When Budgets Meet Dreams: Your Downtown Future Decided

Good morning Stewards,

Sometimes the most revealing conversations happen when budgets and dreams collide.

This week brought a fascinating paradox to light.

While our community rallies behind ambitious downtown redevelopment plans with overwhelming support, our city faces an unusual challenge—declining property tax revenue for the first time in over a decade.

From new businesses choosing Smyrna as their home to longtime establishments closing their doors, from flood watches to bridge collisions, this week reminded us that progress isn't always linear.

But it's in these moments of complexity that engaged citizenship matters most.

Your voice has never been more essential as we navigate the intersection of fiscal responsibility and community vision.

— Your Voice for Local Prosperity

In Today's Edition

• 🌱 Difference Makers: Smyrna Police empower kids against bullying

• 🏗️ Downtown Update: Community vision shapes $15.8M redevelopment

• 💼 Business Beat: 50 new licenses countered by longtime closure

• 🛡️ Stewards Watch: Flood watch active through Tuesday

• 📅 Event Horizon: What's Going Down in Smyrna-Vinings this Week

• 🏛️ Public Pulse: Property tax revenue sees rare decline

DIFFERENCE MAKERS
Smyrna Police Empower Kids Against Bullying

Smyrna Police are hosting their annual RAD Kids camp to empower children against bullying, providing free programming that teaches kids aged 8 to 12 how to recognize and respond to bullying situations.

The program ensures students return to school equipped with confidence and tools to speak up when faced with challenging situations.

RAD Kids focuses on practical skills that help children navigate difficult social dynamics while building self-confidence.

This proactive approach to community safety demonstrates how law enforcement can address problems before they escalate.

By teaching children to recognize and respond appropriately to bullying, the program creates a foundation for safer school environments.

Why it matters locally: With school starting soon, this program provides Smyrna families with practical tools their children can use immediately.

When kids know how to handle bullying situations confidently, it creates safer environments for all students and reduces the likelihood of conflicts escalating.

DOWNTOWN UPDATE
Community Vision Drives $15.8M Redevelopment

Smyrna's downtown redevelopment project is moving to phase two with remarkable community engagement—86% of survey respondents support transforming the former First Baptist Church property into a mixed-use extension of downtown.

"From the mayor and council perspective, we couldn't be more excited about, probably the biggest project we've ever done in the city in our history," Mayor Derek Norton said in a recent video update.

Luis Calvo, a planner with MKSK consulting firm, has engaged approximately 2,600 Smyrna voices through online surveys, community meetings, and outreach efforts.

The overwhelming majority want unique, local restaurants and retail that complement existing downtown businesses.

"Not just any restaurants. Unique, local places. Things that will complement what's already here. People don't necessarily want change, they want something that has a Smyrna flavor to it," Calvo explained.

Support for housing was more mixed, with 46% of respondents expressing hesitation about residential components.

The nine-acre site represents twice the footprint of current downtown Smyrna.

Why it matters locally: This level of community engagement ensures that our downtown development reflects actual resident priorities rather than developer preferences.

With $15.8 million of public investment at stake, meaningful citizen input helps create outcomes that benefit the entire community for decades to come.

BUSINESS BEAT
Growth and Departures Shape Local Economy

Cobb County licensed 50 new businesses in the week ending August 1, including several in Smyrna.

These businesses span various industries, from personal care homes to consulting services, reflecting continued economic activity and growth.

However, the business landscape also saw a significant departure. Shane's Rib Shack at 3155 Cobb Parkway in Cumberland permanently closed on July 27 after more than 20 years serving the area.

"To our amazing guests and community, After much thought, we've made the difficult decision to close the Cumberland Shane's Rib Shack," the restaurant announced on Facebook. "Thank you for the years of support, memories, and meals shared."

The closure joins several other Shane's locations across Georgia that have recently shuttered, including sites in Cartersville, Dunwoody, Peachtree City, and McDonough.

Why it matters locally: The contrast between new business licenses and established closures reflects the dynamic nature of our local economy.

While new enterprises choose Smyrna for their potential, even longtime favorites face challenges in today's business environment.

Supporting local businesses through this transition helps maintain the economic diversity that strengthens our community.

PUBLIC PULSE
Flood Watch Active Through Tuesday Evening

A flood watch remains in effect through Tuesday evening for metro Atlanta, including Cobb County.

The National Weather Service warns that excessive rainfall could cause flooding in rivers, creeks, streams, and low-lying areas.

Isolated downpours could drop up to 6 inches in some areas, with 1 to 3 inches anticipated across most impacted regions.

Monday brings an 80% chance of precipitation as "a very moist air mass remains in place across the region."

The flood watch includes specific warnings for poor drainage and urban areas where runoff typically creates hazardous conditions quickly.

Immediate precautions:

• Monitor weather alerts and avoid flooded roadways

• Clear storm drains near your property of debris

• Move vehicles from low-lying parking areas

• Prepare emergency supplies in case of power outages

Also this week: The Historic Concord Covered Bridge near the Smyrna/Mableton line was struck again Wednesday morning when a van hit its protective beam.

This marks the second collision in July and the 55th incident since May 2022, according to Mableton Councilwoman Patricia Auch's tracking.

Why it matters locally: Flash flooding poses serious risks to our community, particularly in areas with poor drainage.

The repeated bridge collisions highlight ongoing infrastructure challenges that affect daily commutes and emergency response times.

PUBLIC PULSE
Property Tax Revenue Sees Rare Decline

Despite maintaining its flat millage rate of 8.99 mills—unchanged since 2008—Smyrna expects to collect $254,031 less in property taxes than last year, a decrease of 0.7%.

The decline stems from sluggish growth in the tax digest—the total value of all taxable property in the city.

Smyrna's digest will likely grow by 1% or less this year, compared to nearly 3% countywide growth.

Robinson attributes the trend to slower development, reduced home sales, and Smyrna's floating homestead exemption, which allows homeowners to freeze their assessed property values.

"We're kind of in a status quo situation right now," Robinson explained. "We're not really adding a lot to the digest and people aren't moving in and moving out like they used to."

Despite the revenue decline, the city's general fund budget increases by $2.5 million due to other revenue sources.

Mayor Derek Norton emphasized fiscal responsibility: "We're proud of our fiscal responsibility in keeping that millage the same."

Why it matters locally: This unusual revenue decline occurs as the city undertakes its largest development project ever.

Understanding these fiscal dynamics helps residents evaluate the importance of projects that grow the tax base while maintaining the responsible spending that has kept our millage rate flat for 17 years.

EVENT HORIZON
Your Week in Smyrna-Vinings

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

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

• 🧱 LEGO Club: LEGO Club provides bricks and inspiration for kids to create a different design each month. 📍 Smyrna Library, Meeting Room | 🗓 Monday, August 11th, 2025 | ⏰ 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (📝 5-10 years old)

• 🏃 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, August 11th | ⏰ Meet at 6:30 PM, run starts shortly after (Run at your own pace, and your own risk.)

👋 Until Next Tuesday

This week highlighted the complex realities of municipal management—balancing ambitious community visions with fiscal constraints, celebrating new business growth while acknowledging longtime departures, and navigating weather challenges that test our infrastructure.

The overwhelming support for downtown redevelopment demonstrates our community's confidence in Smyrna's future, even as declining property tax revenue reminds us that growth requires constant attention and engagement.

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💬 Chat with your neighbors: CobbTalk Forum

📬 Stay in the loop: Sign up for Smyrna-Vinings news delivered right to your inbox every Tuesday @ 8 AM

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

P.S. Stewardship Challenge of the Week: Attend the Downtown Meeting
The August 18 community meeting represents a crucial moment in our city's development.

With 86% community support and $15.8 million in public investment, this project will shape Smyrna for decades. Your participation ensures that community vision, not just developer interests, guides this transformative project.