Annexation Meeting Brings Vocal Crowd

An informational meeting was held last night at Malibu Grand Prix to let citizens in an area the City of Norcross has proposed for annexation hear more about the idea and ask questions.

The roughly 75 people in attendance were vocal about their concerns—and, some, their support—of the proposed measure, which will be on the November ballot for residential property owners in the area, which is along Mitchell Road, from the current city limits to I-85.

Large maps of the area were displayed at the front of the full meeting room, showing how the annexation, which is largely residential, would “round off” the edges of the city limits.

Three studies have been done that include the area along Mitchell Road, according to Community Development Director Chris McCrary. “The studies say that to provide the services, we need to annex,” he said to the group. He said that one of his first priorities would be to apply for grants and monies to improve the area in terms of sidewalks, connectivity and more.

For Bill Kobus, who has lived in the Treebrook subdivision since 1984, the images and planning perspective spoke volumes.  “I’m a big picture kind of guy,” he said. “When you see that gerrymandered map, it just makes sense.”

Some other citizens spoke up about the whether they needed the additional services the city would provide in exchange for the additional property tax.

“What’s the advantage of having a police department with the city?” said Madeline Bicksler, a long-time resident. She said that she has fallen in her house before, with Gwinnett responding quickly to help her. “They’ve gotten there in a reasonable length of time,” she said. 

For her the issue comes down to the bottom line. She said that with her fixed income, the annexation question takes on a new light. “We have unexpected things and we still have a fixed income. It’s tight, why make it tighter?,” she said. Still, Bicksler said her mind is open if she could see more of a clear benefit.

“I’ve had no problem with police and fire—I have no complaints with county services,” said Juanita Cannon, a resident of Springdale Estates since 1968. She said she likes her neighborhood and sees no reason to be brought into the city.

Also, she wonders why other people on her block have not been notified of the plans for annexation. “On our street we’re the only two left who vote,” she said. She requested that annexation letters be sent out to everyone who lives there—not just property owners or those who are registered voters.

Resident Domonique Barber said he just heard of the annexation plans when he got a notice in the mail last week—for him it just isn’t enough time.  “I operate a home-based business that I’m afraid will be zoned out,” he said. “This is short notice.”

He said that he has seen other cities in the metro area pursue cityhood and he is afraid that the result will be similar: stricter rules that don’t benefit the citizens.

For resident Glenda Young, a teacher at Norcross High School, stricter rules would be welcome. “When I call Gwinnett County, I have to convince them that I live in Gwinnett. With code enforcement, I call and I call and I call,” she said. “Then there’s the issue of 15 cars at one residence.”

Young said she would welcome a more proactive code enforcement that would knock on doors and take care of issues—and a more proactive police force, to boot.

“I’m ready for it,” she said. “I believe that what you pay for is what you get.”