East Cobb News

Wesley Chapel Road rezoning request continued to September

August 4, 2020 by Wendy Parker

Revised Z-40 Site Plan

A rezoning request to build 81 homes on Wesley Chapel Road, near Garrison Mill Elementary School, is being continued to September.

The Cobb Planning Commission voted Tuesday to delay the case at the request of the applicant, Brooks Chadwick Capital LLC.

The East Cobb developer wants to build the new subdivision on two slabs totaling nearly 50 acres on either side of Wesley Chapel Road that’s undeveloped, except for two older homes.

The request has generated some community opposition. A group of nearby homeowners and homeowners associations posted an online petition objecting to the proposal’s density, along with concerns over school capacity, traffic close to a school and stormwater and wildlife issues

Those individuals and groups weren’t identified, by Catherine Kommer, a nearby resident, told East Cobb News that the homes in the proposed development are “very close and leave little room for trees. It is an unhealthy plan. I would hope that air quality and health would be in the forefront of everyone’s minds with respect to the corona virus. It’s hard to understand accepting a plan that would hinder air quality in the middle of a pandemic.”

She’s written a letter to that effect to Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell (the rezoning also includes Cobb Commissioner Bob Ott’s district).

Also delayed until September is a request by Site Partners LLC, the owner of the Sandy Plains Village Shopping Center, to convert part of that retail center for townhomes and retail space.

Cobb Zoning Staff is continuing the request after the applicant revised its site plan last week. The case was initially delayed from July, after staff recommended denial, saying the townhomes were incompatible with nearby single-family communities and traffic concerns.

Virtual town hall scheduled for Sprayberry Crossing rezoning

August 4, 2020August 4, 2020 by Wendy Parker

Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell sends along word this morning that she’s scheduled a virtual town hall meeting for the Sprayberry Crossing rezoning case that’s coming up in September.

She said the town hall will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and will include Judy Williams, her appointment to the Cobb Planning Commission, and representatives from the Cobb Zoning Staff.

Although citizens will be invited to comment and ask questions, Birrell said she and Williams will not be offering opinions. That’s standard procedure in zoning cases.

Atlanta apartment builder Atlantic Residential is planning a mixed-use development on 18 acres where blighted shopping center has stood for years.

At a July virtual town hall, the developer offered its latest revisions to a proposal that would include 178 general and 122 senior-living rentals, 50 townhomes, a major grocery store, other retail, an outdoor entertainment and food hall and community greenspace.

(You can find more information at the Sprayberry Crossing website.)

The rezoning request can be found here; it’s an application for what’s called a redevelopment overlay district category. What that means is that the kind of development contained in the request—especially five-story residential buildings that have generated some community opposition—shall not establish a precedent for future land use or rezoning matters in the nearby area.

The Cobb Zoning Staff has not yet produced an analysis or made a recommendation.

The WebEx link to register for Birrell’s town hall can be found here; you can contact your office with questions at [email protected] or call 770-528-3318.

Advance runoff voting expands to East Cobb Government Center

August 3, 2020 by Wendy Parker

Cobb tag offices reopening

You can cast a ballot close to home this week before next Tuesday’s runoff elections as advance voting continues.

The East Cobb Government Service Center (4400 Lower Roswell Road) is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday. Other locations will have the same days and hours:

Lines are expected to be long due to social-distancing guidance and you’ll be asked to wear a face covering.

On the ballot for East Cobb voters is a Republican runoff for Cobb Board of Commissioners District 2 between Andy Smith and Fitz Johnson. There also are two judicial runoffs that will be determined county wide.

There won’t be and advance voting Saturday or next Monday. If you vote on Tuesday, you’ll go to your assigned precinct. Those hours are also 7-7 and social distancing and masks will be requested.

Here’s more from the Cobb Board of Elections and Registration:

To download and print the full advance voting schedule, click here.

There is NO VOTING on Sundays, Saturday, Aug. 8, or Monday, Aug. 10. On Election Day, Tuesday, Aug. 11, voters must go to their assigned polling locations, open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. To confirm your eligibility to vote for this election, please visit the Secretary of State’s “My Voter Page.”

Georgia law allows for absentee by mail ballots to be requested up to 180 days before an election. No excuse is required to vote before election day. Voters are encouraged to vote by-mail using the absentee application found on the absentee voting page.

Luminary Eye Care opens at Woodlawn Point Shopping Center

August 3, 2020 by Wendy Parker

Dr. Jinen Shah got in touch to announce that he’s opened Luminary Eye Care at the Woodlawn Point Shopping Center (1100 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 120).

It’s an independent practice that sees adult and child patients with standard examinations, as well as emergency care, ocular disease management, LASIK consultations and glasses and contact lenses.

Most vision and medical insurance is accepted. Hours are Monday & Wednesday 9-5; Tuesday & Thursday 10:30-6:30; Friday 9-3; and Saturday by appointment only.

Phone is 678-263-2226; Facebook updates here.

Sunday closure at Roll On In

Not far away in Woodlawn Point, Suzanne and Monte Jump, owners of Roll On In Sushi, said that starting this Sunday, Aug. 9, they’ll be closed on Sundays.

“We feel this will allow more time for faith, family and fellowship for our family and our employees. Thank you so much for your support, East Cobb. It means the world,” they said on Monday.

Monday-Saturday hours remain from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Avenue bounces back

The Chain Store Age publication is scrapping its annual listing of top retail experiences for one explaining those centers that are recovering from closures due to COVID-19. Fifth on its list is The Avenue East Cobb, where special outdoor events like Dinner & Drive-In movie and fitness workshops are tied to stores reopening.

As we noted previously, there will be a fundraising event Aug. 22 for the Box of Balloons non-profit that gives disadvantaged kids a special birthday celebration.

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East Cobb Women in Business group to meet at Mabry Park

August 3, 2020August 3, 2020 by Wendy Parker

Mabry Park Opening

If you’re interested in meeting other business women for lunch in the outdoors, the East Cobb Women in Business Group is doing that on Thursday, Aug. 13 at Mabry Park, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.:

“Bring a lawn chair and meet under the big Pavilion. Space is limited and registration is required. We are a non-industry exclusive networking group for local women and invite you to join us for support and education to help build your business relationships and invest in the growth of others.”

The limit on this gathering is 15 people, first-come, first-serve, due to COVID restrictions. The group has been meeting at Paradise Grill, and plans on going back there in the fall.

More information about the group can be found here and details on what’s being discussed at the meeting can be found here.

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what your organization is doing, or share news about what people are doing in the community—accomplishments, recognitions, milestones, etc.

Pass along your details to: [email protected], and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

August classes at The Art Place moved to Sewell Mill Library

August 2, 2020 by Wendy Parker

The Art Place-Mountain View is getting a new roof, so classes during the month of August have been moved to the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road). The Art Place August classes

Some of those classes start Monday, and here’s a full list of offerings for The Art Place and Sewell Mill, for kids as well as grown-ups, with information and registration links.

A new course is Handbuilding at Home, for youths and adults (see flyer at right; there’s a “supersize” course that costs $81), and it takes place between Aug. 10-24.

And here’s your COVID safety message to observe, and the limitations on classes that will be very different from usual as a result:

This summer our in-person classes will be operating with a 5-student maximum, all classes will enforce social distancing, and it is recommended students wear masks in the classroom.

Cobb PARKS has also instituted a screening process to enter the building. When you arrive for class your temperature will be checked, and you will be given a wristband. Parents will not be able to wait in lobby for students to finish classes – as lobbies are closed to the public.

We also have several virtual options for students this session. Please note that all classes are taught by PARKS employees, and each center will have more limited offerings than a typical semester. We hope you use this opportunity to explore classes and workshops in different art centers across the county. If you are interested in a class that is not listed, please email your ideas to [email protected].

Weekend produce stand comes to Lower Roswell Road location

August 1, 2020 by Wendy Parker

Lower Roswell weekend produce stand

Reader Theresa lets us know that every Saturday and Sunday from 12-3 fresh produce and homemade goods are being sold in the parking lot at the Coastal gas station (Day Brothers Automotive) at 2011 Lower Roswell Road, next to the Sewell Mill Library.

The food comes from Smyrna-based produce proprietor Lee Harvey of Fat Iguana Produce, and items include fruits and vegetables he buys at the State Farmers Market, as well as baked goods.

Harvey started operating on the weekends from the Day Brothers business last month, and it’s among a number of “pop-up” farmers markets that have been springing up in the East Cobb area.

Another is Holland Botanical, which takes online orders during the week for Saturday delivery of boxed fruits and vegetables in the parking lot of the Shallowford Falls Shopping Center. Updates and details about Holland Botanical can be found here; they’re also beginning a Tuesday pickup time and you’ll have until noon Monday to place an order.

Lower Roswell weekend produce stand

Take a walk back in time: Hyde Farm tours continue Aug. 8

August 1, 2020August 1, 2020 by Wendy Parker

Hyde Farm

On the second Saturday of the month the Cobb Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department conducts walking tours of Hyde Farm, which dates back to 1840 and is now 42 acres of greenspace and serves an educational and recreational facility

It’s located at 726 Hyde Road, off Lower Roswell Road and east of Johnson Ferry Road and here’s what you’ll find:

Natural features include the Chattahoochee River, the forests that are found in both the lowlands adjacent to the river and the uplands near the home site. Man made features consist of the terraced agricultural fields, lowland pastures/old fields, the orchard, the home site, the meadows, and the farm outbuilding sites. Enjoy the pond that was built on Mulberry Creek in the 1980’s, featuring geese, ducks, herons, turtles, beaver, and stocked with catfish and bass.

Next Saturday, Aug. 8, free tours will take place at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. and take 45 minutes to complete. You must register by clicking here. For information call 770-528-8840

Kemp extends Georgia public health emergency to Sept. 10

August 1, 2020August 1, 2020 by Wendy Parker

Kemp extends public health emergency — *The Georgia COVID Situation Report tracks cases, hospitalizations and other medical date. **Click here** to read Friday’s report.*

For the fifth time, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has extended a statewide public health emergency he first declared in March.

His latest extension expired at midnight Saturday, and Kemp has now extended that until 11:59 p.m. Sept. 10.

Kemp also extended another executive order that restricts public gatherings of more than 50 people without social distancing measures (at least six feet between persons), outlines mandatory criteria for businesses and requires the medically fragile to shelter-in-place.

That order continues through Aug. 15.

“As our state ramps up testing, expands hospital surge capacity, and provides staffing, supplies, and resources to cities and counties throughout Georgia, we urge local officials to enforce the rules and restrictions detailed in these orders,” Kemp said in a statement.

Kemp’s extended orders come at the end of a month with around half of all of Georgia’s confirmed COVID-19 cases having occurred and with growing concerns about hospitalizations due to the virus.

On Friday another 4,149 cases were reported by the Georgia Department of Public Health, for 186,236 in all. At the end of June, there were 104,423 cases in Georgia.

In Cobb County, there were 6,329 cases in July, 56 percent of all of the county’s cases since tracking began in February. The county’s current total is 11,206, up from 4,877 on June 30.

Another 286 cases were reported in Cobb on Friday, the fourth day in a row in which at least 200 cases were reported.

Cobb’s death total stands at 297, which is unchanged from Tuesday.

UPDATED, Saturday, 4:30 p.m.:

Georgia’s COVID case on Saturday afternoon was 190,012, up by 3,709 from Friday, and 3,825 deaths. Another 308 new hospitalizations also were reported.

Cobb’s case total is up to 11,436, up 236 from Friday, with a new death reported, bringing that total to 298.

A total of 2,851 new cases have been reported in Cobb the last two weeks.

ORIGINAL REPORT CONTINUES:

But critical-care hospital beds in the Cobb area are in short supply. According to the latest COVID Situation Report issued by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (read it here), only 14 critical-care bends are remaining, out of 226, for the region that includes Cobb, Douglas, Paulding and Cherokee counties.

Hospitalizations also have grown during July, and GEMA reports that there are 3,155 people currently admitted for COVID-19 across the state; but those don’t include figures for Cobb, and Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

Kemp has announced that a surge hospital will be opened at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta on Monday. It will start with a capacity of 60 and could hold up to 120 patients.

Marietta CrossFit owner receives small business relief grant

July 31, 2020 by Wendy Parker

Marietta CrossFit small business grant

Several of the first recipients of small business relief grants issued by SelectCobb via the federal CARES Act were recognized last week by the Cobb Board of Commissioners.

They include Leah Cozzo, a co-owner of Marietta CrossFit on Canton Road, whose business received $20,000, seen above with Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell and below with all commissioners and Cobb Chamber of Commerce and SelectCobb leaders.

Birrell said in her weekly newsletter that “the owner was so appreciative of the grant and that it allows her business to remain open and her employees to work The grant helps her stay in business.”

The first batch of grants has totaled $7.5 million (out of $50 million approved by commissioners), and to 409 businesses in the county.

Here’s more from SelectCobb, the economic development unit of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, about the program and the initial grantees:

The grants, designed to help businesses mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19, ranged from $20,000 to $40,000. The funding was made possible through a portion of the County’s disbursement of The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, an economic stimulus bill passed by the U.S. Congress in response to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. The local grants are designed to help area businesses pay for rent, utilities, personnel payments and personal protective equipment.

Approximately 56 percent of grant recipients are minority-owned businesses, while 53 percent are women-owned, and 8 percent are veterans.

“These grants are essential in providing some measure of hope and relief to the business community,” said Mike Boyce, chairman of the Cobb County Commission. “We thank the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and members of the selection committee led by Steve Ewing for their hard work in evaluating the applications. They all truly reflect what is best about the Cobb community.”

The county-Chamber partnership is being extended for another round of grants, and the deadline to apply is Aug. 21 at 5 p.m.

More information, criteria and eligibility requirements can be bound at https://selectcobb.com/grants/. Applications are open until August 21 at 5 p.m.

Crossfit Marietta small business grant

No-parking barricades placed on Sope Creek Bridge sidewalk

August 1, 2020July 31, 2020 by Wendy Parker

Sope Creek Bridge no parking

When the new Sope Creek Bridge opened on Paper Mill Road in 2013, it included widened sidewalks that have been heavily utilized by residents and pedestrians using the trails at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

They’re wide enough for vehicles to park, and a recent rash of those illegal parkings has prompted Cobb Police to put up barriers that still give pedestrians enough room.

It’s a safety issue, and the reminder and photo come from the office of Commissioner Bob Ott, who said in his weekly newsletter said police are working with Cobb DOT “to design a solution that works with the surroundings.”

East Cobb Park concert stage getting new roof

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Cobb schools releases CTLS Parent app on iPhone and iPad

July 31, 2020July 31, 2020 by Wendy Parker

With online-only classes beginning on Aug. 17, the Cobb County School Disrict is rolling out more digital features to help students and parents.

The district has released a smartphone app called CTLS Parent—after the district’s Cobb Teaching and Learning online portal—enabling parents to use their mobile devices to get the same information and communications as they would on a desktop computer.

Parents will be able to access information using their ParentVue login details.

Those materials include learning content, grading, attendance, report cards and other academic features and more are coming.

For now, it’s available for those with an iPhone or an iPad. The district says it’s applied to make CTLS Parent available to Android users vis Google Play, but is waiting for Google’s approval.

Earlier this week, Cobb schools released some sample class schedules at all levels.

Here’s more from the district on the CTLS Parent app, and a video run-through of the features:

The one-stop-shop features of the CTLS platform also provides multiple ways to stay connected with schools and teachers. Parents will have the option to message their student’s teachers and track messages from their school. Parents will no longer have to hunt through their emails to find a message from their child’s school. All the messages will be saved in a centralized location on the app.

The same goes for Districtwide messages and alerts. Parents will also be able to set up push notifications, select language preferences, and indicate the frequency in which they would like to receive messages.

Parents will also be able to access a directory of teachers and important contact information for the school in one location. They’ll even have the option to add the contact numbers from the directory to their phone contacts, so they easily know who is calling them.

Elsewhere in the app, the parents will be able to access over 700,000 vetted and aligned educational resources. The Resource Library will help families stay engaged in their child’s learning at home.

Other app features include student schedule, grade book, report card, mass notifications, calendars, conferences automated attendance, lunch balance notifications, polls, school signups, and more.

The student schedule section will not only provide a list of student classes, but also a list of standards for each class and grade level. This will help parents stay informed of expected academic progress.

WellStar Foundation invites public to free virtual gala on Saturday

July 31, 2020July 31, 2020 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information: Wellstar Foundation virtual gala

Wellstar Health System, one of Georgia’s largest and most integrated healthcare systems, is inviting the community to attend its first-ever Wellstar Foundation virtual gala and interactive online fundraiser on Aug. 1, from 6 to 7 p.m. WSB-TV award-winning anchor Fred Blankenship will serve as the emcee of the Wellstar Starlight Grand Gala and joins celebrities, community members and healthcare heroes in raising vital donations for the Wellstar Foundation’s COVID-19 relief fund. Sponsored by ApolloMD and Bank of America, the benefit will feature performances, a live silent auction and wine wall, and a virtual photo booth.

“Our hope is to make the virtual gala just as fun as our annual live event is each year, with the bonus of being able to invite and engage with many more people on the online platform,” said Lisa Mello, Wellstar Foundation director of Strategic Giving. “What a unique opportunity to share how donations to the Wellstar Foundation are helping make Georgia well, now and in the future!”

The initial line-up of performers includes rock singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer Michelle Malone; Atlanta Braves opera singer Timothy Miller; and country music group Brian Collins Band. Attendees will also enjoy heartfelt messages from celebrities and community members showing appreciation to Wellstar team members for working on the frontlines throughout the pandemic.

The COVID-19 relief fund supports Wellstar’s 11 hospitals, six health parks, pediatric centers, hospice facilities, and other medical offices. The fund also offers supplies and educational materials to members of the community, procures tablets that connect patients with loved ones, and provides aid to Wellstar team members in need due to the pandemic.

There are multiple ways to participate during the virtual event that include wine wall purchases starting at $25, a silent auction featuring exciting experiences, and the opportunity to donate directly to the COVID-19 relief fund. As a not-for-profit, Wellstar relies on community support to fund hospital enhancements, community programs, and resources for individuals in need. Contributions to the Wellstar Foundation support our vision of delivering world-class healthcare to everyone in our service area.

The virtual gala is free and open to anyone who would like to attend. Register now by visiting wellstar.org/gala.

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Wesley Chapel Road rezoning would allow 81-home subdivision

July 30, 2020 by Wendy Parker

One of the last rural outposts on Wesley Chapel Road could soon be plowed under for a new subdivision.

Brooks Chadwick Capital LLC, an East Cobb developer, has filed a rezoning request for nearly 50 acres that will be heard Tuesday by the Cobb Planning Commission.

The undeveloped land owned by Glennis F. Willis is zoned R-30 and R-20, lower-density categories. But the applicant is seeking R-15 density to build 81 single-family homes on those tracts.

(You can request the agenda item here. The site plan has been revised and that is shown below.)

The properties, which are fronted by older homes, are just above Garrison Mill Elementary School (at the bottom of the aerial map above) and just below Mabry Park.

According to Cobb Tax Assessor’s records, the two parcels of Willis land have appraised values of $1.5 million and $1.3 million.

Revised Z-40 Site Plan — *For a larger version of the site plan **click here**.*

There is R-15 zoning in nearby subdivisions, and the Cobb Zoning Staff is recommending approval of the application with some modifications.

They include providing left-turn lanes onto either side of the subdivision, and for deceleration lanes for right-hand turns.

Brooks Chadwick’s attorney, Kevin Moore, submitted a stipulation letter earlier this week that calls for homes to be at least 3,000 square feet.

The developer also will conduct sediment studies before and after the development of the downstream lake at the nearby Loch Highland community, and provide copies to the homeowners association.

Another stipulation would limit construction hours to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

However, Moore contends that his client shouldn’t be required to build left-turn lanes because of a lack of right-of-way needed for that, and that deceleration lanes “shall only be required to the extent public-right-of way is available.”

(You can read the full letter here.)

Willis House Wesley Chapel Road — *The Willis homestead that faces Wesley Chapel Road.*

The developer didn’t indicate a price range, but newer homes in that area are generally valued in the $700,000-$900,000 range.

In recent years that part of Wesley Chapel Road has begun to build out with similarly-priced developments. That includes Mabry Grove, which was once included the homestead of the expansive Mabry Farm, and whose first homes opened last year.

Across the road, there’s still a little more than 40 acres surrounding Mabry Park that’s in Mabry family hands, and that like the Willis property, contains a single-family home on largely conservation land.

In another East Cobb case Tuesday, the Planning Commission will hear a delayed request to rezone part of the Sandy Plains Village Shopping Center for a 41-townhome development and a freestanding restaurant/retail space.

That proposal was shelved last month by planning staff, and the retail center owner, Site Centers Corp., has submitted revised plans (see below) and produced a traffic study.

(You can read about the revisions here.)

Z-37 revised site plan — *For a larger version of the site plan **click here**.*

The Planning Commission also is expected to make its recommendation for the Johnson Ferry-Shallowford master plan, which has been in development for the last couple of years.

Tuesday’s meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the second-floor board room of the Cobb government building, 100 Cherokee St., in downtown Marietta. It will be livestreamed on Cobb TV, the county’s public cable access channel (also on Channel 24 on Comcast) and on Facebook Live.

Like its zoning cases, the planning commission’s votes are advisory, and the Cobb Board of Commissioners will make final decisions on Aug. 18.

Sprayberry Crossing rezoning case scheduled for September

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

East Cobb Rotary plans ‘No K’ event in lieu of Dog Days Run

July 30, 2020July 30, 2020 by Wendy Parker

Dog Days Run

Instead of what would have been the 15th anniversary of its 5K Dog Days Run next month, the Rotary Club of East Cobb is conducting its biggest fundraiser in different fashion fitting the times.

What it’s calling a “No K” run will still be taking place starting in August, culminating with a final event on Oct. 17, and you don’t even have to run. You can if you like, but it’s a virtual event that will still include prizes for participants. The proceeds of entry fees will still be used to help a number of local organizations and charities that the Rotary Club works with.

The race typically drew around 1,000 runners on a 5K course at and around the McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA, but COVID-19 concerns aren’t going to make that possible.

Here’s more about how the process will work:

We’re hoping to enable thousands of our neighbors to contribute to our community through not running. It’ll be a footrace-themed event that will play out on social media and DogDaysRun.com through August, September and October will conclude with a live recap and awards ceremony on Facebook Live from McCleskey East Cobb YMCA on October 17. We’ll still have folks registered to not run. We’ll still have awards for participants in all age groups. It’ll still count for the Grand Prix. We’re just not actually racing.

There’s a full list of beneficiary organizations at the same link above, and they include the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts, Center for Family Resources, East Cobb Robotics, the MDE School of East Cobb, the Cobb Public Safety Celebration, the McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA and the AVID program at Wheeler High School.

Before the pandemic, the Rotary Club set a hefty fundraising goal, of $125,000 (last year it raised $82,000 from the Dog Days Run).

More registration information will be coming soon and can be found here. The Rotary Club also provides updates on its Facebook page.

Cobb schools to provide weekly prepaid student meal pickups

July 29, 2020 by Wendy Parker

After several months of working with MUST Ministries to distribute food to students in need, the Cobb County School District said Wednesday it will continue to provide student breakfasts and lunches as a new school year begins.

Starting the first day of school on Aug. 17, parents will be able to pick up a week’s worth of prepaid meal kits. The kits will have items that can be reheated, and will come with instructions and a menu.

Those breakfasts and lunches will be available to any student in the district, and food distribution will take place each Monday from 4-6 p.m. for those families who have signed up online.

In order to do that, visit the district’s MyPaymentsPlus Page, which will be open every Tuesday starting on Aug. 11 to process orders. The deadline to purchase meals for the following week is Thursdays at 12 p.m.

The district is saying local schools will not be involved in this process at all, and that all orders must be made online.

Here’s the pricing for the meal kits, which include five breakfasts and five lunches per student, based on the program each student qualifies for:

Free = No charge for weekly meal kit
Reduced-Priced = $3.67 per week
Paid = $23.99 per week

If you’re a family that hasn’t applied for free and reduced-price benefits you need to click here to get more information.

To sign up for MyPaymentsPlus click here to create an account, which is free and is available on a desktop or mobile app.

Parents can choose during the ordering process the location they want to pick up the food, and they can designate one school if they have children attending different schools. Students do not have to be present for the distribution.

At the pickup locations you’ll have to provide confirmation information and their child’s student ID number. The food will be placed by Cobb schools food staffers in the trunk or backseat of a vehicle.

Cobb schools said family dinner pick-up options may be coming soon.

For information e-mail [email protected] or call 770-426-3380.

East Cobb Park concert stage getting a new roof

July 29, 2020 by Wendy Parker

East Cobb Park concert stage

Reader Jim was at East Cobb Park on Wednesday and passed along these photos of fencing around the concert stage and some construction workers and wondered what was going on.

We checked with Lee O’Neal, President of the Friends for the East Cobb Park, who tells us that the stage is getting a new roof.

The volunteer organization partners with Cobb County Parks and Recreation, which has contracted with Allstar Lighting and Electrical to do the maintenance work.

Tom Bills of Cobb Parks said the wooden roof is 18 years old, and that it will be rebuilt based on the original design with new materials. He said the work should be done in about three weeks.

The stage typically has several concerts during the spring and summer months as part of Sunday Funday events put on by the Friends group and sponsored by WellStar.

The concert stage also is the venue for a Christmas tree lighting celebration put on by the Friends group in early December.

There haven’t been any events there since the COVID-19 outbreak.

The park was closed with other Cobb parks for seven weeks in the spring, and partially reopened in May.

On July 1, the large pavilions at East Cobb Park and other county parks were reopened for public use, with reservations of no more than 50 people due to social-distancing guidelines.

East Cobb Park concert stage

Cobb schools release sample schedules for remote learning

July 30, 2020July 29, 2020 by Wendy Parker

Cobb schools sample schedule

As Cobb County School District teachers and staff reported for preplanning this week, the district also has sent out sample class schedules at all levels for the online-only start.

The district released the samples at its Cobb Learning Everywhere portal, which also includes sample schedules for Spanish-language instruction and for special education students.

Classes begin on Aug. 17, and unlike the end of the last school year, full school days with grading will be taking place.

Classes will take place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and Wednesday is an instructional support day. That allows students to catch up on classwork, teachers to do planning and for smaller student-teacher group interactions to take place.

Cobb schools sample schedule

At the middle school and high school levels, the samples are headed by what are called “instructional expectations” that detail learning sessions by subject matter, group instruction and factor in independent work sessions and breaks.

At the elementary school level, there’s a mid-morning “brain break” but not a lunch break. Formal classes on the four instructional days will end at noon, with student independent work sessions going from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

In middle schools, the school day on the four instructional days will last from 9:30 a.m. to 4:05 p.m., with multiple breaks. The mornings are set aside for student independent work.

High school students will have either a block or traditional schedules, with breaks, including 40 minutes for lunch. Formal classes would go from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with student independent work wrapping up the day until 3:30 p.m.

Cobb schools sample schedule

More details on special education remote learning schedules can be found here. Those students also will be in classes Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with Wednesday as a support day.

Cobb school superintendent Chris Ragsdale initially was going to offer in-person and remote options, but announced July 16 the start of the school year would be online-only due to concerns about growing COVID-19 cases in Cobb County.

He said data and public health guidance indicated Cobb was in a “high community spread” for the virus. As of Tuesday there were more than 10,000 confirmed cases in the county and nearly 300 deaths, both among the highest in Georgia.

On Monday teachers and staff reported for three weeks of preplanning ahead the Aug. 17 start of classes. That’s a two-week day from the initially scheduled start of the school year.

A group of Cobb parents demanding face-to-face learning is rounding up signatures. More than 7,000 people have signed on online petition, upset that the choice for in-person classes was taken away.

“Many families require both parents working outside of the home,” the petition states.” Virtual learning is not conducive to this kind of family structure as neither parent would be available to provide instruction.”

The petitioners also cited domestic violence and the needs of already-disadvantaged students with food issues. They also said “we pay hefty taxes for the privilege of being in one of the best school districts in the state of Georgia” and say that parents “cannot provide the quality of instruction and education that the classroom setting does. It is truly detrimental to the children’s education experience and will set them back academically, emotionally, and mentally for the coming years.”

A Facebook group called Let Parents Choose, which has more than 1,700 members, is holding a rally at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Cobb Civic Center to push for in-person classes.

Ragsdale said he didn’t want to have to go online-only, and wants the district to go back to classroom learning at some point, but he didn’t indicated when that might be.

“The sooner we can get out of the high spread the sooner we can return to face-to-face,” he said at the July 16 Cobb school board meeting.

Cobb FY 2021 budget adopted; more CARES Act funding approved

July 29, 2020July 29, 2020 by Wendy Parker

Proposed Cobb FY 21 budget

The Cobb Board of Commissioners adopted a fiscal year 2021 budget on Tuesday night that includes a property tax increase and no merit increase for county employees.

Commissioners voted without discussion to adopt the $473 million general funding spending plan, which holds the line on the property tax rate at 8.66 mills. But because of additional revenues coming from growth in the Cobb tax digest and no “rollback” millage action, state law considers that a tax increase.

At Tuesday’s final slate of public hearings on the millage rate and budget proposal, no citizens signed up to speak.

The budget is effective Oct. 1.

Commissioners also approved funding from the federal CARES Act to assist the Marietta City Schools ($2.9 million) with online learning preparations and to purchase personal protective equipment for students and teachers.

Earlier this month the Cobb County School District received $8.1 million from the county in CARES Act money to purchase digital learning content.

Commissioners also voted to aid Cobb’s six cities with a total of $10.3 million CARES Act funding as follows:

Acworth: $1,855,308
Austell: $375,873
Kennesaw: $1,788,904
Marietta: $3,183,194
Powder Springs: $805,038
Smyrna: $2,968,559

The largest amount of the $132 million in CARES Act funding for Cobb County was $50 million in small business relief grants that were expanded last week. On Tuesday, commissioners voted to amend that plan again, designating $2 million of that amount for similar relief grants for Cobb non-profits.

Like the small businesses, the non-profits would apply and be eligible for funding for payroll and operations, with amounts based on tiers depending on the number of employees.

The non-profit grants also will be administered by SelectCobb, the economic development arm of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce.

Commissioners also approved the purchase of the Mansour Conference Center in Marietta, which will become the new home of the Cobb Board of Elections and Registration.

The $7.5 million acquisition will allow the previous owner, The Center for Family Resources, to lease office space from the county.

As Cobb COVID-19 deaths approach 300, cases exceed 10,000

July 28, 2020 by Wendy Parker

Cobb COVID onset death — *The rate of COVID-19 deaths by date in Cobb, as well as the 7-day moving average, is shown in a Georgia Department of Public Health graphic. For more **click here**.*

Four more COVID-19 deaths were reported Tuesday in Cobb County, raising the state’s second-highest fatality total close to 300.

On Monday, Cobb’s COVID case totals surpassed 10,000.

Those figures come from the Georgia Department of Public Health, which unveiled some new data options Tuesday on its daily status report, which you can find here.

Viewers can search cases and deaths according to the date they occurred, or “date of onset,” as well as by the date in which they are reported to Georgia DPH, including down to the county level.

Tuesday’s date of onset data was incomplete when the daily status report was updated at 3 p.m.

Cobb now has 292 COVID deaths, trailing only Fulton County, which has 373 deaths.

Cobb’s four new fatalities were among 54 new deaths reported across the state Tuesday. Cobb also reported 213 new COVID confirmed cases, and now has a cumulative total of 10,453. That’s fourth in Georgia behind Fulton, Gwinnett and DeKalb.

A new data feature tracks the growth of cases per county over the last two weeks. Cobb has reported 2,807 new cases in that time by date of report, about a quarter of its overall total.

Georgia’s new COVID case count is 175,052, a jump of 4,293 from Monday. Another 406 new hospitalizations also were included in Tuesday’s statewide figures, including 32 in Cobb County.

In Georgia a total of 1.48 million people have been given viral tests for COVID, with a test positivity rate of 10.8 percent. That does not include antibody tests.

Cobb COVID onset cases — *COVID-19 cases by date in Cobb show a preliminary fall in the current 14-day window. Source: Georgia Department of Public Health. For more **click here**.*

Georgia DPH points out that figures shown over the last two weeks, from the “14 Day Window” line, are preliminary. That means that additional deaths and cases that take place during that period will be updated when reported by county health agencies, hospitals and care homes.

The 54 deaths added Tuesday were reported in last 24-hour period, not by the date of death.

In East Cobb, the latest totals from Cobb and Douglas Public Health show 2,188 cases and 11 deaths as of Monday, up from our last ZIP Code breakdown update last Thursday (July 23), when those numbers were 1,904 cases and 50 deaths:

30067: 655 cases (570), 10 deaths (10)
30062: 625 cases (553), 12 deaths (12)
30066: 516 cases (447), 11 deaths (11)
30068: 349 cases (300), 19 deaths (17)
30075: 43 cases (34), 0 deaths (0)

Here’s the latest briefing from Dr. Janet Memark, director of Cobb and Douglas Public Health:

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