The Robert McAfee House has been transferred to Cobb Landmarks. they are offering to sell it to the most qualified buyer for $1.00 . The winner will be notified by January 31 and the House must be removed from the original 1840s site by May 15, 2024.

Canton Road Neighbors 2024 Year in Review

Happy New Year! 

At least we hope so.  On behalf of CRN and concerned residents I addressed

14 cases this year. Some were impactful, others not so much and some were denied.

There was other news to report as well which will have an impact on Canton Rd

and Bells Ferry Road.

 Of significant importance, the Medford family has released the Historic McAfee House

to Cobb Landmarks, which will sell the house to a bidder with the most compelling plans

to relocate and renovate the c. 1840's residence. It will be restored with restrictions placed

on the house to insure its preservation.  It will be privately owned. The applications must be

received by January 17, the winner will be notified by January 31 and the house must be removed from the site by May 15.  I assume that there is already an interested buyer, and the property would then need to rezone. 

Removal of the house from the site where it has stood since the mid 1800's will be

emotionally wrenching for area residents who have lived with the historic landmark for many

years. Seeing the land graded and clear cut will be even more difficult. I made

every effort to preserve the house onsite via a zoning process but the Owner decided that 

removal of the house from the property was the best option. At least the house will be preserved.

I would like to suggest to Cobb County BoC  that when the property is rezoned to require that 

a small portion of the site, perhaps at the corner of Barrett and Bells Ferry be set aside to memorialize

the site, with the historic marker and a stone monument, or perhaps a cannon dating from the Civil

War.

In other news impacting Bells Ferry, today Judge Harris ruled that Jerica Richardson

Commission District 2 had to step down at 5 pm. For many years Bells Ferry was in Commission

District 3, Commissioner Birrell. Then came the Great Gerrymandering Caper of 2021, following

the need to redistrict due to the Census changes. The GOP overrode the redistricting map produced

by the Cobb Delegation and drew new district lines that removed Ms. Richardson from her duly

elected District 2 seat. In response, the Cobb BoC approved a Home Rule map which protected

Richardson. Confusion ensued. The Home Rule effort was ruled unconstitutional and the Kemp

maps were recognized by the County. Now, however, Commission District 2 has no representative.

Parts of the City are in Commission District 2. The City hears zoning and other community development issues. Any part of Bells Ferry that is in Unincorporated Cobb will be in District

2 which will be on the west side of Bells Ferry across from Skip Wells Park  all the way up to the southern side of Chastain Road. The BoC will hear your zoning cases and

deal with community development and road issues. This includes the Town Center CID.

The east side of Bells Ferry is still in Commission District 3.  PLEASE check with Cobb Elections and the Georgia Secretary of State to make sure of your precinct and Commission District.  

A Special Election has been called for Commission District 2. Four Democratic Candidates have

qualified, and the Primary will be held on February 11. Two of the best known are Jaha Howard

and Erick Allen. One GOP has qualified: Alicia Adams.

 The District 2 map was carefully gerrymandered to almost guarantee a Democratic Commission Seat. Please go to Cobb Elections and learn about all Candidates! If needed a runoff will be held on March 11 and the Special Election will be held on April 29. The long suffering residents of the Bells Ferry Road area deserve better than the hand they have been dealt for years.

The cure for that is to vote. Even if you live in the City of Marietta but within District 2 you can vote for your district Commissioner!

An event worth celebrating was the grand opening of the new Gritters Library in Shaw

Park. It is a beautiful state of the art facility with meeting rooms for the public and a new

parking area to serve the library patrons. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on November 14th.

There were some nice new additions to Canton Road; The Thumbs Up Diner at the corner of  

Canton and Liberty Hill serves breakfast and lunch daily to the public from 7 am to 3 pm Monday

through Friday and from 8 am to 3 pm Saturday and Sunday.

Highly recommend the food and fast, friendly service!

The northern end of Canton and Jamerson will be getting another youth ball field in the next

few years, on Lee Waters Road across from Kell high school. There will be two ball fields,

batting cages, concessions and a playground.

St. Andrews UMC will have a Farmers Market on Saturdays 9 to 12 running June through 

September.

The only news I have heard about the planned Lidl on Canton at Piedmont is that the

corporation is having distribution issues in stocking their existing stores. They are building a

new distribution center and at some point will begin construction on the new store. 

This year CRN handled 14 zoning cases.  The year began in suspense with Z-30 QuikTrip

pending a February hearing. It was held from December with added reductions in number

of pumps and revisions to the site plan.  QT subsequently met with Commissioner Birrell contacted

would not modify her stipulations, and QT withdrew their application in January.

Another application for a C Store with a reduced number of fuel pumps quickly followed for

the Canton Jamerson site.  The plan also proposed to use the existing Rite Aid building and

create retail space.  This case was Z-26 NGC Holdings LLC.  There was also an application

to remodel the existing Rite Stuff gas station on the opposite corner of Canton and Jamerson,

Z-60. In addition to public opposition to adding a 3rd gas station at the intersection, three contiguous

business owners were concerned with the potential impact of a new gas station at the location.

The Canton Jamerson site is in tight proximity to three small dining establishments adjacent.

The problem was that the entrance drive to the proposed gas station crossed the restaurant

property and traffic volume was going to create problems for restaurant customers. The owner

of the Canton Jamerson parcel did not have a viable zoning, so the solution proposed by Canton

Road Neighbors was to rezone it to Neighborhood Retail Commercial, but deny the C Store and

fuel pumps. This would give the owner many other uses for the land. This was adopted by the BoC

in July. In August the owner sued the County. However, they voluntarily withdrew the case on

December 9, and will try to find a suitable tenant for the property with the NRC zoning.

There was a very significant and challenging case on Shallowford at Canton during the same

time frame. Z-52, a nearly 3 acre site which had seen industrial uses for two decades and had

become blighted. There was only a residential zoning on the land and none of the tenants had

a County business license. The site backed up to a viable neighborhood. The tenants were generating

noise, garbage, old auto parts, and rodents. This case lasted approximately eight months.

Eventually the applicant was rezoned to Neighborhood Retail Commercial with numerous

restrictions as to use, and orders to clean up the site within a certain time frame.  The attorney

for the applicant sued Cobb County. In September the case appeared to have been paused. One 

of my suggestions was that a number of nearby parcels be assembled with the large site for a new

subdivision. Based on a very recent conversation, the effort to assemble the parcels is underway.

If successful that would be a major win for the county, for the owners and for adjacent residents whose  quality of life has been harmed by the inappropriate uses occurring on the Shallowford site.

 Next to Z-52  was a rezoning of less importance, Z-40 Atlanta Remediation, for Contractor.

This property was much cleaner and limitations were placed on their NRC zoning as to hours

of operation and parking. The house had been zoned R 20 residential and backed up to a neighborhood.

On the southern end of Canton, south of Piedmont, there were two cases which did nothing more

than fill existing vacant buildings. One, Z-18, Stand Up Guys is a junk removal company whose

location is on the east side of Canton across from Chinese Cook restaurant. The other case, heard

December 17 was OB 77 on Liberty Hill Rd. This was in the vacant industrial building just

behind the new Thumbs Up Diner. TurfMaster proposed to occupy the 2.6 acre site with 25 

service trucks. TurfMaster is a reputable lawn care company which uses chemical fertilizers,

fungicides and pesticides to provide lawn care.  We felt that this was an overly intense use

which fronted on a narrow two lane heavily traveled road running through neighborhoods.

There was also concern about storage of chemicals next to the Little Noonday Creek tributary

which runs adjacent to the property. We all know that accidents never happen right? Although

this was next to my neighborhood I came in late due to a home repair project. A resident to the

north of Liberty Hill weighed in and with a few suggestions was OK with the application. The

residents closest on Liberty Hill were not OK with the application, nor was I. I  spoke at the 

hearing on December 17 which was approved by the BoC. I got some limitations on traffic

movements, directing no cut thru on the nearby residential roads, hours of operation 7 am to 6 pm,

and a plan for dealing with any chemical spills to be submitted to the county. The Commissioner

proposed making Liberty Hill a No Truck Route, but Powell Wright is a No Truck Route and that

is ignored by large speeding trucks daily. It is not enforceable.

This intense service business doesn't belong on a narrow residential road. It belongs on an

arterial. However, the BoC voted to approve. Both Casteel and TurfMaster actually belong in

an industrial park. Remember those?  

This leads to some news about Canton Road Neighbors. Next April it will be 20 years since

a small group of citizens met to form Canton Road Neighbors, Incorporated on June 6, 2005. 20 years is a great deal of time, good long innings, for any nonprofit to function, especially without grant funding or subscriptions. CRN had a decent sized board and several committees when we began in 2005.

Since that time, regrettably a number of our co founders and strongest supporters have passed away. There have been very few replacements yet I have continued to carry forward the mission of improvements for the corridor despite dwindling support of my efforts. I continue to be looked to for information and response to zoning concerns.

This is no longer a responsibility I wish to carry for the longer term. Much of what we as a group set out to accomplish has been done. Commissioner Birrell's efforts have given us a new library and Ebenezer Downs Park. CRN has been involved in several hundred zoning cases, some quite important. Also involved in numerous planning studies and community groups, notably Canton Road Redevelopment Foundation. We spearheaded the Canton Road Design Guidelines which were adopted by the BoC in 2009.

During April and May of 2005 a group of concerned citizens was planning for incorporation of a civic group, Canton Road Neighbors. We incorporated in June 2005. I have determined that when the Corporate registration period opens in April 2025, I will administratively dissolve CRN. Until that time I will engage in zoning cases as CRN with input from affected parties. I will also post several newsletters.

After that time I will continue to be engaged as an individual, Carol Brown with a focus on the area south of Piedmont, and near my neighborhood. I will continue to inform and support a small number of loyal friends and neighbors near me. But I will not be available to act as an advocate for the entire corridor. There are several ongoing cases in which I will maintain an interest and advise as I deem appropriate.

I will act in this capacity until such time as I relocate. 

I strongly encourage you to get involved in community development and zoning issues in your area. It is often tedious and you don't always win as I know well. But acting as good stewards of your neighborhood and community is as important a civic duty as voting.

This is a very long update but it has been a very busy year.

Wishing you the best in 2025.

Carol Brown 

Canton Road Neighbors, Inc.

Winter 2024 Update

Greetings 

Based on conversations today 12.11.24  I feel that some clarification of my plans for the future of Canton Road Neighbors is needed.   As I tried to explain, 20 years is a great deal of time, good long innings, for any nonprofit to function, especially without grant funding or subscriptions. CRN had a decent sized board and several committees when we began in 2005.

Since that time, regrettably a number of our co founders and strongest supporters have passed away. There have been

very few replacements yet I have continued to carry forward the mission of improvements for the corridor despite

dwindling support of my efforts. I  continue to be looked to for information and response to zoning concerns.

This is no longer a responsibility I wish to carry for the longer term. Much of what we as a group set out to accomplish has been done. Commissioner Birrell's efforts have given us a new library and Ebenezer Downs Park. CRN has been involved in several hundred zoning cases, some quite important. Also involved in numerous planning studies and 

community groups, notably Canton Road Redevelopment Foundation. We spearheaded the Canton Road Design Guidelines which were adopted by the BoC in 2009.

During April and May  of 2005 a group of concerned citizens was planning for incorporation of a civic group, Canton Road Neighbors. We incorporated in June 2005.  I have determined that when the Corporate registration period opens in April 2025, I will administratively dissolve CRN. Until that time I will engage in zoning cases as CRN with input from affected parties. I will also post several newsletters.

After that time I will continue to be engaged as an individual, Carol Brown with a focus on the area south of Piedmont, and near my neighborhood. I will continue to inform and support a small number of loyal friends and neighbors near me.  But I will not be available to act as an advocate for the entire corridor. There are several ongoing cases in which I will maintain an interest and advise as I deem appropriate.

I will act in this capacity until such time as I relocate.

I hope this clears up any misunderstanding.

Carol Brown MA MRP

Canton Road Neighbors, Inc.

September 2024 end of summer

Hello,

In addition to the usual planning and zoning update I will reflect a bit on my 19 years spent in community planning advocacy for Canton corridor and properties nearby.

I hope in the near future to compile a presentation of the before (2005) and after (2024) of changes for the better on Canton Road. There are many improvements and some are significant. The changes were often NOT fast, easy or inexpensive.

CRN was founded as a neighborhood group effort to support improvement proposed in Commissioner Tim Lee's Canton Road Steering Committee yearlong process 2004-5. We also were concerned about the Developer and Chamber driven excesses, namely redevelopment of single family neighborhoods with densities of 24 units per acre. Those densities have become the norm in nearby Town Center but sounded alarming to residents of Canton Hwy neighborhoods.

Underlying the concern is the reality that homes and neighborhoods are fundamental to the stability and well-being of the persons who occupy them. In particular older or long term residents feared gentrification which might displace them.

As we incorporated CRN in June 2005, we reached out to the larger community for support and engagement. CRN has continued to do that for the past 19 years on a non-partisan and mostly pro bono basis. Potholes are not partisan. CRN started out with residents from multiple neighborhoods on the board. We also created a Neighborhood Advisory Committee for representatives from a number of neighborhoods to contact. As time has passed I am the only remaining member of the original group. There are still a handful of residents who are supportive and I still reach out to or am contacted by residents of neighborhoods that will be affected by a zoning case.

During the past 19 years, which included advanced degrees from Georgia State University, I have developed expertise in planning and zoning issues in Cobb County, particularly the history of the Canton Road and Bells Ferry area. Much of the corridor is in better shape but there are areas yet to be developed or improved, mainly south of the Canton Piedmont intersection. It does feel as though it is time for the torch to be passed. Unfortunately, given the minimal lack of engagement in community development issues in this area, there isn't someone with the requisite experience to hand off the torch to carry forward.

That would be noticed immediately by special interests and their attorneys, therefore CRN will function for a bit longer.

The caseload has been significant since fall 2022. Those cases include

1. Z 2022-29 The massive DRI on Bells Ferry Road by Beazer Homes for a 592 home subdivision on 175 undeveloped acres. Annexed into Marietta and approved in spite of substantial opposition.
   

2. Z-8 The proposed car wash on the historic McAfee/Medford acreage, including the house built @ c. 1845 which was used as a headquarters by a Union General in the Civil War. An agreement to preserve the house on site had been reached and approved by the Planning Commission; the applicant withdrew the request before the Board of Commissioners vote on June 20th 2023. The zoning process lasted 4 months. The house remains standing but its future is unknown.
   

3. Z-30 Corner of Canton and Jamerson, for QuikTrip to demolish the old RiteAid and install 16 fueling positions. The Commissioners were going to approve but with reductions in fuel pumps. Projected vehicle trips per day: 4,000. The applicant withdrew in January 2024. The zoning process lasted 4 months.
   

4. Z-26 Corner of Canton and Jamerson for NGC Holdings LLC to reuse the old RiteAid and install 10 fueling positions. Projected trips per day: 3,500. The rezoning to NRC was approved but the CStore and fuel sales use denied by the BoC. The zoning process lasted 5 months. The owner and applicant have appealed to Cobb Superior Court.
   

5. Z-52 Three acres at 1054 Shallowford rezoning from R-20 residential to Light Industrial. The land has been used for at least two decades for industrial uses, illegally zoned, on residential land, with tenants who have no business license, and the property had become blighted. It is adjacent to a neighborhood. The attorney for the applicant finally asked for NRC which was approved but with major restrictions due to prior abuse. The applicant has appealed the zoning to Cobb Superior Court. The zoning process lasted 8 months.
   

6. Z-40. Contiguouse to the above on Shallowford Rd, R-20 residential to Light Industrial for RV and boat storage. It is adjacent to a neighborhood. The applicant finally requested NRC for a contractor office. The BoC approved. The zoning process lasted 8 months.
   

7. Z-27 for a two story office warehouse on a .5 acre site at the entrance to Shaw Park and Gritters Library. It was denied by the BoC.
   

8. Z-24 and SLUP 5 2024 Canton Road for NRC as Contractor and waste transfer permit. NRC approved, Waste Transfer SLUP withdrawn.
   

9. Z-32 Toll R-20 to RA-6 105 Single family detached homes Sandy Plains and Ross Rd at Scufflegrit. Deleted to RA-5 and density reduced.
   

10. Z-77 Lidl, corner of Canton and Piedmont. Approved on Consent in February 2023. Site Plan and demolition permit good to go. The enthusiastic public is still waiting for construction to begin.
    

11. Z-78 Splash Zone. For a state of the art car wash, which would have reopened an abandoned road, and upgraded a blighted corner at Canton and Shallowford. Approved on Consent in February 2023. The application died a slow and costly (to the applicant) death in Cobb Plan Review in summer 2024.
    

12. SLUP 8 a new Baseball Complex on 12 acres, assembled next to Jamerson, Lee Waters and Lake Dr. across from Kell High School. The southern border of the property touches the East Cobb Baseball complex. The new complex will have two playing fields, a batting cage, concessions, a playground a barndominium, and lots of parking. Approved on Consent.
    
    

There were a number of non-controversial smaller cases, mostly on Consent. Z-60 MRE to remodel the existing Rite Stuff Convenience Store was approved after some discussion with County DOT.

The recent application for a Package Store license by Bay Breeze owners was denied by the License Review Board. The case was appealed to Cobb Board of Commissioners. It was abruptly Withdrawn With Prejudice last week by the applicant. We have heard that Bay Breeze is on the market.

There are currently only a few minor cases in this area as far out as November. This is a welcome break for me, as I can give other issues my undivided attention.

There are major issues for the public to consider between now and the year's end. Regarding elections, we will be watching the ongoing drama around Commissioner Jerica Richardson's District 2 seat. Her seat was officially declared vacant but she will appeal. In the meantime there will be a special election to fill the seat next year.

A reminder, if you want to be removed from this email list, just reply with unsubscribe.

We all deal with stress and too much grim News in different ways. My escape is through enjoyment of music. I have felt a special connection with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra since I was a young woman living in town. I was just minutes away from Symphony Hall and loved to hear Robert Shaw conduct. I am a longer drive from the ASO now but have picked up where I left off years ago. The ASO musicians are world class, and Music Director Nathalie Stutzmann from France has really been a blast of fresh air. If you enjoy classical music I highly recommend you check out the ASO.

Given the high quality of the concerts the ticket prices are incredibly affordable. The experience is both exciting and uplifting and a welcome break from gloom and doom. http://www.aso.org/

Also recommend their brand new album, released on Warner, August 30th. Nathalie Stutzmann and the Atlanta Symphony have recorded Dvorak Symphony no. 9, "From the New World", as well as the American Suite. Antonin Dvorak wrote the symphony as a tribute to America after he was invited to New York to be director of the National Conservatory of Music. In the same way, Stutzmann views the recording as her tribute to America and Atlanta for the position offered to her by the Atlanta Symphony.  

https://www.aso.org/watch-listen/listen-to-the-music-1/aso-recordings

The recording is absolutely beautiful. The music sounds American and you can almost envision the majesty of purple mountains and amber fields of grain waving on the prairie. I love it. Try it. You will too.

That is all for now.

Best regards,

Carol Brown, Canton Road Neighbors, Inc.

Canton Road Neighbors Update July 29 2024

Board of Commissioners hearing video on YouTube

The August caseload is light compared to much of the past 12 months. Its mostly good news too: SLUP 8 Brent Bondaurant, is proposing a new Baseball Complex on 12 acres, assembled next to Jamerson, Lee Waters and Lake Dr. across from Kell High School. The southern border of the property touches the East Cobb Baseball complex. The new complex will have two playing fields, a batting cage, concessions, a playground a barndominium, and lots of parking. We expect this will be on Consent Agenda.

The Variance on Oland Circle will be heard on August 14, and hopefully resolved at that time.

The owners of the blighted site at 1054 Shallowford which was rezoned to NRC last month and given 60 days to clean the site, have hired J. Kevin Moore Esq to file an appeal to Cobb Superior Court contesting the rezoning of NRC. The legal action pauses any code enforcement action. We have heard that the tenants of the property have been illegally operating heavy equipment onsite as early as 4 am.  

The property adjacent (Z 40) owned by Atlanta Remediation is considering options for use of the land.

That wraps it up for now.

Carol Brown, Canton Road Neighbors, Inc.

Link to video of hearing  Z 26 starts at 40:54 and Z 27 at 1 hr 17 min

 https://www.youtube.com/live/Tm-59SXUX-4?si=08u7bKdA8y4IMbVD

This is the same site as for the QT application. The Board of Commissioners approved the Zoning to NRC for Neighborhood Retail and Office use

subject to the following:

Prohibited Uses

Convenience store with fuel sales

automotive uses

Contractor as a Special Exception

no outdoor storage

no heavy equipment

no massage parlors

(a few other limited uses)

Hours of operation 6 am to 11 pm 7 days a week

Canton Road driveway to be limited to Right in Right out and Left in .Left out northbound

turns are prohibited.

These are the main points.

Z-27 which was for an office warehouse, two stories at the entrance to Shaw Park

was Denied.

youtube video of Planning Commission July 2

Z-26 NGC Holdings LLC  YouTube video hearing starts 2 hrs 15 minutes into video   Gas station corner of Canton and Jamerson 

Z-27 RichieB  Chance Rd at Shaw Park hearing starts at 2 hrs 40 minutes into video

LUP 20 St Andrews UMC for Saturday Farmers Mst approved on Consent Agenda

The Planning Commission motion on Z-26 was to rezone from GC to NRC for retail and office, . Excluded uses : Convenience Store with fuel sales, automotive uses and additional uses, hours of operation 6 am to 11 pm 7 days a week.  It was recommended for approval 5-0

Z-27 is for a two story office warehouse on a .5 acre site at the entrance to Shaw Park and Gritters Library.  It was recommended for denial by the   PC.

Land Use Permit 20 for St. Andrews UMC for a Saturday Farmers Market was approved on Consent Agenda. We love it!

The B0C Zoning hearing is July 16 at 9 am.

The License Review Board Hearing on July 11th at 1 pm. Was Denied:  The property was only 185' from residential property rather than the required 300' Baybreeze is closing and wanted to open a Package Store.  

The Variance on July 10 at 130 pm for a house on Oland Circle was heard and held until August 14. They have built a 1,500 sq ft steel garage without permits and created a gravel driveway on residential property.  V-85  starts at 16 minutes into the YouTube video. Link below

Variance Hearing

The B0C Zoning hearing is July 16 at 9 am.

That's all folks! Happy 4th.🇺🇸

Carol Brown Canton Road Neighbors, Inc.

Outcome of June zoning cases:heard by BoC June 18.

Link to YouTube hearing video  

https://www.youtube.com/live/NLj8d2zgqzk?feature=shared

Z-40 Atlanta Remediation 1018 Shallowford was approved 5-0 to NRC for Specialty Contractor with stipulations to protect the residents who live behind the property. Among the stipulations, the garage/accessory structure to be no larger than 850 sq ft and below the roof line of the existing office. It must be covered with wood or fiber cement and painted to match the existing office.  No parking behind the house and no work to be performed outdoors, no outside storage and no heavy equipment.  The video of this case starts at 22 minutes and ends 1 hr 10 minutes.

Z-52 at 1022,1028 and 1054 Shallowford is the most blighted and challenging to correct sites along the 5 mile Canton corridor. Unfortunately

it backs up to a neighborhood and those residents have been victimized by it for years.  It is operating as heavy industrial on residentially zoned property;

This is the land behind the 4 tractor trailers and landscape business across from RaceTrac on Shallowford. We are asking that it be deleted to NRC for retail and office use only, with site to be cleaned up within a specified time.

This case was approved by the BoC for NRC for retail and office use only. No Contractor as a Special Exception use. There were many stipulations limiting

what could be done on site, and what needed to be cleaned up. The applicants were given 60 days to come into compliance.

This case starts on the YouTube video at 1 hr 12 minutes

Z-26  for a Convenience Store with fuel sales at 4815 Canton/Jamerson  has been held  until the July 2 Planning Commission hearing.

If you have concerns about a C Store with fuel sales at this intersection please take the time to sign the petition opposing.  https://chng.it/PJNzhzyJ5N

Z-18 Stand  Up Guys at 2024 Canton  was approved for NRC as Specialty Contractor with stipulations. No junk or debris to come back to site. Operations M-S 7 am to 6 pm closed Sunday. Approved 5-0. This case starts at 2 hrs 8 minutes.

There is also a Variance case at 2009 Dorsey Rd to be heard by the BZA on July 10 at 1:30. The owner is seeking a variance on the rear building setbacks of existing metal buildings which encroach into the eastern right of way of CSX RR. This will be interesting to follow but it does not impact any homeowners on Oland Circle.

The package store (liquor store) application for Bay Breeze had its first  hearing. It is possible that a huge new liquor store like Sherlock's or Total Wine may be going in at that location. The hearing is needed because there is an ordinance which requires the door of a package store to be at least 300 feet or more from the property line of residential properties. The Bay breeze building is between 225 and 260 feet from the residences contiguous to the east. The 2nd hearing will be on July 11 at 1 pm at the Commissioners Meeting Room on Cherokee St. There will likely be an appeal of the decision to approve or deny.

We will keep you posted.

A reminder that Thumbs Up (breakfast and  lunch) Diner is now open. Corner of Canton and Liberty Hill. Our very own neighborhood diner!! Check out the good food and friendly service. Here is a link to the menu. They are open from 7 am to 3 pm. https://www.thumbsupdiner.com/canton-road

Carol Brown, CRN

June 4th was the Planning Commission meeting.  Z-18, Z-26, Z-40 and Z-52 were heard. It was a LONG day.  Three of the four advanced to be heard at the June 18th Board of Commissioners Zoning at 9 am. So we are nearly half way there. See below for a quick wrap of the outcomes.

All 4 cases can be viewed on YouTube at this link:

Cobb Planning Commission June 4

Z-18 Stand Up Guys GC to NRC for contractor to remove junk from homes and businesses. There was also a Special Land Use Permit to allow them to bring junk back to the site until it could get to a landfill. That would be a waste transfer function. There was no support for the SLUP and they withdrew the application.  The rezoning to NRC is appropriate. The property is at 2024 Canton on the east side of the merge across from Canton Cook. Its next to the Camper top business. The recommendation was to rezone to NRC for Contractor as a Special Exception. With stipulations. This case starts at 6 hours 13 minutes on the YouTube video. It will be heard by the BoC on June 18. 

Z-26 NGC Holdings GC to NRC for Convenience Store with fuel sales at 4518 Canton Rd at Jamerson.  Yes, this is the same site that QuikTrip

wanted and did not get.  The current application will remodel the existing Rite Aid building and have 4 gas pumps.  However the traffic volume is still significant at 3,100 vehicles per day versus the QT 4,100 vehicles.

The intersection does not need that volume, it does not need a 3rd gas station and convenience store, and it will hurt the two other gas stations across the road.  Here is a link to the petition asking the county to deny Z-26

https://chng.it/9VyvtnKn6D

The planning commissioner made a motion to hold until the July PC hearing.

Initially she made a motion to approve the rezoning to NRC but prohibit fuel sales.  Then she withdrew the motion and held the case.  This case starts at2 hours 28 minutes on the YouTube video It will be heard again by the PC on July 2.

Z-40 at 1018 Shallowford Road is asking for NRC and Contractor and we

have asked for appropriate measures to keep it neighborhood friendly.The Planning Commission recommended Approval to NRC for Specialty Contractor with many stipulations to protect the residential properties adjacent. The case can be seen on the YouTube video at 10:00 minutes into the hearing. It lasted 50 minutes. Here is a link to Instagram showing photos from the case.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C79brkXOA2n/?igsh=MWsza3lvems5bDdnZw==

Z-52 at 1022,1028 and 1054 Shallowford is the most blighted and challenging to correct sites along the 5 mile Canton corridor. Unfortunately

it backs up to a neighborhood and those residents have been victimized by it for years.  It is operating as heavy industrial on residentially zoned property;

This is the land behind the 4 tractor trailers and landscape business across from RaceTrac on Shallowford. We are asking that it be deleted to NRC for retail and office use only, with site to be cleaned up within a specified time.

The hearing lasted nearly 1 hour. The short version is that the PC recommended deleting to NRC for retail and office use only, and site to be

cleaned up within 60 days.  There were discussions about ground contamination.  This case can be seen on YouTube at 1 hour into the video, it immediately follows Z 40.  Here is a link to Instagram with photos from the case. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8AMd8aONHP/?igsh=YzdlZXVvcmh0ZmN0

Thanks for your support. you can email Joann.Birrell@cobbcounty.org

with your comments. 

Here is the link to a Change Petition asking the County 

to deny ongoing industrial uses at Z 52 on Shallowford Rd.

https://chng.it/rPLgnNhjzp

That's it for now.

Carol Brown MA MRP

Canton Road Neighbors, Inc.

Canton Road Neighbors Update May 2024

Hi everyone,

Some welcome news to start: Thumbs Up Diner on Canton Road at Liberty Hill will open on Tuesday, May 14th for breakfast and lunch. Here is a link to their Menu. https://www.thumbsupdiner.com/   It is a welcome addition to our community! Thank you Ernie Geyer for bringing it here.

There are two zoning cases on track to be approved on Consent Agenda this month: Z-60, MRE, at the NE corner of Jamerson and Canton, which is the Rite Stuff gas station.  The owner is planning to rebuild the old convenience store but leave the pumps unchanged. We all agreed a remodeling of the store was overdue and it passed with very little comment.

Z-24 at the corner of Canton and Ecton is in for auto detailing. This was non controversial as it fit the area and merely upgraded the old GC zoning to NRC.  It will also be on Consent for the BoC zoning meeting.

There are four which have been continued until June. All require a closer look and one of them, Z-52 is very challenging to address. Z-52, 1054 Investments is on a 2.88 acre residentially zoned tract on Shallowford, just east of the Canton Shallowford intersection. Heavy industrial uses have been operating illegally on the site for years and the owner’s poor health has prevented him from paying the necessary attention to his property. As a result the tenants have let the property deteriorate and become blighted.  It is in to rezone from R-20 residential to NRC (the original request was for LI, Light Industrial) which conforms to the Neighborhood Activity Center land use.  However, the applicants are trying to use the Contractor as a Special Exception use to continue the industrial uses. This is unfortunate because these uses have harmed the residents adjacent both in terms of quiet enjoyment and diminished property values.  Its an important case to address.

Next door is Z-40, on land better managed with a renovated house.  The applicants wanted to rezone from R-20 to LI for boat and RV storage. This is not appropriate for the NAC and not a good use adjacent to the residents. The attorney is willing to ask for NRC rather than LI, but his intentions for the use are not yet clear.  

Canton Road Neighbors is working closely with the residents on Judy Ann Lane and with our Planning Commissioner Christine Lindstrom for the most equitable response to the challenging Z-52.

Also to be heard, are Z-26, Canton at Jamerson on the former Rite Aid property for a Convenience Store with fuel sales.  Yes, deja vu all over again.  Unlike the QuikTrip application, this plan asks for only 5 pumps and will renovate the existing brick building. The C Store would be in front and three new office spaces would be created behind it.  Overall this is a much better plan for the community than the QT but there are some remaining issues to be addressed.

Finally, Z-18 and Special Land Use 5 at 2024 Canton.  This property was acquired by Stand  Up Guys, which specializes in removing junk from old homes or wherever junk needs to be removed. It would then go the the landfill, time permitting. If time does not permit, they would return with the loaded trucks to the Canton Road site. This requires a waste transfer permit. CRN has no problem with granting the renovated offices a NRC zoning but the SLUP for waste transfer is not appropriate for the area and we are asking that the SLUP be denied.

I don’t have any updated information on the McAfee House on Bells Ferry or what the owners’ plans are.  I was out in Powder Springs last week and saw an interesting sculpture on an old church site. Part of the original chimney was still standing but an aluminum structure resembling the outlines of the church had been created around the chimney. If the McAfee House were relocated, this would be an interesting way to memorialize the site in addition to the historic marker.

The Perennial Garden on Canton Connector is starting to feature day lilies and should look great by Memorial Day weekend.  The rain has helped the flowers to do well. It has also been helpful to the weeds. 

 If any of you are interested in volunteering to do basic maintenance on the garden it would be appreciated.  Bring your weed eater.  Or if you are inclined to donate, a new more powerful Ryobi battery would be great. Or if you have a working lightweight mower you were planning to get ride of, please contact me.

That is it for now. May 21 is the Primary election. Your vote matters.

Carol Brown MA, MRP

Canton Road Neighbors, Inc.

Canton Road Neighbors Spring 2024 Update

March 31 Update

Hello everyone,

There are some things to look forward to in our community; some things not to like, and a change on the Cobb Planning Commission.

First the good news: the long awaited Diner at the corner of Canton and Liberty Hill should be opening around the last week in March or first week in April. So far the renovation is looking good inside and out. We look forward to the grand opening!

The Perennial Garden on Canton Connector near Sandy Plains is ready to bloom with Easter colors of purple thrift and white and yellow late blooming daffodils. The garden was started in 2010 by CRN as an effort to beautify an area that had been neglected and blighted. After I struggled the last two years to get the garden ready for spring, neighbor Shirley Klebenow came to the rescue with her generous sponsorship of a landscape crew to help me clear away old brush and weedwhack high grass. Claudia’s Family Landscaping did a great job and I highly recommend her company. And a big thank you to Shirley and to Mother Nature who reliably brings us the daffodils every spring. Thanks also to Hummel Landscaping for the donation of pinestraw.

Our current Planning Commissioner for District 3 is stepping down to run for Clerk of Superior Court.

Deborah Dance has done a good job on the Planning Commission and why not? She was the former Cobb County Attorney. We wish her well in her run for office. We do not yet know who Commissioner Birrell will appoint to replace her and will have to wait until the 26th to find out who it will be.

I keep getting asked about the Lidl grocery and so does Commissioner Birrell. They have purchased the property at the corner of Canton and Piedmont and their plans have been signed off. They apparently have several other locations they are working on and still plan to build a new Lidl and the corner of Canton and Piedmont.

A note about the McAfee House, I reached out recently to Trevor Beemon of Cobb Landmarks about the house and followed up with the Realtor. At this juncture, preserving the house by removing it from the site may be needed. It would be nice if another zoning applicant came along who was willing to keep the house onsite at the corner where it has been since @ 1840.

The Zoning Caseload for April and May is lengthy. Here goes:

Z-40 Atlanta Remediation 1018 Shallowford Rd. R-20 to LI for RV and Boat Storage

Z-52 1054 Investments 1022, 1028, 1054 Shallowford Rd. R-20 to NRC for Specialty Contractor

Z-60 MRE, Canton Road GC to NRC to rebuild the existing Rite Stuff Convenience Store

OB-10 2120 Canton Settlement of Litigation from Z-60 2020 (Tom Mitchell/Petroplex RV Rental)

The above have been continued or in court for several months/years

New cases:

Z-16 Old Noonday Schoolhouse Rd GC to NRC for Specialty Contractor

Z-18 2024 Canton Rd. Stand Up Guys to rezone from GC to LI for Contractor

SLUP 5 2024 Canton Rd. Stand Up Guys Special Land Use Permit for Waste Transfer

May

Z-24 Ecton Drive, GC to NRC for Auto Detailing

Z-26 4518 Canton Rd GC to NRC for Convenience Store with fuel sales (same site as the QT application) the brand is not known, existing building to be remodeled for 5,000 sq ft C Store with 4 retail spaces behind the C Store. Canopy to be facing Canton Rd and 5 pumps are shown.

Some comments about the above cases: Generally, the 2005 Canton Road Steering Committee was convened by Commissioner Tim Lee as a way to improve a very run down 5 mile corridor. It was intended to make the area a destination rather than a pass through, and to create a better commercial environment that would serve the adjacent neighborhoods beyond just automotive uses.

Since then CRN has been active in many zoning cases and planning initiatives. We helped to draft the Design Guidelines which was a collaborative process and was approved by the BoC in 2009.

There have been significant improvements: installation of sidewalks on the east side of Canton from Jamerson to Powell Wright. Blighted structures have been removed and renovated, except for two. We have a park off of Ebenezer. We have a number of attractive new 4 sided brick commercial structures. We got a new signal on Canton at Liberty Hill and Westerly Way, thanks to Racetrac working with the community and county. We saw new quality subdivisions built from near Kell HS to New Chastain and on Piedmont. A new Diner will be opening soon, rather than another oil change franchise. We will be getting a Lidl grocery. Gritters Library will be rebuilt.

But when I see zoning applications that come in, not conforming to the land use, with plans that do not belong adjacent to residential neighborhoods, it is a problem. When I hear the argument: “its next to a junky business” as though adding to the junk makes it ok, its a problem. If at all possible we need to keep moving Canton Road forward, not just maintain the status quo and certainly not turn back the clock on progress.

Z 40 would bring an intense use to a site with a house, which backs up to a neighborhood. Z-52 is one of the few remaining blighted uses that has been operating on residentially zoned property for decades and it backs up to a neighborhood. Z-18 for Stand Up Guys is fine for an office but the SLUP for waste transfer is a slap in the face to everyone who has worked for and hoped for improvements to the area. It also is visible to diners at Chinese Cook. Nice view. OB 10 at 2120 Canton, the RV Rental lot you can’t possible miss, south of Powell Wright, has finally reached a settlement with the County. He (Mr. Mitchell) has had use of his property during litigation and didn’t give up much. How many tens of thousands of dollars has this cost Cobb Taxpayers?

A note about community participation: it seems too often that people get engaged only when they are ticked off about a fee or tax, or a zoning is threatening their home. The level of engagement that CRN has carried consistently since 2009, is a lot like work. More folks participating in a regular way that is constructive would be helpful. I am still surprised when I hear that residents don’t know what a planning commission is or how the zoning process works. Its time to learn or at least work with those of us who are trying to help.

The type of engagement that CRN has carried on has made a difference in improving the built environment and supporting positive developments like acquiring parks. It is a collaborative effort with the County and zoning attorneys representing clients, and interfacing with residents.

There aren’t many of us. Bells Ferry Civic, East Cobb Civic, Mableton Improvement Coalition and PLAN. We shouldn’t be taken for granted.

That’s all for now. Its a lot, but a lot is going on. Enjoy the Spring and flowers and our new Diner, opening soon.

Carol Brown MA, MRP Canton Road Neighbors, Inc.