A Closer Look at South Cobb Studies and What They Mean For You

South Cobb never has a shortage of studies being conducted in various areas: the Historic Mableton area, the River Line area, the Six Flags area, just to name a few.

Here's a quick guide to the current studies going on in South Cobb and what their outcomes could mean for you as a resident.

Six Flags Livable Centers Initiative

Who is conducting the study? Atlanta Regional Commission, but managed by Cobb DOT manages the study, with support from the Cobb County Community Development Agency and the Cobb County Department Office of Economic Development.

What is the study's purpose? The purpose of this $125,000 study is to develop a plan to improve the area’s transportation infrastructure, while encouraging “viable land use planning” to “energize economic development,” according to a fact sheet from the Cobb Department of Transportation.

How will the outcome affect my community? If the recommendations from the firm contracted to conduct the study are approved by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, the ARC can designate the area a Livable Community. As a Livable Community, the Six Flags Corridor qualifies for additional transportation funding from the ARC and “positions the area to compete” with adjacent cities and towns.

When is the next actionable step of the study taking place? The public hearing about the study will take place before the Cobb Planning Commission on June 5 at 9 a.m. Residents can speak during the hearing about the study and recommendations produced from it. Until May 31, copies of the study are available at the South Cobb Recreation Center and the South Cobb Regional Library. Residents can also download the study at any time at www.dot.cobbcountyga.gov.

United Way Opportunity Zone

Who is conducting the study? The United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta funds the $35,000 grant for the study, but it is facilitated by a group of stakeholders who make up the Council on the Opportunity Zone.

What is the study's purpose? This study helps to find ways to mitigate social issues or challenges in the three-mile span of the Six Flags Corridor by implementing community input and equipping citizens with needed resources.

How will the outcome affect my community? COZ has created a strategic development plan, once carried out, should improve the quality of life for residents of the Six Flags Corridor, making South Cobb an even more attractive place to live or work. Additionally, it will help residents gain skills to gain and keep jobs.

When is the next actionable step of the study taking place? Although COZ hosted several "community cafes" during 2011, there are no upcoming scheduled events for the community.