Westwood Park Resident Asks Alpharetta for Help with Unsightly Mud Hole

EDITOR'S NOTE: Mr. Gomes submitted this letter to Alpharetta City Council prior to its Monday, June 4 meeting. During public comment at the meeting, he was told it was not a time for Q&A, and that the city doesn't own the property. Prospect Park's years of neglect were mentioned, and the homeowner representative said that's just what his community fears as he reiterated his community's concerns.

I am writing to ask you to support the protection of the homeowners of Westwood Park and the overall landscape aesthetics of the city of Alpharetta in regards to a development project off the Georgia 400 corridor also known as the “ Fulton Science Academy” and in doing so, show real vision and leadership for our city.

This used to be a wonderful natural area for wildlife and served as a buffer from the busy Georgia 400 traffic noise. I understand that the land owner sold the land to Fulton Science Academy, which started construction earlier this year and devastated the forest setting and ecosystem in plans to build their new school.  It is my understanding reading in the newspapers that the school failed to get accreditation and also ran into financial troubles and as a result stopped construction on the project indefinitely.

As a result, the property has become an unsightly mud hole and eyesore to all those who live and travel through the area, especially the Westwood Park homeowners. In addition, the rainwater collected on this property breeds mosquitoes and other variety of insects which are a health hazard to our families and Alpharetta citizens at large.

We pay hefty property taxes to the city and county and demand that the City of Alpharetta get involved in determining and disclosing what the future plans are for this parcel. We are very concerned about our property values. At minimum, the city/county should force the land owner to replant trees, grass or look into other suitable options and restore the property.

This is an important issue for our community. Please make the right decision and take action to Preserve, Protect and Enhance our neighborhood. 

Mario Gomes

Westwood Park