Marietta City Council Meeting: April 15, 2026

The Marietta City Council met on April 15, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The meeting began with an invocation by Councilman T. Anderson and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council approved a consent agenda (7-0), conducted several public hearings and votes on rezoning and annexation requests, approved a stop sign request, and approved the purchase and sale agreement for the development of a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) training facility on Franklin Gateway. The meeting also featured a special recognition of City Manager Bill Bruton as one of America's 250 public service champions.

Special Presentation: Recognition of City Manager Bill Bruton

• Mayor and council members, along with representatives from the Georgia Municipal Association, Cobb County, and city departments, congratulated City Manager Bill Bruton on being selected as one of America's 250 public service champions by the National Academy of Public Administration. A proclamation from the Cobb County Board of Commissioners and a letter from Governor Brian P. Kemp were read. Bruton expressed gratitude, crediting the city staff and council for their teamwork.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (7-0) with several items moved to consent: Item 20260394 (light post banners) and Item 20260422 (budget amendment year-end settlement). Councilman Goldstein abstained from Item 20260310 (street closure request for the World Cup). A purchase and sales agreement was not placed on consent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Barr (public appearance): Expressed frustration with the city's priorities, citing use of the term "OM" (old Marietta/old money) and alleging lack of action on code enforcement issues (138 Powers Ferry Road, 1515 St. John Avenue). He used profanity and was asked to tone down his language. He stated that the city is divided and urged the council to focus on truth and fairness.

• Russell Brid and Hannah Britt (constituents): Spoke in support of the NWSL project. Hannah Britt, a high school soccer captain, expressed excitement about the team training in Marietta and thanked the council for supporting women's sports. (No address given for Russell Brid; 91 Morrison Street for Hannah Britt)

• Robbie Huck (191 Summit Avenue): Raised concerns about the financial details of the NWSL project, asking for the amount of taxpayer investment and the sale price to billionaire Arthur Blank to be put on public record. He stated he was unsure if he was for or against the rezoning.

• Amy Lunar (730 Franklin Gateway): Speaking neutrally, acknowledged the NWSL project will happen but urged the council to better listen to residents and ensure benefits for them. She advocated for the wider sidewalk.

• Hope Brackett (1303 Longwood Drive): Supported the Powder Springs Road rezoning, noting that homes in Dunleith sell quickly and that young families need more single-family housing options in Marietta.

• Brenda Parker (694 Stewart Circle): Questioned the need for a stop sign at Stewart Circle, noting it would inconvenience her driveway and may not effectively slow traffic. She asked for details on the study behind the request.

• Cody Foster (691 Stewart Circle): Expressed strong support for traffic calming measures on Stewart Circle, stating his daughter nearly got hit by a car while riding a bicycle. He noted that six kids live on the street and that speed tables would be preferable.

• Ty Tumlin (address not stated, lives at Nollwood Drive/Stewart Circle): Opposed the stop sign, calling it a waste of time and noting it is only 90 feet from another stop sign. He suggested speed tables would be more effective.

• Chad McRosky (701 Stewart Circle): Supported traffic calming, noting a speed table request was denied. He deferred to the council for the best solution.

Discussion Items

Rezoning: 890 Canton Road (Senior Housing)

• Applicant: Edric Harris (Presswick Development Company) on behalf of PDC Land Acquisitions LLC and the Marietta Housing Authority.
• Proposal: Rezone 2.18 acres from HI (Heavy Industrial) to RHR (Residential High Rise) to build a 4-5 story, 68-unit age-restricted (55+) multifamily complex. Variances requested: reduced front setbacks (50 ft to 35 ft) and parking reduction (targeting senior tenants).
• Discussion: Councilman Goldstein requested adding a condition that the facility be 55+ per HUD guidelines, which was added by amendment (vote not recorded, passed). Council confirmed the development would be mixed-income with about 20% (14 units) voucher-based affordable units. The motion to approve as amended passed 7-0.

Rezoning: 1033 Franklin Gateway (NWSL Training Facility)

• Applicant: Caleb Thornley (Impact Development) and Rich McKay (AMBSE) for the City of Marietta.
• Proposal: Rezone 34.15 acres from PCD to PCD to allow a site plan for a 38,000 sq ft headquarters and training facility for the new NWSL team, including two fields. Variances were requested, including a reduction of sidewalk width from 5 feet to 4 feet along Franklin Gateway.
• Discussion: Councilman Goldstein questioned variance #4 (sidewalk width). Bill Bruton noted that a future streetscape project might widen the sidewalk to 8-10 feet. The applicant agreed to a joint effort to install a wider sidewalk, and the variance was removed. The motion to approve with the change passed (vote not recorded).

Rezoning: Powder Springs Road (Single-Family Homes)

• Applicant: Parks Huff (Sam's Larkin Huff) on behalf of PRE Powder Springs Road LLC.
• Proposal: Annex and rezone 10.9 acres from R20 (Cobb County) to PRDSF (Planned Residential Development) for 43 detached single-family homes. Revised density: 3.9 units per acre (down from 5.5). No variances were requested. The homes would be priced in the mid-to-upper $500,000 range.
• Discussion: Council discussed the need for for-sale housing. Applicant confirmed driveways would be 20 ft wide. The motion to approve the annexation and rezoning passed 7-0. The code amendment to change the designation from medium density to low density residential also passed 7-0.

Rezoning: 1912 & 1920 Lower Roswell Road (Auto Repair Shop)

• Applicant: Parks Huff on behalf of Walco Investments LP (Malone's Automotive).
• Proposal: Annex and rezone 1920 Lower Roswell Road from GC (Cobb County) to CRC (Community Retail Commercial) and combine with 1912 Lower Roswell Road to build a new auto repair shop. Four variances were requested: 1) reduce landscape buffer from 10 ft to 5 ft (or less per site plan), 2) reduce building setback, 3) (removed), 4) reduce parking space dimensions, 5) disturb vegetation within the required buffer area to replant. A 6 ft (later amended to 8 ft) wooden privacy fence would be installed adjacent to residences.
• Discussion: Councilman Goldstein requested that variances be tied to the site plan, and that variance #5 be allowed only to replant the buffer. The fence height was amended to 8 ft (6-1 vote). The main motion to approve with conditions passed 6-1.

Stewart Circle Stop Sign Request

• Proposal: Install a three-way stop sign with pedestrian improvements at Stewart Circle. Estimated cost: $1,500.
• Discussion: Mark Rice (Public Works) confirmed that speed tables did not qualify for the street based on a previous study (speed/volume criteria not met). He stated that stop signs are not used for traffic calming; this request was based on pedestrian safety. The motion to approve passed 7-0.

Purchase and Sale Agreement: Franklin Gateway (NWSL Training Facility)

• Presenter: City Manager Bill Bruton and Doug Haney.
• Details: The agreement covers the sale of approximately 33 acres (of the 34-acre site) to AWPFC (Atlanta Women's Professional Football Club, LLC) for $10 million, with payment spread over 15 years. Additionally, the club will pay $1 million toward community uses on a contributed 10-acre property (across from Atlanta United). The club guarantees at least $60 million in development investment within 3 years of closing. The city will retain 1.25 acres for a parking lot. The club will seek a tax rebate (abatement) from the Cobb County Tax Assessor's Office, starting at 90% in year two and declining over 10 years. A billboard will be relocated (one-for-one swap).
• Discussion: Councilman Goldstein expressed concern about the city's liability for expenses if the club backs out. Councilman Haney noted that the site would be improved (grading) even if the club did not proceed. Councilwoman Cheryl Richardson seconded the motion, emphasizing excitement for the development and the 10-acre community park. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0.
• Rezoning 890 Canton Road (Senior Housing): Approved 7-0 with amendment for 55+ age restriction.
• Rezoning 1033 Franklin Gateway (NWSL): Approved with variance #4 removed and condition to work with city on sidewalk frontage.
• Rezoning Powder Springs Road: Annexation and rezoning approved 7-0; code amendment approved 7-0.
• Rezoning Lower Roswell Road (Auto Repair): Approved 6-1 with amendments (fence height of 8 ft, variances tied to site plan).
• Stewart Circle Stop Sign: Approved 7-0.
• Purchase and Sale Agreement (NWSL): Approved 7-0. Closing scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026.
• Next Meetings: Town halls for Ward 5 (April 23), Ward 3 (April 29), Ward 2 (May 6), and Ward 1 (April 23) were announced. Taste of Marietta and a concert series celebrating the 250th anniversary were also noted.