NPU-D Agenda - http://www.ci.atlanta.ga.us/citydir/dpdnc/npuagendas.htm

NPUs (Neighborhood Planning Units) are under the responsibility, coordination and guidance of the City of Atlanta Department of Planning, Development and Neighborhood Conservation. The mission of the bureau is to provide information and advice to the Mayor, the City Council and other City officials in order to assist them in making decisions about the growth and development of the City.

Neighborhood planning in Atlanta evolved in March 1973 when a new city charter for Atlanta was approved by the general assembly. The new charter required the City to produce an annually revised comprehensive development plan (CDP) which sets forth City goals, objectives and policies. The CDP is required by charter to include public hearings and a maximum amount of citizen input.

In August 1974, an ordinance which institutionalized neighborhood planning as a part of the CDP process was adopted by City Council and approved by the Mayor. The 1974 ordinance permitted the creation of neighborhood planning units (NPUs) and planning committees (NPCs). The NPU boundaries were adopted by the City in May 1975 and there are currently over 185 official neighborhoods clustered in 24 NPUs. Berkeley Park is assigned to NPU-D along with six other neighborhoods including: Underwood Hills, Whittier Mill Village, Riverside, Bolton, Blandtown and Hills Park.

The purpose of the NPU is to provide an opportunity for the citizens of Atlanta to have formal input into the Comprehensive Development Plan of the City and to provide a means by which information concerning the operation of City government can be communicated to the citizens.

The Department of Planning, Development and Neighborhood Conservation is responsible for preparing the City's CDP. They also are required to make available to NPUs basic information including the areas of land use, transportation, environment, zoning, housing, parks and open space, human resources and capital improvements to assist them in neighborhood planning activities.

The NPUs may recommend an action, a policy or a comprehensive plan to the City and/or any City agency on any matter affecting the livability of neighborhoods. NPUs may also advise the Bureau of Planning on the preparation of the annual CDP.

What this means to you

As you can see, the NPUs are an important part of the planning process for the City of Atlanta. Your participation and input is wanted and needed. Anyone that resides within a NPU is a member; no matter if you rent, own or represent a business operating within the boundaries.

NPU-D meets on the fourth (4th) Tuesday of every month at the Agape Center located on Bolton Road. The Agape Center is .3 of a mile west of the intersection of Bolton Road and Marietta Boulevard. Meetings start at 7:30 and usually last for 1 to 1½ hours. City officials, police and fire personnel are available starting at 7:00 pm.

Don't sit around and complain .... get involved. Attend the next NPU-D meeting and make a difference!