Shavala Ames

The work session included a public hearing regarding the 2026 Comprehensive Plan update. Discussions also covered the Stone Mountain Community Garden, the Planning Commission, and the Historic Preservation Commission. Staff provided reports on public safety and financial updates. Council members reviewed various new business items, including a variance application for 1082 New Gibraltar Square, the designation of Mardi Gras as a city-wide event, approval of the 2026 Special Events Calendar, fund reallocation for staff positions, engineering services agreements, and an intergovernmental agreement with the Downtown Development Authority. Additionally, the Council considered initiating a review of HB 581 and a first reading of Ordinance 1008B for Main Street.

The 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update aims to develop and refine the community's vision, promote understanding of local issues, preserve and improve the quality of life, protect property rights, and guide growth and development. The plan serves to meet state requirements for Qualified Local Government (QLG) Status, enabling access to funding and assistance programs. Key elements include Needs & Opportunities, Vision & Goals, Broadband, Community Work Program, Land Use, CIE Transportation, Economic Development, and Housing. The plan also considers optional elements such as Greenspace, Public Safety, Education, and Infrastructure.

This document outlines the City of Stone Mountain's 2026 Comprehensive Plan. It details future land use designations including various residential, commercial, public, and mixed-use zones, alongside overlay districts for economic development and specific zoning classifications. The plan identifies several catalyst sites or nodes, such as Main Street and its intersections, outlining proposed infrastructure improvements. These improvements encompass elements like seating, lighting, signage, multi-use paths, and green infrastructure. Additionally, the plan references a 2016 annexation report with estimated expenditures and revenues.

The City Council meeting included updates on the Hearthstone Subdivision Covenant Restrictions and discussions regarding an Easement Agreement at 5197 Central Drive and Rockborough Subdivision Sign Permissions. The council addressed a Variance Application for 5500 Woodsong Trace, a Conditional Use Application for a Church at 5363 Manor Drive, and the Tentative Adoption of the 2019 Millage Rate. Amendments to the FY 2019 and FY2018 budgets were approved. Committee reports were given for Economic Development/Downtown Development Authority, Sub-Committee for Busking Permissions and Parks & Recreation Committee. The council also went into executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting included discussions and potential approvals for site changes at various addresses, including the addition of a front patio roof, fence rebuild, awning installation, shingle replacement, and roll-up door additions at 5379 East Mountain St. Other projects involved window and door modifications at 766 Fourth St., demolition work at 834 Third St., and the construction of two-story duplexes at 1050 and 1054 Fourth St. Additional topics included painting and fence erection at 5163 Poplar Springs Rd., and the construction of a new single-family home at 5209 Skyline Dr. The commission also reviewed an update on 900 VFW Drive and discussed issues related to 901 Main Street, as well as failures to maintain historic properties at several addresses.