Community Corner

News Nearby: Tucker Cityhood Viability Gains Momentum

'Positive tone' and compelling case praised at Tucker 2014 Community Meeting.

Editor's Note: In an effort to present all perspectives on the cityhood issue, we are republishing this coverage of the Tucker 2014 community meeting this week from Tucker Patch.

By Kevin Madigan

In the race toward Legislative deliberations over cityhood initiatives in Dekalb County, the proposed City of Tucker took a giant step forward with a compelling case for viability laid out in a widely attended community meeting. It took place Wednesday, Nov. 12 at Tucker First Baptist Church. 

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Property owners from neighborhoods across the Tucker area heard what leaders of Tucker 2014 cited as the key features already in place that are critical to a city’s success.

"Tucker has a well-established brand that attracts a cross-section of residents, business, and industry," said Tucker 2014’s Michelle Penkava. "One of the biggest questions we hear is, ‘Isn’t Tucker already a city?’ because the name has been on road signs and maps for more than 100 years."

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Tucker’s thriving Main Street was also counted as an asset because it provides an existing city center. Community events and an expanding commercial district make it an attractive gathering spot for local citizens who shop, eat, and congregate with their neighbors.

Penkava also pointed to parks in the Tucker area that have been nurtured locally for years by Tucker citizens committed to maintaining these premier recreational areas. Henderson Park is the centerpiece of the Tucker community’s "sweat equity" investment in natural spaces and park facilities.

Referencing a land-use map of the Tucker community, Tucker 2014 President Sonja Szubski referenced the existing mix of residential, commercial, and industrial properties as assurance of a sustainable tax base. The diverse blend of land uses is a key to city viability and affordable tax rates for property owners.

Active Tucker civic and business groups have achieved significant success over the years leading economic development efforts, positioning a City of Tucker for even greater success with full-time City officials dedicated to local prosperity.

"We’re hearing from the development community that Tucker is primed for prosperity," said Szubski. "That means homeowners have a solid investment here, and City leaders will immediately be able to leverage the foundation already in place."

Community meeting attendees praised Tucker 2014 leaders for maintaining a positive tone with regard to other cityhood initiatives, and thanked them for providing what one attendee described as "honest answers to difficult questions."

A state-required Feasibility Study being conducted by the prestigious Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University will provide additional data about the viability of a City of Tucker. It is due to be released in mid-December, and will be shared with the community.

For more information about the proposed City of Tucker, visit here.

Tucker 2014 is a true grassroots effort founded by Tucker neighbors who believe in preserving the Tucker community. Citizens from neighborhoods all across Tucker looked at the changes happening around our community, and came together to carefully consider reasonable options. After months of analysis, discussion, and soul-searching, Tucker 2014 was created to support the path toward cityhood for Tucker.


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