Citizens looking to create a new and sovereign south DeKalb County city called Greenhaven — which, if successful, would be the second largest city in Georgia — plan to hold a meeting later this month. The potential City of Greenhaven was one of a number of cityhood proposals in the most recent legislative session, including LaVista Hills, Sharon Springs, South Fulton, Stonecrest and Tucker, but did not pass after many state legislators expressed concerns that they just weren't familiar with the area.
South DeKalb is one of the latest groups joining the cityhood movement, but it's a newer player in the game. Concerned Citizens for Cityhood of South DeKalb formed in June of this year. If incorporation does happen, Greenhaven would become the second largest city in Georgia with nearly 300,000 people living in unincorporated South DeKalb.
Proponents say forming a new city would give residents more control over their collective futures, including greater economic sustainability and easier economic development. Detractors say the move would lead to higher taxes compared to DeKalb County and add to the difficulty of providing city services such as police and fire prevention.
Kathryn Rice, chair of the CCCSD, said in an interview with WABE the group is also calling for cityhood because the unincorporated part of South DeKalb would have to bear the brunt in paying the county's pension plan. For those interested in learning more, Concerned Citizens for Cityhood of South DeKalb will hold a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. at the DeKalb Covington Library.
· Greenhaven cityhood meeting planned
· New cities – Greenhaven
· South DeKalb's "Greenhaven" Would Be Second Largest City In Georgia
· City of Greenhaven proposed for South DeKalb
·Campaign to Incorporate Southern DeKalb County
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