Mayor and Council Meeting - A. MAX BACON CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS — Minutes
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November 17, 2025 7:00 PM City of Smyrna Mayor and Council Meeting 2800 King Street SE Council Chambers Page 7 of 18 He submitted a list of businesses and Owners Association support signatures. This site is part of the Highlands Businesses and Owners – businesses overwhelmingly support the development – 18 of 24. Property Owners Assn Board recommended approval. He also pointed out there will be a significant property tax increase for the city. Traffic / speeding – signal warrant study has been conducted by Smyrna. WP would pay for the signalized location at Highlands Pkwy and Lake Ridge Dr. Something that was brought up at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was the noise along Highlands Pkwy. They will install high rated STC windows along that facade. The front setback variance they are requesting should alleviate that issue as well, and it aligns with the existing conditions in the area. Another issue brought up was potential complaints from residents. They will have onsite maintenance and onsite property management. Councilmember Latonia P. Hines asked why the city council should ignore the city’s future land use study? Mr. Brady stated that with respect with what they are hoping to develop, industrial does not specifically work here. Councilmember Hines asked is they have spoken to the townhome communities residents. Mr. Brady stated that they have tried, Councilmember Oglesby has tried, but their Community Manager would not facilitate a meeting. The board of the Highlands View Townhomes does not agree with this development. As part of their vote, the board that represents the townhomes voted no on the development. Councilmember Hines mentioned that though the office partners are okay with this development, they leave at 5:00 PM and do not live there. She stated that it would be great to see this development in another area because their developments are fantastic. This becomes an island because the rest of the area is zoned OI. Mr. Brady explained that there is precedent for having residential there proven by Highlands View Townhomes. Councilmember Wilkinson asked about the 2,500 sq. ft. of retail and where it will be. She also asked where the rental offices will be. Mr. Brady showed on the site plan where those areas would be and explained that they want this to be neighborhood- focused retail – coffee shops, etc. Councilmember Wilkinson asked if there will be sidewalks. Mr. Brady answered that there will be sidewalks. Mayor Pro Tem Gould stated that Mixed-Use usually focuses on retail that attract residents. Mr. Brady explained that they intend for adjacent businesses and residents to use the retail. Mayor Pro Tem stated that he would like to see more engaging retail. A public hearing was called. Kemi Ijitimehin, 6216 Ocmulgee River Lane, stated she and her community would be in support of the mixed-use zoning and the retail/coffee shop. Barrett Carter, 4504 Oak Brooke Drive, stated he does not support this development. The school impact would put Nickajack Elementary, which is already over capacity at 127% and the highest populated in Cobb County, in an even worse situation. Adding a bus stop on Highlands Parkway would be a safety concern. There is a cigar bar and pizzeria that closes at 2:00 AM, 7 days a week, nearby which is a safety concern as well. He asked if they would consider a flashing crossing like the one on S Cobb Dr. This development does not address affordable housing. Will there be restrictions on what types of businesses are allowed in the retail space if the coffee shop fails? The public hearing was closed.