South DeKalb city would become 2nd largest in Georgia.
By Mark Niesse mark.niesse@ajc.com
The
proposed city of Greenhaven in South DeKalb would be financially solid,
according to a study by the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of
Government.
The report’s finding clears a path for the city to be
considered by the Georgia General Assembly and, if approved by state
lawmakers, come to a vote by residents of the area.
with about 294,000 residents and a median
household income of $41,418, according to the study.
The city would cover about 126 square miles, stretching from
Atlanta’s eastern border near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and
beyond Stone Mountain. It would encompass most of the southern half of DeKalb
except for existing cities and the proposed city of Stonecrest.
“We consider the results of the report to be a validation of
our belief that we have a viable area that can now begin to focus on economic
development within its boundaries,” said a statement by Concerned Citizens for
Cityhood of South DeKalb.
Greenhaven’s projected revenue from taxes and fees exceeded its
expenses for government services by more than $27 million, the UGA study said.
The city would take in about $45.6 million annually compared to costs of
$18.4 million.
The city would offer three basic services: code enforcement,
planning and zoning, and parks and recreation. DeKalb would continue to provide
police protection, road maintenance and other services through existing taxes
paid to the county.
Greenhaven is one of six potential cities seeking approval by
state lawmakers this year.
