Greenway Trails Proposals Draw Big Opposition

Few issues can divide a community as sharply as a proposed public place to play.

Dunwoody’s proposed network of greenway trails is no different.

Supporters say the trails would enhance the city – and property values – by providing pleasant pathways for walking and cycling.

But supporters were in short supply at Monday night’s meeting to discuss the proposal in Dunwoody.

Most of the 200 or so people who gathered at City Hall came to oppose the proposed network of greenways. No further meetings have been scheduled.

Several in the crowd said they and their friends own homes adjacent to the proposed greenways.

Some don’t want people they don’t know having easy access to their backyards. Others don’t want a trail built between their yard and Kingsley Lake.

Many repeatedly interrupted City Manager Warren Hutmacher during his 23-minute speech.

Among the comments called out:

• “Bull!”
• “It’s going to be a disaster!”
• “No way! Show us that report!”

Many in the audience applauded politely when Hutmacher concluded. Then some turned to the person next to them and berated Hutmacher for not accepting any questions.

Some residents are so angry that they plan to investigate the process of recalling the entire Dunwoody City Council.

“We don’t need to wait for the next election,” said 24-year resident Hugh Schutte. “I’m going to find out what the process is for a recall and see if we can get them out of office now.”

Schutte had plenty of support from other long-time residents who stood around talking after Hutmacher’s speech.

Judie Posey, a 35-year resident, said she’d help Schutte because she’s disappointed in the city’s leadership.

Posey said the greenway plan is just the latest example of the sort of thing she did not expect when she voted in favor of incorporating the city.

“We thought that voting for the city was for the betterment of the community,” Posey said.

“We thought Dunwoody was going to spend money the right way, but instead they’re off on pipe dreams like this greenway,” Posey said. “We have seen nothing good come out of the city of Dunwoody – except the police department.”

Rudy Weber, another long-time resident, is so outraged by the greenway proposal that his print-outs of various reports already have filled a manila folder.

“We created the city because we thought taxes would go down because of Perimeter Mall, and that we’d get better roads and parks,” Weber said.

“We didn’t create Dunwoody to get this greenway, which will cause crime and reduce property value,” Weber said.

At that point, Weber collared Councilman Danny Ross and explained his displeasure with the city’s leadership, starting with the proposal for Dunwoody to house the state’s Music Hall of Fame.

Ross explained that he has worked long and hard for the good of the community, starting long before Dunwoody was incorporated.

Councilman Robert Wittenstein fielded questions and comments long after many had left the meeting. Wittenstein was an early advocate for incorporation, partly to improve the quality of public parks in Dunwoody for kids who play baseball.

“I’m sensitive to their concerns, and sympathetic,” Wittenstein said of the potential recall movement.

“This is public service, and I have made no decisions [about seeking reelection]. When folks are done with me serving, I’m respectful of that.”