Kennesaw Council discusses land acquisition and Big Shanty festival preparations

The Kennesaw City Council convened on April 7, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including a proposal regarding the acquisition of an abandoned right-of-way and preparations for the upcoming Big Shanty Festival.

The meeting began with discussions about a potential offer for a strip of land identified as an abandoned right-of-way. Council members explored two main options: purchasing the property or collaborating with the city to enhance the landscaping of the area. The first option would involve negotiating a purchase price, which could be less than $75,000, while the second option would see the city share costs for landscaping improvements. The council emphasized the importance of addressing the property collectively to avoid piecemeal efforts that could complicate maintenance and runoff issues.

Public comments included a historical overview of the spelling of Kennesaw, presented by resident Andrew Bramwick, who detailed the evolution of the name since before the Civil War. His insights highlighted the community's rich history and the significance of local identity.

In addition to the land proposal, the council discussed the formation of a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) committee. This committee will be tasked with researching and generating a list of projects for approval, which will be submitted to Cobb County voters in January 2028. The committee will be chaired by Assistant City Manager Marty Hughes and will include representatives from various city departments.

As the meeting progressed, council members expressed excitement for the upcoming Big Shanty Festival, scheduled for the weekend. They highlighted the festival's importance to the community and encouraged residents to participate in the festivities. Additionally, they mentioned an ongoing downtown program called Art Blooms, which features painted Easter eggs throughout the area, promoting local engagement and tourism.

The meeting concluded with a sense of anticipation for the festival and a commitment to addressing the community's needs through the proposed land acquisition and SPLOST initiatives. The council plans to revisit the land offer in the following week, ensuring that all voices are heard in the decision-making process.