Public Hearing: YES ☒ NO ☐ Department: Planning & Sustainability
SUBJECT:
Title
COMMISSION DISTRICT(S): Commission District 04 Super District 06
Application of the Director of Planning & Sustainability for a Text Amendment to Chapter 5: Small Area Plans of the DeKalb County Comprehensive Land Use Plan to Consider the GSU/Willow Branch Revitalization Plan Document for Inclusion.
Body
PETITION NO: 2024-0868 TA-24-1247127
PROPOSED USE: Adoption of the GSU/Willow Branch Revitalization Plan for inclusion.
LOCATION: N/A
PARCEL NO. : N/A
INFO. CONTACT: Brian Brewer, Planning & Transportation Administrator, Long Range Planning
PHONE NUMBER: 404-371-2155
PURPOSE:
Application of the Director of Planning & Sustainability for a text amendment to Chapter 5: Small Area Plans of the DeKalb County Comprehensive Land Use Plan to consider the GSU/Willow Branch Revitalization Plan document for inclusion.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
COMMUNITY COUNCIL: (CC-4): Full cycle deferral.
PLANNING COMMISSION: Approval.
PLANNING STAFF: Approval.
STAFF ANALYSIS: The applicant is seeking to incorporate the GSU/Willow Branch Revitalization Plan document’s general vision, policies, and goals as guidance for future development of the planned area. The City of Clarkston, Georgia, is home to a diversity of communities from around the globe. Designated as a refugee resettlement community and referred to as the most diverse square mile in America, individuals and families move to the Clarkston area to utilize immigrant and refugee services, relatively affordable housing, and economic opportunities in the region. These refugee and immigrant communities have unique needs, which the Global City - Memorial Drive Community Revitalization Plan seeks to address. The area also has substantial affordable housing stock in need of reinvestment and stabilization to preserve safe, affordable housing for residents for years to come. The Community Revitalization Plan offers specific guidance on how private, public, and non-profit entities may further stabilize and preserve affordable housing in the area. The Community Vision statement articulates the overall vision for the Community. The Community Priorities further define this vision with specific objectives the plan seeks to address. These priorities were developed through discussions with community stakeholders and engagement with the public and inform the plan’s development. Community Vision: The Global City - Memorial Drive Community will be a diverse and welcoming community that provides access to resources, jobs, educational opportunities, and affordable, quality housing to residents of all backgrounds. The Community Priorities further define the Community Vision and provide specific objectives the plan seeks to address. These priorities were determined by community stakeholders and members’ Community Priorities as follows: • Provide resources to address the diverse needs of the area’s refugee and immigrant communities. • Provide and preserve safe and affordable housing opportunities for residents at all income levels. • Invest in pedestrian, bicycle, and transit infrastructure to improve local connectivity and mobility. • Increase access to jobs and educational opportunities, community resources, and amenities. • Improve public safety through equitable, community-based approaches in partnership with local law enforcement. • Maintain local buildings and infrastructure to support neighborhood health and safety. • Develop strong partnerships between local government, businesses, community organizations, and institutions Chapter 5: Small Area Plans, of the DeKalb County 2050 Comprehensive Land Use Plan recognized the need to amend the policies of the document at a more localized level through the creation of the Small Area Plans Program. Small Area Plans (SAPs) cover a smaller area than a comprehensive plan and are intended to address specific land use and development issues at a finer level of detail. These plans support the general vision, policies and goals of the community, but allow for a greater degree of detail in guiding development. They may have their own sets of specific policies to shape development, and can include elements such as design guidelines, standards for transitions in development intensities and uses, additional standards for mixed use, investments in infrastructure, connectivity, and greater opportunities for input and control from local residents and businesses. SAPs can take a variety of forms, such as Livable Center Initiatives (LCIs), Master Active Living Plans (MALPs), Corridor Plans, or TOD plans, and are the primary tool by which the county intends to shape development in Activity Centers and along Commercial Redevelopment Corridors. The GSU/Willow Branch Revitalization Plan meets the intent of the Small Area Plans Program. For this reason, Staff recommends “Approval” of the Text Amendment to Chapter 5: Small Area Plans of the 2050 Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
PLANNING COMMISSION VOTE: Approval 8-0-1. LaSonya Osler moved, Edward Patton seconded for approval per staff recommendation. Jon West abstained.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL VOTE/RECOMMENDATION: (CC-4): Full Cycle Deferral 8-0-0.