South Fulton city bill dies without a vote

South Fulton residents will have to wait at least another year to get a crack at forming a new city.

House Bill 704 failed to clear the Senate before it adjourned at midnight. The bill would have allowed voters in South Fulton to decide in November whether to incorporate. It could have paved the way for a city of 90,000 residents stretching from Atlanta to Chattahoochee Hills and from College Park to the Douglas County line.

Supporters said forming a city would allow residents to control planning and zoning and other issues affecting their communities. Those decisions are made by Fulton County commissioners elected from across the county. Opponents would prefer to remain unincorporated or be annexed by cities like Atlanta and College Park.