Op-Ed: A City Is More Than Boundaries

By a Tucker Citizen

The North DeKalb Cityhood movements are going to change Tucker. Whether we incorporate or stay unincorporated, new economic and social forces will change the dynamic of our community in the coming years. A key question that we need to consider as we engage in our own cityhood discussion is, who are we and what are we looking to preserve? This is important for our future and once we have established goals we can then weigh our options for how to proceed.

The cityhood debate will continue to focus on costs and the delivery of essential services, however Tucker has something else that must be considered. Tucker has a history and identity that is deserving of preservation. This is truly what is at stake and requires an honest discussion.

The cityhood feasibility studies will do a great job at reporting the bottom line, but how do we capture and discuss the effect on the unique culture we have in our area? What will happen to Tucker's identity if we remain unincorporated while our neighbors incorporate? What happens if we incorporate alongside our neighbors? What happens with any of the multitude of other options that have been officially and unofficially proposed?

I don't know the answer and personal perception will dictate if the impending changes to our community will be good are bad. I personally hope our decisions lead to a Tucker that is a lively and laid back community with a thriving small business economy that offers a diverse middle class  a range of affordable housing options; green space for safe outdoor recreation; pedestrian friendly walking and biking paths to connect community members and promote active lifestyles; and an active civil society that works closely with local government to preserve Tucker's identity and serve the people.

While leaving things as they are is an option; doing nothing will not preserve what we have. Whether we incorporate or stay unincorporated it will take work and an involved civil society. Doing nothing may preserve Tucker in history books, but will not preserve Tucker's history as a living component in our future.

Thank you for reading. What do you think?