Neighbor opposes Habad proposal to convert St. Martin's campus into K-12 school, citing traffic and safety concerns

During the public-comment period Bob Johnson opposed a conditional-use permit application (U263) submitted by the Habad of Georgia to purchase the 7.5-acre St. Martin's Episcopal School property at 4945 High Point Road in District 5 and develop a 300-student K-12 campus.

Johnson identified himself as a long-time neighbor and a graduate of local police and fire community programs. He said the area is a "protected neighborhood" and asked whether it is safe to locate another school there given traffic conditions and recent violent incidents near the intersection, including a multi-agency SWAT operation that he described as occurring across the street in May. "I unequivocally oppose this," Johnson said, citing fears about increased traffic, athletic fields, lights and overall neighborhood disruption.

No formal council action on U263 was taken during the public-comment period; the speaker framed his opposition around safety and neighborhood protection. Council and staff have previously considered related St. Martin's requests (Johnson referenced a unanimous denial of a prior request five years ago for 120 students), but any final council decision on U263 will be part of the public hearings and planning review process for that specific agenda item.