The city of Roswell’s website has a new page.
In an effort to battle fake news, misconceptions and misinformation, the city has launched "Roswell's Rumor Page." You can find it at roswellgov.com/government/roswell-rumors.
The page is an FAQ of sorts, with several rumors listed and then a fact dispelling each rumor below it. There’s also a link so residents can find out more information about the facts and rumors.
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For example, one rumor says: “A developer is going to build townhomes where the closed Target shopping Center is on Holcomb Bridge Road.”
And then the city provides a fact: "No plans have been submitted to the City of Roswell to build townhomes where the Target shopping Center on Holcomb Bridge Road is located. In addition, this property is not currently zoned for townhomes."
The city says it started the page to provide clarity on rumors circulating in the community and on social media.
“The purpose of this page is not to influence or direct opinion about a particular project or topic; on the contrary, it is to present factual information citizens can use to become better informed about local issues,” Roswell community relations manager Julie Brechbill said in a statement. “We’ve seen that widespread misinformation has an adverse impact on our community’s understanding of not only a particular project or issue, but on the work of local government in general.”
The city plans to keep the page updated and running. It says that topic selection for the rumors page will be based on projects, issues or concerns reported to city staff and leadership, or if that topic is one that is much discussed on social media.
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“The hope is that the city’s ‘Rumor Page’ will become an online touchstone for fact-based communication within our city, enabling opportunities for education and the well-informed discourse needed for true community engagement,” Brechbill said.
City staff will research the topic and provide facts and clarity, supported by city laws, codes and documents, on the page.
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