Possible New Metro Atlanta Cities?

[Saintmarks]

Originally Posted by GF72

Why would you call East Cobb Johnson Ferry? That's like calling Buckhead or Vinings Paces Ferry....

Because the term East Cobb, while well known within metro Atlanta has no panache as a municipal term. It simply defines itself as a section of the county. That area previously was rural with no established town, just rural communities like Mt. Bethel and Mountain View and none of them gained any renown for there to be any name that unites the whole area. The Johnson Ferry corridor is what unites the area along with Roswell Road and Lower Roswell, and well, that name is already used.

In cities and towns, an East, North, South or West before a name means there is usually a central town like Augusta, GA and North Augusta, SC. There is no town of Cobb to be east of so that doesn't make sense.

Plus being northwest of Atlanta, having East in the name can be confusing. I remember a visitor getting confused because East Point was southwest of Atlanta.

John's Creek did much the same in choosing its name, maybe even less of a name for the whole area it now encompasses. I guess those that came up with that name did not want any of the old names of rural communities in that area like Shake Rag, Ocee or Warsaw, and probably for a good reason. But John's Creek does kind of remind me of a sewage problem. I remember Riverside being proposed until a town of Riverside in south Georgia said no.

Aries has proposed Shallowford Falls or Woodlawn, but those are both based off roads in the area as well, and lesser roads at that. By the way there are no falls at Shallowford Falls.

Perhaps the high school districts should incorporate and be Walton, Lassiter and Pope. Pope, Georgia does sound odd though.

Sounding odd is why East Cobb doesn't do it for me as a city. Being a GA native, Cobb County was always a name I just accepted and didn't think about how it sounded, but when I first brought the ex from Texas and we moved to Marietta, she laughed at having to say she lived in Cobb. She said that a cob is what girls in West Texas referred to as a certain feminine hygeine product. I wish she had never told me that, because I can't get that out of the brain, lol.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by Saintmarks

Because the term East Cobb, while well known within metro Atlanta has no panache as a municipal term. It simply defines itself as a section of the county. That area previously was rural with no established town, just rural communities like Mt. Bethel and Mountain View and none of them gained any renown for there to be any name that unites the whole area. The Johnson Ferry corridor is what unites the area along with Roswell Road and Lower Roswell, and well, that name is already used.

In cities and towns, an East, North, South or West before a name means there is usually a central town like Augusta, GA and North Augusta, SC. There is no town of Cobb to be east of so that doesn't make sense.

Plus being northwest of Atlanta, having East in the name can be confusing. I remember a visitor getting confused because East Point was southwest of Atlanta.

John's Creek did much the same in choosing its name, maybe even less of a name for the whole area it now encompasses. I guess those that came up with that name did not want any of the old names of rural communities in that area like Shake Rag, Ocee or Warsaw, and probably for a good reason. But John's Creek does kind of remind me of a sewage problem. I remember Riverside being proposed until a town of Riverside in south Georgia said no.

Aries has proposed Shallowford Falls or Woodlawn, but those are both based off roads in the area as well, and lesser roads at that. By the way there are no falls at Shallowford Falls.

Perhaps the high school districts should incorporate and be Walton, Lassiter and Pope. Pope, Georgia does sound odd though.

Sounding odd is why East Cobb doesn't do it for me as a city. Being a GA native, Cobb County was always a name I just accepted and didn't think about how it sounded, but when I first brought the ex from Texas and we moved to Marietta, she laughed at having to say she lived in Cobb. She said that a cob is what girls in West Texas referred to as a certain feminine hygeine product. I wish she had never told me that, because I can't get that out of the brain, lol.

Hello Saint Marks!

-I've proposed several names. Shallowford Heights is my favorite because the "proposed" city would include the Sweat Mountain area and its foothills (and we don't use "Heights" enough in our Metro Area!). The rest of East Cobb would be East Marietta, Noonday Creek, Sandy Plains (or Sandy Plains Village), and Mount Bethel (or Woodlawn).

-There actually is a Shallowford Falls! We use to visit it in high school. It is inside the Chimney Lakes subdivision in the lake/pond district. It's a small falls and doesn't really exist during drought times. Plus, the area is known (vaguely) as Shallowford Falls (because of these falls)...this name has been given to an elementary school and a shopping center.



Since we're talking about East Cobb, everyone should check out this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Cobb

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by Saintmarks

This is a good list, has most of the well known names that have been around awhile.

I would add

Redan
Panola
Panthersville (I always liked that name!)

But I would like to see some of the established cities expand. Lithonia is SOOOO tiny compared to the area around it, same for Clarkston, Chamblee, Doraville, Stone Mountain, Avondale Estates. Let Pine Mountain stay its tiny little enclave.

Decatur ought to be a city of 50,000 minimum. It is older than Atlanta. Don't see the need for a North Decatur, It should all be Decatur. I am sure the areas north of Decatur proper are more desirable now, but if Decatur had the areas south, maybe they would gentrify and be the nicer areas I remember when I was a kid, like the Belvedere area.

"Proposed" DeKalb County incorporation:

1. Brookhaven, North Atlanta, Dunwoody, Druid Hills/Emory, North Druid Hills, North Decatur/Medlock, Oak Grove/Briarcliff, West Rehoboth, McLendon/Scottdale, Gresham Park, and Constitution/Intrenchment Creek...annexed by the City of Atlanta.

2. Decatur would expand to include Dekalb Industrial Way area, Suburban Plaza area, and west to the railroad tracks (Upland area, etc).

3. Avondale Estates would expand to include Forrest Hills, and areas down Rockbridge Road.

4. Tucker would incorporate which would include the Evansdale area, the Smokerise area, and the Northlake area.

5. Chamblee and Doraville would expand (basically their proposed annexations, except Chamblee would leave out the North Atlanta part and instead annex the Mercer University/Embry Hills area).

6. Stone Mountain would really expand and would include the Bermuda area (the Bermuda area could also become a quaint city village a la Sandy Plains in East Cobb).

7. Lithonia, Clarkston...both would really expand. Pine Lake would expand slightly.

8. New cities: Redan, Panthersville, Cedar Grove, Arabia Mountain (or Klondike), Panola, Belvedere Park, and Snapfinger Creek (or Snapfinger).

[Saintmarks]

I like Snapfinger, forgot about that name.

When we first moved to Marietta in 89, we joined a church plant (meaning a larger church was planting a new church) in the Shallowford Falls area. At first the name Shallowford Falls was considered because of the new school, but all our research showed that the developers at the shopping center at Johnson Ferry and Shallowford Road had made up that name. Chimney Lakes seems a bit far from that area for that to be the reason that area got the name.

Outside of Sandy Plains, I don't see many coherent communities in East Cobb to divide into separate cities. I could see Kennesaw expanding to 75, but east of that is not really Kennesaw, but it isn't East Cobb either. Perhaps Marietta ought to expand up Canton Road then have a break with Sandy Plains as a smaller town between that and the East Cobb City. Marietta already reaches up Allgood Road and crosses north of Sandy Plains Road.

Another option would be to let Kennesaw go east to 575 and Marietta take in the Canton Road corridor. The zip codes between 30066 and 31044 fall somewhere along this line. That could be their dividing points.

Perhaps that could be the solution, just let each town in Cobb expand its city limits with the zip codes that are already in their name. That would make Marietta a HUGE city, probably 300,000 or more. It would have to be at least half of the county, would take it to the Paulding, Cherokee and Fulton lines.

Mableton and Vinings should both incorporate, then let the rest of the towns divide the remaining county with Marietta being the largest. I would propose Marietta then drop its separate school system so that wouldn't be an issue and merge with the County Schools.

I wish I had a county map and some colored pencils right now!

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by Saintmarks

I like Snapfinger, forgot about that name.

When we first moved to Marietta in 89, we joined a church plant (meaning a larger church was planting a new church) in the Shallowford Falls area. At first the name Shallowford Falls was considered because of the new school, but all our research showed that the developers at the shopping center at Johnson Ferry and Shallowford Road had made up that name. Chimney Lakes seems a bit far from that area for that to be the reason that area got the name.

Outside of Sandy Plains, I don't see many coherent communities in East Cobb to divide into separate cities. I could see Kennesaw expanding to 75, but east of that is not really Kennesaw, but it isn't East Cobb either. Perhaps Marietta ought to expand up Canton Road then have a break with Sandy Plains as a smaller town between that and the East Cobb City. Marietta already reaches up Allgood Road and crosses north of Sandy Plains Road.

Another option would be to let Kennesaw go east to 575 and Marietta take in the Canton Road corridor. The zip codes between 30066 and 31044 fall somewhere along this line. That could be their dividing points.

Perhaps that could be the solution, just let each town in Cobb expand its city limits with the zip codes that are already in their name. That would make Marietta a HUGE city, probably 300,000 or more. It would have to be at least half of the county, would take it to the Paulding, Cherokee and Fulton lines.

Mableton and Vinings should both incorporate, then let the rest of the towns divide the remaining county with Marietta being the largest. I would propose Marietta then drop its separate school system so that wouldn't be an issue and merge with the County Schools.

I wish I had a county map and some colored pencils right now!

*I could see where one could think that a developer made it up. I've done research here and there for years, could never find anything definitive (sp?). However, there is a "falls"...it is spring-fed...write off Johnson Ferry in Chimney Lakes. Chimney Lakes is actually core "Shallowford Falls"...the Shallowford Falls shopping center is right at its entrance; Chimney Lakes attends Shallowford Falls Elementary. I know about your church (I remember when it was built...and y'all cut down way too many trees for what was being put there...I still think about it everytime I drive by it! And it is actually very close to where I grew up...). Your church is very close to the Davis/Shallowford intersection as well --which is little bit outside of core Shallowford Falls and even further from the "falls".

*I've always had theories that the falls was just a very local/rural landmark or feature that just got significance when developers got wind of it; or someone (developer, etc.) put together, "hey, here's a small, spring-fed falls and Shallowford Road is several hundred yards away...Voila! "Shallowford Falls!"

*OK...enough about this I guess...Just wanted to relay there is a spring-fed falls that people in the are saying is the actual "Shallowford Falls." (and funny, for years I myself thought someone had just made up the name--until I visited the d@mn thing... Go figure.)

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by Saintmarks

I like Snapfinger, forgot about that name.

When we first moved to Marietta in 89, we joined a church plant (meaning a larger church was planting a new church) in the Shallowford Falls area. At first the name Shallowford Falls was considered because of the new school, but all our research showed that the developers at the shopping center at Johnson Ferry and Shallowford Road had made up that name. Chimney Lakes seems a bit far from that area for that to be the reason that area got the name.

Outside of Sandy Plains, I don't see many coherent communities in East Cobb to divide into separate cities. I could see Kennesaw expanding to 75, but east of that is not really Kennesaw, but it isn't East Cobb either. Perhaps Marietta ought to expand up Canton Road then have a break with Sandy Plains as a smaller town between that and the East Cobb City. Marietta already reaches up Allgood Road and crosses north of Sandy Plains Road.

Another option would be to let Kennesaw go east to 575 and Marietta take in the Canton Road corridor. The zip codes between 30066 and 31044 fall somewhere along this line. That could be their dividing points.

Perhaps that could be the solution, just let each town in Cobb expand its city limits with the zip codes that are already in their name. That would make Marietta a HUGE city, probably 300,000 or more. It would have to be at least half of the county, would take it to the Paulding, Cherokee and Fulton lines.

Mableton and Vinings should both incorporate, then let the rest of the towns divide the remaining county with Marietta being the largest. I would propose Marietta then drop its separate school system so that wouldn't be an issue and merge with the County Schools.

I wish I had a county map and some colored pencils right now!

Yes, I like Snapfinger (or Snapfinger Creek) a lot myself!

I think the key for a new town/incorporation movement is to expand existing cities (like you suggest), but also "create" new towns/new names around former country crossroads and place names. The new towns should then designate a town center and one should be created, retrofitted, or recreated a la Smyrna's town center, Vinings Jubilee, or Crabapple. Existing commercial areas could be incorporated into the town centers as well. For example, East Marietta's town center would be in the East Lake shopping area; Mount Bethel/Woodlawn-the Parkaire area; Noonday Creek-along Canton Road; Shallowford Heights-the Johnson Ferry/Shallowford intersection; Sandy Plains-the Sprayberry commercial district, etc. Sandy Springs is already doing this (even though I still think Sandy Springs should be annexed by Atlanta!).

I think the idea is to have our Metro Area be blanketed with cities/towns of 30,000 to 125,000 people (except Atlanta of course...it would be much, much larger than all of the other cities). Everyone should live within incorporated territory unless the area is very exurban/rural. And then a process should be put in place that allows for incorporation/annexations as exurban/rural areas become suburban. Various designations of city/town/township/village could also be an option.

[RainyRainyDay]

Originally Posted by aries4118

... The new towns should then designate a town center and one should be created, retrofitted, or recreated a la Smyrna's town center, Vinings Jubilee, or Crabapple. Existing commercial areas could be incorporated into the town centers as well. For example, East Marietta's town center would be in the East Lake shopping area; Mount Bethel/Woodlawn-the Parkaire area; Noonday Creek-along Canton Road; Shallowford Heights-the Johnson Ferry/Shallowford intersection; Sandy Plains-the Sprayberry commercial district, etc.

I can see this is a fun game, and the idea of incorporating all densely populated areas may make sense. On the other hand, as a current resident of "Shallowford Heights" (in the Cobb portion of the 30075 zip code) it's hard to imagine a meaningful town center for our area. My family shops in the following commercial areas, in approximate order of most to least visited: Publix at Sandy Plains and 92 (Cobb), along 92 from Roswell Corners to Woodstock and West Crossville (Roswell/Fulton), Shallowford and Sandy Plains (Cobb) and Johnson Ferry and Shallowford (Cobb; the above-suggested town center). We visit the suggested town center the least because there's not as much there.

Really, the shopping we use most is mostly in Roswell, and due to our zip code our mailing address is Roswell and we get mass mailings intended for Roswell (like the Roswell recreation department's offerings) and no Cobb mailings. My mail tells me what's happening at the arts center, pool etc. in Roswell (where I'm not a taxpayer) but I don't get any info on programs at the public facilities I'm actually entitled to use, over at Mountain View. I like our "low Cobb taxes" and I'm pleased with our Cobb schools, but this two-counties confusion is annoying.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by RainyRainyDay

I can see this is a fun game, and the idea of incorporating all densely populated areas may make sense. On the other hand, as a current resident of "Shallowford Heights" (in the Cobb portion of the 30075 zip code) it's hard to imagine a meaningful town center for our area. My family shops in the following commercial areas, in approximate order of most to least visited: Publix at Sandy Plains and 92 (Cobb), along 92 from Roswell Corners to Woodstock and West Crossville (Roswell/Fulton), Shallowford and Sandy Plains (Cobb) and Johnson Ferry and Shallowford (Cobb; the above-suggested town center). We visit the suggested town center the least because there's not as much there.

Really, the shopping we use most is mostly in Roswell, and due to our zip code our mailing address is Roswell and we get mass mailings intended for Roswell (like the Roswell recreation department's offerings) and no Cobb mailings. My mail tells me what's happening at the arts center, pool etc. in Roswell (where I'm not a taxpayer) but I don't get any info on programs at the public facilities I'm actually entitled to use, over at Mountain View. I like our "low Cobb taxes" and I'm pleased with our Cobb schools, but this two-counties confusion is annoying.

Hey Mrs. Rainy...

Yes, you would live in Shallowford Heights (It's so cool that you've been paying attention ! I guess we're not that crazy...!). The commercial areas you mentioned would become "districts" or "villages" within Shallowford Heights. The Sandy Plain/92 intersection could be the "Sweat Mountain District." Then we could have the "Mountain View-Highland District" and the "Trickum Crossing District." Newton, Massachussetts is set up this way...they have like 12 "villages".

Mount Bethel (town center at Parkaire Area)...the "Merchants Walk District" and the "Chattahoochee Plantation District."

I'm thinking community-building here...street toppers, new street lights, brick sidewalks, park benches, etc. (for the town centers and village/districts).

This is a fun game...I'm just glad I'm not the only one (Saintmarks...I was happy to know that there was someone else like me when I was a kid.).


We could even go further and talk about iwhat ncorporation would actually mean. Before the civil rights era, Atlanta metro area was actually moving this way. The idea is that city/towns would take care of more local issues (fire, police, trash, etc.), while other issues (schools, libraries, etc.) would be taken care of by the counties. Incorporation does not necessarily mean higher taxes (or much higher taxes). I think we would have better zoning and development if areas were incorportated. Just look at the difference when you cross from East Cobb into Roswell...Roswell does not have the problem (as much) with overdevelopment/in-fill that's going on in East Cobb. Roswell's not going to let that mess happen.

And for the record...East Cobb is a very lucky area. What I mean by this is that East Cobb could have easily looked like many parts of Gwinnett (no offense here really...sorry.). East Cobb is just lucky that this unplanned/unregulated mega-suburb came out looking pretty good. If most of East Cobb's development was happening now...it would be a treeless prairie.