Local News
N. Fulton Flashback, 1979: Councilman 'violently' opposes urban doom
A government news story from the Sept. 20, 1979 edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's North Fulton Extra.
"North Fulton Flashback" is a weekly introspective look through the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s news archives at historical events that have helped shape the region. Plan to see a distinct mixture of both serious and quirky news stories from our stash.
Carl Callum was not having it.
The former Roswell council member was interviewed for a Sept. 20, 1979 story, giving his stark disapproval with the construction of the Kimberly-Clark Corp. research and development center near Ga. 400 and Holcomb Bridge Road.
The story says, Callum was “violently” opposed to allowing the 75-foot, six-story structure. In that same interview, Callum said he was ready “to take on” the planning and zoning boards — both boards approved the ordinance allowing the company to build on the property.
Callum's main beef: He didn't want to see "skyscrapers" popping up all over the city. Roswell's small-time feel at the time was enough for him.
“I do not want to see a skyline in Roswell,” Callum said. “I want a treeline, and I think people do, too.”
Read more of the story below:
Kimberly-Clark Corp. is based out of Irving, Texas, and creates paper-based and sanitary products. The same 98-acre research and development center Callum opposed in 1979 has been in operation since then, undergoing its last major renovation in 2012.
As for Roswell’s “treeline,” it is somewhat a distant memory. The city has become beacon for industry, drawing numerous health, finance and tech businesses including CorMatrix, Nolan Transportation, Colibrium Direct and YARDI.
