Volume 1 Issue 3 | August 2019
Smyrna - a Great Place to Live!
Hello Ward 6 Residents – 

I hope you all are enjoying these beautifully hot summer days. Kids are back in school. Braves are in first place. UGA & GT are a few weeks away from kick off, and Campbell High School Varsity Softball is off to a great start at 5-2 beating Wheeler this week 7 to 6. It's an exciting time of year!


Please forward this email to friends or send an email to [email protected] to be included in future newsletters. And check out my Facebook page with the latest happenings.
Current Events - click on each for more info
City Council News
Sterigenics Update: Most of you are aware of the troubling emissions from the Sterigenics sterilization plant in Cobb County.  Many of us have real concerns about the impact of emissions of Ethelyn Oxide (EO) and the potential effects on the health of our children, family, and friends. The number one action we all can take is to learn facts about this problem, the past and current EO emission levels, and the health impacts of EO. I am working on a summary of information, articles, contacts, etc. that I expect to send after Monday's Community Meeting.
 
 
What is the City doing? The City of Smyrna is kicking off air sampling with Cobb County and likely also with City of Atlanta. An Air Quality Task force has been established and is composed of content experts who will lead the testing process and report to an Oversight Committee. The Oversight Committee is comprised of local elected officials, public health representatives, emergency management professionals, and residents. The planning process is underway with testing taking place in the near future. The Mayor appointed me to serve on the Oversight Committee. I'll relay information to you all as soon as it is available.
The Growing Problem of Vaping / E-Cigarettes - The City Council held an information session on July 18 th to hear from community experts on the effects of Vaping / E-Cigarettes on our youth population in Smyrna.  City staff is currently working on possible ordinance language to raise the age to buy tobacco-related products from 18 to 21 years within city limits. Check out the MDJ article summarizing information presented.

Please email me or call with any questions. I can use your support to help pass this ordinance which will reduce the negative effect of vaping on our children and youth.
SmyrnaCounts 2020 Census You will continue to hear the drum beat of information around SmyrnaCounts 2020 through spring of next year.  A full and accurate count of our city’s population is critical to the long-term health of our community. Millions of $$$ of Federal and State funding to Smyrna is directly affected by our count.  Please look out for future information sessions to join.
Bulky Trash Amnesty Day took place on Saturday, August 17th, organized by Keep Smyrna Beautiful and the City of Smyrna. The City’s first ever Large Item Amnesty Day helped residents clean out their basements, garages and attics. Mark your calendar for next year's event.
Education News
Campbell High School :  Spartan Proud. Read up on the amazing list of accomplishments at CHS in this month’s edition of The Bright Side . CHS is a treasure and one of the City’s great assets. Click Here

Public Works will begin installation of a new sidewalk and crosswalks on Campbell Rd., improving pedestrian safety near Campbell Middle School. Big Thank You to Argyle Estates residents who presented a list of safety improvements for Campbell Rd. and students walking to CMS.

Mayor Max Bacon hosted the annual Campbell High School Teacher Appreciation Lunch at the Community Center, complete with the Varsity food truck. Thank you to all the hard working, dedicated teachers and staff at Campbell High. And thank you to the community and local businesses for donating the tables full of gifts.
Zoning and Growth
Many Ward 1 and Ward 6 residents joined a question and answer meeting with the applicant of a proposed 48,000 sq ft medical office building on the corner of Atlanta Rd and Campbell Rd (Z19-011) . The developer is reworking the plan with resident concerns in mind. The application has been delayed until the September 9th Planning & Zoning Meeting. Reach out to Rusty Martin , Director of Community Development, or send me a note for more information.
Economic Development
Pho 24 a Vietnamese restaurant is open in the Shops of Belmont
 
Nothing Bundt Cakes has signed a lease in Smyrna Market Village. Opening is scheduled for later this year.
 
Porch Light Latin Kitchen is expanding their space in Smyrna Market Village.
 
Vittles on South Cobb Drive is preparing to re-open under new ownership and management. No date has been given for opening.
 
Viking Alchemist Meadery has signed a lease at 3080 Jonquil Drive and planning on an opening later this year. Meadery?? Click Here

Smyrna Infant Village , A Tri-lingual child care (English, Spanish & French) just opened at 1295 W Spring St. Stop in and check it out.
 
Transit Analysis and Feasibility Study will kick off on August 28 th . This study will take 10 to 12 months to complete and will ask Smyrna citizens for their thoughts and input regarding the future of transit service for the city of Smyrna.
 
The City is preparing to undertake a Downtown Master Plan Update which will provide a guide for future development, redevelopment and infrastructure improvements in downtown Smyrna.
 
Smyrna Business Association next luncheon - Sept, 12 @ 11:30am
 
Gary Hill Network - contact Gary and Renee for more information and join their next meeting.

Reformation Brewery, Chattahoochee Coffee and Grand Champion Barbeque have signed leases at The Eddy at Riverview (on Riverview Drive) and will be opening in the near future.
Community News

Smyrna Night at Suntrust Park –  Smyrna Police and Smyrna Fire Departments are excited to announce the first Smyrna Night at Suntrust Park, August 21 st , Braves vs Marlins, 7:20pm, Home Run Porch area . Get to know members of SPD and SFD, City Staff, and Council Members.  Come out and help showcase why Smyrna GA is a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Click here for more info
2019 Smyrna Youth Council Registration Now Open! -   2019-2020 applications are available through August 23 rd .  The Youth Council plans, organizes, and kicks off an event supporting a cause of their choosing. The Youth Council is a great opportunity for motivated high school students to get involved, learn about city government and further develop their leadership skills. Click for more info
Smyrna Arts Council is hosting the first City Hall Art Exhibit featuring local artists with works displayed throughout City Hall. 

Stop by during business hours and check out the many beautiful paintings.

Look for one particularly awesome painting done by Jack Gould
.
Community Housing Fair - The Smyrna CHARMS Community Housing Team is hosting a housing fair for current and prospective residents on Saturday, August 24 th ,1pm to 4pm, at the Community Center.  Resources will be available for first-time home buyers, existing homeowners, current and future renters in Smyrna. By The Way: CHARMS stands for C ommunity H omeownership, A ging in place, R ental stability, M ultifamily.    Read more
Smyrna Tree Scarf Project Grand Opening was held Saturday a t the Smyrna Arboretum Park. Thanks to a talented and motivated group of volunteers, Smyrna celebrated the opening of the first Smyrna Tree Scarf Project. A big thank you and congratulations to Shaun Martin, Smyrna Tree Board member and her talented, passionate group of volunteers who made the project happen. Stop by the park near the Community Center to see the beautiful work.
Taylor-Brawner Park with Art.... a fine art exhibit and sale - The Taylor-Brawner House Foundation and the City of Smyrna are pleased to announce their fifth annual fine art exhibit and sale, to be held Friday October 4 th through Saturday the 12 th , at Smyrna’s historic Taylor-Brawner House. The show will feature original offerings by some of the regions’ most accomplished and award winning artists. 

Be sure to meet all the artists and admire their work at the open house reception, Friday evening October 4 th 6:00 to 9:00 pm. The house will be open daily Saturday October 5 th through October 12 th , noon to 5:00 pm.

For additional information, call 678-631-5545 or 770-438-6182 and on Facebook @ Taylor-Brawner Park With Art
Other Fun Stuff….
Who’s Doing Great Work in Smyrna?  

 Congratulations to Boxing Champion Nathan Lugo , Smyrna resident, the most decorated amateur boxer in Georgia to date. Nathan and his family were recognized at a recent City Council meeting. He is a member of Team USA and has over 200 recorded bouts, 12 national titles, and more. Nathan's crowning achievement came during his recent trip to Eger, Hungary, where he won gold for his country, state, city, and gym and presented his father with the medal in honor of Father's Day. Nathan is the son of Michael and Angela Lugo, and has one younger brother, Elijah, who is also a national level boxer.
Smyrna City Council, Ward 6
Respectfully,
Ward 6
Smyrna City Council
2800 King Street
Smyrna, GA 30080

678-631-5311 - office
404-313-8504 - city cell