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Stonecrest council unanimously approves Stonecrest‑Lithonia Industrial Park CID resolution
Summary
Council voted 5–0 to consent to the creation of the Stonecrest‑Lithonia Industrial Park Community Improvement District, approving a CID governance structure that will include seven board members (five selected by the CID, two appointed by the city) and noting that residential property will not be taxed under the plan.
The Stonecrest City Council unanimously approved a resolution on May 18 consenting to the creation of the Stonecrest‑Lithonia Industrial Park Community Improvement District (CID), a self‑funded vehicle proposed by commercial property owners to finance local infrastructure, security and other community improvements.
Councilmember George Turner, who introduced the resolution after several years of study and vetting by staff and legal counsel, told councilmembers the CID proposal had been discussed in committee and among stakeholders. Turner described the CID as a way for property owners to pool resources for improvements and said the city would appoint two of seven board members. "You have in the package the resolution, and it has been thoroughly vetted by our legal department," Turner said.
Councilmember Carmesha Smith asked for clarity about board membership and appointment terms; Turner responded that the CID would have seven board members (five selected by the CID, two appointed by the city) and that CID bylaws would set terms and procedures. He and other speakers emphasized that the CID is a voluntary, self‑funded district paid by commercial and industrial property owners and that the tax commissioner places assessments on commercial tax bills; "no residential property will be taxed," Turner said.
Mr. Wright, representing businesses supporting the CID, addressed the council from the audience, saying he had worked on the effort for about a decade and urged council approval: "I'm really excited that we've finally gotten to this point... I hope that you'll pass this resolution, and I look forward to working with you." The clerk then read the resolution text, and Turner moved for its adoption. The motion was seconded and passed 5–0.
Council members discussed scheduling a photo opportunity tied to the approval and then recessed into executive session to discuss personnel matters. The city indicated that further details — including draft bylaws, proposed assessments and a formal timeline for CID implementation and appointments — will be provided in subsequent meetings.
