We have created an email template for you to use to get in touch with local elected officials. See the FAQs below to learn more about this important issue.
The email will be sent to the following people:
Mayor
Kasim Reed kreed@atlantaga.gov
City Council
Carla Smith csmith@atlantaga.gov
Natalyn Archibong narchibong@atlantaga.gov
Ceaser Mitchell ccmitchell@atlantaga.gov
Kwanza Hall khall@atlantaga.gov
Yolanda Adrean yadrean@atlantaga.gov
Felicia Moore fmoore@atlantaga.gov
Michael Julian Bond mbond@atlantaga.gov
Aaron Watson awatson@atlantaga.gov
H. Lamar Willis hlwillis@atlantaga.gov
Georgia House
Margaret Kaiser Margaret@margaretkaiser.com
Georgia Senate
Nan Orrock nan.orrock@senate.ga.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the proposed project located?
800 Glenwood Ave SE.
This site is adjacent to the SE Beltline segment and a future BeltLine stop. It is across the street from Maynard Jackson High School and borders the neighborhoods of Grant Park, Ormewood Park, and Glenwood Park.
According to Atlanta BeltLine Inc., what is supposed to go there?
Their recommendations included:
Priority storefront spaces where appropriate to create a vibrant, walkable commercial corridor that facilitates economic growth. A few key areas have been identifi ed within Subarea 4 as appropriate for storefronts, although the scale would vary based on land use and community character. Areas identified for storefronts include mixed-use parcels along Flat Shoals Avenue near the proposed BeltLine transit stop at Wylie Street, mixed-use parcels at the intersection of Glenwood Avenue and Bill Kennedy Way and parcels along Memorial Drive from Pearl Street to Chester Avenue.
Creating an interconnected street network by proposing smaller blocks within existing superblocks and reestablishing former street connections where appropriate. Specific examples can been seen with the proposed reconnection of Walthall Street at the Inman Park/Reynoldstown MARTA station as well as the proposed street network within existing superblocks along Memorial Drive and Glenwood Avenue. (source: BeltLine Subearea 4 Masterplan)
What has the developer proposed?
The developer has proposed a large big box retail store and a massive parking lot that looks more at home in the suburbs:
That doesn’t look right. How can this happen?
This parcel is currently zoned for industrial use. Therefore, the developer does not need to go before the public in order to seek a variance as would normally be the case. Instead, all they have to do is get a Special Administrative Permit from the Office of Planning. The BeltLine Subarea 4 Masterplan that was the result of a lengthy process of public input is simply being ignored.
Why would the Office of Planning allow a development that is so different from the BeltLine overlay plans?
We don’t know, but our aim is to stop them.
Why is this important for the whole city and not just Glenwood Park?
If this development is allowed to move forward it will undermine the goals of the BeltLine and will send a signal that the City of Atlanta is not committed to the future of the BeltLine. If the city cannot ensure that development of this parcel happens in a way that is consistent with the Subarea 4 Masterplan, then there is no way to be assured that any development along the BeltLine will occur according to any of the masterplans. The entire BeltLine could be developed in a way that is inconsistent with the goals of the project.
What can I do to help? I’m only one person.
You can use the email template above to send an email to your elected officials and ask them to use what influence they may have to speak up on your behalf.
Even though you are just one person you can make a difference. We are not lobbying congress here; a few dozen emails could easily bring this important issue to the attention of your elected officials and have a profound impact. All we need is for you and a few of your friends to send an email.