Water Damage Restoration in South Fulton, GA

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With a population of nearly 115,000 residents, South Fulton stands as Georgia's fifth-largest city. Encompassing over 90 square miles, its diverse terrain blends urban and rural landscapes, boasting the largest expanse of undeveloped land on the southern

Construction of Cedar Grove Park has an anticipated construction start time beginning in early 2026. The City remains dedicated to enhancing public spaces that foster recreation, education, and community growth.

With a population of nearly 115,000 residents, South Fulton stands as Georgia's fifth-largest city. Encompassing over 90 square miles, its diverse terrain blends urban and rural landscapes, boasting the largest expanse of undeveloped land on the southern

Investing in community and parks and recreation, the City of South Fulton (GA) approves funding to erect first building in its almost 8 years of cityhood.

SOUTH FULTON, GA, UNITED STATES, February 21, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The City of South Fulton City Council has unanimously approved the Cedar Grove Park Project, a transformative $17 million initiative that will establish a premier destination for recreation, education, and community engagement in District 4. Designed to serve residents of all ages, this state-of-the-art facility will promote physical health, personal growth, and social connection through a diverse range of programs and amenities.

Cedar Grove Park marks a historic milestone as the first recreation facility constructed since the city’s inception and the first-ever recreation center in District 4 of the city – bridging much needed recreational resources to the community. This investment reflects the city’s dedication to expanding access to quality recreational spaces and enhancing the overall well-being of residents.

District 4 Councilman Jaceey Sebastian praised the approval of the project, emphasizing its positive impact on residents, “Cedar Grove Park will undergo a remarkable transformation here in District 4, and I am proud to see this project moving forward. This new facility will open opportunities for fitness, community engagement, education, and social interaction, improving the overall well-being of our residents. It’s a true investment in our people and is a pivotal moment in our city."

The project will feature a modern recreation center with an indoor pool, an outdoor playground, and a variety of multi-use spaces to accommodate community activities. The facility will span over 4,000 square feet, featuring an indoor pool and splash pad to provide year-round aquatic recreation for residents of all ages.

Additionally, the park will include:

- Open lawn space for gatherings and leisure activities- Pavilion for events and shaded relaxation- Basketball court to encourage active recreation- Multi-use path network to support walking, running, and cycling- Dog park with separate sections for large and small dogs- Nature trails for outdoor exploration- Stormwater management features to promote environmental sustainability- Expansive parking for enhanced accessibility

City of South Fulton leaders emphasized the significance of the project in meeting the growing recreational needs of the community while fostering an inclusive and dynamic environment for residents.

Ternard Turner, Parks and Recreation Director, highlighted the long-term benefits of the development, stating, "Cedar Grove Park will be a cornerstone of our city’s recreation system, providing residents with top-tier facilities that encourage active lifestyles and community engagement. From youth programs to senior activities, this park will offer something for everyone, ensuring a healthier, more connected community."

City Manager Sharon D. Subadan shared how this investment is in direct alignment with the city’s broader vision for quality-of-life enhancements, “Investing in parks and recreation is investing in our city’s future. Cedar Grove Park will not only improve recreational opportunities but also create spaces where families, friends, and neighbors can come together in a state-of-the-art community park. This project reflects our commitment to building a stronger, healthier, more vibrant and thriving neighborhood."

Construction of Cedar Grove Park has an anticipated construction start time beginning in early 2026. The City remains dedicated to enhancing public spaces that foster recreation, education, and community growth.

Regular updates will be provided through official city channels and public meetings. The City of South Fulton looks forward to delivering a premiere recreational facility that will serve residents for generations to come.

Shaheen Solomon City of South Fulton email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook

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Updated: Feb. 13, 2025 at 10:18 AM PST

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The South Fulton City Council took a list of sweeping actions against the city’s embattled mayor Tuesday night.

Mayor Khalid Kamau, who now goes by “Kobi,” had his access to the mayoral budget and to all city buildings and facilities revoked.

“The council has decided to shut down access to the mayoral budget with the exception of his salary and benefits.”

City Manager Sharon Subadan will also draft a notice asking all city employees to stop communicating with the mayor.

“It is the consensus of the council that the mayor through the unauthorized use of resources and abuse of his position, refusing to follow policy and engaging in conduct unbecoming to a member which constitutes a breach of trust,” said Subadan.

Other actions the council took against the mayor include:

The actions against Kamau will stay in place until all city investigations involving the mayor are finished.

In a press release Wednesday, the council said it “remains committed to ensuring the responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources and maintaining the integrity of city operations.”

Council members said they “took action in response to concerns regarding the unauthorized use of city resources, noncompliance with established policies, and conduct unbecoming of a public official.”

They allege the mayor “engaged in actions constituting a breach of public trust,” and as a result, they implemented the measures “to protect city assets and uphold transparency and accountability.”

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: City of South Fulton lays out plan to heighten financial security following audit of mayor

In January, an audit was launched against the mayor. The city council voted for the audit to be done on his expenses from October 2023 to this year after allegations that he misused taxpayer dollars.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: South Fulton City Council orders audit on mayor’s alleged overspending of taxpayer dollars

Documents shared with Atlanta News First showed thousands of dollars being spent on airline travel and other online purchases. One ticket for Ethiopian Airlines totaled more than $2,300 in November.

“I am so distressed and disappointed that the blackest city in the united state of America is heading into black history month with its all black council tearing each other down,” said Kamau, in response to the audit.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.

Copyright 2025 WANF. All rights reserved.

It follows on reporting that he used taxpayer funds for international travel and then renovating portions of city hall.

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — South Fulton's city council took action in an early-morning meeting Wednesday to bar the mayor from city buildings and shut down his budget over what they alleged is his "unauthorized use of resources and abuse of his position."

In a remarkable rebuke of Mayor Kobi, the actions include a directive to all city employees that they "immediately cease and desist all interactions with the mayor."

The moves, taken by the council just before 1 a.m., came following reports about Mayor Kobi (formerly known as Khalid Kamau) taking international trips with taxpayer funds and renovating much of City Hall.

11Alive talked to the mayor through text messages Wednesday. He said he was heartbroken behind the actions of the council. He said councilmembers chose to overrule thousands who voted for him in 2021 a few months before a new election.

RELATED: Four continents in four months? Mayor of South Fulton defends using taxpayer funds for international travel

11Alive's Grace King reported on the mayor's trips — which spanned four continents in four months — earlier this week. He defended those trips as part of his goal for promoting South Fulton as "an international hub for Black business" and "how we can also bring investment from these places to the City of South Fulton." He also earlier this week gave news media a tour of the updates at City Hall, which included a film studio and conference/pool room with a pool table that can convert into a conference table.

The city council's early-Wednesday actions included removing the pool table, removing the electric mayoral vehicle, sending back the film studio (and, if it cannot be sent back, redistributing it to the city Public Affairs Department), redistributing three Mac devices to the city IT Department, and additional equipment — including a drone — being turned over to the city manager.

With the exception of his salary and benefits, the mayor's access to the mayoral budget has been revoked. That action, along with his ban from city buildings and ban on employees communicating with him, will be effective "until such time as all city investigations are complete."

Credit: WXIA

Film studio

"It is a consensus of the council that the mayor, through the unauthorized use of resources and abuse of his position, refusing to follow policy and engaging in conduct unbecoming to a member which constitutes a breach of public trust, the council has decided to take the foregoing actions as violations of the charter and ordinances until such time as all city investigations are complete," a council statement said.

Earlier this week, addressing the international trips, Mayor Kobi said he had a "vision for our city beyond warehouses and data centers" and that, "As the mayor, it is my job to lead, and it's the job of a leader to go out ahead of the crowd and find a new path. That's what I've done."

He said suggestions that his efforts have been an abuse of power and city resources are coming from people "scheming to remove me from office since I won this seat four years ago." His full statement on the travel expenses is available at the bottom of this story.

"None of us knew that this behavior was occurring because we weren't notified that the traveling was occurring," Councilwoman Helen Zenobia Willis said. "When we saw the expenditures on the financial documents that were posted... that's when we became, as a council, as a body, alarmed and concerned."

Councilwoman Willis added, "We have no business with Africa."

The city council's actions Wednesday morning all followed on another spat earlier in the evening between the mayor and city council over his service dog and a proposed ban on animals in city buildings.

RELATED: South Fulton council debates ban on animals in city buildings, targeting mayor’s service dog

"As the P-Card receipts, travel invitations, itineraries and information available here reveal, my travel as Mayor has been in service of promoting South Fulton as international hub for Black business. Such travel is part of my role as the “City’s official spokesperson and chief policy advocate” (as outlined in our City Charter); within my spending authority under city policy; and aligned with all local and federal expense guidelines. Those suggesting otherwise have been scheming to remove me from office since I won this seat four years ago. In this season of American history, to help right-wing media outlets promote knowingly untrue accusations which undermine faith in Black leadership is beyond reckless — it endangers us all. Willie Lynch himself could not imagine more perfect Project 2025 puppets."

Mayor Kobi, formerly known as Khalid Kamau, said these trips are "promoting South Fulton as international hub for Black business," within his spending authority.

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — The mayor of South Fulton is defending his international travels, which are funded by tax dollars. On Monday, Mayor Kobi, formerly known as Khalid Kamau, unveiled the office of South Fulton's future.

One wall has a Gall-Peters projection map, showing Africa at the center of the world instead of Europe or North America. The wall facing it has five clocks set to time zones of South Fulton, Salvador, Accra, Lagos and Addis Ababa — cities Kobi called the "Black capitals" of the world.

The room next to his office features a rotating exhibit space, which currently features "Sankofa," a piece about the "journey of American Africans from Africa to America."

"I have a vision for our city beyond warehouses and data centers," he said. "As the mayor, it is my job to lead, and it's the job of a leader to go out ahead of the crowd and find a new path. That's what I've done."

He believes that path leads directly to Africa. He said he's traveling to promote "South Fulton as an international hub for Black business" as part of his role as the "city’s official spokesperson and chief policy advocate."

"We've been looking at how we can connect South Fulton businesses with an entire new universe of consumers and how we can also bring investment from these places to the City of South Fulton," he said. "If there is a legitimate reason for the travel, then you can go."

Transaction records show dozens of flight purchases and refunds from Kobi's P-Card in 2024, making it difficult to track which trips he went on and how much they cost.

Kobi confirmed to 11Alive that he went to Colombia three times in 2024 for various business purposes, including the FUNEI Awards and the United Nations Biodiversity Conference.

He also confirmed his attendance at the Paris Olympics in July 2024 for "When Worlds Collide" and a 21-day trip to Ghana in December 2024.

His P-Card records show additional trips to Rwanda for the "African Leadership University School of Business" conservation seminar in May 2024 and Toronto for the "Toronto International Film Festival" in September 2024.

"My 21 days in Ghana was $7,000, right? So, I do think that it is a good value and if we're going to approve one trip, we've got to approve all the trips," he said, offering examples where it's cost roughly $3,000 to $5,000 per council member to attend conferences in Washington, D.C. "All of these are by invite, and when you are building these relationships... sometimes it takes repeated trips."

Not everyone in the city agrees. Some South Fulton council members are calling for a forensic audit of Kobi's spending and increased oversight on international spending.

"None of us knew that this behavior was occurring because we weren't notified that the traveling was occurring," Councilwoman Helen Zenobia Willis said. "When we saw the expenditures on the financial documents that were posted... that's when we became, as a council, as a body, alarmed and concerned."

She said it was recommended that they do an overall compliance audit of everyone's P-Card transactions, with a forensic audit on the mayor's financial transactions.

"We have no business with Africa. We're not an international city. Hope to be one day, but an international city is a city that has a significant population from other countries," she said. "We have a lot locally and domestically that we need to be concerned about. We're in the building phase of our city."

She said they're welcoming to international commerce and trade but that it is not the city's priority.

"Due to these incidents, we are putting a policy in place to better vet international travel," she said. "All of it may be great and all of it may be good ideas, but the problem is he doesn't get to make those unilateral decisions."

"As the P-Card receipts, travel invitations, itineraries and information available here reveal, my travel as Mayor has been in service of promoting South Fulton as international hub for Black business. Such travel is part of my role as the “City’s official spokesperson and chief policy advocate” (as outlined in our City Charter); within my spending authority under city policy; and aligned with all local and federal expense guidelines. Those suggesting otherwise have been scheming to remove me from office since I won this seat four years ago. In this season of American history, to help right-wing media outlets promote knowingly untrue accusations which undermine faith in Black leadership is beyond reckless — it endangers us all. Willie Lynch himself could not imagine more perfect Project 2025 puppets."

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — Mayor Kobi, the mayor of South Fulton, addressed residents on Wednesday for the first time after being walked out of City Hall last week.

He spoke for more than an hour at Akhirah’s Café in College Park.

The mayor has been under fire since documents showed he used taxpayer money to buy international trips and expensive office furniture, among other things.

Wednesday night, Channel 2′s Eryn Rogers was there as he answered questions from voters and explained some of his spending, like his trips to Ghana and Paris.

“I’ve been traveling the world promoting South Fulton,” Mayor Kobi said. “My idea is that South Fulton can be a hub for international Black Commerce.”

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Some South Fulton residents said they wanted to see how the trips were helping the city’s economic development.

“If you’re going and don’t bring anything back for us, then that’s just a vacation,” said South Fulton resident Lula Gilliam.

Mayor Kobi said from his trips, the city got two Fulbright Scholars and an international business that wants to move to South Fulton, although he wouldn’t say which business.

He said he bought the pool table because he wanted to create a certain atmosphere.

“The rationale is that I wanted to create a workplace of the 21st Century,” Mayor Kobi said.

He said he took his inspiration from tech companies like Google and Visa. He said he created the media studio to help create videos to get younger voters more engaged.

“We got a $20,000 donation to cover the cost for the taxpayers for that,” Mayor Kobi said.

While the mayor had an answer for just about everything asked by a crowd of a few dozen people, some weren’t fully convinced.

“I believe in total transparency in government, and I’m not seeing that,” Gilliam said. “I’m not satisfied yet.”

Others said they believe the mayor.

“I feel good about what I heard tonight,” South Fulton resident Mike Johnson said. “I got a little more clarity about the allegations. I got a little more clarity about how we got here.”

Lexicon Strategies, a PR firm working on behalf of the city released the following statement following the town hall:

“The City of South Fulton remains committed to transparency and fiscal responsibility and ensuring that the laws and rules are complied with. A forensic audit of the mayor’s expenditures is now underway along with normal legal processes to protect the city and taxpayer interests. Once that process is complete, the City Council will convene to review the findings and determine any necessary next steps.”

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The mayor said the city council is misspending money. He said they double-paid a vendor, costing taxpayers millions of dollars. He also said the council hasn’t been acting in the best interest of taxpayers. He said they changed city charters so that he didn’t have the power to fire city employees who weren’t doing their job correctly.

He said they overreached their authority when he was removed from city hall last week following an executive session in council that he says he was kicked out of attending.

The city council says the mayor will be allowed to resume his official duties on city premises, but he will not be allowed to use his city-issued vehicle. They said his removal from his office at city hall was a temporary measure, so city employees could remove any objects they believed might have been purchased by misusing taxpayer money.

The mayor said because of all the infighting, he’s not sure how they move forward as a governing body.

“How do we work together better, I’m going to be honest, I don’t think we can,” Mayor Kobi said.

He said voters will either have to choose a new mayor or a new council.

People who came out to the town hall said they would like to see the city audit everyone on the council, including the mayor.

The next city council meeting is Tuesday at 7 p.m.

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