Residents and advocates press council to expand diversion services, weigh West End development
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Summary
Public comment focused heavily on scaling Atlanta's diversion center and demanded transparency and community benefits for proposed West End redevelopment and data-center projects ahead of the World Cup and ongoing school closures.
Hundreds of citizens used the council's public-comment period Feb. 16 to press elected officials on public-safety alternatives, homelessness and development projects proposed for the West End. Advocates for diversion programs said the Center for Diversion Services is underused and urged the council to adopt measures to scale the program ahead of expected increases in visitors.
"Diversion works," said Michael Collins of Playfair ATL, citing January data showing 243 people diverted in one month and more than 600 referrals to services; he said current center usage is far below design capacity and urged support for Councilmember Michael Julian Bond's diversion resolution. Other public speakers from nonprofits and residents reinforced calls for citations-in-lieu-of-arrest policies and more transparent reporting on diversion usage.
Multiple speakers from West End and surrounding neighborhoods spoke in favor of a proposed production-park sale and prospective buyer offers of community investments, while others warned the council not to approve zoning or development without guarantees to protect legacy residents and prevent displacement. Bishop Greg Fan and community leaders publicly supported a proposed exchange center at Adair Park. Several speakers also raised alarm about the planned closure and repurposing of 16 Atlanta Public Schools, pressing for public mapping and cumulative-impact studies.
What council heard and asked for
Speakers repeatedly asked for measureable commitments from the mayor's office and city departments: data on diversion referrals and completions, clarity on timelines for road repairs and trash collection (Sloane Circle was cited), and assurances that any West End buyer will include direct financial supports to boots-on-the-ground nonprofits. Council indicated it would forward several requests to relevant committees and departments and that public safety and planning committees would receive follow-up information.
Next steps
The public comment period concluded without immediate votes on the diversion or development items. Councilmembers repeatedly acknowledged the need for more data and transparency and signaled that pieces of the requested information would be routed to appropriate committees for further consideration.