Montgomery Co. Debates $7.8M Land Deal for Park

**Controversial $7.8 Million Land Deal for Grand Central Park Expansion Sparks Outcry Ahead of Commissioners Court Vote**

Montgomery County Commissioners Court is poised to vote on a contentious $7.8 million land purchase on Tuesday, June 25th, a deal that has ignited a firestorm of criticism over its price tag, funding source, and perceived beneficiaries. The proposed acquisition, set for a 9:30 AM vote, involves 52 acres in Precinct 2, north of FM 1488 in the Egypt area, intended to expand the existing Grand Central Park.

The county is looking to pay Grand Central Park LLC a substantial $7.8 million for the land, translating to approximately $150,000 per acre. This price point has drawn sharp rebukes from Precinct 2 Commissioner Riley, who publicly voiced his opposition, asserting that raw land in the vicinity typically fetches closer to $50,000 to $60,000 per acre.

“This is an exorbitant price for raw land,” Commissioner Riley stated, emphasizing his concern. “We need to be diligent stewards of taxpayer money, and this deal raises serious questions about fiscal responsibility.”

Further compounding the controversy is the proposed funding mechanism: the county’s General Fund. This critical fund is allocated for essential county services, including roads, drainage projects, law enforcement, and other vital infrastructure across all precincts. Critics, including Riley, argue that diverting such a significant sum from the General Fund for a park expansion, particularly at this price, could jeopardize funding for other pressing needs.

Commissioner Riley’s attempt to schedule a public hearing in Precinct 2, allowing residents to voice their opinions directly, was reportedly blocked, further fueling public frustration and claims of a lack of transparency.

This isn’t the first time a land transaction involving Grand Central Park LLC, or its affiliates, has raised eyebrows in Montgomery County. A similar situation unfolded in 2021 when a 25-acre tract, initially sold by Grand Central Park LLC or its associates for $2.5 million, was flipped to the county for the Spring Creek Greenway project just three weeks later, at a significantly higher price of $3.75 million. That quick turnaround and substantial profit margin for the seller has left many residents and officials questioning the fairness and necessity of the current proposal.

Concerns are also being raised about the true beneficiaries of the proposed park expansion. Precinct 2 already boasts several parks, leading critics to question if this particular 52-acre tract, conveniently located directly across from a proposed new development called Grand Central Hills, would primarily serve future residents of that specific community rather than the broader county population.

“We need to ask who truly benefits from this deal,” one local resident, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisal, told *[Your Media Organization Name]*. “Is this about public recreation for all, or is it about adding amenities to a new development at taxpayer expense?”

While proponents of the expansion might argue for the long-term benefits of green space and increased recreational opportunities for a growing county, the current deal faces significant headwinds. The Commissioners Court meeting on Tuesday, June 25th, is expected to be a heated session as residents and officials weigh in on what has quickly become one of the most debated land deals in recent Montgomery County history. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting at the Commissioners Court building or watch the live stream via the Montgomery County website for updates on this pivotal vote.