The $8.45M Safety Infusion and the "Gold Dome" Effect (Issue #44)

Cobb’s high-risk road wins, the Ward 7 update, and why you have until April 1st to save on taxes.

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Ravi Patel & Rinnah Patel
January 13, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Good morning Stewards,

Last week was a 70-degree tease, but this morning we are back to the reality of a grey Georgia January. As the holiday fog lifts, the "second order of business" is beginning: the Georgia Legislature is back in session, and millions in federal safety dollars are finally hitting our local roads.

This morning, we’re tracking the $8.45M infusion into Smyrna’s high-risk corridors, tonight’s Ward 7 deep dive, and the three deadlines (Sports, Taxes, and Trees) you need to hit this week.

In Today's Edition

  • 🌦️ The Weather Report: Grey skies and the return of the 30-degree night

  • 🏗️ Stewards Watch: The $8.45M "Safe Streets" win for Windy Hill and Pat Mell

  • 🏛️ The Gold Dome: Jaha Howard’s debut and the "Affordability" battle

  • 💰 Hidden Gems: The Best Thai In Smyrna-Vinings

  • 🗓️ Community Calendar: Tonight’s Ward 7 meeting and jazz at the Inn

— Your Voice for Local Prosperity

THE WEATHER REPORT
☁️ The Grey Reality

The record-breaking 70°F warmth of last Wednesday is officially gone. We are moving into a week of "Grey Utility"—overcast skies, high humidity, and a return to seasonable chills.

  • ☁️ Tue 13: Overcast. High 66°/Low 53°.

  • 🌡️ Wed 14: Mostly cloudy, near record high temperatures. High 70°/Low 47°.

  • 🌥️ Thu 15: Cloudy skies with a few showers later at night. High 70°/Low 60°.

  • 🌦️ Fri 16: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 71°/Low 60°.

  • ⛈️ Sat 17: Steady rain in the morning with thunder possible. High 67°/Low 41°.

  • 🌤️ Sun 18: Mostly sunny and brisk. High 48°/Low 30°.

  • ⛅ Mon 19: Partly sunny (MLK Day). High 51°/Low 30°.

Steward’s Tip: The Interior Audit With nights dipping back into the low 30s this weekend, focus on interior maintenance. Check your furnace filters and window seals now while it’s overcast, rather than waiting for the next hard freeze.

STEWARDS WATCH
🏗️ The $8.45M "Safe Streets" Infusion

Photo Credit: CobbCounty.gov

Last Wednesday, January 7, Cobb County officially secured an $8.45 million federal grant from the U.S. DOT’s "Safe Streets and Roads for All" program. Unlike general paving funds, this money is targeted specifically at high-incident corridors identified in the county’s Safety Action Plan.

The Targets:

  • Windy Hill Road

  • Pat Mell Road

  • Olive Springs Road

The Takeaway: These funds will cover "Multi-Corridor Safety Improvements," including new traffic signals, medians, and improved lighting. If you commute through these corridors, expect community input sessions to begin later this year.

PUBLIC PULSE
🏛️ Howard Takes his Seat: The "Affordability" Session

Photo Credit: Marietta Daily Journal

The 2026 Georgia Legislative Session officially gaveled in yesterday, January 12. For Smyrna-Vinings, all eyes are on the Gold Dome as Jaha Howard has officially taken his seat as State Senator for District 35.

The Buzzword: Both parties are signaling a "Laser Focus" on Affordability. Republicans are pushing for property tax caps, while Senate study committees are discussing income tax exemptions.

The Steward’s Move: While the state debates, you can act. The Homestead Exemption window for Cobb County is now open. If you bought your home in 2025, you have until April 1st to file. This is the single most effective way to "freeze" or lower your property tax burden.

NEIGHBOR TALK
🍜 The Best Thai in Smyrna: A Shortlist

Photo Credit: Top Spice

With the closure of local favorites like Thai Diner and LThai, neighbors on the r/Smyrna Reddit have been debating where to find the best Pad Thai and Curry. Here is your vetted shortlist based on community consensus:

  • The "Go-To" Veteran: Thai of Austell. Located just up the E/W Connector, it is highly praised for its Pad Prik Khing, though some long-time patrons debate if its COVID-era decline is real or perceived.

  • The Consistency King: Top Spice (Akers Mill). Praised for its fair prices and "consistent every time" quality. Neighbors specifically recommend the Green Curry and Pad See Ew.

  • The Market Village Alternative: Curry Curry Thai. A favorite for those near the East-West Connector, specifically for Mango Sticky Rice and their "tasty sauces."

COMMUNITY CALENDAR
🗓️ Whats Happening Near You This Week

👋 See You Next Tuesday

Photo Credit: Afro News

❝

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

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— Ravi & Rinnah Patel

P.S. Did we miss your favorite Thai spot? Reply to this email and let us know your "off-menu" recommendation!