Mt. Bethel High School Plans Opposed

Citizens living near the Shirley Blumenthal Park are speaking out against a proposal to build a Christian high school there. 

In a letter to the editor published Monday by The Marietta Daily Journal, Ernest and June Brown said plans by Mt. Bethel Christian Academy "would negatively impact our quiet little east Cobb community."

East Cobb Patch reported on Aug. 5 that MBCA has agreed to buy the 32-acre tract on Post Oak Tritt Road from the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, pending rezoning.

But the Browns wrote that "this has all been handled in a rather secretive manner, thus preventing our community from being notified or providing any feedback regarding concerns."

In their letter, which was published behind an MDJ paywall, the Browns said they and their neighbors on Stoney Brook Lane in the Holly Springs North subdivision already are experiencing traffic problems, and are unable to turn left onto Holly Springs Road or onto Post Oak Tritt. 

In an interview with East Cobb Patch, Mt. Bethel head of school Jim Callis said the rezoning request is expected to be filed within 30 days. MBCA goes through the 8th grade on its main campus on Lower Roswell Road, but needs extra space for high school.

Callis said the high school would accommodate up to 200 students, phased in over four years.

Another nearby subdivision, Mabry Manor, is going up on the northeast intersection of Holly Springs and Post Oak Tritt.

"Add to this the increase in folks travelling to and from the academy, as well as the expected school buses, etc. and the result is something that could make residents who have been happy here for so long want or need to move," the Browns wrote. 

The Browns said they have written to District 3 Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, asking that citizens living near the park "would appreciate the opportunity to be involved."