Protect our historic Marietta neighborhood from rezoning

266

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The Issue

I am a resident of the historic neighborhood that surrounds Lewis Park in Marietta, Georgia, an area we cherish for its tranquility and rich heritage. Recently, there has been a proposal to rezone 16 parcels from R-2 residential to CRC (Community Retail Commercial), under case #Z2026-22. This change threatens to fundamentally alter the character of our neighborhood by introducing high-density developments that our streets and infrastructure simply cannot support without severe consequences.

Our neighborhood has long been a peaceful residential area, offering a safe environment for families and local businesses. However, we are already experiencing an increase in traffic incidents, and the rising trend of transient safety issues deeply concerns us. Adding further burden to our streets with commercial development would exacerbate these problems, leading to congestion, noise pollution, and reduced safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and children who frequent our community parks and local shops.

The proposed rezoning would not only increase traffic exponentially but also disrupt the neighborhood’s balance by attracting volumes of non-local traffic, diminishing the quality of life we currently enjoy. Our small, independently owned shops and peaceful parks stand to suffer as they navigate the influx of outsiders who have no ties to the community.

Take into account that as recently as 2022, Marietta recorded a 14% increase in traffic accidents, demonstrating that the infrastructure is currently operating near its limits. Introducing high-density commercial entities will undoubtedly push it beyond capacity, resulting in further stress to our city services, such as waste management and security patrols.

By keeping the zoning designation as R-2, we can preserve the neighborhood's historical charm and community spirit, uphold property values, and maintain a safe and peaceful environment for current and future residents.

Join us in this critical fight to safeguard the essence of our beloved neighborhood by signing this petition. Let us collectively urge the Planning and Zoning Committee, and ultimately the City Council, to prioritize the well-being of this historic community and deny the rezoning request (case #Z2026-22). By signing, you will help ensure that the needs of our local families and businesses are heard and respected. Please sign our petition today and stand with us to protect our neighborhood.

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S ChurchPetition Starter

The Decision Makers

Shelby Little
Shelby Little
Planning & Zoning Manager, City of Marietta
Responded
I’m not a decision maker but I do help organize the public hearings. I’d like to let everyone interested in this case know that the applicant has requested that this case be deferred to the October 6th Planning Commission (6:00 pm) and October 14th City Council (7:00pm) meeting. We are in the process of updating our website, agendas, and mailers to reflect this but I was hoping you could help inform everyone so as to not waste anyone’s time by attending the September 1st or September 9th meeting. I’ll also be sure to update the zoning file to include the signed petition. Thanks, Shelby Little Planning & Zoning Manager
Craig Smith
Craig Smith
Marietta City Planning Commission - Ward 1
Responded
I appreciate greatly the information that this petition presents. My hope is that residents with an interest in the outcome of this zoning change request will also express their views when this matter is considered at the upcoming Planning Commission and City Council meetings. If we are to make the best decision then it is vital we have as much information, pro and con, as possible. Thanks! Dr. Craig Smith, Ward 1 Commissioner, Marietta City Planning Commission.
Steve Tumlin
Marietta City Mayor
Marietta City Council
7 Members
Byron Anderson
Marietta City Council - Ward 4
Cheryl Richardson
Marietta City Council - Ward 1
Daniel Gaddis
Marietta City Council - Ward 3

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates