[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6331538,"mediaKeyId","2310630-554db859c0224dabc357d3b4764ea30a","parentId",2310630,"title","Smyrna secures federal funds for South Cobb Drive overhaul; SPLOST overages to support local share","audioSeconds",161,"startMs",5534000,"endMs",5695000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2310630-554db859c0224dabc357d3b4764ea30a&start=5534&end=5695","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2310630-554db859c0224dabc357d3b4764ea30a/thumbnail_5534000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6331538/Smyrna/Cobb-County/Georgia/Smyrna-secures-federal-funds-for-South-Cobb-Drive-overhaul-SPLOST-overages-to-support-local-share","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6331538-efa68e77453b3c2e54348107d2e6ccfa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174807&Signature=Rhfwh76NeXlgqgqeRuesqAayYV9cxr20ROjUQiCQPWnN-BmmXz4iXK~5Kx9Z-l11jtjJBI44bvo81lOJfx1z-GxT2kFBAzEt0xKySfLVRdePgm-USiTwnpVpY0AJjtZcDCr73TodDn4n~FmGZq1-CzzCN~UmIAYvHc7A5eH3wTO9smY2micH2JC0qdtBl0gzHo4tqyT9j1WhTVSSspwP3WOOXZCjmvqMP7tp16VDSlhVHUNPeZvEqk4BLmRiYUd5Kn0rcyDMfbTWhgk~QYy83U-4xYVdhOqJATetWHD3rxY1LcCshMmP6Ys274PweizLhhz5mW82JaJUfvmw3NbVRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-10T20:03:10Z","article","Smyrna officials reported progress on a long-planned overhaul of South Cobb Drive, saying the city has secured roughly $17 million in federal funding and will use a combination of federal, state and SPLOST funds to complete the $30 million to $40 million project.

Mayor and staff said the project — stretching from Concord Road to Windy Hill — will include new green space, local access lanes, streetscaping and lighting and is currently slated for construction in 2028. The mayor thanked Representative David Scott and Representative Barry Loudermilk for support and said staff will meet with additional congressional offices to request the remaining federal share, which the city estimated at about $10 million.

Why it matters: the project is designed to reshape a major arterial and to improve downtown connectivity, pedestrian amenities and public space. City officials said the corridor has ample right-of-way, which should simplify construction compared with denser corridors.

Funding and timing: the mayor noted that SPLOST collections and overages beginning in July are expected to yield additional local funds — he estimated roughly $1.2 million per month in SPLOST receipts for Smyrna — and that the city earlier designated SPLOST dollars toward the South Cobb project. Staff said the current schedule gives time for public design input before construction begins in 2028.

Next steps: staff will continue to pursue federal grant funding to cover the outstanding share, finalize design with public input and refine cost and schedule details ahead of the 2028 construction start.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","02.13.2025 Special Called Mayor and Council Meeting - Town Hall","oneSentenceSummary","City leaders said they have secured roughly $17 million in federal funding for a $30–$40 million South Cobb Drive reconstruction and streetscape project; construction is planned for 2028 and staff will continue funding requests and public design work.","taxTitle","Smyrna, Cobb County, Georgia","taxId",4148,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6331542,"Smyrna moves to control Emory Hospital site, repurposes Castellaw purchase for future recreation",351,3836000,4187000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2310630-554db859c0224dabc357d3b4764ea30a&start=3836&end=4187","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2310630-554db859c0224dabc357d3b4764ea30a/thumbnail_3836000.jpg","/articles/6331542/Smyrna/Cobb-County/Georgia/Smyrna-moves-to-control-Emory-Hospital-site-repurposes-Castellaw-purchase-for-future-recreation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6331542-2457ca9c4735f83b78fabcfb4f9c7325/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174807&Signature=RgPYhIwEKXf5WotpsbPknuKLXVupoat2HCVGj~WwEASX5XVwwwd2j7GTHWFugOFjNuQdFn49MpSYuioUkP4MpGlabnAIjb6tYXsyEiefuMYYFruCgtFAz3Xyo2R9xYZNiN6p0uKABMWUXzWayMZhBWBD3O~LXz6NUEmRff38sKvwRMthJxVOtokcgSYbayHh0aahMx~t-ZQzAPnZ9ODKSYS0s7rbhFUdTVYKMVG0637vQ0tNj6aH4evVYqlZVPVSN~pIB6wXr6000T1Bc8-uclTDimXbrwva5SsUFL3tc72Ro6DYlagHF1145VbEZKHtRYX8cxZa4~skHDkUgezGwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Smyrna city leaders said the council has decided to acquire the former Emory Hospital site on South Cobb Drive and to hold the nearby Castellaw property for future recreation, with an emphasis on uses that would create a community destination rather than large multifamily development.

Mayor and council members said brokers representing Emory approached the city about future uses and that council members rejected proposals that would have prioritized large apartment complexes. City officials said the purchase will allow Smyrna to control land use and pursue a master-planned public-private redevelopment that could include athletic courts, instructional indoor field space, pickleball and other civic uses. Council members said keeping active medical offices on site where appropriate is also a possibility.

On nearby Castellaw — the former funeral home site — the council said it plans to acquire the parcel from Walton Communities and hold it for near-term court construction or other recreation uses. Council members said conversations with local pickleball advocates indicate players generally want courts rather than a large commercialized pickleball center, and that the city will prioritize flexible court space on the Castellaw site while considering a larger, destination pickleball component as part of the Emory master plan.

Why it matters: the Emory site sits on South Cobb Drive and offers transit access; the council said acquiring the property gives the city more control over future uses and zoning outcomes that residents favored. Officials said the decisions are preliminary and that master planning and partner negotiations are under way.

Next steps: staff will master-plan the Emory parcel with local and regional partners, analyze parcel phasing and public-private partnership options, and return to council as concepts and funding strategies are developed. The Castellaw site will be held for near-term recreational improvements, subject to design and budget approvals.","Council members said the city will acquire the former Emory Hospital site on South Cobb Drive for master planning and possible public-private partnership uses, and will buy the Castellaw Funeral Home parcel for future recreational court space; council indicated it will seek a destination-led redevelopment rather than dense multifamily.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6331547,"Smyrna to rebuild Tolleson Pool as expanded outdoor aquatics center; indoor pool option deferred",491,2879000,3370000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2310630-554db859c0224dabc357d3b4764ea30a&start=2879&end=3370","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2310630-554db859c0224dabc357d3b4764ea30a/thumbnail_2879000.jpg","/articles/6331547/Smyrna/Cobb-County/Georgia/Smyrna-to-rebuild-Tolleson-Pool-as-expanded-outdoor-aquatics-center-indoor-pool-option-deferred","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6331547-30dcfa3ec0be5407dab5125ced838c31/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174807&Signature=WpzI6UPNbm3uqVkfI6MNkkzczzYkkX5C~A0Int2xihvE8hPYsRW-Pgz8i1toanYsf2ZaV7NBcR5WqKsW0cobGwBnKdp05lmAuxVjM7rDapXLFm1weRB7KZyhqcVCRnL72GbJWuR58P05Bot6V7i~GlhtSCWkz4~FIz~Vj4TsJ8HX5CIsfsLUYh1Z7ZUc2ovbgjkcwhqpoK-E-RJ-WhpoKCfngz15-GVSSgxa8vGTKF~8YeqPrqjrtkn-yxjQF7l7XjqiZcm6YacVB2A0RM587Ax0Z5hyZdadY3fwpQt79i6kfBE1PQpK5s-IRrmQKMwoA3MBH1IV-qePmSy62Xn6AQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Smyrna officials said the city will rebuild Tolleson Pool as an expanded outdoor aquatics complex after demolition and geotechnical testing, while an indoor aquatics center proved cost-prohibitive.

The council described the new plan as a $16 million to $18 million project that will include a heated competition pool with dive wells and starting blocks, a separate recreation pool with a lazy river, a zero-entry children’s pool, a water slide, an 8,400-square-foot building for locker rooms and concessions, bleachers and expanded parking. Croix Engineering’s Greg Teague presented the footprint and told the council the competition and recreation elements will operate independently so an incident in one area would not shut down the whole complex.

Why it matters: the decision responds to safety concerns at the nearly 60-year-old Tolleson facility and to large public demand for varied aquatics amenities. At the same time, city staff and council said an indoor facility would have cost more than $40 million to build — estimates in the meeting ranged up to $50 million for a new indoor center — with recurring staffing and maintenance costs they estimated at $1 million to $2 million per year. Council members said that level of capital and operating expense would burden the city’s budget.

Timeline and site work: city staff said demolition of the old pool is complete, geotechnical testing finished and design work is underway; construction is expected to start later this year and the mayor estimated a target opening in May 2027, meaning two swim seasons will be missed. The design team said the competition pool will be heated and include spectator bleachers; the project also anticipates expanded parking and a versatile indoor rental space near the pools.

Public reaction: swimmers, coaches and parents — including representatives of the Smyrna Sharks year-round swim program — urged the council to reconsider an indoor facility. Chris Lash, a longtime local swim advocate, said his group was “shocked” by the decision and disappointed that prior discussions had not signaled a change. Several Smyrna Sharks athletes and parents described long drives outside the city for year-round training and urged the council to pursue any feasible way to provide year-round swimming.

Staff response and follow-up: Richard (parks and recreation director) told attendees that covering the new pools with a seasonal enclosure (a “bubble”) has been placed on the list of design considerations and that staff will study costs and feasibility. A public design review and additional input sessions were promised; staff will include bubble options and report back on cost and operational implications.

No formal council roll-call vote on a specific ordinance was recorded in the town-hall transcript; council described the direction to proceed with the expanded outdoor design and consultant-managed design work.","Council approved a larger outdoor rebuild of Tolleson Pool with separate competition and recreation pools, slides and amenities; the previously discussed indoor aquatics option was set aside after cost and operating estimates exceeded local fiscal capacity, though staff will study seasonal covering options (a 'bubble').",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6331553,"Smyrna hires planner, starts master plan for First Baptist Church site; stone chapel to remain",497,1951000,2448000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2310630-554db859c0224dabc357d3b4764ea30a&start=1951&end=2448","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2310630-554db859c0224dabc357d3b4764ea30a/thumbnail_1951000.jpg","/articles/6331553/Smyrna/Cobb-County/Georgia/Smyrna-hires-planner-starts-master-plan-for-First-Baptist-Church-site-stone-chapel-to-remain","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6331553-a47c2e81650f5694bd9aa169ba6b9a8a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174807&Signature=bKx~4kdiEXiVsUw89-HhBY7e-cUA8E3INBKCNumtSOhse1yANHevAp6nfPOe4LLjnxoB9NEgBJlzqlUuTifrAeXpOoaweeAZcC3skcT4bP0EtYCmDcd7hVj0OhLenYOZVaSImsmVHxrzWKEgV7dMod0UkJ6S5iPcQq3yesASmUd7rbZ88mDHsdeemqYmsyMcFxyAx6E9xb4FZaKtK6IL6n7mhGfAqcoz5Bp9GPEvZ2gfWHEUgeB6bW2v10~wRihnGAIREtqNfTZgwJX1ulpZskWxecnQOuHb2C3eiuoPpewSbRtBz8fc7CRJs1I7yHZnHe8rb6bRo5KtrLVJjgePxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Smyrna city officials announced plans to develop the former First Baptist Church property into a mixed-use expansion of downtown after contracting planning and public-engagement work with MKSK.

The city acquired the roughly 9-acre site in December using bond financing of about $16 million, Mayor and staff said; sales proceeds from any future development will be used to pay down that bond. Andrea Worthy, the city’s economic development director, told residents MKSK was chosen from 15 proposals because of its planning experience and a “robust public engagement process.”

Why it matters: the council called the acquisition a rare opportunity to expand downtown retail, housing and green space on land the city controls, and said a market-based plan is needed so developers will consider building there. The council emphasized retaining historic elements: agreements made during purchase require the stone chapel at King and Church to remain in public use.

City staff described a three-phase process that began with consultant selection and will move through market analysis and community workshops this spring and summer, then feasibility testing and an implementation strategy by year’s end. Urban Partners, a subcontractor, will perform the market analysis and help estimate parking and infrastructure needs such as power and stormwater capacity. Staff said the plan will produce a “sales pitch” packet to solicit qualified developers through a competitive process once community input and market feasibility are aligned.

Councilman Travis Lindley, who chairs the Church Redevelopment Advisory Committee, said the committee has visited comparable downtowns and is trying to borrow best practices. Lindley said the committee includes council appointees and downtown business representatives and that the group’s goal is broad public engagement before finalizing recommendations.

The city stressed multiple engagement channels: in-person workshops, stakeholder roundtables, pop-up events at festivals, an interactive project website and online surveys. Worthy said residents should watch city social channels and the project website for meeting dates and interactive tools coming in the next weeks.

What is set in place: the city will retain the stone chapel for public use; the council said proceeds from redevelopment will be applied to the bond used to purchase the property. Exact timelines, the preferred developer, and detailed program components remain under study and will be finalized through the public engagement process.

The council invited comments from residents and encouraged participation in the upcoming workshops and online engagement tools.","City staff and a council advisory committee have engaged MKSK to lead a master planning and public-engagement process for the 9-acre former First Baptist Church site; the city purchased the property with bond financing and will retain the stone chapel for public use.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Smyrna secures federal funds for South Cobb Drive overhaul; SPLOST overages to support local share

Smyrna moves to control Emory Hospital site, repurposes Castellaw purchase for future recreation

Smyrna to rebuild Tolleson Pool as expanded outdoor aquatics center; indoor pool option deferred

Smyrna hires planner, starts master plan for First Baptist Church site; stone chapel to remain