Residents meet to discuss annexation plans

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
Dec. 4, 2002
A group of about 50 north Lauderdale County and other concerned residents met for the second time Tuesday to plan their fight against an annexation attempt by Meridian.
Jim Carroll, a Jackson attorney hired by a group of concerned citizens in North Lauderdale County to represent them in the annexation case, said the crowd was smaller this time but more active.
The meeting comes about five months after Meridian city leaders announced plans in July to add 11.8 square miles of land north, east and west of the city.
City officials filed annexation plans in August with the Lauderdale County Chancery Court.
The proposed annexation area includes 634 homes and 51 businesses. The area also includes Briarwood Country Club, Eagle Pointe, a new industrial complex along Interstate 20/59 and the G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Industrial Park.
Carroll, who has represented similar groups around the state in annexation cases, said he believes the annexation process will be lengthy.
Carroll said Tuesday's meeting gave residents a chance to learn more about the annexation process.