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Gerry Sullivan and Jim Quinn, members of the Save Lanier Lifestyle Committee, recently commented on the 100,000,000 Park and Recreation Bond that will be on the ballot on Super Tuesday, February 5th. Their comments brought to light several concerns, a conflict of interest, and the question of why Forsyth County would overlook the greenspace that already exists at the Lanier Golf Club, a public golf course.

While sitting on the deck overlooking the fourth hole and taking in the panoramic view of this serene golf course with the blue heron flying above me, I felt a sense of how lucky we are to have such a place of beauty in Forsyth. I shuddered to think that its future lies in the hands of the judicial system. With the fate of this beautiful golf course becoming an overdeveloped 700 home eye-sore.

I met with Sullivan and Quinn members of the Save Lanier Lifestyle Committee who recently responded to the Envision Green Forsyth e-mail sent out by Mary Helen McGruder, the Planning Commissioner for District 5. McGruder was asking for support as a private citizen on the Park and Recreation Bond by explaining that the passing of this bond would provide funds to purchase land for greenspace, building new parks, and completing some of our county parks. "This would be a wonderful opportunity for each of us to do what we all say we want to do - leave our county a better place than we found it and to protect our environment while building blueways on the Etowah River, playgrounds at our parks and an aquatic center for young and old alike."

While all of this is well and good, it brings nothing into District 5 and besides that, it was McGruder who cast a "yes" vote fore the rezoning to build the 700 residential development on the current land that is home to the Lanier Golf Club. "This is a contradiction to ask for support of greenspace as well as the vote to destroy current greenspace," commented Sullivan and Quinn.

"I do not consider privately owned property as green space"  McGruder responds.  "It may be land that is currently undeveloped, but in the sense that green space belongs to a specific community group such as a government or conservancy for the common good, then property owned privately is not held for the benefit of the public.  That is why we as a county should vote to purchase land for green space and not expect private land owners to provide it for us."

McGruder voted to "uphold the private property rights" of an individual in a rezoning request that is currently in litigation and is now supporting the obligation of our county to purchase land we wish to preserve as green space and not to rely on owners of a private business to furnish it for us at their own expense. 

"I don't see that as a contradiction, but as another reason to support the bond" McGruder stated  "If we as a county aren't willing to purchase land, then the landowner in a capitalist society has every right to use their property as they choose as long as that use complies with current zoning ordinances. We should either be willing to pay for green space or to suffer the consequences when land is sold and developed."

Greenspaces play a key role in supporting safe, healthy, happy and lively communities. They are about people, communities and quality of life. Therefore, the interpretation of the word greenspace could have a different meaning in the context that it is being used. For example, McGruder views the rezoning of the Lanier Golf Club as a privately owned property, where as the owners could request it to be rezoned, sold, and developed. Then again, Save Lanier Lifestyle Committee views it as greenspace. Greenspace they enjoy, and don’t wish for the owner to sell. Each has a point, but ultimately the option should be the private land owners…sale and develop or keep the land as a greenspace.

Gerry Sullivan, responded to McGruder's e-mail. He stated our committee, Save Lanier Lifestyle, is puzzled that she would be sending out a request to support the Park and Rec. Bond for Greenspace, especially after her attempt to eliminate one of the finest green spaces in Forsyth County, Lanier Golf Club. McGruder has been quoted to have said, "You can't have a vote of denial based on the emotions of the residents." Then again, McGruder e-mail is an emotional plea for support by asking the residents who live in District 5 to support the Greenspace and Park Bond. Quinn said, “I might add that my position is that most, including myself, recognize the importance of preserving greenspace. It is essential for our quality of life and that of future generations. My question is how can a planning commissioner recommend replacing one of the most significant parcels of recreational greenspace in this area with an inappropriate, massive development and shortly thereafter recommend that the taxpayers spend $100,000,000 to purchase new more costly and less beneficial lands.”  " I regret that Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Quinn have taken this opportunity to bring up a previous zoning decision I made in my capacity as a member of the Planning Commission and interject that legal issue into what shoud be for the voters a decision about the futures of our parks, recreation opportunities and greenspace. I would hope that we cal all join together as voters and vote YES and use this as an issue on which we can agree," McGruder said. 

What is so interesting about this issue is that no one knows exactly what land will be purchased.   Lanier Golf Course has not been ruled in or out as a potential acquisition.  Officials cannot comment on what land is being sought for purchase, because the value of the land (and the surrounding land) would be inflated as a result of this information.  McGruder emphasized “ no determination has been made on the expenditure of the bond proceed - no one knows what land will or won’t be purchased and whether is will or won’t bring anything into District 5.”  Jim Quinn quoted former President Ronald Regan by saying, " Trust but Verify."  but in this case, trust is the only option.

Quinn was instrumental in bring about the "No" vote in order to stop the rezoning the Lanier Golf Club. His letter addressed to the Board of Commissioner casting a light on the Steinberg rules, which are Georgia Zoning Procedure Laws. Quinn outlined six laws that must be considered when zoning.

Lanier Golf Course is due to reopen again in April although its lifespan is still undetermined. One can be sure to find both Quinn and Sullivan out on the greens.

When thinking of greenspace in Forsyth County and leaving it a better place than we found it, why not preserve the beauty, the land, and refuge for wildlife. What a gift to leave behind for our children, grandchildren, and visitors to Forsyth County to enjoy.