Survey: 95% in Merry Hills Back LaVista Hills Proposal

By David Cohen – The current proposed map of LaVista Hills – Source: LaVista Hills Yes

Support is growing in Toco Hills for incorporation into the new city of LaVista Hills, according to a survey the Merry Hills Homeowners Association released Feb. 10.

The survey found that 95 percent of Merry Hills residents favor a proposal to be part of LaVista Hills, compared with 5 percent who prefer being annexed by the city of Atlanta. In a survey conducted by the Merry Hills neighborhood in mid-December, 87 percent of those who favored incorporation preferred the LaVista Hills proposal, while 12 percent chose Atlanta.

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The increased support for the LaVista Hills proposal came after three meetings at Young Israel of Toco Hills in January presented the options of joining Atlanta, becoming part of LaVista Hills and remaining an unincorporated part of DeKalb County.

In the new survey, 74 percent of those who responded were in favor of joining a city rather than remaining unincorporated.

Toco Hills and surrounding neighborhoods have been facing proposals for annexation that could divide the neighborhood along LaVista Road. Divided jurisdiction would complicate municipal services, zoning laws and school systems for the largely Orthodox Jewish community of nearly 3,000 people.

The LaVista Hills proposal, which depends on legislation to create the city, would keep the Toco Hills neighborhood together.

“I am reading with great interest all the survey results,” said state Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur), who represents Toco Hills. “As of today, we have requests for Merry Hills to be included in maps for both LaVista Hills and Together in Atlanta, and we are working towards a resolution.”

The General Assembly, which will adjourn for the year in early April, will decide which if any proposal will move forward.