Marietta City Council Meeting - June 11, 2025

The Marietta City Council met on June 11, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included a public hearing on multiple rezoning and annexation requests, adoption of the FY2026 budget, and unscheduled public comments regarding the planned demolition of the Campus Edge apartment complex. The council approved a $428 million budget with no tax increase for the 24th consecutive year, and voted on several zoning cases.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the regular meeting minutes of May 14, 2025, and special minutes of May 27 and May 30, 2025.
• Mayor’s Appointments: Noted for informational purposes.
• Ethics Committee Appointment: Reappointed Lee A. DeHihns III to the Ethics Committee for a two-year term (2025–2027).
• Ordinances: Tabled three items related to Sugar Bear Properties LLC (rezoning, annexation, code amendment) to August 13, 2025.
• Resolutions: Denied claims for Joseph Jackson, Bryson Heath, and Imari V. Henry.
• City Manager’s Report: Approved lease extension of 156 Church Street (Clarke Library) with additional language; approved FY2026 budget (see Discussion Items); approved detailed plan for 29 Doran Avenue; approved additional funding for Marietta Arts Council ($1,200) and amended tourism funding agreement; approved installation of six MLB All-Star Week light post banners; approved additional funding for Strand Theatre 90th birthday ($25,000); approved FY2026 City/BLW Pay and Classification System; authorized Rigby Street speed study, donation of right-of-way at 571-575 Lawrence Street, and installation of Cherry Street rapid rectangular flashing beacons; approved MEAG voting delegates; approved BLW actions of June 9, 2025.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Scheduled Appearances:
  • Kathy Slough: Expressed appreciation for city services, inquired about salary competitiveness for MPD and fire departments, and thanked council members for community engagement.
  • Donald Barth: Supported the rezoning of 1951 Canton Road to light industrial, noting the area's decline and need for change.
• Unscheduled Appearances (Campus Edge Apartments): Several residents and supporters spoke about the planned demolition of the Campus Edge apartment complex. They reported being given very short notice, with leases not being honored, and expressed concerns about housing insecurity and homelessness. Speakers included Raven McGuire, Kita Martin, Kofi Stiles, Shelby Sansbury, Corey Stansbury, Vicalia Pemberton, David Battles, and others. They requested that the council pressure the new owner (Campus Realty Advisors) to honor existing leases for the 2025–2026 year. The council allowed an extended 30 minutes for this segment.

Discussion Items

• FY2026 Budget Adoption: City Manager Bill Bruton, Jr. presented the $428 million total budget, with a 1.7% increase overall and a 2.4% increase ($1.82 million) in the general fund to $78.7 million. 52% of the general fund goes to police and fire. No tax increase for the 24th year. Two new employees added to improve downtown trash service. The council voted 7-0 to adopt the budget.
• Z2024-28 – Rezoning of 1951 Canton Road (Cone Commercial Real Estate, LLC): Request to rezone 10.39 acres from CRC to LI. Planning Commission recommended approval. The applicant proposed light industrial uses, environmental remediation, and removal of a billboard. After discussion, the council approved with a substitute motion allowing the current billboard tenant to remain until the end of their lease (summer 2027), but no renewal or subleasing. Vote: 7-0.
• Z2025-09 – White Hawk Business Park, LLC (Weaver Drive area): Rezoning of 8.87 acres from CRC/R-20 to LI with variances. Planning Commission recommended approval as stipulated. Applicant discussed gravel parking, outdoor storage, and tree preservation. Council approved with stipulations, including limiting new gravel area and requiring arborist input. Vote: 7-0.
• A2025-02 & CA2025-04 – Annexation and Code Amendment for White Hawk Business Park: Approved annexation of 1.05 acres and future land use designation as Industrial Warehousing. Vote: 7-0.
• Z2025-11 – MMM Acquisitions LLC (1751 Bells Ferry Road): Rezoning of 31 acres from CRC to LI with a special land use permit for a cell tower, to develop a data center campus. Planning Commission recommended approval. Applicant Kevin Moore presented the project, highlighting $1.3 billion investment, $71.5 million in 10-year tax revenue, use of Marietta Power, and 40 jobs. Residents raised concerns about noise, power costs, water use, and environmental impacts. Council approved 7-0 after discussion.
• Z2025-12 – Mattia Ventura (74 Austin Avenue): Rezoning of 0.154 acres from CRC to R-4 for a single-family home. Planning Commission recommended approval. The applicant was unaware of previous unpermitted work. Council approved with a substitute motion requiring all improvements to be brought up to code. Vote: 7-0.
• Z2025-13 – Neighborhood Investments, LLC (266 Crescent Circle): Rezoning from OI to R-4. Planning Commission recommended approval. Owners Sherry Decker and Buddy McDowell, retiring, requested residential zoning to sell the property. Council approved 7-0.
• Z2025-14 – Alice Holdings, LLC (462 & 480 Roswell Street): Rezoning from CRC to CRC with additional use as a contractor’s office (Summit Heating and Air). Planning Commission recommended approval. Applicant Adam Rosen and business owners Tim and Jen Willis presented. Council added stipulations: no outdoor storage on either tract, and fencing architecture to be approved by council. Approved 7-0.
• CA2025-06 – Code Amendment: Amendment to sections related to quasi-judicial decisions and administrative variances. Approved 6-0 (one abstention? Actually vote was 6-0 with one abstention, but transcript says 6-0 with one abstention, but final vote says 6-0 with one abstention? The transcript says "Motion carries 6-0 with one understanding." Actually it says "Motion carries 6-0 with one understanding." So likely 6-0 with one abstention. We'll note as approved 6-0.)

Key Outcomes

• FY2026 Budget: Adopted unanimously (7-0) with no tax increase.
• Z2024-28 (1951 Canton Road): Approved with substitute motion on billboard lease (7-0).
• Z2025-09 (White Hawk Business Park): Approved with stipulations (7-0).
• A2025-02 & CA2025-04 (White Hawk): Annexation and code amendment approved (7-0).
• Z2025-11 (Data Center): Approved (7-0).
• Z2025-12 (74 Austin Avenue): Approved with requirement to bring improvements up to code (7-0).
• Z2025-13 (266 Crescent Circle): Approved (7-0).
• Z2025-14 (Roswell Street): Approved with additional stipulations on outdoor storage and fencing (7-0).
• CA2025-06 (Code Amendment): Approved (6-0).
• Campus Edge Apartments: The council heard public comments but took no formal action; mayor suggested allowing the full 30 minutes for unscheduled appearances. No vote was taken on the matter.