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Residents press council on homelessness, missing library patron and school safety during public comment
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Summary
During public comment April 13, speakers urged the city to consider the needs of people experiencing homelessness after a long‑time library patron was removed and later could not be located; Joe Layman of Cobb Public Library promoted Vision to Learn registration and reported $63,000 raised at a book sale; Shannon Tilson of SAE School urged caution and supported denial of NRC and a two‑year temporary land use due to student safety concerns at a nearby site.
Several residents used the public‑comment period at the Mableton City Council meeting on April 13 to raise concerns about homelessness, library patrons and school safety.
Danny Wilson told the council he was "very disturbed" by how people experiencing homelessness were being treated. He said a long‑time library patron known locally as "Miss Juanita" had her bench and belongings removed, and that the woman’s personal items — including a cherished bridal book — were missing. Wilson said he had contacted police and former commanders to help locate the woman but had not yet found her. "You disturbed the only place that she knew to call home, and you should be ashamed for doing that," he told council.
Library regional manager Joe Layman reported the library raised $63,000 at its recent book sale and announced that registration is open for Vision to Learn’s mobile clinic appointments in May, June and July, with high demand expected. "Vision to Learn clinics were announced, and it took only one week to fill the 680 slots," Layman said, urging families to sign up via the program’s website.
Shannon Tilson, founder and COO of SAE School across from 6671 Mableton Parkway, identified safety as her primary concern and said she and the Mableton Improvement Coalition support a two‑year temporary land‑use condition and denial of NRC for a nearby proposal, citing about 400 students and employees on campus.
Other commenters emphasized pedestrian safety events, youth volunteer month and neighborhood beautification. Council thanked speakers, noted staff would follow up where appropriate, and closed the public‑comment period.
