r/kennesaw

Right now there is a place called “Wing Max” right next to it. It opened up a year ago maybe but I’ve literally never seen a person in there. It made me think - how many different businesses have been there? I can think of 4 in the last 10 years. Anyone else?

There's an opportunity to influence the city's Comprehensive Plan tomorrow. They'll be setting up a booth at the Kennesaw Farmer's Market in Depot Park from 3:30 to 7 PM. I am certainly going to go, but it would be better if more folks go as well.

I'll also be getting some sweets and stuff from the vendors at the Farmer's Market. There's also a couple of places that sell local meats that are worth checking out.

If you're interested in hanging out a bit do let me know if/when y'all are available.

It's a late assignment. I know.

Anywho.

We had a full house but two council members were remote. While they had to be asked to answer "yes or no" verbally instead of just raising a hand it didn't result in much of a problem.

First thing first, the Southern Museum staff showed up and showed off their medal. Apparently some Museum and Library Science group gives out five awards a year and the choochoo place downtown got one of them. Neat. Check out the trains the next time you got a chance.

Then the land use permit for a home embroidery business. The guy was there but I didn't get a chance to ask him about the name of the business or how to contract him. The term include no customers or employees at the house as well as no signs or noxious odors. The permit is valid for 24 months and was approved 5 - 0.

Next up was the Annexation, Rezoning, and Variance for the project at Old 41 and Robin. There had been objections due to traffic and density concerns. The lawyer for the developer said that they walked back a plan for townhomes to a neighborhood of no more than 35 single family, detached homes with a pocket park. They noted that the median new home price in Kennesaw was $800,000, while this development is targeting $400,000. They didn't do a traffic study, but the county won't even do one for a development of this size. They don't expect the 35 houses to add substantial traffic. But, in response to criticism they reoriented the development from being built off of Robin to having the only access off of Old 41. They would be adding turn lanes to Old 41 as well.

Councilman Jones noted that the developer had done good work in the past and ask if the houses being 1,200 sq feet was a good idea. The developer responded that that was the minimum size of house for the new zoning and they planned for the houses to be ~2,000 sq ft.

Councilman Bothers also expressed that he liked the developer in his capacity as a real estate agent, but was concerned over the variance. He had a big ass truck that would take up the entire 20 foot set back and believed that having a short driveway would result in people parking in the street. The developer said that they are prioritizing big back yards, the lot is a weird shape, and there is a creek that limits the buildable area. Also, the HOA will prohibit the use of the two car garages for storage and require parking inside the garage rather than on the street. Councilman Bothers repeated his preference for longer driveways.

Councilor Orochena asked if the city would be responsible for the roads, stormwater, and other infrastructure. The Public Works and Zoning people were a bit confused on this point. Turns out that the area is currently just outside of the city in the county, but that bubble of the county is disconnected from the county by the city. The stormwater and infrastructure will be the HOA's responsibility as they can't be made to connect to city stuff directly. Councilor Orochena asked if this would make the border gore better or worse. Staff replied that it would partially, but not completely, close a hole in the city and would make it make more sense. She then asked if the property taxes from the development would cover the costs to the city. That's a great question, and one that staff didn't know the answer to off the cuff but they also said that they didn't anticipate it adding additional costs due the small size and the fact that the road and stormwater are the HOA's responsibility overseen by the county.

They voted 5 - 0 to annex the land into Kennesaw. Then they voted 5 - 0 to rezone it from County R-20 to City RA-6 (smaller numbers are more dense). Then they voted 5 - 0 to approve the variance from a 40 foot setback to a 25 foot setback due to Councilman Bother's preference.

Next up are Liquor Licenses. It seems that someone complained, because they made more of a show of why they approve despite statutory limitations.

The first one was for the Chevron on Cobb Parkway. They're looking for a retail package license to sell sealed booze out of their gas station. This is within 600ft of a daycare. This would normally prohibit the license, unless it didn't negatively impact the daycare's property value or function. The evidence they used is that this is just a change in ownership of an operating business that has had a license since 2000. The daycare opened in 2006. The daycare would not be impacted negatively because the booze sales had been going on the whole time. This was deemed sufficient and they approved the license 5 - 0.

The Ignite Lounge on Cobb Parkway was looking to get a pouring license, so the ability to serve people drinking on site. This also needs a closer look as it is within 300 feet of a house. This license is to expand an existing business, so the house shouldn't be additionally devalued just because the Ignite Lounge is larger. This was deemed sufficient as it was larger.

The third one was the Smash Hit Catering over at the Nest on Cherokee Street. They are within 300 feet of a house and also the Kennesaw Police Department Annex. They don't have the excuse of selling beer for decades already as they replaced the now defunct Nest only a year or so ago, and how can they argue the police won't be impacted by the booze? Well JK doesn't matter, none of those restrictions apply in the Entertainment District. Councilman Bothers wanted to clarify one thing before the vote, do they do universal ID checks? The owner of Smash Hit was there and said that they will ID everyone every time. The license was approved 5 - 0.

So, Crime stats. Looks like 2026 is a crime-ier year than 2025 with 820 crimes to last year's 768 from January to July. Most of that comes from a big spike in drug crimes coming in with 56 more than last year. Other big gainers include Fraud (+18), Simple Assault (+17), and Porn (+12). We saw some big declines as well. The biggest losers were Larceny (-18), Intimidation (-14), Vandalism (-8), and Motor Vehicle Theft (-6). Traffic Citations were down ~15% while Traffic Warning were down 50%. Arrests were up. The number of pedestrians hit by cars with injury is more than double from last year at 7.

Next up, Public Comment.

History Kid was first. He investigated a map of Kennesaw that's framed in the mayor's office that shows a much larger grid than what exists today. He was able to confirm that the lots line up and determined it to be an original or copy of an 1871 plat map by Rowland Property, a rare piece indeed that gives a unique snapshot of the city very early in its history.

The Woodland Park Guy was next. Interesting note: that wasn't his truck after all. He talked to the guy from last week and they determined that it was his neighbor's truck after all. Anyways, on to his comments.

He said that he's been going to council meetings for 4 months now, and he's disappointed that other people (maybe me?) don't speak up all that often. He's tired of being made to feel like he's the problem. But he doesn't really want people to speak up for him, he wants other people to bring up their own issues and champion their own charges. He thinks that the only way this works is if there's real communication. Also, he would like to have the chain when it is removed from Woodland Park, please. He'd be happy to pay double for it. He wants that specific chain for sentimental purposes.

And that was it for public comment, the City Manager had a little bit to say. He wants to remind everyone that this Saturday (8/22) is the big concert at Depot Park. You can set up earlier in the day, but the music starts at 7PM. It's the RumorsATL cover band that does Fleetwood Mac for the most part.

Also, the Comprehensive Plan where the city sets its goals for the next decade is having its next public engagement meeting. This time it's going to be Thursday (8/20) at Depot Park from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM. This will coincide with the Farmer's Market, so no reason to not do both.

I am looking for a gym close to work. Primary needs are sauna and space to do exercises like bench, squat, deadlift, overhead press. I am switching to a mostly home based work out routine but would like a place I can pop in quick, do a set of squat, sit in the sauna, and leave. I've read mixed reviews of the sauna situation at Crunch here and so wanted to restart the conversation.

It would be nice if the locker rooms and showers were clean enough that I'd feel comfortable showering and going into work. For reference, I am an LA fitness member and have regularly used locations in North Decatur, Kennesaw, and Wade Green, none of which had clean enough locker rooms to make me not feel the need to shower a second time once I got home.

Hey guys so I NEED to cut my hair soon my ends are screaming for it lol but I’m not sure where to look. I used to go to someone but they live in lilburn and I ain’t driving that far lol. I get rlly picky when it comes to my hair I have 2c-3b hair and not everyone can cut my hair without making me look like Dora (cause they forget about the shrinkage) so if anyone knows any hairstylist that know how to cut curly to curly ish hair around kennesaw/marietta area I would greatly appreciate the recommendations 🙏🏼😊 plesseee.

I get we're the suburbs but what are the absolute best and nicest restaurants in and around Kennesaw?

I'm talking expensive, dressing up, great ambiance, a place to take and impress clients or spend special occasion dinners. No chain restaurants.

As close to Michelin Star as possible.

FINE DINING. Not bar food that's expensive.

I'm talking bougie.

In Kennesaw Proper.

Thanks!

Hi everyone! I’m completely new to Georgia. I recently accepted a new job in the Marietta area, and I’ll be living in the Kennesaw area. Right now, both of my parents, who are over 60, are here with me while I’m getting settled.

Since none of us really know the area, I’m looking for any and all recommendations for things we can do together, either during the week or on weekends.

I’m open to pretty much anything: interesting places to visit, scenic drives, small towns, museums, historic places, parks, restaurants, markets, events, nice areas to explore, day trips, unique Georgia experiences, or even random local places that you personally enjoy taking family when they visit.

Ideally, I’d love things within about a 30–40 minute drive from Kennesaw, but honestly, if something is worth driving farther for, please recommend it anyway. We have a car and don’t mind exploring.

Google has helped a little, but I feel like I’m mostly getting the same tourist recommendations over and over again. I’d really love to hear from people who actually live here — including places that may not show up on the typical “things to do in Georgia” lists.

Seriously, throw any recommendations you have at me, even if you think they’re obvious. I’m starting from zero when it comes to knowing Georgia.

Thank you! I really appreciate any suggestions and I’m excited to get to know Kennesaw, Marietta, and Georgia in general.

The wife and I need a date night tonight but times are tight money wise. What's something we can do in the Kennesaw area tonight that won't cost a ton but give us some time to just have fun together out of the house?

The Flock Town Hall will be held at the Milford Recreation Center on August 27th at 6:30pm.

Show up in numbers! Bring your friends! Tell everyone! They must know that Cobb wants to get rid of Flock!!!

Want to bring up recent cases of Flock misuse? Here are some articles that can help you out.

Bibb County Arrests - Posted yesterday - https://www.wsbtv.com/news/georgia/3-georgia-deputies-charged-after-allegedly-using-flock-camera-system-personal-reasons/ADVPE32Z4NCZFK6I6QCBVSJWMQ/

Dekalb County Suspensions - Posted 4 days ago - https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/dekalb-county/flock-misuse-8-metro-atlanta-officers-suspended-over-policy-violations/GNWFLJLWSJGM7MGDWBMD3VJJIM/

Polk County - Posted 3 days ago - https://www.wsbtv.com/news/georgia/ex-georgia-drug-task-force-agent-charged-with-misusing-license-plate-reader-database/SZUB2BHNWVBTBFBKDL6HSGZQ2I/

Savannah - Posted on August 3rd - https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/6-georgia-officers-under-investigation-misusing-flock-system-popular-tourist-destination/IVSL3XMLBRGRRLSN75MXHH6HI4/

My daughter is about to start fall soccer and I’m looking for a place to take her to run some drills. Ideally looking for something turf and somewhat private. Are there any school athletic fields that are open to the public when not in use?

First of all.. a "speakeasy" with gigantic signage out front is just dumb. This place is weird. Are you really trying to be fancy? The food is awful and it's crazy to eat with rolled silverware off a barrel and bar chairs. No music, no fun. Bartenders are uninterested. The outside bar is the only really highlight. No way this place makes it to 2027. Bring back the Diamond Dave's guy!

Title: Anyone have experience living at Town Kennesaw Apartments?
Hi everyone! I’m currently considering renting an apartment at Town Kennesaw, and before making a final decision, I wanted to hear from people who actually know the area or have experience with the complex.
Has anyone here lived at Town Kennesaw, currently lives there, or knows someone who does? I’d really appreciate any honest feedback—good or bad—about the apartments, management, maintenance, neighbors, noise, parking, safety, or anything else you think a potential resident should know.
One of my biggest priorities is simply living somewhere safe, quiet, and well-managed. I understand that no apartment complex is perfect, but I’d like to minimize the chances of dealing with major problems with management, the property itself, or the surrounding community.
I toured the property and honestly really liked what I saw, but I know that touring an apartment complex and actually living there can be two very different experiences.
Any experiences, opinions, warnings, or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

where are all the circle k gas stations? not just the ones w the store that have shell gas pumps i mean the whole circle k’s? pmo bc i got the 40cent off for em n i cant find it

I’m looking for a reliable kitchen remodeling contractor around Kennesaw and would really like some local opinions before I start signing anything. My priority is solid trade work and good attention to detail rather than flashy finishes. I’d rather have someone who gets the basics right level cabinets, clean trim, proper countertop installation, and good finishing work.

Cabinet selection is still up in the air. Cabinet IQ caught my attention because their Kennesaw location works with both stock and custom cabinets, and their process includes design and installation. I’m not committed to using them yet, but they’re one of the companies I’m researching.

If you’ve remodeled a kitchen in Kennesaw recently, who did the work? Were you happy with the contractor’s craftsmanship? How did they handle scheduling, changes, and cleanup? I’d also love to hear about any lessons you learned that might save me from making an expensive mistake.