Meeting colors

OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

City of South Fulton City Council & Zoning Public Hearing - January 27, 2026

City Council & Public Facilities Authority — Tuesday, January 27, 2026

BodySouth Fulton, Georgia

SessionCity Council & Public Facilities Authority

DateTuesday, January 27, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

⇩ GET FROM SOURCE

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:01

Only share a property line with the suburban one property to the north on Wildborough Court, which lacks access to uh Southwood Road.

0:12

So even the properties of the north at Wildbore Court, they can't even access uh our property or the properties shown on Southwood Road.

0:23

Also, when uh if you want to go by road coming out of the cottages at Southwood properties, uh progressing from cottages at Southwood towards the public's shopping center, the community love work uh designated in purple in the bottom left.

0:39

Um that requires passing by Summerwell Parkway Village, which is uh shown in the light red uh Providence Parkway village in Arcadia Parkway village.

0:52

These developments um as you go by the uh Summerwell Parkway Village, which is a 282 town home development, progressing down to an age-restricted development at Providence and a more traditional multifamily development at Arcadia.

1:09

Uh this simply shows a transition of uses going from suburban one to our requested rezon at Cottage at Southwood, which to my in my opinion should be reviewed as as a suburban two, um, because we're only this is showing five units density.

1:28

Suburban one uh allows it to three, suburban two allows it to eight, so it is a nice transition.

1:34

And then you go down to the more dense uses of Provence and Arcadia down to the future land use uh community work parcels uh shown by the Chick-fil-A and uh the publics.

1:47

Um it just again I do come at this.

1:50

I don't I don't bring the suggestion lightly.

1:53

Um I recently spent time uh in my home county uh as uh on the future land use committee here in Athens Park County.

2:03

And in doing so, I became aware that the the future land use mapping is a broad planning tool.

2:12

Um and it's it which can from time to time uh not exactly pay attention to the actual parcels, so it's more of a broad stroke.

2:22

Um, and it is a broad stroke showing uh everyone how y'all intend to grow your county and how you intend to also have transitions from one use to the next.

2:33

I'm it I'm not saying it's anybody's at fault here.

2:36

Um and your future land use mapping committee did a great job.

2:40

Speaker 2

2:41

second, it gotta be his time from 10 minutes.

Unassigned speaker

2:47

Can

Speaker 1

2:47

I keep going?

2:52

We're done.

2:53

We're done.

2:54

We're out of time, yeah.

Speaker 3

2:56

Yeah, you you are out of time.

2:58

You got you want to just do one closing uh sentence, please.

Speaker 1

3:01

Well, I'll just close out saying that we we have uh also worked with Mr.

3:06

Marcus Carter at Clifton Dale, all the all the community all the citizens of South Fulton.

3:11

Um we've enjoyed working with y'all.

3:13

Uh I believe we got a nice plan in front of y'all.

3:16

Um I'll be happy to answer any questions and thank you so much for your uh consideration for this rezone request.

Speaker 3

3:23

All right, thank you.

3:25

All right, Mr.

3:26

Clerk, are there any names uh in opposition?

Speaker 2

3:34

Yes, ma'am, there is one speaker card that was received from Mr.

3:40

Marcus Carter, Mr.

3:42

Carter, if you're on the unmute and receive instructions from the mayor.

Speaker 3

3:49

Mr.

3:49

Carter, what is the first name?

Speaker 2

3:51

Marcus

Unassigned speaker

3:52

Carter.

Speaker 3

3:53

Marcus Carter.

3:54

Okay.

3:55

In opposition,

Unassigned speaker

3:59

just

Speaker 3

3:59

on clear.

Speaker 2

4:03

Yes, he didn't

Speaker 3

4:04

even

Speaker 2

4:05

either.

4:06

He just submitted comments.

Speaker 3

4:08

All right.

4:09

Is he on or he you need to read his comment?

Speaker 2

4:14

Mr.

4:14

Carter, are you

Unassigned speaker

4:15

on?

Unassigned speaker

4:21

Speaker 2

4:21

see someone with iPhone, but I don't know who it is.

Speaker 3

4:25

I've asked that person to identify themselves from earlier.

4:30

Okay, um, I don't believe he is on.

4:35

So at this time, if there are no additional speakers, I will be closing a public hearing and we will take questions from the council, starting with the district's representative, councilwoman Willis.

Speaker 4

4:50

Uh thank you very much for recognizing me.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural█████████████████████████████████████████████66%

Zoning And Land Use███████11%

Public Engagement███████11%

Community Engagement██3%

Procurement██3%

Public Safety█2%

Technology and Innovation█1%

Youth Programs█1%

Pending Litigation█1%

Summary of Proceedings

City of South Fulton City Council & Zoning Public Hearing - January 27, 2026

The City of South Fulton City Council met on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM under an emergency order related to Winter Storm Fern. The meeting was conducted via Zoom and simulcast on YouTube. The session combined the Alcohol License and Zoning Public Hearings with the Regular Council Meeting, concluding at 8:26 PM. The council approved a rezoning, debated the gas station ordinance, and adopted an official liability resolution.

Consent Calendar

Approved Minutes: Regular, work session, and public hearing minutes from January 13, 2026.
Approved Plats: Confirmed a minor plat for 3600 Buffington Circle and a final plat for the Enclave at Stonewall Tell.
Alcohol License: Approved a change of ownership for Big A Shell Food Mart (District 7).
Special Use Permit & Modification: Approved a special use permit (U 25-013) and a zoning condition modification (M25-003).

Public Comments & Testimony

Zoning Case Z25-036 (Southwood Road):

Applicant (Mr. Furlow / Hakim Hilliard): Presented in favor of the rezoning, arguing the project provides a logical transition of uses. (Discrepancy: The official minutes recorded no public speakers for this item, but the transcript shows the applicant spoke and CM Willis relayed community support).
Councilmember Willis (D3): Read a statement from Cliftondale Community Club President Marcus Carter expressing support for the development after conditions were met.

Gas Station Ordinance (2021-003):

Deanna Respirs (D3): Urged the council not to pursue the repeal, advocating for deliberate planning and protection for residential neighborhoods.
Penny Webster Lewis (D2): Opposed repealing the ordinance without a thorough replacement to protect neighborhoods and the environment.
Danielle Withers: Opposed the repeal, recommending high standards for new development rather than simply removing restrictions.
Juanita Marbury (D1): Opposed the repeal and also expressed strong opposition to introducing MARTA bus routes in District 1.

Other Matters:

Kip Carr: Recounted a severe crime in District 7 (attempted carjacking, victim shot seven times). Requested a meeting with the family and increased police visibility.
India Rice (D7): Sought information on the Microsoft Data Center on Stonewall Tell Road, including its impact on energy bills, the environment, and local jobs.

Discussion Items

Z25-036/CDP25-015 Southwood Road Rezoning: Councilmember Willis moved to waive the first reading and immediately vote on the rezoning of 6.3 acres from AG-1 to A-L for 162 units. Staff had recommended denial, and the Planning Commission vote was tied. Willis cited community support and the developer meeting conditions (increased parking, updated residential models). (Vote: 7-0).
Gas Station Ordinance (2021-003) Policy Review: Councilmember Willis issued a statement clarifying the proposal aims to strengthen the ordinance, not weaken it. She stated residential protections, buffers, and oversaturation limits remain, and the plan will go through a public hearing process. She criticized social media misinformation. Councilmember Rowell denied sponsoring a full repeal, calling the narrative false.
Liability / Indemnification Resolution (A3): Mayor Gumbs introduced a standard annual resolution reminding officials of liability coverage. City Attorney Sara Kelly confirmed it aligns with the charter. Ethics complaint coverage was noted as distinct. (Vote: 6-0-1, Rowell abstained).
ZBA Appointment: The council agreed to set the new ZBA appointment effective February 4, 2026 to avoid interrupting a pending hearing and wasting city resources.

Key Outcomes

Z25-036 Southwood Road Zone Change & Land Use Amendment: Approved (7-0). First reading waived.
Resolution on Official Liability (A3): Adopted (6-0-1).
Consent Agenda & Walk-On Items: Approved by unanimous consent.
Gas Station Ordinance: No binding action taken. The council intends to pursue a text amendment to strengthen the ordinance, which will include public hearings.
Executive Session: The council recessed for executive session for real estate, personnel, litigation, and cybersecurity. No action requiring a public vote was taken.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Only share a property line with the suburban one property to the north on Wildborough Court, which lacks access to uh Southwood Road. So even the properties of the north at Wildbore Court, they can't even access uh our property or the properties shown on Southwood Road. Also, when uh if you want to go by road coming out of the cottages at Southwood properties, uh progressing from cottages at Southwood towards the public's shopping center, the community love work uh designated in purple in the bottom left. Um that requires passing by Summerwell Parkway Village, which is uh shown in the light red uh Providence Parkway village in Arcadia Parkway village. These developments um as you go by the uh Summerwell Parkway Village, which is a 282 town home development, progressing down to an age-restricted development at Providence and a more traditional multifamily development at Arcadia. Uh this simply shows a transition of uses going from suburban one to our requested rezon at Cottage at Southwood, which to my in my opinion should be reviewed as as a suburban two, um, because we're only this is showing five units density. Suburban one uh allows it to three, suburban two allows it to eight, so it is a nice transition. And then you go down to the more dense uses of Provence and Arcadia down to the future land use uh community work parcels uh shown by the Chick-fil-A and uh the publics. Um it just again I do come at this. I don't I don't bring the suggestion lightly. Um I recently spent time uh in my home county uh as uh on the future land use committee here in Athens Park County. And in doing so, I became aware that the the future land use mapping is a broad planning tool. Um and it's it which can from time to time uh not exactly pay attention to the actual parcels, so it's more of a broad stroke. Um, and it is a broad stroke showing uh everyone how y'all intend to grow your county and how you intend to also have transitions from one use to the next. I'm it I'm not saying it's anybody's at fault here. Um and your future land use mapping committee did a great job. Uh second, it gotta be his time from 10 minutes. Can I keep going? We're done. We're done. We're out of time, yeah. Yeah, you you are out of time. You got you want to just do one closing uh sentence, please. Well, I'll just close out saying that we we have uh also worked with Mr. Marcus Carter at Clifton Dale, all the all the community all the citizens of South Fulton. Um we've enjoyed working with y'all. Uh I believe we got a nice plan in front of y'all. Um I'll be happy to answer any questions and thank you so much for your uh consideration for this rezone request. All right, thank you. All right, Mr. Clerk, are there any names uh in opposition? Yes, ma'am, there is one speaker card that was received from Mr. Marcus Carter, Mr. Carter, if you're on the unmute and receive instructions from the mayor. Mr. Carter, what is the first name? Marcus Carter. Marcus Carter. Okay. In opposition, just on clear. Yes, he didn't even either. He just submitted comments. All right.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI

TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com

City of South Fulton City Council & Zoning Public Hearing - January 27, 2026

Consent Calendar

Approved Minutes: Regular, work session, and public hearing minutes from January 13, 2026.

Approved Plats: Confirmed a minor plat for 3600 Buffington Circle and a final plat for the Enclave at Stonewall Tell.

Alcohol License: Approved a change of ownership for Big A Shell Food Mart (District 7).

Special Use Permit & Modification: Approved a special use permit (U 25-013) and a zoning condition modification (M25-003).

Public Comments & Testimony

Zoning Case Z25-036 (Southwood Road):

Applicant (Mr. Furlow / Hakim Hilliard): Presented in favor of the rezoning, arguing the project provides a logical transition of uses. (Discrepancy: The official minutes recorded no public speakers for this item, but the transcript shows the applicant spoke and CM Willis relayed community support).

Councilmember Willis (D3): Read a statement from Cliftondale Community Club President Marcus Carter expressing support for the development after conditions were met.

Gas Station Ordinance (2021-003):

Deanna Respirs (D3): Urged the council not to pursue the repeal, advocating for deliberate planning and protection for residential neighborhoods.

Penny Webster Lewis (D2): Opposed repealing the ordinance without a thorough replacement to protect neighborhoods and the environment.

Danielle Withers: Opposed the repeal, recommending high standards for new development rather than simply removing restrictions.

Juanita Marbury (D1): Opposed the repeal and also expressed strong opposition to introducing MARTA bus routes in District 1.

Other Matters:

Kip Carr: Recounted a severe crime in District 7 (attempted carjacking, victim shot seven times). Requested a meeting with the family and increased police visibility.

India Rice (D7): Sought information on the Microsoft Data Center on Stonewall Tell Road, including its impact on energy bills, the environment, and local jobs.

Discussion Items

Z25-036/CDP25-015 Southwood Road Rezoning: Councilmember Willis moved to waive the first reading and immediately vote on the rezoning of 6.3 acres from AG-1 to A-L for 162 units. Staff had recommended denial, and the Planning Commission vote was tied. Willis cited community support and the developer meeting conditions (increased parking, updated residential models). (Vote: 7-0).

Gas Station Ordinance (2021-003) Policy Review: Councilmember Willis issued a statement clarifying the proposal aims to strengthen the ordinance, not weaken it. She stated residential protections, buffers, and oversaturation limits remain, and the plan will go through a public hearing process. She criticized social media misinformation. Councilmember Rowell denied sponsoring a full repeal, calling the narrative false.

Liability / Indemnification Resolution (A3): Mayor Gumbs introduced a standard annual resolution reminding officials of liability coverage. City Attorney Sara Kelly confirmed it aligns with the charter. Ethics complaint coverage was noted as distinct. (Vote: 6-0-1, Rowell abstained).

ZBA Appointment: The council agreed to set the new ZBA appointment effective February 4, 2026 to avoid interrupting a pending hearing and wasting city resources.

Key Outcomes

Z25-036 Southwood Road Zone Change & Land Use Amendment: Approved (7-0). First reading waived.

Resolution on Official Liability (A3): Adopted (6-0-1).

Consent Agenda & Walk-On Items: Approved by unanimous consent.

Gas Station Ordinance: No binding action taken. The council intends to pursue a text amendment to strengthen the ordinance, which will include public hearings.

Executive Session: The council recessed for executive session for real estate, personnel, litigation, and cybersecurity. No action requiring a public vote was taken.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 PM.

Meeting Transcript