Public Hearing Set For Renaming Streets With Possible KKK Tie

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — The public hearing on the renaming of Lake Forrest Drive and Forrest Lake Drive will take place during the Aug. 4 meeting of the Sandy Springs City Council.

The proposed change removes an “r” in the word, Forrest for both public streets. Mayor Rusty Paul requested the change noting that the streets may have been named for Nathan Bedford Forrest, a general in the Confederate Army during the Civil War and the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan.

To rename a road, the city must hold a public hearing, with that hearing advertised at least 25 days in advance. Submission of the newspaper advertisement was delayed, and the hearing date moved to ensure adequate notification.

During its June 16 meeting, the council voted in support of a resolution to begin the process of renaming the streets.

"We are a city that is inclusive of all individuals and one that does not tolerate hate and racism," Paul said earlier this month. "While one can appreciate the general's acumen as a military leader, the name also connotes an association with a group that fostered racism."

Lake Forrest Drive and Forrest Lake Drive are both partially located within the city limits of Atlanta. Atlanta city leaders were contacted to work cooperatively to change the names for the entire length of the streets.

More information about the city of Sandy Springs is available by visiting online or calling the Citizen Response Center at 770-730-5600. Follow community news on Facebook and breaking news and traffic alerts on Twitter @SandySpringsGA.