Local

Decatur Taking Public Comment on Annexation Plans

October 22nd, 2012

The City of Decatur will take public comment tonight on plans to increase its size by more than 15%.

Currently the city covers 4.2 square miles. City commissioners are considering annexing several areas which would add a total of approximately seven-tenths of a square mile to the city. The areas include the commercial district at the corner of Clairmont and North Decatur Roads and Suburban Plaza.

The areas were chosen based on the City’s 2011 strategic plan. City Manager Peggy Merriss says commissioners are trying to diversify Decatur‘s tax base, adding, “They also have a strong interest in being able to have more management and control when key gateways to the city are redeveloped.”

However, Merriss says annexation would not affect Walmart’s plans to build at Suburban Plaza.

If the full map is adopted, it would add nearly $3 million total in property and school tax revenue. Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the issue in December.

The public input meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., Monday, October 22, at Decatur City Hall.

To view the map of the areas under consideration for annexation and more information about the plans, click here.