Forest Park ward meeting reviews two planning cases, $104 million city center plans, job openings and community events

Forest Park officials used the ward meeting to brief residents on pending planning commission cases in Ward 1, progress on a proposed $104 million city center project and a string of community events and hiring opportunities.

Planning and community development Director Nicole Dozier told the meeting the planning commission will consider two Ward 1 cases: a variance at 3953 Jonesboro Road for setbacks associated with a proposed gas station that would include an attached restaurant, and a request at 486 Main Street to rezone a multi‑family residential parcel to commercial general to expand parking for a business that fronts the property. Dozier said one new business — a Mexican restaurant at an address she gave as 4150 (address number not specified) — opened in Ward 1 this month.

The city manager reported the cost estimate for the proposed city center is “coming in right at $104,000,000” and said the city’s goal is to break ground by the end of the year. The manager said the project will require bonds to be approved by the governing body before construction can proceed and that the city is continuing a value‑engineering process. A related renovation at Star Park is also nearing the bid stage,…