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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution continues to provide the most complete coverage of the Braves’ move to Cobb County. Read more at myAJC.com/bravesmove.
Cobb County commissioners plan to amend a rule restricting parking on private lots around the new SunTrust Park stadium for the Atlanta Braves following an investigation by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
In a statement Wednesday, the county announced that the Board of Commissioners had formally requested changes to the Accessory Special Event Parking ordinance “to ensure that the language reflects the original intent of public safety and does not produce unintended consequences for private property owners and citizens.”
Public hearings on the revised ordinance are scheduled for July 26 at 7 p.m., Aug. 9 at 9 a.m and Aug. 23 at 7 p.m.
Back in February, the board voted unanimously to outlaw property owners within a half-mile of the stadium from charging for parking during games, unless they apply for and receive special permission. Property owners outside the half-mile radius but within a special parking zone must receive a license from the county.
County officials have cited concerns over public safety and traffic flow. But critics say the rule is intended to protect parking revenue for the Braves and is ripe for legal challenge.
County Commissioner Bob Ott, who represents the Cumberland area, acknowledged that he may have missed the implications of the ordinance when it was passed. Ott said he was made aware of potential problems about three weeks ago when he was contacted by constituents who viewed the rule negatively.
“Right now, my thoughts are what probably needs to happen is a moratorium on the enforcement of the code or even rescind it until it can be reworked,” Ott said.
Ott said his top priority was protecting the rights of individual property owners.
“I do think that there needs to be some coordinated effort if the county’s going to have a good transportation or traffic management plan,” he added.
Commissioner JoAnn Birrell said she thought the ordinance needed to be clarified, if not changed outright.
“I want to be able to revisit the ordinance in total and see where we can improve on some things concerning property rights and maybe less harsh penalties but still with safety as a priority, pedestrian safety,” Birrell said.
Commission chairman Tim Lee, who sponsored the ordinance along with Ott, could not be reached for comment. His deputy chief, Kellie Brownlow, issue a statement his behalf Wednesday saying the ordinance was intended to help traffic coordination, transportation mobility and pedestrian safety.
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