State Rep. To File Legislation To Reverse Woodstock Annexation

WOODSTOCK, Ga. — State Rep. John Carson (R-S.E. Cherokee/N.E. Cobb) announced Friday that he plans to file legislation during the 2020 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly that would reverse the City of Woodstock’s recent annexation of Cherokee County, which will expand Woodstock’s city limits by 148 acres starting in July.

“After hearing from a number of constituents who have voiced serious concerns over this issue, I am taking action to promote a dialogue between city and county officials over this matter,” Carson said. “Despite the unanimous opposition from the city’s planning commission, strong opposition from county residents and an initial survey that determined that this annexation does not meet Georgia code, the city council decided to vote in favor of this controversial annexation. The legislation that I intend to introduce has the initial support of several other Cherokee County legislators and would restore the original boundary lines and protect the citizens of unincorporated Cherokee County from the city’s recent action. I hope to have support from the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners as well.”

Carson will file this legislation in response to numerous constituent complaints and requests from local officials that the city council deny this annexation. The proposed legislation would reverse the Woodstock City Council’s recent decision to increase its city limits and would reset the city’s boundaries to the limits that were in effect before the recent annexation. Carson said he will work with local officials to draft the legislation. However, he said he also hopes this will lead to a productive discussion and solution amongst the county, the city and other officials to remedy concerns voiced by affected residents.

During a recent Woodstock City Council meeting, members of the council voted 4-1 to annex approximately 148 acres of unincorporated Cherokee County into Woodstock’s city limits. The annexation is a result of a request made by Inline Communities, which seeks to build a high-density subdivision with 242 homes on nearly 132.8 acres within the new city boundaries. The annexation will be located northeast of Woodstock near Arnold Mill Road. Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques, who presides over Woodstock City Council meetings, and Councilman Colin Ake were not in attendance at the meeting.

For more information about Woodstock City Council meetings, click here.