Neighborhood Planning Unit L
Atlanta Fire Rescue Department highlighted cold-weather fire safety, urging HVAC system inspections and safe space heater use. Also discussed at this meeting: an ordinance which would require buildings to provide push-button entrances from ground-level public sidewalks to improve access for residents with disabilities. Documenter’s note: Toward the end of this meeting, members began lamenting the state of affairs in their neighborhood. One resident said NPU-L meetings are a “laughingstock” and that people often talk about “tuning in to the show.” “We’re fighting against each other,” she said. “People, we don’t have to like each other, but we can respect each other.” (Documented by Dominique Huff)
Clayton County Board of Commissioners
Commissioners approved a $195,000 contract for a countywide housing assessment that will also examine solutions for unsheltered residents. Also discussed at this meeting: Residents spoke out during public comment about poor conditions at the Clayton County Jail, accusing it of violating the 4th, 8th, and 14th amendment rights of people incarcerated there. (Documented by Dominique Huff)
TADs Community Conversation
Officials have proposed extending the City of Atlanta’s eight Tax Allocation Districts through 2055. TADs are a financing tool through which cities can use future growth in property tax revenue within a specific geographic area to fund redevelopment in that same area. Recent legislation proposed the extension, but, following strong pushback, the conversation was tabled by the Community Development/Human Services Committee last month. At a recent meeting hosted by SE Atlanta Neighbors Take Action, residents shared concerns about rising property taxes, the long timeline for TAD projects, and the need for greater transparency and accountability. Atlanta’s TAD revenue is administered by the nine-member Invest Atlanta Board of Directors. Attendees spoke against giving more decision-making power and tax revenue to IA rather than elected officials. Others suggested assessing each TAD’s extension based on its individual merits. (Documented by Natalie Pilgeram)
Atlanta Zoning Review Board
The Atlanta Housing Authority received approval to rezone properties on Field Road and Yates Drive for a new recycling facility. This Center for Hard to Recycle Materials, aka CHaRM, will include a community garden and host environmental education classes on the property, which has been subject to illegal dumping in the past. This is a key component of the Bowen Homes affordable housing redevelopment project. Also discussed at this meeting: Despite public concern, Pace Academy received a permit amendment to construct a recreational field on Rilman Road. (Documented by Faith Mbadugha)
