In College Park, questions are piling up — and so is the blame.
Where is the money going? Why are certain payments being made without clear contracts or council oversight? Who is accountable?
City leaders are pointing fingers over a controversial $471,690 payment to Keller Williams realty company, and meanwhile, the condemnation of the Chelsea Gardens apartment complex persists.
The two issues are separate problems that city officials are placing at the feet of former City Manager Dr. Emmanuel Adediran. That and the broader pattern of the city’s murky financial decisions and unexplained actions make true accountability difficult to determine.
An attorney for the Business Industrial Development Authority is investigating the nearly half-million dollar payout that was authorized by Adediran last February.
The funds covered a 10 percent commission and a 2024 invoice from Keller Williams for a land transfer that occurred back in January 2022. There was no sale, only a quitclaim deed from the city to BIDA.
Keller Williams’ invoice was attached to a 2024 contract signed by then-BIDA Chairman Tracy Wyatt, officials say.
Wyatt signed the contract without the approval of the BIDA board, and the document language does not cover land transfers, board members said.
No clear explanation for the payment
Adediran told SaportaReport that he believed the payment was for an accumulation of work by Keller Williams.
“The contract was attached,” he said. “That’s the only reason I approved that invoice.”
During Monday’s city council meeting, Councilman Roderick Gay described the payment as a crime and said there were other unexplained payouts by Adediran.
But the councilman himself is also being accused of causing financial irregularities.
During a recent interview with SaportaReport, Adediran and other recently fired employees alleged that Gay submitted vendor invoices directly to the city manager, bypassing standard procedures. Because the amounts were under $10,000, the payments could avoid bidding requirements or council approval.
Adediran said he denied some of those invoices, including ones involving Lyndell Miller — who ultimately replaced Adediran after his firing.
Neither Gay nor the city provided comment on the allegations.
Fallout over Chelsea Gardens condemnation continues
While questions mount over the Keller Williams payment, Adediran is also being blamed for the condemnation of Chelsea Gardens apartments — a decision that displaced families, some of whom still lack permanent housing.
At the City Council meeting, Gay placed the blame on Adediran. Days earlier, during a town hall meeting, Mayor Bianca Motley Broom also said it was the former city manager’s decision.
Adediran, however, said the decision came from Councilwoman Tracy Arnold, who represents the district where the complex is located. He said he was pulled into a meeting in early May with Arnold, Councilman Joe Carn, the city attorney, Arnold’s legislative aide, and the property’s new owner to discuss the future of the apartments.
According to Adediran, Arnold made the call to move forward with condemnation, and Carn agreed to back her decision.
“I signed the letter of condemnation based on two council people. Both of them are my supervisors,” Adediran said.
Arnold and Carn did not return phone and email messages from SaportaReport.
Adediran said Gay later criticized him for acting without council approval. “He told me I should’ve brought it before council,” Adediran said, “but I explained to him exactly how the meeting unfolded.”
Chelsea Gardens assistance also questioned
Last month, the city approved $86,000 to Sage Hands International to help relocate Chelsea Gardens residents — but it remains unclear how those funds are being used.
WABE reported that one displaced resident, Carolyn Huitt, is living in an extended-stay hotel in Jonesboro with her son and two grandchildren. Her housing is currently being funded by a church. “I’m very scared,” Huitt told WABE.
Residents demand answers
College Park residents are demanding clarity and accountability from current and former officials.
During public comment at Monday’s council meeting, resident James Walker sharply criticized Adediran and urged the council to find a way to recover the $471,690 paid to Keller Williams.
“And make sure that you can account for our monies and where they go,” Walker said.
Resident Tom Coleman repeated his own concerns about the city’s budget projections and a lack of transparency in spending.
“Nobody has justified the total amount of income that you think you’re going to have,” Coleman said. “You continually just add money to it. We started last year at $197 million, and I have yet to establish that we are actually bringing that much in. Now you’re up to $220 million…. that’s an 11.6 percent increase in income with absolutely no justification that I’ve heard. You can’t just wish money to come in.”
“Follow the money, and watch it do backflips into someone’s pocket. These aren’t ‘oopsies,’ these are ‘cha-ching, thank you City of College Park!’ moves. It’s not a new scam… it’s just the same old circus with louder clowns finally blowing the whistle. And honestly, good for them. Someone had to stop the gravy train from turning into a bullet train to someone’s third vacation home. Speaking of clowns and vacation homes, does the City of College Park get a guest room in Dr. E’s Jamaican getaway (that he funded with City money), or is that strictly for the “I finessed the system” club? Just trying to figure out if CP tax dollars at least come with an ocean view and bottomless rum punch. Asking for me, my friends, and everyone who’s ever side-eyed a city budget.
Follow the money …from H.J. Russell to Dr. Emmanuel Adedrian Jamaica retirement plan now to the City of Stockbridge together. Do your investigation on this.