If Union City has its way the size of the city will more than double by the end of October. If approved by landowners and registered voters, proposed annexation would encompass large areas primarily to the north, south, northeast and northwest of existing city limits.

Union City announced its intent April 18 to annex up to 7,000 acres of unincorporated South Fulton County before the Oct. 30 deadline imposed by legislation relating to the possible creation of the new City of South Fulton. Residents of unincorporated South Fulton County gained legislative approval to vote June 2007 on the creation of their own city.

The property identified for annexation was lumped into 17 areas of interest and is situated in what would become a part of the City of South Fulton if the vote is successful. The General Assembly paved the way for a vote for the cities of South Fulton and Chattahoochee Hills while adding a provision that existing, adjacent cities could have until the end of October to annex, thereby avoiding the outcome of being land-locked if the incorporation vote is successful.

The current land mass of Union City is 5,428 acres, according to the city’s Web site. If the entire measure is approved by 60 percent of landowners followed by approval from 60 percent of registered voters in the targeted areas, Union City’s geographical area will increase by 7,000 acres, resulting in a total land mass of 12,428 acres, a 130 percent increase over the present city limits.

Though only in the beginning phase of the annexation attempt, council members agreed on several priority areas within the 17 areas of interest. Those areas include adjacent properties on the north, south, northeast and northwest sides of the city. City Administrator Terrell Jacobs said efforts will be made to annex as many of the 17 areas as possible. The council agreed to hire a team that includes legal, public relations and land agent components to work with city staff. Jacobs said the short time frame involved in the annexation attempts might necessitate an increase in council meetings during the period.

Union City’s annexation plans, said Mayor Pro-tem Shirley Jackson, were necessarily sped up due to the legislative action. The city has a five-year and 10-year plan relating to annexation, but those plans were based on the continued existence of the unincorporated areas. Requesting to be the point person based upon her experience, council member Angelette Mealing said the city would be aggressive in it’s attempt to successfully complete the annexation plans.

Union City is joined by Fairburn, Palmetto, East Point and College Park in formulating annexation actions that must be completed prior to the Oct. 30 deadline.

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