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Series IV: Planning and Development Committee records, 1957-1973

 Series

Scope and Contents

This series contains committee meeting minutes from the Planning and Development Committee which reviewed and evaluated living conditions in Atlanta neighborhoods to ensure their suitability for citizens. The Planning and Development Committee also took considerations from the Department of Planning and Atlanta-Fulton County Joint Planning Board on urban renewal matters. The committee originally reviewed redevelopment of areas that included Butler Street, Atlanta University Center, Washington-Rawson, Georgia State College (later Georgia State University), and McDaniel Street. Meeting discussions covered revised housing codes, highway and street development, development of housing units, and land incorporation. Minutes include proposed budgets, relocation plans, correspondence, and statements on the status of redevelopment plans. Of particular note are minutes pertaining to the Butler Street Urban Renewal Area project to improve housing and increase greenspaces, plans to redevelop Buttermilk Bottom, and how the construction of the Northeast Expressway (I-85) could affect the residents. This series also includes minutes from the Citizens Advisory Committee that advised the mayor and the Planning and Development Committee on public opinions regarding upcoming renewal projects.

Dates

  • 1957-1973

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Biographical / Historical

In 1955, the Georgia General Assembly adopted the Urban Redevelopment Act, which gave “cities and counties in Georgia specific powers to rehabilitate, conserve or redevelop any defined geographical area that is designated as a "slum area".” The Board of Alderman Zoning Committee, Municipal Planning Board, and Atlanta Housing Authority identified these "slum areas", and investigated and created redevelopment plans. Subsequently the Board of Alderman created the Urban Renewal Committee to address how to improve these areas. In 1964, the committee was restructured as the Urban Renewal Policy Committee, and then in 1965 it became the Planning and Development Committee. The new committee was responsible for reviewing and coordinating long-term plans and programs for Atlanta’s community development, redevelopment, facilities, and improvements. When Atlanta updated its charter in 1974, the committee became the Development Committee. Then in 1982, it became the Bureau of Housing and Development, which was responsible for the development and implementation of housing programs to help low-income and moderate-income Atlantans. The bureau contained divisions of program development, housing development, and redevelopment. In 2003, the committee was renamed the Bureau of Housing and Code Compliance, and then again in 2017 it became the Office of Housing and Community Development.

Extent

1.46 linear ft. (three document cases and one half document case)

Language

From the Collection: English