Cobb reconsiders private parking ban near Braves stadium

Cobb County will seek to amend a rule restricting parking on private lots around the new SunTrust Park stadium for the Atlanta Braves following an investigation by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

In a statement Wednesday, the county announced that the Board of Commissioners had formally requested changes to the Accessory Special Event Parking ordinance “to ensure that the language reflects the original intent of public safety and does not produce unintended consequences for private property owners and citizens.”

Public hearings on the revised ordinance are scheduled for July 26 at 7 p.m., Aug. 9 at 9 a.m and Aug. 23 at 7 p.m.

Back in February, the board voted unanimously to outlaw property owners within a half-mile of the stadium from charging for parking during games, unless they apply for and receive special permission. Property owners outside the half-mile radius but within a special parking zone must receive a license from the county.

County officials have cited concerns over public safety and traffic flow. But critics say the rule is intended to protect parking revenue for the Braves and is ripe for legal challenge

County Commissioner JoAnn Birrell said she thought the ordinance needed to be clarified, if not changed outright.

“I just want to be able to review everything and all these comments that we’re receiving, some valid and some not,” Birrell said. “I want to be able to revisit the ordinance in total and see where we can improve on some things concerning property rights and maybe less harsh penalties but still with safety as a priority, pedestrian safety.”