July 23 District 1 town hall: what we covered and what comes next

By Xavier Johnson · October 13, 2026 · 5 min read

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July 23, 2026 recording · Select the preview to watch on YouTube.

Thank you to everyone who joined, watched, or sent a question. We covered the first six months of my Council term, the basic services residents rely on, development questions, and practical ways to get a concern to the City. Here are the main points and the items that still need follow-through.

Three takeaways

1. Do the basics well, and keep checking the parks. I reported new fountains, basketball nets, cleanup, and regular grounds work at Rufus Stewart Park. I also said the daily routine for opening, checking, and closing park restrooms was still being worked out. The City's comprehensive parks plan was another opportunity for residents to shape priorities. Watch the parks update at 33:07 ↗
2. A regional development review is not local approval. I explained that the McDonough Civic Complex had gone through a Development of Regional Impact review, but, as I understood it on July 23, local rezoning was not scheduled for Planning Commission or Council action. If an application proceeds, residents should watch for staff review, notice, hearings, and a Council vote. The Atlanta Regional Commission explains the DRI process; check the City's agenda portal for any later local action. Watch at 39:50 ↗
3. Put a service concern where it can be tracked. I demonstrated McDonough Pulse and its SeeClickFix reporting tool, including location, category, optional photo, description, and request number. The City says residents can also use Pulse for alerts, bills, permits, and meeting videos. If you report a drain, sidewalk, litter, or park issue, save the request number and follow its status. Watch the demo at 58:58 ↗

Questions residents raised

Blacksville drainage: We discussed the July 20 Council presentation and the long-running flooding along streets including Head, Chappell, and Cherry. I relayed a rough 12-to-18-month expectation for breaking ground and advocated attention to damage residents have experienced. That was an estimate and an advocacy position, not a confirmed construction date or an approved compensation program. The City's project information explains the proposed drainage work; ask staff for a dated design, permitting, funding, and construction schedule. Watch at 1:20:08 ↗

Youth safety: A submitted question asked about violence and repeat offenders. I spoke about mentoring and opportunities for young people alongside support for public safety, and invited ideas and partnerships. I did not announce a newly adopted youth-safety program that night. Watch at 1:14:54 ↗

Richard Craig Park and other park upgrades: I described work with the county and said the parks master plan would help identify future priorities. Specific upgrades and dates still needed confirmation. Watch at 1:18:56 ↗

Follow-ups I identified

• Work with staff on a consistent restroom opening, inspection, and closing routine at the parks. The routine was not presented as complete.
• Send the Civic Complex DRI study to a resident who requested it, and check the City's official record before describing any later rezoning status.
• Visit Dean Circle to look at a reported roadside-item concern. The transcript records the promise to inspect, not a completed cleanup.
• Share details for an in-person town hall and ways to volunteer for Beautify the Block, Generation Connect, and Career Saturdays. These were community initiative plans, not adopted City programs or announced dates.

I want to close the loop on these items with dated updates as they are confirmed. For a current service issue, report it to the City and keep the case number. For a proposed Council action, consult the agenda and records portal and the calendar. If you need help tracking an answer, send me the location and question.

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