Marietta City Council Meeting - July 8, 2026

The Marietta City Council met on July 8, 2026, beginning in the evening, to address a broad agenda including the introduction of new police officers, a proclamation for Parks and Recreation Month, multiple public comments, approval of a consent agenda that established a 6-month moratorium on new data centers, and public hearings on seven zoning and variance requests. The meeting featured extensive debate over a proposed data center on Powers Ferry Place, which was ultimately tabled, and a preliminary plat for a subdivision on Sumter Drive, which was approved with conditions.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Amendment: A motion to suspend the rules to add an item to the agenda regarding the denial of a claim (Shakwe Seanikwa Horton) was approved 7-0. The claim was subsequently added to the consent agenda for denial.
• Consent Agenda Approval: The consent agenda was approved unanimously (7-0). Key items included:
  • Revised Detail Plan for Atlanta Northwest Training Facility (Franklin Gateway)
  • Franklin Gateway Park Committee (subject to Roberts Rules of Order and City Code)
  • Resolution Instituting a Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers: A 6-month moratorium through December 31, 2026, on new data centers (excluding two already in process) was passed as part of the consent agenda. The moratorium prevents the Marietta Board of Lights and Water from accepting applications for new data centers during this period.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Donald Barth (St. John Avenue): Expressed pride in the city but criticized procedural irregularities in public sign-up processes. He acknowledged the data center debate and stated he views data centers as part of necessary infrastructure.
• Unnamed Speaker: Spoke against Flock safety cameras, citing security vulnerabilities, misuse by law enforcement, and instances of stalking. Argued that funds should be redirected to community resources rather than surveillance technology.
• Lindsay Turner (resident): Proposed a 12-month pause on new data center approvals and the creation of a Data Center Advisory Committee composed of community members, experts, and specialists. She urged the council to "choose wisdom" and slow down to gather evidence.
• Public Hearing – 1155 Powers Ferry Place (Data Center): Numerous residents spoke in opposition:
  • Selena Reardon (1395 West Booth Road): Expressed concerns about water pollution, noise, and utility rate increases, emphasizing the proximity to a fire station and residential areas.
  • Rifka Wolf Camplin (2324 Suburban Court): A zoologist, she highlighted the council's lack of scientific background and argued that data centers primarily serve corporate AI interests, not community needs.
  • Chris Conley (Burnt Hickory Road): A former NFL player and resident, he cited health costs (air pollution, noise, water issues) and warned the council that approving data centers would have political consequences.
  • Janice Lemieux (Ward 3): Urged a "no" vote, stating that Marietta lacks specific ordinances for data centers and that the applicant's stipulations do not offer sufficient guarantees on noise, environmental performance, or enforcement.
  • John Mendoza (Powers Ferry Drive): Referenced the city's own staff analysis, which concluded the rezoning does not align with the comprehensive plan's regional activity center designation.
  • Sage Bokine (Ward 4, Cobb DSA): Argued that the council is ignoring citizen will and called for referendums on contentious issues.
  • Ellen Warren (resident): Concerned about wildlife, creek contamination, and the cumulative environmental impact of data centers.
  • Laura Meadows (Powers Ferry Drive, Sun Valley Estates): Stated the proposed data center would be in her backyard, and questioned the promised benefits regarding latency and local job creation.
  • Chelsea Hearst (resident): Discussed the connection between data centers, AI, surveillance, and dynamic pricing. She called for independent environmental impact assessments, developer-funded utility upgrades, and public town halls.
  • Perry Barrett (resident): Questioned guarantees and enforcement of the applicant's commitments on noise and power usage.
• Public Hearing – 782 Franklin Gateway (Grocery Store):
  • Donald Barth: Supported the grocery store, noting the area is a food desert.
  • Amy (730 Franklin Gateway): Expressed excitement, recalling her own challenges accessing groceries without a car.
• Public Hearing – 1440 Sumter Drive (Preliminary Plat):
  • Jordan Aldridge (attorney for adjoining owners Art Nelson and Ken Rose): Objected that the plat fundamentally changes the character of the estate-lot development and encumbers the privately owned access road.
  • David Lowry (1449 Sumter Drive): Requested a stormwater management plan before approval, and raised concerns about blasting, construction traffic, and liability for damages.
  • Tracy Mignot (1462 Sumter Drive): Highlighted traffic safety issues at the Whitlock Avenue exit, lack of sidewalks, and inadequate turnaround for emergency vehicles.
  • Margot Espy (heir of property seller): Explained that the family tried unsuccessfully to sell smaller portions to neighbors and argued the property should not be held hostage by adjoining landowners.
  • Sherbert Ayers Wadio (381 Terrell Drive, Battleview): Showed photos contrasting the existing tree canopy with the cleared landscape of a similar development, expressing fears of deforestation.
  • Pick Patel (1481 Dallas Circle): Emphasized the benefits of trees and questioned the developer's tree replanting plan, suggesting lot reduction to preserve more vegetation.
• Unscheduled Appearances (Meeting Close):
  • Speaker (Chelsea Hearst again): Urged the council to ban AI data centers outright and include those already approved. She argued that data centers are not mentioned in the comprehensive plan and do not align with Marietta's identity.
  • Gretchen (Cherokee Street): Emphasized that data centers create few jobs and that the city does not need their money at the cost of environmental and noise disruption.

Discussion Items

• New Police Officers: Deputy Chief Tanya Twaddell introduced nine newly certified officers, who each gave brief personal statements about their backgrounds and motivations for joining the Marietta Police Department.
• Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation: Councilman Jason Waters presented a proclamation declaring July as Parks and Recreation Month. Parks Director accepted, thanking staff for their work, including extended hours and large event management.
• Public Hearing – 286 North Hillcrest Drive (Tutoring Business): Sarah Parker requested a special land use permit for a tutoring business at her home. She stated she is semi-retiring and wants to continue serving existing students only, with limited hours (1-8 PM, 2-3 days a week). No public opposition. Approved 7-0.
• Public Hearing – 225 Crescent Circle (Administrative Offices): Kevin Moore requested rezoning from CRC (limited to fitness) to CRC with stipulations for administrative offices. A resident raised concerns about potential inappropriate uses under CRC. Council discussed downzoning but agreed to a use-specific stipulation. Approved 7-0 after amendment to allow only administrative offices.
• Public Hearing – 1155 Powers Ferry Place (Data Center): This was the most debated item. Applicant Chuck Clay and Parks Huff presented, emphasizing local benefits, low latency, and use of an existing building. They offered stipulations on noise, water (closed-loop), and power. Councilmembers asked extensive questions about sound attenuation, cooling systems, vibration, heat islands, stormwater, and contractual terms with Marietta Board of Lights and Water. Councilwoman Cheryl expressed lingering concerns about sound. A motion to table the item to the August meeting (to allow time for sound engineer study) was made and passed 7-0.
• Public Hearing – 782 Franklin Gateway (Grocery Store): Kevin Moore sought rezoning to convert a former daycare into a grocery store, complementing an adjacent convenience store. The planning commission recommended approval with a condition for an enclosed dumpster. Approved 7-0.
• Public Hearing – 285/295 Victory Drive (Church Early Childhood Education): Applicant requested rezoning of split-zoned property to allow a faith-based early learning program. Councilwoman Richardson abstained due to family relationship. No public opposition. Approved 7-0.
• Public Hearing – 1440 Sumter Drive (Preliminary Plat): Adam Rosen presented a 13-acre subdivision proposal. Adjoining neighbors voiced concerns about stormwater, flooding, blasting, traffic, and tree loss. Developer representatives responded. Council discussion focused on legal authority to deny given code compliance, and the need to protect adjacent properties during construction. Motion to approve with conditions (excluding title approval, requiring hydrology study with emphasis on the Martin property's water table) was passed.
• Public Hearing – 520 West Atlanta Street (Church Parking Variances): St. Basil Orthodox Church requested variances to allow gravel/grass parking and off-site parking at a neighboring lot. Council debated the gravel prohibition and enforcement of parking agreements. After multiple motions, the council voted 4-3 to deny the gravel variance but approve the off-site parking variance, conditioned on providing a copy of the parking agreement to city staff.
• Public Hearing – 1122 Powers Ferry Road (Fitness Center Variances): Kevin Moore requested variances to reduce a buffer and allow more than 12 parking spaces in a row without planters for a proposed EOS Fitness center. The Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance expressed support. The variances were tied to a specific site plan with enhanced landscaping. Approved 7-0.
• Public Hearing – 102 Burnham Street (Setback Variances): Kevin Moore requested setback reductions for a lot in the Roselane assemblage. To maintain consistency with a previously approved lot, the western setback was modified to 7 feet instead of 5. The infill overlay was applied. Approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda and Data Center Moratorium: The council unanimously (7-0) approved the consent agenda, instituting a 6-month moratorium on new data centers through December 31, 2026. This moratorium will not affect the two data center applications already in process (Bells Ferry and the tabled Powers Ferry Place application).
• Tutoring Business (286 N Hillcrest): Approved 7-0.
• Administrative Offices (225 Crescent Circle): Approved 7-0 with stipulation "only for administrative offices."
• Data Center (1155 Powers Ferry Place): Tabled to the next regular meeting (August) by a 7-0 vote to allow time for a sound engineer study and further council consideration.
• Grocery Store (782 Franklin Gateway): Approved 7-0 with condition for enclosed and screened dumpster.
• Church Early Childhood Education (285/295 Victory Drive): Approved 7-0 (Councilwoman Richardson abstaining).
• Preliminary Plat (1440 Sumter Drive): Approved with conditions: title not confirmed at this stage, and hydrology study must specifically address the water table issues of the Martin property; developer must ensure no additional runoff during construction.
• Church Parking Variances (520 W Atlanta St): Variance #1 (gravel/grass parking) denied. Variance #2 (off-site parking) approved on a 4-3 vote, with condition that a copy of the parking agreement be provided to city staff and any changes reported.
• Fitness Center Variances (1122 Powers Ferry Rd): Approved 7-0, tied to the submitted site plan and staff-recommended conditions.
• Setback Variances (102 Burnham St): Approved 7-0, with western setback modified to 7 feet and infill overlay applied.