Riverfront events, conservation zoning and private-property disputes raised at Roswell forum

Several speakers at Roswell’s June 29 open forum pressed the council about riverfront property rights, conservation zoning and whether private owners may host public-facing events.

Steve Malikica, who said he is working with a property owner near Aelia Drive, described repeated efforts to program outdoor events (coffee and drink trucks, small entertainment) that have been blocked by the city's zoning and permitting processes. "Is there a way that council members and the mayor could state if they were open to some sort of public activity on the river that’s not owned by the city? Is that allowed for people who are private citizens or do you have to be part of the city?" he asked.

Neighbors with property on Riverside Road said park plans and increased access worry them. John Bridges told the council he owns 10 acres on Riverside Road and said planned hardscape, steel barriers and 24-hour lighting would change the area’s character and could depress property values; he urged a softer, maintenance-focused approach that preserves trees and neighborhood feel.

Property owner Jason Ya alleged the city treated his site inconsistently and said a moratorium and subsequent permit handling have effectively targeted his operations. He argued the city had applied inverse-condemnation language to his property in a 2014 UDC and that a moratorium on special-event permits for conservation-zoned land curtailed his successful beer-garden events. Ya said the city then allowed a different operator to run events under an amended lease and described that as unfair.

Council members did not debate or respond during the forum; Deputy City Clerk Rachel Reigns and Mayor Mary Robishau said staff will record comments and publish written answers on the city website within two weeks. No formal enforcement action or policy decision was announced at the meeting.

Speakers sought clarity about permit paths (variance, conditional use or other approvals) and whether the city will treat private, conservation-zoned parcels differently than city-owned venues. Those questions will be addressed in staff follow-ups and, if needed, in future council or planning commission proceedings.