[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5979448,"mediaKeyId","5775403-1d187790c45b45cd75c959b69632de95","parentId",5775403,"title","Neighbors support Dove Drive community produce farm; staff recommends denial while planning commission favors conditional approval","audioSeconds",766,"startMs",2640000,"endMs",3406000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775403-1d187790c45b45cd75c959b69632de95&start=2640&end=3406","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775403-1d187790c45b45cd75c959b69632de95/thumbnail_2640000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5979448/South-Fulton/Fulton-County/Georgia/Neighbors-support-Dove-Drive-community-produce-farm-staff-recommends-denial-while-planning-commission-favors-conditional-approval","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5979448-8919dd4f346e95b663240d436ed7a410/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164920&Signature=KPu2IthLpSDAgoth-0upYQai5eU~e~v2edoERHrQAQVzUd9dgE-GFyX~c6fgFUASFj9-HGXBL8iW0I6GHhc81pNst-MXrwqSXE-DMxAf~ew8WLJHsiP~mi4xDIrDYOKsJVaF8c1~Dnoq-tFbpJx2iYH-HDfnFu~-qy-51qelTXZVBSwQJN5BA23qxsJ6vaAaxVe3ncvk0cvcRkWBElcl9KFn23JukmqOhXr1qTk5IOuUAB2BJKUw2fb92LPqtXWYkuydjs9oKos4cXIplGitSXzoRZb4gjZmCjIqFlHdV2TuoMhZham~3W28Kg3-tSxp9NIHc2lSrIM8d7BK4-NoTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of South Fulton","date","2025-09-18T02:12:35Z","article","The council held a public hearing on Sept. 17 for an application to rezone 3.41 acres at 1880–1860 Dove Drive from R‑3 to AG‑1 and to amend the future land‑use designation to agriculture neighborhood. Staff recommended denial, citing the area’s residential platting and the long‑standing R‑3 zoning record; the planning commission recommended conditional approval that would require consolidation of lots to meet AG‑1 minimum acreage.

Applicant counsel Greg Hecht said the Oceans have invested in infrastructure and planting and that the farm now supplies produce and educational programming. He presented receipts and an expense summary — including a cited $65,000 of 2024 expenditures — and argued the city had previously issued an occupational tax (business) certificate that led the family to rely on city representations. He asked the council to avoid a constitutional‑taking claim and to recognize the farm’s community benefits. \"We have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars,\" Hecht said, describing the property as a \"residential farm concept\" with permaculture methods.

Neighbors including Lee (applicant), Demarcus Cummings, Sandra Standridge, Gilbert Ellis and Barbara Gilbert spoke in support, describing on‑site farming activity, deliveries of produce to seniors and a neighborhood preference for fresh food instead of more liquor or convenience stores. The applicant said they hosted community meetings (mailed roughly 1,500 flyers) and provided sign‑in sheets; the record includes those outreach materials.

Planning staff, represented by Reggie McClendon, said the property has been zoned R‑3 since Fulton County zoning records and that several nearby properties are R‑3 because the area had been platted for residential use. McClendon acknowledged the city’s issuance of a business license earlier and said that practice was later changed; staff offered to renew a license in 2024 but the applicants chose not to pursue that option.

Council discussion centered on neighborhood character, the city’s comprehensive plan and whether an areawide land‑use review might be appropriate given multiple residents’ accounts of agricultural uses on nearby lots. Councilmember Catherine Rao asked staff whether the properties are subdivided residential lots or historically agricultural; McClendon said they were platted residential. Councilmembers said they would seek additional input from nearby residents and noted the city’s upcoming review of the future land‑use map.

Decision and next steps: The item was presented as a public hearing and appears in the record as a first‑read rezoning ordinance (KZ25‑00x) on Sept. 17; planning commission approval with conditions and staff denial are both on record. Council did not adopt a final ordinance at the Sept. 17 meeting; members requested further follow‑up and district‑level engagement before final action.

Ending: Supporters urged the city to treat small‑scale community farms as a local asset and to coordinate with county and regional partners on senior food access programs; staff reiterated the zoning technicalities and noted options for future land‑use updates.

(Reporting note: article draws only on testimony and staff statements recorded in the Sept. 17 transcript.)","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 9/17/2025","oneSentenceSummary","An application to rezone 3.41 acres at 1880–1860 Dove Drive to agricultural zoning drew neighbor support at a Sept. 17 City Council public hearing, but planning staff recommended denial while the planning commission recommended conditional approval.","taxTitle","South Fulton, Fulton County, Georgia","taxId",2961,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5979443,"Council renews interim public‑safety director contract and approves Fulton County 911/I.T. services agreements",123,9700000,9823000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775403-1d187790c45b45cd75c959b69632de95&start=9700&end=9823","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775403-1d187790c45b45cd75c959b69632de95/thumbnail_9700000.jpg","/articles/5979443/South-Fulton/Fulton-County/Georgia/Council-renews-interim-publicsafety-director-contract-and-approves-Fulton-County-911IT-services-agreements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5979443-e97bf5e04e19bb930dcff243cc05ef06/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164920&Signature=Nm1B7tbPJwZu7H2A71IDL9d9P6GjFpTUbGzCtM~qqWkL8Tu5qTQNUZDrSTfs83n9LRXm~bci-ZAlffDq1teiZ9R1R3bevraxDEgYQRvzmqDYlAuybNuXYIDEM1ZlFrzbtRKMgKmTaRWNkboSnOkbVg4~A~sKstOB9qX5SWENArBn-gu01gw9JkU8WXHdnrT4NsSCUiFtqUqNl1cyct-xxa4LG1HqRJpu3~xzkv~AeXhuq8oCesckJRUW8HNAZT4~iAT2cPmAWsYBRmh~MhJNybf38g877Albi7M9a5xstA7Fqp9rGZ0kYfTknFuh4riC8yEB2c5ZUvn-Qu2fMaTHMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of South Fulton council on Sept. 17 approved two public‑safety actions: an extension of the city’s professional services agreement with interim director Dr. Cedric Alexander and intergovernmental procurement of communications and information systems from Fulton County.

City Manager Sharon d. Subadan told council that Dr. Alexander’s original short engagement had proven valuable and recommended extending his contract to complete a multi‑month workload. Council approved the extension through May 31, 2026; the staff motion passed unanimously.

Separately, the council approved an intergovernmental agreement with Fulton County to continue 911 emergency communications services and to obtain 800 MHz radio access and a records management system. The city provided the council the annual costs cited in the staff packet: $1,650,000 for 911 emergency communications, $407,082 for 800 MHz radio system access and $175,904.15 for records management, totaling $2,232,986. City staff and council described this procurement as interim and as part of a multi‑stage plan that will position the city for a future in‑house 9‑1‑1 capability when a permanent public‑safety facility is completed.

Assistant city leaders said the city is also preparing its own records management system and is coordinating technical planning with regional operators (TRACOM) so the city can stand up its own 911 operations timed with the completion of new buildings. Council discussion acknowledged the multi‑year nature of building operational capacity (facility, staffing, training) and emphasized ongoing coordination with the fire chief and IT staff.

The council also approved a contract award (project 25‑08) to NGT Group LLC for ATMS/SU upgrades at $4,222,270.40, connected to the city’s broader communications and infrastructure procurement.

Ending: Councilmembers said they supported localizing services in the long run but noted the short‑term need to secure reliable communications and records systems while the city builds permanent facilities.

(Reporting note: dollar figures and vote outcomes are taken from the Sept. 17 meeting transcript and staff presentation.)","The City Council voted Sept. 17 to extend interim public‑safety director Dr. Cedric Alexander’s contract through May 31, 2026, and approved intergovernmental agreements with Fulton County for 911 communications, 800 MHz radio access and a records management system totaling $2,232,986.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5979439,"Council approves sidewalk‑cleaning initiative and applies for state and federal grants including LMIG and Outdoor Recreation Legacy funding",53,10636000,10689000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775403-1d187790c45b45cd75c959b69632de95&start=10636&end=10689","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775403-1d187790c45b45cd75c959b69632de95/thumbnail_10636000.jpg","/articles/5979439/South-Fulton/Fulton-County/Georgia/Council-approves-sidewalkcleaning-initiative-and-applies-for-state-and-federal-grants-including-LMIG-and-Outdoor-Recreation-Legacy-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5979439-e9f09bf89793cb667dac327c49f26121/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164920&Signature=HxF90mO4c8tLur37m7lJtO3o1UJjal3bE3dk25n-Z4q6hM8EHqxwguaNu4fEgaiq0B2T9-bLqBWsM0sAUh~q4P3yV7ArFSztE8nZIo54pptMZwb-HKGD6f0fW0xf15R0a0-7OagfkFVAHiWNBvsnJbs~2gnH322VCAqTYAFaT5KcNs4VPiQ2zlzIMgknE72Py0XKcKJP2CjTNLT-gNpmJF3GEq7fHKVwPeyEojuz0DI5pYmHMXJztMSae91ZGLmEvTn3q1Hpora8gL9lWUmUIN52Bdisn3M-xetGdxNsgCIRCl0zsjmGkREVqIwTe5JAA-~T2M1H0G-r9IeoRZXUeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council approved a package of public‑works and grant actions on Sept. 17 that include a city sidewalk‑cleaning initiative and two grant authorizations.

Councilmember Carmelita Gumbs sponsored a resolution asking staff to establish a sidewalk‑cleaning program focused on city right‑of‑ways and pedestrian crosswalks. City staff said the maintenance work is funded through the public‑works maintenance budget and that the department plans periodic citywide sidewalk cleaning, repairs and pruning as part of regular maintenance. Staff noted earlier budget allocations for sidewalk maintenance (city referenced a $670,000 allocation this year).

The council also authorized staff to submit a FY‑26 Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) application to the Georgia Department of Transportation in the amount cited in the staff packet (approximately $1,000,592.57) for roadway resurfacing projects, and authorized matching funds (approximately $477,772.67) if the grant is awarded.

Separately the council authorized acceptance of a federal Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant request through the National Park Service for a \"Bird (sic) Natural Area\" project (figure shown in the packet: $1,080,072) and authorized local match and execution of grant documents with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Staff said the city’s parks and economic‑development teams are coordinating the scope and deliverables.

Council members asked for clear time windows for sidewalk work and for staff to publish schedules and to coordinate with districts. Staff said the economic‑development office and parks departments will provide the necessary coordination and that additional events and maintenance calendar items would be published.

Ending: The measures passed unanimously; councilmembers said they expect staff to provide project schedules and to ensure coordination between capital planning and routine maintenance.

(Reporting note: amounts and match figures are taken from staff remarks recorded in the Sept. 17 transcript and interpreted as rounded values in the staff packet.)","The council on Sept. 17 approved a citywide sidewalk‑cleaning initiative and authorized applications and acceptance for LMIG resurfacing funds and a federal Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant, including required local matches.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5979453,"Retail Strategies outlines multi‑year retail recruitment plan for South Fulton, cites grocery shortfall and data tools",85,377000,462000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775403-1d187790c45b45cd75c959b69632de95&start=377&end=462","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775403-1d187790c45b45cd75c959b69632de95/thumbnail_377000.jpg","/articles/5979453/South-Fulton/Fulton-County/Georgia/Retail-Strategies-outlines-multiyear-retail-recruitment-plan-for-South-Fulton-cites-grocery-shortfall-and-data-tools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5979453-39f41139d41adfac036836bf1a7bf415/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164920&Signature=CQnKxlytWXsUR2vPC-J~pml1zDX3vkZaKmCEC0MGELXH2pB~kiH43dXoPfLEQUt9U041HCOlu5Y-4qmA-qFDXVQ-OXtcSNhnoazRNygFA7MvTAcgcSf8JbNjtahHndvbtyJudEfBjIj5n3RLJu16DNv~slEQF80-rK~bgCTq4YQ9h8tYGAkmFwqVPrnqn~G6MTB7qJl8jpEM7GlJZrK3YAPj-Q6aWcNvpEq25xVaKfdNIwlzPGf-Bwo6vdYgWZjkTTL-9~6nEHorhJrsi4oNVR0D1UetofJvtVwumChmJkZI-iRLAcsoBODY3Ld8~hgzFgBGdFBM3z8sHbNAA7Atgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mel Graves, portfolio director for Retail Strategies, told the City of South Fulton council on Sept. 17 that his firm's year‑two work will concentrate on national and regional grocery and restaurant prospects, corridor‑level site assessments and new technology to produce custom trade areas and mobile data analyses. \"We identified about 60 prospects that we want to go after,\" Graves said, adding that grocery and food‑and‑beverage uses were prioritized after community feedback and the market analysis.

The nut graf: Retail recruitment is a long timeline and a team sport, Graves said — site selection often spans 18–36 months for typical retail users and 3–5 years for grocers — and the city must coordinate zoning, permitting, property owners and developers early in projects to keep prospects engaged.

Graves described Retail Strategies’ role as an extension of city economic development staff: providing prospect lists to brokers and developers, marketing collateral for catalytic sites and outreach at industry conferences (ICSC Southeast in Atlanta and other trade shows). He highlighted two corridors with active work: Old National Highway (Tri‑County Center vacancy and Old National Commons) and Sandtown Crossing/Sandtown Village. On Old National, Graves said new ownership of a center that includes a 32,000‑square‑foot vacancy created a 2026 tenant possibility and a conversation about façade, lighting and parking improvements.

On technology, Retail Strategies said the firm contracted with Calibrate to generate custom trade areas and with a mobile‑data provider to analyze where customers actually come from. Graves showed a trade‑area map for Sandtown Crossing and said the new data allow the team to show retailers precisely where shoppers originate and how many cars pass a location daily.

Council members pressed the firm on policy barriers the city may be imposing. Councilwoman Helen Z. Willis raised the city’s gas‑station ordinance and a smoking ban as potential deterrents. Graves said Retail Strategies can collect developer and prospect feedback on permitting and zoning processes but had not yet fully participated in the city’s internal permitting review. \"We want to be at the table for those conversations,\" he said.

Council questions also covered marketing collateral, district‑level engagement and small/local business recruitment. Graves said Retail Strategies produces a large city‑level promotional flyer and property‑level packets for catalytic sites, and that the firm will help convene brokers, developers and potential franchisees. He confirmed two active conversations with grocers and one potential municipal grocery public‑private partnership.

What happens next: Graves said Retail Strategies will report back to city staff in late October/early November with conference outcomes and prospect feedback; the firm and staff plan quarterly updates and more targeted outreach tied to the comprehensive plan and the Sizemore catalytic‑site work.

Ending: Council members praised the presentation and asked staff to continue coordination; several urged town halls or district‑level outreach so residents better understand retail timelines, tradeoffs among uses (mixed‑use vs. single‑use retail) and how planning decisions (zoning, ordinances) affect recruitment.

(Reporting note: quotes and attributes are drawn from the Sept. 17 City Council meeting transcript.)","Mel Graves, portfolio director for Retail Strategies, told the City of South Fulton council on Sept. 17 that his firm's year‑two work will concentrate on national and regional grocery and restaurant prospects, corridor‑level site assessments and new technology to produce custom trade areas and mobile data analyses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Neighbors support Dove Drive community produce farm; staff recommends denial while planning commission favors conditional approval

Council renews interim public‑safety director contract and approves Fulton County 911/I.T. services agreements

Council approves sidewalk‑cleaning initiative and applies for state and federal grants including LMIG and Outdoor Recreation Legacy funding

Retail Strategies outlines multi‑year retail recruitment plan for South Fulton, cites grocery shortfall and data tools