Recent Developments in Cobb County: Mixed-Use Development, Residency Dispute, and Health Insurance Enrollment

On April 17, 2026, the Smyrna Mayor and City Council unanimously approved a rezoning request for a parcel at 1715 Roswell Street. The application, submitted by Anthony Obboye, sought to change the zoning from General Commercial (GC) to Mixed Use–Conditional (MU-Conditional) to facilitate a small-scale mixed-use development. The site, currently occupied by a State Farm building, will be demolished to make way for a new three-story structure that will include three multi-family residential units on the upper floors and approximately 1,680 square feet of office space on the ground level. The development will feature designated parking spaces and improvements to the surrounding infrastructure, including an underground stormwater detention system and sidewalk enhancements along Roswell Street. The city’s Planning Commission had previously recommended the project, which aligns with the city’s future land use goals.

Smyrna council approves small-scale mixed-use development on Roswell StreetJudge clears Fitz Johnson to remain on ballot in Georgia residency disputeGeorgia’s ACA enrollment plunges, raising concerns for rural hospitals

In a separate development, a Georgia administrative law judge ruled on April 20, 2026, that Republican Public Service Commission candidate Fitz Johnson can remain on the ballot for the upcoming elections despite challenges regarding his residency. Judge Kimberly Schroer determined that Johnson's legal domicile is in Fulton County, where he has been a resident since at least November 3, 2025, despite spending most of his time at a $1.3 million estate in Cobb County. Johnson's opponent, Daniel O’Toole, argued that Johnson's living arrangements do not reflect a genuine connection to District 3, where he seeks election. Johnson, however, maintains that the challenge is politically motivated and emphasizes his commitment to serving the energy needs of Georgians.

Judge clears Fitz Johnson to remain on ballot in Georgia residency dispute

Additionally, recent data reveals a significant drop in enrollment in Georgia's health care marketplace, raising concerns for rural hospitals. Following the expiration of enhanced health insurance subsidies at the end of 2025, enrollment figures have plummeted by 27% compared to the previous year. Monty Veazey, president of the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals, expressed alarm over the potential financial impact on hospitals, which may face increased uncompensated care as uninsured rates rise. The decline in enrollment is particularly troubling given Georgia's historically high uninsured rates, which have been exacerbated by the lack of federal support for health insurance subsidies. Health policy analysts warn that this trend could lead to severe consequences for both patients and healthcare providers across the state.

Georgia’s ACA enrollment plunges, raising concerns for rural hospitalsJudge clears Fitz Johnson to remain on ballot in Georgia residency dispute

Ward 2 Councilwoman Latonia Hines expressed optimism about the mixed-use development, stating, “I think if you can see from the design, it’ll be a really nice look of a place for that area.” Regarding the residency ruling, Fitz Johnson stated, “My focus remains where it should be in fighting for affordable, reliable, and safe energy for every Georgian.” Monty Veazey highlighted the urgency of the situation, saying, “I don’t know what we’re going to do, honestly,” in response to the enrollment drop.

Georgia’s ACA enrollment plunges, raising concerns for rural hospitals

Daniel O’Toole criticized the judge's ruling on Johnson's residency, arguing that it sets a low standard for legal domicile and questioning Johnson's ties to District 3. Meanwhile, health policy researchers have noted that the decline in ACA enrollment could lead to a spike in uninsured rates, further straining Georgia's healthcare system.

Georgia’s ACA enrollment plunges, raising concerns for rural hospitals

While the judge's ruling supports Johnson's candidacy, O’Toole's claims suggest a significant divide in public perception regarding Johnson's residency. Additionally, the full implications of the ACA enrollment decline remain to be seen, with some analysts suggesting that job changes may account for some of the disenrollment, while others fear a return to higher uninsured rates.

Georgia’s ACA enrollment plunges, raising concerns for rural hospitals

• “I think if you can see from the design, it’ll be a really nice look of a place for that area,” — Latonia Hines, Ward 2 Councilwoman

Smyrna council approves small-scale mixed-use development on Roswell Street

• “My focus remains where it should be in fighting for affordable, reliable, and safe energy for every Georgian,” — Fitz Johnson, Republican Public Service Commission Candidate

Judge clears Fitz Johnson to remain on ballot in Georgia residency dispute

• “I don’t know what we’re going to do, honestly” — Monty Veazey, President of the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals

Georgia’s ACA enrollment plunges, raising concerns for rural hospitals