Holy guacamole Batman! There have been some changes!
Remember how I was lamenting the lack of public input allowed at the Board of Commissioner’s Zoning Hearing because Case Z-7 was marked as “BOC ONLY” last week? Well I guess the powers that be heard my cries since the agenda has changed and it is now listed as a regular Held or Continued Case. It was also a lot further back on the agenda but now it will be the first piece of old business considered.
THE MEETING
Let me explain how these meetings work. They follow an agenda which is published in advance but also subject to change. The board will address each item in order but the green bar across each section has additional information regarding whether or not the case will be heard. “Held and Continued Cases (will not be heard)” will be skipped during the course of the meeting.
Next is the “Consent Agenda” which lists items to be approved that are not contentious and can be voted on in an efficient and streamlined manner. Usually all of these items are covered in one vote.
CASE Z-7 IS NEXT ON THE AGENDA
First, the Case will be announced and summarized. Then it is verified that the Applicant (person applying for the rezone) is present. Then, the Board will ask anyone Opposed to stand and raise their hand. They will then request everyone who is interested in giving a speech to be sworn in and attest that the will only tell the truth. You may raise your hands as “opposed” without being required to speak.
The Applicant is then given ten minutes to present their case and the entire Opposition must then divide ten minutes amongst themselves. So if one person makes a 9 minute speech, everyone else must fit their thoughts into one minute. The Board CAN choose to allow more time but there is no guarantee that will happen.
DO YOU WANT HORSESHOE BEND REZONED INTO FEE SIMPLE TOWNHOMES? OR DO YOU WANT IT TO REMAIN RESIDENTIAL?
If you are opposed to this rezone you MUST attend the meeting and stand in opposition. I have been in the room where petitions were ignored. I have had my own emails and phone calls dismissed. The only way to be impossible to ignore is to be physically present at the meetings.
Our community must stand together.
As a community, we are requesting for the law to remain the same. The applicant is requesting for the law to change in their favor. Therefore, the applicant needs to prove to the community that their proposed changes will enrich the neighborhood and not be a detriment. This has not been done but our Board of Commissioners have demonstrated they are in favor of this rezone regardless of the impact on their citizens. We can only hold them accountable if we are in the room!
Cobb County Government
100 Cherokee Street
Marietta, GA 30090
Follow the ramp from the street up to the door and you will have to pass through a metal detector so be aware that you might have to remove your belt. You will also have to send your bag through an x-ray machine. Once you have passed security, the meeting room is straight ahead through the glass doors! Don’t be late!
