Cobb Citizens complain about Cupid’s ADU plan, pledge to hold her accountable at the polls for numerous poor decisions in county

As citizens consider the future leadership of Cobb County, they are not mincing words when they say Chair Lisa Cupid needs to go. In the latest of complaints, citizens contacted Spotlight with a request that we follow what occurred during the recent Cobb County Board of Commissioners work session last week. Citizens voiced strong objections to Cupid’s approach to single-family neighborhoods, especially regarding proposed changes to the county code on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Many felt Cupid, along with Commissioners Monique Sheffield and staffer Jessica Guinn, struggled to justify imposing this code amendment on Cobb residents without proper community input. (Commissioner Jerica Richardson was on maternity leave.)

Republican Commissioners JoAnn Birrell and Keli Gambrill expressed significant concerns about the proposal for ADUs. They questioned various aspects of the language within the proposal, particularly regarding the potential number of unrelated adults and vehicles allowed on a single property. Their apprehensions centered on the belief that the introduction of ADUs could dramatically alter the single-family character of many neighborhoods throughout the county. Neither support the proposed changes. 

Residents expressed frustration over the lack of adequate evaluation and consultation, emphasizing that neighborhood stakeholders, including HOAs, should have an opportunity to weigh in. They raised concerns about potential negative impacts on neighborhoods, with the proposal allowing up to three unrelated individuals and five additional cars per residence, which could increase congestion and affect quality of life.

Concerns opponents of ADUs have expressed include:

• Parking Problems: ADUs could exacerbate existing parking shortages in neighborhoods.
• Property Values: There are fears that the introduction of ADUs may decrease property values.
• Overcrowding: Critics worry that ADUs could lead to increased population density, resulting in overcrowded neighborhoods.
• Aesthetic Changes: ADUs may alter the visual character of established communities, potentially affecting their appeal.
• Noise and Waste: Increased occupancy could lead to more noise and garbage, impacting the quality of life for existing residents.
• Single-Family Zoning: There is apprehension that ADUs might undermine the traditional single-family nature of neighborhoods, changing the community dynamic.

Compounding these concerns are reports of Chair Cupid’s frequent closed-door meetings on major issues, which some argue may violate Open Meetings laws by excluding Commissioners Birrell, Gambrill, and the public. Residents note that such practices limit transparency and trust in the decision-making process on issues that directly affect them. Unfortunately, working collaboratively or transparently is not part of Cupid’s governance style, which has caused many problems over the past three and a half years under her leadership. 

Additionally, citizens pointed to evidence from other communities that have adopted ADU policies, which often see rising housing costs and fewer affordable options. Many ADUs become rental or short-term properties, benefiting wealthier owners rather than supporting affordable housing needs.

Gambrill has advocated postponing the proposed code amendments concerning ADUs which include public hearings and potential approval in November. She suggests that the process should be postponed until “at least the next year,” which will provide homeowners associations adequate time to address how their restrictive covenants might conflict with the implementation of ADUs.

Citizens say this is a major decision that should be postponed until next year – after they have elected the next Chair for Cobb County. Citizens also argue that Cupid’s preference for private meetings since taking office contradicts principles of open governance and community engagement, reinforcing their belief that she should not be re-elected. In addition to her handling of ADU policy, they point to her push for a $30 billion mobility tax – which is on the ballot, the controversial “rain tax” those citizens fought, and other unpopular decisions that have weighed heavily on public sentiment during Cupid’s tenure. Citizens continue their pledge to hold Cupid accountable at the polls as they consider the future leadership of Cobb County.

If it is not clear to the present members of the commission, it is clear to citizens that they are demanding more from their government. In this case, they want further research to examine the development and use of ADUs in Cobb that uses field data instead of planning assumptions to quantify the effects of ADUs in contrast to other housing and its impact on their quality of life.

Suggestions and considerations for future research include:

1. Field Data Collection: Emphasize the need for comprehensive field studies that collect real-world data on ADU usage, occupancy rates, and demographic information of residents. This data can provide insights into how ADUs perform in terms of affordability, availability, and community integration.
2. Comparative Analysis: Conduct comparative studies between ADUs and other housing types, such as single-family homes, duplexes, and apartment buildings. This analysis could assess factors like affordability, accessibility, environmental impact, and resident satisfaction.
3. Longitudinal Studies: Implement longitudinal studies to track the impacts of ADUs over time on housing markets, neighborhood dynamics, and community services. This can help identify long-term trends and outcomes related to ADU integration into existing neighborhoods.
4. Policy Impact Evaluation: Investigate the effects of various policies and regulations on the development and utilization of ADUs. This includes zoning laws, permitting processes, and incentives for homeowners to build ADUs.
5. Social and Economic Effects: Explore the social and economic implications of ADUs, including their impact on local economies, property values, and community cohesion. Research could also look into how ADUs affect housing affordability for different income groups.
6. Environmental Considerations: Assess the environmental impacts of ADUs, such as their contributions to urban density, transportation patterns, and sustainability efforts. Understanding how ADUs fit into broader environmental goals can be crucial for future urban planning.
7. Community Perceptions and Acceptance: Study community perceptions of ADUs and how they influence acceptance or resistance to their development. Surveys and interviews could reveal local attitudes toward ADUs and inform strategies for community engagement.
8. Diverse Contexts: Consider research in diverse geographical and socio-economic contexts to understand how ADUs function differently across urban, suburban, and rural settings. This can help tailor policies and practices to specific community needs.

By focusing on these research areas and including all members of the board in the discussion, Cupid could foster a more comprehensive understanding of ADUs. Engaging with the community transparently will not only facilitate open dialogue but also ensure that diverse perspectives are considered. This collaborative approach will help inform policy decisions and contribute to effective housing solutions that meet the needs of all residents.

Citizens have pledged to hold Cupid accountable at the polls for 3 and a half years of poor decisions. Early voting is currently underway with record numbers having already voted.