MILTON, Ga. — Neighbors to some of Milton’s greenspaces cautioned the City Council Nov. 13 about possible negative impacts of opening the sites to the public.
The plea at the Monday work session comes in the wake of mounting support to immediately open all the city’s greenspaces that taxpayers funded through the $25 million bond passed in 2016. Half of the greenspaces are still closed — off Hamby Road, Webb Road and Cooper Sandy.
At the work session, Environmental Program Manager Emily Groth estimated it would cost the city around $60,000 to open the 28-acre greenspace on Hamby Road which considers parking, fencing, a .25-mile loop trail and to ensure the area’s bridge over the Chicken Creek tributary is structurally sound.
Groth also estimated it would cost the city $156,000 to open the 104.8-acre Cooper Sandy greenspace and $7,200 to open the 4.8-acre property on Webb Road.
A few residents who border the Hamby Road property raised concerns over how its opening could be a detriment to the environment and wildlife.
Michael McElroy said his perspective is grounded in a long career in conservation and environmental systems research.
“When I look at this property, I see an ecosystem full of animals that are thriving,” McElroy said.
He said taking half of the land to construct features like a walking trail would displace animals who could then find their way onto public roads and cause more accidents as well as put children at risk.
“I feel that in Milton, and one of the reasons we moved here, was there was a focus on ensuring that those properties that are a sanctuary and are a habitat for animals will be preserved,” McElroy said.
After others raised similar concerns, Mayor Peyton Jamison said the city is in the early stages of a much longer process.
“I want everyone to know in this room that no matter what Council’s…
Read the full article here
