Sandy Springs gets “serious” about eminent domain

“Sandy Springs City Council on June 18 authorized the taking of private property for the city’s future downtown.

The vote came at the end of a lengthy City Council meeting during which council members also discussed the controversial Sandy Springs Gateway project near Chastain Park.

City Council voted 5-1 in favor of using eminent domain powers to acquire .29 acres at 6224 Roswell Road, the Makara Mediterranean Restaurant. Councilman Gabriel Sterling was the only “no” vote and he has been adamant he will not support using eminent domain to obtain private property.

The property will become part of the city’s future downtown, a revitalization effort that will transform the area near the intersection of Roswell Road and I-285.”

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Whisenhunt, Dan. Reporter Newspapers 19 June 2013.