A better quality of life: The ultimate goal of the north DeKalb cityhood movement (Atlanta: 2014)

[LynnHarris]

By Mary Kay Woodworth
Reporter Newspapers

"Two years ago, friends and neighbors in communities all across north-central DeKalb County began discussing a shared vision to follow in the footsteps of Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and Johns Creek to pursue a better quality of life through incorporation.

The goals of those seeking a city named “Lakeside” and those who prefer a larger map called “Briarcliff” are mutual: The overdue need for greater levels of local control in an area largely ignored by a county government. The ongoing crises simply exacerbate the problems.

DeKalb County has neglected our community by providing insufficient police protection, a woefully inadequate road-repair and sidewalks program, few parks, and zoning and land-use policies that fail to reflect our community values — to name just a few of the issues..."

Full Commentary: A better quality of life: The ultimate goal of the north DeKalb cityhood movement - Reporter Newspapers

[Gulch]

Originally Posted by LynnHarris

The ultimate goal of the north DeKalb cityhood movement

Surprised it doesn't mention independent school districts.

[onemanarmy]

Originally Posted by Gulch

Surprised it doesn't mention independent school districts.

They can't put that in print, but ultimately that's the goal. I'm all for incorporating cities in the metro area. I'm also for allowing new school districts if your city reaches a certain size. Let's put it at around 100,000k This would make incorporating cities much more interesting, because in order to reach 100k you need more people and more land, which equals fewer cities. Atlanta would then be able to compete with annexation. Sandy Springs seems like the only city to qualify to me for a new school system.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by onemanarmy

They can't put that in print, but ultimately that's the goal. I'm all for incorporating cities in the metro area. I'm also for allowing new school districts if your city reaches a certain size. Let's put it at around 100,000k This would make incorporating cities much more interesting, because in order to reach 100k you need more people and more land, which equals fewer cities. Atlanta would then be able to compete with annexation. Sandy Springs seems like the only city to qualify to me for a new school system.

I have not heard a single explanation justifying the city of Lakeside boundaries and their reluctance to compromise with Briarcliff and Tucker other than the city school district.

The others have broader goals.

[onemanarmy]

Originally Posted by bu2

I have not heard a single explanation justifying the city of Lakeside boundaries and their reluctance to compromise with Briarcliff and Tucker other than the city school district.

The others have broader goals.

Because they all have competing interest to take the commercial areas, which have always been Tucker... They should all join to become one city, named Tucker... Problem solved, but that would not work, because in order to get a new city on the ballot it must be majority republican. Politics my friend.

[jsvh]

Local city government is better for people. All of Fulton and DeKalb should be incorporated.

[MattCW]

Originally Posted by jsvh

Local city government is better for people. All of Fulton and DeKalb should be incorporated.

I don't necessarily disagree with this, but it has to be done right. One area in Dekalb between Avondale Estates and Decatur is facing annexation by Avondale. But the residents in the area really don't get anything out of it, other than a 33%+ tax increase. Sanitation remains functionally the same, the existing parks won't be improved any, other utilities remain, etc.

[JPD]

Originally Posted by onemanarmy

They should all join to become one city, named Tucker

There's no way people in Oak Grove would allow themselves to be called Tucker.

If it is about the schools, a Tucker/Lakeside/Briarcliff merge is by far the best idea.

I think the Lakeside/Briarcliff merged city would be financially viable without the Northlake area. Tucker wouldn't be, though. This is why it's so irritating that Lakeside is unwilling to let go of Northlake.

[lastminutemom]

With the recent school board elections, it is unlikely that the Druid hills charter cluster will come to pass. I believe, again, that at least some of Druid Hills will be looking with some interest at annexation.

I am not convinced that there is enough tasable commercial property in the area to be two cities. They need to figure out how to get to one city...

[AcidSnake]

Totally agree, 100%.
(Because I've already given you rep points fairly recent and CD-atl won't allow me to do so again for the moment)

Originally Posted by onemanarmy

Because they all have competing interest to take the commercial areas, which have always been Tucker... They should all join to become one city, named Tucker... Problem solved, but that would not work, because in order to get a new city on the ballot it must be majority republican. Politics my friend.