JOSH community meeting Archives

Johnson Ferry-Shallowford community

Earlier this spring we reported from an open house (photo above) designed to gain citizen input for future land use and development possibilities in the Johnson Ferry-Shallowford community of East Cobb.

Also known as JOSH, the master plan project is being led by officials from several Cobb government agencies, including community development, parks and recreation, transportation and stormwater management.

Part of the process has included asking citizens to fill out an image preference survey of potential future buildings, and some people balked at the choices as too dense and not in keeping with the community surroundings (including the multi-family housing example offered below)

The Cobb Community Development office was asked to redo the design guidelines at the request of commissioner Bob Ott, whose District 2 now includes the JOSH area. JOSH image preference survey

The JOSH study is similar to other corridor master plan projects in his district, including Johnson Ferry (between Roswell and Lower Roswell), Powers Ferry and Vinings.

Now the community development office is getting out word it’s holding some more public meetings after the first of the year.

According to comprehensive planner Phillip Westbrook, three meetings will be held “to refamiliarize everyone with the JOSH study and provide more opportunities for additional feedback.”

The specific dates haven’t been announced, but are being tentatively planned for January, February and March.

The master plan concept that is developed from the JOSH meetings will be incorporated into the Cobb 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

Citizens can offer feedback online, and view documents, maps and other information related to the study area, by visiting the Cobb government website with JOSH information.

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On Tuesday another JOSH community meeting will solicit public input on continuing efforts to develop a Johnson Ferry-Shallowford master plan. A new image preference survey for possible future development in the area is the main subject, following protests from some that what they had to choose from was too dense.

The meeting takes place from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Chestnut Ridge Christian Church (2663 Johnson Ferry Road) and here’s what District 2 Cobb commissioner sent out on Friday about what’s on the agenda:

Previously, staff was scheduled to present a conceptual plan on Tuesday, May 8. Instead, staff will utilize the May 8 community meeting to facilitate the additional IPS.

The focus of the session will be a second Image Preference Survey that is concentrated on suburban-style development concepts. The survey will include more-specific residential, commercial and office development types that would be more typical of a neighborhood activity center and transitional areas within a suburban community. In addition, there will also be images reflecting greenspace and park options, stormwater management options, and streetscape elements.

Staff will still conduct an “Open House” format meeting to present the conceptual plan in upcoming months.

Jason Gaines of Cobb Community Development told us that final meeting has tentatively been scheduled for May 23 but that has not been announced as of now.