Could you find a home in Sandy Springs if you were starting out today? If you wanted to downsize, could you stay near the people and places you know? Could someone who works here afford to live closer to their job?
Those questions belong in the conversation about Sandy Springs’ future. This Thursday, October 29, from 6–8 p.m. at City Springs, residents have another opportunity to help shape the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Recreation & Parks Master Plan.
Why your input matters now
The City calls this planning effort The Next Chapter. The plans will guide decisions about housing, growth, transportation, parks and public investment for years to come.
The process is moving from identifying community priorities toward developing policies and preliminary recommendations. This is a useful time to ask what those recommendations could mean for your household and neighborhood, and to explain what you need planners to consider.
Bring a concern you want the City to address and ask how the emerging recommendations would respond.
What housing choices would help you stay?
At the August meetings, residents considered housing choices and affordability alongside walkability, tree canopy and river access.
Housing ideas included smaller homes such as cottages, duplexes and quadplexes; accessory dwelling units; and possible affordability requirements in some new multi-unit developments. These were approaches for discussion, not adopted policies.
The value of those ideas depends on the needs they would meet. A smaller home might allow an older neighbor to downsize without leaving Sandy Springs. More housing options could help a young family find its first home or give a local employee a shorter commute.
What options are missing for you or someone you know? What would make it easier to keep calling Sandy Springs home as your needs change?
Our recap of the August meetings explains the ideas in more detail. You do not need to read it before attending.
What to expect Thursday
The workshop will begin with a brief presentation on progress and themes from earlier public input. Interactive activities will then invite feedback on policy direction and preliminary recommendations. City staff and the planning team will be available to answer questions and hear your ideas.
Whether you rent or own, attended an earlier meeting or are joining for the first time, you have a perspective to contribute. You do not need planning expertise. You know what it is like to find housing, get to work or move around your neighborhood.
Bring one experience and one question
Before Thursday, think of one thing you want planners to understand about daily life here. These questions can help you get started:
What kind of home would help you or a family member stay in Sandy Springs?
Where would a sidewalk, safer crossing or better connection make everyday trips easier?
What should the City consider so future housing serves people at different income levels and stages of life?
Be specific when you can. Instead of saying only that housing costs too much, describe who is struggling to find a home and what option is missing. A personal experience can help explain why a planning goal matters.
At Sandy Springs Together, we welcome the focus on housing choice and affordability. Your experience can help show what those goals should mean in practice.
Make plans to attend, and invite a neighbor to come with you.
Thursday, October 29 | 6–8 p.m.
City Springs | 1 Galambos Way