If I elect to stay below 2000ft the MSA is 1900ft
MSA has nothing to do with VFR flight!
When near controlled airspace it is far better to be talking to them and obtain a clearance where necessary. Just tell them where you are and where you are going. You are the pilot, always tell ATC what you want, if they cannot accommodate it, they will tell you. Their job is to coordinate not prohibit!