Smyrna Councilman Ron Fennel, Ward 7, obtained passage by the Smyrna City Council of his resolution, asking Cobb County to change the name of the East West Connector to Silver Comet Parkway. This nine-mile stretch was the final segment built connecting Cumberland Parkway on the east with Barrett Parkway on the west, thus assuming the name of the non-descript, descriptor from the engineering drawings. No formal name was ever ascribed, so this generic name became the road’s moniker by default, not design.
Councilman Fennel thought we could do better. This heavily traveled roadway is a gateway on the south side of the county and into south Smyrna. The new name intends to pay proper homage to the Silver Comet Trail, one of Cobb County’s nationally renowned assets and tourism draws. The Trail originates in Smyrna near the starting point of the intersection of Atlanta Road and the East-West Connector and tracks along the trail through Smyrna and westward through 
unincorporated Cobb County to Powder Springs Road, where it becomes Barrett Parkway.
After soliciting input from citizens, business owners and influencers in the community, Councilman Fennel has continued to seek support from residents, businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, tourism officials, organizations, marketers, HOAs, and others.
Our newly elected South Cobb Commissioner Lisa Cupid indicated she has received some adverse input. After Councilman Fennel met with her, she agreed to his request for a Town Hall meeting with the residents at Presbyterian Village to explain the benefits and answer questions regarding the timing and other aspects of adjusting to the new name. They have requested attendance by county DOT staff, a US Postal representative and an attorney familiar with issues regarding legal documents and address changes.
That meeting is scheduled for July 18 at 7:00PM at Presbyterian Village, 2000 East-West Connector. Councilman Fennel will also be holding his regular quarterly TOWN HALL meeting on July 25 at 7:30PM at Jim ‘N’ Nick’s restaurant at the corner of South Cobb Drive and the East-West Connector.
Please join him in attending one or both of these meetings. Commissioner Cupid is gauging her support based upon public input and sentiment. If you cannot attend, please send a note of support to Commissioner Cupid and please copy Councilman Fennel. All five members of the County Commission must support the name change for it to occur.
Lisa Cupid: Lisa.Cupid@CobbCounty.org
Ron Fennel: RFennel@SmyrnaGA.gov