Marietta City Council Meeting – April 9, 2025

The Marietta City Council met on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included public hearings on a rezoning request (29 Doran Avenue), a code amendment, a proposed residential change at Marietta Crossing, and a traffic calming project on Hunt Street. Several routine items were approved on the consent agenda, and unscheduled public comments were heard. The meeting adjourned after approximately two hours.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: Approved the March 12, 2025, meeting minutes.
• Mayor’s Appointments: Presented for informational purposes.
• Consent Agenda Items (all approved 7-0): Included approvals of the PY2025 CDBG Annual Action Plan, an ordinance amending the bonding company escrow amount (second reading), a revised detailed plan for Marietta Crossing Townhomes, a donation of right-of-way at 70 Reynolds Street, utility variances for Comcast on Mountain View Road and South Avenue, the Downtown Solid Waste Management District Service plan (with a wording deletion), and the BLW actions of April 7, 2025.
• Note: The last one-and-a-half lines of item 2025-0312 (Downtown Solid Waste Management District Service) were deleted from the consent agenda per staff.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rosser Sutherland (386 Alexander Circle): Expressed neutral support for the 29 Doran Avenue rezoning, noting he was glad the applicant reduced the number of units and added an amenity area.
• Alan Worthy (neighboring church property manager): Voiced concerns about parking during construction and after completion, and worried that future residents or workers might park on the church’s vacant lots. He also asked about code enforcement and trespassing procedures.
• Larry Wheels (60 Oakmont Drive): Commented on the code amendment, stating he was unclear on its details but urged protection of century-old street trees in Marietta, citing recent losses.
• Hunt Street Traffic Calming Speakers (all in favor):
  • Sarah Krueger (257 Hunt Street): Described increased foot traffic and close calls with vehicles; supported speed tables.
  • Todd Lawson (252 Hunt Street, read by neighbor): Noted frequent speeding and near-misses while walking; urged installation.
  • Bill Gamble (257 Cole Street): Opposed, arguing that speed tables on Hunt Street would divert traffic to Cole Street, where 38 homes would be affected by speeding trucks and cars.
  • Gordon Barfield (245 Hunt Street): Expressed fear for his children’s safety due to high speeds and lack of sidewalk; urged approval.
  • Kate Fleman (270 Hunt Street): Described exponential traffic increases and dangerous speeding; supported speed tables.
  • Janice Hoover (co-president, Forest Hills Neighborhood Association): Supported the speed tables to enhance pedestrian safety and neighborhood value.
  • Ian Constantine (off Brunt Hickory Road): Supported speed tables and suggested bike lanes and public transit as broader solutions.
• Christopher Stewart (unscheduled appearance): A disabled veteran, he recounted previous procedural confusion and alleged unethical HOA practices. He requested council assistance and noted an attorney had offered to help.
• Sam Foster (near Marietta High School): Urged the city to implement bike lanes and road diets on underutilized wide roads like Aviation Road, referencing the 2019 Trail Connectivity Plan.
• Yvonne Williams (deputy city clerk for 21 years): Announced her retirement effective May 31, 2025, thanked the council and staff, and offered a blessing.

Discussion Items

• Z2025-07 Rezoning – 29 Doran Avenue (Squares, LLC):
  • Applicant Derek Turner proposed five townhomes (2,300 sq. ft., 3-bedroom). Two variances needed: (1) reduce minimum lot size from 3 acres to 0.52 acres; (2) waive active recreation and reduce passive recreation area. Planning Commission recommended denial (4-2).
  • Council discussion: Turner agreed to a 2-foot stagger on units, a 5-foot sidewalk with 2-foot beauty strip, dedicated amenity area (approx. 5,000 sq. ft., e.g., dog park), and 20-foot driveways. He stated he could only provide one guest parking space under current plan, but would try for two. He agreed to work with the adjacent church on a construction parking plan.
  • Final vote: Approved (6-1).
• CA2025-05 Code Amendment:
  • Proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Development Code (sections 708.09, 708.14, 708.20, 712.08) to clarify tree protection and landscaping requirements for planned residential developments and infill homes. Planning Commission recommended approval (6-0).
  • Council approved without further discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
• 50 Powers Ferry Road – Marietta Crossing:
  • Request by Westplan Investors to modify zoning stipulations (from Z2023-06) to change 10,000 sq. ft. of commercial space on the first floor of Building 2000 to 11 apartment units (all residential).
  • Council discussion: Some members preferred a live-work option (commercial facing Powers Ferry, residential facing interior). After debate, a substitute motion for live-work passed 5-2. Mayor attempted to veto, but the override motion failed for lack of requisite votes. Subsequently, the original motion for all-residential passed 4-3.
• Hunt Street Traffic Calming:
  • Public Works proposed two speed tables between Forest Avenue and North Forest Avenue at an estimated cost of $3,000. A public meeting was held on Feb 19, 2025; 13 out of 15 affected parcels signed in favor, exceeding the 70% threshold. No objections from police, fire, or schools.
  • A substitute motion to table for one month to conduct a speed study on Cole Street was defeated (6-1). The original motion to approve the speed tables then passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0 with a wording deletion on one item.
• Z2025-07 (29 Doran Avenue): Rezoning approved 6-1 with stipulations including a minimum 5,000 sq. ft. amenity area, 5-foot sidewalk, 2-foot building stagger, and a construction parking plan to be developed with adjacent property owners.
• CA2025-05 (Code Amendment): Approved unanimously.
• 50 Powers Ferry Road: Motion to amend stipulations to allow all 11 residential units on the first floor of Building 2000 passed 4-3, after a live-work substitute motion passed 5-2 but was not ultimately adopted.
• Hunt Street Speed Tables: Approved 7-0. Councilman Walker pledged to work with Cole Street residents on a future speed study.
• Retirement Acknowledgment: Deputy City Clerk Yvonne Williams was recognized for 21 years of service; her retirement is effective May 31, 2025.