Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ Westside Park Housing Overlay Ordinance was approved by the Atlanta City Council—a new measure to require affordable housing in new neighborhoods around the Westside Quarry Park. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms proposed the ordinance to ensure that as new development occurs, affordable housing will be created for all Atlantans.
“With our new Westside Quarry Park opening soon, it is of the utmost importance that surrounding neighborhoods have quality, affordable housing,” said Mayor Bottoms. “Our Westside communities and legacy residents are the bedrock of our city, and our Administration will take the necessary actions to ensure development is carried out in a thoughtful, inclusive manner.”
The Westside Park Housing Affordability Overlay applies to areas around the new Westside Quarry Park—including Grove Park, Center Hill and Carey Park. The affordability requirement applies to both rental and for-sale housing—a first for Atlanta.
In addition to the new Westside Quarry Park, Microsoft recently announced plans to build a new campus in this area on the southside of the park adjacent to Hollowell Parkway. The Administration will continue to work and engage with the community to ensure change occurs in a manner that reflects the equity goals of One Atlanta.
The City has created an anti-displacement tax fund set to launch in 2021 to assist legacy residents to remain in their homes. Additionally, the City launched the Housing Affordability Tracker—the City’s first inter-agency dashboard that reflects investments made in affordable housing, increasing transparency and accountability. The City also aligned the One Atlanta Economic Mobility Strategy with the Housing Affordability Action Plan to take a holistic approach to address economic and housing challenges.
The Mayor’s One Atlanta: Housing Affordability Action Plan Progress Report can be viewed online here.