Villa Rica council approves eminent domain for Vera Parkway, greenlights loan tweak and event alcohol license

The Villa Rica City Council on May 12 unanimously approved a resolution to exercise the city’s power of eminent domain on nine parcels as part of the Vera Parkway project, moving the long‑planned roadway forward after years of negotiation.

Attorney Smith told the council that the decision followed an executive session on real‑estate acquisition and pending litigation under Georgia Code §50‑14‑3 and asked the council to approve the resolution. The parcels identified in the motion include V 05150047, V 05150051, V 05150053, V 0517003, V 05150057, V 05150078, V 05150044, V 05150045 and V 05150059. The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor read a statement acknowledging the difficulty the process poses for affected residents and saying the city has sought to negotiate in good faith and will offer market‑value compensation. “Tonight’s decision was not one that was taken lightly,” the mayor said, and invited continued dialogue with remaining property owners.

The council also approved several related and separate measures at the meeting. It approved modification number four to the permissionary note and loan agreement (loan number DW200024) with the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (JEFA) to extend the timeline for a planned 10‑inch waterline installation along Clay Horn and Anderson; the project now expects a September bid opening, a November notice to proceed and completion in December of next year. Interim Finance Director Amanda Long reported that water/sewer fund balances and revenues are up year‑over‑year.

Council approved a one‑year exclusive license for Los Cowboys Mexican Restaurant to provide beer, wine and alcohol sales at five Villa Rica Main Street events at the Mill amphitheater (dates listed in the city packet). The license passed 4–1 after council members confirmed it is exclusive and that participating vendors must secure a catering alcohol license if they choose to rotate into the role in future years.

Other votes: council unanimously adopted the amended agenda, approved the consent agenda (which included final plat approval and a road dedication for Robbie Bishop Parkway), unanimously adopted the resolution renaming Fortune Parkway to Robbie Bishop Parkway to honor the late Captain Robbie Bishop, and approved Georgia Municipal Association District 4 nominations. Council also approved joining an updated amicus brief in Chang v. City of Milton addressing nuisance‑theory liability for municipalities; that resolution passed with one abstention.

What happens next: City staff were directed to implement the eminent‑domain resolution’s steps, including property‑owner notification and required record updates. The JEFA loan modification authorizes continued work on the waterline project timetable; further procurement milestones were described by the city manager. Any legal challenges to the eminent‑domain action would occur separately in court, the council noted.