Zoning granted for 23-acre development

A 23.5-acre development including a Kroger was approved 4-1 Feb. 20 by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners.

Opposed to the rezoning was Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, although she agreed with the other commissioners on the climate-controlled self-storage facility.

Almost opposing the rezoning, Commission Chairman Mike Boyce changed his decision once he was assured that houses of worship will be allowed.

“I did not spend 30 years defending the Constitution to prohibit places of worship,” added Boyce, who served in several leadership roles in the Marine Corps.

This $120 million investment will create nearly 200 jobs, according to attorney Garvis Sams for the applicant SSP Blue Ridge.

The site is the northwest side of Terrell Mill Road and west side of Powers Ferry Road — an assemblage of nine buildings, including Brumby Elementary School.

While the Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance supported the proposal, a representative from the adjacent Salem Ridge Townhomes requested a postponement until March since the self-storage facility was a new addition to the site plan.

Against the delay, Commissioner Bob Ott said an impasse has been reached with 261 emails in support and 30 emails opposed, plus 134 in favor in attendance and 25 opposed in attendance.