Residents from communities just outside Decatur packed a hearing before the city council on Monday night to make their opinions on proposed annexation known.
Community divided over proposed Decatur annexationMore>>
It was standing-room only at a Decatur City Council hearing on Monday night. Residents from several neighborhoods just outside the city are divided over whether or not they should become part of the city, and many of them packed the meeting to make sure their voices were heard.
Neighbors in the community of Midway Woods say they're split over the decision. Some are afraid if they become part of the city, their property taxes will skyrocket.
Generally, those against becoming part of Decatur said they don't want the tax increase. One homeowner said that his taxes could increase up to 40 percent, amounting to $2,000 a year. Others said they were concerned some residents, including elderly residents and single parents, could risk losing their homes due to a tax increase.
And still other residents said they wanted their children to be a part of the Decatur school system, and they feel it's worth a tax increase to get it done.
More than 100 residents made their opinions known to the city council, which will decide whether or not to put the issue on the November 2013 ballot.
Residents are in the process of signing petitions on the issue, and they're due on November 6. The Decatur City Council will address the issue again in December.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:23 PM EDT2013-05-22 18:23:35 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:32:36 GMT
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife.
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife. Prosecutors say Michael Parson shot his wife, Adina, eight times in April 2012 outside their apartment.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:28:25 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:24 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:24:23 GMT
Atlanta fire crews are battling a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown.
Atlanta fire crews battled a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown on Wednesday morning. Authorities say the fire sparked at United Transmission Service, which is located at 350 Marietta Street NW.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges. Brooks pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:53 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:53:01 GMT
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Tuesday morning.
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Wednesday morning. Fire crews say the bus stalled on the railroad tracks in downtown Decatur, and those onboard had just seconds to get out before an oncoming train hit it.
The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.
The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.
Residents from communities just outside Decatur packed a hearing before the city council on Monday night to make their opinions on proposed annexation known.
