The rezoning and annexation recommendations of properties located in four unincorporated islands within Union City was largely uneventful at the Planning Commission’s May 30 meeting. The fly in the ointment was the opposition by two of the affected property owners and the ongoing determination by residents along High Point Road who objected to rezonings that mirror the already densely populated subdivisions on Union City’s north side. They said that density and the City Council’s lack of accountability is causing major problems for the community.

Up for annexation were parcels included in four of the seven unincorporated islands located within the city. All Fulton County cities had previously been asked by the county to proceed with the annexation of those islands. The issue of annexing the islands was also relevant, said city attorney Dennis Davenport, due to the upcoming vote by residents of unincorporated South Fulton County in June 2007 to consider creating the City of South Fulton. He said that, if approved by voters, those property owners existing as unincorporated islands would automatically become a part of the new city.

The owner of property in one of the islands that most strenuously objected to being annexed into Union City was Carter Hamilton. The Valley Lakes Road owner said he was definitely opposed to the move.

“I didn’t buy in Union City. I bought in Fulton County and I’m satisfied with what I’ve got. If you can show me where being annexed will benefit me we can discuss it,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton was adamant that he would not benefit from inclusion into the city, already having police and fire protection. Water services were not applicable, he said, since he had a well on his property. His street is not paved, so that city service would not come into play, he added.

After some discussion, commissioners voted to recommend rezoning Hamilton’s property R-1 and annex it into the city.

The owners of properties on Buffington Road also objected to the prospect of being annexed. Realtors representing the couple said the properties were already under contract and the proposed rezoning classification would put the development project in jeopardy. Commissioners discussed the issue but voted to recommend the city-favored zoning classification and to annex the properties.

A total of 14 public hearings were conducted at the meeting, with properties included in four of the seven unincorporated islands within the city being voted on for rezoning and annexation. Those properties totaled 53 acres. Aside from the two owners objecting to the measures, the only other concerns expressed came from several residents of High Point Road, the area where some of the affected properties are located.

The objection stated by High Point residents centered on the rezoning classifications, those recommended to the Planning Commission by the city. Those classifications called for zoning of a density similar to that found along High Point. That current density, said area residents, is already a significant part of the persistent and deepening problems in the community, problems that the city council refuses to acknowledge. Rezoning newly incorporated property with similar density can only add to the problems, they said.

“My concern, as a resident living on High Point Road, is that this being rezoned to R-3 will lead to more development along High Point Road,” said Donna White. “I moved here almost three years ago. The traffic has increased. The number of subdivisions has increased. And the services from the city have decreased. We used to be able to count on the police being present and patrolling the neighborhoods. But I’ve noticed over the years that that has waned. I think that’s because Union City is growing exponentially. My concern is that we continue to rezone to allow more subdivisions, but Union City is not supporting the development in the area.”

White said she did not believe the city council would reverse the rezoning and annexation recommendations made by the Planning Commission.

Also expressing multiple concerns along High Point Road was Aishah Ayers, one of several frequent attendees at city council meetings who continue to demand city response and accountability to crime, housing density and other issues facing the community on Union City’s north side.

“I keep the crime reports for my subdivision. It’s ridiculous,” said Ayers. “The police don’t come by as often as they did before. We have pit bulls, we have gangs and we have drugs in our area. When we call for animal control it takes them two hours to get there, if they get there at all. People are selling food out of their houses. People are selling drugs out of their houses. And the street is a race track. Without police patrols we are sitting ducks. Somebody is going to get killed. And more (development) will mean more traffic.”

Ayers, White and High Point resident Taleah Howard acknowledged the Planning Commission’s role as a recommending body for the rezonings and annexations. The residents said their statements to the commission were a necessary part of their attempt to bring Union City government to a higher level of accountability.

login to post comments