Johns Creek Council Opposes MARTA Expansion

Sign up for the Johns Creek Patch newsletter!

---

A united Johns Creek City Council on Monday adopted a resolution announcing its “full and complete” opposition to a proposed plan that would bring the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority deeper into north Fulton County.

The Council’s unanimous vote also expressed rejection of any referendum or vote by the Georgia General Assembly that would allow MARTA to collect an additional half-percent in taxes, which could be used to expand the rail system up the S.R. 400 corridor.

The resolution was proposed and introduced by Councilman Bob Gray, who said he believed his stance reflects the sentiments of Johns Creek citizens.

Gray told his fellow elected officials that he feels MARTA’s current method of operation is ”inherently flawed,” as it cannot efficiently move residents in and out of the city.

He also said he’s concerned that the additional tax would be saddled on residents who “largely don’t get any benefit out of the MARTA system.”

Council members Steve Broadbent and Lenny Zaprowski said while they supported the measure, -- and subsequently voted in favor of it -- they wanted to see the agenda item tabled until the Nov. 30 meeting so residents can have a chance to review the proposed resolution.

Gray countered their comments by saying he didn’t feel a two-week delay would change the thoughts of Johns Creek citizens.

Mayor Mike Bodker stated he agreed with Gray’s intent with the motion, but added he felt like Johns Creek should focus on finding solutions to metro Atlanta’s traffic problem as opposed to expressing its disapproval at the current system.

Bodker said he did not want to see the current system “flounder,” which he said can be contributed to metro Atlanta’s sprawl, its varying number of work centers and its several dozen cities all operating independent of one another.

If the city and the region doesn’t get away from relying on cars as the primary method of transportation, local and state governments will not be able to expand the roads to keep up with the growing population. That, he added, will subsequently drive businesses and people away from metro Atlanta.

In other business, Council members also approved a memorandum of understanding with the city of Alpharetta for its Parks Without Borders program.

The existing agreement, which waives non-resident fees for Johns Creek and Alpharetta residents playing youth softball, expires in December. Monday’s approval continues the initiative and expands it to include lacrosse and recreational baseball for the 2016 spring and fall seasons.

---

Image via Shutterstock