A three-person judicial committee of City Council has tentatively approved franchise agreements with American Fiber Systems and Comcast Corp. The new deals will be reviewed by all of City Council this April. American Fiber Systems, which supplies internet service for Marietta, now has a contract which lasts for two additional years. The non-exclusive contract with Comcast, which supplies cable TV to the area, will last for eight years. In the current deal, the city fought to gain a promise for better customer service from the cable provider, which says it has “taken steps to improve customer service issues.” Both companies will pay five percent of their total revenue, collected in Marietta, to the city.

The judicial committee also addressed zoning issues for mixed-use developments that include townhouses. The new rules call for at least four parking spots per townhome in a new construction and for the developments to be overseen by a homeowners’ association.

What do you think of the city’s new contracts with AFS and Comcast? What are your thoughts on the new zoning rules? Share your opinion and have a great weekend!