Neighborhood News!

FIFA World Cup 2026 Comes to Our Backyard

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place from June 11 through July 19, and East Cobb residents are uniquely positioned near two major tournament locations. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host eight World Cup matches, including a semifinal on July 15, while the Atlanta United Training Ground on Franklin Gateway has been selected as an official FIFA Team Base Camp and will host the Uzbekistan National Team during the tournament.

Residents should expect increased traffic throughout the metro area on Atlanta match days (June 15, 18, 21, 24, 27 and July 1, 7, and 15), particularly along I-75, I-285, and near Franklin Gateway.

Cobb County has been preparing for the event for several years and recently received $1.7 million in federal funding to support public safety operations, emergency response equipment, traffic management, and additional first responder staffing during the tournament.

While some traffic delays are expected, the World Cup also presents a unique opportunity for our community to be part of one of the largest sporting events in the world.

For official information on Atlanta's World Cup plans, match schedule, and local events, visit:

https://atlantafwc26.com/

Proposed Senior Living Community at Eastside Church

The project, called The Haven, would redevelop approximately 8.6 acres of existing church property into a 125-unit senior living community featuring a mix of independent living, supportive living, and cottage-style homes. Church leaders say the development is intended to address the growing need for senior housing in East Cobb while supporting the church's community-focused mission.

The proposal has received support from county planning staff but has also prompted discussion among nearby residents and community organizations regarding density and neighborhood compatibility. The rezoning request is currently moving through the county review process.

Residents interested in learning more about the proposal, project details, and upcoming zoning discussions can read the full article from East Cobb News:

https://eastcobbnews.com/eastside-church-proposes-senior-living-to-expand-its-mission/

Publix Supermarket to Close at Year's End for Renovation/Expansion

We've learned that the Publix Supermarket, located in the Sope Creek Crossing shopping center (2900 Delk Rd.) will be closing at the end of 2026 for a complete renovation and expansion. According to reports, the renovation is expected to take 6 to 9 months.  Just recently, Publix closed their store at 1100 Johnson Ferry Rd. (near Johnson Ferry and Woodlawn Dr.) for the same reason—renovation and expansion. The Johnson Ferry store renovations are expected to be complete in December; and then the Delk Road store will close for its renovation.

Speed Tables Coming to Haverford Lane

Thanks to the persistence and diligence of Haverford Lane residents and others in the neighborhood, Haverford Lane will soon see "speed tables" installed to slow traffic on Haverford Lane.  The residents there have lobbied Cobb County officials for several years and asked for "traffic calming improvements" (as they're called) to reduce the speed of cars travelling down Haverford. Unfortunately, it has been common for cars to speed down that street, which poses a risk to people walking or children playing in the area. (Note: remember that the posted speed limit throughout the three neighborhoods is 25 MPH.)  According to Cobb officials, the work is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.