DeKalb County files suit accusing Blackhall of breaching 2021 land-exchange commitments

DeKalb County officials said the county filed a civil lawsuit this morning alleging that Blackhall Real Estate Phase 2, LLC breached a 2021 real-estate exchange by failing to deliver $1,500,000 in park improvements and a separate $100,000 green-space payment promised in the agreement.

"As of this morning, the county has filed a lawsuit," County Attorney Terry Phillips said. He identified the filing in DeKalb Superior Court as civil action file number 26cv8718 and said the complaint alleges breach of contract for failing to construct the promised park improvements and to make the green-space payments.

The county’s chief executive, Lorraine Cochran Johnson, said the 2021 transaction conveyed about 40 acres of county property at Entrenchment Creek Park and brought the county approximately 52.914 acres from Blackhall, and that the exchanged property included additional public benefits that "must be honored." She said on 02/03/2025 she instructed the law department to seek remedies and that the board has authorized the legal action.

Officials said they will not discuss privileged communications or litigate the case in public and that the exact amount of damages will be determined through the court process. The county said it will provide the complaint and a map to the media and that it remains open to an amicable, lawful resolution.