Would the NPU system work in Dekalb? (Atlanta, Jackson: neighborhoods, quality of life)

[arjay57]

One of the great legacies of Maynard Jackson was his creation of the NPU system back in 1974.

The NPUs have become a powerful vehicle for citizens to play a direct role in city planning, public safety and other quality of life concerns.

I know that part of Atlanta's pitch to Emory was that if they are annexed into the city they'd become part of an NPU, with a more direct and formalized line of input to government.

That got me thinking about whether an NPU-like system could be implemented for unincorporated DeKalb (or other counties, for that matter).

Would that help with balkanization and new city formation issues? In my opinion the NPUs have been valuable in making diverse sections of the COA feel like they had a voice in how the city operates.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by arjay57

One of the great legacies of Maynard Jackson was his creation of the NPU system back in 1974.

The NPUs have become a powerful vehicle for citizens to play a direct role in city planning, public safety and other quality of life concerns.

I know that part of Atlanta's pitch to Emory was that if they are annexed into the city they'd become part of an NPU, with a more direct and formalized line of input to government.

That got me thinking about whether an NPU-like system could be implemented for unincorporated DeKalb (or other counties, for that matter).

Would that help with balkanization and new city formation issues? In my opinion the NPUs have been valuable in making diverse sections of the COA feel like they had a voice in how the city operates.

NPUs are a powerful vehicle for citizens to play a direct role. They are also a powerful force for Nimbyism. I think that is the absolute worst thing about Atlanta city government. One citizen, even against the wishes of his neighbors, can bog down almost anything. Net result is that everything is more expensive and its more difficult for small businesses and entities. Ultimately and ironically, the rich and connected have more power.

[red92s]

Originally Posted by bu2

NPUs are a powerful vehicle for citizens to play a direct role. They are also a powerful force for Nimbyism. I think that is the absolute worst thing about Atlanta city government. One citizen, even against the wishes of his neighbors, can bog down almost anything. Net result is that everything is more expensive and its more difficult for small businesses and entities. Ultimately and ironically, the rich and connected have more power.

Disagree. In most instances the planning department and city council can totally ignore votes and decisions made on the NPU-level if they so choose. I'd say a far more common scenario is that things are approved by the city even after being rejected at both the neighborhood and NPU level.

[arjay57]

NPUs don't have veto power, nor should they.

However, when they take a stand and the city overrides them, it is clear that the city's political apparatus is acting contrary to the community's wishes.

On occasion that may be necessary or justified, but if it happens too often the political apparatus may change. It's pretty hard to stay elected at the local level if you are constantly running over your voter's preferences.

[AcidSnake]

I wouldn't be opposed to an NPU format for unincorporated Dekalb.

It just might encourage more people to become activist-minded for their neighborhoods.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by red92s

Disagree. In most instances the planning department and city council can totally ignore votes and decisions made on the NPU-level if they so choose. I'd say a far more common scenario is that things are approved by the city even after being rejected at both the neighborhood and NPU level.

But the point is that you have to hire consultants and spend the time to go through the NPU process. I know people who had to spend $15,000 and a year for something minor simply because of ONE person in the neighborhood. Pretty much everyone else was in favor of it. But he forced it to go through the whole process.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by bu2

But the point is that you have to hire consultants and spend the time to go through the NPU process. I know people who had to spend $15,000 and a year for something minor simply because of ONE person in the neighborhood. Pretty much everyone else was in favor of it. But he forced it to go through the whole process.

That is ridiculous but it's hardly typical of the NPU system. They approve the vast majority of applications, as does the city.

It must have been one determined jerk (or some mighty weak neighbors and NPU leaders) if he could overwhelm the entire community that way. The NPUs I've seen operate by majority vote and Robert's Rules.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by arjay57

That is ridiculous but it's hardly typical of the NPU system. They approve the vast majority of applications, as does the city.

It must have been one determined jerk (or some mighty weak neighbors and NPU leaders) if he could overwhelm the entire community that way. The NPUs I've seen operate by majority vote and Robert's Rules.

You are missing the point. The NPU approved it. But you had to go through the whole process anyway. And its a very time-consuming, expensive process.

I was struck by the limited number of independent businesses I saw in Atlanta when I first moved here. Most places are chains, even if they are local chains (for example Concentrics Restaurants-which has about a dozen different local restaurants including Two Urban Licks and Parish). I think the NPU system contributes to that. You need deep pockets.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by bu2

You are missing the point. The NPU approved it. But you had to go through the whole process anyway. And its a very time-consuming, expensive process.

I was struck by the limited number of independent businesses I saw in Atlanta when I first moved here. Most places are chains, even if they are local chains (for example Concentrics Restaurants-which has about a dozen different local restaurants including Two Urban Licks and Parish). I think the NPU system contributes to that. You need deep pockets.

What's so complicated?

To get the NPU's recommendation, all the applicant does is show up for a 5 minute meeting and present the same information they've put in their application to the city. The NPU meetings are scheduled so that they don't delay the LRB hearings. That 5 minute meeting is "the whole process" with the NPU. They recommend approval of the vast majority of such applications.

The only applications I can think of that run into static are those where the facility is operating outside the law. Well run places like Concentric zip through without a ripple.