Corey Deon Thornton

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Initial announcements addressed recent political violence and extended condolences. Council members provided updates, including a successful Ward D community cleanup event. Committee reports indicated ongoing work on grievance policy, performance evaluations, and budget monitoring for fiscal year 2025. The council approved the agenda and minutes from previous regular and special call meetings. Two public hearings were held concerning zoning matters. The first involved a request for a special use permit for a habitable accessory structure at 3542 Carriageway, which was ultimately approved after waiving the first reading. The second public hearing addressed the rezoning of 1910 Phillips Avenue from R1A to R3 multifam; however, the applicant requested a deferral until the August 19th meeting, which the council approved.

The Planning and Zoning Commission's regular meeting and public hearing agenda included several new business items concerning land use applications. Key discussions involved requests for rezoning from R-1 Single Family to R-3 Multifamily Development with a concurrent variance, as well as multiple requests for variances related to stream buffer setback requirements. One case also involved a request for a Variance to allow Cementous siding for two new single-family homes. Additionally, a Use Permit was requested for a habitable accessory structure.

The meeting commenced with the invocation and pledge to the flag. Key procedural actions included the adoption of the council agenda and the approval of minutes from the regular meeting on December 1, 2025, and the special call meeting on December 8, 2025. The main focus was the public hearing regarding a zoning condition modification for case P2025ZM-00001-10 at 1457 Gus Thornhill Drive. The applicant sought to increase density from seven to twelve townhome units, citing economic viability and compliance with the Cleveland Avenue overlay district, which staff and the Planning Commission recommended for approval with an added condition for enhanced landscaping and lighting. Several residents spoke in favor of the request, noting the improved affordability of the proposed design compared to the previous one. One resident formally challenged the commission's action, arguing it exceeded legal authority by overriding baseline use restrictions without amending the underlying land use classification.

The Special Called Meeting convened for the purpose of holding two public hearings concerning proposed redevelopment plans for the creation of two Tax Allocation Districts (TADs). Attorney Charles Johnson introduced the presenter who provided an overview of the process and the legal requirements for holding public hearings on predevelopment plans, emphasizing the need to establish the base year value before the end of 2025 to maximize benefits. Key discussion points included the existing TAD structure, the proposal for two new TADs (TAD South/TAD 3 and implied TAD North), the city's remaining capacity under the 10% tax digest cap, and the definition and benefits of a TAD, which focuses growth revenue back into the designated redevelopment area for infrastructure improvements. The council discussed the specific boundaries and goals for TAD 3, which targets old industrial areas like the Owens, Illinois site. No votes were taken on the plans during this session, as it was solely for the public hearing requirement.

The meeting featured updates from the Arts Exchange, including details on writing workshops, open mic events, and upcoming art shows like 'Toxic Beauty'. The council also heard from the Assistant Director of Solid Waste Services regarding proposed reroutes for solid waste collection aimed at increasing efficiency by sweeping the city systematically rather than back and forth, with an implementation target of July 1st. Additionally, WellStar Hospital representatives provided updates on community health initiatives, including a 'Know Your Numbers' health event scheduled for April 18th focused on screenings and health awareness. Discussions also covered the sustainability model of the previously closed local hospital, noting that its closure was due to high operating costs driven by low hospitalization rates relative to emergency department utilization. Partners like Southside Medical Center were mentioned as collaborators in providing ongoing community healthcare, including urgent care services.