By Paul Bolster
“It’s moving forward,” says Councilman Jason Winston. Before the closing can take place between the family and the Nature Fund, the Berne Street lot on which Red’s home rests had to be divided. It currently connects to a lot on the non-existing Mercer paper street at the top of the hill. “Subdividing these lots has taken some time and we had to push through a few procedural barriers,” says Winston “but this will get done at the Council Meeting on November 9.” A closing should happen by the end of the year.
Once the property in under the control of the Nature Fund, an environmental easement will be placed on the land preserving the open space for the foreseeable future. There will likely be some opportunity for the neighborhood to discuss the terms of the easement. Once that is agreed to the City of Atlanta will acquire the Farm from the Nature Fund and be responsible for maintaining the conditions of the easement. Within the conditions of the easement there will be opportunities for the neighborhood to assist in the maintenance of the property and encourage its use.
