Brookhaven mayor discusses affordable housing crisis, annexation and public safety

The city of Brookhaven is experiencing population growth, and the cost of housing has increased. Following its 10th anniversary of becoming a city, census data shows Brookhaven has gained more than 4,000 additional residents.

“Once we became the city of Brookhaven, and once our public safety was established and people saw what the city was doing, our values did start to go up greatly, and the newly annexed areas we have benefited. Those have benefited also,” said Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst. 

On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Mayor Ernst talked with show host Rose Scott about several topics, including a petition for Brookhaven to annex the Toco Hills and Biltmore Acres neighborhoods.

“We need to honor our commitment to tell the residents that anyone who wants to come in that area, we are willing to accept,” said Mayor Ernst.

During the conversation, Ernst also talked about his recent op-ed about the state of public safety following the Midtown mass shooting.