cobb County School District. A reception from 10-12 kicks everything off at both venues. From 12-1:30 p.m., Lassiter students will have performing arts displays at The Art Place.
The Friends of the East Cobb Senior Center its having its White Elephant Auctionfundraiser from 10-3:30 p.m. on Saturday at the center (3332 Sandy Plains Road). Admission is $5 and is cash only; a hot dog lunch will be provided.
Saturday night Mt. Bethel UMC (4385 Lower Roswell Road) will a session on human trafficking from 7-9:30. “You Can Help” features guest speaker Mary Frances Bowley, a local activist against trafficking. The event is part of a nationwide awareness campaign this month; and Bowley will be appearing on Jan. 24 at the Catholic Church of St. Ann.
The Venezuelan Lopez-Tabor Duo will perform on violin and piano Sunday at 4 p.m. at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church (571 Holt Road). It’s the latest in the St. Catherine’s Concert Series.
Did we miss anything? Do you have a calendar item you’d like to share with the community? Send it to us, and we’ll spread the word! E-mail: calendar@eastcobbnews.com, and you can include a photo or flyer if you like.
Whatever you’re doing this weekend, make it a great one! Enjoy!
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Gov. Nathan Deal today announced that BioIQ, a health IT company, will create 500 jobs and invest more than $5 million in Cobb County through the location of its new headquarters. New jobs will include positions in technology, sales and operations.
“BioIQ has significant reach across the nation and has proven itself to be a leader in health care innovation,” said Deal. “By locating its headquarters in Cobb County, BioIQ will join Georgia’s thriving technology innovation sector and enjoy the benefits of our deep talent pool. I am confident BioIQ will find quick and lasting success with the help of Georgia’s low-tax, top-ranked business climate. We are proud to welcome BioIQ to the No. 1 state for business and we look forward to the growth of this partnership in the years to come.”
BioIQ simplifies health testing and immunization programs for health plans, employers and government organizations, and empowers people to take action to improve their health. BioIQ’s platform provides a single-source solution to drive health plan quality, cost savings and value-based care initiatives. The platform configures and connects national laboratories, diagnostics companies, digital health solutions and other stakeholders through underlying engagement, analytics and interoperability technology.
“We selected Atlanta as BioIQ’s headquarters because of the city’s exceptional talent pool, forward-thinking business community, and convenient access to our growing client base,” said BioIQ CEO Justin Bellante. “Our Cobb County headquarters is a reflection of BioIQ’s investment in its employees and commitment to bringing together talent, technology and innovation to achieve our mission of positively impacting 100 million lives.”
BioIQ works with more than 35 leading health plans, including seven of the nation’s ten largest health plans. BioIQ enables individuals to conveniently access care at more than 16,000 locations, including leading retail pharmacies and lab testing centers across the county.
“Cobb County has proven to be a top site for corporate relocation and expansion,” said Sharon Mason, president and CEO of the Cobb Chamber. “We’re excited for BioIQ to expand their presence and relocate their global corporate headquarters in our community. BioIQ’s investment in our county represents a collaborative effort between our regional and statewide partners to establish a pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet the needs of today’s industry leaders.”
Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Project Manager Sunny Anderson represented the Global Commerce Division in partnership with the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Development Authority of Cobb County, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and Georgia EMC.
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They’re being affected by major development changes all around them, and wonder what will happen to their community in transition, as higher-density commercial and residential projects are being approved or are being earmarked that way for the future.
The linchpin of the evolving corridor, the forthcoming MarketPlace Terrell Mill mixed-use development, was among those properties up for consideration Tuesday by the Cobb Planning Commission.
The board voted 3-1 to recommend amending the Cobb future land use map for the 24-acre tract at Powers Ferry and Terrell Mill roads for the Regional Activity Center with a high-density residential node that county commissioners approved last year.
Changing the future land use plan is typically a formality after rezoning, but some citizens who spoke Tuesday weren’t sure what the amendments meant.
“My area has gone through a lot of change,” said resident Kim Strickland, who got emotional as she spoke. “I would like to know how you’re going to change my community again.”
That was a reference to how she says the area has changed since SunTrust Park opened nearby two years ago.
Apartments and a self-storage facility will be abutting the Salem Ridge condominiums in the back of MarketPlace Terrell Mill.
The MarketPlace Terrell Mill project includes a Kroger superstore on the former site of Brumby Elementary School, as well as shops, restaurants, a nearly 300-unit apartment complex and a self-storage facility.
“Another storage unit in my backyard,” Strickland said. “I’ve got more storage units than Waffle Houses right now. We need to keep low- and medium-density homes that we love.”
That’s a concern that’s been echoed by other residents in the Powers Ferry corridor.
But the area, which includes some single-family homes among a wide array of condominium and apartment complexes, is being eyed for higher-density development, especially of the residential variety.
Just down Powers Ferry, on land known as Restaurant Row, commissioners also last year voted to rezone that property for a mixed-use development, also with multi-family and senior housing, shops and restaurant space.
Planning Commission member Andy Smith, whose District 2 includes the Powers Ferry area, said that the amendment process is simply “looking at matching the future land use to what the zoning already is.”
“We’re not zoning any property here,” added Planning Commission chairwoman Judy Williams.
The 370 acres eyed for future Regional Activity Center zoning is in brown, with the MarketPlace Terrell property noted at ZD-12.
Another proposed amendment by District 2 Cobb Commissioner Bob Ott, would change the future land use of 370 acres in the Windy Hill-Terrell Mill-Powers Ferry area from Community Activity Center, High Density Residential and Park/Recreation/Conservation (PRC) to Regional Activity Center/retail service, Regional Activity Center/high density residential, and Regional Activity Center/open space and recreation.
Dan Davids, who said he has lived in the area in a single-family home “for an extended period,” understands that “change is inevitable. But we ask the question: Where do we fit in? We’d like to continue to live in the area.”
Another resident, Nick Johnson, wanted to know why RAC designation was being sought: “What are the plans?”
Smith explained that there’s not a development proposal now, but “there is a vision for that area that it’s going to be developed in a denser way. What it does is allow a more unified development” in the future.
The community also is being affected by the planned Windy Hill-Terrell Mill Connector. A number of apartment and condo units have already being condemned, and commissioners on Tuesday approved a measure to allow Cobb DOT to condemn four more if negotiations with property owners fall through.
A woman wondered if the amendments would prompt her to move, but Planning Commission member Galt Porter said “this doesn’t mean anybody is going to be kicked out of their house.”
Strickland later apologized for the confusion and acknowledged efforts to “better our area” and “not tear down our homes.”
The Planning Commission voted 3-1 to recommend approval of Ott’s proposed land use change, with Fred Beloin, the appointee of new commissioner Keli Gambrill, opposed.
Cobb commissioners will have the final say, voting on the land use plan amendment proposals next Tuesday.
The former Brumby Elementary School site is being cleared on Powers Ferry Road.
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Cobb Sheriff Neil Warren, a Republican like the president, wrote a letter that was released Tuesday afternoon, saying “I am, like most Americans, fed up with Congress’ refusal to do their jobs and fund the border wall.
“This is not about party affiliation. This is about threats to the residents of our communities. . . . For more than 20 years, we have been asking Congress to provide funding to stop the flow of illegal immigration and the carnage, trauma and suffering it brings to our neighborhoods.”
He referenced violent crimes committed by suspected illegal immigrants in other states, but nothing in Cobb County.
In an Oval Office speech, Trump reiterated his demands for $5.7 billion to construct the wall along the entire southern U.S. border with Mexico. He called the issue “a crisis for the soul,” and mentioned the grisly murder of a Georgia man who was beheaded and dismembered. His illegal immigrant neighbor has been charged with the killing.
The U.S. government has been partially shut down for nearly three weeks after Trump said he would not sign a spending bill without border wall funding. Congressional Democrats are opposed, saying it’s ineffective and doesn’t solve other immigration problems.
Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer offered a brief response to Trump’s speech, saying they’ll discuss border security only after the shutdown is ended. “We don’t govern by temper tantrum,” Schumer said.
After the speech, U.S. Sen. David Perdue, a Georgia Republican and one of Trump’s most vocal supporters in Congress, hailed the president’s remarks.
Trump, Perdue said, “is right: The only reason the government is still shut down is because Democrats refuse to fund border security. Enough is enough. Focus on the national interest, not political self-interest.”
The president “showed leadership by speaking directly to the American people. The situation at our southern border is a national security crisis. We need a solution now.”
According to the Georgia political publication Insider Advantage, Warren, who was first elected Cobb sheriff in 2004, is planning on running for a fifth term in 2020.
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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!
Once again the AARP is offering free tax preparation services for low and moderate income earners in Cobb County, including three library branches in East Cobb.
The sessions begin on Feb. 1 and end on April 15. Here are the specific dates and times at East Cobb library branches:
No appointments are necessary, and you don’t have to be an AARP member. Services are free and confidential, and electronic filing also is available. Returns are prepared by IRS-certified tax counselors.
Bring your 2017 tax returns and 2018 tax forms, a social security card and identification and a valid check for any direct deposit refunds.
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!
