The unincorporated area of Mableton in south Cobb could benefit from the sustained funding that a self-taxing community improvement district of businesses could provide, planners told a redevelopment committee on Monday.

Members of the South Cobb Redevelopment Authority heard an update about the area as part of a Livable Centers Initiative funded by the Atlanta Regional Commission. Recommendations for the area included devising a unified and message for Mableton, identifying a champion focused on improving the area and working on branding and marketing.

Authority members were also told that Mableton has received a negative reputation, either warranted or not, because of its proximity to the Six Flags area. Members didn't discuss that item, but after the meeting Authority member Daryl Watkins warned about separating the areas. "We are a group that's tasked redeveloping both the Mableton, Six Flags and all of south Cobb area," he said. "I think we have to look at things cohesively."