[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6257720,"mediaKeyId","3152569-15aea81d298ef265debef837df275552","parentId",3152569,"title","Council approves $4.5 million city donation for new gym at Chastain Park under MOU with Northside Youth Organization","audioSeconds",187,"startMs",7161000,"endMs",7348000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3152569-15aea81d298ef265debef837df275552&start=7161&end=7348","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3152569-15aea81d298ef265debef837df275552/thumbnail_7161000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6257720/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Council-approves-45-million-city-donation-for-new-gym-at-Chastain-Park-under-MOU-with-Northside-Youth-Organization","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257720-aee5b2cc3d08b8f1822b4a52ed97767b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147640&Signature=ex5WwNb1~a7W4d7vQJpUrL8sS6UN28BuDKTNLdidzwt0IsuT8j8ybIoSwXtjGxS4JRJ~UqYxwdi3kKeTLpN27FLx7ZPBJF~XZeybMv086ujXHCLoRXChG36zzVBV2~P9XdAFOTEHrC~o7ztBGehqk9L2aw6q7ccS2sMykZuPPCPNofO8SqAdzjOAV9G7CUFsrtiBjRzecN8u2vNWsa2FhxTLsMpI9Z5mHAAGXZlppW2Pp2pIfiEyY8GiZFLaou-3pIzWEf-jBhG1yJZWgIFODDwWUD191kC9UFaJi35ZI2GGR11SWv7VjagX4-cDaPFcEKqm4p8Q~B9Iu5kFubA5Fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-30T03:01:57.417Z","article","The City of Atlanta approved an MOU and a city donation of up to $4.5 million in park improvement funds to the Northside Youth Organization (NYO) to support construction of a new gym at Chastain Park.

Deputy Commissioner Rachel Meyer of the Department of Parks and Recreation told the council NYO has provided youth athletic programming for more than 70 years and serves roughly 5,000 youth annually. Under the agreement, NYO will construct and maintain the gym, offer community benefits including free baseball clinics and scholarships, and dedicate hours in the new facility for city programming.

Meyer said the $4.5 million city donation will be matched by approximately $14.5 million in philanthropic dollars raised by NYO. The department attempted two RFPs to select a gym constructor but was unable to secure a bidder; the MOU and donation were presented as an expedient path to completion while codifying NYO’s obligations and timelines.

Councilmember Matt Westmoreland moved to amend the legislation to add Councilmember Norwood’s name as cosponsor; the amendment passed and the council then approved the MOU and donation as amended. The final vote was 7‑0 in favor.

The MOU term includes a five‑year initial term with one five‑year renewal option; NYO will be responsible for regular maintenance and community‑facing programming obligations spelled out in the agreement.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","#Atlanta City Council Community Development/Human Services Committee Meeting April 29, 2025 #atlpol","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved a memorandum of understanding and a city donation of up to $4.5 million from park impact fees to support construction of a new gym at Chastain Park; the nonprofit Northside Youth Organization will match with approximately $14.5 million in philanthropic funds and operate youth programming.","taxTitle","Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia","taxId",2959,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6257725,"Tree caucus urges stronger preservation standards and funding in pending Atlanta ordinance",4306,1208000,5514000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3152569-15aea81d298ef265debef837df275552&start=1208&end=5514","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3152569-15aea81d298ef265debef837df275552/thumbnail_1208000.jpg","/articles/6257725/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Tree-caucus-urges-stronger-preservation-standards-and-funding-in-pending-Atlanta-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257725-3beb318fc5d042dd58788d5c24a91c18/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147640&Signature=ZUjUKPLlWFatHgKwOo1YylEJmeAvFj75C8yWXDogaGZmRAlCh8S9a1Ju6uyuYaZiqeCJ29XMGG8q7cu8BdfOrxILWrzFhT34yd-0euw4eBnRmJq2qUR5xs4Z07pAOyPij34epveMKLTTSSLyD3hBF1EVs8iJLB28KsoNLZu2ALJ05DRgDnT4NTEzHMCe-6JNAoV-3pCUjxbhEdfHpURCzmjqw4zqgtnsw5pOp2VGbzKcY~Xcl29q2h8TqObfNjHfsoD1yhug~syUYcLmaWvPVLndnp~ILZZUvsNc2D6ZCnwhJjBQXXggK3O8UA703POsJ7Bjm11EA3gXCuuLvJH6EQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of Atlanta’s tree caucus and a preservation working group urged council members to ensure the draft tree ordinance closes five gaps they say have caused poorer outcomes in prior rules and would worsen tree loss if left unchanged.

Dalil Anthony, speaking for the tree caucus that collaborated on a draft ordinance last year, said the version released by the city in January could be ‘‘a rather herculean task’’ to implement and argued it will require additional staff to administer a preservation standard effectively. ‘‘If this tree ordinance goes through with any 1 of those 5 gaps unclosed, then it’s guaranteed that the new tree preservation ordinance will be worse than what we currently have,’’ Anthony said.

Anthony told the committee the caucus welcomes a work session scheduled for Thursday and urged the city to prioritize forward progress that preserves and replants trees rather than rolling back protections. Councilmembers discussed logistics for a public work session, and one requested a redline copy of proposed edits before the session so stakeholders could compare drafts.

The city’s planning staff and other parties were preparing to review the draft and host a work session; no substitute ordinance or final vote occurred during the meeting.","Members of a tree preservation working group told the council a draft tree ordinance contains five gaps that would lead to more trees removed and fewer plantings; they warned implementation could require additional staff and tree‑fund resources.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6257729,"Flood‑victim says Atlanta permitting delays and lack of FEMA participation hamper rebuilding after Hurricane Helene",178,992000,1170000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3152569-15aea81d298ef265debef837df275552&start=992&end=1170","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3152569-15aea81d298ef265debef837df275552/thumbnail_992000.jpg","/articles/6257729/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Floodvictim-says-Atlanta-permitting-delays-and-lack-of-FEMA-participation-hamper-rebuilding-after-Hurricane-Helene","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257729-e5545c271b9e059b2574999681a9dc74/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147640&Signature=aBJq-ZIF6FTEFgPPxWSrCmMuQIf5op2XXrmk7sliSxb17L6gLIbheOCbQx4ZLp7V9ZT7PFTHemEaAiDsJVXEJFlyHPR~MZnpfPBI1D3c0~xqVl3oU00EtsqenUiR6~tMKYrLZuErPf1Lijeer0d8GQs-RX0zlkxfBQC82gzWs1V7gQKW6EeFKj4bYQBjx9bugNB9WbVQoga69Egxo2UwRu-DJrY0MfqBawIBkesFTLh7JJX9FtpyPrVKSLUi0kZtJgSwytJkfw2XaHnnI~2~HVRyvtESVlJ~9k0Ga8Ktg1hnkM4cF4o6OfW-kFUSOLJgXiT7pUxtkZF-FC7Cz~rV8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A speaker at public comment described extensive permitting delays after Hurricane Helene and asked why the city had not participated in federal rebuilding grants that could help flood victims.

\"On September 27, my home was destroyed by hurricane Helene,\" Nancy Chaney told council members. She said her family was trapped during the storm and that she has since faced long delays and inconsistent guidance in the city’s permitting process.

Chaney said she submitted a permit application on March 24 and learned more than a month later that a variance would be required to elevate the house because it sits in a flood plain; she said the later determination sets back the permitting timeline by months and increases personal cost. She told the council she had been assessed roughly $5,500 in fines for non‑permitted tree work even as she waits on permitting for flood repairs.

Chaney said she has spoken with a contact at Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) about federal grants available for flood rebuilding and told the council she believes the city is not participating in those programs. She asked: why are codes being selectively enforced, why is there not a rapid process for conflicting rules, why are federal funds not being used, and what is the city doing to help hurricane victims?

A council member offered to put her in touch with planning staff; Chaney said she has been \"going round and round in circles\" with city offices and sought more direct contact. The council did not take immediate action during the meeting; staff from the planning department were expected later on the agenda and a council member said staff contact information could be provided following the meeting.

Chaney framed her remarks as questions to the committee and requested the city explain permitting timelines, variance triggers and whether the city will enroll in federal recovery grants.","A resident whose home was destroyed in Hurricane Helene said the city's permitting and variance process has delayed repairs and that the city is not participating in federal grants that could help flood victims, asking council members for answers.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6257734,"ACVB reports record visitation in 2024, outlines World Cup 2026 planning and risks",578,2142000,2720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3152569-15aea81d298ef265debef837df275552&start=2142&end=2720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3152569-15aea81d298ef265debef837df275552/thumbnail_2142000.jpg","/articles/6257734/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/ACVB-reports-record-visitation-in-2024-outlines-World-Cup-2026-planning-and-risks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257734-18a9ec831d89c225fad9cf08f415a5f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147640&Signature=FeDNyhzQPkg9CzPPb2rWHcVCNbe02i~hrEZLidaGWFaD4k8xhiwFOP5PeJGpbRt1fNSlUPTKh7YwF~duJqSQD6GalJNh2QdjfCwt35S3wWWr6fvWpS8GlI2T8SWLeRZUSCCroJHWKnyKLkefCucDazcjduf9lBf1NXy0ISydI-bBQx3tZs~FA9F7IcKX69Th2qY28qgXRRjQEzO5UOuN1qU5w~ZSxBMOjcp8x14LM7oVhEmh5e7Xvmv0G4Id1vnCH-x6yzL72smMLXtix2SEKtF2ZQmVucsAmlCxW5HGoF3ImMzcjAyHfwEwVSQ7G2hup0B0YoEUveB9j8F9-jZbcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB) told council members that visitation and visitor spending in metro Atlanta hit new highs in 2024, and outlined plans and risks tied to major upcoming sporting events — notably the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

\"We welcomed 51,000,000 visitors metro wide ... and we set a record, $20,000,000,000, in visitor spending,\" William Pate, ACVB president and CEO, told the council during a quarterly update. Pate said hospitality supports roughly 310,000 jobs in Metro Atlanta.

Pate warned that while conventions still choose Atlanta, average attendance per convention is trending downward nationally and some international inbound travel — notably from Canada — is down about 25 percent, which creates headwinds.

The ACVB said it is shifting emphasis to the mid‑market convention segment where Atlanta ranks lower and sees growth opportunity. The bureau has raised its sales goal 25 percent and reported first‑quarter figures that exceeded the revised goal by 15 percent.

Dan Corsos of the Atlanta Sports Council briefed the committee on the city’s role as a FIFA World Cup 2026 host city. Atlanta will host eight matches at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, including five group‑stage games and a semifinal on July 15; the final will be in New York because Mercedes‑Benz Stadium does not meet FIFA’s minimum 80,000‑seat requirement for the final.

Corsos said broadcast kickoff windows are expected to be noon, 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern but FIFA will announce match draws and exact schedules in December, when host‑city planning will intensify. He urged neighborhoods and businesses to prepare themed activations tied to visiting countries once draws are released.

Speakers emphasized transit coordination: ACVB and the sports council noted MARTA and the Georgia World Congress Center campus as critical partners, and suggested a Centennial Olympic Park fan fest with Showcase Atlanta to maximize local business participation.

Pate also highlighted tourism marketing and reputational challenges at the national level, including recent leadership changes at BrandUSA and fluctuations in international visitation. He noted the Michelin Guide’s impact on local restaurants and said Michelin‑listed restaurants have reported significant increases in business.","Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau reported 51 million metro visitors and $20 billion in spending for 2024, outlined strategies to grow mid‑market conventions, and updated World Cup 2026 planning including eight matches at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and coordination needs with MARTA and Showcase Atlanta.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6257738,"Mayor’s homelessness task force issues 45‑day update; proposes tightened SOPs for encampment closures",687,2085000,2772000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3152569-15aea81d298ef265debef837df275552&start=2085&end=2772","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3152569-15aea81d298ef265debef837df275552/thumbnail_2085000.jpg","/articles/6257738/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Mayors-homelessness-task-force-issues-45day-update-proposes-tightened-SOPs-for-encampment-closures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257738-0e66114138e898319bfbd7118fa282b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147640&Signature=N~fkZIM8omvoQI0xJ64D-F8HdbYShYBYTpHvs862bJNKZRh140ReNORmUkbbpjYpCCXtfNgsThdMim~D5A-CeH8L~mT1kXW058nw4ae-U0UVaWVqf5rKXieZe3DgjF8JvMj7BenVjIyAZ06Wpnc8DUfju2bSouhuk7R4SZT7qMnwXG~eZvJbBwqafZV4mc9VzHdI96oM5oZdUUz4X-7YNcYnyeP5sh0xpF-vF~6UOJaqXo57ZOIb5iDIzEEzozrCaSLYxwUwH~-cc1xs7-TGBMPQ8mquFblAWeKeIzZCFaRJWmFG~yz4yytiig0lWGA4R3cAKpE5nOvjKWOocySffw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The city’s homelessness task force gave a 45‑day update to the council, reporting new standard operating procedures intended to reduce safety risks during encampment decommissioning and improve interagency coordination.

Chateka Ellison, presenting the report, said the task force — composed of some 36 organizations across city departments, service providers, clergy and grassroots groups — identified gaps in shelter capacity, coordination and resource distribution. ‘‘The current homelessness strategy lacks holistic oversight and coordination,’’ Ellison said.

Among the operational changes the task force proposed are a multilayered, day‑of clearance process: an outreach visual confirmation followed by an outreach knock check accompanied by an Atlanta Police Department officer; tent tagging to show a knock check occurred; use of thermal sensors by fire recruits to confirm vacancy without opening tents; removal of tents by hand or with smaller equipment where possible; then a DPW/contractor clearance of larger debris and a final mayor’s‑office sign‑off.

Ellison said the team is aiming to produce a final SOP for adoption at the 90‑day report and that the task force will continue subcommittee meetings on standards, medical and mental‑health needs, prevention and diversion, and alternative shelter models. ‘‘It is our hope that by the 90 day, we have a final document that can be approved by you all to be implemented with the city,’’ she said.

Council members pressed for more inclusion of council offices representing affected districts and asked about resource constraints. Deputy Chief of Staff Theo Pace said the administration welcomes participation from any council member and noted the legislation that formed the task force identified the council’s CDHS chair as the council representative. Ellison acknowledged resource limitations across the provider network and said the task force will prioritize feasible, sustainable measures and ‘‘stand up what is here before starting too many new programs.’’

The task force scheduled further core meetings, with one publicized for May 6 at the MLK Recreation Center, and plans to deliver a full 90‑day report in June.

The report contains no binding funding decisions; it sets operational direction and recommends further study and coordination to build an implementation plan.","The city’s homelessness task force reported steps to standardize outreach and encampment decommissioning, including day-of checks with outreach teams and APD, tent tagging, thermal sensors and final mayoral sign-off. The task force will refine recommendations ahead of a 90‑day report.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves $4.5 million city donation for new gym at Chastain Park under MOU with Northside Youth Organization

Tree caucus urges stronger preservation standards and funding in pending Atlanta ordinance

Flood‑victim says Atlanta permitting delays and lack of FEMA participation hamper rebuilding after Hurricane Helene

ACVB reports record visitation in 2024, outlines World Cup 2026 planning and risks

Mayor’s homelessness task force issues 45‑day update; proposes tightened SOPs for encampment closures