Responding to a landowner’s rejection of its $300,000 offer, Sandy Springs has authorized the use of eminent domain to take vacant land identified for parking in the City Center Master Plan.

The City Council recently passed a resolution on acquiring the 11,850-square-foot tract at 170 Hilderbrand Drive from W.B. Holdings-Hilderbrand LLC. Adam Orkin is the registered agent, according to the city.

Sandy Springs said it had offered $300,000, the land’s appraised value, but the owner declined the offer. The city attorney plans to continue negotiations but sought the Council’s authority to proceed to eminent domain for the property – its purpose being for a “public use” under Georgia law – if the talks fail.

“The process is lengthy, and authorization enables the city attorney to move forward should it be necessary, but first choice is to come to a successful resolution with the property owner,” a Sandy Springs spokeswoman said.

About the Author

Featured

Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez