"Storms make trees take deeper roots" - Dolly Parton

Z-5-2026 will be heard by Cobb Board of Commissioners on Tuesday February 17th, 9:00am at 100 Cherokee Street.

Wow. I want to thank all my neighbors who came and stood together to oppose this rezoning request at the meeting today. We made a statement with 5 standing in opposition and 0 standing in support of the developer. Our neighbors were brave enough to speak and explain to the Planning Commission how the approval of this case would negatively affect our community. Every one of us swore in to speak, but the time limit cut out a few voices.

After an intense discussion and a failed "Approve" motion, the Planning Commission majority allowed Logic and Law to prevail over swift inaccuracies and shifty explanations.

As the case moves to the Board of Commissioners in two weeks, Horseshoe Bend must remain vigilant. The BOC routinely acknowledges then ignores the Planning Commission's recommendations. If you can make it to the next meeting to stand for our cause, we need you there. Tuesday February 17th, 9:00am at 100 Cherokee Street. You should also submit a public comment safely and securely on the Public Comment Form and encourage anyone you know to do so as well! If you need help thinking of your comment, I have an example one HERE.

When I was cut off at the podium, I was in the middle of pointing out how the submitted 2024 traffic study counted 21,500 cars daily on this section of Barrett. That's 14.9 cars every minute on this arterial stretch (non-adjusted 24hr avg, peak hours are much busier). Besides accepting a horrifically outdated study, Cobb DOT says ~205 families per day heading south will not impact safety—even though leaving their neighborhood requires:

1. Stopping at a stop sign;
2. Accelerating into Barrett traffic from a complete stop and zero runway;
3. Cutting across traffic to the center lane within a quarter mile (drag racing strips are a quarter mile for comparison);
4. Stopping again;
5. Completing a u-turn without a red light (Yes I'm still talking about Barrett parkway, an arterial limited access highway with 14.9 cars-per-minute 24hr avg in 2024);
6. Finally driving south towards Mableton or Atlanta to shop or work.

Thanks again to all the members of the community as without y'all our voices would not be heard. Lets hold this BOC accountable and encourage them to accept the Planning Commission's wise recommendation and SAY NO TO Z-5-2026!

Mark your calendars for Tuesday February 17th, 9:00am at 100 Cherokee Street.