The East Point City Council discussed approval of a special use permit for the Fulton Leadership Academy at its Jan. 19 meeting. The permit is to operate schools at 2575 Dodson Drive and 2605 Ben Hill Road. The city’s planning commission recommended approval of the permit.

While three residents spoke in favor of the permit, one resident opposed it, stating she felt the city was quickly becoming a “dumping ground” for five different schools, which may accommodate more students than actually live in the neighborhood. She said she is concerned about property values plummeting because of these schools in the community.

The resident also stated she collected a petition with 50 signatures of other residents opposing the permit. They offered a petition which was accepted by the city clerk, but the council voted unanimously to grant the permit.