Atlanta’s Department of City Planning is working to directly connect with residents as it updates the city’s comprehensive development plan.
City officials initially adopted its plan in 2021, better known as “Plan A.” The proposal outlines potential improvements to several city areas, such as neighborhoods. The state requires cities to update their development plans every five years by law.
Officials hosted a series of community meetings this week about the plan in collaboration with the city’s Neighborhood Planning Units.
On Wednesday, the department set up shop at the Adams Park Recreation Center in Southwest Atlanta. Officials encouraged community input from residents on what they want to see in their neighborhoods.
Anjulet Tucker has lived on the southside since late last year. She believes her neighborhood on Campbellton Road could use more community basics.
“We don’t have a great grocery store in this neighborhood,” Tucker said. “And all the other things that neighborhoods would want [like] walkable streets and places where legacy residents can go and feel comfortable.”
Last year, Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health released a report on food access in majority-Black neighborhoods in Atlanta. Of 150 random small food stores, the report says, only 36% of these neighborhoods carried fresh food.
Other residents hope that Plan A will include other options. Tyrone Williams has lived on Atlanta’s southside for over 50 years and is pushing for more affordable living spaces.
“Everybody needs affordable housing right now. With what’s happening in the economy – what’s happening with interest rates and things … housing is not as easily accessible from the affordability standpoint,” Williams said.
Plan A has three phases that will run into early 2025. It’s in its second phase, as the city urges public participation in the community meetings before adopting a plan.
Residents can learn more about the next series of Plan A meetings by visiting www.atlantaforall.com.
