City Council Meeting Summary - January 14, 2026

The Marietta City Council convened on January 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM to begin a new term, welcoming newly elected members and introducing four new police officers recently sworn in after completing the state police academy. The meeting featured significant discussion on housing growth, traffic, and zoning, alongside ceremonial recognitions for new officers.

Consent Calendar

• The Council unanimously approved the consent agenda (7-0), which included the appointment of Benjamin Smith as the Municipal Court Prosecuting Attorney for a two-year term and the appointment of Courtney Brewbaker as Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for a two-year term.
• An ordinance amendment was also unanimously adopted (7-0) to formally create the title of Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the city code (Chapter 112-040) and to waive the second reading requirement for this specific item.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Don Barth expressed support for new growth, specifically praising the potential for quarter-acre lots and green spaces. He criticized current board members for age-related issues but thanked the city for volunteer efforts at the Marietta National Cemetery.
• Mr. Stevenson strongly opposed the previous administration's platform, describing progressive promises like bike lanes and affordable housing as "empty." He argued that affordable housing was proposed without price tags while the primary fundraiser sells homes over $700,000. He urged the new council to focus on controlled growth, preserving the city's charm, and avoiding "Atlantra-type" traffic and rents.
• Darren Freeberg (speaking for himself and Dr. Rao) opposed the Powdersprings Road rezoning, citing the proposed density as too high for a low-density neighborhood, lack of buffer zones from adjacent properties (specifically the CAT Care Hospital), and severe traffic safety concerns regarding a single access point on a congested road.
• John Stephen Beasley and De Keese Phoenix also opposed the Powdersprings Road development, citing grading issues, the need to clear-cut lots, the presence of a spring/wet area, and the violation of regional planning consistency. Phoenix argued the application uses annexation to bypass stricter county codes.
• Larry Wills opposed the Powdersprings proposal, arguing the City allows higher densities than the County to maximize housing numbers rather than low-density buffers, and criticized the procedural order of zoning before annexation disputes are resolved.
• Lauren Roscoe, Matthew Staub, Hope Brackett, and Debbie Bodiford expressed support for the Powdersprings and Jordan Street developments, stating there is a critical need for attainable single-family homes for young families, noting that the first-time home buyer age has shifted to 40, and emphasizing the need to prevent young families from leaving the city.
• Chad Pack (unscheduled appearance) voiced strong opposition to a previous rezoning vote (Z 2025-19), characterizing the special meeting process used to pass it as "secret," "unethical," and "shady" due to inadequate public notification. He expressed frustration that requests for further study (noise study, school impact) made in November were not fully addressed before the December vote.

Discussion Items

• Powder Springs Road Rezoning (Z 2025-23): The applicant, PRE Powder Springs Road LLC, requested rezoning for 10.9 acres to allow 43 detached single-family homes at 3.9 units per acre, a reduction from an initial proposal of 60 units. The applicant argued the site's proximity to the National Battlefield Park and library makes it ideal for residential use, provided the density is reduced to align with the lower-density future land use map. Opposition focused on traffic safety, lack of buffers, and the site's incompatibility with the surrounding R20 zoning.
  • Applicant Rebuttal: Ms. Huff argued traffic studies show consistent usage on Powder Springs Road and that the lower density (3.9 units/acre) aligns with city goals for homeownership opportunities. She clarified that grading will naturally separate the new homes from neighbors and that HOA ownership will enforce buffer zones on the property rear.
• Jordan Street Rezoning (Z 2025-25): Trayton LLC requested rezoning for 3.28 acres to build 19 detached single-family homes (from a previous potential of 21). The applicant agreed to voluntarily adhere to infill overlay standards, including heightened architectural and tree standards, street widening (Jordan Street to 22 feet), and a protected crosswalk to the city trail system.
  • Discussion: Council members noted the project reduces lot count and improves quality. The applicant confirmed driveways would be paved, not gravel, and street improvements would precede home construction.
• 63 Trammel Street Rezoning (Z 2026-01): Owners requested subdivision into two lots and a reduction of side setbacks from 10 feet to 5 feet.
  • Discussion: Council noted existing conditions allow for a 7.5-foot setback on the lot with a house but not on the vacant lot. The Council amended the motion to approve the application with variances only for existing conditions (10 to 7.5 feet) and removed the variance request for the vacant lot side setback.
• 1401 Cobb Parkway South Rezoning (Z 2026-02): Avis Mobility Ventures requested an additional use for outdoor storage of passenger vehicles (auto storage).
  • Discussion: The City approved the rezoning to include overnight storage of operable vehicles (minimum 1-month lease) but clarified that non-operable vehicles are prohibited under Section 706. Staff agreed to investigate potential auto rental tax applicability, noting potential differences from traditional rentals or peer-to-peer lease models.
• Palms at Paces Ferry (Z 2026-03, A 2026-01, CA 2026-01): Multiple parcels on Bells Ferry Road were proposed for annexation and rezoning to PRDSF (Planned Residential Development) for 20 attached townhomes. The County did not object.
  • Discussion: Council approved the rezoning (7-0) with a stipulation that units must be staggered to avoid a monolithic look. The annexation (A 2026-01) and future land use code amendment (CA 2026-01) were subsequently approved unanimously, designating the area as Medium Density Residential (MDR).

Key Outcomes

• New Appointments: Benjamin Smith (Prosecuting Attorney) and Courtney Brewbaker (Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney) were unanimously appointed to two-year terms.
• Ordinance Amendment: Passed unanimously (7-0) to create the Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney position in the code.
• Rezoning Approvals:
  • Powder Springs Road: Approved with a 7-0 vote to send notice to Cobb County of the City's intent to approve the rezoning, contingent on the resolution of pending arbitration regarding county objections.
  • Jordan Street: Approved unanimously (7-0) with stipulations for infill overlay compliance, street widening, and crosswalk construction.
  • 63 Trammel Street: Approved unanimously (7-0) as amended, limiting variance approval to existing condition setbacks only.
  • 1401 Cobb Parkway South: Approved unanimously (7-0) to allow overnight storage of operable passenger vehicles, subject to business license and Section 706 restrictions.
  • Bells Ferry Road: Rezoning (20 townhomes), Annexation, and Future Land Use Amendment all approved unanimously (7-0) with a stipulation for staggered unit design.
• Traffic & Infrastructure: The Council directed the applicant on Jordan Street to extend street improvements (widening) prior to home construction and confirmed the installation of a protected crosswalk.
• New Staff: Four new police officers (Dordea, Ellis, Jones, Silva) were introduced and are currently undergoing field training.
• Announcements: Announcements were made for an upcoming "Rise Across America" event, MLK Day service projects (NAACP event at Genny T. Anderson Theater and cleanup at Franklin Gateway), and a Town Hall on Data Centers scheduled for February 5th.