DeKalb parks path will remain on hold

The mile-long path that is supposed to link two parks north of Decatur will remain in limbo, possibly for months, because of a judge’s order issued this week.

Superior Court Judge Gregory Adams has extended his 30-day stop work order on the project linking Medlock Park to Mason Mill Park. On Monday , Adams issued a preliminary injunction, which will likely remain in place until the Supreme Court hears an appeal in the case.

The PATH Foundation hired Lewallen Construction to build a boardwalk and paved path through a wooded and hilly forest, with the goal of linking the two parks. Some area residents have opposed the project.

“There should be no more construction activity on the site until this comes back from the Supremes, and I would guess that’ll be sometime next spring,” said Brian Daughdrill, the attorney for the residents, who call themselves the Three Forks Heritage Alliance.

Adams previously ruled that DeKalb County didn’t follow proper procurement procedures when it hired PATH to do the work. The judge also ruled that DeKalb didn’t follow proper permitting procedures and allowed the walkway to stray too close to a stream in violation of its own environmental regulations.

— Ty Tagami