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Residents tell Villa Rica council they face traffic, neighborhood and homelessness concerns
Summary
Multiple residents used the public-comment period to urge action on homelessness and traffic safety, to ask about a Norfolk grant for a local park, and to criticize city transparency and growth impacts. The council noted the comments and offered to have staff follow up where appropriate.
During public comment on May 13, multiple Villa Rica residents raised safety and quality‑of‑life concerns including a proposal to reuse the city’s former Fire Station No. 9 as a shelter, heavy local traffic and safety problems on Cleghorn and Anderson streets, questions about a grant from Norfolk (a park grant) and broader concerns about transparency and gentrification as development expands.
Doctor Bernice Brooks urged the council to consider using the old Fire Station No. 9 on the bypass as a location to help people experiencing homelessness, noting the building already has beds, a kitchen and bathrooms. "I ask that you strongly consider that building as a place for homelessness here in Villa Rica," Brooks said (Dr. Bernice Brooks, public commenter).
Several residents described traffic and safety problems on Cleghorn and Anderson streets, with vehicles backing up, drivers failing to stop and school bus loading/unloading concerns. Molly Elder asked whether a traffic impact study had been completed since a previous town hall; Doug Lang and others described backups at Bankhead Highway and the absence of a left‑turn lane from Mirror Lake Connector toward Cleghorn. "It's horrendous... people are having to step out in the street and assist others backing out," Elder said (Molly Elder, public commenter).
Other commenters raised neighborhood-change concerns tied to proposed parkway work and development. Alita Farmer said increased construction has driven wildlife into residential areas and questioned whether proposed amenities (walking trails, dog areas) would signal gentrification that displaces long-time residents. "What we have a problem with is no communication and transparency," she said (Alita Farmer, public commenter). Pam White and others urged stronger oversight and community input, saying elected officials must be accountable and transparent.
Mayor and council responses during the meeting clarified that public comment is not a Q&A period but that staff would follow up where necessary; the mayor asked speakers who wanted direct answers to provide phone numbers on the sign‑in sheet so staff could respond. Council members also said they would consider issuing more frequent updates on major projects such as the proposed connector/parkway to reduce uncertainty.
No formal action was taken during public comment; several speakers were advised to reserve comments for scheduled public hearings later in the agenda if their remarks concerned an item with a hearing. Staff offered to contact commenters who provided contact information.
Sources: Public comment statements recorded at the May 13, 2025 council meeting.
