As residents of the affected area of DeKalb County in the State of Georgia, we would like you to Vote NO to HB 613 / SB 221, and against the proposed “City of Greenhaven.”

Here are OUR reasons:   

The petition was drafted without input or consent of the vast majority of the 300,000 citizens in the area.  

The city would likely face real financial challenges from the start.  

The assumptions made in the feasibility study are not realistic.  This includes, but is not limited to their proposed legal budget of $250,000.  That is enough money for an attorney and an assistant.  That does not budget for any lawsuits that could result out of accidents that take place in public parks.  By comparison, with a population of 447,841 (2013), The City of Atlanta has over 40 attorneys, not including support staff, or expenses for any work subcontracted out.   

For residents to receive additional services such as police and fire, taxes would need to increase.  

Residents would still receive many of the same services from the county, and as a result of potentially higher franchise fees, could possibly pay more for them.  

Property values would likely decrease.  

This proposed city and its government would have no direct effect on improving schools or public transportation. 

As residents of DeKalb County, we ask you, the representatives of our state, to please vote NO to the proposed “City of Greenhaven.”  Please Vote NO to HB 613 / SB 221.