5 things about Eagle’s Landing

Tensions high over proposed de-annexation of parts of Stockbridge.

Leaders of the city of Stockbridge are in a battle with some of their constituents over an effort to form a separate town by breaking away from a portion of the Henry County community.

Residents of Eagle’s Landing, made up of a number of largely wealthy neighborhoods in southern Stockbridge, are trying to break away and form a separate city. They say they want better control over their community so they can build parks and senior centers and provide enhanced police protection.

Stockbridge leaders, however, said the separation is racially motivated and that the boundaries of the proposed city of Eagle’s Landing will take a large portion of Stockbridge’s commercial tax base.

Here are 5 things you should know about the controversy:

■Prayer vigil: Stockbridge leaders planned a prayer vigil Monday night. Supporters of the vigil, which includes Stockbridge Mayor Anthony S. Ford and members of the Stockbridge City Council, said the gathering is to show a united front against the de-annexation plans.

■ Legislative fight: Two bills that would respectively amend the charter of Stockbridge and create a charter for the city of Eagle’s Landing — Senate Bill 262 and Senate Bill 263 — passed the Georgia Senate last week, largely on the support of Republicans.

Legislative supporters of the bills said people in the community should have the right to vote on their destiny. Opponents said they fear it could set off a domino effect where residents in an established city could seek to de-annex their neighorhoods or side of town if they don’t like the community they are in.

The bills still have to pass the Georgia House to be put on the ballot, and the Senate could take up the measures again today.

■Economic boost: In addition to creating libraries and public parks, Eagle’s Landing supporters said forming a new city would better their chances of attracting more high-end shops and restaurants.

The borders of the new city would capture a greater number of households with annual income of $100,000 or more, a requirement cityhood supporters said would be crucial in getting retailers to think of their community as quickly as they do Alpharetta or Marietta.

■ Race relations: Backers of Eagle’s Landing cityhood have pushed back against accusations that their effort is motivated by race. They point out that Eagle’s Landing will be diverse: The population will be 47 percent black, 39 percent white, 8 percent Asian and 6 percent Hispanic.

■ Other cities: The city councils for the Henry County cities of Locust Grove and Hampton have thrown their support behind Stockbridge’s efforts to stop the de-annexation.