Greenspace: Supply and Demand

Dunwoody's "Greenspace Advocates" seem hellbent on strapping us with at least Fifty Million Dollars in debt, certainly proving they know how to put the green in greenspace. They also like to point out that many admirable places to live, where sadly they don't, have 10 acres of "greenspace" per 1000 residents whilst Dunwoody has one third that figure.  And where are these places? Oft-cited locations touted as strikingly similar to Dunwoody in every other way include Seattle and Minneapolis.

You simply cannot make this up.

This cherry-picked stat and these contrived comparisons intentionally neglect several important factors that apply specifically to Dunwoody when discussing parks, recreation and greenspace:

• Dunwoody has relatively low density, with few high rises and instead is dominated by single family homes on more than ample lots---most in Dunwoody are blessed with ample personal greenspace
• Dunwoody has more than one lakeside home, many more have private pools--if you can afford it, it's yours
• Many communities in Dunwoody sport their own swim/tennis facilities, often with outside memberships available
• Though located in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody Country Club abuts the city limits and serves many in our community
• Dunwoody is home to a few mega-churches, providing services, including athletics and some, like the Day Wellness Center, have no requirement for religious affiliation

This is not to say that every resident has access to all these opportunities, but certainly these reduce the need for this City to compensate for deficiencies as other cities might. Furthermore this creates a system of individual "Pay for Play" that generally resonates with the conservative and libertarian view of government's role in our lives.

So what is driving this relatively mindless plunge into Long Term Debt? Is this a reprise of the "Dunwoody, It's A No-Brainer" emotional appeal underpinning the mindless rush into cityhood?

Why are so few demanding that everyone pay for their play? This leads to the defining question: what does $50 Million buy? For most of us, very little. For the few, the connected, it buys power. The power to decide who gets a piece of that $50 Million. And...who doesn't.

This movement towards debt fueled power proves this City is just more of the same malfeasance we allegedly endured at the hands of the County.