by Robin Kemp

The City of Forest Park is holding two meetings today, Thursday, January 21, that city residents can attend via Zoom.

At 5 p.m., Ward One will hold its monthly meeting with Councilwoman Kimberly James. All city residents are invited to attend.

You can join online by going to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83083465760 and entering meeting ID 830 8346 5760 and password jamesward1.

If you prefer to call in by phone, you can dial 1-301-715-8592. Then, enter meeting ID 830-8346-5760 and password 850-471-9671.


At 6 p.m., the whole city is invited to tell planners what changes they want to see in downtown Forest Park. It’s part of the Livable Centers Initiative (LCI). The city got a $120,000 grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) to update its Downtown Master Plan.

Conceptual drawing of a proposed streetscape for Main Street in Forest Park.

According to ARC, “The Forest Park Downtown Master Plan Update will include a five-year development and implementation strategy that capitalizes on the city’s vacant properties and creating access to retail, residential, and commercial development and the city’s proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.”

On Wednesday, the Development Authority of Forest Park affirmed the sale of about a dozen parcels on College and Main Streets that will impact the look and feel of the city’s center, which has resembled a ghost town since Fort Gillem was downsized. One major incoming tenant is Zaxby’s, which would occupy several lots near the fountain.

You can review the existing plans for bringing downtown Forest Park back to life on Planning Building and Zoning’s website.

If you’re interested in open data and urban planning, check out the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Open Data project on LCI areas in metro Atlanta.

Leave a comment