Lower Roswell traffic concept plan OK'd by Cobb commissioners

Following up on our weekend post about the upcoming Lower Roswell traffic improvements project: Cobb commissioners on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve the concept plan.

There was no discussion as commissioners quickly went through several individual votes on transportation items.

As we noted in our Saturday post, approval of the concept plan means that Cobb DOT can go ahead with property acquisitions that could take into early next year, with a targeted date of May 2022 to put the project up for competitive bidding.

Once that’s done, Cobb DOT estimates two years will be needed to complete the nearly $9 million construction work, covering 0.6-mile stretch of Lower Roswell from Woodlawn Drive to Davidson Road.

Also Tuesday, Cobb commissioners voted 4-1 to provide $1.5 million in new federal funds for emergency food distribution through county non-profit agencies.

Commissioner Keli Gambrill was opposed, saying the criteria favor larger non-profits, such as the Cobb Community Foundation, and penalize smaller organizations, including faith-based groups.

Gambrill also was the only vote against the creation of four new positions in the county cybersecurity department after a recent phishing attack. The county will spend just under $50,000 in the remaining fiscal year 2021.

Cobb commissioner Jerica Richardson, whose District 2 includes part of East Cobb, announced Tuesday that she will be holding a virtual economic town hall Saturday from 12-1 p.m.

The guest is Bobby Staten, a member of her “Community Cabinet,” who will discusssuch issues as the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, the state of the job market, and more.

Citizens can ask questions and attendance is free; registration information can be found here.