All three powerful groups want to rezone Atlanta for "higher density."
Urban planners across the US (see a growing set of examples in "The Threat" section of this website) have changed city zoning based on the belief that:
1. Greater density is good and needed
2. Single-family zoning is bad
3. Denser development has to be forced on neighborh
All three powerful groups want to rezone Atlanta for "higher density."
Urban planners across the US (see a growing set of examples in "The Threat" section of this website) have changed city zoning based on the belief that:
1. Greater density is good and needed
2. Single-family zoning is bad
3. Denser development has to be forced on neighborhoods via zoning change if those neighborhoods don't fall in line.
ATL's Dept of City Planning is no different. They clearly state their goals for the zoning rewrite going on right now: 1) end single-family zoning and 2) increase density in intown neighborhoods.
Big money investors (Goldman Sachs etc.) and MARTA want greater density near transit stations like the Arts Center Station to cash in on federal funding to promote "transit-oriented" development (TOD).
One example is the creation of the Beltline Overlay District with its plans for high-density/multi-family housing. About 50% of the homes in Ansley Park are in that overlay area.
In the Beltline's own words:
"Encourage a proactive rezoning criteria for Atlanta BeltLine areas and determine appropriateness for Transit Oriented Development (TOD)."
TOD could apply to the planned light rail stop(s) for the Beltline Overlay District along our border behind Ansley Mall. Click here for the latest.
(Some folks say: "MARTA doesn't have the money to build light rail on the Beltline." Maybe MARTA doesn't, but the federal government does. MARTA and the city hope to get tens of millions of federal dollars to build it - but only if they can get greater housing density near transit stops.)
Politicians want greater density too because it helps their case for federal TOD money (think tens of millions).
The Biden Administration is dangling the carrot of federal transportation grants in front of cities willing to "reform" their zoning and land-use policies to spur more dense and diverse housing development.
Don't think the city is unaware of this. Expect pressure over the next DECADE to "reform" its zoning for greater density in order to secure federal housing and transportation grants.
THIS IS NOT SPECULATION. IT HAS ALREADY BEEN TRIED ONCE HERE IN ATLANTA! AND IT WILL BE TRIED AGAIN.
City Councilman Amir Farokhi - now head of the Council's Transportation Committee - was a leader of the 2021 effort to pass three zoning ordinances that would have dramatically increased density in Ansley Park.
Actually, the proposals would have affected all Atlanta R-4 and R-5 single-family zoned neighborhoods - except those designated as Landmark or Historic Districts.
Quoting the AJC, 13DEC21:
"The new laws would have rezoned over 2,000 single-family properties near MARTA stations to allow them to become small apartment buildings; permit more types of “accessory dwelling units” (also known as in-law apartments or carriage houses); and eliminated all residential parking requirements from the city’s code.
Specifically, one of the three proposals would have zoned 25% of Ansley - that part that is within 1/2 mile of the Arts Center MARTA station - for much higher density: up to a 12 unit apartment building with 75% lot coverage on ANY lot regardless of existing zoning, and on smaller lots.
The Beltline organization has proposed a light rail stop in the Ansley Mall that would likewise affect another 50% of the homes on the Piedmont-Monroe side of the neighborhood, as they are in the Beltline Overlay District.
And just when we thought our poor neighborhood volunteers could relax ...
Councilman Farohki stated publicly (see AJC, 12/13/21) - after the effort was "tabled" - that he thought the proposal was "mainstream" and that he would absolutely try again.
Zoning Strings? Is this how the City will eliminate R-4 single-family zoning?
ATL Zoning 2.0 is the city's vehicle to completely "overhaul" Atlanta's current zoning laws. It is the first such rewrite of the zoning ordinance since 1982 (40 years) and it is happening right now.
The driving document behind this effort is "Atlanta City Design-
Zoning Strings? Is this how the City will eliminate R-4 single-family zoning?
ATL Zoning 2.0 is the city's vehicle to completely "overhaul" Atlanta's current zoning laws. It is the first such rewrite of the zoning ordinance since 1982 (40 years) and it is happening right now.
The driving document behind this effort is "Atlanta City Design-Housing" first published in May of 2021.
This "zoning supplement" to Atlanta City Design is where the Department of City Planning (DCP) clearly and plainly states that one of its primary goals is to "end exclusionary single-family zoning."
Need more?
Here's a 10Feb21 article by Joshua Humphries, Director of Housing and Community Development, and Leah LaRue, Assistant Director, Neighborhood Planning - from the Department of City Planning's blog:
"Through researching the history of the City and the contemporary patterns of inequality, we find that land-use policies that restrict density and foster racial and economic segregation are one of the most critical problems facing Atlanta.
"We believe remedies that change the fundamental planning framework of our City, foremost among them zoning rules, are necessary if we are to create a city that is designed for everyone."
Again, that's coming from two of the top bureaucrats in the City's Zoning Department.
Remember 2021?
It was/is all in addition to the "ATL Zoning 2.0" threat.
From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on December 13, 2021:
"What's next for Atlanta's contentious rezoning debate?"
"In the shadow of this year’s local elections in Atlanta, another divisive debate was unfolding over the future of the city’s housing supply and the d
Remember 2021?
It was/is all in addition to the "ATL Zoning 2.0" threat.
From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on December 13, 2021:
"What's next for Atlanta's contentious rezoning debate?"
"In the shadow of this year’s local elections in Atlanta, another divisive debate was unfolding over the future of the city’s housing supply and the design of its residential neighborhoods.
"With backing from Keisha Lance Bottoms’ administration, Councilman Amir Farokhi introduced legislation months ago aimed at increasing Atlanta’s residential density by allowing for more types of housing to be built.
"The new laws would have rezoned over 2,000 single-family properties near MARTA stations to allow them to become small apartment buildings; permit more types of “accessory dwelling units” (also known as in-law apartments or carriage houses); and eliminated all residential parking requirements from the city’s code.
"The proposals were met with pushback from neighborhood organizations and cheers from progressive housing advocacy groups. The issue of zoning, rarely a mainstream political issue, suddenly sparked intense debates on platforms like Nextdoor and prompted conversations about the city’s growth and how it gets input from residents.
"The opposition forces won the battle. The day before last week’s runoff elections, a City Council committee effectively killed Farohki’s legislation, which had been scaled back following neighborhood input.
"But in the new year, when the council term restarts and eight new members join the 15-member legislative body, Farohki is able to introduce the ordinances again. And he plans to do so.
“The housing challenge is not going away. The solutions that were put forth, still in my opinion good policy solutions, they remain on the table,” Farokhi said.
"He acknowledged the proposed ordinance may have been “more complex than it needed to be.”
“There were very distinct concepts being put forward, but packaged together, I think it created opportunity for confusion and misinformation,” he said, adding that in the future the council may take the proposals one by one.
"Many critics worried the proposals were too broad and wouldn’t work for every neighborhood.
“It was one of those sledgehammer things … of across-the-board zoning changes that didn’t take into account the particular issues of particular neighborhoods,” said Gloria Cheatham, the president of the Tuxedo Park Civic Association in Buckhead, who said she started an informal alliance with neighborhood leaders across the city to oppose the bill.
"Farokhi said he is also open to tweaks in the future, possibly going neighborhood by neighborhood to “talk about what makes sense, what doesn’t make sense.”
"The timing of the proposal likely didn’t help its prospects; smack-dab in the middle of an election year, officials may be less likely to rock the boat on major zoning decisions. Uproar over the rezoning proposals has also become a rallying cry for leaders of the Buckhead cityhood movement.
"During last week’s meeting, council members opposing the legislation brought up the neighborhood opposition to the proposals: Of the city’s 26 Neighborhood Planning Units, 17 recommended the council vote them down.
"That opened up a larger discussion about which residents have the most influence through the city’s traditional NPU process, where homeowners are typically the most involved.
“The voices of those who rent aren’t part of the conversation,” he said, adding that he is hopeful heading into 2022, when several new councilmembers — including several who campaigned on progressive housing platforms — are set to join the body.
"Incoming Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari, who won a runoff to represent an Eastside district, said the proposals should be brought up again next year, with improved execution and rollout, and a few gray areas ironed out.
“There needs to be outreach into each of the communities educating and preparing them for what’s coming down the line. A lot of people feel bulldozed and … density has become this trigger word that means pro-development in a lot of people’s minds and that’s understandable, so there’s a lot of misconceptions about it,” Bakhtiari said.
Cheatham said she is “convinced we’re going to have to fight the same battles all over again” in 2022.
The outcome could also depend on Mayor-elect Andre Dickens’ stance. At a campaign meet-and-greet in Ansley Park last month, Dickens criticized the public input and communication process the city followed, saying many officials and residents were confused about the proposal.
He said the city does need density in some places, but said the best way to do that is to build on vacant Atlanta Housing land. If the issue is revisited next year, he said, “we’ll be ready to have a full conversation with each neighborhood. ... You’ll never say you weren’t talked to.”
Our reaction: getting "talked to" is not the same as getting listened to.
The Beltline "Overlay" is a high priority area - 1/2 mile on both sides of Beltline Trail - zoned for high-density multi-family housing and mixed use.
This high-density zoning overlay does not apply to areas that fall within the 1/2 mile overlay that are zoned for ”single-family."
50% of Ansley Park falls within the Beltline Overlay.
But wha
The Beltline "Overlay" is a high priority area - 1/2 mile on both sides of Beltline Trail - zoned for high-density multi-family housing and mixed use.
This high-density zoning overlay does not apply to areas that fall within the 1/2 mile overlay that are zoned for ”single-family."
50% of Ansley Park falls within the Beltline Overlay.
But what happens if Single-Family Zoning is eliminated by the City - which it says it will do - when it rezones?
That’s a real question. No one knows the answer.
Especially when the ATL Zoning 2.0 FAQs state, in response to the question "Will My Property Be Rezoned?":
"Maybe. The new Zoning Ordinance might result in renamed, consolidated, edited, or replaced zoning districts. If this occurs, it may be necessary to update the Official Zoning Map to reflect these new changes."
In addition, based on July 2022 Beltline.org documents (here), there are plans for at least one light rail stop.
That stop would be used by the Atlanta Streetcar, operated by MARTA, coming north from Ponce City Market, running east of Piedmont Park, heading to Lindbergh Station via Armour Yards.
TOD could apply to this planned light rail stop along our border behind Ansley Mall. Click here for the latest.
Some folks say: "MARTA doesn't have the money to build light rail on the Beltline."
Maybe MARTA doesn't, but the federal government does.
MARTA and the city hope to get tens of millions of federal dollars to build it - but only if they can get greater housing density near transit stops.
The Biden Administration is dangling the carrot of federal transportation grants in front of cities willing to "reform" their zoning and land-use policies to spur more dense and diverse housing development.
The City of Atlanta is 100% aware of this. Expect pressure over the next DECADE to "reform" its zoning for greater density in order to secure federal housing and transportation grants.
In May of 2022, Ansley Park Forever (this website is not affiliated with APF) surveyed the neighborhood regarding their feelings about, among other things, Ansley Park's current zoning. There were 195 respondents.
When asked about the type of zoning they would prefer for Ansley Park, 3 out of 195 respondents chose a "high density model t
In May of 2022, Ansley Park Forever (this website is not affiliated with APF) surveyed the neighborhood regarding their feelings about, among other things, Ansley Park's current zoning. There were 195 respondents.
When asked about the type of zoning they would prefer for Ansley Park, 3 out of 195 respondents chose a "high density model that favors multi-family over single family residences within ½ mile of a rapid transit station."
In other words, 98.5% of respondents were opposed to higher density in Ansley Park near transit.
This shouldn't surprise anyone as it reflects how the neighborhood rallied together in 2021 to stop City Councilman Farokhi's proposal.
What if there was a way to make sure - in writing, not promises - that the above high density zoning doesn't happen in Ansley Park while also locking in the housing density/zoning we do want?
Spoiler Alert: there is. It's called Historic District Designation.
See the "Solution" section for more information.
Bloomberg, August 8, 2022
“Research on the greater Boston area by economists at the U. of Warwick, the U. of Toronto and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston found that the number of housing units rises sharply when density constraints are relaxed — whether by allowing more multifamily buildings, relaxing height limits or simply allowing bui
Bloomberg, August 8, 2022
“Research on the greater Boston area by economists at the U. of Warwick, the U. of Toronto and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston found that the number of housing units rises sharply when density constraints are relaxed — whether by allowing more multifamily buildings, relaxing height limits or simply allowing building on smaller lots.
"Rents in multifamily buildings fall as much as $144 a month for each new unit added due to the new rules.
“The problem is that the value of single-family homes also falls, in part because the added housing weighs on perceived neighborhood quality: House prices drop by 9.17% per unit when density regulations are relaxed and multifamily homes are allowed.
“While lowering housing costs through zoning reforms may help first-time homebuyers and lower-income renters,” the economists wrote, “it comes at the expense of ... current homeowners.”
These neighbors' property value and quality of life suffer because of this project by a non-resident, out-of-state developer, mere feet from their home.
Elsewhere in Ansley, at least one property lost as much as 25% in assessed value due to demolition and seemingly never-ending construction by the same developer, and serious problems wit
These neighbors' property value and quality of life suffer because of this project by a non-resident, out-of-state developer, mere feet from their home.
Elsewhere in Ansley, at least one property lost as much as 25% in assessed value due to demolition and seemingly never-ending construction by the same developer, and serious problems with run-off and drainage caused by that..
Neighbors have had to spend tens of thousands of dollars just to mitigate damage and get to mediation.
Others have suffered from unfinished construction next door, arising from code violations or financial problems of the developer.
Good neighbors don't do this to each other.
You can protect your home's value by supporting historic district designation, and keep enjoying your quality of life in your home.
In 2019, GSU published an analysis of 25 years of property values (1990-2015) in historic districts in Fulton and Dekalb counties: The Value of Historic District Status in Georgia.
The study examined over 60,000 real estate sales transactions and it concluded that both National Register AND local Historic or Landmark District status INCR
In 2019, GSU published an analysis of 25 years of property values (1990-2015) in historic districts in Fulton and Dekalb counties: The Value of Historic District Status in Georgia.
The study examined over 60,000 real estate sales transactions and it concluded that both National Register AND local Historic or Landmark District status INCREASED property values.
Historic preservation expert Greg Paxton is adamant:
"Historic designation for Inman Park and Grant Park as well as the MLK, Jr. Landmark District helped to rehabilitate these areas, and continues to increase prices.
"But the best comparison is Druid Hills, which has been in a district since 1989 and is thriving. The interesting difference is that Druid Hills is also a Landmark district which provides a higher level of scrutiny and protection. The claim that historic designation will lower the value of your property is simply unsubstantiated and untrue."
Big money investors want greater density.
This is in addition to smaller investors and investment firms.
For example, Redfin's 4Q21 report found that entities using "LLC" or "Corp." as identifiers accounted for more than 30% of all single-family home sales in Atlanta.
Corelogic, in another study tracking buyers of single-family homes w
Big money investors want greater density.
This is in addition to smaller investors and investment firms.
For example, Redfin's 4Q21 report found that entities using "LLC" or "Corp." as identifiers accounted for more than 30% of all single-family home sales in Atlanta.
Corelogic, in another study tracking buyers of single-family homes with 3+ properties, reported that this group was over 40% of Atlanta home sales.
Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley alone have earmarked over $300M to buy and build properties in Atlanta, focusing on areas near MARTA (transit oriented development). This includes the Beltline!
BlackRock started to buy single-family homes - not to resell them, but to rent them (known as "buy to rent") after the Great Financial Crisis.
(Note: Atlanta has the highest concentration of these rentals in the United States. This is no coincidence as Georgia renters don't have as many rights as in most other states.)
These kind of high density rental properties (what speculators could build in Ansley Park if Councilman Farohki's proposed zoning changes had happened last year) won't increase individual home ownership and will negatively impact the stability of Atlanta's communities.
Imagine the pressure these firms can exert on elected politicians and city staff to push for zoning changes to eliminate single-family zoned neighborhoods in favor of high-density, transient, rental-dominated areas.
Backroom promises (nothing in writing) from politicians saying "trust us, Ansley will be left alone" will be worthless under the onslaught of pressure brought to bear by TOD.
PROTECTIONS.
Federal law gives National Register sites (like Ansley Park) the right to demand that federal projects that use federal money (e.g., using federal housing or transportation grants) assess and minimize the impact on those sites - which takes time and time is leverage for protecting the neighborhood.
Note: National Historic Reg
PROTECTIONS.
Federal law gives National Register sites (like Ansley Park) the right to demand that federal projects that use federal money (e.g., using federal housing or transportation grants) assess and minimize the impact on those sites - which takes time and time is leverage for protecting the neighborhood.
Note: National Historic Register is different from Historic District Designation by the City of Atlanta.
However, if the percentage of "contributing structures" per National Register rules (a different criteria than the Atlanta Historic District rules) drops below 50% due to demolitions, Ansley Park is likely to lose its status.
The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is concerned enough to list Ansley Park as one of its ten "Places in Peril."
GTHP Executive Director Mark McDonald says of Ansley Park: “It’s at the tipping point. Only 54 percent of the houses there are original. If you lose them and other historic homes and buildings, we become more generic and less distinctive every day. It leads to a loss of quality of life and enjoyment. These homes and places are in peril. Go see them while you can.”
Which "tear down" (replaced by a massive, cookie-cutter glass box) will be the one to lose us the National Register?
Letter dated 7/18/22
Fm: 10 Historic Districts in Atlanta
To: Mayor Dickens and City Council
Via: David Mitchell, Executive Director, Atlanta Preservation Center
Re: The position of Atlanta City Planning Commissioner
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
We are sending this letter to document our concern and establish the importance of Historic Preser
Letter dated 7/18/22
Fm: 10 Historic Districts in Atlanta
To: Mayor Dickens and City Council
Via: David Mitchell, Executive Director, Atlanta Preservation Center
Re: The position of Atlanta City Planning Commissioner
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
We are sending this letter to document our concern and establish the importance of Historic Preservation in the current search for a new planning commissioner. We would request that knowledge of, and supportive experience in, preservation be a necessary criterion for every candidate. Atlanta must have a commissioner who understands the value of historic preservation as a tool for planning and community building.
There are currently 20 recognized historic or landmark districts in the city, collectively housing more than 25% of residents. Several more districts are expected to be formalized in the near future. Atlanta has more than 130 designated historic sites and buildings. Historic district residents tend to be some of the most active and dedicated citizens of Atlanta; historic housing and commercial buildings are some of the most desirable spaces in the city.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION WORKS FOR ATLANTA!
We understand our city is undergoing major changes on multiple levels – and more development is coming. Historic preservation should be recognized as a key tool to direct growth and development in ways that will result in a sustainable quality of life for city residents of all income levels, by enhancing the exceptional places that have given Atlanta its identity. We beseech each of you to be mindful of contemporary urbanism and the demands that will be placed upon this new commissioner and that is why they will need to be a constant voice for the inclusion of historic preservation as we continue to grow.
These neighborhood groups, named below, represent Atlanta historic district residents, and they support the call for historic preservation to be a priority in our planning department. This city has chosen to ask the world to come here in 2026 and experience what we are – who we are -- and see what this amazing city is. Our hope is that they will see a city of the past, present and future – one that remembers thoughtfully and includes wisely. They will see we did not fear our challenges but embraced them. Historic preservation is not the desire of a particular mindset; it is the courage of many that wish to speak visually by including what we have accomplished with what we continue to achieve. We love this city – please help us make sure that the new commissioner will share this same feeling. We thank you for your attention to this concern, and we welcome any and all questions and interactions.
Our collective group can most easily be reached through our allies at the Atlanta Preservation Center. Director, David Mitchell, can be reached at (404) 688-3353, ext. 13, or David@PreserveAtlanta.com.
Sincerely,
There is a clearly stated defense for Ansley Park (or any neighborhood zoned single-family) against being rezoned right in the FAQ section of the ATL Zoning 2.0 website.
"Will historic districts be affected by the new zoning ordinance?"
Answer: "No."
Seriously, it's that clear. Later in the same FAQ comes the question:
"W
There is a clearly stated defense for Ansley Park (or any neighborhood zoned single-family) against being rezoned right in the FAQ section of the ATL Zoning 2.0 website.
"Will historic districts be affected by the new zoning ordinance?"
Answer: "No."
Seriously, it's that clear. Later in the same FAQ comes the question:
"Will my property be rezoned?" (i.e, any neighborhood that is not a Landmark or Historic district.)
The ominous answer: "Maybe."
"Maybe" is the answer that applies to Ansley Park now, with our mostly single-family zoning.
Shifting to the Beltline:
From the Beltline Overlay District Regulations:
"Whenever the following regulations are at variance with historic district regulations of Part 16, Chapter 20, the more stringent regulations shall apply"
Code says: strictest or most specific zoning regulations override other zoning (CIty Code, Section 16-31.001).
Historic District rules would be "most specific," so they apply and override the threat of higher density in Ansley coming from the Beltline.
Also:
In the 33 years Atlanta has had Historic districts:
1) the city has never passed zoning legislation that has superseded the zoning that these districts put in place themselves.
2) the city has never revoked a neighborhood's historic district status
What is Historic District designation? Read on -- and read the City's own publications.
Last: Historic district designation would ALSO protect Ansley Park from the kind of zoning "land grab" orchestrated last year by City Councilman Amir Farokhi. And Farokhi has stated publicly (AJC, 12/13/21) that he will try again. See below.
Some opponents of Historic District designation (do they not see the threat? Or do they speculate in real estate in Ansley and actually want higher density?) make it sound like the choice is between "Historic" and a regulation-free utopia.
Wrong. Our current state is far from perfect.
Current zoning already requires property owners to get
Some opponents of Historic District designation (do they not see the threat? Or do they speculate in real estate in Ansley and actually want higher density?) make it sound like the choice is between "Historic" and a regulation-free utopia.
Wrong. Our current state is far from perfect.
Current zoning already requires property owners to get permits, request variances, get various levels of review by the Zoning Committee, the APCA Board, NPU-E, and City's Board of Zoning Appeals ("BZA").
And the system's performance speaks for itself. A City audit of 2017 to 2020 shows:
The proposed Historic District rules and process (see "Solution" section), administered by the City's preservation staff and the Urban Design Commission, REPLACE the existing BZA-driven process.
Some opponents of Historic District designation (do they not see the threat? Or do they make money when old houses are sold, torn down and replaced by cookie-cutter glass boxes?) complain that historic district status would have neighbors suing neighbors over construction.
That already happens.
Ansley Park's current R4 zoning and varianc
Some opponents of Historic District designation (do they not see the threat? Or do they make money when old houses are sold, torn down and replaced by cookie-cutter glass boxes?) complain that historic district status would have neighbors suing neighbors over construction.
That already happens.
Ansley Park's current R4 zoning and variance process allows that in Fulton Superior Court.
Immediate neighbor input into the current variance process, or action to stop code violations, costs money; individual neighbors pay for professional guidance, even without a lawsuit.
Many of these conflicts arise between homeowner and developers, not between actual neighbors.
Most of the current demolition and construction in Ansley Park are not being done by homeowners -- they belong to developers or builders working "on spec". These aren't resident "neighbors" as most of us use that term.
Some opponents of Historic District designation (do they not see the threat? Or do they actually want a 12-unit building across the street) say:
"Historic Districts are a legislative creation of the City of Atlanta and nothing prevents the City Council from passing future zoning legislation that supersedes a Historic District."
One could ap
Some opponents of Historic District designation (do they not see the threat? Or do they actually want a 12-unit building across the street) say:
"Historic Districts are a legislative creation of the City of Atlanta and nothing prevents the City Council from passing future zoning legislation that supersedes a Historic District."
One could apply that logic to any law ever passed anywhere.
Instead of hypothetical scare tactics, opponents should be worried about the "future zoning legislation" being targeted for "superseding" (i.e., eliminating) ALREADY: single-family zoning in Ansley Park.
Because after that happens, what happens to the high-density Beltline Overlay rules that exempt areas zoned for "single-family"? (50% of Ansley Park lies within the Beltline Overlay.)
When there is no longer single-family zoning.
Answer: politicians and bureaucrats will leverage the above opening - and the huge grassroots, financial and political momentum of the Beltline (with light rail) - to push through high density "half-mile-from-transit" zoning to, using the words of the AJC:
"The new laws would have rezoned over 2,000 single-family properties near MARTA stations to allow them to become small apartment buildings ... and eliminated all residential parking requirements from the city’s code."
Three more truth bombs from the City of Atlanta:
1. "Since 1989, when the current Historic Preservation Ordinance was enacted, no historic or landmark district (22 across the city) zoning status has ever been removed."
2. "Since 1989, the city has never passed zoning legislation that has superseded the zoning that these districts put in place themselves."
3. "If the Atlanta City Council or anybody else wanted to undo the Historic District zoning, there is a process to follow as well – the general City of Atlanta rezoning process."
The Atlanta City Council must follow this process and has no authority to vote on a rezoning application / legislation without the above process being followed."
The City of Atlanta will continue to be heavily involved in regulating Ansley Park. The real question is:
Which part of City government do you want to have to deal with?
Under Historic District designation, Ansley Park would work with the Urban Design Commission and (mostly) the City's preservation staff.
Ansley Park would no longer work
The City of Atlanta will continue to be heavily involved in regulating Ansley Park. The real question is:
Which part of City government do you want to have to deal with?
Under Historic District designation, Ansley Park would work with the Urban Design Commission and (mostly) the City's preservation staff.
Ansley Park would no longer work with the Office of Zoning (the team that has said it wants to end single-family zoning and wants greater density).
Ansley Park homeowners would no longer use the current, cumbersome, ineffective zoning process nor be subject to decisions made by the APCA, the NPU, and the unelected Board of Zoning Appeals.
The City Preservation staff and UDC will advocate for Ansley Park (unlike the Office of Zoning) because they:
The City Preservation staff and UDC will enforce the rules WE decide on, as a neighborhood.
They are well-tested. They use the Secretary of the Interior‘s Standards, which have been used for 45 years on billions of dollars of rehabs nationwide. They are not arbitrary.
The City Preservation Staff and UDC allow additions and other changes (as set forth by us), not seeking to freeze properties in time but to accommodate change while keeping existing significant elements.
A group of experienced professionals providing objective, time-tested advice is very helpful in getting a good and most affordable project outcome. (Is a second set of "smart" eyes such a bad thing?)
Photo above shows SCAD's Ivy Hall (a rehabilitation overseen by the UDC).
IT'S NOT ABOUT TASTE, IT'S ABOUT DENSITY.
Protect your home, your property value and your neighborhood
Copyright © 2022 SaveAnsleyPark.org - All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer: This website reflects our personal opinions and research, with no intent to malign. We take reasonable precautions to ensure the information we share is accurate and based on verifiable sources. Errors can occur, and because of the changing nature of laws, rules, regulations, and third-party websites, there may be delays or omissions. If we become aware of a confirmed error, we will do our best to correct it. We encourage readers to pursue the most updated information independently and directly from sources mentioned here. We are not responsible for errors or omissions, or outcomes based on them. We are not affiliated with the Ansley Park Civic Association or Ansley Park Forever.
Powered by GoDaddy
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.