Alpharetta Council approves property condemnation for street corridor improvement

The Alpharetta City Council convened on April 28, 2025, to address several key issues, including a significant resolution concerning property acquisition for public transportation improvements. The meeting began with a motion to reconvene, followed by a brief public comment period that yielded no speakers.

One of the primary topics discussed was the resolution to condemn a portion of property for the ******* Street Corridor Improvement Project. This item had previously been deferred during the April 14 meeting, pending an updated appraisal. City Attorney Miss Eswein presented the updated information, revealing that the compensation amount had increased from $15,400 to $18,900 based on the latest appraisal for 686.3 square feet of right-of-way and temporary easement.

During the discussion, a resident, Jill Bernard, voiced concerns regarding the appraisal process and the compensation amount, arguing that it did not reflect the true value of the property. She highlighted discrepancies in the appraisal data and provided her own comparative market analysis, suggesting that the compensation should be higher, particularly in light of landscaping costs that would be incurred due to the project.

Despite these concerns, the council moved forward with a motion to approve the resolution, which passed with a vote of 5-1. This decision allows the city to proceed with the necessary property acquisition to facilitate the improvement project, which is aimed at enhancing public transportation infrastructure in the area.

In addition to the resolution, Councilman Wills announced that the fire department would be conducting its annual live fire training at the Cherokee County Fire Training Facility, and a promotion ceremony for fire department personnel is scheduled for 10 AM at City Hall.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, marking the end of a session that addressed critical infrastructure needs while also highlighting community concerns regarding property rights and fair compensation. The council's actions reflect ongoing efforts to balance development with the interests of local residents, a challenge that will likely continue as Alpharetta grows.