By Bob Weatherford
I am excited about the good work we are doing around District One and Cobb County as a whole. Transportation upgrades continue to improve traffic flow and safety. In April, Cobb County opened the first lighted bridge in our community. The 416‐foot bridge spans Interstate 75 just north of Chastain Road in Kennesaw and is part of the Skip Spann Connector, a community improvement project to increase access to Kennesaw State University and other local destinations. It is expected to reduce traffic congestion at the I‐75 and Chastain Road interchange by almost 20 percent.
In addition to the lighted bridge, the Skip Spann Connector project includes four lanes of new connecting roadway and 11.5‐foot‐wide sidewalks, bike lanes, benches, planters and pedestrian lights on both sides of the bridge. The project also realigned Townpark Lane and added a roundabout at the intersection of Townpark Lane and Busbee Drive.
We also have made many strides to ensure our public safety personnel have everything needed to help keep themselves, and the community they so diligently serve, safe. In late June, the Cobb Board of Commissioners authorized the application for grant funds to purchase additional body‐worn cameras. The cameras are intended to enhance officer interaction with the public and build community trust. Body‐worn cameras have proven to help strengthen accountability and transparency and can help de‐ escalate conflicts, resulting in more constructive encounters between the police and the community. We have 133 cameras in use and these funds from the Justice Assistance Grant will allow us to purchase about 138 more without using taxpayer funds.
Our public safety personnel also continue to ensure our community is informed. This year, Cobb County Police Department, Cobb County School District and the Cobb Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office staff have been hosting free Citizen Response to Active Shooter events around our community. Each event shares general active shooter topics, including what to expect, best practices, what happens when law enforcement arrives and weapons carry license laws. Sheriff Neil Warren also has offered several firearm safety and education classes for our community. The classes include a general overview of firearm types, gun safety tips, how to obtain a Georgia weapons license and information on use of deadly force. I am so thankful for the men and women who bravely serve to help keep us all safe.
As we work together, we will continue to make District One and Cobb the best place to call home.
Leave a Reply