The Cobb County School District’s plan to build a new bus depot at 440 Veterans Memorial Highway off Gore Road in Mableton has ignited fierce opposition. Over the past year, at least two dozen residents have spoken out against the depot during board meetings, passionately urging the school system to reconsider.
Among the vocal opponents were Robin Meyer, a member of the Mableton planning commission, and Susan Steinway, both warning early on about the potential disruption to their community. Meyer told the board she was “discouraged” at the district’s progress despite earlier warnings Steinway expressed concern that “early morning operations will bring unwanted noise and traffic,” directly undermining quality of life.
Despite the slowing growing opposition, Board members Tre’ Hutchins and Becky Sayler, both representing Mableton, did not address these concerns early in the process. When board chair Randy Scamihorn publicly confirmed the project in October 2024, he bluntly stated that Hutchins and Sayler “had several opportunities to allay the fears of local residents,” implying they fell short.
Why the Lawsuit?
Last week, several Mableton residents filed a lawsuit in Cobb County Superior Court seeking to halt the depot’s construction. The complaint claims the district:
- Failed to conduct required environmental impact studies under Georgia law and Cobb County ordinances.
- Neglected traffic impact analysis, even though increased bus activity could strain local roads
- Ignored public notice and hearing requirements, effectively sidelining the community from the decision-making process
Plaintiffs argue that the depot, with its bus traffic, fuel emissions, and noise, would transform a neighborhood activity zone into an industrial facility, directly contradicting Cobb County’s Comprehensive Plan.
City Leaders Left Helpless
When asked about the project, Mableton Mayor Michael Owens said he and the city had “no authority” to block the depot, pointing out that local boards of education are exempt from zoning laws under Georgia law. As such, he admitted the city had “no say” in land-use decisions concerning the school district.
Despite this, the city negotiated with school district officials in December to require mitigation measures: visual buffers, noise control, restricted operating hours, and pollution management. However, many residents remain unconvinced that these steps will sufficiently protect their neighborhood.
“Not In My Backyard”, A Wider Trend
This isn’t the first time Cobb residents have resisted bus depots near their homes. The county already operates facilities in South Cobb, Barrett Parkway, and West Cobb, each one contested when proposed. The pattern highlights the challenge the school district faces: balancing increasing logistical needs with neighborhood concerns.
School District Responds, but Declines to Comment
Cobb County School Board Chairman David Chastain, representing Post 4, said, “Since this is pending litigation, we have no comment,” and a district spokesperson echoed that sentiment. Officials do insist, however, that the depot is necessary to streamline bus routes and meet growing transportation demands.
Can It Be Mitigated?
In meetings, board members pointed to proposed mitigation efforts:
- Installing landscaped fencing and visual barriers
- Restricting staging and fueling to specific hours
- Implementing pollution control systems and traffic management
But, as resident Dimondi put it, “It’s going to be a huge headache and a huge problem for the whole community,” and others remain skeptical that mitigation will fully offset the impacts
What’s Next?
As litigation moves forward in Superior Court, the community awaits judgement. If residents win, it could complicate the district’s timeline; if they lose, the depot may proceed, albeit with mitigation measures in place.
