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, pending final approvals from the water authority the manager referenced.

Economic development Director Dennis highlighted recent and upcoming events aimed at community engagement and business support. Dennis said the city’s job fair, held in the gym last week, drew “over 20 business partners” and “over 400 people,” and that officials plan to hold another large job fair in the January–February timeframe. Upcoming events Dennis listed include the Up Early on Main yoga series (Saturday, 9:30 a.m. at the Fountain on Main), the Longest Table event across from Bill Lee Park and Blues on Main on Oct. 10. A business association breakfast is scheduled for Sept. 10.

Code compliance Director Walker said the department is addressing rooming houses and that 83 cases were heard in environmental court recently; Walker said those cases included trash and debris, business‑license issues and junk vehicles. Walker also said the department is equipping field vehicles with mobile printers, reporting two vehicles already outfitted and three more to be completed.

Public Works Director Matthews described several transportation and streets items: repairs on Linda/Lender Way (the presentation described a temporary one‑way traffic pattern), designs for a Waldrop Road sidewalk, and an upcoming preconstruction meeting for a Forest Parkway landscaping project. Matthews also said the city has two contingent offers out for building maintenance and streets department candidates.

Human resources Deputy Director Lewis and Fire Chief Clemens outlined hiring and personnel updates. Lewis said the city is accepting applications for positions including division chief of training for the fire department and deputy city clerk, and that the planning department and public safety units are hiring firefighter‑paramedics, firefighter‑EMTs and a small number of police openings. Chief Clemens said the fire department recently onboarded two firefighter EMTs, completed the EMS and fire lieutenant assessment center and had about 10 applicants so far for the division chief of training position. Clemens also noted the fire department’s public education “fire safety trailer” will continue to appear at community events.

Finance Director Wiggins said the 2025 tax bills are scheduled to be mailed Oct. 19 and due Dec. 19, and that the city’s annual audit is due Dec. 31. Wiggins and the city manager both noted the city received a certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting and that the city completed an on‑time audit for the first time in more than a decade.

Captain Laster of the police department said crime is down “over 10%” and encouraged residents to monitor department posts and weekly crime statistics on the department’s Facebook page. Laster also invited residents to the department’s “chat and chew” at Poppy’s Cuban restaurant on Forest Parkway.

Recreation Director Matt Maxwell reviewed calendar items: a free Legacy residents trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains on Sept. 13, the pool closing schedule with weekend‑only operation after Labor Day, the opening of soccer and fall sports (season opens Sept. 13 at Star Park), and the Forest Park homecoming parade and tailgate kickoff starting at 11 a.m. on the coming Saturday.

The meeting concluded with a brief business spotlight from Daniel (Dan) Allen of Ray Southern Foods — a Forest Park restaurant and caterer in the Jonesboro Road plaza — and election reminders from the meeting host that Ward and mayoral races are on the ballot.

No formal votes or binding actions were recorded during the meeting; departments provided updates and announced upcoming events and hiring opportunities.