Community Engagement in Action: Amsterdam Walk Rezoning

Demonstrating Respect for the Neighborhood and the City of Atlanta’s Civic Process.

Listening to the Community from the Start: We are deeply committed to inclusive development that reflects the voices of the communities we serve. For the Amsterdam Walk redevelopment, we embraced Atlanta’s nationally recognized Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) system and engaged stakeholders early, transparently, and consistently.

    • Atlanta’s Neighborhood Planning Unit system, established in 1974, empowers residents to shape land use and planning decisions.

    • Our project spans two NPUs (NPU-F and NPU-E) and two well-established civic associations:

      • Virginia-Highland Civic Association (VHCA)

      • Morningside-Lenox Park Association (MLPA)

    • We respected the autonomy and structure of each neighborhood, engaging both the formal NPU process and the more localized civic boards that represent residents’ day-to-day voices.

  • Duration:
    ✔️ Over 24 months of continuous engagement (since September 2022)

    Format & Reach:

    • 8 open public meetings hosted by the developer

    • 7 private meetings with immediate neighbors

    • 4 public meetings led by neighborhood civic associations

    • Numerous presentations and working sessions with residents

    • Formation of a joint working group including supporters and opponents

    Professional Support:

    • Canvas Planning, an independent consultant, was hired by the civic associations to help residents evaluate the proposal and negotiate terms with the developer.

  • Through sustained dialogue, we reduced the project’s scope and negotiated over 40 binding conditions that directly reflect community input:

    • Reduced building height, density, and parking

    • Required second access point at Evelyn Street

    • Commitments to traffic safety, urban design, and tree preservation

    • Alignment with the VHCA Master Plan and BeltLine Subarea 6 Master Plan

  • Community Organizations:

    • ✅ Virginia-Highland Civic Association: 9–1 Board vote in support

    • ✅ Morningside-Lenox Park Association: Board vote in support

    • ✅ Highland Park HOA: Voted to support

    NPU Participation:

    • ❌ NPU-F: Vote failed to pass

    • ➖ NPU: Chose not to submit a recommendation

    City Agencies:

    • ✅ Department of City Planning: Recommended approval

  • This engagement reflects the spirit of Atlanta’s NPU system and through robust and diligent process:

    • Democratic input

    • Neighborhood leadership

    • Balanced growth rooted in community priorities

    We believe the Amsterdam Walk redevelopment project represents best practices in civic engagement, and we are proud of the partnerships we’ve formed along the way.