Annexation Proposal Will Wait Until 2012, Jacobs Gathers Resident Input

The possibility for Dunwoody’s expansion south is still on the table, but Rep. Mike Jacobs isn’t in any rush to push a bill that pave the way for the annexation of North Brookhaven neighborhoods anytime soon.

Jacobs, in a letter to constituents this week, said he’s heard a strong response in favor of exploring cityhood options for North Brookhaven, but that he will hold his bill that would allow for annexation of that area into an existing city until the 2012 session.

Jacobs had but has since amended the wording to include Chamblee.

Jacobs said he received almost 100 emails regarding his bill that would give the option for North Brookhaven neighborhoods – Murphey Candler, West Nancy Creek Drive and Silver Lake – to annex into Dunwoody or Chamblee.

Jacobs said the emails were 3-1 in favor of exploring cityhood options.

“A surprising number of residents also expressed interest in the creation of a new City of Brookhaven,” he said. “I am open to this option as well.”

Jacobs also pointed out that citizens in the North Brookhaven of unincorporated DeKalb County have a higher tax burden than those living in the city of Dunwoody. Taxes are slightly higher in Chamblee, though senior citizens pay no taxes, Jacobs said.

He stressed that he feels such options could give Brookhaven residents better services and more local control, over current DeKalb County services.

“Our neighboring cities are more efficient, furnish better services, and because they are conservatively managed, enjoy a similar or lower tax burden compared to what we pay,” he wrote. “Citizens have made it clear that they’re interested in exploring municipal options for our community. I look forward to continuing this conversation.”

Jacobs said he’ll be hosting neighborhood meetings with the Murphey Candler Homeowners Association and Byrnwyck Community Association on the topic.

He’s also set up a community-wide meeting on the topic on March 29 at 7 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of Chamblee United Methodist Church, 4147 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd.