Forest Park meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Forest Park agendas: flea market permit, zoning map, facility renamings — with no vote results yet published

Forest Park's City Council agendas for October 5 listed a conditional use permit for an existing flea market on Jonesboro Road, an updated official zoning map and the renaming of two city facilities. The city has not published minutes for that meeting, so none of those outcomes is established. The same is true of the other three meetings in this roundup: agendas are the only record available, and no vote tallies have been released.

City Council, Oct. 5: flea market permit and zoning map

Two sessions were scheduled at City Hall, 745 Forest Parkway: a 6:00 PM work session and a 7:00 PM meeting. The work session included a public hearing on Case # CUP-2026-04, a conditional use permit for Zarin Bhimani to continue operating an existing flea market at 4140 Jonesboro Rd in the General Commercial District, Ward 1. The Planning Commission recommended approval on Sept. 17, 2026 with 12 conditions, including a Property Improvement Plan within 90 days.

Council members were also set to consider the updated 2026 Official Zoning Map, which would replace the map adopted Sept. 7, 2021. Staff say it consolidates previously approved rezonings and creates no new zoning changes.

Other agenda items included a consent item to surplus six unused office chairs from the Planning and Community Development Department; 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. An executive session was listed for personnel, litigation, real estate or cyber security under OCGA § 50-14-1.

Two facilities proposed for the Tonya Thomas name

The Oct. 5 agendas listed 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."

Fort Gillem reports and 260 Forest Parkway

The Urban Redevelopment Authority's Oct. 8 agenda listed a review of the Park at Fort Gillem monthly report, covering 125 former military housing units, and the 2026 Annual Institutional Control Report for the former Fort Gillem property. It also listed discussion of the 260 Forest Parkway acquisition, which the agenda describes as approved for $3.3 million, and a proposal for beautification of the Old Fire Station grounds.

Design board: three construction requests

The Urban Design Review Board's Oct. 16 agenda listed a one-story residence at 4648 Ernest Drive, a Smoothie King drive-thru window at 4841 Jonesboro Rd., and a two-story residence at 0 Curtis Drive. The board also scheduled a vote on the minutes of its July 17, 2026 meeting.

Coming up

City Council, Oct. 19. The purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Work Truck from Hardy Chevrolet for $54,800.00 for the Public Works Department; appointment of Mr. John Jackson to the Beautification Committee; and an Economic Development and Authorities Update presentation.

Downtown Development Authority, Oct. 22. A proposed 10-year tax abatement for the Scannell Properties industrial warehouse; assignment of bond, lease and Issuer Resolution for Gillem 1200; a proposed lease for 819 Forest Parkway Suite B at $18 per square foot ($2,250/month); a lease renewal for the existing tenant at 4987 East Street; and renewal of the landscaping contract for the City Fountain at 886 Main Street.

Readers should check the city's published agendas and minutes for the official record of any action taken.

Forest Park agenda roundup: flea market permit, 2026 zoning map, facility renamings; URA reviews Fort Gillem

Forest Park's City Council and its Urban Redevelopment Authority both had items on their agendas in the past two weeks, but no minutes had been published for any of the three meetings as of Oct. 13. The items below are agenda listings, not confirmed outcomes. The council's Oct. 5 agenda covered a conditional use permit for an existing flea market, an updated zoning map, and two facility renamings. The URA's Oct. 8 agenda covered Fort Gillem reports and a Forest Parkway acquisition.

Flea market permit at 4140 Jonesboro Rd

The council's Oct. 5 agenda listed Conditional Use Permit CUP-2026-04, which would allow Zarin Bhimani to continue operating an existing flea market at 4140 Jonesboro Rd in the General Commercial District, Ward 1. The Planning Commission recommended approval on Sept. 17, 2026, with 12 conditions, including a Property Improvement Plan within 90 days. A public hearing on the case was scheduled during a 6:00 PM work session at City Hall, 745 Forest Parkway, ahead of the council's 7:00 PM regular meeting the same day. The agenda does not record a vote.

2026 Official Zoning Map

The council was also scheduled to consider an updated 2026 Official Zoning Map to replace the map adopted Sept. 7, 2021. City staff said the update consolidates previously approved rezonings and creates no new zoning changes.

Facility renamings

Two renaming items were listed: Theater Drive Park at 4375 Old Jonesboro Road would become "Tonya Thomas Memorial Park," and the Public Works Complex at 5230 Jones Road would become "Tonya Thomas Public Works Complex."

Other council business

The consent agenda included surplusing six unused office chairs from the Planning and Community Development Department. The work session also listed 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. An executive session was listed for personnel, litigation, real estate, or cyber security under OCGA § 50-14-1.

Urban Redevelopment Authority, Oct. 8

The URA agenda listed a review of the monthly report for the Park at Fort Gillem, covering 125 former military housing units, and the 2026 Annual Institutional Control Report for the former Fort Gillem property. It also listed discussion of the acquisition of 260 Forest Parkway, described in the meeting summary as approved for $3.3 million, and a proposal to beautify the Old Fire Station grounds.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings were listed in the information provided for the next 14 days. Residents can check the city's official postings for the next City Council and Urban Redevelopment Authority agendas.

Forest Park officials weigh $2.1M in contracts, mixed-use project, and senior housing bond

Forest Park officials are reviewing a series of financial and land-use items this week, including $2.1 million in blanket purchase orders, a 75-unit mixed-use development, and a $6 million bond resolution for senior housing rehabilitation. No final decisions have been published yet, as minutes from recent meetings have not been released.

City Council considers $2.1M in contracts and budget changes

At its Aug. 17 meeting, the City Council will consider blanket purchase orders with Waste Management for $1,522,500 in sanitation services and with Boswell Oil for $600,000 in fuel and oil. The council will also review a contract with NCB Incorporated for grant administration services, not to exceed $80,000.

Other items on the agenda include an ordinance to establish the Office of the City Clerk as a separate department, a records retention schedule per O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90, and FY26/27 Budget Amendment #6. The council will also approve minutes from the Aug. 3 meetings.

Planning Commission to weigh mixed-use project at 904 Main St.

The Planning Commission will consider a conditional use permit (CUP-2026-04) for a four-story building at 904 Main Street with 75 residential units and 9,680 square feet of commercial space. The commission will also review a text amendment (TA-2026-03) to revise regulations for nonconforming signs, specifically Section 8-3-16, and approve minutes from the July 17 meeting.

Urban Redevelopment Authority discusses Fort Gillem and other items

The Urban Redevelopment Authority met Aug. 13 to discuss updates on the gun range, the Park at Fort Gillem redevelopment, and property insurance. The board also considered landscape services at 330 Forest Parkway, a perpetual easement for ingress and egress, a U.S. Army five-year review, and a joint board retreat. A sponsorship request for the 2026 Aerotropolis Honors was also on the agenda.

Coming up

Beautification Committee – Aug. 24 (today) at its regular meeting will review July minutes and discuss the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Initiative, including resident applications, services, volunteers, and funding. The committee will also plan outreach to schools and community events and finalize a flyer and application.

Development Authority – Aug. 26 will consider a bond inducement resolution for approximately $6 million to support 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, review an RFP for commercial property management services, and receive the July finance report showing $56,731.54 in FY25-26 expenses. An annual inspection of Fort Gillem by the U.S. Army is scheduled for August 2026.

Forest Park Council to weigh mixed-use rezoning, licensing updates

The Forest Park City Council is scheduled to consider a rezoning request for a mixed-use building at 0 Conrad Ave, along with updates to business and alcohol licensing rules, at its Aug. 3 work session. No decisions have been reported yet; minutes have not been published.

City Council work session (Aug. 3)

The council's agenda includes several land-use and regulatory items:

• **Rezoning of 0 Conrad Ave** from Planned Industrial to General Commercial for a 43,500 sq ft mixed-use building.
• **Conditional Use Permit** for a childcare center at 957 Astor Ave in a residential district.
• **Ordinance amending Title 9** (Licensing and Regulation) covering pawnbrokers, massage establishments, and adult entertainment.
• **Ordinance amending Title 9 Chapter 2** (Alcoholic Beverages) to modernize licensing and operational standards.
• **Proposed $75.00 application fee** for Public Arts Review, added to the Planning & Development fee schedule.

All items are listed as agenda items only; the council has not yet published minutes or announced outcomes.

Beautification Committee (July 27)

The Beautification Committee met to discuss several administrative and community items:

• Nomination and confirmation of a new Committee Chair to replace Kwan Rhea.
• Budget discussion.
• Signage updates.
• Neighbor Helping Neighbors Initiative.
• Discussion with Public Information Officer Javon Lloyd.

As with the council meeting, minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days. Residents should check the city's official meeting calendar for future schedules.

Forest Park Council Set to Vote on Conrad Ave Rezoning; Recent Meeting Minutes Still Pending

Forest Park's City Council is scheduled to vote today, August 3, on a rezoning request for 0 Conrad Ave that would clear the way for a 43,500-square-foot mixed-use building. The request would change the property from Planned Industrial to General Commercial. Council will also consider a conditional use permit to reopen a childcare center at 957 Astor Ave in a residential district.

City Council — August 3

The council's work session includes two ordinance amendments to Title 9. One updates licensing rules for pawnbrokers, massage establishments, and adult entertainment. The other amends Chapter 2 on alcoholic beverages to modernize licensing and operational standards.

A text amendment would add a $75 Public Arts Review Board application fee to the Planning & Development fee schedule.

City Council — July 20 (Agenda Only)

Minutes from the July 20 City Council meeting have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed. The agenda listed $352,500 in blanket purchase orders for Fire/EMS vendors for the FY 2026/2027 budget:

• Bennett Fire Products — $87,500
• MES Services — $120,000
• Bound Tree Medical — $75,000
• Reads Uniforms — $70,000

The agenda also included the annual CAD and RMS software renewal for the Police Department's dispatch systems, a resolution to adopt the Plaza Rehabilitation Framework Playbook to guide commercial corridor revitalization, and an ordinance amendment to Title 9, Chapter 6 covering peddlers, solicitors, charitable solicitations, and mobile food vendors. The council was also asked to authorize the mayor to execute a redemption quitclaim deed for 5116 West Street.

Development Authority — July 22 (Agenda Only)

The Development Authority Board's agenda included review of a redevelopment architecture and engineering proposal for 842 Main Street, a signage proposal and HVAC assessment for 850 Main Street, an update on a lease for 670 Main Street, and a project update on the Georgia Utility Contractors Association at 794 Main Street involving a closing and deed to secure debt. Minutes are not yet published.

Downtown Development Authority — July 23 (Agenda Only)

The DDA held a strategic retreat facilitated by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Sessions covered the authority's structure, powers, and leadership; current projects and redevelopment opportunities; and tax abatements, with discussion led by financial advisor Ed Wall and attorney Danielle Matricardi. Senior accountant Tony Lamar presented an overview of DDA financial capabilities, and Rochelle Dennis led a session on strategic priorities and visioning. An executive session was scheduled for personnel, litigation, real estate, or cybersecurity matters. Minutes are not yet published.

Beautification Committee — July 27 (Agenda Only)

The committee's agenda included nominating and confirming a new chair to replace Kwan Rhea, along with discussions on the budget, signage updates, a Neighbor Helping Neighbors Initiative, and a discussion with Public Information Officer Javon Lloyd. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming Up

• **City Council work session** — August 3, 2026: Votes scheduled on the 0 Conrad Ave rezoning, the 957 Astor Ave childcare center conditional use permit, Title 9 licensing and alcohol ordinance amendments, and the $75 Public Arts Review Board application fee.

All recent meeting agendas are available through the city's official records. Minutes for the July 20, 22, 23, and 27 meetings had not been published as of this report, so listed items reflect what was scheduled for discussion or action, not confirmed outcomes.

Forest Park Roundup: Council to Vote on $352,500 in Fire/EMS Contracts; City Manager Appointment and Ethics Hearing on the Agenda

Forest Park's City Council has a packed agenda for July 20, including $352,500 in blanket purchase orders for Fire/EMS vendors and a resolution to adopt the Plaza Rehabilitation Framework Playbook. Meanwhile, several recent meetings remain without published minutes, so outcomes from those sessions are not yet available.

City Council — July 6 (Outcomes Pending)

The City Council's July 6 work session included several notable items, though minutes have not yet been published and no vote tallies are available. The agenda called for the appointment of Carl Geffken as City Manager effective July 13, 2026. The council also was set to consider a contract with NCB Incorporated, 4017 Moonlight Drive, Little Elm, TX, for grant administration services not to exceed $80,000 from 2021 SPLOST funds, and a contract with Onyx Media Services, Inc., 300 Long Creek Drive, Covington, GA, estimated at $91,000 for audio production services at Starr Park events, funded from the General Fund. Additional items included approval of surplus vehicles and equipment from the Public Works fleet and an annual IT hardware refresh purchase under CDW-G contract #99999-001-SPD0000220-0004.

Urban Redevelopment Authority — July 9 (Outcomes Pending)

The Urban Redevelopment Authority agenda included a Georgia Power request for right-of-entry to the Fort Gillem 230 kV substation (Project #2025080046, Flankers Road). The body also was scheduled to review an IGA Community Development Forest Park Marketplace Analysis proposal, a Park at Fort Gillem Master Redevelopment update, a Gun Range update, and a Community Development Block Grant update. No minutes have been published.

Ethics Hearing — July 13 (Outcomes Pending)

A hearing was scheduled on Ethics Complaint No. 05222026-02, filed by Mayor Gwendolyn Ellison against Councilwoman Kimberly James. The agenda indicated the meeting would be limited to this single complaint. No outcome has been published.

Planning Commission — July 16 (Outcomes Pending)

The Planning Commission was set to review four cases: a rezone request (Case# RZ-2026-02) for 0 Conrad Avenue to allow a four-story multi-use building; a variance request (Case# VAR-2026-04) for 357 Cynthia Lane to allow a deck to encroach into a side setback; a conditional use permit request (Case# CUP-2026-03) for a daycare facility at 957 Astor Avenue; and a text amendment (Case# TA-2026-02) to the Planning and Community Development Department fee schedule. No minutes have been published.

Urban Design Review Board — July 17 (Outcomes Pending)

The board was scheduled to approve May 22, 2026 meeting minutes and review two one-story residential construction requests: 562 Kay Street (Parcel #13078D A010, Ward 4) and 849 Bridge Avenue (Parcel #13050D G010, Ward 2). No minutes have been published.

Coming Up

City Council — Monday, July 20, 2026: The council will consider blanket purchase orders for Fire/EMS vendors totaling $352,500: Bennett Fire Products ($87,500), MES Services ($120,000), Bound Tree Medical ($75,000), and Reads Uniforms ($70,000). The agenda also includes the CAD and RMS annual software renewal for the Police Department, a resolution adopting the Plaza Rehabilitation Framework Playbook, amendments to Title 9 Chapter 6 of the City Code covering peddlers and solicitors, a resolution amending the Permit and Fee Schedule, and authorization for the Mayor to execute a redemption quitclaim deed for 5116 West Street.

Forest Park council to weigh new city manager, $171,000 in contracts; ethics hearing set for July 13

Forest Park's City Council was scheduled July 6 to consider appointing Carl Geffken as City Manager effective July 13, 2026, along with contracts totaling $171,000 for grant administration and outdoor event audio services. Minutes from the July 6 work session have not yet been published, so final outcomes are not confirmed.

City Manager Appointment

The council agenda listed the appointment of Carl Geffken as City Manager, with a proposed effective date of July 13, 2026. No vote tally is available because minutes have not been published.

Contracts and Purchases

The council was set to consider two service contracts:

• **NCB Incorporated**, 4017 Moonlight Drive, Little Elm, TX — grant administration and management services, not to exceed $80,000 from 2021 SPLOST funds.
• **Onyx Media Services, Inc.**, 300 Long Creek Drive, Covington, GA — audio production services for events at Starr Park, estimated at $91,000 from the General Fund.

The consent agenda included approval of surplus items from the Public Works Fleet Department, including non-operable vehicles and equipment, and an annual IT hardware refresh purchase under CDW-G contract #99999-001-SPD0000220-0004.

Urban Redevelopment Authority

The Urban Redevelopment Authority met July 9 to review several project updates. New business included:

• A **Georgia Power** request for a right-of-entry to the Fort Gillem 230 kV substation site (Project #2025080046, Flankers Road 230 kV Substation), listed under Economic Development.
• An **IGA Community Development** proposal for a Forest Park Marketplace analysis, also under Economic Development.

Updates were scheduled on the Park at Fort Gillem Master Redevelopment, the Gun Range (Public Works), and the Community Development Block Grant. The agenda also listed the Grapevine project, the NASA Lifeline mural, and finance and legal updates. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming Up

• **July 13, 2026 — Ethics Hearing:** The city's ethics hearing officer will conduct a hearing on Ethics Complaint No. 05222026-02, filed by Mayor Gwendolyn Ellison against Councilwoman Kimberly James. The meeting is limited to this single complaint and will adjourn afterward.

All recent meeting outcomes listed above remain unconfirmed until minutes are published. Residents can verify results through the city's official meeting records.