In the six cities of Cobb County, downtowns range from not much going on to lots of office, retail and living space. While Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw and Acworth have seen more development through the years, Austell and Powder Springs officials are seeking to do more.
Instead of spending time and money on studies, Austell officials are about to welcome the South Cobb Diner to 5850 Love St. in a renovated city building. Austell Mayor Joe Jerkins said the city has paid about $229,000 to ready the infrastructure for the restaurant, including plumbing and air conditioning. Many may be familiar with the restaurant’s parent company, the West Cobb Diner at 3451 Ernest Barrett Parkway in Marietta. Jerkins said the restaurant will lease the space from the city with possible plans to buy the property later.
While Austell does not have apartments or townhomes in the downtown area, other downtown areas do have nearby residential units. Powder Springs has duplexes and townhomes adjacent to the town square, but no dining options. Yet some Powder Springs officials, including Mayor Al Thurman, are considering consultant recommendations to build upscale apartments near downtown – though they may back away from that idea due to backlash from some residents at recent public meetings.
What do you think? Do Cobb cities have the right mix of downtown development? Are there too many or not enough residences, greenspace, restaurants, entertainment or retail offered? Are more studies and public meetings needed?
Submit comments to communitynews@ajc.com Submissions may be published in print and/or online.
AT ISSUE: IS IT A GOOD IDEA FOR 19-YEAR-OLD TO RUN FOR STONECREST CITY COUNCIL?
With a recent ruling by DeKalb County to keep 19-year-old Mary-Pat Hector on the ballot for City Council of the new city of Stonecrest, we asked readers if they thought it was a good idea. One of her opponents had petitioned the elections board that she was too young to run. Others encourage youth to get involved early and often in local politics.
Here’s what some readers had to say:
I just listened to her speak at a community meeting, and I can say with confidence it is a good idea she run. Ms. Hector is clearly invested in the city and what happens there, and I see her youth as an advantage to the young city. There will be plenty of older people representing Stonecrest, but Ms. Hector is the person truly representing what the future of the city could be. — Wayne Walton
I'm sure Ms. Hector is intelligent and passionate, but this is a new city in an area that needs people who know what they're doing. Maybe there's another way to serve before jumping into the lion's den. — Anonymous
Prior to November 8 of last year, I would have expected a certain level of demonstrated maturity from someone seeking elective office. However, the results of the last general election has proven age doesn't matter. In all seriousness, if one is deemed mature enough to vote that same attitude should apply to one's fitness to serve. — Jay Brower
The voting citizens of the community should decide on the city council membership. If a citizen is old enough to vote she should be be old enough to sit on the city council. A young person could add a much needed fresh perspective to this democratic body. Thank you Mary-Pat Hector for stepping up to do your part. — Valerie Martin-Lee
Some people are of the mind that Mary-Pat Hector, is too young to be a City Council member and that she lacks experience. Which brings up the conundrum “how does one without experience, get experience?” The fact that she is even considering running for a political office is highly commendable. How many 19 year olds do you know or have ever met who are dedicated to our political process, on any level? It is a rare occurrence. Many young people her age and slightly older, aren’t interested in politics at all and have even less concerns about voting. Time and time again they can be heard saying things like “why vote?” or “it doesn’t really matter!” Hector is at the perfect age to be involved and immersed in our political process. Hector is to be admired and deserves all the support and encouragement we can
give her. If nothing else she is in a position to inspire a generation of young women to run for political offices. Who knows - perhaps by the time she's 36, she will have the presence of mind to run for POTUS. —
Ruth Green
I find it insulting that you would attempt to marginalize this young woman who, by your own admission, "has been active in local politics and (national) organizations for several years," as merely a "teen." You go on to further minimize her by stating, "…the DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections decided to 'let' her run," as though there was a discussion around the water cooler and someone casually decided, "oh, what the heck! 'Let' her run!" Ms. Hector has shown herself to be more mature in her response to the Board's decision after an Administrative Hearing that, "Justice was served, and the law prevailed," than you with all of your insulting and denigrating second-guessing. Apparently, it's a slow day in the newsroom. Before another 18 year old is maimed or killed while fighting in a war would be a very good time to ask, "Is Sending a Teen Off to War a Good Move?" Now THAT is an important question relevant to "teens" that we ALL need to have answered. — Clara DeLay
I am a candidate for Atlanta City Council District 11, and I am only 24 years old. In 2010, at least 24 percent of Atlanta's population was 18 years or younger. I am not familiar with the age breakdown of the Stonecrest area, but the bottom line is that young people are just as much a part of our cities as older people. We have a voice, and that voice deserves to be heard. I believe government works best when our elected officials truly represent the population it serves. — Brionté McCorkle
Dionne Kinch for the AJC
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