Atlanta — May 15, 2020
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) today announced that 10 metro Atlanta communities will receive critical planning and technical support through the agency’s Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP).
“This program will help communities across the region provide improved access to housing options, job opportunities, and walkable, creative public spaces,” said Sam Shenbaga, Manager of the Community Development group at ARC.
The 2020 projects are:
Aerotropolis Blueprint Update: Creating an Outline
This project continues ARC’s partnership with the Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance, reviewing the partnership’s progress to date and prioritizing work that will provide the greatest impact in the Blueprint update.
Balancing Growth and Identity: Buford Highway Corridor Study
In partnership with the City of Doraville, this study takes a ‘creative placekeeping’ approach to seek strategies to accommodate future growth along Buford Highway without compromising the corridor’s international character.
Cherokee County Housing: Public and Stakeholder Engagement
This study will examine the engagement of the public and other stakeholders around housing issues in Cherokee County.
City of Decatur: Creating a Grant Program to Support Housing Rehabilitation
This project will assist the City of Decatur in creating a grant program for rehabilitating residential homes. Distribution of grant funds will align with the city’s historic preservation goals, as well as encourage affordability.
City of Douglasville: Housing Study
This proactive housing assessment will identify existing challenges and opportunities to make informed decisions about the future housing needs in the City of Douglasville.
City of East Point: Willingham Drive Sub-Area Study
This corridor study seeks to reimagine the Central Avenue and Willingham Drive corridors in the City of East Point in a way that complements and connects the surrounding neighborhoods, while incorporating green infrastructure to help restore the headwaters of the Flint River.
Gateway Marietta CID: Creative Blanche Drive Underpass Placemaking and Wayfinding Study
This study will engage stakeholders to strategize creative placemaking and pedestrian safety improvements for an underpass that connects the CID’s commercial district to a nearby residential neighborhood. This study will also conceptualize wayfinding signage for the CID more broadly.
City of Norcross: Citizen Boards Training Program
The City of Norcross will receive ARC-assisted and facilitated training for its citizen boards.
Town Center CID: Sidewalk Network and Walkability Assessment
This study will catalogue the presence and condition of sidewalks throughout the Town Center CID, as well as make recommendations for potential improvement priorities.
Town of Tyrone: Zoning Map Update and Online Integration
This study will continue years of ARC work with the City of Tyrone, providing a zoning map and assistance with online integration.
Projects are chosen based on areas of regional priority identified by ARC and the selection committee. Quality-of-life improvements such as smart communities, creative placemaking, housing affordability, and healthy food access are some of the focus areas used in selection.
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the official planning agency for the 10-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties as well as the City of Atlanta and 73 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission serves as a catalyst for regional progress by focusing leadership, attention and planning resources on key regional issues.
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Contact Name: Junior Knox
Contact Phone: 404-357-5317
Contact Email: jknox@atlantaregional.org
ARC’s Strategic Partners are committed to fostering collaborative regional approaches that improve quality of life in metro Atlanta. Their support elevates ARC leadership programs, research and events throughout the year. Learn more.
