When 2,600 Voices Shape One Future

Sometimes the most profound changes happen when community voices unite around a shared vision.

This week brought powerful demonstrations of civic engagement in action.

From over 200 residents gathering at the Community Center gym to shape downtown Smyrna's future, to Friday night lights showcasing the next generation of local talent, we're witnessing democracy and community pride working hand in hand.

The three draft concepts for our $15.8 million downtown redevelopment project represent more than architectural plans—they embody 2,600 voices who participated in the first round of community input, proving that meaningful change starts with meaningful participation.

As grocery costs continue climbing nationwide and local businesses adapt to economic pressures, engaged residents who understand both challenges and opportunities become our community's greatest asset.

Your voice has never been more essential as we navigate decisions that will shape Smyrna-Vinings for generations to come.

Stay engaged y’all.

— Your Voice for Local Prosperity

In Today's Edition

• 🏛️ Downtown Update: Three draft plans unveiled for $15.8M redevelopment project

• 🏈 Local Legend: Campbell's Nick Buggs shines in season opener at McDaniel Stadium

• 💰 Public Pulse: Understanding inflation's impact on local families and businesses

• 🌟 Difference Makers: Local students building community connections through service

• 🛡️ Stewards Watch: Survey deadline approaches for downtown input

• 📅 Event Horizon: What's happening in Smyrna-Vinings this week

• 🏠 Hidden Gem: Why local service businesses strengthen neighborhood bonds

DOWNTOWN UPDATE
🏛️ Three Draft Plans Unveiled for $15.8M Redevelopment Project

Over 200 residents packed the Smyrna Community Center gym Monday night for the second of three community input meetings on downtown redevelopment plans, reviewing three distinct concepts for transforming the nine-acre former church property.

The Process: Luis Calvo and Darren Meyer from MKSK planning firm presented draft designs incorporating feedback from over 2,600 participants in the first community input round. The city is paying the firm $199,366 for planning services.

"As you see concepts and ideas, just kind of know that we are shaping them with you all," Calvo told residents. "What you're seeing today is not the final vision, that's why there are three alternatives."

Community Response: Tables throughout the gym featured handwritten comments, sticky notes, and design feedback as residents engaged with concepts featuring restaurants, green spaces, offices, hotels, and apartments.

Resident Danielle Graham appreciated the genuine engagement: "I love that they're using our feedback and that we aren't just doing this to make people feel good. Like, they're actually listening to us."

Leigh Anne Rehkoph expressed enthusiasm for growth potential: "Very excited for the growth potential, not only for new neighbors, but also for new things to do, new places to eat, shops."

Next Steps: The survey remains open through September 6, with a recorded presentation available for those who missed the meeting. The third meeting will feature refined concepts based on Monday's feedback.

Why it matters locally: This $15.8 million investment represents one of Smyrna's largest redevelopment projects. The community input process ensures resident voices shape downtown's future while the 100-year-old stone chapel will remain as part of the final design, preserving history within progress.

LOCAL LEGEND
🏈 Campbell's Nick Buggs Delivers Under Pressure

Campbell High School senior Nick Buggs proved Friday night that champions rise when teammates need them most, leading the Spartans to a 42-19 victory over South Forsyth at Richard McDaniel Stadium in Smyrna.

The Moment:
When starting quarterback Davin Lamire left the game in the second half, Buggs stepped in without hesitation, scoring a crucial 16-yard touchdown run to extend Campbell's lead to 28-13.

"We work that every week in practice. I'm technically the backup so God forbid Davin goes down, you'll see me out there," Buggs said after the game.

The Performance:
Buggs dominated on both sides of the ball, recording 152 receiving yards and two touchdowns while also serving as backup quarterback.

His 66-yard catch-and-run late in the second quarter and a touchdown as time expired in the first half demonstrated the versatility that makes him special.

"We had a phenomenal week of practice, everyone on the offense," Buggs reflected. "The offense as a whole, we were just connected all week so we got the results we wanted."

The Character:
Even as rain poured down in the third quarter, Buggs and the Spartans continued building their advantage, embodying the resilience that defines championship programs.

Why it matters locally: Campbell football represents more than Friday night entertainment—it showcases the character development, teamwork, and leadership skills our community invests in young people.

When students like Buggs demonstrate grace under pressure, they model the civic engagement and reliability we need in future community leaders.

PUBLIC PULSE
💰 Understanding Inflation's Real Impact on Local Families

Recent Consumer Price Index data for meat, poultry, fish, and eggs in the Southern United States reveals the stark reality behind grocery store visits—families are paying over 30% more for the same essential proteins they bought in 2017.

The Numbers:
From a baseline of 241 in 2017, prices reached approximately 321 by late 2023, representing a steady upward climb that shows no signs of reversing. For a family earning $40,000 annually, this 30% increase in food costs creates genuine budget stress, while higher-income households barely notice the impact.

Local Business Impact:
This disparity affects Smyrna-Vinings restaurants and grocery stores differently. Some establishments absorb increased costs to maintain customer loyalty, while others must adjust pricing and portions to remain viable.

The Broader Pattern:
Labor costs, energy prices for farming and transportation, and supply chain disruptions continue driving food inflation beyond general economic indicators.

Simply raising interest rates cannot address supply-side pressures that originate in agricultural production and distribution networks.

Policy Implications:
These trends suggest communities benefit most from investments in agricultural technology, local food production systems, and policies that prevent anti-competitive practices in food distribution.

Why it matters locally: Understanding inflation's unequal impact helps explain why some neighbors struggle while others remain comfortable.

When community leaders grasp these economic realities, they make better decisions about everything from school lunch programs to economic development priorities that support working families.

DIFFERENCE MAKERS
🌟 Students Building Community Through Service

Local students are transforming neighborhood challenges into opportunities for connection and growth, proving that age doesn't limit impact when paired with genuine commitment to community service.

The Leisure Brothers:
Twin brothers and Westminster Schools students have launched Leisure Brothers, providing junk removal, moving assistance, and yard work services throughout Vinings and surrounding areas.

As Eagle Scouts and neighborhood residents, they embody their mission to "leave things better than we found them."

Their approach emphasizes relationship-building over transaction-focused service: "To empower our neighborhood by delivering exceptional service, fostering trust, and building lasting relationships with every client."

Community Response:
Vinings Forest resident Kristi Anderson vouches for their work quality and reliability, highlighting how local service providers often deliver superior results compared to large companies because they understand neighborhood needs and maintain ongoing relationships with clients.

The Broader Impact:
When students start service-oriented businesses, they learn entrepreneurship while strengthening community bonds.

Their success depends on reputation and relationship-building rather than marketing budgets, creating accountability that benefits everyone involved.

Why it matters locally: Young entrepreneurs who prioritize community service over quick profits become the foundation for long-term neighborhood prosperity.

They understand that sustainable success comes from making neighbors' lives better, not just maximizing revenue—a lesson that strengthens our entire community fabric.

EVENT HORIZON
Your Week in Smyrna-Vinings

• 🚚 Food Truck Tuesday: Savor gourmet bites, sweets, and music every Tuesday night. 📍 Taylor-Brawner Park | 🗓 Tuesday, August 26th | ⏰ 5–9 PM

• 🛍️ Smyrna Market: Shop 40+ vendors with food, crafts, local goods, and fresh finds. 📍 City Hall, 2800 King Street | 🗓 Sunday, August 31st | ⏰ 10 AM–2 PM

• 🏃 Monday Night Run Club - Run Smyrna: Meet fellow runners for a relaxed 3–5 mile run📍Smyrna Beer Market (by Stout Brothers, SW of the fountain). 🗓 Monday, September 1st | ⏰ Meet at 6:30 PM, run starts shortly after (Run at your own pace, and your own risk.)

HIDDEN GEM
🏠 Local Service Businesses: The Neighborhood Advantage

Small, locally-owned service businesses like Leisure Brothers represent a hidden strength in our community fabric—personal accountability, neighborhood knowledge, and relationship-based reliability that large companies cannot replicate.

Why Local Matters:

• Personal Stakes: Local service providers live in the community they serve, making reputation and relationships more valuable than individual transactions

• Neighborhood Knowledge: They understand local preferences, common property issues, and community standards

• Flexible Service: Small businesses adapt quickly to individual needs rather than following corporate protocols

• Economic Multiplier: Money spent locally circulates through the community multiple times

The Trust Factor:
When Vinings resident Kristi Anderson recommends Leisure Brothers based on direct experience, that endorsement carries more weight than online reviews or advertising campaigns.

Neighbor-to-neighbor recommendations create accountability that protects everyone involved.

Supporting Local Success:
Consider local providers first for moving, yard work, cleaning, repairs, and other home services. Even if costs occasionally run slightly higher, the relationship value, reliability, and community economic benefits often provide superior overall value.

Why it matters locally: Every dollar spent with local service providers strengthens neighborhood economic resilience while building the personal connections that make communities thrive.

When residents support local businesses, they invest in relationships that enhance property values, safety, and quality of life.

👋 Until Next Tuesday

This week demonstrated how genuine community engagement creates better outcomes for everyone involved.

From downtown redevelopment surveys to Friday night football, from local service businesses to understanding economic pressures, engaged residents make the difference between communities that thrive and those that simply endure.

Whether it's providing input on multimillion-dollar development projects or supporting student entrepreneurs building neighborhood connections, your participation matters more than you might realize.

The strongest communities aren't built by elected officials or business leaders alone—they're built by residents who show up, speak up, and step up when their neighbors need them most.

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Thanks for being part of a brighter future for Smyrna-Vinings.
— The Stewardship Group

P.S. This week's Stewardship challenge: Take The Downtown Survey
Community engagement only works when communities actually engage. Democracy isn't a spectator sport—it requires active participation from residents who care about long-term outcomes more than short-term convenience.