Governor Deal Signs Brookhaven Cityhood Bill

Gov. Nathan Deal on Monday signed House Bill 636 - the controversial legislation to create a charter for a city of Brookhaven. 

The signing was anticipated by supporters who gathered at the Capitol, but it also was met with a petition by detractors .

The bill's signing, which occured at 2 p.m. in Deal's office, allows the more than 48,000 residents within the proposed  boundary to vote on a referendum on July 31. If the referendum passes, election of the city council of the city would occur in the general election.

"I'm obviously pleased that the Governor has taken the last step that is necessary in [the State Legislature] in Brookhaven's path to cityhood. Now it's time for the people to decide," said State Rep. Mike Jacobs outside the Governor's office Monday.

"You're always happy to see another step in the process completed, now the real work begins," he said.

That work, according to leaders of the Brookhaven YES cityhood advocacy group is continuing to educate neighbors on what they believe are the benefits of cityhood.

Brookhaven YES president J. Max Davis said he already has knocked on 70 doors and we and other group members will continue to do so until July.

"We have a lot of work in front of us," Davis said.