Fulton County's recent decision to sell over 2.5 acres of land to Georgia Power has spurred a significant backlash from residents. The quiet approval, made on March 19 as part of the consent agenda, intends to facilitate the construction of high-voltage power lines near the Fulton County Jail without prior discussion or notice to the local community, according to reports by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Seemingly under the public's radar, the concern came after crews began cutting trees in April, an act which finally alerted the residents of the Howell Station neighborhood to the changes looming over their homes. Described by the county documents as having no community concerns, the reality, as posed by residents, is sharply at odds. Arthur Toal explained to FOX 5 Atlanta, "They never reached out to us to communicate, and the communication is only now happening after everything has been ushered through quietly."
Neighbors convey worries about safety, health, and the depreciation of their property values as the project moves forward. "Without this tree buffer, it's not going to be a place people are gonna want to be raising families anymore. Which is really sad because this is a family neighborhood," Jen Upton told FOX 5 Atlanta. Similarly, a sense of the community's security is violated with Nathaniel Hunter noting the implications of their proximity to the jail: "Not only does it allow visual and noise intrusion, it also provides more of an opportunity for people who have been let out to maybe find another place to go."
When approached, the county acknowledged the project but shifted inquiries to Georgia Power. A Georgia Power statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta read, "We understand and appreciate neighbors’ concerns and questions, and we’re working hard to minimize disruption as we make necessary investments in the power grid." As part of their response, Georgia Power has promised to hold a community meeting in May and has paused all tree-clearing activities until then.
According to a WSB-TV report, the Howell Station neighborhood, which comprises about 330 homes, would lose a significant tree buffer due to this project. Arthur Toal, a community board member, lamented the loss, saying, "These trees are the only thing separating these homes from the jail." The network further noted the concerns of residents over potential health risks due to the close proximity of some homes to the high power lines.
Meetings between Georgia Power and the Howell Station neighborhood board are scheduled for this week, with a town hall to follow later in the month, offering residents a chance to voice their concerns and seek alternatives to the planned power line installation.
