The Atlanta Regional Commission plans to help several south metro communities and organizations with planning and technical support through the group's Community Development Assistance program.
The ARC will collaborate on a variety of projects with Conyers, Forest Park, Stonecrest and Lithonia, among others, as well as groups such as the Arabia Alliance and Aerotropolis Atlanta. The support will provide a combination of staffing resources and grants.
“We are excited to work with these communities to help address critical local issues and enhance overall quality of life for all,” Sam Shenbaga, manager of Community Development at ARC, said in a statement.
The list includes:
Aerotropolis: ARC will assess key land use and development conflicts within the various jurisdictions in the Aerotropolis Atlanta area and recommend potential solutions.
Forest Park: The Georgia Conservancy, a partner of ARC's Community Development Program, will help the Clayton County city develop an inventory of current housing conditions for neighborhoods near downtown to stimulate investment.
City of South Fulton: ARC will explore options for improving pedestrian access and safety in the city's Washington Road corridor, including sidewalks, updated MARTA bus stops, bicycle paths, trails and crosswalks.
Stonecrest: Working with the Arabia Alliance, ARC will inventory historic resources within the city and establish policy recommendations to protect and preserve them.
Lithonia: ARC and the city of Lithonia will develop a strategy to use historic preservation as an economic development tool.
Conyers: ARC will facilitate a training program to inform planning leaders in the city and Rockdale County of roles and responsibilities, while also discussing key issues faced by each.
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