Roswell Road sidewalk plan seeks property rights—with condemnation as a fallback

Atlanta would gain authority to negotiate for property rights for the Roswell Road sidewalk project—and pursue condemnation if good-faith talks fail—under a proposal headed to the Transportation Committee Nov. 9.⁠[1]

The attached exhibit identifies 3906 Roswell Road in Atlanta, Georgia. The rights sought could include temporary construction easements, permanent easements, rights of entry and rights-of-way—not necessarily an outright purchase of the parcel.⁠[1]

Ordinance 26-O-1663 would also give negotiators some room to settle above appraised compensation without returning to Council. With the chief procurement officer’s authorization, the city could pay a premium of up to 20% or $1,000 per property interest, whichever is greater. The proposal says that flexibility could avoid litigation costs.⁠[1]

The ordinance would waive specified city acquisition-code requirements for the chief procurement officer to provide a list of structures to be purchased or legal descriptions of easements sought. It would also waive the requirement for another Council authorization before accepting signed purchase or easement options.⁠[1]

Costs would be charged to the TSPLOST II 2022 capital project fund. The ordinance does not state a total acquisition price or a sidewalk completion date.⁠[1]

The packet lists Transportation Committee consideration for Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. and City Council consideration for Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. Both remain marked pending—not recorded approvals.⁠[1]