City of South Fulton Alcohol License and Zoning Public Hearings Special Meeting - April 28, 2026

The City of South Fulton held an Alcohol License and Zoning Public Hearings Special Meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at City Hall. Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs called the meeting to order at 5:19 PM. Roll call established a quorum with all councilmembers present. The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 PM.

Public Hearing on Case Z26-007

• Applicant and Proposal: Dorothy Crowley requested a rezoning from R-3 (Single-Family Dwelling District/ Sandtown Overlay District) with conditions to R-3 to develop 18 single-family units on 13.82 acres at 2210 & 0 Wallace Road Rear (District 1). Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions (Planning Commission vote: 4-2).
• Speakers in Favor: Darren Boykin (civil site design er), Dorothy Crowley (developer), Anthony Fulton, and Adina Muhammad expressed support. They highlighted that the project aligns with R3 zoning, will increase property values and tax base, and includes a homeowners association. Mr. Fulton initially opposed but now supports due to learning additional information, noting the additional six houses will not impact traffic flow.
• Speakers in Opposition: Phyllis Turner, Linda Jordan, R.D.W. Jackson, Gary Dean, Rebecca Clemons, and others opposed. They argued that the original council vote in January 2023 limited the development to 12 homes, and the applicant should honor that decision. Questions were raised about lack of progress (no homes built in three years), developer experience, transparency, and potential conflicts of interest by Councilmember Rowell (who denied personal interest). They also cited traffic and precedent concerns.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Rowell clarified she has no personal interest. Councilmember Sebastian asked staff about property acreage (13.82 acres) and R3 density (minimum lot size 1 8,000 sq ft, yielding potentially more than 18 homes). Staff stated traffic is a factor but not a dispositive element for denying zoning. The city attorney confirmed that orough traffic is a factor, it cannot be the sole reason to approve or deny. Councilmember Sebastian noted the iland-ck parcel could not be easily accessed elsewhere, so the proposal is reasonable.
• Next Steps: The item will be heard for a vote at the May 12,2026 council meeting (first read was this hearing).

Proclamations and Presentations

• Proclamation for Wilie Esther Jarmon Brown (Mayor Gumbs): Recognizing her 100th birthday (born April 17, 1926) and legacy of faith, resilience, and community service. She is a resident of South Fulton.
• Proclamation for Global Love Day 2026: No representative present, so postponed.
• Proclamation for Captain Nic Wiliams (Councilmember Sebastian): Honored for his service with the South Fulton Police Department, especially his role in the Autism Sensory Festival and community policing. Capt. Williames spoke about serving with intention and autism awareness; his daughter has Aspeergers.
• Recognition of local high school students (Mayor Pro Tem Bell): Recognized the 3DE program at Banneker High School, Student Government Associations (SGA) at Creekside High School, Global Impact Academy, Promis Career Institute, and Westlake High School, as well as DECA and other leadership programs. Students shared accomplishments (e.g., 13,000 profit from one-day market, Delta Flight Academy scholarships, Literacy with the Lake, Unity in the Community service projects).
• Second Chance Month Proclamation (Councilmember Bell): Recognized April 2026 as Second Chance Month in the city, highlighting organizations Second Chance Success and Georgia Coalition for Higher Education in Prison. Representatives spoke about recidivism reduction and recent graduation at Walker State Prison.
• Proclamation for Economic Development Week (May or Gumbs): Recognized May 4-8, 2026 as International Economic Development Week. The Economic Development team announced events: a procurement readiness workshop (May4, capacity already exceeded), small business resource expo (May 6), and Made in South Fulton Industry Appreciation business visits (May8).