Marietta City Council Meeting: Property Acquisitions & Settlements - August 10, 2026
Marietta City Council Meeting: Property Acquisitions & Settlements - August 10, 2026
The Marietta City Council convened on August 10, 2026, to consider multiple property acquisitions via eminent domain and voluntary purchase, as well as two settlement agreements in condemnation cases. The meeting focused on advancing the Whitlock Drive intersection improvement project and resolving pending litigation. Several procedural motions to suspend rules and add items to the agenda were approved.
Consent Calendar
- Council unanimously approved adding several items to the agenda after suspending rules.
- A motion to authorize the acquisition of an easement at 286 North Hillcrest Drive from Sarah T. Parker and Ted H. Parker for the Whitlock Drive intersection improvement project in exchange for $500 was approved by consent.
- A motion to authorize the acquisition of property at 289 North Hillcrest Drive, owned by Roberts Wadsworth, by eminent domain (with voluntary purchase option) was approved by consent.
- A motion to authorize the acquisition of property at 310 North Woodland Drive, owned by Lindy and Joe Weish, by eminent domain (with voluntary purchase option) was approved by consent.
- A motion to authorize the acquisition of property at 351 North Woodland Drive, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Greenspan, by eminent domain (with voluntary purchase option) was approved by consent.
- A motion to authorize the acquisition of property at 920 Burnt Hickory Road, owned by LTC Griffin Incorporated, by eminent domain (with voluntary purchase option) was approved by consent.
- A motion to approve settlement of the claims in the case of City of Marietta vs. BJF Jr. LLC (Cobb Superior Court case number 21-21-0557) was approved by a vote of 5-1, with one council member opposing. The settlement provides an additional $84,000 to the condemnee for a total compensation of $125,000.
- A motion to approve settlement of the claims in the case of City of Marietta vs. BJ Fry LLC (Cobb Superior Court case number 21-21-0552) was approved by a vote of 5-1 (the same council member opposed). The settlement provides an additional $289,000 to the condemnee for a total compensation of $325,000.
Discussion Items
- Council briefly debated whether the settlement items could be placed on consent. One council member initially indicated opposition to both settlement items (identified as relating to the "Aquarama" property). After clarification, the member requested their opposition be recorded for both settlements, resulting in a 5-1 vote.
Key Outcomes
- All property acquisition authorizations (eminent domain or voluntary purchase) were approved unanimously.
- Two condemnation settlements were approved, each by a 5-1 vote, with the dissenting council member's name to be recorded in the minutes.
- The city attorney is authorized to proceed with all necessary legal actions, including appeals, for the eminent domain acquisitions.
Meeting Transcript
Motion to come out of second session. So moved. Second. All those in favor. Bravo. We're now back in record session. The chair recognizes. Yeah. Starting here. Mr. Mayor, I'd like to make a motion to suspend the rules and add an item to the agenda. Second. All those in favor. Motion carries. I'd like to make a motion authorizing acquisition of an easement at 286 North Hillcrest Drive from Sarah T. Parker and Ted H. Parker for the purpose of constructing the Whitlock Drive intersection improvement project in exchange for $500. Second. All those in favor. All right for consent. Consent. Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor would like to make a motion to suspend the rules and add an item to the agenda. Second. All those in favor? Motion carries. I'd like to make a motion to authorize the acquisition of property of 289 North Hillcrest Drive, owned by Roberts Wadsworth on behalf of the City of Marietta by means of eminent domain. The description of the interest to be acquired is attached here to and incorporated herein by reference. Including the property in a survey of such property. The city attorney is hereby authorized and directed to take any and all action necessary to acquire such property by virtue of imminent domain, including the right to file any appeals in such case. The order authorizing condemnation attached is incorporated herein by reference. City staff and the city attorney are authorized to conduct a voluntary purchase if that becomes feasible. Second. Motion carries. All right for consent. It's not section. Second. All those in favor? Motion carries. I move to authorize the acquisition of property at 310 North Woodland Drive owned by Lindy and Joe Weish on behalf of the City of Marietta by means of imminent domain. The city attorney is hereby authorized and directed to take any and all action necessary to acquire such property by virtue of imminent domain, including the right to file any appeals in such case. The order authorizing condemnation attached is incorporated herein by reference. City staff and city attorney are authorized to conduct a voluntary purchase if that becomes feasible. Second. All those in favor? Motion carries. Mayor like to make a motion to suspend the rules and add an item to consent. Yeah. Like to make a motion to suspend the rules and add an item to the agenda.
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