Survey: Why DeKalb voters oppose 'Cop City' location, want leaders to support environmental justice

Hundreds of people gathered on Monday, June 5, 2023 to give public comment before Atlanta City Council votes on funding for a controversial public safety training center opponents have dubbed "Cop City." (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry says he supports the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, but he doesn’t support the current proposed location for the facility.

Several Atlanta and DeKalb leaders are currently trying to build the proposed $90 million facility in the South River Forest area of DeKalb County on 85 acres of land owned by the City of Atlanta.

On Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Commissioner Terry, who represents Super District 6 in DeKalb County, told show host Rose Scott that 8% of his constituents live in Atlanta and portions of DeKalb County.

Terry says his office recently conducted a survey to seek feedback from voters in his district about the proposed police and fire training center. Findings of the survey reveal opposition to the center grew when respondents were presented with additional information about the project, including the possibility of converting the site into greenspace.

During the conversation, Terry also talked about a recent walkthrough he led through the closed Intrenchment Creek Park and why he’s pushing for its reopening.