East Cobb Quilters’ Guild to present exhibit at Mable House Gallery

Local quilter Jan Cunningham, who has won numerous awards for her work, will have some of her pieces exhibited next month in a joint presentation of the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild and the Cobb Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department.East Cobb Quilters' Club exhibit

“Life’s Not All Black & White,” a collection of more than 30 of Cunningham’s quilts, will be shown at the Mable House Arts Center from March 2-30.

Her use of color and applique are demonstrated throughout the exhibit, according to a Quilters’ Club release, which states that “Jan is skilled at putting her own mark on traditional quilting patterns and techniques, a practice she encourages in her students, too.”

The Mable House Gallery (5239 Floyd Road SW, Mableton) is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and there will be a reception with Cunningham on Saturday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission to the exhibit and reception are free.

The East Cobb Quilter’s Club, which was formed in 1982, has more than 300 members whose aim is to promote the art of quilting.

The group organizes the Georgia Celebrates Quilt exhibit every two years and contributes quilts, placemats and pillowcases to non-profits. 

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East Cobb food scores: Ege; Camp’s; Infusion Crab; Vatica; more

Ege Sushi, East Cobb food scores

The following food scores for the week of Feb. 20 have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing for inspection details:

Camp’s Kitchen & Bar
255 Village Parkway, Suite 310
February 24, 2023 Score: 91, Grade: A

Ege Sushi & Japanese Cuisine
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2112
February 22, 2023 Score: 100, Grade: A

Goianao Restaurant and Catering
1475 Terrell Mill Road, Suite 103
February 21, 2023 Score: 96, Grade: A

Infusion Crab ATL
2044 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 300
February 20, 2023 Score: 97, Grade: A

Mr. Wok
1750 Bells Ferry Road, Suite B
February 20, 2023 Score: 100, Grade: A

Prickly Pear
2022 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 270
February 22, 2023 Score: 85, Grade B

The Phoenix at Johnson Ferry
9 Sherwood Lane
February 23, 2023 Score: 100, Grade: A

Taco Bell
2943 Canton Road
February 24, 2023 Score: 100, Grade: A

Vatica Indian Cuisine
1475 Terrell Mill Road, Suite 105
February 21, 2023 Score: 88, Grade: B

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Cobb commissioners deny Terrell Mill-Delk self-storage plans

East Cobb rezonings held; Terrell Mill self-storage facility
A rendering of a self-storage facility with a townhouse-designed exterior proposed for the Terrell Mill-Delk intersection.

Even after late support surfaced for a self-storage proposal—including from one of their former colleagues—Cobb commissioners on Tuesday rejected a request to build such a facility at the intersection of Terrell Mill and Delk roads.

By a 4-1 vote, commissioners denied a request by ADP Terrell Mill to rezone 2.55 acres of residentially zoned land at 1140 and 1150 Terrell Mill Road for a 120,000-square-foot self-storage facility and a small community meeting room.

The case was initially heard in December, but commissioners voted to hold it to February, even after the Cobb zoning staff and Cobb Planning Commission recommended denial.

The land, once owned by the late Ruby Inez Fridell, is currently zoned R-80, the lowest residential density in the Cobb code, and has two older long-abandoned homes.

A new townhome development is adjacent on Terrell Mill, and nearby residential zoning ranges from R-20 to RA-6. But the Cobb future land map has designated those tracts as very-low density residential.

The vote to deny came after District 2 commissioner Jerica Richardson initially made a motion to approve the proposal, but couldn’t get support from her colleagues.

Her predecessor, former commissioner Bob Ott, spoke in favor of the self-storage facility. He lives nearby at Terrell Mill Estates, only a hundred feet from the Fridell property, and said that self-storage would create less traffic than townhomes suggested by opponents.

The facility would be built by Shamrock Building Systems, a prominent self-storage builder in the Atlanta area, and would include exteriors that look like townhomes.

Ott said during his time in office, the land in question was proposed for much more intense development, including a gas station and townhomes, that would have had a more detrimental impact on the community.

“We know what has been considered for this intersection,” he said, noting that there have been more than 20 accidents there since early 2020.

Terrell Mill-Delk self-storage facility denied
Former Commissioner Bob Ott speaking on behalf of a self-storage zoning proposal.

“Folks who live a mile or more from this property—they’re not impacted like we are.”

Ott said he thinks the stigma of self-storage is what’s driving the opposition. Much of that came from residents in the Amberley Park neighborhood, located further down Terrell Mill next to East Cobb Middle School.

Resident Kevin Nicholas, who ran to succeed the now-retired Ott in 2020, repeated his concerns that the land should remain residential, since it’s a residential area.

“There’s a vast majority of people who don’t want another self-storage in the community,” Nicholas said.

Among them are one of his neighbors, Steve Rowe, a real estate developer, who said self-storage “won’t enhance the value of the surrounding community.” He said that “transitional townhomes would be the obvious choice.”

ADP Terrell Mill attorney Kevin Moore said there’s strong community support from the Terrell Mill Estates, Millridge and Cobblestone subdivisions that are closer than Amberley Park.

Richardson said the case was “a tough one,” and as she tried to make a motion, she admitted to the audience hers was “a real-time decision.”

After making a motion to approve with a new stipulation letter, however, three of her colleagues, including District 3’s JoAnn Birrell, said they wouldn’t vote for it.

Birrell’s district was reapportioned to include the Terrell Mill property but because of the county’s home rule challenge over redistricting, Richardson led the discussion of the case.

“It should remain residential,” Birrell said. “It’s hard to look at R-80 going commercial.”

Chairwoman Lisa Cupid acknowledged that the architectural design of the building is “beautiful,” but that “self-storage is a difficult use. It’s impossible to see the compatibility of this.”

The only vote in favor of the rezoning and companion land-use permit required for self-storage facilities was Keli Gambrill of North Cobb.

Commissioners later vote 5-0 to remove a single-use stipulation for a Walgreens pharmacy on Johnson Ferry Road at Waterfront Drive.

The 1.28 acres at 3033 Johnson Ferry Road was zoned for a pharmacy-only in 2000. But Kenneth Weinstein, an attorney Mid-Atlantic Commercial Properties, LLC, said the Walgreens will soon be closing and his client wants to have some flexibility in redeveloping the land.

The East Cobb Civic Association and the Johnson Ferry-Shallowford (JOSH) advisory group appointed by Richardson submitted lists of nearly 30 prohibited uses, including drive-through and a grocery store.

After a nearly hour-long discussion, Richardson also struggled to make a motion, and wanted to ask for a 60-day continuance.

Weinstein said his client would likely walk away with another delay.

She eventually proposed to approve the pharmacy-only stipulation and add the civic groups’ list of prohibited uses.

Richardson’s motion said removing the pharmacy-only use was contingent on a new proposal to come back before commssioners.

Commissioners also voted on the consent agenda Tuesday to approve rezoning for Lidl to build a grocery store at the intersection of Canton Road and Piedmont Road.

Birrell thanked Lidl, the Canton Road Neighbors civic group and others in the community to make changes following several continuances.

It’s Lidl’s third attempt to locate a store in the Northeast Cobb area, after being denied rezoning at Gordy Parkway and Shallowford Road and abandoning plans for the Sprayberry Crossing redevelopment.

“I’m really forward to this opening soon,” Birrell said.

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Walton announcer misses cut for Braves job: ‘It was a fun experience’

East Cobb resident Atlanta Braves PA announcer

Following up our recent story on Mark Aston, an East Cobb resident who auditioned for the Atlanta Braves’ public address job:

He wasn’t among the final three candidates whom the Braves announced at the end of last week, but tells East Cobb News “it was a fun experience. It was more than I expected.”

The Walton High School public address announcer was one of 12 who had a formal tryout to be the in-game voice at Truist Park, and said the last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind.

Everywhere he went—restaurants, shopping, etc.—people in the community were excited for him and wishing him well.

He was at Costco on Sunday, and a woman there told him she had seen a segment involving him on a local television newscast.

“I saw you on Channel 2. You’re famous now, aren’t you?”

For as familiar a figure as Aston is in the Walton sports community, he said he’s still taken aback by the attention.

“It was unreal to go through something for such a highly publicized position,” Aston said. “I appreciate the opportunity. The Braves now know my voice.”

While he waited to hear whether he’d be advancing, Aston looked at his packed schedule—voice-over work for Auburn University athletics and other clients as well as volunteering PA work for Walton sports teams and his regular job in medical sales.

He noticed that if he got the Braves job, with 81 home games to call, he’d have a conflict with just one Raiders football game.

“I thought the audition went fine,” he said. “But you don’t know what they’re looking for.”

For the time being, there’s plenty on the Walton sports docket to tend to. On Tuesday, he’ll be behind the mic as the Walton girls basketball team plays at home in the first round of the state tournament.

And the Walton lacrosse season starts soon, and his son Andrew is a member of the boys varsity team.

Even though he says he’s one of many parent volunteers who helps with Walton sports, Aston doesn’t take his Braves experience for granted.

He was thinking of other parents who’ve expressed their appreciation for what he does, and are especially grateful for such seemingly simple things as pronouncing their child’s name correctly.

“The people out there cheering for you—that makes you feel good,” he said.

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Police: Motorist killed in I-75 crash at Terrell Mill Road

Cobb Police said Monday a motorist was killed Saturday night in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 at Terrell Mill Road.Cobb Police, Holly Springs Road suspicious person, East Cobb crime forum

Sgt. Wayne Delk said in a release that the male victim, who has not been identified pending notification of next of kin, was the driver of a gray 2012 Nissan Maxima that was stopped in a southbound lane of I-75 at 6:18 p.m. Saturday.

The Nissan was struck by a silver 2008 Toyota Tacoma from behind, and both vehicles were pushed to the left shoulder, according to police.

Police said the driver of the Nissan was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and died of injuries. No information on the status of the other driver was provided by police in the release.

Cobb Police said an investigation into the crash is ongoing and that anyone with information should call 770-499-3987.

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East Cobb real estate sales, Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2023

Weddington, East Cobb real estate sales
Weddington

The following deeds for residential East Cobb real estate sales were filed Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2023 with the Cobb Superior Court Clerk’s Office Real Estate Department.

The addresses include ZIP Codes; subdivision names and high school districts are in parenthesis:

Jan. 30

4562 Fountain Drive, 30067 (The Fountain at Woodlawn, Walton): Lewis Brannon to Gazala Jafrani; $650,000

4123 Inola Trail, 30075 (Indian Creek, Lassiter): Michael Hayes to Michael Cline; $390,000

3297 Hutton Walk, 30066 (Hampton Ridge, Lassiter): Kirk Cherry to Guy Mills; $590,000

4651 Mossburg Court, 30066 (Hunters Valley, Lassiter): Opendoor Property Trust to Choctaw American Insurance Inc.; $360,000

3326 Rangers Gate Drive, 30062 (Cutters Gap, Pope): Advanta IRA Services LLC to Alexia Eady and Brian McElrath; $380,000

3448 Windridge Drive, 30062 (Blackwell, Sprayberry): Opendoor Property Trust to Leader Properties LLC; $298,000

2901 Marbrook Drive, 30066 (Channon, Sprayberry): Phillip Liem Truong and Chi Uyen Luu to Sierra Kirtz; $370,000

127 Ann Place, 30062 (Heartwood, Pope): Judith Miller to Phyllis Hudson; $415,000

3100 Garden Lane Drive, 30062 (Sewell Mill Heights, Walton): Andy and Suong Nguyen to Thach Nguyen and Thuy Truong; $400,000

2535 Sunny Lane, 30067 (Red Oak Park, Wheeler): Sarah Stafford to Kenneth Ball; $399,900

Jan. 31

4791 Fairville Court, 30062 (Chadds Walk, Pope): Ujam Group LLC to Sarah Hanzman; $775,000

3752 Rock Ivy Trail, 30075 (Old Ivy, Pope): Judith Schmerge, executor to Charley and Tammi Brown; $1.998 million

476 Gramercy Drive, 30068 (River Park at Hampton Farms, Walton): HJT Holdings Inc. to Ryan Jupiter; $2 million

34 Blackwillow Drive, 30066 (Country Meadows, Kell): Paul and Mary Lou Hobbs to Martin Dames and Tanya Seale; $380,000

4069 Middle Drive, 30066 (Greenland, Kell): Mauricio Rodriguez to Jeanne Workley; $455,000

2405 Sims Drive, 30066 (Lassiter): Natalie and Emily Maples to Sidnei and Amber Silva; $340,000

3619 Autumn Leaves Way, 30066 (Blackwell, Sprayberry): Zhabiz Golkar to Brent and Katrina Jensen; $400,000

1272 Worley Drive, 30066 (Shaw Woods, Sprayberry): Carol and Charles Case to Key Real Estate LLC; $252,000

Feb. 1

516 Park Ridge Circle, 30068 (Park Ridge Condos, Walton): Nicholas Discnenza to Robert Stutrud; $145,000

1007 Fairfield Trace, 30068 (Indian Hills, Walton): Thomas McGauvran to Courtney Crooks; $699,000

4021 Fawn Run, 30068 (Fawn Ridge Townhomes, Walton): Jenny Itkin to Amber Godfrey; $520,000

Feb. 2

4794 Woodspring Drive, 30066 (Tremont, Kell): Anthony Scarlata to Lizath Hernandez-Gonzalez and Alberto Mendoza; $377,500

4058 Keheley Glen Drive, 30066 (Keheley Bend, Sprayberry): Opendoor Property Trust to Thomas Bollard; $330,000

3680 Southpoint Court, 30062 (Spring Wood, Lassiter): Corey John to Kevin and Sarah Lewelling; $475,000

Feb. 3

5192 Ozark Lane, 30062 (Plantation Place, Walton): Clinton Brady III to Zuhha Ashraf; $825,000

1422 East Bank Drive, 30068 (Willow Point, Walton): Rybo Capital Holdings to Thomas Evans; $815,000

3395 Rivendell Court, 30075 (Chimney Lakes, Lassiter): Paul Guziel to Mitchell and Maryann Stoner; $588,000

2515 Waterstone Way, 30062 (Autumn Lake, Sprayberry): Zachary Paniccia to Christopher Sloat; $389,000

2650 Weddington Place, 30068 (Weddington, Wheeler): Carl Larsen to Justin Gardner and Jenna Drevins; $815,000

428 Indian Hills Trail, 30068 (Indian Hills, Walton): Elizabeth Sevison to Carlos Fontoura; $550,000

230 Smithstone Road, 30068 (Dogwood Park, Wheeler): M. Kyle Revocable Trust to Matthew Human; $335,000

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King’s Hawaiian case continued; Lidl on Cobb zoning agenda

King's Hawaiian plans NE Cobb
A rendering of the proposed King’s Hawaiian restaurant on Gordy Parkway.

A request to amend a site plan to allow for a King’s Hawaiian restaurant in Northeast Cobb is being delayed again.

Garvis Sams, an attorney for Stein Investment Group, wrote to Cobb zoning officials this week that his client needs more time to work with representatives of the Gordy Tract advisory committee for its recommendation.

He didn’t specify the issues, but the request is similar to a continuance granted in December.

The Cobb Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday for their first zoning hearing of 2023.

Included on the consent agenda are plans by Lidl to build a freestanding grocery store at Canton Road at Piedmont Road.

That proposal got a favorable recommendation earlier this month from the Cobb Planning Commission.

Stein Investment Group wants to build a fast casual King’s Hawaiian restaurant on a portion of the former GTC Cobb Park 12 Cinema site on Gordy Parkway at Shallowford Road (case file here).

Cobb commissioners voted in 2021 to approve Stein’s plans for a self-storage facility. Last fall, Stein officials proposed building a 3,200-square-foot restaurant with 29 parking spaces on an existing parking lot on the property.

Another case to be heard Tuesday is a proposal to build a self-storage facility at Delk and Terrell Mill Roads that has drawn community opposition.

Commissioners voted in December to continue a request by ADP Terrell Mill despite the applicant making numerous changes.

Several other East Cobb cases also have been delayed and will not be heard on Tuesday, including a proposal to build a two-story Starbucks at Paper Mill Village. That case has been continued to March.

The commission zoning hearing begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the second floor board room of the Cobb government building (100 Cherokee St., downtown Marietta), and a summary and consent agenda can be viewed by clicking here.

The full agenda can be found by clicking here, and individual case files can be accessed by clicking here.

You also can watch on the county’s website and YouTube channels and on Cobb TV 23 on Comcast Cable.

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East Cobb high schools earn AP honors from Ga. education dept.

East Cobb high schools AP honors
Kell High School was among the East Cobb schools earning AP honors in the humanities and STEM programs.

All six high schools in East Cobb have been named Advanced Placement Honor Schools by Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods.

They are among 273 high schools in 97 districts from across the state, and the honors are based on eight categories from the results of 2022 AP courses and exams, according to a Georgia Department of Education release.

“The number of AP Honor Schools increased by more than 14 percent, which serves as a testament to our commitment to expand opportunities for Georgia students, including in advanced and accelerated coursework,” Woods said in the release. “I sincerely congratulate each of this year’s AP Honor Schools on their achievement.

The Georgia DOE has listed below the categories and descriptions; we’ve included the East Cobb high school name in bold:

AP Access and Support Schools (Sprayberry)

Schools with at least 30 percent of AP exams taken by students who identified as African American and/or Hispanic and 30 percent of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher.

AP Challenge Schools

Schools with enrollments of 900 or fewer students and students testing in English, math, science, and social studies.

AP Expansion Schools

AP schools with 25 percent growth in AP student participation from May 2021 to May 2022 and a minimum of 25 students testing in May 2020.

AP Humanities Schools (Kell, Lassiter, Pope, Sprayberry, Walton, Wheeler)

Schools with a minimum of five students testing in each of the following AP categories: one ELA course, two history/social science courses, one fine arts course, and one world language course.

AP Humanities Achievement Schools (Kell, Lassiter, Pope, Sprayberry, Walton, Wheeler)

AP Humanities schools (see above definition) with at least 50 percent of all AP Humanities exams earning scores of 3 or higher.

AP Schools of Distinction (Lassiter, Pope, Sprayberry, Walton, Wheeler)

Schools with at least 20 percent of the total student population taking AP exams and at least 50 percent of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher.

AP STEM Schools (Kell, Lassiter, Pope, Sprayberry, Walton, Wheeler)

Schools with a minimum of five students testing in at least four AP STEM courses. (AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles)

AP STEM Achievement Schools (Kell, Lassiter, Pope, Sprayberry, Walton, Wheeler)

AP STEM schools (see above definition) with at least 50 percent of all AP STEM exams earning scores of 3 or higher.​

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Cobb school board extends superintendent’s contract to 2026

Cobb schools changing alert system provider

The Cobb Board of Education Thursday voted to extend the contract of Superintendent Chris Ragsdale for another three years, to 2026.

The board voted 4-2-1 after meeting in an executive session. The four Republicans voted in favor, while Democrats Tre’ Hutchins and Becky Sayler were opposed. Democrat Nichelle Davis abstained.

The split vote has reflected recent partisan differences on the board.

Until three years ago, extending the contract of Ragsdale, who has been in the job since 2015, has been unanimous.

Republican member Randy Scamihorn read from a list of recent accomplishments of the Cobb County School District, saying that under Ragsdale there has been “steady improvement and stability” across the district.

Those include student performance metrics, a variety of academic initiatives and continued support from voters for the Cobb Education SPLOST.

But Hutchins, who represents Post 3 in South Cobb, said while he thinks the district is “in the right place at the right time .  . . I would like it to translate across the county, especially in Post 3.”

Sayler, who was elected in November to Post 2 in Smyrna, said she was voting against because of a clause in Ragsdale’s contract that would allow him to leave his position with full pay if a special panel determines he’s been “harassed” or “embarrassed” by school board members.

That was part of a revised contract the Republicans on the board approved in late 2021, over the objections of the Democrats.

“I’m unclear what that means,” Sayler said, adding she wasn’t comfortable not knowing that as a board member “what I can do or say” about Ragsdale.

The terms of Ragsdale’s extension weren’t revealed Thursday. His base salary in 2022 had been $350,000, and his new deal will run to Feb. 10, 2026.

Also on Thursday, the school board voted 4-3 to approve a strategic plan for the district for 2023-28, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic.

That vote also was along partisan lines, with the dissenting Democrats saying that while they like the objectives, they didn’t think the plan had sufficient tools to monitor progress.

“My concerns continue to be a lack of clear, measurable outcomes,” said Davis, who is in her first term from Post 6 in Smyrna. “Is this our best? Are we doing everything we can?”

Scamihorn responded that “we do measure what we’re doing. We’re the best, and the data shows that.”

He wasn’t more specific, but said the board is regularly updated on literacy rates and other objectives that have been included in previous strategic plans.

A strategic plan, he said, is to “set the direction and show reports as we get there.”

The board also voted unanimously to approve construction contracts for classroom additions at Dickerson and Dodgen middle schools in East Cobb, and to purchase 59 replacement school buses with air conditioning.

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East Cobb Park volunteer group seeks new members, energy

East Cobb Park group seeks new members
A soccer kickabout on the front quad is a frequent activity at East Cobb Park.

East Cobb Park was formally dedicated in June 2003 as the first public-private partnership for a park in Cobb County.

The all-volunteer, non-profit group that worked with Cobb County Parks, the Friends for the East Cobb Park, was founded four years before that, from an initiative of the East Cobb Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce.

The interest, excitement and support of that start-up period is reflected on plaques on a kiosk at the entrance to the park. East Cobb Park group seeks new members

The “Charter Leaf” members represent notable East Cobb individuals, businesses and other organizations. A cluster of special stones on the ground around it also contain the names of financial contributors, as do names emblazoned on park benches.

By almost every measure, East Cobb Park has been a spectacular success and increasingly popular, as citizens and groups frequent its 13 acres as the area’s first passive park.

But as the park is set to mark its 20th anniversary this summer, the volunteers organization that stages concerts and other special events is looking for a few more volunteer hands to help out.

The Friends for the East Cobb Park is seeking new members, not just to donate time and money, but also to help take a more active role in plotting out the future of the park.

“Our mission is to enhance the community experience,” Friends president Kurt von Borries said in a recent interview with East Cobb News. “It’s the best cultural asset we have in East Cobb.”

He said the Friends group currently has around 60 members, and there’s no specific target for growth, just to add “as many as we can.”

The group, which relies 100 percent on donations, spent $20,000 last year to replace the front playground fencing.

East Cobb Park group seeks new membersCobb PARKs provides most of the maintenance, including recent repairs along the Sewell Mill Creek streambank extending to Fullers Park, and citizens wishing to book a pavilion also go through the county.

The Friends group handles special events and what he generally calls cultural programming.

There are limits on what it can do, von Borries said, because of parking and restroom facilities.

When planning for a concert, he said, the estimated cap is around 150 people, although that figure is often exceeded.

“There’s nowhere to expand,” he said. 

Attracting vendors also is a challenge because any money they make above costs goes to the Friends group.

Raising funds through individual sponsorships poses other issues. All 47 park benches, Borries said, have been dedicated, and they’re not adding any more for the time being due to supply chain issues.

“We’re out of room” for additional revenue opportunities in that regard.

The Friends group also sells sponsorships for newly planted as well as existing trees in the park.

The organization is seeking out additional corporate sponsors, in addition to Wellstar Health Systems, which makes a donation for Music in the Park, a series of spring and fall concerts, and the Holiday Lights celebration in December.

Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, a long association with the East Cobb Civitan Association, which raised funds for the park through its Wine and Vine event, has come to an end.East Cobb Park group seeks new members

That’s diminished what’s available in the Friends’ banking account, which von Borries said is generally healthy and that “we can do some things.”

The desire to do more things has spurred some new creative approaches as the group shores up its financial resources, including borrowing from its foundation to help fund the playground fence.

Von Borries, who’s also a member of the Rotary Club of East Cobb, said plans are in the works with that organization to stage two family-friendly movies—one in spring and the other in the fall—on a big screen at the concert shell.

“We’re excited about that,” he said.

Streamlining the process for membership renewal is another task the Friends group is undertaking. Getting automatic notices online that can be paid electronically is a top priority.

Members can renew or join at various levels, starting with the $25 “garden leaf supporter” category to $1,000 as a “diamond leaf” sponsor, either at a monthly or annual rate.

East Cobb Park group seeks new membersThey also can donate at custom levels and in honor or memory of someone. All contributions are tax deductible, since the Friends group is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Volunteer opportunities are across the board, from events and marketing to fundraising and creek clean-up activities.

Von Borries said a clean-up has been tentatively scheduled for May 6, and the Friends group also wants to hold a member appreciation event in the near future.

“It’s my wish that it will be stylish to say that you’re a supportive member of East Cobb Park,” he said. “How we can get there, we haven’t yet figured that out.”

East Cobb Park Events in 2023

 
  • Music in the Park: April 2, April 16, April 30 and May 21, Sept. 17, Oct. 1, Oct. 15, and Oct. 29; all 4-6 p.m., free
  • Holiday Lights: Dec. 3 6pm-till, free,

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Cobb schools to pay graduate degree expenses for teachers

Cobb schools discount graduate costs for teachers

The Cobb County School District announced Thursday a new program in which it would pay tuition costs for teachers seeking advanced degrees.

During a Cobb Board of Education work session, Superintendent Chris Ragsdale proposed a program in partnership with the University of West Georgia starting that would start this fall, with dedicated online instruction of up to five semesters for 500 select educators.

The program is called Georgia’s BEST (Building Educators’ Success Together), a teacher retention initiative Ragsdale presented to the board, saying West Georgia officials approached the district about the program.

West Georgia would discount the full cost of the degree programs, and in his proposal Ragsdale to spend $500,000 in district surplus funds to craft a proof of concept proposal, which also will include some certificate programs.

The board voted unanimously (7-0) in support of the program.

“It is that rare opportunity to offer a win-win-win opportunity,” Ragsdale said in prepared remarks. “This is one of the most important things we can do for our teachers.

“This is letting our teachers see that we are putting our money where our mouth is.”

Board member David Chastain of East Cobb made the motion to accept the proposal and authorize the spending, getting emotional as he spoke.

His late father was an educator in Atlanta public schools and was working on a graduate degree when he passed away.

“My mother’s nursing supervisor made more money than my father,” Chastain said. “This is a fantastic opportunity.”

Post 5 board member David Banks noted that for many teachers, pursuing a graduate degree has been unaffordable,

“Now there aren’t any excuses,” Banks said, adding that the program will give opportunities to people they never had.”

Ragsdale said that the costs of post-graduate education for teachers have been going up substantially, and is among the biggest obstacles to retain teachers.

He said teachers who get master’s degrees from public universities in Georgia average nearly $30,000 in debt, and that figure is around $70,000 for those obtaining doctorate degrees.

Private university debt is even higher, at nearly $80,000 for master’s programs and $135,000 for doctoral degrees, according to Ragsdale.

A few provisions of the Georgia’s BEST program would require teachers who earn graduate degrees to stay with the Cobb school district for at least three years.

Some teachers already with advanced degrees also would be hired as part-time education professors for the program.

Ragsdale said that if the pilot program is deemed a success, it could be renewed and expanded.

Cobb officials say 70 percent of educators in the district have advanced degrees, and that those with master’s degree and typically earn higher salaries.

CCSD 2022-23 teacher salary schedule
For a larger view and more details, click here.

According to the current academic year salary schedule, a Cobb teacher with five years of experience earns an estimated $6,874 more per year with a master’s degree than a teacher with a bachelor’s degree alone.

The difference rises to $8,786 per year after 10 years, and at 20 years of service, the difference is more than $10,000 per year, according to Cobb school district data.

“We are excited to partner with Cobb Schools to help educators increase their earning potential and strengthen their ability to help students succeed. We are confident that UWG’s advanced degree programs will help Cobb Schools achieve its goal of recruiting and retaining top talent while empowering Cobb educators with the knowledge and training relevant to Cobb students,” Mike Dishman, West Georgia’s college of education dean, said in a statement issued by the Cobb school district.

He told the board after the vote that the Georgia’s BEST program could be as transformational in state education “as the HOPE scholarship program.”

“We will not let you down,” Dishman said.

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Two men arrested for armed robberies at NE Cobb gas stations

East Cobb man arrested gas station robberies
Cobb Police said $15,000 was stolen from a BP station on Canton Road in a Jan. 29 armed robbery.

Two men have been arrested for what Cobb Police said were two gas station armed robberies in the Northeast Cobb area in late January.

According to an arrest warrant, Shawn Jason Glover, 29, of Kennesaw, drove a getaway vehicle in both incidents, on Jan. 25 at a Shell Station on Ernest Barrett Parkway and on Jan. 29 at a BP station on Canton Road.

Glover was arrested Wednesday on two counts of armed robbery and two counts of aggravated assault and is being held without bond at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, according to Cobb Sheriff’s Office records.

His warrant states that at 7:23 a.m. on Jan. 25, Glover was behind the wheel of a black 2010 Hyundai Tucson with another passenger in the vehicle, Larry Daniels, 34, of Acworth, who went inside the convenience store at the Shell station at 465 Ernest Barrett Parkway.

Police said in the warrant that Daniels was wearing black clothing, a dark mask and black face paint when he approached a store employee, then aimed a handgun and demanded money.

According to police, Daniels received $4,860 in cash, then left with Glover as they drove away from the scene.

That process was repeated on Jan. 29 at 7:18 p.m. at the BP station at 3190 Canton Road, police said. Daniels left the Tucson with Glover behind the wheel, entered the convenience store with dark clothing and a dark mask, the warrant states, then threatened an employee with a gun and demanded money.

The warrant said Daniels left the store with $15,000 in cash and returned to the Tucson, with Glover driving them away.

Booking reports indicate that Daniels was arrested on Jan. 31 and he is being held without bond, also at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.

He also was charged with two felony counts each of armed robbery and aggravated assault and is facing additional charges from last year, including theft by taking and identity theft fraud, according to jail records.

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East Cobb food scores: Kouzina Christos; Taqueria Tsunami; more

Kouzina Christos, East Cobb food scores

The following food scores for the week of Feb. 13 have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing for inspection details:

American Deli
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2194
February 17, 2023 Score: 88, Grade: B

Clubhouse ATL
2852 Delk Road, Suite 205
February 15, 2023 Score: 91, Grade: A

Cuban Diner
1484 Roswell Road
February 14, 2023 Score: 93, Grade: A

Kouzina Christos
1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 22
February 15, 2023 Score: 86, Grade: B

Kumo Hibachi Sushi
2595 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 103
February 16, 2023 Score: 92, Grade: A

Mambo Italiano
2022 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 240
February 16, 2023 Score: 87, Grade: B

Sabores de Mexico
1951 Canton Road, Suite 330
February 13, 2023 Score: 86, Grade: B

Taqueria Tsunami
1275 Johnson Ferry Road
February 17, 2023 Score: 93, Grade: A

Wings & Things
2555 Delk Road, Suite A8
February 15, 2023 Score: 99, Grade: A

Zama Mexican Cuisine
2550 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 300
February 16, 2023 Score: 88, Grade: B

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Apartments, retail proposed at Powers Ferry Kroger site

Apartments proposed Powers Ferry Kroger site
A rendering included in the zoning application for apartments on the current site of a Kroger on Powers Ferry Road.

As a new Kroger superstore is being built on the former site of Brumby Elementary School, plans are in the works to redevelop the current supermarket site nearby on Powers Ferry Road.

WC Acquisitions LLC has filed plans with the City of Marietta to build more than 300 apartments and 6,000 square feet of retail space on the current 4.8-acre site for Kroger (1122 Powers Ferry Road), which opened in 1982.

The developer’s attorney, noted Cobb zoning lawyer Garvis Sams, has applied seeking rezoning from community retail commercial to the mixed development category.

The application (you can read it here) is scheduled for its first hearing March 1 before the Marietta Planning Commission.

The apartment building would have 322 units and five stories, and in the application Sams said that the conceptual plan includes new landscaping and two courtyards.

He also said that a traffic study completed for the application “finds that traffic levels will at least remain constant once built, if not be improved. In this sense, the proposed development meets the purpose and intent of the parcel’s mixed-use zoning designation.”

The proposal said 65 percent of the apartments would be one-bedroom units, and 35 percent would have two bedrooms. The building also would have 7,000 square feet of residential amenities.

Sams wrote that the existing Kroger site is not a “redeemable retail location” due to its age and condition and that there are other supermarkets nearby, including a Publix across the street.

He said the area “is in need of a quality housing product offered at relatively affordable prices.”

Man charged Delk Powers-Ferry grocery kidnapping
Kroger opened in 1982 at Powers Ferry and Delk roads and will be relocating to Marketplace Terrell Mill.

Parking includes a proposed deck for the apartments with 485 spaces, and 27 spaces for retail.

“Adequate parking is provided for the retail component and therefore satisfies code requirements; however, parking for the residential component may be of concern,” application states.

That’s a ratio of 1.5 spaces per unit, when the Marietta city zoning code calls for one space per multi-family unit.

“The 485 spaces.  . . is slightly more generous. It can be said, therefore, that the amount of parking anticipated is within range of what code prescribes,” Sams wrote.

Kroger will be closing the 50,000-square-foot site once the new superstore opens at Marketplace Terrell Mill, a mixed-use development that also includes a large apartment building in unincorporated Cobb.

That project was described as transformational for the Powers Ferry corridor when Cobb commissioners approved rezoning in 2018.

The new Kroger store is expected to be completed in March and will comprise 90,000 square feet as well as a gas station.

The Marietta Planning Commission will meet March 1 at 6:30 p.m. to make a recommendation; final action is expected by the Marietta City Council on March 8.

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More from Barnes and Noble about The Avenue East Cobb store

Barnes and Noble coming The Avenue East Cobb

Barnes and Noble issued its own release about the forthcoming store at The Avenue East Cobb after what North American Properties confirmed last month.

As we noted previously, the national book retailer will be occupying 15,0000 square feet of the former Bath Bed and Beyond store this summer, and the space will include a B & N Café similar to some of its nearby stores, including near Cumberland Mall.

Barnes and Noble CEO James Daunt said in a release Wednesday that this is Barnes and Noble’s first new store in Cobb in nearly 20 years, since opening at The Avenue West Cobb.

“Now that Barnes & Noble begins to grow again, opening new bookstores across the country, happily this omission is to be corrected,” Daunt said. “Our booksellers are very excited to be bringing such a large and beautiful new bookstore to the community.” 

Daunt was brought on to revive Barnes and Noble after turning around the famed Waterstone bookselling chain in his native Britain.

The Barnes and Noble release said the store at The Avenue East Cobb—the first in Georgia as part of a “smaller” size concept—is one of 30 the chain is planning to open across the country this year.

The revamped store concept allows for store managers to curate recommended books for local and regional tastes and to reflect the atmosphere of independent stores.

A specific opening time frame hasn’t been announced for the East Cobb store, but two social media sites have just been created, on Instagram and Twitter.

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Dickerson, Dodgen classroom additions on Cobb school board agenda

Dickerson MS

The forthcoming classroom additions at Dickerson and Dodgen middle schools in East Cobb will get their first action Thursday when the Cobb Board of Education will be asked to set cost limits for both projects.

The Cobb County School District is recommending that the board set what’s called a “Guaranteed Maximum Price” for facility construction.

According to agenda items for Thursday’s meetings, the district is recommending a limit of $ 3.622 million for the Dickerson addition and $3.757 million for the Dodgen addition.

The recommended contractor for both is Carroll Daniell Construction Co. of Atlanta.

The estimated completion of the projects is July for Dodgen and November for Dickerson.

Specifics of the project were not included in Thursday’s agenda (you can read it here).

The projects will be presented for discussion at a work session at 1 p.m. and will be voted on at a 7 p.m. business meeting.

An executive session follows the work session.

The open meetings will be live-streamed on the Cobb County School District’s BoxCast channel and on CobbEdTV, Comcast Channel 24. There will be in-person public comment sessions for both; information can be found by clicking here.

The Dickerson and Dodgen classroom additions will be funded from the Cobb-Ed V SPLOST collection, as is the ongoing rebuild of Eastvalley Elementary School and new athletic facilities at Walton High School.

In 2021 Cobb voters approved extending the school SPLOST. Collections began on Cobb-Ed SPLOST VI in 2022 and is funding the rebuild of Sprayberry High School and classroom additions at Kincaid, Mt. Bethel, Murdock, Sope Creek and Tritt elementary schools in East Cobb.

Also on Thursday’s agenda is a request for the Cobb school district to purchase 59 air-conditioned school buses for $8.256 million.

At the work session, the school board will hear a proof of concept presentation about teacher retention.

At the business meeting, the board will be asked to adopt a strategic plan for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2023-28 update, presented last month, outlines a set of nine skills for high school graduates to master, broken into three categories.

The board also could extend the contract of Superintendent Chris Ragsdale. It’s not listed on the agenda but the board’s executive session includes discussion of personnel matters.

Ragsdale current contract expires in February 2025 and the board can extend it annually for up to three years.

He was extended last February at a base salary of $350,000 but for the last two years, the board’s Democrats have voted against those extensions.

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Cobb commissioners approve American Rescue Plan Act spending

Cobb commissioners on Tuesday approved spending more than $98 million in federal funds under the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act for 80 community-based projects and initiatives.Cobb ARPA spending approved

The broad categories for the funding include infrastructure, community health, economic development, public safety and non-government support services.

Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said “these funds will be transformational” as she thanked county officials and Deloitte, the outside consultant hired to help the county strategize how to use the money.

“It’s not just what’s immediately before us with the impact of COVID, but we can look at the future and say ‘How can we set this county up for success?’ ”

Cobb was allocated more than $147 million in APRA funding, and with Tuesday’s votes, has only $11 million remaining.

County department heads organized subcommittees in each of the five categories to screen applications, determine eligibility, select participants and assign funding recommendations.

The process also included community and public feedback. More than 200 separate applications were made, by county government departments as well as non-profit agencies.

The requests included health-related efforts to mitigate against COVID-19 (including expanding court space for social-distancing purposes), food distribution, stormwater management upgrades, expanding WiFi at county facilities, workforce development, mental health and substance abuse programs, rental assistance, home repairs for the elderly and financially disadvantaged and equipment for first responders.

Here’s how the funding will be broken down:

Three of the five votes were unanimous votes by the commissioners. Commissioner Keli Gambrill of North Cobb voted against the community health and housing funding, saying she opposed more rental and mortgage assistance beyond what Cobb had paid using CARES Act funds in 2021.

All of the projects that were approved had to meet federal ARPA guidelines, as well as guidelines approved by commissioners that they won’t cost the county recurring expenses when the programs expire.

The projects typically will last for two years, and deputy county manager Jimmy Gisi said at Tuesday’s meeting that the ARPA funding must all be spent by the end of 2026.

Cobb government has set up a special ARPA page with more information.

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Cobb approves design contract for Holly Springs Road project

Holly Springs road traffic project
The intersection of Holly Springs Road and Post Oak Tritt Road.

The Cobb Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved the hiring of a traffic engineering firm to start an improvement project in the Holly Springs Road corridor.

The board voted unanimously(5-0) to spend $166,100 for Southeastern Engineering, Inc. to conduct a traffic study, develop a plan concept and involve public feedback.

The funding comes from the 2022 Cobb SPLOST, as will the $3.3 million for the project, which will make improvements on Holly Springs between Old Canton Road and Sandy Plains Road.

A contract for construction would come to commissioners after the design is completed.

The Holly Springs project been prioritized as a “Tier 1” road project in the 2022 SPLOST, which was approved by voters in a 2020 referendum.

In 2021, Cobb DOT completed a nearly $1 million project to make improvements at the Holly Springs-Old Canton intersection, including the construction of pedestrian refuge islands, a guardrail, signage and striping at a three-way intersection.

The initial plans for the 2022 SPLOST project were to make improvements at the Holly Springs-Post Oak Tritt Road intersection.

But an agenda item for Tuesday’s meeting said SPLOST funds “will be used to make operational and safety improvements at intersections and corridors throughout the county.”

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Cobb DOT to hold Noonday Creek Trail extension open house

Noonday Creek Trail Head

Submitted information:

Join Cobb County Department of Transportation on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 for a drop-in community open house to learn more about the Noonday Creek Trail Extension study. Stop by any time between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to learn about the project background and existing conditions within the study area. You will also have an opportunity to review and provide feedback on potential trail options that may be considered, as well as potential trail amenities and features.

When: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bells Ferry Elementary School | 2600 Bells Ferry Road NE, Marietta, GA 30066

For more information click here.

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1 person dead, dozens displaced in East Cobb apartment fire

East Cobb apartment fire, Hamptons at East Cobb
Police blocked off access to the Hamptons at East Cobb apartments, where a building caught fire Monday morning.

UPDATED, Tuesday 10:50 A.M.:

Cobb Police identified the victim as Thomas Alexander, 74, who was found dead in Apartment 226.

Officer Shenise Barner said Cobb Police is investigating the death and Cobb Fire is investigating the fire.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb Police Crimes Against Persons Detectives at 770-499-3945. Those wishing to remain anonymous should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com regarding c

ORIGINAL STORY:

Cobb Fire officials said Monday that one person has died and dozens of others were displaced in an apartment fire off Roswell Road in East Cobb.

Ramses Rivas, the public information officer for Cobb Fire, said in a release that the victim was located inside a unit in the building that caught fire, and that 39 people have been displaced.

He said 29 units were damaged or destroyed, and that Cobb Fire is working with the American Red Cross to find housing assistance for those who lost their apartments.

Rivas said that crews were dispatched to the Hamptons at East Cobb (1523 Roswell Road) at 10:53 a.m., and arrived several minutes later to find the front of a three-story apartment building heavily engulfed by fire, with “flames through the roof.”

He said a total of 12 fire apparatus were on the scene and 50 firefighters responded, from the Cobb and Marietta fire departments.

Cobb Fire has not released the identity of the victim pending notification of next of kin.

The blaze was under control by mid-afternoon Monday, but police officers were preventing residents from driving beyond the gates at the entrance to the complex as vehicles were parked around the leasing office at the front.

Rivas said the cause of the fire has not been determined.

The Hamptons is located on Roswell Road at the intersection of Lower Roswell Road.

East Cobb apartment fire
Photo: Cobb Fire and Emergency Services

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