Council member Tina urges Malberry Park move forward; council rejects $2.4 million bid after public comment
March 12, 2026 | Hoschton City, Jackson County, Georgia
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Council member Tina pressed the Hoschton City Council to move forward with the planned Malberry Park at 153 Malberry Street, arguing the city would forfeit a $500,000 grant and prior design work if it abandoned the project.
Tina said the lowest contractor bid initially came in at $2.7 million and, after modifications, was reduced to $2.4 million. She outlined a funding plan that included an existing $500,000 grant, $750,000 already in this year’s budget and $868,000 from impact fees, leaving roughly $282,000 to be covered in the 2027 budget. “If we scrap this park, construction costs go up 35% per year,” Tina said, urging the council to preserve the grant and proceed.
The council heard public comment from residents who urged caution. Resident Gary McGawan asked what would happen to the five-acre site if the council did not proceed: “If it’s not going to be a park, what will it be? Will it be sold to a developer?” Resident Scott Bowling said the woodland is valuable to neighbors and urged phased construction rather than abandoning the site: “If it goes to developers, I can promise you right now, I’m out.”
Tina and staff discussed maintenance and funding options. Tina cited typical capital-maintenance planning numbers of 1–3% of the original construction cost for ongoing upkeep, and noted additional grant opportunities and change-order options that could add enhancements later. Staff also described impact-fee timing and constraints: impact fees used for the five acres must be spent on qualifying capital projects within specified time limits.
When the council took a final vote on a motion to accept the $2.4 million bid from LANY, the motion failed. Earlier minute corrections recorded that votes on related motions had split the council, with T. Brown and D. Brown recorded as voting in favor while Martin, Quarter, Vince and Jackson were recorded as opposed on a prior motion related to the item.
The council did not approve the award of the Malberry Park bid at this meeting; no new date for reconsideration was announced before adjournment.
Tina said the lowest contractor bid initially came in at $2.7 million and, after modifications, was reduced to $2.4 million. She outlined a funding plan that included an existing $500,000 grant, $750,000 already in this year’s budget and $868,000 from impact fees, leaving roughly $282,000 to be covered in the 2027 budget. “If we scrap this park, construction costs go up 35% per year,” Tina said, urging the council to preserve the grant and proceed.
The council heard public comment from residents who urged caution. Resident Gary McGawan asked what would happen to the five-acre site if the council did not proceed: “If it’s not going to be a park, what will it be? Will it be sold to a developer?” Resident Scott Bowling said the woodland is valuable to neighbors and urged phased construction rather than abandoning the site: “If it goes to developers, I can promise you right now, I’m out.”
Tina and staff discussed maintenance and funding options. Tina cited typical capital-maintenance planning numbers of 1–3% of the original construction cost for ongoing upkeep, and noted additional grant opportunities and change-order options that could add enhancements later. Staff also described impact-fee timing and constraints: impact fees used for the five acres must be spent on qualifying capital projects within specified time limits.
When the council took a final vote on a motion to accept the $2.4 million bid from LANY, the motion failed. Earlier minute corrections recorded that votes on related motions had split the council, with T. Brown and D. Brown recorded as voting in favor while Martin, Quarter, Vince and Jackson were recorded as opposed on a prior motion related to the item.
The council did not approve the award of the Malberry Park bid at this meeting; no new date for reconsideration was announced before adjournment.
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