Discussion of the possibility and implications of the incorporation of two new cities in South Fulton County continued Jan. 9 in Cliftondale. The setting was one of many similar meetings being conducted to introduce the first of its kind concept to area residents.

An overflow crowd of more than 250 crammed into the old gym Jan. 9 at the South Fulton Arts Center at Cliftondale Park to hear Sen. Kasim Reed, Commissioner Bill Edwards and Fulton County Commission Blue Ribbon Panel member Rex Renfrow explain what they called an opportunity to consider forming municipalities in South Fulton where none exist today.

Central to the opportunity to consider incorporation is the current suspension of a state law prohibiting the incorporation of a new city within three miles of another. Georgia Municipal Association has stated their intent to have that window of opportunity closed at the end of 2006, said Renfrow, effectively neutralizing any incorporation desires by citizens after that time. Currently underway is a preliminary study designed to explore the idea of incorporating the Chattahoochee Hill Country and the remaining South Fulton areas.

Edwards and Reed addressed residents and fielded questions and comments. While some residents said it appeared that local legislators were pursuing incorporation in a panic mode, many appeared to be supportive of getting the opportunity to decide whether incorporation would be the way to go. Edwards said it was his job to present the facts and let residents make the decision. Reed said he would introduce a bill that would provide the mechanism for South Fulton residents to voice their opinion in a public referendum that could be held in the near future.

Residents at the meeting were aware of the recently stated intentions of the City of East Point, having taken the position that it would pursue annexing a large area of unincorporated South Fulton and bringing the area as far west as Ga. Highway 92 into East Point city limits. That position, as well as having other areas of South Fulton annexed by other cities in the area, clearly did not sit well with residents.

login to post comments