JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Family members of those buried at Macedonia Cemetery in Johns Creek say they are tired of seeing their loved ones’ graves neglected.
Historian Kirk Canaday says the City of Johns Creek has failed to uphold its responsibilities after acquiring the Macedonia African Methodist Church Cemetery through eminent domain in 2020.
The city took over the property from Fulton County because it had fallen into severe disrepair, with vandalism and illegal dumping on the site. Since 2021, the city says it has maintained the grounds, added fencing, hired consultants, and completed a strategic plan.
However, Canaday argues that the cemetery remains neglected and that the city has made little progress in preserving the historic site.
“Over the last 10 years, I’ve been very clear about what needs to be done…with the same net result: nothing,” said Canaday.
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Madyun Shahid, whose relative April Waters is buried at the cemetery, says he and other descendants formed a nonprofit called the Descendants Group. The organization presented the city with a proposal to transfer ownership to the group to protect and preserve the landmark, but he says the proposal was denied.
“We’ve heard enough talking. It’s now about who is actually going to do the work. We know what needs to be done. We don’t need another study—the city has already paid for two. We need action,” Shahid explained.
A city spokesperson said earlier this year that Johns Creek issued a Request for Proposals aimed at further preserving and protecting Macedonia Cemetery. While the city received one proposal, officials were unable to reach terms acceptable to all parties.
Shahid says he is urging the city to reconsider the proposal in hopes of making tangible progress on the cemetery grounds.
The city spokesperson added that the city will continue to maintain the property and remains open to considering reasonable written proposals that further the goal of preserving and protecting the cemetery.
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