The Atlanta City Council tied up some loose ends concerning storage facilities, MARTA, and parkland during its July 6 meeting.
An 180-day moratorium on the construction of self-storage facilities passed, giving City of Atlanta officials time to implement new land-use regulations. Council member Dustin Hillis, who sponsored the legislation, said the measure lines up with the City’s long term goals to create vibrant commercial corridors, walkable neighborhoods, and affordable housing.
“This ordinance gives us the time to ensure that future development responds to the City’s long-term planning goals and to the needs of the people living around the proposed site by asking would this specific area benefit from a self-storage facility, or would things like affordable housing, a restaurant, or a bank better serve the community,” Hillis said.
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In other council action:
• The council awarded $1.9 million to acquire 12 acres at Valley of the Hawks, a 27-acre greenspace and constructed wetland project located in the Historic Westin Heights and Bankhead neighborhoods. Designed to reduce flooding and filter stormwater, Valley of the Hawks is also a trailhead connecting the English Avenue, Bankhead, and Grove Park communities.
• The council approved a resolution requesting that Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens renegotiate the More MARTA intergovernmental agreement (IGA) to ensure MARTA and the City of Atlanta are aligned with current priorities and that each party continues to collaborate on the planning, design, construction, and operations of the MARTA expansion.
“As a nine-year MARTA Board member, I’ve seen the commitment from everyone at MARTA to deliver a world-class public transportation system,” said Councilmember Thomas Worthy. “This is a chance for the City of Atlanta and MARTA to take a second look at the original More MARTA Program IGA and collaborate on a way to get the job done with more transparency and accountability. It’s essential to me and the people of Atlanta that this program achieves the goals that Atlanta residents set before us when they passed the MARTA tax to expand and enhance MARTA back in 2016.”
• Council also approved an ordinance authorizing the city to acquire 2.5 acres from MARTA property at Lindbergh City Center for the construction of an EMS/fire station.
• Lastly, Council member Kelsea Bond proposed that the City develop a formal, citywide heat safety response plan to protect residents during extreme heat events. The measure calls for expanding access to cooling centers, outreach, and education regarding city resources.
The Atlanta City Council’s next full meeting is Aug. 3.
Collin Kelley contributed to this report.
