An arbitration panel appointed by the state Department of Community Affairs is set to meet on Thursday, Nov. 2, to consider approving a settlement between the city of Atlanta and DeKalb County regarding annexation of Emory into the city.

The meeting is open to the public and starts at 11 a.m. It will  be held at Atlanta City Hall, located at 55 Trinity Avenue, Committee Room 2, Atlanta, GA.

The 744 acre annexation proposal 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.

Last month, the city and county reached a settlement agreement on the annexation after DeKalb County raised objections over the potential zoning changes.

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

It’s not yet known when the City Council could vote on the annexation petition. Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Meria Carstarphen has said the annexation should also expand Atlanta Public Schools’ boundaries. Around nine students are affected by the annexation proposal.

Here is the meeting notice:

Public Meeting Notice_10-30-17_2