Forest Park, GA

City Council

The City Council will review a proposal to update core network equipment and consider an amendment to the city ordinance regarding firearms in parks. The meeting also includes a 2026 department update from Fire & Emergency Services.

• Proposed contract with InterDev for network server refresh not to exceed $300,000
• Proposed amendment to Ordinance § 7-1-1(n) regarding firearms prohibition in City parks
• Proposed MOU with Georgia Department of Agriculture for a fire department donation drive
• 2026 Forest Park Fire & Emergency Services department update
• Swearing in of Mr. John Jackson to the Beautification Committee

City Council

The City Council will discuss updating the city's core network infrastructure and amending a city ordinance regarding firearms in parks. The body is also considering an agreement to allow fire services to hold a donation drive at the State Farmers Market.

• Approval for a $300,000 network server refresh with InterDev
• Proposed amendment to Ordinance § 7-1-1(n) regarding firearms in City parks
• Memorandum of Understanding with Georgia Department of Agriculture for a fire department donation drive

General

The Planning Commission is holding a special called meeting to review a proposed amendment to the city's zoning code. The body will discuss Case #: TA-2026-04 regarding the definition and regulation of data centers.

• Case #: TA-2026-04: Proposed amendments to Title 8, Chapter 8, Articles A, B, and C to regulate data centers

Planning Commission

Development Authority

General

Urban Redevelopment Authority

City Council

City Council

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Development Authority

Development Authority

Downtown Development Authority

City Council

City Council

Urban Redevelopment Authority

Urban Redevelopment Authority

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

City Council

City Council

Development Authority

Development Authority

City Council

City Council

Urban Redevelopment Authority

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

City Council

City Council

Development Authority

Development Authority

City Council

City Council

Urban Redevelopment Authority

City Council

City Council

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Development Authority

Development Authority

City Council

City Council

Urban Redevelopment Authority

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Development Authority

City Council

City Council

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Development Authority

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Development Authority

General

The Beautification Committee is meeting to coordinate upcoming community events and review neighborhood initiatives. Discussions include the Neighbors Helping Neighbors initiative and planning for the Fall Festival and December holiday parade.

• Review of Neighbors Helping Neighbors initiative funding and application
• Planning for Great Scarecrow Showdown logistics and judging
• Proposed joint community cleanup with Rock Church on November 7, 2026
• Coordination of committee table and giveaways for the November 7 Fall Festival
• Planning for the December 5, 2026, holiday event and parade

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will discuss economic incentives for a Gillem District warehouse and bond assignments for Gillem 1200. The board is also reviewing lease terms for commercial suites at 819 Forest Parkway and a lease renewal for 4987 East Street.

• Proposed 10-year tax abatement for Scannell Properties industrial warehouse
• Assignment of bond, lease, and Issuer Resolution for Gillem 1200
• Proposed lease for 819 Forest Parkway Suite B at $18 per square foot ($2,250/month)
• Lease renewal for existing tenant at 4987 East Street
• Renewal of landscaping contract for the City Fountain at 886 Main Street

City Council

The City Council will discuss the purchase of a new vehicle for the Public Works Department. The body will also consider an appointment to the Beautification Committee and receive an economic development update.

• Purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Work Truck from Hardy Chevrolet for $54,800.00
• Appointment of Mr. John Jackson to the Beautification Committee
• Economic Development and Authorities Update presentation

City Council

The City Council will discuss the purchase of a new vehicle for the Public Works Department. The body will also consider an appointment to the Beautification Committee.

• Purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Work Truck from Hardy Chevrolet for $54,800.00
• Appointment of Mr. John Jackson to the Beautification Committee

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

The Urban Design Review Board will meet to consider three separate construction requests. The board will also vote on the approval of the July 17, 2026, meeting minutes.

• One-story residence construction at 4648 Ernest Drive
• Smoothie King drive-thru window construction at 4841 Jonesboro Rd.
• Two-story residence construction at 0 Curtis Drive

Urban Design Review Board

Planning Commission

Urban Redevelopment Authority

The Urban Redevelopment Agency will review monthly operations for the Park at Fort Gillem and the 2026 Annual Institutional Control Report for the former Fort Gillem property. The board will also discuss the acquisition of 260 Forest Parkway and beautification of the Old Fire Station grounds.

• Review of Park at Fort Gillem monthly report for 125 former military housing units
• Discussion of 260 Forest Parkway acquisition approved for $3.3 million
• Review of 2026 Annual Institutional Control Report for former Fort Gillem
• Proposal for Old Fire Station grounds beautification

City Council

The Forest Park City Council meets Monday, October 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM at City Hall, 745 Forest Parkway, for a work session. The council will hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit for an existing flea market at 4140 Jonesboro Rd, and consider an updated 2026 Official Zoning Map that consolidates previously approved rezonings. Other items include surplus office chairs, renaming a park and a Public Works building for Tonya Thomas, and discussion of a parental leave policy and a city facility use policy. An executive session on personnel, litigation, real estate, or cyber security is also listed.

• Public hearing on Case # CUP-2026-04: conditional use permit for Zarin Bhimani to continue operating an existing flea market at 4140 Jonesboro Rd in the General Commercial District, Ward 1; Planning Commission recommended approval with 12 conditions on September 17, 2026
• Consideration of the updated 2026 Official Zoning Map, replacing the map adopted September 7, 2021; staff say it reflects previously approved rezonings and creates no new zoning changes
• Approval to surplus six unused office chairs in the Planning and Community Development Department, requested for the Consent Agenda
• Renaming Theater Drive Park at 4375 Old Jonesboro Road to 'Tonya Thomas Memorial Park' and the Public Works Complex at 5230 Jones Road to 'Tonya Thomas Public Works Complex'
• Discussion of up to 40 hours (one week) of paid parental leave for eligible City employees and a review of Section 7-1-3, Reservations of Facilities by Groups, for a citywide facility use policy

City Council

The Forest Park City Council meets Monday, October 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM at City Hall, 745 Forest Parkway. The council will consider a Conditional Use Permit for an existing flea market at 4140 Jonesboro Rd, an updated 2026 Official Zoning Map, and renaming two city facilities in honor of Tonya Thomas. It will also vote on meeting minutes, surplus six office chairs, and hold an executive session on personnel, litigation, real estate, or cyber security.

• Conditional Use Permit CUP-2026-04 for continued flea market operation at 4140 Jonesboro Rd (Ward 1); Planning Commission recommended approval Sept 17, 2026 with 12 conditions, including a Property Improvement Plan within 90 days
• Updated 2026 Official Zoning Map to replace the 2021 map; staff say it consolidates previously approved rezonings and creates no new zoning changes
• Renaming Theater Drive Park at 4375 Old Jonesboro Road to 'Tonya Thomas Memorial Park' and the Public Works Complex at 5230 Jones Road to 'Tonya Thomas Public Works Complex'
• Surplus of six unused office chairs from the Planning and Community Development Department (consent agenda)
• Executive session for personnel, litigation, real estate, or cyber security under OCGA § 50-14-1

Beautification Committee

The Forest Park Beautification Committee meets Monday, September 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM at 785 Forest Parkway. The committee will approve its July 27, 2026 minutes, revisit the Neighbor Helping Neighbors Initiative and distribution of approved flyers, and take up new business including nominating a chair to replace Kwan Rhea, a discussion with Public Information Officer Javon, a budget discussion, and candidate qualifications. Signage updates are also listed before adjournment.

• Nomination/confirmation of a chair to replace Kwan Rhea
• Budget discussion (no dollar amounts listed in the agenda)
• Discussion with Javon, Public Information Officer
• Old business: Neighbor Helping Neighbors Initiative and distribution of approved flyers
• Signage updates

General

Downtown Development Authority

The Forest Park Downtown Development Authority will review proposed tax abatement incentives for three development projects: Project Scannell (a 281,880-square-foot speculative warehouse), Project Gateway (a $20 million automotive parts distribution facility at 2160 Anvil Block Road), and Digital Realty (a $3 billion data center campus at Fort Gillem). The board will also discuss a proposed Community Benefits Agreement for Digital Realty and consider allocating Falcon Engineering soil and erosion costs to the DDA budget. The meeting includes routine items such as approval of minutes and public comments.

• Review of Project Scannell tax abatement for a 281,880 sq ft speculative warehouse on ~22 acres
• Review of Project Gateway tax abatement for a ~400,000 sq ft distribution facility at 2160 Anvil Block Road, with ~$20M capital investment and ~95 new jobs
• Review of Digital Realty tax abatement and Community Benefits Agreement for a $3B data center campus at Fort Gillem
• Proposal to allocate Falcon Engineering soil and erosion costs to DDA budget for FY 2026-2027
• Approval of minutes from August 27 and September 9, 2026 meetings

The Board denied a request for an amended tax abatement schedule for Project Gateway. The Board also approved a $35,000 budget amendment to cover soil and erosion control services for projects within DDA boundaries.

• Denied Project Gateway's proposed amended tax abatement schedule (Unanimous)
• Approved $35,000 amendment to FY26-27 DDA Budget for soil and erosion control services (Unanimous)
• Approved September 24, 2026 agenda with removal of item #5 (Unanimous)
• Approved Regular Meeting minutes from August 27, 2026 and Special Called Meeting minutes from September 9, 2026 (Unanimous)

Development Authority

The Forest Park Development Authority is meeting to discuss updates on the container-based development ordinance for Main Street and the ground lease for 670 Main Street. The board will also review August 2026 minutes and receive finance and economic development updates. No final votes are scheduled on these items.

• Container-based development ordinance under review with recommendations on zoning, site design, safety, and infrastructure
• 670 Main Street ground lease with Liberty Ministries Family Worship Inc. for overflow parking at $200/month, 60-day termination
• Approval of August 26, 2026 meeting minutes
• August 2026 finance update
• September 2026 economic development report

City Council

The Forest Park City Council is holding a work session to discuss and consider several items, including a public hearing on a proposed property tax increase due to rising property values, a budget amendment, and a sanitation fee increase. The council will also receive a presentation on the Recreation Center project and consider establishing a senior yard assistance program.

• Public Hearing #2 on millage rate: proposed 16.74 mills, a 1.49% increase, resulting in ~9.96% tax increase on a $100,000 home
• FY25/26 Budget Amendment #7: $2,590,472 increase in General Fund appropriations, no change to total $44,263,642
• Approval of updated IT policies including new AI policy
• Establishment of Senior Yard Assistance Program with funding authorization
• Sanitation fee increase: one-time 20% increase from $321.67 to $386.00 annually for residential services (2026-2029)

The Forest Park City Council held a work session on September 21, 2026, receiving presentations on the Recreation Center Project and a tentative millage rate. The council also discussed proposed updates to IT policies, a vehicle purchase, a sanitation fee increase, and the establishment of a senior yard assistance program, but took no final binding votes on these items during the work session.

• Adopted the meeting agenda with additions and deletions (5-0)
• Recessed the work session to enter a public hearing on the millage rate (5-0)
• Exited the public hearing and reconvened the work session (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the 2026 millage rate and a proposed 20% annual residential sanitation fee increase. The agenda also includes updates on the Recreation Center project and a proposal for a Senior Yard Assistance Program pilot.

• Public Hearing #3: Millage Rate Presentation and Adoption
• Proposed 20% annual residential sanitation fee increase (from $321.67 to $386.00) for tax years 2026 to 2029
• Proposed FY25/26 Budget Amendment #7 involving a $2,590,472 increase in General Fund appropriations
• Purchase of 2026 Silverado 2500HD 4WD Crew Cab for Public Works
• Proposal for a Forest Park Senior Yard Assistance Program pilot for approximately 100 residents

City Council approved a millage rate of 16.74, which will result in a property tax increase due to rising property values. The council denied a proposed 20% increase in residential sanitation fees. Other actions included approving a budget amendment and updated IT policies.

• Approved millage rate of 16.74 (4-1)
• Denied 20% residential sanitation fee increase (3-2)
• Approved FY25/26 Budget Amendment #7 (5-0)
• Approved updated IT Policies, including new AI guidelines (5-0)
• Approved $53,100 purchase of 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD (5-0)
• Adopted Work Session Minutes from September 8, 2026 (5-0)
• Tabled Regular Session Meeting Minutes from September 8, 2026 (5-0)

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Planning Commission

The Forest Park Planning Commission will consider two items: a conditional use permit to continue a flea market at 4140 Jonesboro Road and a variance to reduce the rear yard setback at 876 Slaton Street. The commission will also approve minutes from the August 20, 2026 meeting.

• Conditional Use Permit (CUP-2026-04) for flea market at 4140 Jonesboro Road, Ward 3
• Variance (VAR-2026-05) to reduce rear yard setback from 30 to 20 feet at 876 Slaton Street, Ward 2
• Approval of August 20, 2026 meeting minutes

Urban Redevelopment Authority

The Urban Redevelopment Authority will review progress on several redevelopment projects and financial updates. The Board will also consider a request for up to $2,500 to support housing committee members attending a retreat.

• Update on The Grapevine culinary incubator project and $3.6 million commitment
• Request for up to $2,500 for GICH Fall Retreat registrations and accommodations
• Oasis Consulting Services contract update regarding Stephens Lake
• Monthly report for the 125-unit Park at Fort Gillem property
• Landscape services update for 330 Forest Parkway

The Urban Redevelopment Agency approved Anderson Lawn Care for landscaping services at two properties and authorized up to $2,500 for staff to attend a housing retreat. The board tabled further review of the Oasis Consulting Services contract to allow time for invoice analysis. Staff also reported that the Florence on Main project received state tax credits and that the Park at Fort Gillem continues to face low occupancy.

• Approved Anderson Lawn Care for landscaping at 330 Forest Parkway and 371 Central Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved up to $2,500 for GICH Fall Retreat participation (unanimous)
• Tabled further consideration of Oasis Consulting Services contract expenditures
• Approved agenda and August 13, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Entered and exited Executive Session for Real Estate matters (unanimous)

Downtown Development Authority

The Forest Park Downtown Development Authority will hold a special called meeting to review and potentially approve several contracts: a landscaping contractor for FY2026-27, a property survey for 868 Forest Parkway, a roof inspection for 819 Forest Parkway, and a dumpster gate replacement for 819 Forest Parkway. These are routine property maintenance and redevelopment items.

• Approval of FY26-27 landscape contractor for DDA-owned properties in Downtown/Main Street District
• Approval of property survey contract for 868 Forest Parkway for future retail space
• Approval of roof inspection proposal for 819 Forest Parkway
• Approval of dumpster gate replacement at 819 Forest Parkway (Little Caesars plaza) for $6,450 from Home Depot

The Downtown Development Authority approved a landscaping contract for FY26-27 and authorized several maintenance and planning projects for properties on Forest Parkway. These actions include a property survey, a roof inspection, and a dumpster gate replacement.

• Awarded FY26-27 Landscape Contract to TriScapes (Unanimous)
• Approved Valentino & Associates proposal for surveying services at 868 Forest Parkway (Unanimous)
• Approved Apollo Primm Commercial Roofing inspection proposal for 819 Forest Parkway (Unanimous)
• Approved $6,450 Home Depot proposal for dumpster gate replacement at 819 Forest Parkway (Unanimous)

City Council

The Forest Park City Council will discuss a 10.34% property tax increase due to rising property values, approve IT and janitorial service contracts totaling $599,000, and consider a text amendment to regulate nonconforming signs. The meeting also includes a presentation on the millage rate and a proposal to authorize transmittal of the Capital Improvements Element for the Development Impact Fee Program.

• 10.34% property tax increase due to millage rate of 16.74 mills (home valued at $100,000 sees ~9.96% increase)
• Blanket IT purchase orders: $342,000 (Interdev), $120,000 (Net2Atlanta), $66,000 (Ring Central)
• 3-month extension of janitorial contracts with At Trash, Inc. and KleanPro, Inc. ($97,000 for NOVA Engineering & Environmental)
• Text Amendment #TA-2026-03 to clarify nonconforming sign regulations for business changes
• Authorization to transmit Capital Improvements Element to Atlanta Regional Commission and Georgia DCA for review

The Forest Park City Council held a work session with no final votes, reviewing several items slated for the regular session consent agenda. Presentations covered a proposed 2026 millage rate of 16.74 mills (a 10.34% property tax increase due to rising values), blanket purchase orders for IT and planning services, a 3-month janitorial contract extension, a sign ordinance text amendment, and transmittal of the Capital Improvements Element. The council also entered executive session for personnel, litigation, real estate, or cybersecurity matters, reconvening with no action taken.

• Adopted agenda as presented (5-0)
• Convened executive session at 6:26 p.m. (5-0)
• Reconvened at 7:02 p.m. with no action and signed affidavit (5-0)
• Adjourned work session at 7:02 p.m.

City Council

The Forest Park City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed 2026 millage rate that, despite keeping the rate at 16.74 mills, would raise property taxes by 10.34% due to rising property values. The council will also consider a text amendment to tighten rules on nonconforming signs and authorize transmittal of a Capital Improvements Element for a future development impact fee program. Several consent agenda items include blanket purchase orders for IT and planning services and a 3-month extension of janitorial contracts.

• Public hearing on 2026 millage rate: 16.74 mills, property tax increase of 10.34%
• Text Amendment TA-2026-03 to clarify nonconforming sign regulations
• Resolution to transmit Capital Improvements Element to ARC and DCA for impact fee program
• Blanket purchase orders: Interdev $342,000, Net2Atlanta $120,000, Ring Central $66,000
• 3-month extension of janitorial contracts with At Trash, Inc. and KleanPro, Inc.

City Council approved a text amendment to regulate nonconforming signs and authorized the transmittal of the Capital Improvements Element for a new Development Impact Fee Program. The council also approved several IT and planning purchase orders and a fee waiver for a community prayer event.

• Approved Case #TA-2026-03 Text Amendment regarding nonconforming signs (5-0)
• Approved transmittal of Capital Improvements Element for Development Impact Fee Program (5-0)
• Approved $342,000 BPO for Interdev, $120,000 for Net2Atlanta, and $66,000 for Ring Central (5-0)
• Approved $97,000 BPO for NOVA Engineering & Environmental (5-0)
• Approved 3-month extension of janitorial contracts with At Trash, Inc. and KleanPro, Inc. (5-0)
• Approved free use of Starr Park amphitheater for Minister's Association Day of Prayer (5-0)
• Adopted meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from August 17 and August 31, 2026 (5-0)

General

General

The City of Forest Park is holding a special meeting to consider passing a 90-day moratorium on data centers. This is the only new business item on the agenda, alongside standard procedural steps like roll call and adoption of the agenda.

• Council consideration of a 90-day moratorium on data centers

The Forest Park City Council passed a 90-day moratorium on new data center applications to allow staff and the City Attorney to review and update zoning regulations. The moratorium passed unanimously 3-0, with discussion noting potential revenue from data centers and concerns about infrastructure, environmental impacts, and community involvement. The moratorium could end early if zoning changes are completed sooner.

• Passed 90-day moratorium on data centers (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:37 a.m. (3-0)

Downtown Development Authority

The Forest Park Downtown Development Authority will consider approving tax abatement incentives for two proposed developments, Project Scannell and Project Gateway, to support their financial feasibility and long-term economic benefits. The board will also review and approve contracts for landscaping, a property survey, a portable restroom trailer, and a roof inspection, along with finance reports and minutes. An economic development update covers ongoing projects and initiatives.

• Review and approval of tax abatement for Project Scannell
• Review and approval of tax abatement for Project Gateway
• Approval of FY26-27 landscape contractor
• Approval of property survey contract for 868 Forest Parkway
• Approval of portable restroom trailer rental for Blues on Main 2026

The Board approved the transfer of bond rights for Gillem 1100 to Digital Realty and authorized $1,300 for additional landscaping at 4523 Ernest Drive. The Board also executed a digital advertising contract and deferred financial report reviews until July.

• Approved Gillem 1100 Bond Assignment (unanimous)
• Approved $1,300 additional landscaping expenditure for 4523 Ernest Drive (unanimous)
• Executed Multiview Digital Advertising Contract
• Deferred review of May and June 2026 financial reports to July meeting
• Approved May 28, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Development Authority

The Forest Park Development Authority will consider approving a bond inducement resolution for approximately $6 million to support the rehabilitation of Governor's Terrace, a 49-unit senior apartment community. The board will also vote on an HVAC replacement contract for 848 Main Street and review an RFP for commercial property management services. Other items include a joint board retreat update, an annual Fort Gillem inspection notice, and a request for a notice of commencement and payment bond from a supplier.

• Approval of Aeras HVAC Contract for 848 Main Street
• Governors Terrace Bond Inducement Resolution for approximately $6 million
• RFP for Commercial Property Management Services
• July 2026 Finance Report including $56,731.54 in FY25-26 expenses
• Annual Inspection of Fort Gillem by U.S. Army in August 2026

The Board approved a one-year landscaping contract with Shalom and authorized up to $5,000 for HVAC repairs at 848 Main Street. The Authority also confirmed the closing of the 794 Main Street property sale for $150,000.

• Approved one-year landscaping contract with Shalom (unanimous)
• Approved HVAC repairs at 848 Main Street not to exceed $5,000 (unanimous)
• Approved May 27, 2026, meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved June 24, 2026, Strategic Board Retreat minutes (unanimous)
• Directed staff to engage the City regarding an IGA for 890 Conley Drive redevelopment (unanimous)

Beautification Committee

The Forest Park Beautification Committee will review July minutes and discuss the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Initiative, including resident applications, services, volunteers, and funding. They will also plan outreach to schools and community events, and finalize a flyer and application. The meeting is a regular discussion and planning session, with no final votes expected.

• Review and approve July 27, 2026, meeting minutes
• Discuss Neighbors Helping Neighbors Initiative applications, services, volunteers, and funding
• Discuss presenting initiative to Mayor and City Council, including possible grants
• Finalize flyer and application for the initiative
• Plan school outreach and community event participation