Unfortunately Mableton has become that place you drive through on your way to some place else. It seems most businesses come here to die. I wish I had an answer but all of mine seem to start with level it to the ground and start over. There are just so many issues, from entrances and exits to strip malls and businesses to the general appearance that greets people as they drive through. The widening of Bankhead, er Veterans Memorial had a lot to do with it.

What we would like to see and what is fiscally and physically possible are worlds apart.

I remember when Mableton was the place to be. There were real sit down restaurants, shopping, offices in the now trashy looking office building on Mableton Parkway and more. A big problem that hurt the area was the development of South Fulton County and Douglas County. The area at one time was a regional shopping destination for those in other areas that lacked options, but when their areas got malls (Arbor Place), power centers (Camp Creek Marketplace) and others, Mableton was left to die. Yes, we got the Mable House Theatre but there is one that has better highway access and already booking major events (and it was recently built in 2011) in Fulton County. I am referring to the Wolf Creek Theatre on Camp Creek Parkway.

There needs to be more investment in the area from both the county and private sector. There are no coffee shops here, we lost our pizza place (Pizza Bar) and no real dining options (sorry, one can only eat so much Mexico Lindo). East Point was littered with wing shacks next door to each other, we are littered with Mexican restaurants next door to each other.

More must be done to cater to young professionals, I know of many who chose to live in Smyrna or South Fulton because of amenities (night spots, taverns, lounges, shopping, fitness centers, etc).

Thanks for the comment. I see what you are saying. I see the same Veterans that I saw growing up. I have spoken to some of the businesses not all. They all care about the community and I am sure they would love to upgrade and grow. But funds aren’t there. If the community would start supporting them. Then funds would be available to make the changes.
Or some changes. A couple of years back I saw a program on TV. It was a small town like ours. Only exception they weren’t surrounded by Cities like Atlanta. Which is a bustling city. They were located out in the middle of nothing. And like us asleep let’s say. The leaders of the town came together. These were the businesses ,churches, schools etc. They looked at the town and it’s dynamics. And they began community efforts to reach out. A networking event a town social and regular church activities. With the community’s eyes open they began to communicate on a level never reached before. The businesses started to grow and prosper. The town had a new appeal for families and the economic impact was huge. The real Estate market even improved.

I don’t think Mableton or Austell isn't beyond fixing. We are in a good location to grow. I believe our biggest problem is a lack of interaction and communication. It is time to come together, we can’t ignore possibilities. Until we start recognizing we are in this together. It will never change. I believe it will even take us out of our current high crime status. Issues can either destroy a area or benefit it. But if they are never discussed well it’s doomed to continue to repeat itself. I don’t believe in finger pointing but I am a big fan of communication. Let the people be heard and understood. That’s the sole reason I agreed to do this blog.
Thank you for commenting. It's a start...

You want some ideas? Here you go. Relocate all the businesses on the north of Veterans Memorial to Mableton Parkway. The big warehouse like strip mall on the right hand side as you are heading to Austell, attract a multi screen theater, a bowling alley and a skate rink. Across the street, I think it is Hilltop Plaza, build a playground, an outdoor skate park, Putt Putt and a public pool.

In other words put in some recreation stuff for the residents. After relocating the businesses have a city planner redevelope the area with a plan rather then the helter skelter manner in which Mableton grew. Since access to so many businesses is next to impossible build some parking decks.

If you are going to dream, dream big!

Check out the story about proposed improvements to the Six Flags area: http://patch.com/A-qCXh Leave your comments there about what should be done to improve that area of South Cobb.

Everyone wants their community to be new and improved. However, if businesses thought they could survive in the area they would be there. There are many successful businesses in the area. It is conveniently located near I-285, I-20 and Atlanta. You can see development near the Cobb/Fulton line. The apartments and housing near there attract a certain type of retail. It is a mixed development area. Lots of commercial, retail, and housing. Now is just not a good time to expect businesses to relocate or move to the area. Most apartments, condos, and neighborhoods already have their own amenities. There are parks and libraries and some good schools in the area. I just don't see any major changes coming in the near future. I wish we had a magic wand to wave and fit it. It is what it is.

Hello loving the comments. So very glad to see people speak out. We got past the first step. Yay! I had a along conversation with a land owner in Mableton today. He knows a lot of our businesses. And he has been speaking to them regularly. He said he would love to see a precinct come back to this area. The Police presence would lesson our crime rate. I replied to him" I don't think funds are availiable being the budget cuts we have had. " Then I made a thought per suggestion. What if a business that was visible opened the doors for a Police to be in the office to work or come and go? Presence is presence. Many people say they'd like to see them drive through residential streets more often. Instead of road blocks or speed traps. Plus I wonder what it would take to bring forth those types of recreation facilities. I would love to see the children and teens have something to do. Nothing is impossible but no one ever recognizes and tries nothing happens. I have google I could make calls. What about Town hall meetings?

A comprehensive plan for Mableton needs to be drafted and all stakeholders not just the select few must be invited. In addition, residents must get serious and interested about their community. Mableton can no longer just wait for the county to get around to it. We must do for ourselves.

How about a dinner and play establishment? Seems this could be done using the existing facilities at the Mable House. Create a community drama/theater group which could present plays on a regular basis along with dinner. You have the Performing Arts group at Pebblebrook which could stage productions from time to time, school work first of course, but get the community involved in the creation of the theater group. You would need everything from set builders to the actual actors and it would be a great date spot or just a chance for a family to go out and enjoy a live show.

Grunt: I don't understand what you're after here. What are you involved in within the community? I'm sure if you do some research you will fund lots of activities to participate in. The Mable house hosted the ASO and other performances. Are you a performer? We can dream all we want to. But when you move to an area that is a mixed development you are limited in what type businesses are attracted there. Grunt, I have waved my magic wand 3 times now and I still don't see anything new going to happen in the Mableton area anytime soon. This is one of the worst economic time in our life time. You might have to drive a few miles to get what you want. What power or authority would you use to force businesses to move to So Cobb? I don't get it. Do you know any billionaires who can build a Disney World there?

James, I am not burdened by pessimism. We don't need a Disney World we have a Six Flags in case you hadn't noticed. My goal? Real simple, get residents to have some skin in the game so to speak. Give them a sense of belonging. The dinner theater is just one such idea. Make Mableton a destination not merely a checkpoint on someones GPS or Mapquest directions.

I would not force anybody to move to South Cobb, I want to make so that they want to move here. While I can agree that change will come slow, it won't come at all until people make it happen.

No, I am not a performer just some guy who went away for 22 years serving the country only to come home to find out that other then a couple of street name changes nothing else had really happened. That in itself is not a bad thing, and maybe embracing that is the way to make the area attractive. The buildings have different names on them now, the demographics have definitely changed but the bottom line is until the residents have something to rally around that they can take pride in, be involved with, be able to say "I helped make that happen", we won't get to where are dreams take us.

The Empire State Building was built during one the countries worst economic times too. As for knowing billionaires, none personally. I would like to make more use of the Mable House beyond hosting an event now and then. With so many Hollywood productions now in the area I would like to think we could launch a career or two from this endeavor.

Deborah, thanks for your article and bringing attention to the opportunity for improvement along Veteran's Memorial. Many of our corridors in South Cobb leave much to be desired. There are other communities in Metro Atlanta that have been revitalized. For example, My husband who used to live near the Cumberland Mall area over a decade ago told me he once used to be scared to drive down Atlanta Road! Now look at it! With good planning, marketing, incentive, and high expectation among area taxpayers I believe the area can indeed change. Nonetheless, no one is going to act upon our care or concern unless we express it. I am so glad you did here!

Thank you so much Lisa. I drove up and down Veterans Memorial all day long And they were suprised I stopped in. What I heard yesterday was hard to swallow for the most part. But in stopping i found some really awesome stuff I use myself. They need this communities support. Most are struggling. And across the board just like I have said they could do fix ups and etc if they could just get some traffic. Actually after meeting them even more I am resolved to doing even more with the Mableton Business Exchange. So I did I added a breakfast at the Peace of Pie Restaurant. 7:30am. Wednesday every week. Store owners can never make lunches. Maybe a little help amongst themselves.

The 27th the Mableton Business Exchange is offering a FREE 3 seminar course of Marketing for your business. Bonnie Hall of BDH events, Mark Morgan of Cobb 360 and Alan Hardage of Marketing solutions will be doing this. You need to RSVP on our Facebook Page. We can only seat 65 for the class. These people want to assist the South Cobb Businesses community as I do. They usually don't do these for FREE. But they know me and how I want to help Mableton. Class starts at 10:30 am South Cobb Libary. The first in a 3 part series. Or email me at mabletonbe@gmail.com. I refuse to give up. This is our town and I am nor going to complain I will support.

There are angry business owners out here. People are tired of coming to meetings for networking leads that go nowhere, hearing tired and boring speakers or simply being ignored because they are a certain type of business. I have a plan for this and it will be unveiled soon. I have talked to several fustrated business owners who are fed up with all of these groups. Don't worry, relief is coming soon.

I do everything I can and more for all my members. Not just networking. I try and make sure they get support in all interactions. They are more than a number they are our economy.