Revamping the Mableton Image

The question of assigning the city ofMabletonas a Community Improvement District (CID) has risen, especially after the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) conducted a study which acknowledged the fact that Mableton has a poor image in the community. The ARC presented its findings to the South Cobb Redevelopment Authority last week, stating that there are several factors that create this negative reputation. It will be tough for Mableton to ever break away from how it is perceived, for much of its problems derive from the fact that it is associated with the issues of other areas in South Cobb, such as the large transient population, the Six Flags area, and high crime rate. Janet Bozeman, member of the DC based Urban Land Institute Atlanta District, said “I hate to say it, but in a lot of ways, for Mableton to move forward, Mableton needs to disassociate itself from the surrounding area.”

For Mableton to become a CID there are procedures the Board of Commissioners must follow, since there must be boundaries set around the city to determine the actual district area. In addition they would need to have written consent from a minimum of 50% of commercial property owners, and within the proposed district there would be a need for a minimum of 75% of written consent from commercial property owners. Under the CID, the commercial property owners would be taxed additionally to help support the transportation, park, and infrastructural issues. In hopes of Mableton becoming a CID, the city can make improvements while promoting some of its inviting attractions as well such as the Silver Comet Trail and Hartsfield Jackson Airport.

It is uncertain if Mableton will actually support becoming a CID. If Mableton eventually does become a CID it would be best for it not to be too large, like Town Center or the Perimeter area. Only time will tell with the outcome of this recently raised issue, but everyone in the Mableton area can agree that something must be done. This city has too much offer to let a bad stigma hold back its quality growth.