Decatur, which had been reviewing whether to annex several areas around the city, has decided to pursue annexing only two areas that are mostly commercial businesses.

Over objections from business owners in Suburban Plaza and Emory Commons, two shopping centers on North Decatur Road, the city commission recently agreed to request the General Assembly allow those areas to become part of the city without a public vote.

About 500 people live in neighborhoods that would become part of the city if state lawmakers agreed to allow the annexation. However, it is unclear if state lawmakers will agree that the move can be done without a public vote. Based on opposition to the annexation, a referendum could doom the effort.