Planning is politics, an Atlanta case study.
"Atlanta will take a month to reconsider a controversial proposal to boost residential density in traditional neighborhoods," reports David Pendered.
The Atlanta Department of Planning and Development has been working on the proposed Comprehensive Development Plan for about a year, aiming to align the city's land use regulations with the Atlanta City Design vision created in 2017. The entire program has strong support from Mayor Keisha Bottoms and a template that echoes reforms supported by the Biden administration.
Now, however, Bottoms is not seeking reelection and the Comprehensive Development Plan is encountering opposition from councilmembers. Bottoms had emerged as a strong voice in support of pro-development planning reforms to deliver new housing supply to keep pace with rising demand (and prices) for housing.
Recommendations included in the current draft of the Comprehensive Development Plan include "providing housing for future residents by allowing owners to subdivide a house lot, and sell pieces of land for construction of one or more dwelling units," reports Pendered.
"Another plan is to allow a house near a MARTA rail station to be replaced by an apartment complex of eight units, or thereabouts."
FULL STORY: Atlanta’s plan to boost density stalls in council; Mayor’s team doesn’t reveal intents
Atlanta City Council Adopts Amended Version of the City's New Comprehensive Development Plan
What started out as an ambitious example of planning and zoning reforms has been trimmed back to respond to opposition from neighborhood groups—and the threat of secession from one neighborhood in particular.
Widespread Neighborhood Opposition to Atlanta's Comprehensive Development Plan
A generational comprehensive planning effort hangs in the balance in the city of Atlanta.
Debating Atlanta's 'City Design Housing' Reform Movement
One of the most ambitious zoning reform efforts in the country is still in early stages, and the public has taken notice.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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