Roswell Mayor and Council Meeting – July 27, 2026

The Roswell Mayor and Council met on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, a lengthy public hearing and discussion on the 2045 Comprehensive Growth Plan transmittal, several development-related items, and first readings of ordinances on stormwater management and data centers. The meeting lasted several hours, with substantial public participation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On the Capital Improvement Element (Item 10510): Jason Yow expressed disappointment about the removal of Oxbo Road improvements and criticized planned spending on an underpass at Highway 9, Founders Park, and new fire stations, suggesting EMS satellite facilities instead.
• On the 2045 Comprehensive Growth Plan (Item 10500): Seventeen speakers addressed the council. Key positions included: Jennifer Donlin and Dave Woodrow (community collaboration and transparency); Sean Wright (support for including 2040 residential language); Karen Parish (concerns about high-density housing and vague terms); Claire Snedeker (advocated for 2040 language and pictures); Marjorie Farr (environmental concerns); Steve Walsh (support for affordable housing); Lindsay Coates (support for forward-thinking housing policy); and several residents from the Harlow community (support for the Pope and Land rezoning).
• On other items: No public speakers for the World Harvest Church stormwater pond, city hall roof, stormwater ordinances, or data center ordinance, except two speakers on data centers (Derek Wood and Lynn McIntyre) who supported strong regulation.

Discussion Items

• 2045 Comprehensive Growth Plan (Item 10500): Michelle Alexander, Director of Community Development, presented the draft plan for transmittal to the state. The plan focuses on economic development, activity centers (Holcomb Bridge Road/GA 400, Downtown, Uptown, East Roswell, Midtown), and protection of residential character areas. A video highlighted stakeholder committee input. Staff recommended approving the draft with edits to incorporate 2040 residential language, photos, and corrections. Councilmembers debated map changes, transparency, and housing language. Councilmember Beeson emphasized the need to attract younger demographics and defined terms via a housing study. Councilmember Sells noted Roswell's low housing costs relative to North Fulton and the need for economic development. Councilmember Hall questioned previous lack of awareness about map adjustments. Councilmember Philippi supported the 2040 language and emphasized transition areas. After a motion by Councilmember Sells, seconded by Philippi, and an amendment by Hall to strike "preferred use" from residential sections (approved 5-1), the main motion passed 5-1, with Councilmember Beeson voting in opposition.
• World Harvest Church Stormwater Pond (Item 10543): Planner Kristen Thomas Berger presented a request to modify 2006 zoning conditions to allow a regional stormwater detention pond across two church properties. The applicant, Foresight Group, explained the need and the removal of outdated conditions. Council praised the proactive approach. Unanimously approved.
• Pope and Land Rezoning – 0 Old Roswell Road (Item 10545): Michelle Alexander presented a rezoning request from CX (commercial mixed-use) to OR (office residential) for 62 townhomes on ~10 acres. Staff and planning commission recommended denial, citing inconsistency with the comprehensive plan's industrial flex character area for employment. The applicant (Pope and Land) argued that commercial development is not economically feasible due to high vacancy rates (21% office vacancy within 5 miles) and site constraints (53% stream buffers). Residents from the adjacent Harlow community spoke in favor, citing compatibility, need for housing, and protection of their neighborhood. Council voted to defer the item to the August 10, 2026 meeting (3-2).
• City Hall Roof Replacement (Item 10532): Brian Watson, Director of Environmental Public Works, presented an urgent request to award a contract to Cool Roofing Company for $2,267,075, with total budget authorization of $7 million from PFA funds. The original 1989 roof is failing, causing water intrusion in 32 areas, displacing 22 employees, and threatening the server room. Unanimously approved.
• Stormwater Management Ordinances (Items 10544 and 10477): First readings of ordinances to amend UDC Article 12.5 and Code of Ordinances Chapter 7.2 to reference a new Stormwater Management Handbook. No public speakers. Unanimously approved both.
• Data Center Ordinance (Item 10488): Michelle Alexander presented a first reading to amend UDC employment districts and use provisions to regulate data centers by size (megawatt classes), with setbacks (up to 1,000 feet from residential), noise limits, and environmental safeguards. Planning commission recommended changes (e.g., renaming tiers to classes, annual noise compliance). Public speaker Derek Wood supported careful regulation. Unanimously approved.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved.
• Capital Improvement Element Update (10510): Approved unanimously.
• 2045 Comprehensive Growth Plan Transmittal (10500): Approved 5-1 with staff recommendations and amendment to use 2040 residential language and photos. (Councilmember Beeson opposed)
• World Harvest Church Stormwater Pond (10543): Approved unanimously.
• Pope and Land Rezoning (10545): Deferred to August 10, 2026 (3-2).
• City Hall Roof Replacement (10532): Contract awarded to Cool Roofing Company for $2,267,075; total budget authorization up to $7 million. Unanimous.
• Stormwater Management UDC Amendment (10544): First reading approved unanimously.
• Stormwater Management Code Amendment (10477): First reading approved unanimously.
• Data Center Ordinance (10488): First reading approved unanimously.
• Closed Session Motion: Approved to meet at 5:30 PM on August 10, 2026.