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New BPCA Business:
Appeal of Land Development Permit #08020 to Protect the Overlay
DeKalb Planning and Development ignored and voided the overlay to allow an unfeasible Walgreens plan on the corner of Peachtree and Colonial. Residents and commissioners filed an appeal with the DeKalb Zoning Board of Appeals, and the permits were rescinded. The integrity of the Brookhaven Overlay Ordinance and its intent to promote higher density, mixed use development around the MARTA Town Center was challenged with the first application. Walgreens is considering an alternative plan.
Approving Text Amendments to the Overlay
Several issues have been identified in the application of the overlay ordinance that may require technical changes. These are made through text amendments, which allow a public process and approval by commissioners. BPCA will compile needed changes offered by residents, developers and the county, and work with the BOC to hone and approve those text amendments that strengthen enforcement of the overlay’s original intent.
Improving Quality of Life Features
BPCA is working with professional landscape designers to develop and propose improvements to Brookhaven’s parks and greenspace to correspond with changes in the intended direction of development standards.
Monitoring the Update to the DeKalb County Zoning Code
DeKalb is planning to greatly rewrite the entire set of zoning codes that guide development and protect existing properties in DeKalb County. While the Brookhaven Overlay increased density to levels necessary for future development, it is important that these standards and mixed use requirements are not voided by the vague Comprehensive Plan that will control zoning in the future.
Fleshing Out Design Guidelines
Design guidelines for Peachtree and Dresden require additional work as noted in the overlay ordinance. These standards need to be finalized and approved by the county.
Creating an Identity for Business Tenants
Membership in BPCA has focused on property owners due to the nature of the LCI process we initiated with the intention of setting new standards in development and enforcement. Now business tenants throughout Brookhaven will have an opportunity to join with existing members in taking part in the development of a better Brookhaven.
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