City Moving Towards Alternative to Wright Road Parking Lot

Abernathy Greenway Linear Park neighbors’ complaints over a planned parking lot and public restrooms just outside the Brandon Mill Woods subdivision appear to have been effective.

The next phase of the park does not include a parking lot on Wright Road or public restrooms, said Ronnie Young, Recreation and Parks director, during this week’s City Council meeting. 

“Staff thinks there will be an immediate need at some point for additional parking,” he added.

to object to a former residential property being turned into a parking lot for the new park.

On Tuesday, Linda Herman, one of several residents who complained to Council members, said property values have suffered from the park project and the widening of Abernathy Road.

“I do not think having public restroom facilities or a public parking lot can be a positive thing for our properties at all,” Herman said.

Instead of a Wright Road parking lot, the city’s focus is now on construction of an “eyebrow” lot towards the center of the park – about 600 feet from the , which is expected to be a major draw.

Council members said they favor moving ahead with that lot first.

“I think we should defer building parking on the Wright Road end,” said Councilwoman Karen Meinzen McEnerny. “This is about a total disruption to their lives and property values.”

With no Wright Road Parking lot, neighbors are likely to experience a great deal of street parking, Council members said.

“I cannot see...the city towing cars of people that live in Sandy Springs,” said Council member Tibby DeJulio.  “I see that happening about four or five times before we have an uproar.”

Mayor Eva Galambos added, “Don’t call us to tow cars.”

The Mayor plans to track property values as the park is completed. In most cities, property values rise when they are located near parks, she said.