East Cobb News

East Cobb Food Scores: First Watch; Marlow’s; Moxie Burger; more

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First Watch, Sandy Plains Marketplace

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

Arbor Terrace of East Cobb
886 Johnson Ferry Road
August 8, 2024 Score: 93, Grade: A

Cazadores Mexican Restaurant
2745 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 260
August 5, 2024 Score: 92, Grade: A

East Cobb Fit Nutrition Club
2145 Roswell Road, Suite 130
August 6, 2024 Score: 96, Grade: A

First Watch
3460 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 130
August 6, 2024 Score: 91, Grade: A

J. Christopher’s
1275 Powers Ferry Road
August 9, 2024 Score: 91, Grade: A

Jet’s Pizza
2900 Delk Road, Suite 300
August 5, 2024 Score: 86, Grade: B

Jimmy Mac’s Food and Spirits
3205 Canton Road, Suite 105
August 8, 2024 Score: 90, Grade: A

Little Caesars Pizza
3372 Canton Road, Suite 100
August 6, 2024 Score: 99, Grade: A

Mabry Middle School
2700 Jims Road
August 7, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: 

Marlow’s Tavern
2960 Shallowford Road, Suite 109
August 7, 2024 Score: 87, Grade: B

McCleskey Middle School
4080 Maybreeze Road
August 8, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

McDonald’s
1291 Bells Ferry Road
August 6, 2024 Score: 89, Grade: B

Moxie Burger
255 Village Parkway, Suite 110
August 8, 2024 Score: 90, Grade: A

Scooter’s Cafe
2943 Canton Road, Suite 1600
August 8, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Shadowood Cafe
2110 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 120
August 6, 2024 Score: 75, Grade: C

Shish Kabob Mediterranean Grill
2060 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 280
August 7, 2024 Score: 92, Grade: A

The Solana East Cobb
1032 Johnson Ferry Road
August 9, 2024 Score: 84, Grade: B

Vatica Indian Cuisine
1475 Terrell Mill Road, Suite 105
August 5, 2024 Score: 84, Grade: B

Waffle House
4797 Canton Road
August 6, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Xengo
3162 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 420
August 8, 2024 Score: 91, Grade: A

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Cobb to appeal court order for new commission elections

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Cobb County is appealing a recent court ruling ordering new commission elections, continuing a dispute over electoral maps at that’s nearly two years old.

The county issued a statement Tuesday saying it’s filed motions in Cobb Superior Court to become a party to a complaint filed in March against the Cobb Board of Elections and reverse an order by Judge Kellie Hill last month that invalidated primary elections for commission districts 2 and 4.

In the statement the county said its action is an attempt to reverse the order “to ensure proper legal procedures were followed and to protect the interests of Cobb County taxpayers.” The new action is asking that the May primary results stand.

The filings come several days after commissioners conducted an executive session that didn’t specify a reason.

Hill said that those elections were conducted using maps approved by the commission’s three Democrats and violated the Georgia Constitution.

The county maps were approved under a claim of home rule. But in her ruling, issued July 26, Hill backed up a January ruling by Cobb Superior Court Judge Ann Harris that only the Georgia legislature can conduct county reapportionment.

Kennesaw-area resident Alicia Adams had filed a complaint against the elections board—not the county—after being disqualified as a Republican candidate in District 2 under the home rule maps, which include some of East Cobb. She lives within the District 2 boundaries in the legislative maps.

“The Court, having ruled the Home Rule Map unconstitutional in the companion appeal finds the Plaintiff has a clear legal right to seek qualification for the Cobb County Commission, Post 2, using the Legislative Map, if qualified, to run for a special primary in that post,” Hill states in the ruling.

That decision invalidate the District 2 and 4 primaries until most likely after the November general elections. The terms of Democratic commissioners Jerica Richardson and Monique Sheffield, respectively, expire in December.

In its filings Monday, the county referenced the rights of voters in the two affected districts, saying new elections would be “disruptive and contrary to the public interest” to change the maps with the general election so close.

New elections could deprive voters in those areas of elected representation possibly in June of next year, and hit taxpayers with the cost of special elections, the county is now arguing.

“I am hopeful the judge in this matter can provide clarity in responding to our county attorney’s inquiries on behalf of our Board,” said Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, a Democrat, in the county’s statement on Tuesday.

She’s on the November ballot seeking a second term. Sheffield won her District 4 Democratic primary easily, and would have been unopposed in November.

In District 2, former Cobb school board member Jaha Howard won the Democratic primary, and East Cobb resident Pamela Reardon qualified under the home rule maps. Hill’s order would disqualify Reardon.

Richardson, who was drawn out of her East Cobb home in District 2 under the legislative maps—triggering the long-drawn-out-dispute—decided not to seek re-election and ran unsuccessfully for 6th District Congress.

East Cobb News has left a message with Richardson seeking comment.

The two Republican commissioners, Keli Gambrill of North Cobb and JoAnn Birrell of District 3 in East Cobb, oppose the county’s new legal filings (their terms expire at the end of 2026).

Birrell was re-elected in 2022 under legislative maps that placed most of her district in East Cobb.

Both GOP representatives have filed statements at each board business meeting since January 2023 stating their objections to the home rule maps.

Cupid, Richardson and Sheffield voted in October 2022 to approve the home rule maps to conduct county business. The Cobb elections board decided earlier this year to follow those same maps for the primaries.

The county is no longer arguing for the validity of its maps, but the process for determining how two of its district commissioners will be chosen by voters.

“While the county agreed it would return to the state legislative map in a lawful and orderly manner, the motions were filed to ensure proper legal procedures were followed and to protect the interests of Cobb County taxpayers,” the county’s statement Tuesday states.

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Cats at Cobb Animal Shelter rescued after FPV outbreak

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Cats at Cobb Animal Shelter rescued after FPV outbreak
This cat affected by FPV survived the outbreak, according to FurKids, a volunteer rescue groups which is trying to place felines rescued from the Cobb Animal Shelter.

Earlier Monday we got a message from a reader in East Cobb saying there was a frantic effort underway to rescue cats at the Cobb Animal Shelter due to a major outbreak of panleukopenia (feline distemper/FPV) over the weekend.

Among the rescue groups involved is Fur Kids, which said it has pulled “dozens” of cats from the shelter to avert euthanasia.

Late Monday afternoon, Cobb Animal Services posted on its Facebook page that 50 cats had been rescued, and that the outbreak affected 100 cats.

“What does this mean?! It means we DO NOT need to euthanize!” the message stated. “We are INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL to our rescue groups! If you would like to adopt a cat or kitten, we will post here when the cat/kitten adoptions have reopened.”

FurKids said there were two cases of feline FPV, which is a highly contagious and potentially lethal parvovirus, at the Cobb Animal Shelter (info here about the disease).

FurKids is a major no-kill cat animal rescue non-profit based in Cumming. It said it’s raised around $5,000 for this emergency effort thus far, and is seeking more donations for the rescued animals from the Cobb shelter. (furkids.org/donation.)

“We will provide for all of their medical needs and will make sure they are fully vetted, spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before they are put up for adoption in a few weeks,” FurKids said. “On top of these intake and vetting costs, come the cost of daily care—food, shelter, medical needs, and everything in between.”

The Good Mews Animal Foundation in East Cobb also has rescued some of the kids along with its partner, the Kudzu Cat Alliance, and also is seeking donations for caring for those animals.

You can contribute to that effort by clicking here.

 

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Scene in East Cobb: Waterfront Drive closed for relocation

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Waterfront Drive closed for construction

Last week we drove along Waterfront Drive—which bisects the so-called “JOSH” mixed-use development at the southwest corner of Johnson Ferry and Shallowford Road—as work crews continued grading work.

This view looks out at what was called Maddox Lake, but will soon be the new route for Waterfront Drive.

The homes that were located along this stretch, east of Waterfront Circle, were torn down months ago.

Signs were out on Monday noting the closure of Waterfront Drive at Johnson Ferry Road; a December completion timetable at the earliest is estimated.

The first map below from Cobb DOT shows the current intersection with a blue star; the new intersection is shown with the purple star to align with the entrance to the Shallowford Falls Shopping Center.

The second map, an aerial rendering of property via the Cobb Tax Assessor’s Office, shows the new Waterfront Route in turquoise; it heads eastbound just above the dredged-up lake area, which is in a designated flood plain

The lake was named after former Gov. Lester Maddox, who lived nearby after his retirement from politics. Above the former lake will be the East Cobb Church, sitting on 20 acres. Below the flood plain area will be single-family homes on 12.9 acres that were the major bone of contention from nearby residents in Mar-Lanta during rezoning.

For the time being, the primary ways they can reach their neighborhood is from Mar-Lanta Drive at Shallowford Road and from Manor House Drive via Lassiter Road.

East Cobb Church had been meeting for Sunday afternoon services at Eastside Church but is now meeting temporarily in Roswell. The church, part of North Point Ministries, got rezoning from the Cobb Board of Commissioners for the full 33 acres in October 2021.

It then then sold to the residential portion of the property to Ashwood Atlanta, which is planning to build single-family detached homes.

East Cobb Church got a land disturbance permit from the county in March 2023. But construction has been delayed substantially due to dam reconstruction on the former lake site to accommodate the road relocation.

The church will have 125,000 square feet of worship and other indoor space, plus a parking lot.

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, July 15-19, 2024

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Lassiter Ridge, East Cobb residential real estate sales
Lassiter Ridge

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales were compiled from agency reports and Cobb County property records. They include the street address, subdivision name, high school attendance zone and sales price:

July 15

1063 Amarose Lane, 30066 (Amelia Walk, Sprayberry): $$756,475

4355 Classic Links Court, 30067 (Parc at Chattahoochee Plantation, Walton): $2.925 million

3359 Keenland Road, 30062 (New Kent, Pope): $915,000

2517 Hampton Park Court, 30062 (Hampton Park, Sprayberry): $615,000

789 Oak Trail Drive, 30062 (Stoneoak Pointe, Wheeler): $620,000

4156 Chadds Crossing, 30062 (Chadds Ford, Pope): $532,500

2350 Holly Springs Road, 30062 (Pope): $495,000

2706 Windwatch Place, 30062 (Autumn Lake, Sprayberry): $495,000

3025 Wendlock Drive, 30062 (Wenwood, Pope): $471,000

3472 Winter Wood Way, 30062 (Country Crossing, Pope): $558,000

2565 Chestea Drive, 30066 (Cooks Valley, Lassiter): $740,000

1305 Lake Colony Drive, 30068 (Lake Colony, Walton): $500,000

July 16

3713 Willow Wind Drive, 30066 (Willow Wind, Sprayberry): $760,000

480 Timberlea Lake Drive, 30067 (Timberlea Lake, Wheeler): $660,000

2179 Rockwood Drive, 30067 (Freywood Estates, Wheeler): $386,000

3795 Creekview Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills, Walton): $2.1 million

2882 Blackberry Lane, 30068 (Cobb Estates, Wheeler): $453,000

3267 Mountain Hollow Drive, 30062 (The Glenns, Lassiter): $366,175

July 17

4731 Blisston Street, 30066 (Everleigh, Lassiter): $899,999

483 Fouse Court, 30066 (Canterbury, Sprayberry): $850,000

684 Maple Grove Way, 30066 (Hamilton Grove, Marietta): $500,000

520 Glen Eagles Circle, 30067 (The Columns, Walton): $950,000

2611 Beckwith Trail, 30068 (Beverly Hills Estates, Wheeler): $499,000

3621 Wyntering Trail, 30068 (Wyntergreen, Walton): $725,101

250 Janis Drive, 30066 (Sprayberry): $310,000

3409 Bonaire Crossing, 30066 (Northampton, Lassiter): $880,000

4148 Brasher Drive, 30066 (Stocktons Chase, Kell): 4518,500

July 18

625 Crosshaven Drive, 30066 (Heritage Ridge, Marietta): $505,000

2112 Lassiter Field Drive, 30066 (Lassiter Ridge, Lassiter): $1.099 million

1082 Woodruff Plantation Parkway, 30067 (Terrell Mill, Wheeler): $1.22 million

630 Pine Point Trace, 30068 (Indian Hills, Walton): $928,000

1823 Twin Branch Drive, 30062 (Sandy Plains Estates, Sprayberry): $400,000

4470 Karls Gate Drive, 30068 (Princeton Lakes, Walton): $1.075 million

July 19

2413 Broward Drive, 30066 (Morgan Station, Sprayberry): $360,000

3754 Honey Pot Way, 30066 (Christopher Robbins, Kell): $700,000

2798 Hitchcock Mill Run, 30068 (Princeton Mill, Wheeler): $738,000

4325 Granby Way, 30062 (East Hampton, Walton): $995,000

3848 Creek Hollow Way, 30066 (The Glenns, Lassiter): $440,000

1554 East Bank Drive, 30068 (Jacksons Creek, Walton): $900,000

4730 Woodlawn Court, 30067 (Woodlawn Place, Walton): $830,000

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Mabry Park playground to be closed temporarily for upgrades

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Mabry Park Opening

Cobb PARKS announced this week that the playground at Mabry Park (4466 Mabry Park Road0 will be closed the week of Aug. 12-16 for new equipment to be installed.

“Weather permitting the work should be completed by 5 p.m. on Aug. 16,” according to a message sent out by Cobb PARKS in its August monthly newsletter.

As noted previously, the Mountain View Aquatic Center remains closed for renovations, and is expected to reopen Sept. 30.

Also, with school starting this week, there are new hours for the Sewell Park pool (2051 Lower Roswell Road).

The outdoor pool is open Saturdays and Sundays only from 1-6 p.m. through Sept. 2 (Labor Day). Admission fees are $3.50 for children ages 3-17, $4.50 for adults and $3 for seniors ages 55 and older.

 

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Cobb Public Safety to hold National Night Out event

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Submitted information:Cobb public safety appreciation

The partnership between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve has been vital in reducing crime levels. For law enforcement to be truly effective, they require the active support and engagement of citizens. This underscores the significance of events such as National Night Out (NNO), an annual tradition that unites community members and law enforcement to foster trust and promote a safer environment for all.

WHAT: National Night Out

WHO: Cobb County Public Safety

WHEN: Tuesday, August 6, 2024, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

WHERE: Jim R. Miller Park (2245 Callaway Road, Marietta, GA 30008)

National Night Out is more than just an evening of festivities; it’s an impactful initiative that began in 1984, spearheaded by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). Celebrated across all states, NNO promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, making our communities safer and more caring.

The event offers activities for all ages, including live music, face painting, and a kid-friendly zone with games and inflatables. Public safety demonstrations from our K-9 unit, SWAT team, and fire department will be featured, and officers will be available to answer questions, share safety tips, and engage with the community.

Attendees can also meet local organization representatives, learn about crime prevention, and explore volunteer opportunities. Food vendors will offer local fare, making it a great night out for families.

We invite all Cobb County residents to join us in this effort to build stronger, safer communities.

Your participation is essential in creating a supportive environment where everyone feels secure.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Eggs Up; Fresh to Order; Verandah; more

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Eggs Up Grill, East Cobb Food Scores

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

Arby’s
4367 Roswell Road
August 2, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Eggs Up Grill
4401 Shallowford Road, Suite 126
July 30, 2024 Score: 87, Grade: B

Fresh to Order
1333 Johnson Ferry Road
July 30, 2024 Score: 87, Grade: B

Goianao Restaurant and Catering
1475 Terrell Mill Road, Suite 103
July 29, 2024 Score: 91, Grade: A

Home Tavern
3052 Shallowford Road, Suite 104
July 30, 2024 Score: 96, Grade: A

Jet’s Pizza
4401 Shallowford Road, Suite 102
August 2, 2024 Score: 86, Grade: B

Legacy Ridge at Marietta
840 Lecroy Drive
August 2, 2024 Score: 96, Grade: A

McDonald’s
2782 Sandy Plains Road
July 31, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Powers Ferry Elementary School
403 Powers Ferry Road
July 29, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Smitty’s Lockdown BBQ
2900 Canton Road
July 29, 2024 Score: 88, Grade: B

Smokehouse Q
4401 Shallowford Road, Suite 168
August 2, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Verandah Indian Cuisine
3101 Roswell Road, Suite 100
July 30, 2024 Score: 80, Grade: B

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches
1401 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 310
July 30, 2024 Score: 96, Grade: A

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East Cobb Restaurant Update: MOD Pizza closes; WZ Tavern goes indie

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MOD Pizza closes East Cobb

The fast-casual chain MOD Pizza has been closing a number of restaurants across the country in recent months, and recently that included its location at Sandy Plains Marketplace (3460 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 250).

The Seattle-based chain closed 26 locations in the first quarter of 2024, according to Restaurant Business Magazine, and earlier this month the company was purchased by Elite Restaurant Group as financial pressures mounted.

That report indicated that 44 closures have taken place following reports of possible bankruptcy. MOD Pizza closes East Cobb

MOD stands for “Made on Demand” and is the focal concept of a build-your-0wn pizza product. Nation’s Restaurant News says MOD has more than 500 restaurants remaining as it reorganizes under new ownership.

Five MOD Pizza restaurants operate in metro Atlanta, including on Cobb Parkway in Kennesaw and in Sandy Springs.

MOD was one of several nation and regional chain restaurants that opened at the then-new Sandy Plains Marketplace—on the site of the former Mountain View Elementary School—right before the COVID-19 pandemic was declared.

The others are still open: First Watch; Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar; Jim ‘N N ick’s BBQ; Panda Express and Clean Juice.

The major vacancy at the 72,689-square-foot retail center is the former GreenWise Market space. The Publix-operated organic foods grocery store closed in late 2021, after less than a year and a half in business.

WZ Tavern goes indie

After nearly nine years in business, the WZ Tavern located nearby at 3052 Shallowford Road has changed its name.

The “WZ” stood for Wing Zone, a Las Vegas-based chain which had an agreement with the East Cobb owners that has ended.

It’s now called Home Tavern, and it promises the same ambience with some menu changes. “Our new menu will include many of our long-standing favorites, along with new items that continue our Chef inspired commitment to delicious food!”

The situation is similar to another local wing institution, The Wing Cafe & Tap House, which broke away from the Wild Wing Cafe chain several years ago and has been at the same space at East Lake Shopping Center for more than 20 years.

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Little Brazil Community Fair to debut in East Cobb in August

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The Little Brazil Foundation, based in East Cobb, has announced it’s holding a community fair for the first time.Little Brazil Community Fair to debut in East Cobb in August

The event it set for Saturday, Aug. 17, from 12-8 p.m. at the Eastgate Shopping Center (1802 Lower Roswell Road).

Businesses and organizations are invited to help sponsor the event and set up a booth to exhibit their wares. If you’re interested contact Dilla Campos at 770-953-4250.

The fair will highlight Brazilian culture, businesses, products and services.

The Little Brazil Foundation, which was launched in April, serves a growing Brazilian emigre community in the Cobb and metro Atlanta, area with legal assistance, professional guidance, translation services and consulate support.

It also sponsors cultural and educational events, including basic English classes for children, health projects and more.

The East Cobb area is a focal point of the local Brazilian community, and includes a variety of businesses and restaurants in the Powers Ferry-Windy Hill area, as well as parts of East Marietta.

 

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Cobb commissioners to hold special-called meetings Thursday

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Cobb County Government logo

Members of the Cobb Board of Commissioners have been called to attend a special-called meeting and hold an executive session Thursday.

According to a notice filed by County Clerk Pam Mabry, commissioners will gather at 1:30 p.m. Thursday “to vote to go into executive session to discuss matters which may be properly discussed in Executive Session.”

There were no more specifics indicated in that notice, which was sent to East Cobb News by the Cobb communications office in response to more information.

Under Georgia law, elected bodies can hold executive sessions for three reasons: land, legal or property matters, and a specific reason must be stated before the executive session is held.

Cobb commissioners hold three official voting meetings per month: Regular sessions on the second and fourth Tuesday, and a zoning hearing on the third Thursday.

They also typically hold one or two work sessions a month, also in public.

The announcement of Thursday’s meetings comes days after a Cobb judge ruled the Cobb commission’s “home rule” redistricting maps violated the Georgia Constitution, and ordered new elections for commission races in District 2 and District 4.

The lawsuit was filed against the Cobb Board of Elections, which also used the “home rule” maps in the May primaries.

Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said in a response to that ruling on Friday that “I respect the judge’s ruling and we are assessing how to move forward.”

County spokesman Ross Cavitt told East Cobb News in response to a question if the county would appeal by saying that “there has been no discussion at this point about any further legal action.”

In her ruling last Thursday, Cobb Superior Court Judge Kellie Hill was hearing the appeal of Alicia Adams, a Republican who had been disqualified in District 2 after filing to run under maps approved in 2022 by the Georgia General Assembly.

Those maps drew current District 2 Commissioner Jerica Richardson out of her East Cobb home. She and the commission’s two other Democrats voted in October 2022 to observe maps drawn by the Cobb legislative delegation, citing “home rule” privileges.

But Hill confirmed a January ruling by Cobb Superior Court Judge Ann Harris that the “home rule” maps violated the Georgia Constitution, which gives the legislature the authority to conduct reapportionment for county electoral maps.

The county wasn’t a party to Adams’ complaint, but it did appeal a separate lawsuit challenging the “home rule” maps after Harris’ ruling. The Georgia Supreme Court in May declined to take up that appeal, claiming the plaintiffs, a Cobb married couple, lacked standing.

East Cobb resident Mindy Seger, a Democratic activist and ally of current District 2 Cobb Commissioner Jerica Richardson, challenged Adams qualification under the “home rule” maps.

Since Hill’s ruling, Seger has not indicated whether she may appeal. East Cobb News has left a message seeking comment.

Richardson, who lost in a U.S. Congress primary in May, also has not spoken publicly about the matter since Hill’s ruling.

The special-called meeting Thursday takes place at 1:30 p.m. in the 3rd floor conference room of the Commissioners’ Conference Room, Cobb County Building, 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta.

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Cobb jail inmate from East Cobb dies due to health reasons

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Cobb Sheriff's Office
Cobb jail inmate from East Cobb dies due to health reasons

The Cobb Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday that an inmate who has been hospitalized routinely with health issues since his arrest in December has died in custody.

Brian Winnie, 62, died Monday afternoon at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital after being taken there last Tuesday, according to the sheriff’s office, which didn’t specify a cause of death.

A release said that Winnie, who was charged with felony theft, cited medical records that “indicated he was facing a recurring, serious health challenge. While in custody, he was routinely transported to the hospital for treatment.”

A booking report showed that Winnie lived at an address off Post Oak Tritt Road.

According to an arrest warrant, Winnie was alleged to have stolen a Mercedes sedan on Nov. 19, 2023, belonging to another individual at that address.

A sheriff’s office booking report indicated Winnie was taken into custody at the Cobb Adult Detention Center on Dec. 19 and was being held on a $6,720 bond.

Court records indicate Winnie was indicted in February by a Cobb Superior Court jury on one count of felony theft by taking, but no other court dates had been scheduled at the time of his death.

“His family was aware of his condition and made medical decisions on his behalf,” the Cobb Sheriff’s Office said in the release.

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Walton HS cheerleaders volunteer for The Sandwich Project

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Walton HS cheerleaders volunteer The Sandwich Project

Christi Vandaveer McCarey, a parent volunteer with the Walton High School Cheer Program, sends along the photos and details of a volunteer project last Tuesday on behalf of The Sandwich Project.

The Atlanta-area non-profit collects sandwiches every week to distribute to the homeless and food insecure, and partners with community organizations to put the meals together.

During the final week of their summer vacation, the Walton cheerleaders gathered in the school cafeteria and made 729 sandwiches.

“Besides a great team bonding experience they learned how these sandwiches will directly impact our local community by filling the gap and providing sandwiches to those around us that are food insecure this summer,” McCarey says.

If you or your organization are interested in helping out, visit The Sandwich Project Atlanta website for more information.

Walton HS cheerleaders volunteer The Sandwich Project

Walton HS cheerleaders volunteer The Sandwich Project

Walton HS cheerleaders volunteer The Sandwich Project

Walton HS cheerleaders volunteer The Sandwich Project

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, July 8-12, 2024

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Indian Hills, East Cobb real estate sales
Indian Hills

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales were compiled from agency reports and Cobb County property records. They include the street address, subdivision name, high school attendance zone and sales price:

July 8

2008 Eula Drive, 30066 (Kell): $724,251

3501 Montwood Court, 30062 (Shallowford Trace, Lassiter): $610,000

184 Atlanta Country Club Drive, 30067 (Atlanta Country Club, Walton): $3.09 million

504 Reston Mill Lane, 30067 (Sibley on Paper Mill, Wheeler): $2 million

608 Augusta Drive, 30067 (St. Augustine Place, Wheeler): $240,000

181 Shadowlawn Road, 30067 (Fox Hills, Wheeler): $540,000

3065 Brookview Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills, Wheeler): $800,000

2688 Shadow Bluff Drive, 30062 (Shadowwoods, Pope): $439,000

340 Piedmont Road, 30066 (Sprayberry): $615,000

3198 Wendwood Drive, 30062 (Wendwood, Pope): $493,000

4244 North Mountain Road, 30066 (Highland Pointe, Lassiter): $650,000

4772 Jamerson Creek Court, 30066 (Jamerson Creek, Kell): $409,000

July 9

57 Sewell Lane (lot), 30068 (Sewell Forest Plantation, Wheeler): $215,000

500 Tam O’Shanter Drive, 30067 (The Columns, Walton): $1.85 million

521 Pine Springs Trail, 30067 (Pine Walk, Wheeler): $649,900

2598 Beckwith Trail, 30068 (Beverly Hills Estates, Wheeler): $600,000

1150 Rockcrest Drive, 30062 (Blackjack Hills, Sprayberry): $505,000

3401 Liberty Lane, 30062 (Independence Square, Walton): $629,000

3652 McCleskey Drive (lot), 30062 (Shallowford Trickum Crossroads, Lassiter): $215,000

3297 Whitfield Drive, 30062 (Whitfield, Lassiter): $495,000

1834 Condor Drive, 30066 (Falcon Wood, Kell): $412,500

July 10

3704 Heddington Lane, 30062 (Garrison Parc, Lassiter): $1.235 million

2466 Hampton Park Way, 30062 (Hampton Park, Sprayberry): $637,500

4044 Fawn Run, 30068 (Fawn Ridge, Walton): $482,500

1871 Donald Drive, 30066 (Hasty Acres, Sprayberry): $515,000

2652 Shadow Woods Circle, 30062 (Shadowwoods, Pope): $641,000

3334 Pebble Hill Drive, 30062 (Woodbine Station, Lassiter): $607,550

July 11

1844 Mirraview Drive, 30066 (Mirraview, Kell): $590,000

1151 Willow Avenue, 30067 (Sandpiper, Wheeler): $369,000

749 Gardenside Circle, 30067 (Gardenside at Powers Ferry, Wheeler): $450,000

133 Gant Quarters Lane, 30068 (Gant Quarters, Wheeler): $789,000

4414 Blackland Drive (lot), 30067 (Sanders Field Estates, Walton): $1 million

733 Indian Hills Parkway, 30068 (Indian Hills, Walton): $1.7 million

2911 Deerview Trail, 30066 (Caribou Hills, Sprayberry): $522,000

1242 Colony Drive, 30068 (Lake Colony, Walton): $649,000

1687 Shady Hill Road, 30068 (Shady Hill, Walton): $1.35 million

July 12

3635 Fricks Road, 30062 (The Enclave at Cochran, Lassiter): $1.458 million

2978 Treeside Terrace, 30066 (Edgewood East, Lasiter): $1.53 million

632 Willow Ridge Drive, 30068 (Willow Ridge, Wheeler): $528,800

933 Bridgegate Drive, 30068 (Bridgegate, Walton): $710,000

1132 Mitsy Hollow Drive, 30068 (Mitsy Forest, Walton): $615,000

2498 Oakrill Road, 30062 (Cedar Forks, Pope): $470,000

3005 Casteel Road, 30062 (Pope): $470,000

3149 Montana Way, 30066 (Rio Montana, Sprayberry): $415,000

3251 Hembree Court, 30062 (Hembree Hills, Pope): $668,000

3229 Belford Drive, 30066 (Chaucer Place, Sprayberry): $650,000

4851 Willow Creek Drive, 30066 (Willow Creek, Kell): $365,000

4915 Climbing Vine Place, 30066 (Cooks Valley, Lassiter): $650,000

4813 Old Timber Ridge Road, 30068 (Lake Crest Estates, Walton): $1.312 million

4631 Gateside Lane, 30067 (Column Gate, Walton): $1.496 million

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East Cobb schools show gains in 2024 Milestones tests

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Mountain View Elementary School
Mountain View Elementary School students turned in solid Milestones scores in 2023-24.

With dozens of data points, the Georgia Milestones testing results for the 2023-24 academic year present a variety of perspectives on how students at all grade levels performed.

The Georgia Department of Education on Thursday released the comprehensive assessments, which didn’t differ all that much from last year for the 36 public schools in East Cobb.

Students at schools with a pattern of high performance results continued to test well in the End of Grade (elementary and middle) and End of Course (high school) metrics.

Others that have had struggling figures over the years also continued to lag, although there was some progress in spots.

A total of 13 different assessments are measured at the end of each semester, as well as the end of the school year.

(You can read through all the figures at the state education Milestones dashboard).

Georgia Milestones test students in grades 3-8 in English Language Arts and math, in grades 5-8 in those subjects plus science, and those areas plus social studies in grade 8. High school students are tested in American Literature, algebra, biology and U.S. history.

Students are categorized in one of four levels, based on those test scores: Level 1 is Beginning Learner, Level 2 is a Developing Learner, Level 3 is a Proficient Learner and Level 4 is Distinguished Learner.

The Georgia DOE said in a release that math scores will be released in the fall, after new math standards were implemented during the 2023-24 school year.

Across the state, ELA, reading and science scores were up modestly, according to a release. More:

“The percentage of students achieving the Proficient Learner level or above increased or held steady on 10 of 13 End of Grade (EOG) and End of Course (EOC) assessments.”

Those are among metrics that we’re highlighting in the tables below from East Cobb schools. Another key indicator that’s getting extra emphasis since COVID-19 are third-grade reading scores.

The Cobb County School District said in a release Thursday that 78.2 percent of students tested at all grade levels  and across all subjects surpassed their peers in other metro Atlanta school districts.

The district said reading levels “increased substantially” in third, fifth, sixth and eighth grades, while English Language Arts grades were also up modestly from 2023.

Cobb high school students outperformed the state average in U.S. History testing by 17 percent, and in biology by 13.9 percent.

What follows is a sampling of only a few metrics lines that comprise Milestones. Another link to the full dashboard can be found here, and where you can download spreadsheets and other data by school, school district and the state.

3rd Grade Reading

# Students Tested % Grade Level or Above
Addison 99 86.9
Bells Ferry 146 67.8
Blackwell 101 64.6
Brumby 104 59.9
Davis 105 90.5
East Side 181 92.8
Eastvalley 96 70.8
Garrison Mill 122 90.2
Keheley 52 86.5
Kincaid 112 83.0
Mt. Bethel 174 92.5
Mountain View 116 91.4
Murdock 158 93.0
Nicholson 51 82.4
Powers Ferry 76 57.9
Rocky Mount 87 96.2
Sedalia Park 107 54.2
Shallowford Falls 104 93.3
Sope Creek 187 93.6
Timber Ridge 82 96.3
Tritt 146 91.8

8th grade English Language Arts

# Tested % Proficient Learners + Above % Distinguished Learners
Daniell 297 47.8 10.4
Dickerson 359 81.9 43.7
Dodgen 419 75.9 32.0
East Cobb 460 42.6 10.9
Hightower Trail 334 76.9 32.0
Mabry 298 72.8 28.9
McCleskey 188 59.0 20.7
Simpson 273 73.6 30.4

High School American Lit & Comp

# Tested % Proficient Learners + Above % Distinguished Learners
Kell 409 60.1 13.9
Lassiter 489 81.0 29.9
Pope 432 80.1 29.2
Sprayberry 481 52.0 10.6
Walton 683 89.9 37.3
Wheeler 630 57.8 23.0

High School Biology

# Tested % Proficient Learners + Above % Distinguished Learners
Kell 432 61.6 13.7
Lassiter 516 84.7 41.3
Pope 419 82.8 28.2
Sprayberry 392 57.1 13.3
Walton 1,119 86.7 39.5
Wheeler 555 61.1 30.8

High School U.S. History

# Tested % Proficient Learners & Above % Distinguished Learners
Kell 328 67.1 17.7
Lassiter 333 82.0 37.8
Pope 227 80.2 25.1
Sprayberry 389 58.1 16.5
Walton 413 87.9 34.1
Wheeler 468 53.0 16.0

Cobb Youth Leadership announces 2024-25 class members

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Cobb Youth Leadership (CYL), a development program for high school juniors and sponsored by the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, has announced the members of its 2024-2025 class.Cobb Chamber of Commerce

A total of 54 students have been selected, including the following from high schools in East Cobb:

  • Amol Balakrishnan, Lassiter High School
  • Arvind Balakrishnan, Wheeler High School
  • Anya Dhir, Walton High School
  • Lila Fraley, Wheeler High School
  • Marie Hable, Wheeler High School
  • Sophie Hortman, Lassiter High School
  • Thomas Linton, Pope High School
  • Madison Lockhart, Pope High School
  • Sameel Mistri, Wheeler High School
  • Brody Tanner, Johnson Ferry Christian Adcemy
  • Leo Waldron, Walton High School

Orientation begins on Monday, followed by a fall retreat in August and monthly program activities until graduation in April, 2025.

Here’s more from the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, which oversees CYL, about the program:

Created in 1989, the program provides students a unique opportunity to learn about their community, develop leadership skills, as well as meet and interact with students from other high schools. Students attending public or private high schools or home-school students must complete and submit an application for CYL in the spring of their sophomore year. Students participate in the program during their junior year of high school.

Allan Bishop, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Julie Peck, Hub International, will be Co-Chairs for the 2024-2025 program year. Tripp Boyer, Boyer Ramey Wealth Management, and Luci Hogue, Scotland Wright Associates, will be the Vice Co-Chairs for the 2024-2025 program year. The 2024-2025 class theme is “Connected in Leadership.”

Thank you to Yearlong Presenting Sponsor, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Youth Champion Sponsor, Six Flags Over Georgia.

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Cobb school bus safety reminders for motorists and students

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The Cobb County School District’s 2024-25 academic year begins on Thursday, and both the district and Cobb County government have been rounding up information related to bus transportation.Cobb school bus safety reminders for motorists and students

Foremost among those reminders is a new Georgia law that went into effect July 1 that makes it a “high and aggravated misdemeanor” to pass a stopped school bus.

The minimum fine is $1,000 and the maximum penalty is up to 12 months in jail.

“When the violation is caught by school bus-mounted cameras it is punishable by a civil fine of not less than $1,000,” according to information released this week by Cobb County government.

Some other tips to remember as buses will be back out on the roads:

  • Yellow flashing lights mean the school bus is slowing down and about to stop.
  • Red flashing lights and the extended stop arm mean children are boarding or exiting the bus. Motorists must come to a complete stop a safe distance from the bus. They must wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is retracted, and the bus starts moving again before they return to their drive.
  • Children alongside the road might dart into traffic without looking. Motorists are responsible for watching out for them and preparing for an emergency stop.
  • Motorists should drive more slowly if they see children beside the road or a bus nearby.

Cobb government also has provided links to new videos showing motorists how to stop for buses, depending on the type of road:

The Cobb school district has more specific information about finding bus routes, downloading its “Here Comes the Bus” mobile app and other transportation details to follow throughout the school year.

A special FAQ page has even more, including several links pertaining to transportation needs for special-needs students.

One other handy tip for the start of the school year: Students are allowed to bring water bottles on the buses in August and September, in containers with a screw-on lid.

For more information contact the Cobb school district’s transportation department at 678-594-8000.

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New Cobb commission elections ordered in redistricting ruling

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New Cobb commission elections ordered in redistricting ruling
Alicia Adams speaking at a recent Cobb Board of Commissioners meeting.

New elections to fill two seats on the Cobb Board of Commissioners were ordered on Thursday by a Cobb Superior Court judge, who threw out recent primary results in deciding a long-standing electoral map dispute.

Judge Kellie Hill said in her ruling that the May 21 primaries as well as a June runoff for one of the seats were conducted using electoral maps that violate the Georgia Constitution.

She said the commission’s Democratic majority was not authorized to approve “home rule” maps in 2022 that were used by the Cobb Board of Elections and Registration this year because reapportionment is a function of the Georgia legislature.

Hill said that special primaries and special elections for seats in District 2—which had included some of East Cobb—and District 4 in South Cobb will be necessary following the November elections, using maps approved by the General Assembly in 2022.

She waited until after the Georgia Supreme Court threw out a separate lawsuit on a technicality in May to hear a different complaint against the Cobb elections board.

In her decision Thursday, Hill ruled on an appeal by a Republican candidate, Alicia Adams, who had been disqualified for the District 2 race under the home rule maps.

(You can read Hill’s ruling by clicking here.)

Adams lives within those boundaries under the legislative maps, but East Cobb resident Mindy Seger, a Democratic activist and ally of current District 2 Cobb Commissioner Jerica Richardson, challenged her qualification under the home rule maps.

The elections board ruled Adams didn’t qualify under the home rule maps.

Hill referenced a ruling in January by Cobb Superior Court Judge Ann Harris in another case that the home rule maps were unconstitutional.

“The Court, having ruled the Home Rule Map unconstitutional in the companion appeal finds the Plaintiff has a clear legal right to seek qualification for the Cobb County Commission, Post 2, using the Legislative Map, if qualified, to run for a special primary in that post,” Hill states in the ruling.

“The Court finds that the Plantiff is entitled to a writ of mandamus requiring the Cobb BOER to cease using the Home Rule Map for future elections and qualification purposes” as well as requiring the special elections.

The Cobb elections board said in a statement Friday that it would schedule those elections “as soon as practicable afterwards” but didn’t indicate when that might be.

Proposed Cobb commission redistricting map
The Cobb “home rule” maps included some of East Cobb in District 2 (in pink) in an election that was on the May primary ballot.

Most voters in East Cobb who cast ballots in the District 2 primary and runoff will not be able to do so in the special elections because the legislative-approved maps are now in force.

Democrat Jaha Howard, a former member of the Cobb Board of Education, won a Democratic runoff in District 2. The only Republican on the primary ballot was Pamela Reardon of East Cobb.

But Reardon won’t be able to run in the special election because she lives in District 3 under the legislative maps.

The legislative maps have most of East Cobb in District 3, represented by Republican JoAnn Birrell. District 2 includes most of the Cumberland-Smyrna-Vinings area, as well as the I-75 corridor north to Marietta and the Town Center area.

 

The commission Democrats decided to test the home rule provision after Cobb Republican legislators ignored maps drawn up by the Democrat-led county legislative delegation that would have kept Jerica Richardson, one of those Democrats, in her seat.

The legislative maps drew Richardson out of her home in East Cobb, and commissioners voted 3-2 along partisan lines in October 2022 to follow the delegation maps.

Cobb GOP BOC redistricting map
Cobb commission maps passed by the Georgia legislature include most of East Cobb in District 3 (gold).

In a statement issued Friday, the Cobb elections board said that Hill’s order “confirmed the Board of Elections’ long stated position that it did not have authority to declare the Home Rule Map resolution unconstitutional of its own accord.”

With the legal issues pending, Richardson ran for Congress in May, but lost in the Democratic primary to U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath in the 6th District.

Howard was one of five Democrats running in the primary to succeed Richardson, along with former State Rep. Erick Allen, who drew up what became known as the home rule maps.

In District 4, current first-term Democratic commissioner Monique Sheffield won the May primary, and was facing no Republican opposition in November.

But she’ll have to qualify and run again in the new special primary and election for that seat.

Those are the only two district seats up this year. The race for Cobb Commission Chair is unaffected, since it’s countywide. Democratic Chairwoman Lisa Cupid is seeking a second term against Republican Kay Morgan in November.

The terms of the commission’s two Republicans, Birrell and Keli Gambrill—an initial plaintiff in the lawsuit thrown out by the Georgia Supreme Court—run through 2026.

Cupid said in a statement on Friday that “I respect the judge’s ruling and we are assessing how to move forward.”

Cobb government spokesman Ross Cavitt told East Cobb News later Friday in response to a question if the county would appeal by saying that “there has been no discussion at this point about any further legal action.”

It remains unclear what would happen when the District 2 and District 4 terms expire at the end of the year, since elections are unlikely to be called before then.

And it’s also uncertain if Richardson will have to step down before her term expires at the end of the year, since district commissioners must reside within those boundaries.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Green Coyote Cantina; Mezza Luna; more

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Green Coyote Cantina, East Cobb Food Scores

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

A Delightful Bitefull Catering
2217 Roswell Road, Suite B1
July 23, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
3460 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 110
July 25, 2024 Score: 90, Grade: A

Chaska
1836 Lower Roswell Road
July 25, 2024 Score: 84, Grade: B

Green Coyote Cantina
255 Village Parkway, Suite 330
July 23, 2024 Score: 85, Grade: B

GTC Merchants Walk Cinema
1301 Johnson Ferry Road
July 26, 2024 Score: 99, Grade: A

Johnny’s Pizza
2970 Canton Road
July 23, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Mezza Luna
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2198
July 22, 2024 Score: 90, Grade: A

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Cobb FY 2025 budget, millage rate adopted amid tax relief pleas

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Cobb FY 2025 budget adopted

The outcome was as predictable as the calls to do otherwise.

After hearing homeowners begging for tax relief for several hours, the Cobb Board of Commissioners voted along party lines Tuesday night to adopt a fiscal year 2025 budget and millage rate that includes substantial spending increases.

They held the general fund, fire fund and other millage rates from the present fiscal year 2024 budget.

But the new $1.3 billion budget means property owners will still be paying more in taxes due to rising assessments.

At two public hearings Tuesday night—one for the millage rates and the other for the budget proposal—citizens pleaded with commissioners to “roll back” the property tax rates.

The new budget includes a 9 percent increase in spending, and $41.3 million more in general fund increases along, mostly to pay for public safety salaries and benefits.

Overall spending across all funds is $63.7 million.

(More budget information can be found by clicking here.)

The three Democrats who make up the majority voted in favor, while the two Republicans voted against.

But there was little discussion before those votes were cast.

Some citizens said their assessments have gone up by much more, exceeding 30 percent in some cases, and causing an undue burden with inflation.

As in the two previous hearings, Tuesday’s hearing included pleas from citizens to find ways to cut spending.

“Stop DeKalbing us. Stop Fultonizing us,” said Alicia Adams, a Republican who’s challenging her removal as a commission candidate in a continuing legal dispute over electoral maps. “We’re Cobb County.

“Our money isn’t your money. Live by a budget. Our family does, so you need to too.”

Cobb resident Hugh Norris noted earlier during the hearing that the Austell City Council rejected a budget that included a 106 percent property tax increase, with only the mayor left to defend it.

“The constituents showed up, and apparently, the city of Austell, city council members remembered that they’re supposed to represent their constituents. . . . So far every single speaker has been against this, so we shall see where you all shake out.”

Because the millage rate didn’t roll back to fiscal year 2024 spending, the state considers that a tax increase, and the county had to advertise and hold three public hearings.

The general fund millage rate of 8.46 would have to be rolled back to 7.761 mills to meet 2024 spending, and the fire fund of 2.99 would have to be rolled back to 2.8 mills.

GOP commissioner Keli Gambrill referenced voter frustrations going back to 2018, when a previous board voted to increase the millage rate.

She said at the time, the county didn’t have much in funding reserves, “we are not in that position today.

“That is where the people are upset not many of them can have money in the bank earning the interest like the county is. This is where some of the frustration is. . . . We’re collecting more money than we should.”

Applause broke out when she said that, but Gambrill’s Democratic colleagues were unswayed.

Cobb chief financial officer Bill Volckmann presented a list of budget items passed last year that represent $16.5 million this year, and are long-term obligations.

Chairwoman Lisa Cupid read them aloud, and later extended her remarks to claim that the increases are needed to catch up with years of underfunding operations, and to pay for public safety overtime due to staffing shortages.

County department heads requested 380 new positions, but the FY 2025 budget includes only five.

Cupid said “I personally don’t care for” a higher tax bill, but that Cobb operates at a lower millage rate than most local governments in metro Atlanta.

“The significant wins” of Cobb government, Cupid added, are done largely on the backs of county employees.

“They try their best to serve you, with the limited dollars they have. . . Cobb County is known for providing stellar service, and we’d love to do it for free. But you and I both know it doesn’t operate like that.”

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