McDonough, Georgia Development News
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City Council Workshop - Media
Published: Jul 2, 2026
Resident Challenges City's Grass Cutting Ordinance Due to Health and Jurisdictional Concerns
During the public comment section, resident Michael Williams addressed concerns regarding the city ordinance limiting grass cutting hours, specifically ordinance 2657.1 D2B, which prohibits cutting grass from 6:59 a.m. to 8:01 p.m. He contrasted this with the previous ordinance (121217B) which allowed cutting from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Williams stated his address at 176 Regional Park Drive falls under Henry County jurisdiction, not the city of McDonough, and therefore he intends to follow Henry County's regulations for grass cutting (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.). He cited personal health issues, including COPD and heat sensitivity, making it difficult to cut grass within the limited city hours, especially during extreme heat. Williams requested the law be changed, suggesting hours from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., citing that it remains daylight and that neighbors are seen cutting grass after 8:01 p.m. He also mentioned perceived vindictive behavior from neighbors due to past noise complaints he made.
Lakemont Drive Paving Approved, Storm Drain Easement Granted
The city council approved a request for on-site paving to complete asphalt milling and overlay on Lakemont Drive, at a cost of $94,498, funded through SPLOSH. This work is being done before the installation of five approved speed tables on Lakemont Road, as the road was found to be in poor condition. The paving will cover approximately 2,713 square yards of asphalt milling and 146 square yards of overlay. A question was raised about potential funding assistance from the school, but it was clarified that Lakemont Drive is a city street and not the school's driveway, though it serves the school entrance. The council also discussed plans for speed humps within the Lakemont subdivision, noting that a study did not confirm the need, but a petition might be in circulation. Additionally, approval was granted for a storm drain easement agreement with McDonough Leasing House Associates for Willow Place Community at 305 Racetrack Road to address runoff issues. This involves installing storm drain infrastructure and a permanent easement for future repairs, which will also help manage the city's detention pond runoff.
Eco-Friendly 'Eden' Development Proposed: 79 Acres to be Annexed and Rezoned for Planned Unit Development
The city council considered a request to annex and rezone approximately 79 acres located at 820 and 964 Racetrack Road from RA single-family residential to PUD (Planned Unit Development) zoning. The proposed development, named Eden, is planned as a farming, eco-friendly community with two community gardens (one HOA-maintained, one public), walkable lifestyle features, natural elements like a pond and creeks with walking trails, and amenities such as a clubhouse and dog parks. The site plan shows 96 lots with an average minimum size of 10,890 square feet, and a two-acre area for local retailers with 1,000 square foot micro-shops, emphasizing local businesses. The development will also incorporate edible plants around the community and offer farming classes. The expected price range for properties is estimated to start around $400,000, with minimum home sizes of 2,800 square feet. The property is in a protected watershed district and currently features an old pecan orchard, which the development aims to preserve.
Traffic Safety Measures Discussed: Flashing Lights Installed, New Traffic Signal Planned
The city council discussed the installation of flashing lights at a walkway crossing Lawrenceville Street and the proposed installation of a traffic signal at Old Griffin Road and Highway 155. The flashing lights were already installed at the walkway on Lawrenceville Street prior to council approval, with no fee to the city, as a measure to address drivers running red lights and stop signs in that area. Regarding the intersection of Old Griffin Road and Highway 155, GDOT is finalizing signal plans and requires formal city council authorization for the mayor to execute the application. While GDOT will handle installation, the city will cover the cost of powering the traffic signal. Concerns were raised about the lack of safety warning lights at the McDonough High School pedestrian crossing on Zach Hinton, despite its use for six years, contrasted with the recent installation of lights at Lawrenceville Street. GDOT is scheduled to make a presentation in August, providing an opportunity for direct discussion on such safety concerns.
Avalon Parkway Rezoning for Commercial Flexibility Approved
A request was made to rezone property on Avalon Parkway from C2 general commercial to C3 Highway Commercial with conditions. The property, part of the Synchrony Terrace development, is located across from Hyundai and Kia dealerships. The applicant, Synchrony Properties, seeks to combine two parcels with split zoning (C2 and C3 conditional) into a single C3 conditional zoned parcel to provide flexibility for future development, potentially accommodating larger users like automotive businesses, restaurants, or recreational facilities. Currently, there are two and a half usable acres due to a detention pond, creek buffers, and a power line easement. The applicant had previously explored options with a car dealership prospect and wants the flexibility to market the land either as one larger parcel or divided into smaller lots, depending on market demand. This rezoning aims to unify the zoning to C3 conditional with the same conditions as the original rezoning, allowing for marketing to users requiring up to eight acres of usable property. The property is situated between the city's park and an existing Marriott Suites hotel.
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HOA Educational Workshop - Media
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City Council Workshop - Media
City Council Workshop - Media
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