The city-county Planning Commission was told Monday that neighbors in East Brainerd fighting a controversial subdivision have bought the property out from under the developer.
The neighbors have been irate that developer Gary Bumgarner planned to replace one house with seven at the site on Kay Circle near Graysville Road.
In a surprise move, Mrs. George Stiles told the planning commission that she has bought the property that Mr. Bumgarner planned to build on.
Mrs. Stiles then marched out of the room. She was recalled by startled commission members.
Jim Landers, who was with Mrs. Stiles, said the group contacted owner Claudine Jones in Gainesville, Ga., and a contract was reached on Friday.
The group is reportedly paying $200,000 for the two-acre property. Mr. Bumgarner reportedly had a contract to buy it for $220,000 but Mr. Landers said he let the option expire.
Mr. Landers said Ms. Jones "wanted to sell it. She said she hadn't heard from the developer in two months."
Mr. Bumgarner, who is now represented by attorney John Anderson, said Ms. Jones had signed the plat on the property a month ago. He said he thought he still had a deal with her.
On the purchase by the neighbors, he said, "That's the first I've heard of it."
City Councilman Jack Benson said the project is "an intrusion in the neighborhood."
The commission went ahead with a vote on the subdivision despite the assertion that the land had been sold.
The subdivision was approved with six in favor, four opposed and one abstaining.
Councilman Benson said the subdivision did not meet all requirements, saying two of the lots were perpendicular. He said by eliminating one of the houses, all the houses could have faced the street.
Despite the positive vote for the development, Councilman Benson told the neighbors, "If you've bought it, it's a closed case. You've got the ball in your court."
Mr. Landers said of the lot, "We've got it, and we're going to keep it."