Members of Dunwoody City Council have adopted new rules for buying parkland through bonds that some critics say could allow the city to raze unwanted developments.
The council voted unanimously Sept. 26 to approve guidelines for purchasing property for future parks.
On Nov. 8, voters will be asked to weigh in on the city taking on a total of $66 million in bonds to finance purchasing green space and developing and improving parks.
During the public comment period, Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chairman Bill Grant told the council he questioned the motives behind some purchases.
“I’m concerned this is done in the name of parks. It’s not a parks deal, it’s a get-rid-of-apartments deal,” Grant said. “I don’t think the city’s got any business being in the rental business.”
The city’s new rules for buying parks would allow staff members, directed by the council, to negotiate purchases, which would then be approved by the council after public hearings.
During discussion of the new rules on Sept. 12, City Councilwoman Adrian Bonser worried about a clause in the original document that would allow the city to resell land if it found that it could not be used for its intended purposes. That clause was removed before the rules were adopted.
And City Councilman Denis Shortal wanted to make sure that any land the city was interested would receive multiple appraisals.
The procurement policy now states that at least one independent, third-party appraisal must be conducted on any property the city intends to purchase, with up to three appraisals for more valuable properties.