[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6312562,"mediaKeyId","2390692-18cfd16a5eb245d9689edea50d04230a","parentId",2390692,"title","Votes at a glance: committee holds multiple CDP items, approves park acquisition and other measures","audioSeconds",626,"startMs",634000,"endMs",7040,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390692-18cfd16a5eb245d9689edea50d04230a&start=634&end=7","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390692-18cfd16a5eb245d9689edea50d04230a/thumbnail_634000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6312562/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Votes-at-a-glance-committee-holds-multiple-CDP-items-approves-park-acquisition-and-other-measures","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312562-283d61f664661648a5d8f19d1c7a36fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1777311736&Signature=oXMAUVrcgtXBP3t4s62eVe2POJhfjfxMj7vle1A8OAd156XkluMK4z2CCr-tee0EqWh3xvTdoXOvWzbg907Rkiv8rDtmGCSB2NcmG~1tMdlkRXm2W6fcbhS92mim-LW4mVy9id6T3mQGcgMeIIGTgVI3rswsLFOhtkT3MxlK95gHznAuCYyqKJpBqeMaLZm-124HcrvfEBomx8Kr-Bta-JD5UcjkvB~4VdrskGG3ZVrfEiwMpDgcOcZWbi-PZXPKCX8ZWyRk16PYYO834YYbKxcZ~2YR~nku5Roi509Wv8klDbTOSa5aywXg7V~jwIkOQk5uR90qxpYCDZYMuJjEFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-25T20:33:17Z","article","The Community Development and Human Services Committee conducted a mix of procedural votes, land‑use holds and approvals at its February meeting. The committee took unanimous or near‑unanimous action on agenda items, held a set of comprehensive development plan (CDP) amendments for a March public hearing, and approved several ordinances and resolutions affecting parks, housing and contracts.

Votes at a glance

• Adopt agenda — Motion to adopt by Chair Jason Winston; second by Councilmember McDonough. Outcome: adopted (voice/electronic vote; quorum present).

• Approve minutes — Motion and second recorded; outcome: approved (6 yays, 0 nays).

• Adopt 2025 CDHS goals and objectives — Mover not specified in transcript; second by Councilmember Bakhtiari. Outcome: adopted (6 yays, 0 nays).

• Appointments — Chris Kopenhaver (BeltLine TAD Advisory Committee): mover Councilmember Westmoreland; second Councilmember Bakhtiari; vote closed 5 yays, 0 nays; outcome: approved.

• Appointments — Leo Bjorklund (BeltLine TAD Advisory Committee): mover Councilmember Westmoreland; second Councilmember Dozier; vote closed 5 yeas, 0 nays; outcome: approved.

• CDP land‑use ordinances (items 3–13) — Committee moved to hold items for the March 10 CDP public hearing; motion and second recorded; vote closed 5 yays, 0 nays; outcome: held for public hearing.

• Ordinance to acquire 0.19 acres for Chosewood Park (Item 14) — Motion to approve made by committee member (recorded); second by Councilmember Dozier; vote closed 5 yays, 0 nays; outcome: favorable. Funding and legal notes: purchase price not to exceed $281,411.48; funds from Park Impact Fee South account; ordinance waives section 2‑15‑41(d) of the procurement and real estate code as stated on the agenda.

• Quitclaim deed conveying city interest in 1347 Greymont Drive SW to Metro Atlanta Land Bank (Item 15) — Motion recorded and second; vote closed 5 yays, 0 nays; outcome: favorable. Consideration: conveyance for $1 to support permanent affordable housing in the Venetian Hills neighborhood.

• First amendment to lease for 235 Mitchell Street (Item 16) — Motion to approve by Councilmember Westmoreland; second by Councilmember Bakhtiari; vote closed 5 yays, 0 nays; outcome: favorable. Amendment recognizes new ownership (SoDo 235 Mitchell Street, LLC), extends the lease term by one year, and replaces specified lease sections.

• Ordinance establishing tree‑removal assistance for eligible seniors (Item 17) — Motion to hold by Councilmember Bond; second by Councilmember Westmoreland; vote closed 5 yays, 0 nays; outcome: held pending reconciliation with the tree protection ordinance.

• Authorization to apply for and accept National League of Cities Southern Cities economic inclusion initiative grant (Item 18) — Motion to approve by Councilmember Westmoreland; second by Councilmember Bakhtiari; vote closed 5 yays, 0 nays; outcome: favorable. Award amount not to exceed $15,000.

• Resolution donating up to $750,000 to 24/7 Gateway LLC to support operations for coordinated shelter and supportive services (resolution 25R3155) — Motion to approve; second by Councilmember Bond; vote closed 5 yays, 0 nays; outcome: favorable. Council asked to receive a breakdown of operating uses and the status of space freed by Georgia Works vacating the Gateway second floor.

• Contract for pools and splash pad maintenance (resolution 2025R3160) — Motion to hold for an IPAL report by Councilmember Westmoreland; second by Councilmember McIntyre; vote closed 5 yays, 0 nays; outcome: held.

• First amendment to charter bus transportation services with MTI Limo & Shuttle Services (Item 21) — Motion to approve by Councilmember Westmoreland; second by Councilmember Bakhtiari; vote closed 5 yays, 0 nays; outcome: favorable. Added funding not to exceed $550,000.

• CDP item 25 (Z‑24009 / CDP‑24006) — Motion to approve by Councilmember Westmoreland; second by Councilmember Bakhtiari; vote closed 5 yays, 0 nays; outcome: favorable. The item redesignates specified properties from industrial to mixed‑use high density (agenda text).

Notes about procedure and documentation

• Where the transcript did not name every individual vote, the committee recorded vote tallies and the committee clerk closed electronic votes; recorded tallies were used above.
• Several CDP ordinances were presented as a block and formally held for the March 10 public hearing; those items will return to committee after the public hearing.

Ending

The committee completed its legislative agenda and directed staff to provide follow‑up details requested by council members, including a spending breakdown for the proposed Gateway donation, a report from IPAL on the pool maintenance item, and timing and design updates for park projects referenced in the meeting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","#Atlanta City Council CDHS Committee meeting: February 25, 2025 #atlpol","oneSentenceSummary","The Community Development and Human Services Committee voted on a series of procedural and legislative items: it held multiple CDP land‑use ordinances for a March public hearing, approved a park expansion acquisition, conveyed a parcel to the Metro Atlanta Land Bank for affordable housing, amended a city lease, authorized a small federal grant and approved a donation to Gateway shelter operations.","taxTitle","Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia","taxId",2959,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6312567,"Committee hears from Invest Atlanta and BeltLine appointees; two BeltLine advisory appointments approved",651,453000,1104000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390692-18cfd16a5eb245d9689edea50d04230a&start=453&end=1104","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390692-18cfd16a5eb245d9689edea50d04230a/thumbnail_453000.jpg","/articles/6312567/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Committee-hears-from-Invest-Atlanta-and-BeltLine-appointees-two-BeltLine-advisory-appointments-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312567-8983c5e2d0f07c4e26eca821fe1389ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1777311736&Signature=NCfvrdta1Kr1griJxqhdDd03RdIeRSwrcmDfqXuDKMtnqyJUeh54CUlGvyVjSi-vLpf~TUsWZd2sl9bK-5yyS6KLg5VV3hZYYvWLw5hV7UNT-T9TFfUfp0MeZMVVMsZ9DcuMF8R63-wYJvCFWTcqMYOLWCaCd~xxTh25ZuxfR-Fn6Mf4GXBoUVjQ8O6WZcKeM1BolgB3YQebEV8QqNaP-0ygfUni6wPM2xoRsq2pciyR89I3jp0b4HODTCmw~GJvR3-ZuFA4MnkEsmnDDmZxoxrnHgs6hC1kXDqoavzgnDgIMZTjhYyXhMqpiccW9poDMExygBF7ICcyYZHHe6oZzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Community Development and Human Services Committee heard brief introductions from four people affiliated with Invest Atlanta and BeltLine oversight and approved two advisory appointments to the BeltLine Tax Allocation District Advisory Committee.

Audra Cunningham, a real-estate executive and Grant Park resident, spoke to the committee about her background and interest in serving on the Invest Atlanta board. Cunningham said she was honored to be considered and described a career in real estate and community leadership; she will not be voted on in this committee because the City Council’s Committee on Community, Livable Cities (CLC) had previously voted on her appointment.

’My vision was and remains to ensure that all community stakeholders' voices are heard,’ Cunningham said.

BeltLine advisory appointments

Two appointments to the BeltLine Tax Allocation District Advisory Committee were taken up and approved in committee.

• Chris Kopenhaver, a senior director with Cushman & Wakefield and a resident of Annesley Park, presented briefly about his professional experience and prior service on the Fulton Industrial community zoning board. The committee approved his appointment by a 5–0 vote; mover: Councilmember Westmoreland; second: Councilmember Bakhtiari.

• Leo Bjorklund, a certified public accountant and senior consultant at Deloitte Consulting, described his interest in community and economic development and his residence on the BeltLine in Fourth Ward. The committee approved his appointment by a 5–0 vote; mover: Councilmember Westmoreland; second: Councilmember Dozier.

Dr. Ken Zeph, district 3 representative on the Atlanta Board of Education, also introduced himself as an Invest Atlanta board member candidate and spoke about the connection between Invest Atlanta’s mission and student stability and opportunity. The committee noted his prior consideration in a related forum.

Why it matters

Invest Atlanta and BeltLine advisory appointments help shape economic development, affordable-housing strategy and project decisions that affect neighborhoods across the city. Advisory committee members and board members bring private‑sector and nonprofit experience to guiding implementation.

Ending

Committee members thanked the applicants and confirmed the two BeltLine advisory appointments; further Invest Atlanta appointments will proceed through the mayoral and council approval process where required.

","The committee heard brief introductions from Invest Atlanta appointees and approved two appointments to the BeltLine Tax Allocation District Advisory Committee. Audra Cunningham and Dr. Ken Zeph introduced themselves; Chris Kopenhaver and Leo Bjorklund were confirmed by committee vote.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6312572,"Parks and Recreation reports program growth, new joint-use agreement with Atlanta Public Schools",960,3286000,4246000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390692-18cfd16a5eb245d9689edea50d04230a&start=3286&end=4246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390692-18cfd16a5eb245d9689edea50d04230a/thumbnail_3286000.jpg","/articles/6312572/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Parks-and-Recreation-reports-program-growth-new-joint-use-agreement-with-Atlanta-Public-Schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312572-6771d055c8c08a664c237a11268b2d8b/orig.mp4?Expires=1777311736&Signature=E07Lr2DKZoO0VUw-UqYPUlLtUT8CaSP3mQsslUccCdBUP9JoAnUsux~hI27iPTNWN-60r6dRymoSZTBYafKw-UODD2Y-L2tHYdfM5M8~0eL0WnTnaOObJkyPzdMsP7T7q2kejMS9BN8UIz3-Q~pxiCWZshO4mY3LziL0S5LzAAUvJrw0sdBp6IaxQftsWguSvNlJsNHTcfbg5I5sgsmosQzTdXNCxmCvrnCV28FigojntGZWEoRDoY~GxLo9RGHrQqC29~il9CAaI30HwdvmkevT8nXhdw7D3FFf1xEKjqTk0ta1cWmNbWMeb~uRQOzLehsYSAljpsqGLYa9KqYI-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Justin Cutler, commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation, told the Community Development and Human Services Committee that the department expanded programs and partnerships, completed facility repairs, and struck a joint-use agreement with Atlanta Public Schools to increase community access to playgrounds, fields and pools.

Why it matters

Parks and recreation programming and facilities are a primary point of public contact for youth, seniors and neighborhood activities. Expanded access to school playgrounds and sport fields and improvements to pools and rec centers affect recreation opportunities, after‑school care and summer programming across council districts.

Key program updates and figures

• The department reported more than 10,000 Instagram followers and said it reached more than 3,000 neighbors through 15 citywide events between November and February.
• Camp Best Friends (summer day camp) registration opened; the program runs June 9–July 25, Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m., with a Lake Allatoona week for participants age 10+.
• The department reported a net increase in out‑of‑school time (after‑school) participants from 1,189 to more than 1,400 — an increase of roughly 300 children.
• Pools: the department said it is replastering outdoor pools and performing fence and safety repairs ahead of the Memorial Day season; pools are scheduled to open May 31.
• Joint‑use agreement with Atlanta Public Schools: neighborhood residents will have after‑school access to playgrounds and sports fields at no cost when sites are not permitted; APS gains access to pools, golf courses and fields for school activities.

Cutler noted new and continued partnerships: Goodr (on-site grocery at William Walker Recreation Center), Atlanta BeltLine Partnership for court programs, Agape delivering free community activities, and new vendor arrangements that increased revenue for racket/tennis centers to more than $314,000 annually.

Council feedback and operational notes

Councilmembers raised scheduling and staffing issues in youth leagues, the timing of very early and very late youth games, and pavilion reservation friction in popular parks. Cutler acknowledged staffing constraints and said the department will convene follow-up meetings with council members and parent volunteers to review youth program timing and the reservation process.

He also described steps in operations: hiring a GIS manager and a social-media specialist, launching a certified landscape professional course for park staff with the University of Georgia, clearing more than 1,000 backlogged work orders, and deploying park rangers and e‑bikes for trail patrols.

Ending

Councilmembers asked Parks and Recreation to provide a site-by-site matrix of youth and music offerings, updates on James Orange Park and Windsor Street Park timelines, and earlier notification of hiring events. Cutler said the department will follow up with details and convene district-level conversations about operational constraints raised by parents and coaches.

","Atlanta Parks and Recreation told the Community Development and Human Services Committee it expanded programming, improved facilities and signed a joint-use agreement with Atlanta Public Schools that opens playgrounds and fields for neighborhood use and gives the district access to pools and recreation facilities.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6312577,"Grants chief warns HUD funding uncertainty could threaten affordable-housing and service payments",1358,1267000,2625000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390692-18cfd16a5eb245d9689edea50d04230a&start=1267&end=2625","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390692-18cfd16a5eb245d9689edea50d04230a/thumbnail_1267000.jpg","/articles/6312577/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Grants-chief-warns-HUD-funding-uncertainty-could-threaten-affordable-housing-and-service-payments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312577-ddcabaceb2b743063c50700161865fbb/orig.mp4?Expires=1777311736&Signature=XpbJfJufq-rYMH9Ex9vwwor64YOQLbMlopN~9o-8iTOSMXGT-rmJaucYHuW2EMob3sCb9lUNj38pLZTVnvYh1ucJPdlAtHXCS2OEad-bGY~2dCW3Is~PDUkQqmjXVO79iLcYYHPJEDLyc6gAlTEUf9ivTBMl0tr9bdEgzk5CqFRMdlWI~2iLiqugkfD~IPoF~rarLABNelMqr4o~RXcv2xQfcXL1gxNwcYokum1DBc4UFRuvRpA9t7v3AXuAVWT9zt37mA8vy0SfLYpjF5HKLSXGdfPS7ZHnskTW6XCAFboJasPvJP9WE-qAPKvbnlKs6aNnLeNRijxdSRhsxchXAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor’s Department of Grants and Community Development Commissioner Deborah Lennon told the Community Development and Human Services Committee in February that the city completed substantial reimbursements in 2024 but faces unpredictable federal support from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Lennon presented 2024 and early-2025 figures and described ongoing work to close out prior program years while preparing for the annual HUD notice of funding availability. She warned that the city is receiving limited information from HUD and described both the operational steps the department is taking and the anxiety among service providers.

Why it matters

The department manages Atlanta’s entitlement grants — Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) and Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) — that fund affordable housing, homelessness services, and community programs across the city and metro region. If federal allocations change or awarded funds are not accessible, programs that pay for housing assistance, utility support, and nonprofit operations could be interrupted.

What the department reported

• In 2024, DGCD paid subrecipients and other expenses totaling $15,856,400.22 from CDBG funds; through Feb. 20, 2025, CDBG reimbursements to date totaled $301,264.37.
• HOPWA reimbursements for 2024 totaled $28,219,139.80; through Feb. 20, 2025, the department had paid $2,841,183.17 in reimbursements.
• ESG reimbursements for 2024 were $1,022,346.26; through Feb. 20, 2025, $59,529.19 had been paid.
• HOME reimbursements for 2024 were $5,518,997.76; through Feb. 20, 2025, $989,062.70 had been paid.
• Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) closeout work continued; DGCD reported $909,966.85 in payments in 2024 and none in 2025 while awaiting HUD guidance.

Lennon said the city drew down $46,154,490.37 from HUD in 2024 to reimburse itself for payments it funded with general revenues, and that drawdowns in early 2025 had grown by approximately $1.6 million since the slides were prepared.

’We are complying with the scope of our executed contracts,’ Lennon told the committee. ’We are providing services to the residents as indicated, that we are doing everything that we have contracted to do with HUD.’ She added: ’I cannot, however, say, have no fear the funds won't be recaptured in light of the current political climate. We do not know exactly what will happen from day to day with funds.’

Questions from council members

Councilmembers pressed the department on what grantees are hearing and what the city is telling them. Lennon said staff are receiving frequent inquiries — especially from HOPWA sponsors and long-running multi-year awardees — who ask whether they will be reimbursed and whether future awards will be made.

’We are not hearing from HUD,’ Lennon said. ’We don't really have firm answers. We don't have definitive answers for them because we ourselves are not receiving definitive answers.’

Councilmember Dozier and others urged the administration to pursue regional partnerships and state contacts to help shore up services if federal funding is reduced. Lennon said the administration is collecting and submitting data and advocating with federal and national advocacy organizations.

Department next steps and NOFA timing

Lennon described the typical annual schedule: HUD releases allocations in March–May; DGCD issues a notice of funding availability (NOFA), provides applicant training, accepts and reviews applications, and then forwards recommendations to the mayor and council for approval. She said DGCD is preparing to use existing data to target funding to highest-need areas and noted the consolidated plan process required by HUD is underway.

DGCD also said it has revised its appeals and applicant communications processes after last year’s delays, and that Director Genevieve Jones has implemented checks to reduce missed communications to applicants.

Ending

Committee members asked DGCD to provide more regular updates to council on the status of federal communications, a breakdown of which subrecipients are most exposed to the current uncertainty, and copies of NOFA materials when released. Commissioner Lennon said the department will continue to inform the committee and work with council offices to distribute applicant guidance.

","Department of Grants and Community Development reported 2024 drawdowns and reimbursements but told the Community Development and Human Services Committee that continued federal uncertainty and limited communication from HUD are creating anxiety among subrecipients and may imperil future awards.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: committee holds multiple CDP items, approves park acquisition and other measures

Committee hears from Invest Atlanta and BeltLine appointees; two BeltLine advisory appointments approved

Parks and Recreation reports program growth, new joint-use agreement with Atlanta Public Schools

Grants chief warns HUD funding uncertainty could threaten affordable-housing and service payments