The state Senate has a passed a bill that could lead to a megacity in DeKalb County reminiscent of Sandy Springs.
The bill by Sen. Fran Millar (R-Atlanta) calls for a referendum to incorporate the city of Lakeside. He presented a new map expanding the borders to include part of the proposed city of Tucker.
Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson (D-Tucker) was among Democrats who voted against it.
“It is important not only to me, but thousands of residents in DeKalb County to not let the map today to pass as is,” he says.
The bill, which passed along party lines, now heads to the House where Millar says he would like to see the two efforts combined to create one large city with close 100,000 people.
“I’m not sure, based upon what we’re seeing down here, if we’re going to see more cities,” he tells WSB’s Sandra Parrish. “I hope the Tucker people consider what we’ve talked about and if we can work it out fine, if not, so be it.”
Brad Carver, a lobbyist for the Tucker 2014 community, says the group is opposed to the idea of a merger, but would consider it if the incorporation of Tucker does not pass. That legislation is set to go before a House committee on Thursday.
“The people outside of I-285 feel like they have a city; they have a downtown area; they have a 126 year tradition,” he says.
The Lakeside City Alliance so far is not commenting on the proposal.
