Opinion: A united Atlanta is the best way forward
By Jim Durrett
The effort by some to separate from the city of Atlanta to create a new Buckhead City is an overly divisive and damaging way to address legitimate community concerns, likely to leave bigger problems in its wake.
Now, the complaints voiced by those pursuing cityhood are shared by many, including me. Violent crime is a crisis in Buckhead and is impacting residents and businesses alike. City services, such as reliable trash pick-up and maintenance of streets and sidewalks, has deteriorated markedly during the pandemic. And zoning proposals that may harm neighborhoods have recently been put forward.
These issues must be addressed. However, the best way to do so is participating vigorously in upcoming elections and electing those candidates who put forward actionable plans and demonstrate the leadership and will to implement them. Collaboration among Buckhead’s many neighborhood and business organizations can also help a lot. A good recent example is the Buckhead Security Plan, developed with input and support from organizations across Buckhead, as well as APD and the Atlanta Police Foundation