Johns Creek City Council Meeting - June 9, 2025

The Johns Creek City Council met on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 7:05 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive. The meeting covered routine approvals, public comments on the proposed Performing Arts Center (PAC), a zoning case with a deferred decision, road resurfacing contracts, and a streetscape engineering contract that sparked debate over transportation funding priorities.

Consent Calendar

• G.1. Ordinance to amend the FY2025 budget for the North Fulton Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update funding.
• G.2. Ordinance amending City Code Chapters 6, 22, and 50 regarding appeals.
• G.3. Resolution adopting Administrative Hearing Officer qualifications.
• G.4. Resolution adopting Administrative Hearing procedures.
• G.5. Action item to approve Memoranda of Agreement for the North Fulton Comprehensive Transportation Plan update and for the Atlanta Regional Commission to serve as administrative city.
• G.6. Engineering contract with Kimley-Horn for $153,000 for Lakefield Drive Streetscape Enhancements (moved to New Business).
• All consent items except G.6 were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Arthur Holst urged better communication on the PAC project, recommending an FAQ webpage and a November ballot measure for public vote. He emphasized aligning with the city's strategic plan.
• Frank proposed renaming the PAC to a "Community Culture Activity Center" and suggested free use cases (line dancing, Tai Chi, dance classes, amateur choirs, HOA meetings). He argued operating costs should be covered by the city and that success should be measured by utilization, not revenue.
• Carrie Bickett thanked the council for demolishing a blighted home at 2585 Runick Way and requested foreclosure to recover $22,000 owed and address ongoing nuisance issues.
• Cindy Eid raised concerns that Creekside Park (priority #7) received $2.7M from TSPLOST rianestriction relief and $6.7M from operations/safety, surpassing Nesbitt Ferry Road (priority #1). She asked for sidewalks on Nesbitt Ferry from Brumbelow to Mount Pisgah.
• Sean Cronin questioned PAC demand, noting Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center has only 29 events booked in 2025 and Newtown Park Amphitheater has 6 events. He argued against adding property taxes.
• Ed Harris strongly supported the PAC, stating a 1,200-seat facility is needed for profitability and that local dance/music companies lack venue access. He noted comparable cities spend $90–120M on such projects.
• Brett, a local musician, opposed the $67M PAC, saying the city has not supported local musicians and that the money should go to pothholes or a more affordable community space.
• Ms. Singh spoke in favor of the PAC for cultural enrichment, economic impact, and tourism, comparing it to iconic venues like the Sydney Opera House.

Discussion Items

Old Business - Zoning Case (L.1): RZ-24-0012 & VC-24-0009 - 8483 Holcomb Braidge Road

• Director Song presnted the proposal for a 950 sq ft Dutch Brothers coffe shop with drive-through and a variance to reduce outparcel frontage from 200 ft to 108.42 ft. Staff and planning commission recommended approval.
• The applicant (Alex Brock) requested a second deferral to September 22, 2025, citing delays in Dutch Brothers' approval process and a recent May 28 contact from the current tenant (Buffalo Emissions).
• Michael Tran, owner of Buffalo Emissions (15-year operation), opposed the zoning, saying it would jeopardize his family's sole income and employ two part-time workers. He stated the property owner had not reached out to him.
• Tip Tran, wife and co-owner, emphasized their community ties (daughters in Johns Creek schools) and reliance on the business after her federal job leave.
• An employee urged the council to vote against rezoning, praising Michael Tran's community connections.
• Tatiana Travis noted the area already has several coffee shops (Starbucks, Ground & Pound, etc.) and that a previous Caribou Coffee there failed.
• The council voted unanimously to defer the item to the September 22, 2025 meeting.

New Business - Road Resurfaving Contracts (M.1)

• Director O'Connor presented a revised recommendation following the work session: resurface sections 1 & 4 of Old Alabama Road, McGinnis Ferry Road, and three neighborhoods (Reserve at Autree Place, Becton Hall, Jones Bridge Hills). Total revised cost: $1,567,018 (including main roads, neighborhood roads, CEI, and contingency).
• Motion made and seconded to award the contract at that amount.
• No additional discussion; motion passed unanimously.

New Business - Kimley-Horn Engineering Contract for Lakefield Drive Streetscape (G.6)

• Director O'Connor recommended approval of a $153,000 contract for engineering and design of Lakefield Drive streetscape enhancements (from City Hall to Johns Creek Parkway), aligned with the Town Center Vision Plan.
• Councilmember Skinner argued that TSPLOST 2 funds should go to the promised Nesbitt Ferry Road improvements (priority #1 in congestion relief), rather than further spending on Creekside Park / town center. She stated $11M in TSPLOST 2 had been spent on Creekside Park, while Nesbitt Ferry had not started.
• Councilmembers Coughlin, Mayor, and others countered that Nesbitt Ferry is owned by Roswell and negotiations for a 50-50 cost share are ongoing; the $153,000 does not affect Nesbitt Ferry funds. They noted TSPLOST 3 planning is underway.
• After debate, the motion to approve the contract was called. Councilmember Skinner voted no; others voted yes. The contract passed.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (excluding G.6): Approved.
• Zoning Case (L.1): Deferred to September 22, 2025, by unanimous vote.
• Road Resurfacing Contracts: Approved at $1,567,018 (unanimous).
• Kimley-Horn Engineering Contract: Approved at $153,000 (majority vote; one dissenting).
• The meeting adjourned to executive session for land, legal, and personnel matters.