Stonecrest residents demand city council reject Metro Green business license over health concerns

The Stonecrest City Council meeting held on December 16, 2024, focused on significant community concerns, particularly regarding the proposed business license for Metro Green, a company perceived as a potential health threat to residents.

During the meeting, several residents voiced their strong opposition to Metro Green, citing fears of increased respiratory illnesses due to toxic emissions. Frasia Young, a local business owner, emphasized the lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure in the area, pointing out that the only hospital, Emery Hillandale, has fewer than 100 beds for a population of approximately 60,000. Young urged the council to prioritize public health in their decision-making, highlighting the community's right to oppose polluting industries.

Renee Kale, a long-time resident, echoed these sentiments, thanking the city attorney for guiding the council to deny Metro Green's business license and certificate of occupancy. She called for collaboration among city officials to protect the community from harmful industries and to promote sustainable economic development.

Concerns about homelessness were also raised, with resident Jeremy Scott discussing the discomfort caused by homeless individuals in residential areas. He urged the council to provide wraparound services and to address the visibility of homelessness, which he believes could deter potential businesses from moving to Stonecrest.

Scott also highlighted the need for regulations on commercial vehicles in residential areas and called for a plan to improve city cleanliness, including street sweeping and trash pickup. He expressed a desire for the city to reclaim its reputation as a desirable place to live, urging council members to prioritize community needs over developer interests.

The meeting underscored the residents' demand for accountability from their elected officials, emphasizing that they expect the council to take decisive action in protecting the health and well-being of the community. The discussions reflect a growing concern among Stonecrest residents about the balance between economic development and environmental health, setting the stage for future council decisions.