I'm happy to share that the Dept. of Parks & Recreation is kicking off public engagement for a citywide trails plan! Check out the info on the Trails ATL website: https://www.trailsatl.com/

The intention of this trails plan is to help connect Atlantans to the places they want to go, especially parks and natural spaces, but also places like schools, grocery stores, and places of work, worship, and entertainment. Other key City partners include the Dept. of City Planning, Dept. of Transportation, Dept. of Watershed Management, and the Mayor's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, among many other partners. The PATH Foundation is the plan's project manager. And, most importantly, we're seeking your partnership as Friends of the Park leaders not only to engage and provide input into the plan, but also to help spread the word and ensure we reach as many people as possible with the opportunity to have their voices heard!

Public engagement has already begun with pop-up activations at NPU meetings (please view the "Engage" tab on the website linked above). The first official public meeting is next week at Peachtree Hills Recreation Center on Monday, March 25 from 6 - 7:30 pm. Subsequent public meetings are listed below, and are also included on the website: 

• Tuesday, March 26, 12 - 1:30 PM - Virtual meeting (English)

• Monday, April 8, 6 - 7:30 PM -  Northwest Library @ Scotts Crossing (2489 Perry Boulevard NW, Atlanta, GA 30318)

• Wednesday, April 10, 6 - 7:30 PM - Rosel Fann Rec Center (365 Cleveland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30354)

• Wednesday, April 17, 6 - 7:30 PM - Adams Park Rec Center (1620 Delowe Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30311)

• Thursday, April 18, 6 - 7:30 PM - MLK Recreation Center (110 Hilliard Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30312)

• Lunes, 22 de Abril, 6 - 7:30 PM - Por Internet (Español)

• Wednesday, April 24, 6 - 7:30 PM - Virtual Meeting (English)

Any questions about the plan can be directed to: trailsatl@pathfoundation.org

We welcome Spring at our March 21st Northwest Business Association networking and meeting with culinary delights! 

This month you can meet your business neighbors while tasting homemade cakes by Mama Jackie's Pound Cakes created by Tison Jonte and sipping handcrafted specialty non-alcoholic drink by All Points Syrup. 

Calling all business owners and residents of District 9 communities! 

New Public Safety Initiative created by the Almond and Carey Park Neighborhood Association . The purpose of this public safety initiative is to get as many District 9 residents and business owners as possible to begin commenting at Public Safety committee meetings.

Click the link for more info: https://form.jotform.com/240546219249055

Dear Members of the Northwest Business Association,

We are thrilled to share some exciting developments regarding our local parks,  community initiatives, and opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Park Enhancements and Accessibility Improvements: Our commitment to enhancing the recreational experiences within our community remains steadfast:

Jennie Drake Park Trail Enhancement and Erosion Management: Visitors can now enjoy an improved trail experience at Jennie Drake Park, coupled with erosion management measures at the entrance on Oldknow Dr. These upgrades ensure both safety and enjoyment for all park-goers.

Accessibility Improvements at Local Parks: We are pleased to announce several accessibility enhancements at key parks within our community:

• Lillian Cooper Shepherd Park: Construction is underway for an ADA compliant parking lot, along with new furnishings under the recently constructed pavilion.
• Sara J. González Park: Access to this beloved park will be greatly improved with the addition of an ADA parking area and enhanced walkways catering to all mobilities. Additionally, a new music station will further enrich the park experience for visitors of all ages.

Chattahoochee Park: Dog owners rejoice! A brand-new dog park awaits you, complete with a paved parking lot and increased lighting for added safety during evening visits.

Infrastructure Investments and Initiatives: Our community is poised for growth and prosperity through strategic infrastructure investments and supportive initiatives:

• Sales Tax Resolution for Water and Sewer Projects: Council has passed a resolution to place a 1% sales tax measure on the ballot, earmarked for essential water and sewer projects totaling $1.1 billion. Your support in this critical endeavor is invaluable as we strive to address vital infrastructure needs within our community.

Community Initiatives: We are delighted to support community-driven initiatives aimed at enriching the lives of our residents:

• ESL and GED Classes at Springfield Missionary Baptist Church: Since January 8th, 2023, Springfield Missionary Baptist Church has partnered with APS to offer ESL and GED classes on Mondays through Thursdays from 9am to 12pm. ESL classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays, while GED classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

We encourage community members to spread the word and participate in these invaluable educational opportunities.

• After-School and Summer Camp Programs: We are actively working on launching After-School and Summer Camp programs to provide enriching experiences for our youth. These programs will offer engaging activities and support for our community's children during the school year and summer months.

Professional and Personal Development Opportunities: In addition to our community-focused initiatives, we are excited to highlight opportunities for professional and personal growth:

• Heavy Equipment Operator Certifications: The Halliburton Operator School offers heavy equipment operator certifications fully covered via Worksource Atlanta. Contact them at Heavy Operator School or call 471.850.1500 for more information.
•  GA Hope Career Grant: Atlanta Technical College offers free certifications in fields deemed in high demand by the State of Georgia through the GA Hope Career Grant. Visit the Atlanta Tech website to apply and learn more about these tuition-free programs.
• City of Atlanta Watershed Department Vendor Development Program: For minority and women-owned businesses seeking opportunities, the City of Atlanta Watershed Department offers a vendor development program. Learn more about this program and how it can benefit your business here.

We welcome your support and collaboration as we strive to build a stronger, more inclusive community together. For more information on how you can get involved or contribute resources to these initiatives, please don't hesitate to reach out to Councilman Dustin Hillis' office.

Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to the well-being of our community.

MORE INFORMATION: 

https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/community-plans-studies/plana

SEE ALL THE COMMUNITY MEETINGS

The Atlanta City Council approved an ordinance authorizing the city to accept a $960,000 grant from the Housing Authority, awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, to administer the Bowen Choice Neighborhood Grant.

The grant will help the City of Atlanta revitalize the 74-acre Bowen Homes neighborhood, which has been abandoned for more than a decade. The property was once home to one of the city’s largest public housing projects and became notorious for crime.

The city plans to build 2,000 rental and ownership units in the previously abandoned area. Developers are also planning to construct a Community Resources Center and Innovation Hub that will offer Bowen Homes’ residents affordable commercial space and job-training opportunities.

Other items on the agenda include:

• An ordinance to execute an amendment of the Lighting Services Agreement between the Atlanta Department of Transportation and Georgia Power Company to add funding to install additional streetlights at critical locations and to upgrade additional streetlights to LED lighting as part of the City’s Light up the Night initiative.

• A resolution authorizing a project management agreement for the Atlanta Department of Transportation with the Westside/Howell Mill Community Improvement District for a sidewalk installation project on Chattahoochee Avenue for $1.9 million.

• A resolution establishing a Fire Station Design Committee to create a discussion between the Department of Enterprise Asset Management and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department for fire station design and architectural phase recommendations.

• A resolution authorizing a $250,000 donation to FCS Urban Ministries to help implement the Thomasville Heights Neighborhood Plan and other initiatives.

Items were introduced for consideration in committee, including:

• A resolution authorizing a project management agreement with the PATH Foundation for the Silver Comet Connector in an amount not to exceed $500,000.

A resolution to create a commission to determine an appropriate way to honor former Mayor Shirley Franklin, the first woman to hold the office.

• A resolution authorizing a $3 million donation from the housing trust fund to Partners for Home (PFH) to support the provision of quick-delivery housing for the city’s unhoused residents in participation in the rapid housing initiative and to authorize PFH to utilize funds to cover the costs of any other housing construction.

• A resolution authorizing a $300,000 donation to the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation.

• An ordinance to accept a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Dislocated Worker Program grant for $1.6 million.

Source: https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2024/03/06/city-council-approves-960k-grant-to-revitalize-abandoned-bowen-homes-neighborhood/

Calling all Adult Women Entrepreneurs 

If you are a new or existing entrepreneur, we encourage you to sign up for this groundbreaking program. We aim to have a mix of new and established businesses participate in this entrepreneur cohort. It is important to answer as many of the questions below and to provide as much detail as possible. Your answers will be used to shape this cohort and will not be used against you. All answers will remain confidential.

Deadline to Apply is March 31, 2024

Click here for more info

APPLY HERE

Don't miss out on the opportunity to engage with your councilman and stay informed about the latest developments in our community.

Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the neighborhood, we invite you to join us  where you can share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with your fellow neighbors. It's an excellent opportunity to voice your concerns, learn about local initiatives, and contribute to the vibrant community spirit of District 3.

bdamos@atlantaga.gov

Read the District 3 Newsletter