If you live in Forest Park, you have a chance to tell city officials how you think the city should look five years from now.
Residents can let officials from both the City of Forest Park and the Atlanta Regional Commission know their thoughts about possible changes to the 2023 Comprehensive Plan Update tonight, Wednesday, June 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Forest Park Senior Center, 5087 Park Avenue.
Both the city and ARC will share information about the proposed changes and answer citizens’ questions about the plan.
The Comprehensive Plan helps the city decide what to do about:
- transportation
- housing
- economic development
- community goals
- future land use
The last Comprehensive Plan was approved in 2018:
Under state law, the city has to update its comprehensive plan every five years. In a press release, the city notes, “a steering committee comprised of key city officials and representatives from local businesses, neighborhood groups and nonprofits has been created to serve as an advisory panel that provides input on behalf of citizens.”
Steering committee members include:
- Sparkle Adams (community member)
- Minister Justin Cook (community member)
- Carolyn Franklin (community member)
- Roderick Jackson (Forest Park Planning Commission member)
- Carmen Jones (community member)
- Hector Gutierrez (Forest Park councilman)
- Jonathan Rashmir (community member)
- Bruce Abraham (Forest Park Economic Development Director)
- LaShawn Gardiner (Forest Park Planning and Community Development Director)
- SaVaughn Irons (Forest Park City Planner)
Gardiner said, “Public participation is vital during this process, so it is imperative that we provide a forum that paves the way for both innovative ideas and constructive engagement. As our city continues to grow, we want to ensure that the plan reflects a consensus of values and priorities, as well as a long-term vision that prioritizes sustainability and economic growth.”
Want to see bike lanes? Pedestrian trails? More pedestrian-friendly options? You can fill out a survey online at https://www.publicinput.com/forestparkplan#1 .
You also can learn more about the 2023 Comprehensive Plan Update process and fill out the survey) here, and read relevant documents on Planning and Zoning’s webpage.
