South Fulton councilmembers mark eighth anniversary with infrastructure, parks and anti-blight updates

On the City of South Fulton’s eighth anniversary, councilmembers used brief district reports to outline infrastructure projects, park renovations, anti-blight work, economic development and public-safety initiatives across seven districts.

The reports matter because several projects — including road and sidewalk repairs, park upgrades and a planned community center — represent multi-year capital commitments that affect pedestrian safety, local recreation and development patterns citywide.

Councilwoman Dr. Catherine Rowe, representing District 1, said, “This year has been all about building stronger foundations, investing in our infrastructure, elevating our community spaces, and engaging our residents in meaningful ways.” She told the council District 1 finished the Danforth sidewalks, completed the Enan Road and bridge project, began replacement of two bridges along Fairburn Road and added deceleration lanes at Fairburn Road and Cascade Road. Rowe also said the city has started new sidewalks on New Hope Road and installed traffic-calming measures in neighborhoods including Sandtown Center and Woodside Hills. She reported Tramarcrow Park received a repaved parking lot, renovated bathrooms, new workout stations, benches and landscaping; and said two abandoned residential properties in District 1 were demolished. Rowe named new businesses in the district, including Big Peach Running Company, the Grady Outpatient Center and a second Arden Gardens location, and said the city hall facility was returned to service.

District 2 Councilwoman Carmelita Gomes emphasized emergency response, public health and environmental steps. Gomes said her district reopened and renovated a local fire station and integrated social workers into police response teams to provide support during crises. She said the city is pursuing stricter penalties for illegal dumping and is “pushing for a comprehensive ban on single use plastics.” Gomes also described wellness pop-up clinics and the first phase of the Clifton Dale Park master plan, which she said will include a half-mile soft-surface walking trail, and said city leaders are working to bring more programming to the Wolf Creek Amphitheatre.

District 3 Councilwoman Helen Zenobia Willis highlighted development and facility projects. Willis said the council reviewed a request for Fifth Third Bank to modify zoning at 5290 Campbellton Fairburn Road to develop the last vacant parcel between Topson Road and Hall Road. She also noted a renovated natatorium with newly installed chairlifts to improve accessibility and a newly opened welcome center at 4800 Campbell Drive.

District 4 Councilmember JC Sebastian reported capital investments and road work in his district. Sebastian said the city allocated more than $17 million to build a new community center and to improve Cedar Grove Park; that the former Bishop Road landfill is being redeveloped; that Wilkerson Mill Park upgrades include a paved parking lot and sidewalk repairs; and that Fire Station 6 is being expanded. He also said more than 20 miles of roads have been paved in District 4 and a Rivertown–Cedar Grove roundabout is near completion.

Councilwoman Keosha B. Veil, representing District 5, said the district opened a cardio fitness studio at Burdett Park, expanded pedestrian improvements with new sidewalks on Old National, Old Bill Cook and Jerome Road, and reported the city’s workforce academy received the Georgia Municipal Association award in the Large Cities category. Veil cited academy programs including Next Kids Code and other workforce-training efforts aimed at preparing students for technology and industrial careers.

The speaker identified only as the District 6 councilmember in the transcript reported expanded food access through an expansion of New Life Presbyterian Church’s pantry with a once-a-month distribution at Creel Park and described a partnership between the city and Love T. Nolan Elementary School to provide tutoring and STEM support. The District 6 speaker also reiterated local priorities of fighting litter, blight and crime to enable redevelopment.

Councilwoman Linda Becker Pritchett, mayor pro tem and representative for District 7, listed housing and amenity projects: South Pine Luxury Apartments on Oakley Road, Jonesboro Road Senior Apartments, a city purchase of a Lake Tahoe site for recreational water sports, a forthcoming police headquarters and a new fire station on Oakley Industrial Boulevard, plus a recent Home2 Suites hotel in the district.

No motions or votes were reported in these anniversary remarks; the comments were district status updates and did not include formal council actions. Several councilmembers asked residents to stay engaged as projects move into planning and construction stages.

Looking ahead, councilmembers emphasized follow-through on multi-year projects that affect pedestrians, parks and neighborhood redevelopment, and encouraged continued resident participation in planning processes.