Council declines to override mayor’s veto of contested Riverside storage project; accepts separation agreement with police chief

The City of South Fulton council considered — and did not override — a mayoral veto of a rezoning and special-use request for a self-storage and retail facility at Riverside Drive on Jan. 13.

Six councilmembers had previously voted in favor of the zoning change; Mayor Carmelita Gumbs issued a veto that returned the item to council for reconsideration. At the Jan. 13 meeting several councilmembers expressed concerns about constituent input and the process. Other members emphasized staff and Planning Commission recommendations in favor of the project. After public comment and internal discussion, the council voted 4–3; the motion to override the mayor’s veto failed because an override requires five votes.

The discussion included competing petitions and email campaigns both supporting and opposing the project, and at least one councilmember raised concerns about coordinated outreach to residents. Councilmembers urged staff to maintain careful records: ‘‘If we were to face any type of litigation, these phones and these text messages could be subpoenaed,’’ one member said on the floor.

Separately, the council recessed to executive session for litigation, personnel, real estate and cybersecurity. After reconvening, the council announced a public vote on a personnel matter. Councilwoman Catherine Rao moved to accept a retirement/separation agreement with Police Chief Keith Metals; the motion passed 5–2. The council recorded no other executive-session actions.

The mayor’s veto thus remained in place for the Riverside case after the unsuccessful override; staff and legal counsel signaled that follow‑up steps and potential appeal windows are governed by existing procedures.

Council members asked staff to keep thorough records of constituent contact and outreach so the city can respond to any procedural or legal questions that might follow the vote.