Commissioners Unanimous - They Have Heard The Voices of Voters!

Great news from Friday's Marietta Daily Journal! Thank you, Commissioners!

Cobb board unanimous in backing park bond
By Amanda Williams

Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer

MARIETTA - Cobb's five county commissioners each say they'll vote July 11 to put a question on the November election ballot to ask voters to approve $40 million in bonds to buy land for future parks in Cobb.

The commissioners told the Marietta Daily Journal in a phone poll Thursday that they plan to vote yes to put the question to voters on the ballot. That means voters will be asked if the county should issue the general obligation bonds to buy land without raising taxes.

"I have yet to receive a negative e-mail about it," Commission Chairman Sam Olens said Thursday. "The public has soundly supported the proposal."

More than 85 residents packed the commissioners' hearing room Tuesday to voice support to preserve parkland during a public hearing about it.

Commissioner Joe Lee Thompson, whose district includes southeast Cobb, said enthusiasm at the hearing convinced him to vote yes in two weeks to put it on the ballot.

"If the people want it and the enthusiasm is there, I'll support it," Thompson said. "But I wanted to know that it had plenty of community support and that was why we had the public hearing."

Commissioners Helen Goreham, Tim Lee and Annette Kesting also said they intend to cast a yes vote for the bond question.

It would be the first time in six years Cobb residents have been asked to vote on a plan to acquire land for public parks.

In November 2000, Cobb County voters rejected a 1-cent Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax that would have generated $145 million over a 15-month period for parks and sidewalk improvements, purchase of greenspace and new construction of recreational facilities. The county had planned to spend $45 million of the money on land acquisition, $25 million for new facilities, and $23 million on sidewalks. The SPLOST failed with 53 percent of voters opposing.

Olens said land prices in Cobb vary widely depending on location. In most parts, land sells for between $100,000 and $150,000 an acre; in east Cobb the price tag on an acre of land is as much as $300,000; and in other parts of the county it's as low as $60,000 an acre.

"Forty-million won't solve the county's problem for parkland, but it would be a positive step in the right direction," Olens said. "It will make a big difference."

Olens said if the bond passes, Cobb hopes to get some financial help from organizations like the Raleigh, N.C.-based Trust for Public Land.

Cobb would not necessarily rely on just the $40 million to acquire parkland either, Olens said.
"I would not rule out that we would use general funds to help out the $40 million, I would not rule out using surplus (from future budgets)," Olens said. "This is a work in progress."

Olens said officials also hope to get some good deals on land because property owners would receive a tax break if they sell to the county.

He said Cobb does not have a list of properties it would try to acquire if the parks bond passes, but there are some places the county would consider, including the Trick property, pocket parks in places like Vinings, and areas around Cobb's historical shoupades, which are unique Civil War-era forts designed for the Johnston's River Line.

Olens also said the county needs to buy a large tract in west Cobb.

When the Cobb Parks Coalition formed in May to push for green space preservation, several west Cobb residents already had an eye on the 112-acre Bullard Farm on Dallas Highway between Old Hamilton and Bob Fleming roads.

A Florida-based developer and owners of the Bullard property are suing Cobb County over the commission's Feb. 22 decision to reject the Goodman Co.'s plan to develop the land.
The Goodman Co. wanted to build "Whisper of the River," a mix of residential housing, restaurants and retail on the Bullard Farm.

Paul Paulson, organizer of the Cobb Parks Coalition who lives on Casteel Road in west Cobb not far from the Bullard Farm, said he and other west Cobb residents still hope to save the Bullard property with the parks bond.

"A lot of people feel that way, it's the absolute perfect place for a park," Paulson said.
West Cobb resident Jim Dugan, who lives about three miles from the Bullard Farm, agreed the location of the property makes it ideal for a park.

"It's large enough to accommodate lots of different interests," Dugan said. "It could be lots of things for lots of people. There needs to be open spaces where kids can run around."

When asked how the Bullard property plays into the parks proposal, Olens said it still is in litigation.

"We're not going to condemn property for the parks bond, it requires willing sellers," Olens said. "If the bond vote is successful in November, we will overtly require that the public come forward with suggestions (on what properties to buy)."

Olens said at least one property owner in west Cobb has expressed interest in selling his family's property along Macland Road to the county for parks, if the bond passes in November.

According to the county's 2005 comprehensive plan, Cobb's total land area is 217,741 acres. In 2000, the county adopted the Cobb Greenspace Program that strives to permanently protect 20 percent of Cobb's total land for greenspace. So far, Cobb has 5,001 acres of parkland including 1,297 acres that are developed and 3,704 acres that are undeveloped.

Olens expects if the parks bond passes, that new parkland would be predominately passive greenspace. But each property the county acquires would be developed on an individual basis, he said.

awilliams@mdjonline.com
Copyright © 2006 Marietta Daily Journal. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and Registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Trust for Public Land Supports $40 million Parks Project!

The Trust for Public Land is a national non-profit seeking to preserve and protect parks for people nationwide. Jim Langford, TPL's state director and longtime greenspace advocate, archeology scholar, and successful former technology entrepreneur, spoke out in the Atlanta Journal Constitution Thursday supporting our efforts here in Cobb county.

The Trust for Public Land has been working in Cobb county quietly but tirelessly on behalf of many parkland opportunities. Their most high-profile effort on behalf of Cobb citizens to date is the preservation of our beloved Hyde Farm in east Cobb county.

Read Jim's remarks below:
http://www.ajc.com/thursday/content/epaper/editions/thursday/cobb_443a22f325f34130008e.html

MY VIEW: County has chance to preserve parkland
Jim Langford - For the Journal-Constitution
Thursday, June 29, 2006

Now is the time for Cobb County and parkland.

Voters in Georgia have spoken --- green space is important to our future, and we must preserve land now for parks. Soon, Cobb County voters may have the opportunity to speak out on this same issue in their rapidly growing county.

Since 1994, Georgians have passed 76 percent of ballot measures that provide public money for land conservation. In doing so, we have generated $755.9 million to preserve green space for this and future generations.

Next month, the Cobb County Commission will be asked to put a $40 million parkland bond package on the November ballot. If the commission does that, and the voters approve it, we could help preserve the quality of life in this high-growth county.

Cobb added 160,000 people during the 1990s and is projected to add 150,000 more by 2030. As we build homes, offices, stores and infrastructure for all these people, the chances for new parkland will dwindle.

Economic development and open space go hand-in-hand: People want to live and work in communities where they can also enjoy the outdoors in a natural setting. To continue to be a desirable place, Cobb and other metro counties need to strike a balance between development and parkland preservation.

By conserving open spaces, we also protect the quality of our water. Undeveloped parkland allows water to be filtered naturally to aquifers, streams and eventually rivers. Construction and impervious surfaces like asphalt create water quality problems and, at the same time, inhibit the long-term retention of that water.

Research shows that preserving land for water quality is less expensive for taxpayers than to clean up polluted water. Since water restrictions in metro Atlanta have become common, it is important to proactively protect our clean water.

While protecting water, parkland acquisition also can help preserve cultural identities by saving historic sites. On lands preserved as they are now, families will be able to enjoy the natural beauty and heritage of our state. And with the proposed $40 million in bonds, Cobb can begin to achieve these benefits without a tax increase.

The Trust for Public Land is working with the Cobb Parks Coalition to move this issue forward and give the voters a chance to be heard. We think residents want to improve their quality of life, protect their water quality and preserve more parkland.

Next month, Commission Chairman Sam Olens will ask his fellow commissioners for approval to place the referendum on the November ballot. With their support, Cobb will have the chance to shape its conservation future. Cobb County and metro Atlanta have the opportunity --- but limited time --- to guarantee a high quality of life for current and future residents.

Now is a great time to go for it --- before our chances slip away.

Public Meeting Inspires and Motivates!

Thanks to ALL who attended the Tuesday evening County Commission meeting. Thanks to ALL who wrote and called commissioners, friends, neighbors, and HOA's! Thanks to ALL who brought children who will benefit from our work today to make sure they have greenspace to enjoy!

Here are samples of the tremendous press coverage:

The Marietta Daily Journal on June 28:
Wed. June 28
By Michael French
Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer
MARIETTA - More than 85 Cobb residents packed the County Commission chambers Tuesday night to voice support for the preservation of greenspace and future parkland development in the county.
Every single resident who spoke before the commission, more than 20, urged commissioners to put a $40 million bond question on the November ballot to buy greenspace for future parks.
"I don't want the few greenspaces we have left to be gone in the next 20 years," Cobb resident Helen Cox said.
West Cobb mother Keli Gambrill said more parkland and untouched greenspace would benefit all generations.
"This bond referendum is not about politics," she said. "It's about preservation for future generations. All areas should be considered."
Dave Sillman, a 45-year-old Terrell Mill resident, said everyone in the county should fight for the bond.
"Sprawl is rampant and ravenous," he said. "We're an affluent county; we can afford this."
Dan Coffer, 40, of Kennesaw, moved to Cobb from San Diego a few years ago. He said he wants more parkland for his children.
Kennesaw resident Charles Spann, who also is a Republican candidate for the District 1 Cobb Commission seat, said he grew up in the housing projects in Atlanta as a child and always valued his visits to his grandmother's in Cobb.
He said he remembered seeing stars at night and catching fireflies, an atmosphere he said is all but gone in the modern Cobb landscape.
"We have the opportunity to come together to accomplish something very fine for the future of Cobb County," west Cobb resident John Pape said.
East Cobb resident Randy Turner, a lawyer who also is a Republican candidate for the Cobb School Board Post 6 seat, said time is of the essence.
"We are losing virtually every piece of land to retail and commercial development," he said.
Cobb Commission Chairman Sam Olens commended the response from residents.
"The parks coalition has done a fantastic job in a short period of time," he said.
Olens said the $40 million bond would be a great improvement in the quest for parkland, but not a solution.
"It is my hope the board will support this initiative," he said.
Cobb County Assistant Comptroller Jim Pehrson said the bond would carry a 4.5-percent interest rate over 10 years.
He said parcels throughout the county suitable for parkland and greenspace would appreciate at a rate of 8.5 percent to 10 percent annually.
Pehrson said that would translate into a $60 million increase in the cost of the land over the next 10 years and it would cheaper to buy the land now with a bond rather than wait for the money to come through a Special Purpose Local Sales Tax.
"This board is faced with walking the walk in regards to greenspace in this county," said District 1 Commissioner Helen Goreham.
District 3 Commissioner Tim Lee said he would support the bond.
"Absolutely," he said.
District 2 Commissioner Joe Thompson said he would support the initiative based on the enthusiasm of the residents.
"I would vote for it," he said.
District 4 Commissioner Annette Kesting said her vote would be for the bond.
"I support it 100 percent," she said.
Ms. Goreham did not return calls seeking comment on her position by press time, but has previously voiced support for the proposal.mfrench@mdjonline.com

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution June 28:
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cobb/stories/0628metcobbparks.html

By CRAIG SCHNEIDERThe Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionPublished on: 06/28/06
When Charles Spann was a boy growing up in an Atlanta housing project, Cobb County was his escape to the country.

"We would come to Cobb, and I would look up to the sky and see stars forever," recalled the man who later made Kennesaw his home. "This is what I remember — and it's disappearing."
Tuesday night he joined others who encouraged, if not implored, the Cobb County Commission to place before voters a $40 million bond issue to buy more parkland.

Speaker after speaker told the commission they feared the county is handing its quality of life over to developers.

"Sprawl is rapid, rampant and ravenous," said Dave Sillman, 45, of East Cobb during the public hearing on the parks proposal.

The five-member commission could vote as early as next month to place the bond measure on the November ballot. If voters approve, county officials would begin looking for large pieces of land to convert to parks.

Commission Chairman Sam Olens has said the county could spend the $40 million on parks over the next few years without raising property taxes.

County Finance Director Brad Bowers has noted that the county has debts of $40 million, but it will eventually have a debt low enough that it could sell $25 million worth of bonds in 2007 and an additional $15 million in 2008 without increasing the debt millage.

Eighteen-year-old Helen Cox said that in the 10 years she's lived in Cobb, "developments have popped up in nearly every green space in my community. I don't want the few green spaces left to be gone in 20 years."

Many of the speakers joined The Cobb Parks Coalition, a grass-roots citizens group promoting the bond issue. The group handed the commissioners a petition they said contained more than 1,000 signatures in favor of the proposal.

David Byrne of Kennesaw told commissioners he feared that the county would become so overcrowded, "people won't know anybody anymore."

Parks bring people together, said Tamisha Peterson, 62, of Austell. "They may not talk to each other, but then they meet in the park," she said.

Olens said the county could buy 100-acre plots in north, south and west Cobb. East Cobb has few if any 100-acre plots left, he said, but there is a 50-acre plot next to Fullers Park that the county is eying.

The issue is somewhat controversial. Cobb voters rejected a proposed 1 percent special sales tax to buy parkland in 2000 after some supporters of the proposal began squabbling over how to use the land. Some people wanted ballfields while others wanted passive parks.

None of the approximately 40 speakers Tuesday opposed the parks plan.

Before Keli Gambrill, a west Cobb mother, expressed her support, she lifted up her 5-year-old son, Robert, to the microphone. "We need more trees," Robert said. Then he went outside to play in the park in Marietta Square.

Come to Tuesday's Commission meeting on Parks!

What: Commission meeting agenda time for public comment on parks bond
When: Tuesday June 27, 7:00 PM (don't be late...it is toward the top of the agenda!)
Where: Cobb County Government Building 100 Cherokee Street, Commission Meeting Room, just off the Marietta Square across from the county parking garage
Why: Commissioners must hear from the public! Some commissioners are not yet on board!

Excerpt from Monday's article:
County to hold hearing on parks
By Amanda Williams
Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer
MARIETTA - The Cobb Parks Coalition hopes to draw as many Cobb County residents as possible to show their support Tuesday of a proposed parks referendum on the November election ballot.

Cobb commissioners plan to hold a public hearing Tuesday night about a proposed parks bond question on the November election ballot.

The public will have an opportunity to tell commissioners whether or not they support putting a bond question on the ballot to ask voters if the county should issue $40 million in general obligation bonds to buy land for future parks.

Paul Paulson, one of the leaders of the Cobb Parks Coalition, said it's important for residents from across Cobb to voice support at the public hearing because commissioners only have until July 11 to decide to put the question on the ballot.

"The commissioners, Sam Olens in particular, said there has to be strong grassroots support," Paulson said. "He wants to hear from the people, so let's not disappoint him."

At Tuesday's public hearing, commissioners are expected to hear from an unlimited number of residents for up to three minutes each, Paulson said.
....
awilliams@mdjonline.com
Copyright © 2006 Marietta Daily Journal. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and Registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Poll Results Indicate Resounding Support for Park Bonds!

Exciting news! The professional pollsters testing the park bonds idea with voters were rocked by the wide margin of voter support of the $40 million parks bonds! Read on:

FROM THE MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL

Monday, June 26, 2006
Poll: Majority would vote yes on park bond
By Michael French
Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer
MARIETTA - More than two-thirds of Cobb County residents polled say they'd vote for a bond to buy land for future parks, the Cobb Parks Coalition announced Sunday.

In a poll of 400 Cobb residents from all four districts, 71 percent said they would vote for the $40 million parkland initiative. After pollsters gave additional information - including that the land would be for parks and green space in perpetuity and no land would be taken from unwilling private owners - 82 percent of those polled said they would vote for a bond.

David Carter of the Raleigh, N.C.-based Trust for Public Land, spoke to more than 30 residents who attended a meeting of the Cobb Parks Coalition on Sunday about positive survey results in Cobb.

"I'm coming in with some great news," he said, adding that The Trust for Public Land has raised billions of dollars in 45 states for land preservation. "When you start getting into the 80s, you've got very good data," he said.

Carter urged the people at the meeting to make friends and neighbors aware of the initiative before July 11.

"All four districts polled the same," he said. "They resoundingly supported it."

Supporters of more parks and green space in Cobb County packed the Georgia Conservatory Dance Studio on Sunday evening to drum up volunteers and question county officials about saving Cobb's natural beauty.

"We're supporting a $40 million land initiative for use in future parks," said Cobb Parks Coalition organizer Paul Paulson. "We have to get commissioners to decide to put it on the ballot."

Paulson said county commissioners would vote on whether to put the $40 million land initiative on the ballot July 11 and it is imperative that everyone in the community is informed before the vote to let their commissioners know how they feel.

Cobb County Commission Chairman Sam Olens said he noticed that green space preservation crosses party lines and meets approval with conservatives and liberals alike.

Olens said the $40 million bond he is seeking to buy parkland is better at this moment than a SPLOST or annual budget allocation of a few million.
"If you get $1 (million) or $2 million a year, there's not much you can do," he said. "SPLOST isn't the answer. If you have to wait five years to get the land, it won't be there."
Olens said the acquisition of a $40 million bond would not raise Cobb's millage rate, which is 9.72 mills.

"Hopefully the public will see this as a plus," he said of the green space initiative, adding he hopes the county would be able to buy land in and outside of city limits over the next two fiscal years.

Olens said a public hearing at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Cobb County Commission Office in Marietta would allow residents to give their opinions on the bond.

"I'm excited about it," Olens said. "I think it's a great cause, and I am going to support it."
Commissioners Annette Kesting and Tim Lee also attended the meeting and said they support the initiative.

East Cobb resident Maria Wilson said people in her area favor parks and green space.
"There's obviously an enormous groundswell in east Cobb for this," she said.

Scott Richards of Acworth said the initiative has been a long time coming.
"I wish it would have been initiated several years ago," he said. "It enhances the community and value of our homes."

Newt Nickell, a west Cobb resident, said he is very involved in this grassroots movement.
"This is an extremely worthy cause that the public will strongly embrace," he said.

mfrench@mdjonline.com

Copyright © 2006 Marietta Daily Journal. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and Registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Two Must-Attend Meetings!

Please come...
General CPC Meeting Sunday June 25 6:00-8:00 PM
You and all interested friends and neighbors are invited to attend Sunday's general meeting of the Cobb Parks Coalition. (If you want to sit, please bring a chair.)
Georgia Dance Conservatory
19 West Park Square Catty-corner from Schillings Restaurant on Marietta Square .

David Carter from The Trust for Public Land, Conservation Finance Office, will share poll results

Sam Olens, Cobb Commisson Chair, will answer questions.

Then, on Tuesday evening...

Parks Bond Public Comment Period - Commission Meeting Tuesday June 27 7:00 PM
Tuesday evening is the regular Board of Commissions meeting. At that meeting, our Cobb County Commissioners will hear public comment on placing a referendum on the November ballot asking the citizens whether or not to spend $40 million to purchase land for parks.

Let your voice be heard!
In an unusual move, the Commissioners will allow an unlimited number of speakers a maximum of 3 minutes each. Feel free to speak for your 3 minutes. Or come just to support parkland in Cobb. We want a huge turnout! We would like as many people as possible to attend this meeting. We want to show the Commissioners (and the media!) our strong support for parkland and for placing this referendum on the November ballot.
Time: Tuesday, June 27, 7 p.m.
Place: Cobb County Government Building 100 Cherokee Street Commission Meeting Room, just off the Marietta Square across from the county parking garage

AJC survey says: Greener Cobb wanted

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Thursday, June 22, 2006

Greener Cobb wanted: Plan to create more parks proves popular

AJC editor's note: Cobb Opinions received a number of responses to the "What Do You Think?" question published June 8 --- Should Cobb spend $40 million to purchase parkland? We received only one letter against the purchase, but the writer did not sign the letter, so we have not included it. Thank you for taking time to send your comments.

Question: Cobb commissioners want more parks. Commission Chairman Sam Olens says the county could spend $40 million through a bond referendum to buy land without raising property taxes. But he said there must be grass-roots support for him to support a November vote.

It's a touchy issue even though most people seem to think the county needs more parks. Cobb voters rejected a proposed 1 percent special sales tax to buy parkland in 2000 after some supporters of the proposal began squabbling over how to use the land.

At today's land prices, the county could purchase 100-acre plots in north, south and west Cobb, Olens says.

East Cobb has few if any 100-acre plots, but there is a 50-acre plot next to Fullers Park that the county could buy. Olens deflected questions about how the land would be developed, but he said he would be happy if the property remained undeveloped for 25 years. Should the county spend the money?

=================================================

Yes. Cobb County should spend $40 million to buy land for parks. The land should be set aside for undisturbed green space, with limited natural surface trails for running, biking and hiking. I would prefer to see a linear-type park, running parallel to a creek for example. I don't think we need more soccer fields or ballparks. Cobb: Take a look at the City of Roswell's Big Creek bike park and their Greenway.
CHRIS DUSACK, Smyrna

Yes. A biking/hiking trail network would be very beneficial and welcome in the north-west Cobb area.
KRAIG SMITH, Acworth

Yes. The county should spend the money to build parks, but I think they should only do it if it passes a referendum. If the people are willing to spend the money, I think it'd be nice to have some green space to enjoy the outdoors, throw a Frisbee, go fishing, or whatever you can think of to do outside.
PHILIP HOSKINS, Roswell

I am totally on board with a vote in November for more park space.
SHELIA FREY, Marietta

Yes. Cobb should spend the money for more parks because Cobb is already too developed. There is too little green space for the residents.
MICHAEL LEE, Marietta

Use that $40 million to buy more parks. Cobb County is about five to 10 years from totally getting built out, so something needs to be done now to acquire land for passive/active recreational purposes for future generations. Compared with counties of similar size and population in the West and Northeast, Cobb has a very low park-area per capita population ratio. Now is the time to get more land before it no longer exists or becomes too expensive to buy. The current system of county parks was intended to serve a much smaller population (around 300,000 to 400,000). The county has not made any major purchases for years, while the county population is pushing 800,000 residents. Money used to purchase park land will make our community more livable, more desirable and more sustainable for years to come.
BRAD FERMANICH, Marietta

Front page news! Petition draws a crowd!

From the June 20 Marietta Daily Journal comes a great update on our project! Click below to read the article online, or scroll down in this post. Note: as of this posting, 618 people have signed up saying "Yes!" to parks funding!

http://www.mdjonline.com/articles/2006/06/20/268/10222196.txt


Hundreds Sign Parks Petition
Group pushes for $40M bond question on ballot
By Amanda Williams
Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer
MARIETTA - Paul Paulson hates to see development destroy Cobb County's natural green space and believes in reserving future parkland. But it wasn't until this week that he realized how many other Cobb residents feel the same way.
As of 10 p.m. Monday, 306 residents had signed the Cobb Parks Coalition's online petition to support a referendum on the Nov. 7 ballot asking Cobb to acquire land to reserve for future parks. Those who sign the petition also have the option to comment on the issue, which appears next to their name.
"The coolest part is the comments," said Paulson, who helped organize the group. "We struck some kind of nerve because that's what everybody thinks."
The coalition hopes to get a question on the November ballot to ask residents whether they'd support the county issuing $40 million in bonds to preserve land for parks. The group believes the county could issue the bonds without raising taxes.
The Cobb County Board of Commissioners plans to have a public hearing about the proposal 7 p.m. June 27.
Carol G. Morgan of Acworth, a Cobb County resident of more than 55 years, was the 170th person to sign the coalition's online petition.
"It's just a joke sometimes to say that pretty soon the county is going to be paved. There's just not enough green space, there's not enough gardens," Mrs. Morgan said.
Mrs. Morgan said she learned of the petition through some friends in a master gardening class and signed it to support them, but also because she believes Cobb needs more green space.
"It is imperative that we protect as much green space in our county for ourselves and future generations," Mrs. Morgan wrote in the comments section.
Like Mrs. Morgan's comments, John Cissell said all of the comments he has read on the petition so far favor the proposed referendum. Cissell is a retired superintendent of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park who is involved with the effort.
"They're all basically saying the same thing, that we're paving everything in this county and if we're going to save it we've got to do it now," Cissell said. "It appears to be a wide range of people that are signing it. I'm tickled."
If the county issues $40 million in bonds it would enable Cobb to buy 100-acre plots in north, south and west Cobb, and some smaller plots in east Cobb and possibly Vinings. The land would be reserved for future parks, when Cobb could afford to develop it.
David Hong, past president and incumbent secretary of the East Cobb Civic Association, said the group has not taken a public stand on the parks issue, but he has had some private conversations about it with other east Cobb residents. Of the people he has talked with, Hong said opinions are mixed with some people in favor and others opposed.
"The opposition's viewpoint is that it's a bond issue and we would have to pay interest on it because that's what a bond is, so we would wind up paying more than $40 million," Hong said. "But there is an opportunity cost. Land is not going to get any cheaper and if we don't get the land now it might not be around later."
Hong said one east Cobb resident he has talked with suggested the county try to pass a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for parks instead of a bond.
"But I don't think that's a very reliable means at this point," Hong said. "It would be difficult to get one through."
Hong recalls the county's failed attempt six years ago to pass a SPLOST for parkland.awilliams@mdjonline.com

Sign online petition; nominate land via petition

The Cobb Parks Coalition proudly announces that our online petition is ready for your signature!

Thanks to CPC petition guru Roberta Cook, you can show your support for more parkland in Cobb County right now without having to get up from your chair!

Even if you have already signed a paper petition, please also sign the online version. It will be a highly visible document, and people will want to see some names they recognize (like yours!) endorsing it.

To sign the petition, click here.

Petition deadlines

Paper petition

If you are collecting signatures on a paper petition, please be sure to turn it in at the general meeting on Sunday, June 25. (More about the meeting in a later email.)

If you cannot attend the meeting, mail your copies of the paper petition to the following address. Please have them postmarked by Saturday, June 24.

Pic Petelle

1481 Dallas Circle

Marietta, GA 30064

Online petition

After June 25, please continue to distribute the online petition via email. Although technically we will not need the online petition after the Commissioners approve a bond referendum for the November election, using the online petition we can collect suggestions for land nominations as well as the names of more supporters.

Nominate land via online petition

After you enter required information such as your name and address, you can fill in an answer to the following question:

Would you like to nominate a land parcel for Cobb County parks acquisition? If so, include brief property description, size, and location.

Even if you have already emailed the CPC with a suggestion about a parcel to use as a park, please fill out this section of the petition so that we can have all of the nominations in one place.
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Parks efforts get a boost

From the Marietta Daily Journal, Tuesday, June 13, 2006 by staff writer Amanda Williams

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Group plans a telephone poll to weigh support

A grassroots effort to develop future parks got another boost this week after a civic organization announced its support for the Cobb Parks Coalition.

The coalition hopes to get a question on the November ballot to ask residents whether they'd support the county issuing $40 million in bonds to preserve land for parks in the county.

Laura Van Mever, president of Involved Mariettans Planning Actively for the City of Tomorrow, plans to endorse the Cobb Parks Coalition at the Cobb Commissioners meeting today. Commissioners meet at 9 a.m. at the Cobb County government building, 100 Cherokee St.

IMPACT is a nonprofit citizen's advocacy group that aims to represent Marietta neighborhoods and residents in order to maintain and enhance the city's quality of life. The group formed in April 2000.

"(Green space) is just absolutely something that IMPACT as a civic organization promotes," Ms. Van Mever said. "I really think it's a win-win for the cities. Even if it's not developed for 25 years, that's land that won't be developed. "

John Cissell, a retired superintendent of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park who is involved with the effort, said he is happy with IMPACT's support.

"It's a great thing because with them being in the city of Marietta I think it speaks even more volumes for our group in that these are going to be county parks," Cissell said. "I think everybody recognizes that Cobb is growing so quickly that if something is not done now to secure this land we're never going to get it. "

The Cobb Parks Coalition already has drawn support from the Trust for Public Land, a California-based land conservation organization that works to preserve land for public use.

David Carter, a finance director who works for the trust in Raleigh, N.C., said last week that he and his staff were writing poll questions and plan to hire an Atlanta-based firm to poll 400 Cobb residents about what is important to them and how they view their community. Pollsters are expected to begin calling residents as early as this week.

Cissell said he encourages residents to participate in the survey if called. Information gathered from the phone poll will help the group write a ballot question if commissioners agree to put it on the November ballot.

"That poll will have a huge impact on what that language actually is, what people will red on the ballot," Cissell said. The results of the phone poll also could help Cobb County with other future decisions, Cissell said.

Action is needed to save park land

From the Marietta Daily Journal, Sunday, June 11, 2006 by Laura Armstrong

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We live in such a wealthy county - not just in the economic sense, but also in the generosity, industriousness and creativity of our truly engaged citizens. From leadership in business, government, public safety and the arts, to civic organizations, nonprofits and our beyond-the-call volunteers, Cobb's people-driven wealth and resources make it a rich place. It's where visionaries live.

The Marietta Square is a perfect example. The Glover family, as well as people like John Williams and those who continue to make it vital with concerts and festivals, have my true gratitude. Our jewel of a town gathering place exists because they stepped forward when none of them really had to.

When I walk the trails of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation area or the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (if I can get a parking place), I'm thankful going all the way back to my favorite president, Teddy Roosevelt, that preservation-minded folks saw the importance of setting aside such landmarks for our enjoyment. Ditto those who made the Silver Comet Trail happen. Without their foresight, our way of life would be far less desirable. Now there's an admirable grass roots effort taking place we should all know about.

Some forward-thinking neighbors have formed the Cobb Parks Coalition, putting a plan into action that would enable the county to purchase undeveloped land for parks before it's gobbled up by developers, presumably without raising property taxes. These conservation-minded visionaries are looking for our involvement. In just a few weeks, they've signed up over 200 park supporters to their Web site (located at www.cobbparks.blogspot.com).

Commissioners Sam Olens, Annette Kesting and Helen Goreham have plugged the effort so far, as have notables like retired Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Superintendent John Cissell. The Trust for Public Land, the only nonprofit national conservation organization and an advisor to the Atlanta BeltLine and Chattahoochee River Greenway projects, is lending advice. But it's up to us to help if we want more parks. Spreading the word, circulating petitions, getting commissioners on board and putting the issue before voters in November are immediate goals we can assist with, according to organizer Paul Paulson. Identifying appropriate parcels of land and deciding how best to use them (whether as passive space or active recreation areas) are also on the CPC agenda.

I don't know any citizen who knows about it who's not rooting for this effort. With greenspace giving way to blanket development, setting aside land for parks should be a priority in the next couple of years, after which, according to Paulson, it will likely be too late. "Doing the right thing now, for the generations to come, is really what this is about," he says.

Get involved in this one, if you can. Call or write your commissioner and tell them you support parks. Sign up for information. One day your children will thank you.

Land buys for parks a priority

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Sunday, June 11, 2006 by Richard Whitt

$40 million bond issue may appear on fall ballot

The campaign for a $40 million bond issue to buy parkland in Cobb County before developers can is getting broad public support and will likely come before the County Commission on July 11, Chairman Sam Olens said. Commissioners plan to hold a public hearing at their 7 p.m. June 27 meeting, at county offices at 100 Cherokee St. in Marietta.

"The response from the public has been outstanding," Olens said. "If you ask me is it very likely I would place the item on the July 11 agenda, the answer is yes. "But I still want to continue hearing from the public at our meeting on June 27."

A favorable commission vote would place the question on the November ballot, giving voters the final say. If the measure passes, Olens said, officials will begin looking for large tracts that would be suitable for parks. Olens already has his eye on a 54-acre tract that borders East Cobb Park and Fuller's Park on Roswell Road. He has been talking with owner Wylene Tritt about a possible purchase if money becomes available. Tritt said she's interested in selling. "I just want something to be conserved for future generations," Tritt said. She has lived on the property for nearly 56 years.

The Cobb Parks Coalition, a grass-roots citizens organization promoting the bond issue, is getting help from the national nonprofit Trust for Public Land. In the next few weeks, the trust will conduct a poll of Cobb residents to determine what voters want, said David Carter, conservation finance program director for the trust's Southeast region in Raleigh.

The poll information will be used as a guide on the wording of the ballot question, Carter said.
The land trust has a decade of experience in structuring financing for land conservation measures and ballot issues.

The organization had an agreement to purchase Hyde Farm, a 95-acre parcel in east Cobb, for $12 million. But heirs of J.C. Hyde sued in an attempt to void the 1992 agreement between the preservation group and the farm's longtime owner, who died in March 2004. Another organization interested in preserving the land, Friends of Hyde Farm, raised more than $250,000 to help the trust pay for the land. If the bond issue passes, Olens said, some bond money could help pay for the farm.

Time is running out for Cobb to save land for parks, Carter said. "This may be the last generation that can do this," Carter said.

Other metro Atlanta counties have aggressive programs to purchase green space. DeKalb County voters approved bond issues totaling $355 million in 2001 and 2005, with $118 million earmarked to purchase green space, said Susan Hood, assistant county administrator. The county has bought 2,300 acres since 2001, Hood said. It recently bought the Donaldson Homestead in Dunwoody. Likewise, Forsyth and Gwinnett counties have been buying land for parks with special purpose local option sales tax money approved by voters. In recent years, Forsyth County has purchased the 715-acre Sawnee Mountain Park, said Jerry Kinsey, director of parks in Forsyth.

Byrne Part of Problem, Not Solution on need for Cobb parkland

From the Marietta Daily Journal, Saturday, June 10, 2006, Letters to the Editor

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DEAR EDITOR:

Former Cobb Commission Chairman Bill Byrne's recent comments reported in "Around Town" regarding the method of financing, general obligation bonds, for a proposed parkland-acquisition referendum, and his criticism of present Commission Chairman Sam Olens, seem totally unwarranted, particularly when he offers no solution in terms of how to preserve available land for future generations.

Didn't he also use this same method of financing, $30 million of general obligation bonds, in 1996 for park purposes? Has he, by his comments, become a "part of the problem, rather than a part of the solution?" Negativity will certainly not help the citizens of Cobb County in their efforts to find a way to fund land purchases for future parks.

Additionally, it seemed, during his prior chairmanship, that his interests and votes were more compatible with developers, their attorneys and special interest groups in higher density rezoning matters, rather than preserving open spaces.

As I drive Dallas Highway every day, I continue to be appalled at the transmission power lines and towers that have desecrated what was once a scenic drive. Where was Bill Byrne's concern during his administration for the preservation of open spaces when those transmission towers were approved?Unless we secure funding for parkland purchases, we run the risk of its availability being gone forever.

The Cobb Parks Coalition needs your involvement and support.

Jim Dugan
Powder Springs

National attention focuses on Cobb parks

The following article by staff writer Amanda Williams appeared on Tuesday, June 6 in the Cobb & State section of the Marietta Daily Journal.

Calif. nonprofit joins push for $40M referendum

Bond funds would be used for future Cobb parks

A national nonprofit organization is helping a Cobb County group push for a $40 million bond referendum for future parks.

Representatives from the Trust for Public Land, a California-based land conservation organization that aims to conserve land for people, met Sunday with the Cobb Parks Coalition, a group that formed two weeks ago to get a $40 million parks bond put on the November election ballot.

Cobb Commission Chairman Sam Olens said Cobb could issue $40 million in general obligation bonds and still reduce its debt mill rate in five years. That would enable Cobb to buy 100-acre plots in north, south and west Cobb as well as some smaller plots in east Cobb. The land would be reserved for future parks, when the county could afford to develop it.

"This referendum is a great opportunity for Cobb County to stand up and get control of some of the land before it might be gone," said Jim Langford, Georgia state director for the Trust for Public Land. "It's also a chance for the voters in Cobb County to make a statement that green space is important, and preserving water quality is important."

Langford said the Trust for Public Land has had a long presence in Georgia and has helped preserve land along the Chattahoochee River.

"Our goal is to help create new green space in metro Atlanta and in Cobb County, areas of high growth where you need green space and if you don't capture it, it might go away," Langford said.

David Carter, southeast conservation finance director for the Trust for Public Land who works in Raleigh, N.C., also traveled to Cobb County this weekend for the meeting. He said he was impressed with the group's energy and community advocacy.

"What a great group of people. I just had the best time last night," Carter said Monday.

Paul Paulson, a west Cobb resident who hosted the group's first three meetings, said 40 people attended the meeting in his workshop Sunday. He said the group could benefit from the Trust for Public Land's expertise in land conservation.

"They were just on fire. They let us know what they can do and that we have the full support of the Trust for Public Land behind us," Paulson said. "These guys know what they're doing - they're preventing us from having to reinvent the wheel."

Carter said he and his staff this week are writing poll questions and plan to hire an Atlanta-based firm to poll 400 Cobb residents about what is important to them and how they view their community. Pollsters are expected to begin calling residents early next week, Carter said.

Carter said he and his staff this week are writing poll questions and plan to hire an Atlanta-based firm to poll 400 Cobb residents about what is important to them and how they view their community. Pollsters are expected to begin calling residents early next week, Carter said.

Cobb commissioners Helen Goreham, whose district includes northwest Cobb, and Annette Kesting, who represents southwest Cobb also attended the Cobb Parks Coalition's meeting Sunday.

"I am definitely for the county obtaining more green space and more park land. There is a definite need and a definite urgency in the sense that much of our land is being developed," Ms. Goreham said. "I am a firm believer that this decision be left up to the people in the form of a referendum."

Ms. Kesting said she thinks buying land for future parks would be great for the county, but she has some concerns about the amount because the county does not have the potential park land identified, so how would it know $40 million will be enough, she said.

"We're talking about $40 million, but what if we need more," Ms. Kesting asked.

The southwest commissioner also is concerned about who would maintain the land after the county buys it.

-- by Amanda Williams, staff writer

For more information about the Trust for Public land, visit their website at http://www.tpl.org/
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Byrne speaks out -- policy or politics?

Bill Kinney is associate editor of the Marietta Daily Journal. In his Around Town column on June 3 he wrote:

Byrne bashes Olens' plan for November parks issue

Look for former Cobb Commission Chairman Bill Byrne to announce his campaign plans for the 2008 county election as he seeks to re-capture the job he held for 10 years.

Incumbent Sam Olens first indicated he wouldn't run for re-election, then re-considered and said he might after all. Politicos say Olens' position change might be because he does not want to appear to be a lame duck during the more than two years remaining on his term.

Meanwhile, in what might be the first salvo of his re-election campaign, Byrne in a letter to Around Town was sharply critical of how a parks bond referendum this fall would be funded.

"I totally support the concept of preserving open space for future park development in Cobb County," he wrote.

"As our growth continues, open space becomes much more valuable as a quality of life issue," said Byrne, adding "I applaud the community leaders in Cobb for addressing and defining the importance of the issue. However, as sound as the idea is, financing and implementing the concept is now the real debate.

"Issuing $40 million in General Obligation bonds, as proposed by Chairman Olens, is clearly NOT the way to go. His proposal unilaterally passes debt onto the next generation. With two SPLOST programs in Cobb County today, we are already taxed to the maximum.

"We should professionally define our needs and the costs for implementation and place the issue on the November General Election ballot for Cobb's voters to decide. It is very clear that the credibility and integrity of Cobb's government are in question and only the voters should determine major tax issues. We should move aggressively, but carefully, to define the program and allow the November ballot to determine its future."

Byrne did not suggest a preferable way of paying for the park land.

Olens and the Cobb Parks Coalition, the group pushing for the referendum, say the land for parks can be acquired without a tax increase, and the chairman said late Friday it will be on the November ballot, although no official action toward that end has happened yet.
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