Poncey-Highland Neighborhood Involvement Inspires Master Plan

By Jim Burress

Atlanta, GA – (More information about an upcoming planning session follows this story.)

Poncey-Highlands is the neighborhood near Freedom Park, roughly south of Ponce de Leon between Inman Park and the Old 4th Ward.

This year it's seen a new, eco-friendly playground. A group of neighbors planted a community garden right beside it. And the neighborhood's new Springdale Park Elementary will soon open.

Much of the work and initiative is coming from those who live there, says city councilman Kwanza Hall. He hopes other Atlanta neighborhoods will be inspired.

"I mean a $250,000 endevour, they were able to pull off in less than a year. Some groups takes years to do things like that, and never even achieve the goal, but they were able to get together and make it happen."

Because residents are doing so much, Hall's office only has to contribute $13,000 towards the plan that he says normally costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Hall says the city should adopt the master plan by Christmas. Jim Burress, WABE News.

NEIGHBORHOOD MASTER PLAN
Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh & Associates
Community Workshop: Held at the Druid Hills Baptist Church

June 27, 2009

Agenda

9:00 a.m. Sign-in and begin AIA children's exercise

9:10 a.m. Introduction and Welcome

Atlanta District 2 City Councilmember Kwanza Hall
Consultants and volunteer facilitators

9:20 p.m. Overview of Inventory Work

Consultant findings
Survey comments

9:45 a.m. Table Breakout Sessions

Land Use & Housing
Transportation
North Highland Avenue
North Avenue
Parks & Open Space
Sustainability
Markets & Services
Infrastructure & Facilities
Historic Preservation

10:30 a.m. Break and children's presentation

10:50 a.m. Reconvene Breakout Session

Remember to select somebody to present your group's ideas!

11:30 a.m. Regroup to Present Table Results

11:55 a.m. Next Steps

12:00 p.m. Adjourn

Next meeting: Draft Plan Presentation
Stay tuned for details
Contact Information
Caleb Racicot of Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh & Associates

404-873-6730 or cracicot@tunspan.com