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Planning and Zoning Commission - A. MAX BACON CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS — Minutes

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November 10, 2025 
6:00 PM 
 
City of Smyrna 
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting 
2800 King Street SE 
Council Chambers 
 
Page 7 of 8 
 
Jonathan Otto- 1589 Roswell St- opposed- we see the signs and walk by them; however, 
he feels the disrespect towards the community. He also said there were lots of issues in 
the memo. 
  
James Jones- Grove at Adams Pond- opposed- concerned about the traffic since they did 
not want to live near an apartment complex and would like something there but not this. 
  
Jen Forstner- 2465 Dixie Ave- opposed- sign was put up in front of the house and not the 
business. 
  
Eric Mabsamer- 1593 Roswell St- opposed- felt that they were disingenuous statement 
about the walkability and do we want to encourage older citizens to walk across Belmont. 
He said there will be more cars no matter what and is concerned about fire vehicle access 
on the site. Also questioned what ROW improvements are going to be added to the road. 
  
Randall Lewis- 1295 Pierce Ave- opposed- is not safe for additional homes of any sort 
along the roadway. 
  
Geneva Lewis- 1295 Pierce Ave- opposed- concerns about property value and said that 
everyone who lives in the community is here in opposition; those who do not live in the 
city are the ones here in support. 
  
Crystal Foster- 1294 Belmont Ave- opposed- concerned that the sewage lift station on 
Belmont Ave has the capacity and echoed the concerns about the traffic and stormwater. 
  
Ed James- 2431 Reed St- opposed- apparent that a large favor of tax-paying citizens that 
are against the property are here speaking. Concerned that the variances seem like they 
are large scale and will degrade the property values of the area. 
  
Raymond Hamilton- pastor of the church nearby on the property- opposed- listen to the 
community and love whomever is there but they are a growing church and are concerned 
with people coming onto the church property to park if they need to find additional parking. 
  
Chairperson Powell asked the applicant to come back up to respond to the comments. 
 
Mr. Brown stated that there was a lack of public engagement. He said Councilmember 
Lindley guided him to the people who would be helpful and Mr. Brown knocked on the 
door at the church and the daycare, but no one was there. 
  
Community Development Director Russell Martin added that the proper signage was 
posted on the property and sent to the legal organ at the Marietta Daily Journal for at least 
a minimum of 45 days. Staff try to guide the developer to the neighborhood in the area 
and sent them to the Williams Park residents since we know that they have a presence. 
He said staff would try to set up a community meeting between the Planning & Zoning 
meeting and Mayor and Council. Mr. Martin said, with respect to the Fire Dept. comments 
and stormwater issues, staff does not get to this point without having the appropriate staff 
members approval. For example, if the fire truck is not able to enter the site and be able to 
adequately serve the community, staff will not write a will-serve letter. The infrastructure in 
the neighborhood is being looked at by the Public Works Department and is being studied. 
  
Chairperson Powell said that the property was annexed a few years ago, and Smyrna 
is picking up the ball from Cobb County. Traffic is a necessary evil and the city will 
continue to deal with the traffic. He said he appreciates everyone coming out and 
everyone loving his hometown.