Cobb County Moves Forward In Buying Green Space

Cobb County commissioners have approved the purchase of two more parcels of land for future park space this month. That brings the total amount to 100 acres so far.

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Cobb voters approved a $40 million bond almost a decade ago, but the bonds were never issued. Back then, county officials said they delayed because of the recession.

Earlier this year, Cobb commissioners approved issuing the bonds. They’re now expected to generate about $24.7 million.

County spokesperson Ross Cavitt said the county is buying property for parks as fast as it can, but state law prohibits the county from buying land for more than its appraised value.

“The real estate market’s pretty robust in Cobb County,” Cavitt said. “And a lot of owners are reluctant to sell for the appraised value thinking that property values obviously are going up and they can get more money for them.”

The parcels of land the county’s bought so far are in Mableton and just outside Marietta.

Cavitt said the county is in negotiations for six other parcels and has three more in line to be appraised.