Smyrna council approves Ken’s Corner credit union plan and rezones Benson Poole Road; moves SPLOST funds and accepts $424,400 safety grant

The City of Smyrna Mayor and Council on Oct. 6 approved a zoning amendment to allow a 3,600-square-foot LGE Community Credit Union building at the former Ken’s Corner Grill site, rezoned a one-acre parcel on Benson Poole Road to general commercial with use restrictions, moved previously budgeted signage funds in the 2022 SPLOST accounts into the 2025 budget and accepted a $424,400 LMIC safety grant from the state, and approved a slate of routine items and board appointments.

The Ken’s Corner zoning amendment drew the most substantive staff presentation. Rusty Martin, the city’s community development director, told the council the proposal modifies building elevations and the site plan authorized in a 2022 mixed-use approval and reduces the previously planned floor area. Under the amended plan, the site would accommodate a roughly 3,600-square-foot building fronting Atlanta Road and Church Street, with 25 parking spaces, covered ATM and teller drive-up service, underground stormwater management and a proposed interparcel connection to an adjacent lot. Martin said the Urban Design Commission recommended approval on Sept. 19 and described one variance request tied to the zoning ordinance requirement that nonresidential uses not exceed 50% of gross floor area (section 720.9 of the zoning ordinance).

Chris Leggett, president and CEO of LGE Community Credit Union, described the applicant and its local presence and said the credit union had coordinated with neighbors.…