The Cobb County School District is moving forward with its plans for a transportation hub located at 440 Veterans Memorial Highway in Mableton, despite mounting public protests against the project.
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens expressed disappointment in a recent statement, acknowledging the community’s concerns while affirming the district’s intent to proceed.
“While we may not have been able to change the course of this particular project, we will continue to advocate, collaborate, and work toward outcomes that respect our neighborhoods and reflect the values of our growing city,” Owens said.
In early May, the school district issued a request for bids for a contractor to begin the construction of the hub. School board Chair David Chastain told the Marietta Daily Journal last week, “I think all the conversing is over,” indicating a decisive shift in the district’s course of action.
Construction on the 6.92-acre site began in August. Prior to this, the plans had not been disclosed to the public, leading to frustration among local residents who learned about the project from a contractor on the site. The school district, which operates under exemptions from local zoning ordinances, refrained from confirming the news until October.
Owens reported that his attempts to arrange a meeting with district leadership were met with silence until December 11. In that meeting with Marc Smith, the chief technology and operations officer, the two discussed possible alternatives, including a land swap. However, the fields owned by the district were deemed unsuitable for the project’s needs.
Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the hub, the school district has committed to taking measures to lessen its impact on nearby neighborhoods. These measures include enhancing roadside beautification, making infrastructure improvements, and establishing appropriate setbacks to reduce visual, environmental, and traffic-related disruptions.
The Mableton Improvement Coalition (MIC), represented by zoning chair Becca Ford, voiced its disappointment over the development’s progression without adequate community engagement.
“MIC is disappointed this development appears to be moving forward, despite widespread opposition from the community,” Ford stated, lamenting that the Board of Education did not honor requests for public dialogue.
The coalition criticized the lack of transparency, claiming that the discussions around the project were conducted primarily behind closed doors. They emphasized that the pushback against the depot was rooted in community activism, with efforts including petitions, neighborhood discussions, and formal statements at district meetings.
The public response has been significant, with an online petition opposing the project gathering more than 900 signatures, showcasing the community’s collective dissent.
In his public statement, Mayor Owens outlined several points regarding the situation, clarifying the city’s limitations in resolving the matter due to the school’s autonomous status.
Firstly, he highlighted that the land for the transportation hub was acquired by the school district for $1.1 million in January 2023, prior to the city’s official incorporation.
“Planning and preliminary development began before the city had a government in place to influence the decision,” he explained.
Owens conveyed that he has had multiple respectful discussions with school board members and district officials since taking office. He underscored the concerns raised by residents during these meetings and pushed for greater community involvement from the school board.
Regarding possible alternatives, Owens pointed out that the city had explored options for a land swap to identify other suitable locations. However, he noted that the city only possesses two parcels of land, neither of which met the operational requirements set by the school district.
Through these discussions, Owens recognized a significant challenge for the city moving forward: the need to expand its land portfolio for better accommodation of Mableton’s future requirements.
Meanwhile, despite the district’s resolution to proceed with the hub, Owens has received a commitment for collaboration aimed at minimizing the negative impact of the development on local neighborhoods.
This includes efforts for increased roadside beautification, infrastructure enhancements, and appropriate setbacks to reduce disruptions.
The mayor emphasized the importance of fostering a transparent and cooperative relationship between the City of Mableton and the Cobb County School District.
“This situation underscores the importance of building a strong, transparent, and cooperative relationship between the City of Mableton and the Cobb County School District,” Owens stated.
He reiterated his commitment to strengthen this partnership, ensuring that community voices will shape the future of Mableton whenever feasible.
In summary, while the Cobb County School District is proceeding with its plans for the transportation hub, community leaders and residents remain united in their concerns, expressing discontent over the perceived lack of communication and engagement.
The path forward will likely require ongoing dialogue between the school district and Mableton’s residents as both sides seek to address the issues that have arisen from this contentious project.
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