Name: Popefest
Start: 2026-08-14T17:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-08-14T21:00:00-04:00
Location: Pope High School

Fitness center proposed for Powers Ferry Road ex-Kroger site

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 by Wendy Parker

The former Kroger site on Powers Ferry Road has sat vacant since the grocery retailer relocated up the street nearly three years ago.

The 4.8 acres on Powers Ferry at Delk Road was proposed for apartments at the same time, and plans were approved unanimously by the Marietta City Council, but then vetoed by the mayor.

The developer who wanted to build a five-story, 322-unit apartment building said then that the site wasn’t viable for other commercial or retail uses.

And since then, the property been the subject of code enforcement complaints, including the presence of trash and debris, outdoor storage and marked by graffiti.

But now the property owner, Atlanta-based Habersham Partners LLC, is proposing a location of a national fitness center chain for that site, and will be asking the City of Marietta for approval.

The City Council on Wednesday will be asked to consider two variances for an EOS Fitness Center, which has three metro Atlanta locations.

According to an agenda item (you can read it here), Habersham Partners doesn’t need rezoning, since the existing community retail commercial (CRC) category includes fitness centers.

What is being requested is a reduction of a 40-foot screening buffer adjacent to residentially zoned property, as well as a reduction of the requirement to install landscaped parking lot islands for every 12 consecutive parking spaces.

The agenda item states that EOS will be undergoing extensive interior and exterior renovations to operate in the old Kroger, which opened in the early 1980s.

“The site plan provided contains very little detail about the proposed improvements to the building and site,” states the city’s zoning staff analysis, which doesn’t make a recommendation on the variance requests.

Nearby apartments that are in unincorporated Cobb and located off Delk Road were built around the same time, “and have coexisted, presumably without issue, for 30 years without a buffer,” according to the zoning analysis.

“Should this variance be approved, consideration should be given to requiring a new fence and also limiting the area to overflow parking to minimize impact on the residential neighbors.”

As for the parking island requirement, the staff analysis said the proposal for the fitness center would include retrofitting the parking lot “to add numerous islands bookending rows of newly striped parking spaces.

“While not meeting the strict rule of ‘no more than 12 parking spaces in a row without an island,’ these changes will substantially improve the look (and drainage) of the site. And, again, although there is no hardship present, these changes will only incur benefits and drastically reduce the nonconforming parking area.”

The Marietta City Council also will hear on Wednesday a data center proposal off Delk Road near Interstate 75 that that was recommended for approval by the Marietta Planning Commission in a split vote.

The City Council also will consider a request for data center moratorium, similar to one in Cobb County. You can read through the full meeting agenda by clicking here and here.

The City Council meeting begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Marietta City Hall. (205 Lawrence Street).

Subdivision request off Old Canton Road continued again

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Tucked away off Old Canton Road is a narrow-single lane road with some older houses that evokes a rural feel amid East Cobb’s suburban sprawl.

Although the road is paved, residents say there isn’t much other modern infrastructure to serve the few homes along Clackum Road, some of which are owned by members of the Clackum family.

One of those residents is a developer who wants to assemble 11.8 acres along Clackum Road, as well as Old Canton Road and Shelly Court for a luxury single-family subdivision.

Jairo Murillo wants the land—which is split into two non-contiguous parcels—to be rezoned from R-30, a low-density residential category to R-15, which is more dense than most of the surrounding subdivisions.

*The proposed homes on Clackum Road would start at $1 million.*

Last month, the Cobb Planning Commission continued the case following opposition, and on Tuesday voted again to hold the request (you can read through it here) following the submission of a new site plan.

Murillo initially proposed building 20 homes on the land, which stretches beyond a cul-de-sac at the end of Clackum Road and along property he owns near Sewell Mill Creek (see the site plan below).

Residents of the nearby Mill Creek subdivision expressed opposition in June, especially over stormwater concerns.

On Tuesday, a revised site plan reduced the number of homes to 14, and included three designated areas for stormwater retention.

Murillo’s representative said Tuesday the homes envisioned would be at least 4,800 square feet and feature three-car garages and would be priced starting at $1 million.

For Jeb Beardsley, a commercial real estate specialist whose family owns one of the homes on Clackum Road, the development would be a welcome addition.

Clackum Road, he said, is only 16 feet wide, and it’s difficult for traffic getting in and out.

“All of this will help the neighborhood tremendously,” he told Planning Commission members Tuesday. “This is a local developer, a local family-owned business.”

But other residents, including in Mill Creek, again expressed opposition. The site plan doesn’t address their stormwater or density concerns.

Mike Cotti, who lives nearby and owns a construction and remodeling business, said the R-15 category isn’t compatible with the surrounding area.

“The people that live in the area aren’t anti-development,” he said. “They just want to see a reasonable development.”

He suggested an R-20 category, which is what Mill Creek and the nearby Canton Hills subdivisions are zoned. The Olde Canton Chase subdivision to the south of the Murillo property is zoned R-15.

The Cobb Zoning Division had recommended denial based on the initial site plan. John Pedersen, the zoning manager, told Planning Commission member Deborah Dance that his office hadn’t had time to analyze the revised site plan, which was received last Monday.

She moved to continue the case, and the motion passed 5-0 to bring it back in August.

**Click here** to see a larger view of the site plan, with homes on Clackum at Old Canton (top) and at the left, close to Sewell Mill Creek.

Cobb commissioners to hold property tax public hearings

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners announces its intention to increase the property taxes it will levy this year, over the rollback millage rate, by 4.07 percent in the County Maintenance & Operations (General) Fund.

Each year, the Board of Tax Assessors is required by Georgia law to review the assessed value for property tax purposes of taxable property in the county. When the trend of prices on properties that have recently sold in the county indicate that there has been an increase or decrease in the fair market value of any specific property, the board of tax assessors is required by law to revalue such property and adjust the assessment. This is called a reassessment.

When the total digest of taxable property is prepared, Georgia law requires that a “rollback” millage rate must be computed according to specific instructions issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue. This “rollback” millage rate would have produced the same total tax revenue on the current year’s digest that last year’s millage rate would have produced had no reassessments occurred.

The 2026 proposed millage is higher than the recently computed “rollback” millage rate. Therefore, before the Cobb County Board of Commissioners may set the final 2026 millage rates, Georgia law requires that three public hearings be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on the increase.

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners (BOC) is proposing to maintain millage rates. The General Fund M&O will be set at 8.46; the Fire millage rate will be set at 2.97; and the Cumberland Special Services District II millage rate will be set at 2.45. Although these millage rates are not increasing from the prior year, Georgia law requires the County to advertise a “Tax Increase” in the press and on the County’s website because the tax digest has increased.

All eligible property owners who have claimed the homestead exemption for the 2026 tax year will see no change in their County M&O tax bill, as long as the property owner made no changes to the property that affect its taxable value. The floating homestead exemption maintains the net taxable value of the primary residence. When the millage rate remains unchanged from the prior year, the assessed tax for County M&O also remains unchanged.

All citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax increase to be held at the Board of Commissioners meeting room located at 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta, Georgia on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM, Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 6:30 PM and on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

The Board of Commissioners will adopt the 2026 Property Tax Millage Rates for its three tax districts (General, Fire, and Cumberland Special Services District II) following the third public hearing at the BOC Meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

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East Cobb Crime Blotter: Rape suspect held without bond

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 by Wendy Parker

An 20-year-old man from East Cobb is facing charges of rape and related offenses from an incident in May.

According to his booking report, Patrick Deegan has been held without bond at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center since he was taken into custody on June 29.

A warrant for Deegan, of a Holliglen Drive address, said he is charged with felony counts of rape and aggravated sodomy and a misdemeanor account of sexual battery.

The warrant states that on May 2, Deegan went to a Kennesaw apartment and forced a woman into having sex against her will.

Deegan is accused in the warrant of forcing the victim into undressing and raping her despite her protests that “I don’t want to have sex, I don’t want to do anything.”

The warrant also states that Deegan performed an unwanted act of oral sex on the victim and attempted to have anal intercourse with her.

He also is accused of using “his fingers and mouth to make unwanted physical contact with the intimate parts of the victim” and also by kissing her neck and breast.

“I will blow your ——- brains out”

Another East Cobb man also is being held without bond for physically assaulting and threatening to shoot another man in his neighborhood during an incident overt the July 4 holiday weekend.

Christopher Cavalier, of a Shadow Bluff Drive address in the Shadowwoods subdivision, has been charged with aggravated assault, making terroristic threats, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and other charges, according to his warrant.

The warrant states that around 9:30 p.m. on of Friday, July 3, Cavalier went to a nearby residence, also on Shadow Bluff Drive, and pointed a loaded Bearman .22 revolver at the neighbor.

Cavalier told the man that “I will blow your ——- brains out” and then pushed the neighbor several times, according to the warrant, which states that the incident was caught on a Ring camera video.

Cavalier also has been charged with a misdemeanor account of driving under the influence for driving a pickup truck to the neighbor’s home and back to his residence, according to the warrant, which said he admitted to consuming alcohol beforehand.

The warrant states that Cavalier “had bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, and a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath” and tested at 0.194 percent on a preliminary breath test, which is above the legal limit of 0.08 percent in Georgia.

Editor’s Note: East Cobb News regularly publishes reports about crime incidents taken from arrest warrants and other official reports provided by law enforcement agencies. All accused parties are presumed innocent upon being charged.

Reports published by East Cobb News about criminal allegations are for informational purposes only and should not be considered a final legal judgment or an official finding of guilt.

East Cobb News does not publish photos of those charged with crimes unless or until they are proven guilty or admit to guilt in a court of law and are sentenced.

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East Cobb tech entrepreneur publishes book on how to use AI

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

East Cobb resident and technology entrepreneur Ken Leebow has come out of retirement to write his latest book, 100 Incredible Things You Can Do With AI, which is already off to a strong start.

With artificial intelligence dominating the news, Leebow’s new book is designed to make AI practical, understandable, and useful for everyday people and businesses. He is also giving presentations on AI, including his featured program, “Building Your AI Dream Team,” where he demonstrates an AI product he calls “AI on Steroids.”

Leebow is also pleased to announce that he has established a veterans scholarship program connected to the book.

For additional information, contact Ken Leebow or visit Leebow.com.

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Sunny Brook Stables to relocate

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Sunny Brook Stables, which offers horse riding lessons and other equestrian training, is leaving East Cobb.

Dr. Grania Gothard Holman, the owner and founder of the five-acre facility on Roswell Road east of Johnson Ferry Road, made the announcement Sunday that Sunny Brook will be relocating soon to North Fulton.

“While our address is changing, the heart of Sunny Brook remains exactly the same,” Holman said in a message on Sunny Brook’s Facebook page.

“For years, families have trusted us to introduce children to horses through thoughtful riding instruction, horsemanship, camps, and a community built on kindness, confidence, and stewardship. Our new home allows that vision to grow.”

She said Sunny Brook will be occupying expanded facilities at Fortitude Farm, a horseback training center in the Alpharetta-Milton area.

Sunny Brook also operates Heart Horse Retirement, Rehab & Rescue, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the care of older horses, and which also will be making the move.

“We are incredibly grateful to every family, volunteer, supporter, and friend who has helped shape Sunny Brook into what it is today,” Holman said. “Now, we look forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces as we begin this next chapter together.”

Sunny Brook and Heart Horse will be reopening in August, she said, and enrollment is open.

Sunny Brook has leased the five acres at Roswell Road, located between a subdivision and East Cobb Presbyterian Church and close to Avenue East Cobb.

The land was recently put up for sale as a residential lot with an asking price of $3 million, and is already under contract, according to its MLS listing.

Holman told East Cobb News that the new location for Sunny Brook will provide “additional riding space, and a covered arena that will allow for more consistent lessons throughout Georgia’s changing weather. Most importantly, it gives us the opportunity to continue building the safe, family-centered riding program that has always been at the heart of Sunny Brook.”

She said Sunny Brook and the non-profit will be able to “grow together” and expand beyond its focus on riding lessons for youngsters.

“The next chapter will also include expanded opportunities for adult riders, clinics, retreats, educational experiences, and community involvement, while continuing to support the mission of Red Heart Horse,” Holman said.

“Although the address is changing, the values are not.”

Sunny Brook will continue to offer one-on-one, small-group and private riding instruction, with an emphasis on horse care and helping riders build meaningful relationships with the animals.

“Our vision has always been about more than teaching people to ride,” Holman said. “It has been about creating a place where horses and people both have the opportunity to grow. Some horses need retirement, rehabilitation, or rescue. Some children discover confidence for the first time. Some adults find their way back to horses after years away. This new home gives us the opportunity to continue serving all of them.”

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East Cobb Real Estate: Wicks Lake ranch sells for $708K

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 by Wendy Parker

This week’s featured real estate sale is a renovated lakeside ranch home in the Wicks Lake subdivision, in the Pope High School, Dodgen Middle School and Murdock Elementary School attendance zones.

It has 4 bedrooms and 3 baths and includes 3,852 square feet on 0.29 acres, and sold for $708,000 on June 23, 2026.

Click the middle button below to see more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from June 22-26, 2026 were compiled from agency reports and Cobb County property records.

They include the street address, subdivision name and sales price listed under their respective high school attendance zones:

Kell

1290 Shallowford Road, 30066 (Northwind Meadows): $252,500

4522 Inlet Road, 30066 (Jamerson Forest): $400,000

4788 Rubes Creek Drive, 30066 (Jamerson Forest): $373,500

Lassiter

3448 Highborne Connector, 30066 (Highland Pointe): $550,000

3753 Heddington Lane, 30066 (Garrison Parc): $1.25 million

3343 Cranmore Court, 30066 (Northampton): $1.05 million

3359 Shallowford Green Drive, 30062 (Shallowford Green): $580,000

3765 Shallow Court, 30066 (Heatherwood): $437,500

Marietta

1431 Soaring Pointe, 30062 (Eagle Ridge): $459,900

1354 Baileys Corner, 30062 (Franklin Ridge): $830,000

392 Cherry Tree Lane, 30062 (Hamilton Grove): $469,500

114 Bluffington Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $429,900

Pope

2962 Graham Gardens Lane, 30062 (Graham Gardens): $1.03 million

2650 Nicholas Court, 30062 (Crystal Downs): $448,422

3187 Wicks Lake Drive, 30062 (Wicks Lake): $708,000

3306 Emory Drive, 30062 (Hembree Hills): $625,000

2178 Carlyle Drive, 30062 (Cedar Hills Estates): $547,000

2675 Tritt Springs Trace, 30062 (Post Oak Springs): $745,000

Sprayberry

2725 Stillwater Lake Lane, 30066 (Stillwater Lake): $592,950

2511 Hidden Hills Drive, 30066 (Hidden Hills) $325,000

2344 Chimney Cottage Circle, 30066 (Chimney Cottage): $380,000

132 Parkstone Way, 30066 (Park at Barrett Creek): $472,500

2301 Lessie Maude Drive, 30066 (Powell Station): $366,000

2795 Cottonwood Drive, 30066 (Piedmont Hills): $320,000

537 Kelly Drive, 30066 (Addison Heights): $359,999

2125 Bells Ferry Road, 30066: $715,000

1505 Oakmoor Place, 30062 (Allgood Farms): $650,000

3070 Mary Drive, 30066 (Russell Plantation): $397,500

Walton

4415 Blackland Drive, 30067 (Sanders Field Estates): $3.069 million

3650 Brighton Place, 30062 (Independence Square): $740,000

1194 Manor Crest Court, 30068 (Manor Oaks): $850,000

600 Willow Knoll Drive, 30067 (The Columns): $1.43 million

4868 Hampton Lake Drive, 30068 (Hampton Lakes): $1.01 million

3444 Liberty Lane, 30062 (Independence Square): $675,000

Wheeler

807 Wynnes Ridge Circle, Unit 807, 30067 (Wynnes Ridge): $280,000

426 Lucky Court, 30067 (Red Oak Park): $412,300

555 Virginia Place, 30067 (Meadow Brook): $325,000

3305 Sulky Circle, 30067 (Ward Meade): $1.25 million

617 Lullingstone Drive, 30067 (Glens at Powers Ferry): $474,900

365 Briarwood Court, 30068 (Indian Hills): $620,000

667 Brookline Drive, 30067 (Hyde Park): $400,000

2160 Old Orchard Drive, 30068 (Weatherstone): $584,000

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Editor’s Note: Please support the local news revolution!

July 3, 2026July 3, 2026 by Wendy Parker

The first news outlet in America predates the creation of the nation by several decades.

In 1690, the first multi-page newspaper printed in what would become the United States made its debut. Publick Occurrences, Both Forreign and Domestick, lasted only one issue, due to colonial censors.

Another newspaper would not be printed in America for another 14 years.

But the spirit of a free press, as well as a free nation-in-the-making, was undaunted.

Shortly after the United States of America won its independence, the First Amendment to the Constitution guaranteed freedom of speech and expression.

And with them newspapers, pamphlets and magazines of all kinds continued to flourish.

As America celebrates its 25oth birthday, the media landscape is quite different.

Local news outlets that bolstered communities and kept citizens well-informed have been disappearing for other reasons.

But news revolutionaries devoted to reviving local news and who are passionate about their hometowns are on the march.

Hundreds of local, independent online news entrepreneurs have been popping up everywhere in recent years—including here, with East Cobb News.

Please help us keep local news free.

Earlier this week, I took part in a “Born to Run Local News” celebration featuring local news publishers. It was based in New Jersey—hence, the title—but many of us dialed in via Zoom, and took pride in what we’ve done.

We had plenty to feel good about, and shared stories of how we’re overcoming long odds to do what we love the most, and to serve our communities.

*Ben Franklin, Founding Father and publisher of the Pennsylvania Gazette*

It was as inspiring as it was a sobering reminder of the obstacles we face, and a great way to lean into a milestone national holiday.

At East Cobb News, we’ll soon be celebrating our 9th anniversary—more about that next week—but for now, we’d like to ask readers to support us as we keep local news free and independent.

At East Cobb News, readers come first, and always will. Our vow when we launched on July 4, 2017, was to make the news free and accessible to everyone, and to keep it that way.

We’ve built a modest small business with local business advertising, but like other news outlets—including many that are much larger and older than we are—East Cobb News also relies on reader support to sustain our efforts.

We’ve been asking readers for some months now to provide voluntary financial support, and we appreciate those of you who have contributed. But we need more of you to help us as we continue our mission of giving you the local news that you love.

We consider ourselves local news revolutionaries here at East Cobb News, and we invite our readers to join us.

For the price of a cup of coffee.

For just a few dollars a month, your support will help sustain local journalism—right here in East Cobb.

You rely on us to stay informed and we depend on you to make our work possible.

Your donation is voluntary and the amount you pay is up to you, but here are some suggested amounts:

$6/month or $60/year
$12/month or $125/year
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Your donation—continued or new—will help keep East Cobb News strong, free and independent for years to come. Thank you for your support! And long live local news!

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Parade route, parking info for Marietta July 4 celebrations

July 3, 2026July 3, 2026 by Wendy Parker

If you plan to attend the July 4 celebrations in the City of Marietta on Saturday, here’s some pertinent information about road closures and parking.

The day-long festivities begin with the Let Freedom Ring parade. It starts at 10 a.m. at Mission Church Roswell Street (formerly Roswell Street Baptist Church) and continues westbound on Roswell Street through the Marietta Square and up Cherokee Street to the Cobb 911 headquarters.

But road closures along the route will begin starting at 9:15 a.m., so you’ll need to find your vantage point well ahead of time.

The parade also will be live-streamed below on the City of Marietta’s YouTube channel.

The 4th in the Park event also starts at 10 a.m. and continues until dark at the Marietta Square, and some temporary closures will remain for the duration.

They include the four streets surrounding the Square, Mill Street, and Whitlock Avenue from the Square to the Marietta Parkway.

There are also will be no on-street parking on Church Street and Cherokee Street from the Square to Lemon Street.

Here are the scheduled highlights:

10:00am thru 9:00pm Festival – Arts & Crafts, Kid’s Zone, Festival Food, Free Concerts
12:00pm Concert
2:00pm Bell Ringing Ceremony
2:30pm Atlanta Concert Band
7:00pm Concert
8:00pm to 9:30pm Headline Concert : Departure

After the headline concert will come the fireworks.

There is a mix of paid and free parking around the Square; here’s a map with those locations (except those affected by the traffic closures).

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East Cobb Food Scores: Fresh to Order; Beyond Juicery; more

July 3, 2026July 3, 2026 by Wendy Parker

The following food scores have been compiled by Cobb and Douglas Public Health. Click the link under each listing for inspection details:

Beyond Juicery and Eatery
4101 Roswell Road, Suite 901
June 30, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Cue’s Billiards
3372 Canton Road, Suite 140
July 2, 2026, Score: 88, Grade: B

Delicias do Brasil Bakery and Grill
2610 Delk Road
June 29, 2026, Score: 63, Grade: U

Fresh to Order
1333 Johnson Ferry Road
July 2, 2026, Score: 89, Grade: B

Indian Hills Country Club
4001 Clubland Drive
June 26, 2026, Score: 86, Grade: B

Mr. Wonton
3595 Canton Road, Suite 328
July 1, 2026, Score: 79, Grade: C

RC’s Southern Cooking
1516 Roswell Road
July 1, 2026, Score: 83, Grade: B

Shish Kabob Mediterranean Grill
2060 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 280
June 30, 2026, Score: 86, Grade: B

Tropical Smoothie Cafe
2960 Shallowford Road, Suite 102
June 29, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Wing Stop
2550 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 141
June 26, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

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Update: Man shot at Delk Road apartments dies; 2 arrested

July 2, 2026July 2, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Cobb Police said Thursday that a man shot at an apartment complex on Delk Road has died, and two men have been arrested.

Sgt. Eric Smith said that Giovanni Scruggs, 19, died after being taken to a hospital.

Mareece D. Adams, 18, and Markeise K. Adams 19, have been charged with felony murder and aggravated assault, according to Smith, who added they have been booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center and are being held without bond.

Police said they were called to the Stratford Ridge Apartments (2560 Delk Road) around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and found a man in a vehicle with a single gunshot wound to the head.

Smith said officers rendered aid before the victim was hospitalized. Police didn’t indicate a possible motive for the shooting.

According to their booking reports, the suspects are listed as residents at Stratford Ridge.

Smith the investigation remains active, and additional charges may be pending. Anyone with information is asked to call thethe Cobb Police Major Crimes Unit at 770-499-3945.

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Eastside Church senior-living proposal delayed to August

July 2, 2026July 2, 2026 by Wendy Parker

A proposed senior-living complex at Eastside Church will not be heard again until August at the earliest.

The Cobb Planning Commission delayed the application in June for another month, but the church’s attorney has asked the Cobb Zoning Division for additional time.

The matter has been taken off of Tuesday’s Planning Commission agenda, according to filings this week, and is continued until Aug. 4.

Kevin Moore, who represents Eastside, said in a June 25 letter that the delay is needed to conduct a traffic study and to “evaluate comments received from a recent community meeting.”

That community meeting took place last week, after the Planning Commission heard from some nearby residents concerned about density, traffic, stormwater and other issues.

Eastside wants to build a 95-unit assisted living/memory care building and eight independent living cottages for seniors as part of its expanded church mission.

The main three-story building would have full services and amenities, including medical care and food service, as well as exercise and recreational space.

A retention pond would be landscaped and surrounded by a walking trail to serve the senior community, which would have 133 parking spaces.

Eastside would build, operate and maintain the complex, which it would run through a non-profit entity.

“We want to be good neighbors,” Eastside executive pastor Darrell Whipple told East Cobb News in outlining the proposal.

Lyndsay Webb, a nearby resident on Little Road, told East Cobb News this week that she attended the June 23 community meeting at Eastside Church, and that more than 50 people showed up.

She said most of those who spoke were against the proposal for some of the same reasons, and said the church didn’t adequately inform nearby residents of the Red Oak Park community and other neighborhoods about the plans.

“People were upset and they were emotional,” Webb said of the gathering, which included Cobb Planning Commissioner Deborah Dance.

Webb said that they wanted to know more about not only about the scale and size of the project, but how it will be paid for and run.

“What are they going to do with this and who are they giving it to?” she said.

Red Oak Park is an older neighborhood in East Cobb, built in the late 1950s and will smaller homes and smaller lots than newer subdivisions.

While some longtime residents there remain, Webb said many of the residents are like her and her family, raising children.

“There are lots of families in our neighborhood,” she said.

They have continuing issues over traffic and walkability on streets without sidewalks.

Also opposing the Eastside project is the East Cobb Civic Association, which balked at density levels in a single-family residential area that would come to 13 units an acre.

Marietta Planning Commission forwards data center proposal

July 2, 2026July 2, 2026 by Wendy Parker

By a 4-3 vote Wednesday, the Marietta Planning Commission recommended approval of a data center off Delk Road that drew community opposition.

The proposal by Prime Storage would convert up to 40 percent of its existing 90,000-square-foot facility on Powers Place, located adjacent to Interstate 75 at Delk, for what the applicant’s attorney called “mission critical” data infrastructure use for local purposes.

Attorney Parks Huff said the proposed data center is needed in the area because “latency is a problem.” He was referring to the time lag between when a data request is made and when it is processed, especially for medical and other time-sensitive purposes.

But nearby citizens urged at least a delay in the request (you can read it here) because they said more details need to be made public.

“This could be a good use,” said Marietta resident Don Barth, who lives in the Powers Ferry Hills community not far from the Prime Storage site.

“But there’s not enough information. It’s not a bad deal, but you’re building too close to homes.”

The Prime Storage site is surrounded by commercial properties, but is close to apartments, motels and two neighborhoods in unincorporated Cobb—Tuxedo Estates and Sun Valley Estates.

The proposed 12-megawatt data center, which could be expanded to 18 megawatts, is on a much smaller scale than a data center rezoning request approved by the Marietta City Council last year, and which has drawn strong opposition recently.

While there’s no proposal at the Bells Ferry Road property, several dozen people turned out Wednesday before the Planning Commission to echo similar concerns.

David Baker, who lives nearby and who said he is a corporate computer analyst, said that while “data centers have been around for a long time, we don’t know what technology is going to look like in 10 years. Is this really the only use planned?”

Other citizens expressed concerns about the possibility of rising electrical and water rates because of what data centers can consume, as well as noise issues.

Huff said that “we’ll comply with the noise ordinance,” which was referenced in the city’s zoning analysis.

The city zoning staff also extensively noted that the Marietta code doesn’t have anything specifically relating to data centers. The proposed data center sits close to an existing data center on Powers Place that has a larger size.

The Marietta City Council will consider the Prime Storage request next Wednesday, and could discuss the matter at a work session on Monday.

Declaration of Independence reading set for Switzer Library

July 1, 2026July 1, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

The Charles D. Switzer Library will take part in Sharing the Spirit of America, a nationwide simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence starting 6 p.m. Wednesday in the library’s Georgia Room.

The Sharing the Spirit of America readings throughout the country will reenact the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon at the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) on July 8, 1776.

The Georgia Room event will begin at 5:45 p.m. July 8 and the reading will begin at precisely 6 p.m.

“As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, we honor the monumental events of 1776 that defined our independence,” said Cole Hale, manager of The Georgia Room. “Over the historic week that followed the final debate on independence, America voted to break free on July 2, adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, and first shared its message with the public on July 8.”

Initiated by the Hawaii America250 Commission, the Sharing the Spirit of America events will bring Americans together at the same time in all 50 states and 16 territories – across about 9,500 miles and nine time zones – to dramatically share how the Declaration of Independence is a living document, organizers said.

“This nationwide event, this moment, is much more than a simple reenactment,” said Alexandra Beswick, Switzer Library and Central Region Manager. “By reading these historic words aloud together, our community bridges the past and the present, uniting us in a shared conversation right here at the library.”

Switzer Library is located at 266 Roswell St. NE, Marietta 30060, near the Marietta Square.

For information on Georgia Room events and resources, visit cobbcounty.gov/library or call 770-528-2333.

July 4 events for Marietta, Cobb as America turns 250

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Four individuals graduate from Cobb Drug Treatment Court

July 1, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photo:

Four individuals celebrated a life-changing milestone as they graduated from the Cobb County Drug Treatment Court Program. Judges, court staff, attorneys, elected officials, family members, and friends gathered in the Ceremonial Courtroom of Cobb Superior Court to recognize their accomplishments and the hard work that made recovery possible.

The Cobb County Drug Treatment Court provides a voluntary alternative to incarceration for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. The 18-to-24-month program combines intensive treatment, accountability, and judicial supervision to help participants achieve long-term recovery and successfully reintegrate into the community.

Throughout the program, participants engage in substance use treatment, regular drug testing, court appearances, and recovery support services designed to address the underlying causes of addiction and reduce recidivism.

Reflecting on his journey, one graduate shared, “Whatever you put into your recovery is what you’re going to get out of it. If you want better, Drug Court will help you achieve it.”

Another graduate spoke about the transformation he experienced during the program, “Before entering the program, I had completely given up on myself. I blamed my circumstances on everyone and everything around me and took no accountability for my actions. I pushed away the people who loved me and became someone my family no longer recognized. Today, I am excited about my future for the first time in years. My relationships are stronger, my thinking is different, and I am proud of the work I have done to become a better person.”

The Honorable Judge Jason D. Marbutt, who presides over the Drug Treatment Court, praised the graduates for their perseverance and commitment to recovery. “Today, we celebrate four individuals who made the decision to change their lives. Their commitment to recovery demonstrates that lasting change is possible when people are given the opportunity, support, and accountability to succeed. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to all they will achieve moving forward.”

Program Coordinator Porsha Winfrey added, “Recovery is not easy, but these graduates chose every day to continue moving forward. Their success reflects the power of accountability, treatment, and community support working together. We are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished.”

The graduation ceremony served as a reminder that recovery is possible and that, with support, accountability, and determination, individuals can overcome addiction and build healthier, more productive lives.

For more information about Cobb County Drug Treatment Court, including ways to get involved or support the program, contact Porsha Winfrey, Program Coordinator, at 770-528-1933 or Porsha.Winfrey@cobbcounty.gov

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Man critically injured in Delk Road apartment shooting

July 1, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Cobb Police said they’re investigating the shooting of a man who was found in his car at a Delk Road apartment complex Tuesday.

Sgt. Eric Smith said in a release Wednesday morning that officers were called to the Stratford Ridge Apartments (2560 Delk Road) around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and found a man in a vehicle with a single gunshot wound to the head.

Smith said officers rendered aid and the victim was taken to a hospital and remains in critical condition.

The man was not identified, nor did police provide any information on a possible motive or any suspects.

Smith said that “an extensive search of the area was conducted” and that anyone with information is asked to call the Cobb Police Major Crimes Unit at 770-499-3945.

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Cobb school board to hold property tax public hearings

July 1, 2026July 1, 2026 by Wendy Parker

The Cobb Board of Education will hold three public hearings in July that are required before it establishes the millage rate for the 2026-27 budget year.

The Cobb school board in May adopted a fiscal year 2027 budget of nearly $1.9 billion that continues a property tax rate of 18.7 mills.

But because the millage rate isn’t being “rolled back” to reflect current FY 2026 spending levels of $1.71 billion, that’s considered a property tax increase under Georgia law.

The state also mandates three public hearings. Two of them will be next Thursday, July 9, at 11:30 a.m. and 6:05 p.m., both in the board room of the Cobb County School District central office (514 Glover St., Marietta).

The third hearing is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the same venue, followed by the school board’s monthly meeting at 7 p.m., when the millage rate is set to be adopted.

The Cobb school district’s fiscal year 2027 budget starts on July 1. For more budget information, click here.

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!

Marietta to hear data center proposal off Delk Road

July 2, 2026June 30, 2026 by Wendy Parker

UPDATED:

The Marietta City Council voted 4-3 Wednesday to recommend approval. The Marietta City Council will consider the request next week.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

Just a few weeks after hearing opposition to data centers, the City of Marietta will be considering a rezoning case to build one on a site near several neighborhoods in East Cobb.

On Wednesday the Marietta Planning Commission will hear a request to convert a portion of an existing storage facility on Delk Road near Interstate 75 into an 18-megawatt data center.

The meeting takes place Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Marietta City Hall (205 Lawrence Street) and will be preceded by a work session at 5:30 p.m.

The 10.7-acre property on Powers Ferry Place (bordered by the yellow lines in the map above) is zoned Community Retail Commercial, or CRC.

The applicant is asking to keep the same zoning category, but wants to add an existing use that would allow for the construction of a data infrastructure facility.

The applicant’s name is blacked out on the zoning application (you can read it here), but the existing facility there is called Prime Storage.

It’s located at 1150 Powers Place, in an area surrounded mostly by commercial uses. But there are also hotels and apartments nearby, as well as two neighborhoods in unincorporated Cobb—Tuxedo Estates and Sun Valley Estates.

(Those are the streets shaded in brown, just above the light blue-colored areas indicating City of Marietta boundaries.)

The city’s zoning staff didn’t make a recommendation on the data center proposal, but did note in its analysis noise issues, how other local jurisdictions are handling data center requests and acknowledged the fact that Marietta doesn’t have anything about such uses in its ordinance.

“As a result, applications of this type are reviewed under existing commercial categories, which may not fully address the unique characteristics of data center development,” the analysis states.

“This case also highlights a type of use that the City may want to evaluate further as part of future zoning code updates.”

On June 10, dozens of citizens lobbied the Marietta City Council to scuttle any plans to build a data center on land approved for that purpose on Bells Ferry Road a year ago.

The initial request would have allowed up to 100 megawatts of power, but that fell through, and city officials have said the “the most recent discussions have included much smaller power purchase amounts of 60MW or less; however, even those conversations have stalled.”

There are no plans to build there at present, but protests have grown around the country to fight data centers. A number of local governments, including Cobb County, have issued moratoria against considering them.

Prime Storage operates a self-storage facility that would continue, according to the application.

An 18-megawatt data center is being proposed, and that’s considered a mid-size or enterprise facility. In the application, Parks Huff, the attorney for Prime Storage, called the proposed data center “mission critical” and said that the current structure will not be expanded, and that no increases in water consumption or electrical rates to other ratepayers are anticipated.

The data center would take up 21,570 square feet, or 22 percent of the existing building.

“The proposed mission critical data processing facility will provide computing and data needs close to the end users, which is critical for situations where latency is an issue, such as traffic controls or medical facility operations,” Huff wrote in a letter submitted to the city on May 19.

The city’s zoning analysis said that “the applicant has indicated that mechanical equipment would be housed within purpose-built enclosures and utilize a closed-loop air-cooled system; however, no technical specifications or operational details were provided. Since Marietta’s zoning code does not include standards specific to data centers, additional information would be needed to evaluate potential impacts on surrounding properties.”

Under the city’s noise ordinance, there are decibel limits for residential properties.

“Because the project includes a new exterior support area, the placement of equipment, noise control, lighting, and screening will be important considerations, especially with Elme Apartments to the northeast and the Rodeway Inn to the south,” the analysis states.

The zoning staff also noted that the property contains two non-conforming uses, including buffer and sewer easement encroachments and chain-link fencing as well as two legally non-conforming billboards.

The Marietta Planning Commission makes recommendations to the Marietta City Council, which meets July 8.

Cobb to hold 2025 Comprehensive Plan meeting in East Cobb

June 30, 2026June 30, 2026 by Wendy Parker

The next in a series of community meetings about Cobb County’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan update will take place next week in East Cobb.

The meeting takes place on Tuesday, July 7, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Tim D. Lee Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road).

The 2050 Comprehensive Plan is a long-range planning document that incorporates such issues as land use, transportation, housing and economic development, typically with a 20-year window.

Under Georgia law, counties are required to update their plans accordingly and hold public engagement meetings.

In Cobb, those sessions began earlier in June (you can watch a video of the opening meeting at the bottom of this post) and are held in each of the four Board of Commissioners districts, as well as on a countywide basis.

Citizens also can complete an online survey to provide feedback on the plan, which must be formally updated by October 2027.

Here’s more general information about the Cobb 2050 Comprehensive Plan, with breakouts here about the update’s timeline, the Cobb community profile and other documents and resources.

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 QuikTrip sells $20K Ga. Lottery ‘Mega’ ticket

June 29, 2026 by Wendy Parker

A QuikTrip store in East Cobb on Friday sold a Georgia Lottery ticket that netted the recipient a $20,000 prize.

The Georgia Lottery announced Monday that the ticket was sold at the QT location at 1900 Lower Roswell, at the intersection of Marietta Parkway.

The winner bought a Mega Millions ticket that matched four of the five white-ball numbers (5, 13, 30, 33, 52) that were drawn for a $10,000 pzier, and doubled the amount with a Mega Ball number of 6.

As of Monday, the Powerball jackpot is at $360 million ($163.8 million cash option) and Tuesday’s Mega Millions jackpot has climbed $511 million ($231 million cash option).

Mega Millions and Powerball winners in Georgia have 180 days from the draw date to claim prizes.

Proceeds from Georgia Lottery ticket sales benefit public education in Georgia.

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!

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