Land purchases move forward in Forsyth

Although not everyone was pleased with the process, the county government is moving forward in purchasing two properties for the purpose of greenspace using a portion of the nearly $40 million approved in February 2008 by 70 percent of voters.

Voters approved the $100 million Parks and Recreation Bond that had about 40 percent intended to go toward land preservation for greenspace with the rest going toward active recreation.

Local residents filled the county administration building Dec. 30 during a public hearing regarding the possible acquisition of two properties (Wallace Tatum and Harrison).

Some were for the purchases.

"I see limitless possibilities [with the Wallace Tatum property]," said county resident Cindy Mills. "I applaud you for this purchase."

Others felt the price was too high.

"Greenspace is great," said county resident Bill Dickerson, "but you don't have to pay these huge prices. Nobody's buying property right now and we're going to pay top price? It's just too much for greenspace."

County resident and property appraiser Terry Smith told commissioners they should get another appraisal on the Wallace Tatum property.

"There should have been another appraisal done," he said. "The one you are using is out of date. We need one that is valid in today's environment. I beg you to hold off and get another appraisal."

Smith said he wanted the county to get the most for its money.

"Make this money count for the citizens of Forsyth County," he said. "Your decision will tell Forsyth County citizens whether you care about them or the process. Find out the true cost of the land and purchase it."

Commissioners were not united in their support about the greenspace land purchase process.

Commissioner Jim Harrell said while he likes the two properties being discussed at the Dec. 30 public hearing, he wanted more public input.

"I have a problem with the lack of substantial county wide input," he said. "Now at the 11th hour, we are hearing legitimate concerns regarding the price. I would like to postpone until the pricing is addressed and more public input is gathered."

Commissioner David Richard said he didn't want to wait for the price to go down and then see a "foreign bank gobble it up."

"They would then hold it a couple years and sell it for 400 homes," he said. "I wasn't elected to accelerate growth. I was elected to slow down growth."

Commissioner Linda Ledbetter said she thought the entire process has been "flawed."

"We've been trying to buy land since March," she said. "Maybe [the Wallace Tatum property] is overpriced but it's a beautiful piece of property that could be used for greenspace, recreation and a library. To put this off might mean we're not going to get it. I don't understand this process. It's been moving at a snails pace. We couldn't go any slower."

However, Commission Chairman Charles Laughinghouse made the motion to postpone the acquisition of the Wallace Tatum Property because it "might not be the best price we could get."

"We owe it to the people of the county to be fiscally responsible when spending your money and it is your money," he said.

But Richard said he wouldn't support the motion, which failed to pass 2-3 with Harrell and Laughinghouse casting their vote in favor.

"You have wanted since day one to have complete control over this process," he said.

"You have delayed this time and again."

Ledbetter agreed.

"I have listened to a lot of lies the last four years but this one takes the cake," she said. "This is nothing but you and Jim trying to control the greenspace."

Laughinghouse said he didn't see how they could be accused of delaying the process.

"This board of commissioners operates under rules," he said. "The majority is three. I don't see how you think Commissioner Harrell and I can turn our two votes into three."

Harrell said he vows to have more public input in 2009.

"I want more public input instead of three people deciding what residents want," he said. "We will have more public input at the first of the year."
- www.northfulton.com

Sphere: Related Content