A Vision Takes Root

The story centers on a significant land donation that will reshape the Hidden Hills community. Developer Marty Orr has committed to donating Tracts Two and Three from a recent development project, with the broader goal of gifting approximately 130 acres to the Hidden Hills GreenSpace Inc. This land will be managed as publicly accessible green space, ensuring that Hidden Hills residents and their neighbors maintain connection to nature even as the area evolves.

“The corporation is organized specifically for charitable and educational purposes, with a focus on conserving local natural resources and ensuring safe, clean, and accessible public green space, with a wide and environmentally sensitive range of recreational and community activities,” states the organization’s updated purpose statement.

Partnership with Development

Rather than opposing development outright, the Hidden Hills community has embraced a collaborative approach. McKinley Homes is developing a 40-acre parcel that will include senior housing, townhomes, and single-family homes, 233 units in total. But this isn’t a typical development story.

Through negotiations led by Roderick Frierson, President of the Hidden Hills Civic Association and CEO of Hidden Hills GreenSpace Inc., the community secured a comprehensive Development Agreement that ensures public access and community benefits:

Key Agreement Highlights:

Trail Connectivity: McKinley Homes will construct and maintain a six-foot-wide ADA-accessible hardscape path along the lakeside of the development—approximately 1,570 feet or one-third mile. This path will remain open to the public from sunrise to sunset and must be clearly shown on all surveys and site plans.

Financial Support: The developer has committed $100,000 to Hidden Hills GreenSpace Inc. for trail improvements and extensions. These funds will be available within 60 days of receiving a Land Development Permit from DeKalb County. The improvements include extending the path from the lakeside on McKinley Homes property to Biffle Road, adding 1,433 linear feet on the northwest side and 1,760 linear feet on the southeast side to connect with existing neighborhood trail systems.

Public Signage: Two signs demarcating public access to the path will be installed at the east and west ends of the golf cart path near Biffle Road, complying with Greater Hidden Hills Overlay District Design Guidelines.

Community Center Access: The Hidden Hills Civic Association will have access to the community center at no charge for up to 12 meetings per calendar year, with the ability to transfer meeting slots to the Highlands or Villas HOAs. The agreement requires a $100 fee per use to the HOA and advance scheduling.

The Financial Reality

At their November 16, 2025 board meeting, the newly formed GreenSpace board faced the sobering financial realities of land stewardship. With a current Chase Business Account balance of $23,008.60, including a $3,000 donation from the Hidden Hills Civic Association—the organization must develop sustainable revenue streams.

Board members learned that if the full 130 acres are transferred to the nonprofit, annual property taxes could reach approximately $22,000. Even maintaining just the trail sections could cost $2,000 annually. Add maintenance, insurance, improvements, and administrative costs, and the challenge becomes clear: this isn’t just about accepting a generous donation; it’s about building a funding model that ensures these lands remain accessible for generations.

Exploring Sustainable Revenue Models

The board is actively researching several funding mechanisms:

Special Service District (SSD)

The county provided data showing 1,772 parcels currently paying $25 annually for speed humps, a program that began in 2001 and has generated over $718,000. This model demonstrates that Hidden Hills residents are willing to invest in community improvements through self-taxation, though some properties haven’t been assessed consistently.

Tax Allocation District (TAD)

This mechanism could capture increased property values resulting from the greenspace improvements and redirect those tax revenues toward maintenance and operations.

Leasing Arrangements

Rather than outright ownership, the organization might explore partnership or lease structures with DeKalb County Parks Department, sharing both responsibility and costs.

Amenity and User Fees

While the mission emphasizes accessibility, some revenue could come from special programs, events, or premium amenities, similar to how successful park conservancies operate.

Grants

While grants can fund specific projects, board members acknowledged they don’t provide sustainable recurring revenue for ongoing operations.