Rockdale County abandons right of way for portion of Dogwood Industrial Circle

BDM Development LLLP and David Miles, the owner of seven parcels adjoining Dogwood Industrial Circle, requested the abandonment and said in a letter to the BOC that they would pay for a redesign that would change the road into two cul-de-sacs, in order to make the remaining land more usable for Miles and the other landowners — Randy’s Carpet, Fabrics and Furnishings, Action Tire, Atlanta Gas Light, and K&D Shoes.

Both the Planning Commission and planning and zoning staff had recommended approval of the abandonment.

Chief of Staff Jamie Cabe advised the BOC that if they moved forward on the abandonment, it would be reviewed by the county attorney, and then the land would be put up for auction.

Planning and Zoning Director Kalanos Johnson added Miles is aware of the auction process.

“He has done similar projects in other counties throughout the region,” said Johnson, “so he is aware that the next step is a public auction, and he’ll have to bid on it.”

Post 2 Commissioner Dr. Doreen Williams made a motion to approve the abandonment and decommissioning. Post 1 Commissioner Sherry Washington seconded the motion, and it was approved 3-0.

Following the vote, Nesbitt praised the plan and said the road had been a code enforcement nightmare.

“It has been a dumping ground in the community for a number of years,” said Nesbitt. “It has really been a public health and a public safety nightmare, so I am so glad to see someone is interested in acquiring this property, and I’m looking forward to a new development. I’m also glad that the new potential owner will be communicating and in concert with the existing businesses that are already in that area. That is so important. But I think this is a huge step in the right direction simply because it had become a major eyesore and a danger zone in terms of code enforcement in Rockdale County.”