This story has been updated. 

At its regular meeting on Sept. 26, the DeKalb County Commission approved a settlement agreement with the city of Atlanta regarding the annexation of Emory University and surrounding properties into the city.

Under the terms of the agreement:

· The city will adopt the county’s zoning classifications and requirements for the annexed area and receive written approval from the county for any changes. Four members of the county commission, including one of the two commissioners representing the annexed area, must agree with any changes in the zoning ordinance. The Druid Hills Historic District within the annexed area will continue as part of the city’s Druid Hills Historic District. The city agrees to adopt a written policy that requires a rational basis for any future annexations within 250 feet of the annexed area.

· The county will provide water and sewer services and storm water services to the annexed areas as well as collect fees for such services. The county will continue to provide fire services in exchange for an annual payment of $1 million for two to 10 years for a total payment of $10,250,000. The county may terminate the fire service agreement after two years.

· The city will notify all proposed real estate developments that sewer capacity analysis by the county is required.

· The city will take ownership of all roads, bridges and 10 traffic signals in the annexed area.

· The county and city leadership will request MARTA to conduct a public meeting to discuss future transit plans for the annexed area.

Source: DeKalb County

DeKalb County had challenged the 744 acre annexation proposal that also includes petitions from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia Power, Villa International, Synod of South Atlantic & Presbyterian Church (USA) Inc. and the Centers for Disease Control. The annexation would not expand the boundaries of Atlanta Public Schools, meaning the approximately nine students who live there would remain in the DeKalb County School system.

The county filed its formal objection to the petition last month, citing a state law that allows counties to object to annexations under certain circumstances.

In response to the county’s objections, the Department of Community Affairs appointed an arbitration panel to reconcile the differences between city of Atlanta zoning and DeKalb County zoning.

The challenge by DeKalb County delayed a Sept. 5 vote on the proposed annexation by the Atlanta City Council.

When reached for comment, Mayor Kasim Reed said, “I am pleased by the DeKalb County Commission’s unanimous vote today to approve an agreement which allows Emory University, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to move forward with their petition to become part of the city of Atlanta – the cultural and economic capital of the Southeast. I am thankful for our county partners, who worked collaboratively with the city to reach an agreement that is agreeable to all, and I look forward to working with the Atlanta City Council to finalize this historic annexation.”

A message was left with Emory University seeking comment.

Here is a copy of the settlement agreement, provided by DeKalb County.

settlementagreement

Here is the full announcement about the agreement from DeKalb County:

DeKalb County Approves Emory Annexation Agreement with the City of Atlanta

Arbitration process results in benefits and protection for all residents in Atlanta and DeKalb County

DECATUR, Ga.—Today, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement with the City of Atlanta over the annexation of 744 acres including Emory University, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia Power Co., Villa International, Synod of South Atlantic & Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Centers for Disease Control. The county and city have been engaged in an arbitration process with representatives of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

If adopted by the City of Atlanta, the agreement will become the recommendation of the arbitration panel.

“We have a historic agreement that protects the interest of all residents in DeKalb County and the City of Atlanta,” CEO Michael Thurmond said. “This lays a foundation for the enhancement of transportation options for both jurisdictions. I believe that Atlanta and DeKalb leaders have developed a model for future regional cooperation.”

“We have engaged in robust, fair and transparent negotiations that will ultimately protect and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Atlanta and DeKalb,” DeKalb Presiding Officer Kathie Gannon said. “This is an important step in the development of a comprehensive regional transportation system for metro Atlanta.”

According to the agreement:

· The city will adopt the county’s zoning classifications and requirements for the annexed area and receive written approval from the county for any changes. Four members of the county commission, including one of the two commissioners representing the annexed area, must agree with any changes in the zoning ordinance. The Druid Hills Historic District within the annexed area will continue as part of the city’s Druid Hills Historic District. The city agrees to adopt a written policy that requires a rational basis for any future annexations within 250 feet of the annexed area.

· The county will provide water and sewer services and storm water services to the annexed areas as well as collect fees for such services. The county will continue to provide fire services in exchange for an annual payment of $1 million for two to 10 years for a total payment of $10,250,000. The county may terminate the fire service agreement after two years.

· The city will notify all proposed real estate developments that sewer capacity analysis by the county is required.

· The city will take ownership of all roads, bridges and 10 traffic signals in the annexed area.

· The county and city leadership will request MARTA to conduct a public meeting to discuss future transit plans for the annexed area.