December 2011 – Nia Knowles:Westside West End Westview Atlanta REALTOR

In an effort to get back to basics now that my baby is 15mths- last Saturday I had the opportunity to sit in on the Atlanta Planning Advisory Board monthly meeting. OK- let’s just say in addition to receiving a ton of informative information about the many changes taking place throughout the city- I was able to get a really good laugh.

The board meetings are usually well attended by faithful senior community advocates and leaders throughout Atlanta, with MANY strong views and opinions on the more important topics on the agenda but also they can become very vocal on items that aren’t really an issue…causing a 10minute delay and intense discussion on nothingness! The great thing- our President is always calm, collected and restores order without sweat. I guess she is use to it and expects this- since I’ve attended from 2009- it’s been the same way. Who really can stop a Senior from voicing his/her concern even IF they are completely wrong due to a misunderstanding?

Besides the humor and the inbetween enjoyment of O.J./ blueberry muffin, what caught my attention was the presentation on the new “Redistricting” plan for Atlanta. I must admit- I have not given this item the much needed attention it deserves because in review of the plan-I’m not happy with losing a great community such as “Historic Adair Park” in my district. Yes, we have gained others- why Adair was taken is a bit unclear and seems to leave us at a disadvantage. If I’m now reading this correctly- district 4 will only have 1 designated Historic community – and that would be West End.

My questions with this entire redistricting process are: How do funds being allocated (if any) will play into this? How will/are future economic developments within our community now look, if we have an abundant of lower income households (below poverty level) and rentals or dilapidated housing stock? Was another redeveloping community taken from us, and a more blighted neighborhood given?

This is one of those times I really need an honest politician to sit with and discuss these concerns…candidly. Until one steps up- I will have to hit the books, do the research and rely on God to show me, if anything- what I’m missing- and what I must do to keep our West End, Westview, Beecher Donnelly and Ashview Heights communities moving forward.

Any advice? I’ll give you an update as I have it….