To recap the 1990 Defoor application status following the UHNA General Meeting August 14:
The neighborhood voted unanimously to defer the application until the next UHNA General Meeting 10/9/23. The applicant has agreed to meet with the Steering Committee in September following the completion of the traffic study and acoustical analysis currently in progress. The most pertinent issues which need discussion and resolution prior to a vote at the 10/9 UHNA General Meeting are: 1. Results of the traffic study (complete in approximately two weeks). 2. Results of the acoustical analysis (complete in approximately three weeks). 3. Additional landscape/site design analysis along the Eastern boundary (adjacent to Defoors Court, Brickton Place, and Defoors Walk residences). 4. Further discussion regarding a Community Benefit Agreement, including "asks" from the neighborhood. 5. Density UHNA will publish the results of the discussion and resolution prior to the October General Meeting vote. Following a groundswell of interest after the last BCN meeting, member neighborhood input is being sought on a coordinated effort to manage the impact of short-term rentals. Are short-rentals a concern for you? Are you interested in addressing the issues at a community level? Please let us know your thoughts to pass on to BCN as an initial step. Notes from the presentation outlining issues below.
Many thanks to our good friends at #Y3S Your 3rd Spot for the outdoor furniture! #underwoodhillsatlanta #underwoodhills #underwoodhillspark In order to promote a healthy discussion and spark some ideas amongst residents about the issue, below are some questions suggested by Eva Nason and Eugen Gassmann which might be raised Monday night when the developer for the proposed 1990 Defoor high-density apartment complex will be present at the UHNA meeting. This list is no way exhaustive or should present any bias towards the proposal in any way and is in addition to the previous blog post exciting-or-frightening-you-decide.html Please bring any others you might have. Questions to be covered during the Underwood Hills General Meeting on Monday, August 14, 7pm @ Round Trip Brewing Company, 1279 Seaboard Industrial Boulevard Northwest, Atlanta, GA and on Zoom. 1. What conditions can be put in place to assure that if this developer doesn't build to this plan, then we don't get something less desirable? The developer has said the property will not be bought without the rezoning being in place. What if he then decides to not develop? 2. What attempts have been made to discover what it would be like to live next to their relevant stretch of railroad tracks to assure that they are asking for this rezoning based on conclusive evidence that this can be a successful development in spite of its location at the railroad tracks? Have they acquired enough information about the noise situation? 3. What specific measures do they plan to incorporate into their buildings to serve as noise abatement? 4. What justification can be given for this development being in a high-density category when everything around this location is less densely developed? If it is going to be argued that there is a special circumstance because of the location of this property, then could we state in the rezoning ordinance that the high density allowed for this piece of property is because of this special circumstance and should not serve as precedent for surrounding properties? 5. What can be done to assure the site is developed in such a way as to not cut off the possibility of a pedestrian bridge being able to go from this site across the railroad tracks to The Works, that is, not have buildings situated so as to prevent this possibility at some future date? 6. What influence can we have on the manner in which the substantial Development Impact Fees for this project will be used? 7. What mutually beneficial concessions might the developer be willing to grant us as supporters of his development? Ben Hudgins, the chairperson for the Land Use/Zoning Committee for UHNA, has issued some cautions. Regarding the article on 1990 Defoor presented in the printed newsletter sent through the mail to many UH residents, he has suggested that, although the article provides a good overview, we should not assume that this development is inevitable. He mentions that it is only proposed and has many hurdles such as the rezoning effort involving general public participation and input from City Council as well as the challenges of the present tough capital market situation and the unfavorable development and construction climate. He concludes his cautions by saying he doesn't want folks to think this development is "already entitled or that it has already been determined that it will happen." A new development is on the horizon that aims to transform what today is a secluded industrial manufacturing site into a multi-story apartment complex- which seems a more appropriate use in this location consistent with development patterns of Underwood Hills. Redevelopment of Industrial to Residential is a good thing for a number of reasons: it cleans up potential environmental/ brownfield issues, it improves stormwater management, and it reduces commercial traffic (i.e. tractor-trailers). The proposed multifamily development boasts 341 dwelling units spanning 333,200 square feet. Parking will be accommodated in a newly constructed garage as part of the project, and access to the property will be facilitated via Defoor Avenue. The sheer scale of this development holds some implications, and a vote on this matter will take place at the Underwood Hills Neighborhood Association meeting scheduled for Monday, August 14. Drawing from past experiences, the investment in high-quality developments has yielded substantial benefits for the area and its residents. These advantages include the proliferation of local eateries, shops and the transformation of former eyesores into meticulously maintained establishments bordered by trees. Additionally, enhancements to infrastructure, such as walkways and streetlights, have greatly improved the neighborhood. Notably, recent successful developments have seen the conversion of dirt paths strewn with litter into well-tended areas featuring pruned trees, clean sidewalks, trimmed shrubbery, and neat grass. This marked enhancement undoubtedly elevates the quality of life for all, not solely pedestrians. However, this progress comes with its share of drawbacks, notably increased traffic, and congestion during peak hours. The application also sets a precedent for an increase in density that may have an impact on future decisions. The developers will present their case during the upcoming General Meeting, and all residents are encouraged to participate through Zoom or in person. Here are some ideas what questions to ask during the meeting on Monday, Aug 14: 1990-defoor-ave-nw-development-questions-to-be-considered.html
Once the kids have finished reading up on corporations law they're bound to get bored. Anyone got some unwanted kids books to donate? #underwoodhillsatlanta #underwoodhills #underwoodhillspark In the last 2-week period (July 15 - 28), 44 incidents were reported in Beat 204. Of those, one occurred in the area we patrol. This report was related to an unruly child and was non-criminal. A breakdown of other activity reported in the area: The Department of City Planning is conducting a resident survey on NPU participation and factors that influence civic engagement. Your response will help them better serve you and your neighborhood. They would be grateful for your input! Below, you can find additional information on the survey, as well as links to complete it. Please contact Kamilah Bakari (kabakari@atlantaga.gov) and Daniel Bissonnette (dcp-dbissonnette@atlantaga.gov) with any questions or thoughts. Survey link: tinyurl.com/swnpu Howdy neighbors! Next Saturday August 12 we're doing an 'early start' (8am) community cleanup. Teens; signup via myvoluntier.com for Community Service Hours Bring gloves, small gardening tools if you have them> I have a few extra. There is a bit of poison ivy about so long sleeves/pants are best. (Note: Trees Atlanta quarterly Forrest Restoration postponed to Sep/Oct TBA) Feel free to come for an hour or two. Bring your own water bottle. UHNA will provide snacks. RSVP to this so we get enough. C u in the soup! Steven Lindsay, President UHNA |
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