Judge Orders Fix-Up At Sprayberry Crossing

MARIETTA, GA — A judge has ordered the owners of a rundown shopping center in Marietta to fix it up or pay higher taxes on the property.

Sprayberry Crossing, at 2692 Sandy Plains Rd., covers more than 16 acres and includes five commercial buildings. Among them is a former bowling alley that has closed and, according to county officials, has become dilapidated and a magnet for "unsavory activities."

Cobb County's government recently passed a blight ordinance which levies extra taxes on commercial properties that can't be used, are unsafe or abandoned and give rise to public health and safety concerns.

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Under the code, a property's owner can avoid extra taxes if a plan to fix up the property is followed.

Sprayberry Crossing was the first case the county brought under the new ordinance.

A judge agreed with the county and is requiring Sprayberry Crossing's owners to:

• install and maintain adequate lighting within 15 day
• install and maintain a camera security system within 15 days
• post "No loitering allowed" and "You are being video recorded" signs in conspicuous and prominent locations
• provide an engineer’s report detailing the proper repairs required to correct safety structural issues
• complete the repairs in the engineer’s report
• have a representative or project manager visit the site at least once per week to inspect for illegal activity and property damage and correct issues within 48 hours
• remove litter within 48 hours;
• promptly respond to development inspections or code enforcement issues
• install fencing around the perimeter of the building

If the owners don't comply, the additional tax will go into effect and remain until the list is completed.

'I’m pleased with the court’s decision in designating this property as blighted although I would have preferred the building be demolished," said District 3 Commissioner JoAnn K. Birrell. "However, I’m glad to know the court heard the county’s and the citizens' concerns. The county is doing everything within its ability under the code to address the concerns related to this property and will continue to monitor conditions."

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