Dear Community,

Unfortunately we are not done. I’m writing to give you an update on the 40 acres of forest at 4994 Rockbridge Road. 

What happened:
1) Developer Gus Abalo, the current landowner, listed the land for sale about 4 weeks ago for $3,300,000. Current economic conditions for selling land and building are not the best. However, if he does sell it, the next developer will likely decide to rezone the land, and we will fight the rezoning as we successfully did before.

2) Commissioner Chakira Johnson (District 4) requested a 2025 midyear budget amendment this past summer to acquire the land. Although it was not accepted for the 2025 midyear budget, our commissioner's move to request a budget amendment for purchasing the land shows commitment to us, listening to and acting on her constituents' wishes. At $2 million, this budget item is more likely to be passed as a part of the full 2026 budget. Items for the 2026 budget are due December 15th. If the item is not accepted for the full budget, we will work to request an amendment on the 2026 budget, due March 1st.

We must be persistent in our actions. County governments may move slowly, but DeKalb County (especially Commissioner Chakira Johnson) is working with us. It's urgent that we get our voices heard with frequency and numbers.

Please take the time to write to your Commissioner Chakira Johnson to get the item on the 2026 budget. Below is a template, or you can write your own letter.

To: cjjohnson2@dekalbcountyga.gov
cc: adbrooks@dekalbcountyga.gov

Subject: In regard to 4994 Rockbridge Rd.

Dear Commissioner Chakira Johnson,

My name is ________________. I live at ____________________. I am writing to you in regard to the 40 acres of forested land at 4994 Rockbridge Rd. We appreciate your move to request a budget amendment in the amount of 2 million dollars for the acquisition of this land. As a community, we applaud your responsiveness and dedication to your constituents. We are fully committed to the fate of this land and its beneficial outcome for your constituents. These 40 acres, the lake, creek, and old growth forest are situated in a prime location for a park and would serve approximately 11,000 constituents in the 1 mile radius (in which no other park sits in the vicinity). It’s a golden opportunity for DeKalb County to claim one of our largest pieces of contiguous forest, ensuring preservation of the urban tree canopy and increasing Dekalb County’s green space. Thank you for your energy on this matter, your commitment to your constituents, and your ongoing effort to listen to our voices.

All the best,
_______________

Thank you so much for reaching out to your Commissioner and passing this along to anyone you think would be interested in our area!! More to come.
Thanks, 
Julia Wallace, Alex Freund