DeKalb CEO: $1.5M in park upgrades, $100K for green space were promised in 2021 exchange

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson said the 2021 exchange with Blackhall included commitments to park improvements valued up to $1,500,000 and an additional $100,000 for green-space acquisition that the county contends remain unfulfilled.

"In exchange for the land exchange that took place, there was an agreement for a $1,500,000 investment," Cochran Johnson said, adding the agreement also included an additional $100,000 for green-space acquisition. She told reporters the county has moved forward with development of the Entrenchment Creek portion of Michelle Obama Park and held a ribbon cutting this past Saturday.

The CEO described park work completed so far — "we have built out an incredible, 0.6, mile trail as well as upgraded the current remote control airplane strip" — and said the county plans to begin and complete the park's northern portion in 2027. She also said county staff will provide a map and include the complaint link in the press release to clarify which parcels are affected.