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Citizen Portal News Georgia
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Statesboro's City Council has approved a significant rezoning that aims to balance mixed-use development with the preservation of residential buffers along Whispering Pines.

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#StatesboroCityBullochCounty #GA #ResidentialBuffering #CitizenPortal #ZoningRegulations
Statesboro council approves conditional rezoning for two Southeastern Property Acquisitions parcels
The council approved two rezonings from R-3 to MX with a specific condition requiring mixed‑use concurrency (at least 20% residential) along the Whispering Pines edge, intended to preserve a residential buffer and limit commercial encroachment.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 4:15 PM
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Sandy Springs is reallocating grant funds to enhance its Intelligence Operations Center after traffic camera costs ballooned from $330K to nearly $845K!

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#SandySpringsFultonCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #CommunityViolenceReduction #IntelligenceOperations #TechnologyEnhancements
Council authorizes $250,526.90 purchase for Intelligence Operations Center after camera plan overruns
City staff redirected Public Safety and Community Violence Reduction grant funding after planned 35 traffic-management cameras rose from an initial quote of about $330,000 to roughly $845,000; council approved a $250,526.90 sole-source purchase from Constant Technologies to expand the Intelligence Operations Center’s video and processing capabilities.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 4:10 PM
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Sandy Springs City Council made big moves on December 2, approving new construction contracts, an alcohol license, and tech upgrades to enhance public safety!

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#SandySpringsFultonCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #SandySpringsCouncil #CivicAccountability
Votes at a glance: Sandy Springs council actions on Dec. 2, 2025
Summary of formal actions the council approved on Dec. 2: agenda amendment, consent agenda, alcohol license, multiple construction contracts (PATH 400 segment 2 and Jet Ferry/Spalding sidewalks), a $250,526.90 Constant Technologies purchase under a state grant, a DHS World Cup overtime memorandum, and a permanent easement for slope monitoring at 10 Marianna Drive.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:59 PM
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The Sandy Springs council has greenlit a significant contract for PATH 400 segment 2, but a puzzling discrepancy in bid figures raises questions!

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#SandySpringsFultonCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #TransportationPlanning #SandySpringsPublicWorks
Council approves award to F.S. Scarborough for PATH 400 segment 2; transcript contains inconsistent award figure
The Sandy Springs council approved a contract award to F.S. Scarborough LLC for construction of the city's portion of PATH 400 segment 2 following staff recommendation; the transcript records the low bid and also shows inconsistent award figures in staff remarks.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:58 PM
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Sandy Springs received a glowing audit report with no material findings and a strong financial standing—what does this mean for the city's future?

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#SandySpringsFultonCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CybersecurityManagement #SandySpringsAudit #FinancialTransparency
Sandy Springs council hears clean FY2025 audit; no findings reported
External auditors presented an unmodified (clean) opinion on the City of Sandy Springs’ June 30, 2025 financial statements, reporting no material adjustments or control weaknesses and an unassigned general-fund balance near 22%, within GFOA guidance.
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December 3, 2025 at 3:50 PM
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Columbia County just approved a controversial ordinance for data centers, igniting fierce debates over noise, water usage, and community impact!

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#ColumbiaCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalImpact #ColumbiaCountyDataCenters #NoiseRegulations
Columbia County approves data‑center zoning despite public concern over noise, water and transparency
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 2 approved second reading of Ordinance No. 25‑07 establishing a DC (data center) zoning district after multiple residents warned the ordinance’s 70 dB property‑line noise allowance and potential water and power impacts could harm nearby households; the board pressed ahead citing contractual and regulatory constraints.
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December 3, 2025 at 3:14 PM
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Catoosa County Schools celebrates a decisive bond referendum victory with 65.8% approval, paving the way for exciting new projects like Boynton Elementary's expansion and a tech refresh!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #CatoosaCountySchools #TechnologyInnovation #EducationFunding
Catoosa County schools report bond referendum passed; board presented plan to confirm results and begin project planning
Officials reported a local bond referendum passed with 65.8% yes to 34.2% no (about 7,000 votes, ~15% turnout). District staff outlined bond validation steps, consultants and counsel to be engaged, and early project priorities including Boynton Elementary Phase 2 and a technology refresh.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:08 PM
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East Point's City Council is in hot water over a controversial $20,000 facade-grant award, questioning the city manager's authority and the legality of routing funds through a nonprofit.

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#EastPointFultonCounty #GA #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance
East Point council raises legal, process concerns over $20,000 facade-grant award and city manager authority
Council debated whether the city manager could obligate general-fund dollars or route funds through a nonprofit intermediary after staff sent an award letter for a facade grant. The city attorney said a transfer from the general fund would require an ordinance under the charter; council asked legal to draft options and requested documentation.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 2:34 PM
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Dalton Airport is buzzing with excitement as three new hangars near completion, and a major taxiway rehab is set to enhance safety for larger aircraft!

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#DaltonCityWhitfieldCounty #GA #AviationProjects #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #DaltonAirport #InfrastructureDevelopment
Dalton airport adds hangars and advances taxiway rehab; airfield lighting project set to begin in 2026
Airport Manager Andrew Wiers reported three new hangar buildings nearing substantial completion and said the taxiway rehab is about 75% done; a federally funded $1.2 million airfield electrical rehab is planned to start in March 2026 with a small local match.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 1:16 PM
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Dalton is set to enhance outdoor accessibility with a new two-mile ADA-compliant trail extension, but environmental challenges mean we’ll have to wait until 2026 to see it completed!

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#DaltonCityWhitfieldCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalPlanning #DaltonTrails
Dalton plans two-mile mill line trail extension; wetlands and buffers require added design time
City staff said the mill line trail extension from the Paul Belk Honorary Trailhead toward Burr Park will add about two miles of ADA-compliant trail, but design must address US Army Corps wetlands, Georgia EPD buffer variances and right-of-way constraints; design completion is scheduled April 2026 with construction bidding planned for May 2026.
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December 3, 2025 at 1:15 PM
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Dalton City is making waves with over $50 million in capital projects and $8 million in grants to enhance community infrastructure and recreation!

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#DaltonCityWhitfieldCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityDevelopment #ParksImprovement #DaltonCity
Dalton reports just over $50 million in capital projects since 2023, cites $8 million in grants
City Administrator Andrew Parker told the Dalton City Council a year-end capital projects review found just over $50 million in projects since 2023 and about $8 million in state and federal grant awards; staff highlighted completed and ongoing projects across recreation, drainage, streets, and the airport.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 1:14 PM
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Columbia County just took a major step towards regulating data centers, but community concerns about noise and water use are raising serious questions about the future.

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#ColumbiaCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #PublicComment #ColumbiaCountyDataCenters #NoiseRegulations #WaterUse
Columbia County approves second reading to create ‘DC’ data-center zoning district after hours of public comment
After extended public comment over noise, water and fiscal risk, commissioners approved the second reading of ordinance 25-07 to establish a Data Center (DC) zoning district and supplemental requirements, including a 70-decibel noise threshold and limits on onsite well drilling.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 8:14 AM
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The Augusta Planning Commission has just denied a controversial 128-unit apartment complex planned for Barton Chapel Road, citing major traffic and compatibility concerns.

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#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #HousingDevelopment #CitizenPortal #AugustaCity #CommunityConcerns
Planning commission denies proposed 128‑unit Barton Chapel apartments over plan compatibility and traffic concerns
The commission denied a petition to rezone 8.8 acres on Barton Chapel Road for a 128‑unit apartment complex, citing inconsistency with the 2023 comprehensive plan and concerns about traffic and neighborhood compatibility; the denial will be forwarded to the Augusta Commission.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 7:52 AM
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The Augusta-Richmond County Commission's controversial decision to eliminate discretionary funding for NGOs has sparked heated debates about the future of essential public health services.

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#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #AugustaRichmondCounty
Commission splits over NGO funding after public health urges protection of local services
Commissioners clashed over cutting nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to close the FY2026 gap. Public Health officials said the health department is a governmental entity and warned deep cuts would threaten clinical services; the commission voted to eliminate discretionary NGO funding while preserving mandated entities at reduced levels.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 7:50 AM
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Judges and the district attorney are sounding the alarm: without more staff and resources, Augusta's courts face a backlog crisis that could worsen jail overcrowding and budget woes.

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#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #AugustaRichmondCounty
DA and judges tell commissioners courts and prosecution need staff to relieve jail backlog
Judges, the district attorney and public defenders told the commission that rising citations and felony cases — plus limited courtroom space and staff — are contributing to jail overcrowding and higher costs, and asked that cuts to public-safety agencies be avoided.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 7:49 AM
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City Engineer Scott Tecoch reveals crucial updates on Milton's stormwater management, highlighting significant improvements in water quality and pressing infrastructure needs that could reshape the city's future.

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#MiltonFultonCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureNeed
City engineer outlines MS4 requirements, infrastructure needs and Providence Lake culvert project
City Engineer Scott Tecoch delivered the annual MS4 (NPDES) update, described new 2023–2028 EPD permit obligations, listed six minimum control measures and 35 city BMPs, highlighted improving water‑quality trends and said substantial stormwater infrastructure needs could prompt future funding proposals.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 7:48 AM
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Milton residents are divided over a proposed amendment that could reshape their neighborhoods by allowing new developments to preserve trees and improve stormwater management—will it protect property values or lead to a citywide change?

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#MiltonFultonCounty #GA
Milton council hears residents and developers split over proposed AG‑1 setback flexibility
Council discussed RZ2508, a proposed text amendment to give qualified AG‑1 subdivisions flexibility to reduce front setbacks and expand rear setbacks to preserve trees and improve stormwater outcomes. Residents near Little River Estates and Taylor Glen urged protection; council deferred action to January.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 7:43 AM
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Villa Rica is taking a bold step towards safer roads with a Vision Zero plan aiming for zero fatalities by 2035—are we ready to prioritize our community’s safety?

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#VillaRicaCarrollCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #VillaRicaSafety #VisionZeroGoals #TrafficSafety #CommunitySafety
Villa Rica staff outline Vision Zero targets in Safe Streets presentation
Engineers from Keck & Wood presented a Safety Action Plan recommending Vision Zero targets: 0 fatalities on city-maintained roads by 2035 and a 5% annual reduction in serious injuries, supported by a high‑injury network and prioritized countermeasures.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 7:42 AM
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Sheriff Blanchard reveals that rising inmate medical bills are driving his $6.88 million budget request, but can the Augusta Commission find a way to close the $21 million shortfall without sacrificing essential services?

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#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #CitizenPortal
Augusta commissioners debate sheriff’s $6.9 million request as budget gap looms
Commissioners questioned a proposal to increase the law-enforcement budget by about $6.88 million to close part of a roughly $21 million shortfall, while the sheriff warned most of the increases stem from inmate medical costs, contracted services and staffing. No final vote on a millage increase was adopted.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 7:37 AM
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Madison County is moving forward with the exciting Madison Fields development, featuring 147 lots designed to create a charming, walkable community—complete with cottages and estate homes!

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#MadisonCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #SustainableInfrastructure #UrbanPlanning
Madison County planning board approves Madison Fields preliminary plat with sewer and traffic conditions
The Madison County planning board approved a 147-lot preliminary plat for the Madison Fields development (65 cottages, 82 estate lots) subject to community sewer approval and a traffic impact study; the developer said the state environmental agency has visited the site and called it a "good candidate."
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 6:44 AM
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Glynn County's Planning Commission just approved a major rezoning plan that could bring 633 new homes to the area—what does this mean for local residents?

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#GlynnCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #ResidentialDevelopment #SustainableLandUse #UrbanPlanning
Planning commission backs Southwest Glen rezoning, caps density at 3 units per acre
The Mainland Planning Commission voted 6–0 Dec. 2 to recommend rezoning 211 acres at 1572 Buck Swamp Road from Forest Agricultural to General Residential, with a recommended cap of 3 dwelling units per gross acre (633 units on the sketch plan). The recommendation advances to the Glynn County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 18.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 4:25 AM
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Atlanta's mayor is launching a "strike force" to transform nine vacant school properties into affordable housing, aiming to tackle homelessness and support the workforce.

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#AtlantaFultonCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #HousingInnovation #UrbanDevelopment #WorkforceDevelopment
Mayor's strike force to use AUDC and intergovernmental agreement to develop nine school properties for affordable housing
An unidentified speaker said the mayor's strike force will route funding through an intergovernmental agreement to the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation so the AUDC can develop nine vacant Atlanta Public Schools properties for housing targeted to people who are unhoused and the workforce.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 1:28 AM
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Atlanta City Council just approved over $600,000 in donations to tackle food insecurity and housing assistance—find out how this will impact the community!

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#AtlantaFultonCounty #GA #AtlantaHousing #HousingAssistance #CitizenPortal #FoodSecurity #CivicAccountability
Council approves donations to hunger and housing programs, debates oversight
Council approved donations to extend a Goodr Foundation grocery pantry ($135,000) and an emergency-assistance donation to the Urban League of Greater Atlanta (up to $500,000). Members pressed staff for clearer accounting of administrative fees, program staffing, and oversight.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 9:05 AM
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Community members demand justice and transparency after Linton Blackwell was shot 17 times in the back by an off-duty officer, urging for body-camera footage to be released.

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#AtlantaFultonCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #CommunityActivism #AtlantaAccountability #PublicTransparency
Families and activists demand transparency after fatal shooting of Linton Blackwell
Dozens of speakers at the Dec. 1 Atlanta City Council meeting urged release of body-camera footage, an independent investigation and the arrest of the off-duty officer who shot Linton Blackwell; the council passed a resolution requesting authorities give the family secure access to the video.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 9:03 AM
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Melanie Keegan, CEO of the Center for Family Resources, reveals that most family homelessness in Cobb County is triggered by situational crises, and her organization has a powerful model to help families regain stability.

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#CobbCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #FamilySupport
CFR CEO: Most family homelessness in Cobb County is situational; short-term housing and court partnerships help families stabilize
Melanie Keegan, CEO of the Center for Family Resources, told Commissioner Eric Allen most family homelessness in Cobb County stems from situational crises, not chronic vices, and described CFR’s short-term housing, employment partnerships and a housing stability court that pull families out of active eviction cases.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 5:14 PM