Good morning {{ First Name | Stewards }},
The City Council just placed a massive bet on our future.
On Monday, they unanimously approved a plan to turn downtown from a government center into a destination (think: Marietta Square). It involves 350 homes, a hotel, and a $16M investment.
Also inside: Scream 7 filmed at Taylor Brawner, and residents are losing patience with burger chains.
In Today's Edition
☀️ The Weather Report: Spring-Like Start, Midweek Rain Ahead
🏗️ Development Watch: City Council Approves "Once-in-a-Generation" Downtown Plan
🎬 Smyrna on Screen: Taylor Brawner Park Featured in Scream 7 Promo
🏥 Community Health: New Recovery Facility Opens in Smyrna
🍔 Business Beat: Smalls Sliders Coming to Windy Hill
💕 5 Local Date Night Spots: For Valentine’s Day
🗓️ Community Calendar: Council Prep, Tween Crafts, & Flamenco
— Your Voice for Local Prosperity
☀️ Spring-Like Start, Midweek Rain Ahead
The week kicks off feeling like spring has arrived early, but don't put the umbrella away—rain returns midweek.
Tue 10: 🌤️ High 73°/Low 58°. Best day to be outside.
Wed 11: 🌧️ High 62°/Low 36°. Morning rain + cold front.
Thu 12: ☀️ High 63°/Low 39°. Nice recovery.
Fri 13: ☁️ High 64°/Low 38°. Pleasant but gray.
Weekend: 🌧️ Rain likely Sunday. Plan for indoor activities.
Check the most up to date forecast here!
🏗️ THE $16M DOWNTOWN GAMBLE
Photo Credit: City of Smyrna
Smyrna is tired of being a bedroom community.
The Council's new plan for the old First Baptist site is ambitious: 350 condos/apartments, a 120-room hotel, a food hall, and retail. The goal is walkability. The cost to the city for the land alone is $16 million.
The Tension:
Residents are split. The "Make Smyrna Cool" camp sees this as our Marietta Square moment—a real downtown with nightlife and foot traffic. The "Keep Smyrna Small" camp sees King Street gridlock and infrastructure strain.
The Timeline:
The City owns the land. Next up: picking developers and fighting over zoning variances. If you have an opinion, express it now. Waiting until the cranes arrive is too late.
👉 Click Here: To view the official site map and rendering
👉 Click Here: To email your City Council representative about this project
🎬 GHOSTFACE TAKES TAYLOR BRAWNER
Source: Official Scream 7 Promo / Local Sightings
If Taylor Brawner Park feels cinematic to you, Hollywood agrees.
The upcoming Scream 7 promo features the park’s distinctive former psychiatric hospital. Locals also spotted Neve Campbell and production trailers at Varner's Tavern last year.
Why it matters:
It’s not just trivia. Productions bring crew spending and free marketing to the city. Next time you're at Varner's, remember: you're sitting on a major film set.
👉 Click Here: To watch the promo video (Spot the park at 0:14)
🏥 A NEW STRATEGY FOR ADDICTION
Cobb County just opened a Treatment Courts Facility right here in Smyrna. It unites recovery advocates, courts, and providers under one roof.
The Shift:
This is a pivot from punishment to proactive health policy. Having this facility locally means families don't have to drive across the county for help. It’s a win for public safety and compassion.
👉 Click Here: To view the services offered at the new facility
🍔 FAST FOOD FATIGUE SETS IN
Photo Credit: Small Sliders
Smalls Sliders (a shipping container concept) is coming to Windy Hill near Blue Moon Pizza.
The Vibe Check:
The internet is tired. While some are excited for $3 cheeseburgers, the consensus amongst the community is frustration. Residents are asking for unique restaurants and local bistros; yet the city keeps approving chains.
The Community Response:
Smyrna-Vinings residents had…opinions. The top comment summed it up perfectly:
"This is not what we meant when we said we wanted more restaurants in Smyrna."
Other highlights from the discussion:
"Marietta is historically a more affluent area... I wish they'd stop approving so many vape shops and chain restaurants."
"Go look at all the comments about Zoya not being a neighborhood spot and how 'ethnic food is gimmicky we want another Varners.' Rhetoric like that gets you 300 burger spots."
"They can't even open the ones (businesses) we have! ( Stillfire Brewery, Zoya)"
"That intersection is horrible during rush hour."
👉 Click Here: To see the Smalls Sliders menu & concept
💕 5 LOCAL DATE NIGHTS (VALENTINE'S EDITION)
Photo Credit: Canoe
The Reality Check: Valentine’s Day is Friday. If you haven't booked a table, you're officially late. Here are 5 spots that keep you out of Atlanta traffic but still feel special.
Canoe (Vinings): The riverfront classic. White tablecloths, garden walks, and zero stuffiness. Best for: The "Big Night Out." [Book Table]
SOHO (Vinings Jubilee): Upscale but chill. Known for elk tenderloin and a deep wine list. Best for: Creative cocktails. [Book Table]
C&S (Galleria): Seafood & Martinis. Old-school, dimly lit, and intimate. Best for: Oysters and privacy. [Book Table]
Ray's on the River: Classic romance. Live music and river views. Best for: Anniversaries. [Book Table]
Creatwood Tavern: Laid-back rooftop. No prix-fixe pressure, just good beer and views. Best for: A low-stress date. [Visit Site]
The Takeaway: You don't need to drive to Buckhead to impress. But seriously, book now.
🗓️ THE WEEK AHEAD
🏛️ GOV WATCH
City Council Meeting
Monday, Feb 16 | 6:30 PM (Pre) / 7:00 PM (Full) | City Hall
The Stakes: This is the first meeting since the $16M downtown vote. Expect updates on zoning and potential fallout from the "Downtown Plan."
Public Comment: Yes (Sign up by 6:45 PM).
🧸 PARENT PLANNER
Tween Night: Flip Flop Decorating
Tuesday, Feb 10 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Smyrna Library
Ages: 8-12 only
Cost: Free
Why go: It's a hands-on creative outlet for tweens (a hard age to find non-screen activities for). Registration is required.
🏫 SCHOOLS & CLUBS
Kiwanis Club: Weekly meeting on child welfare. Tue Feb 10, 10 AM @ Wolfe Rec Center.
St. Benedict’s Tour: For prospective parents. Wed Feb 11, 10 AM.
Chapel + Chat: Community start for students. Tue & Thu mornings @ St. Benedict's.
Winter Olympics Field Day: Kids active event. Feb 16 @ 3:30 PM.
👋 THE FINAL WORD
The downtown plan is the single biggest story of the year so far in Smyrna-Vinings.
Whether you want a bustling city center or a quiet suburb, the window to influence this is now. Once the developers are signed, the concrete pours. Speak up or settle in.
"We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us."
📬 Ready to dig deeper? : Sign up for the scoop on Smyrna-Vinings delivered right to your inbox every Tuesday @ 8 AM, or forward this to a friend!
See you next Tuesday,
Ravi & Rinnah
P.S. We’ve got a special surprise coming next week to celebrate our one year anniversary! Be on the lookout.
