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Roswell council approves sale of 1340 Woodstock Road to developer, reserves land for future fire station amid resident objections
Summary
The council voted 5–0 to authorize a purchase‑and‑sale agreement to convey 1340 Woodstock Road (Bowen & 92) through the RDA to Roswell Bowen Road LLC for $5 million, reserving up to 2.5 acres for a future fire station; nearby residents urged tabling until the incoming council and more community outreach.
The Roswell City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 8 to authorize a purchase‑and‑sale agreement (PSA) that would transfer city‑owned property at 1340 Woodstock Road (Bowen at Highway 92) through the Roswell Development Authority to Roswell Bowen Road LLC for $5 million while reserving up to 2.5 acres for a future fire station.
Economic development staff framed the transaction as a reclamation of funds and a way to secure a delivered site for a new fire station: the city purchased the 8.73‑acre parcel in 2023 for $4.5 million, and the proposed sale would return roughly $500,000 net to the city after RDA fees and small transactional costs. Daryl Connelly, the director of economic development, said the buyer would pursue required zoning entitlements and easements while the RDA would remit proceeds to the city.
Two residents who live near the parcel asked council to delay action. James Johnson, president of the Orchards of Roswell neighborhood board, thanked staff for outreach but said residents are entering a new phase of engagement with a prospective developer and asked for continued facilitation. Courtney Roger specifically urged council to "table the vote this evening until the new mayor and council are in place," saying there had not been a general community meeting on the city's intended use of the parcel and raising concerns about parkland goals in the city’s strategic plan.
Council members and staff responded that the PSA is an early, procedural step that does not approve a site plan or entitlements; variances, public hearings and design‑review steps will follow and the buyer still must seek developer approvals. City Attorney and staff emphasized that a future incoming council could reconsider the transaction, and staff noted additional reviews—zoning variances, design review board hearings and public hearings—remain on the path forward.
Council Member Alan Cell moved to approve the PSA, the motion was seconded, and the resolution passed 5–0.
Why it matters: The sale would return purchase proceeds to the city, provide a site for a planned fire station (which staff said improves service coverage) and advance a commercial redevelopment at a key thoroughfare. Opponents urged more community process and asked that the incoming elected body have input before land is conveyed.
