Paul Laseter of the Bolton Neighborhood is looking for support to help vote down a rezoning item on the NPU-D meeting tomorrow.
“I am hoping you might share this issue with your neighbors in the hopes that some feel inclined to attend and vote down an issue that I am sure affects your neighborhood as well.
LaDawn Rezoning Issues Summary
The current property owner, Clayburne Condominium Association, is facing maintenance and repair costs and seeks to sell or develop its land to offset those expenses. The proposed project would rezone the property from R-4 (Single-Family Residential) to PD-H (Planned Development–Housing) to allow higher density. A nearly identical proposal was voted down in June.
Key Concerns
- Density and Traffic Impacts
- The site could support 20+ single-family or two-family homes under existing R-4 zoning—no rezoning is required.
- The PD-H request serves primarily to increase density for the developer’s benefit, not the community’s.
- Approving this rezoning would set a precedent for denser infill projects that erode single-family character and increase traffic on La Dawn Lane.
- Traffic and property value declines are already evident along Bolton Road.
- Anne Street offers a viable right-of-way to redirect traffic toward Marietta Boulevard and away from La Dawn.
- Displacement and Housing Affordability
- The proposal would remove two attainable single-family homes in a neighborhood dominated by such housing. The project proposes to add $600,000 while nearby townhome projects are not complete and sit vacant.
- Comparable multifamily developments, such as Bridgeside Apartments is zoned R-G (low-density residential) and has a lower density than this project.
- No affordable or attainable housing commitments have been included to preserve neighborhood diversity.
- Financial and Ethical Concerns
- The rezoning and land sale would financially benefit current property owners by offsetting association costs, while the broader neighborhood bears lasting traffic and density impacts.
- Campaign finance disclosures show donations by the property owners and developer to City Council and ZRB members in June and October. While legal, the timing raises concerns about impartiality.
Conclusion
Rezoning is not necessary to address the Association’s financial needs. Reasonable alternatives—such as improving Anne Street access or incorporating affordable housing—could achieve balance without altering neighborhood character.
The NPU-D voted to deny the rezoning in June.
Council member Dustin Hillis has stated he follows NPU-D recommendations in 99% of cases.
Residents are encouraged to attend the virtual NPU-D meeting on Tuesday, October 28, and vote to deny the rezoning.
Agendas for monthly NPU meetings are posted on our website.
NPU Directory and NPU Meeting Information | Atlanta, GA (atlantaga.gov)
DATE: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
TIME: 7:30 PM
LOCATION: Virtual
To register in advance, click here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEucu2upzgvGNRkuGmiYcE2akuYMkFc1av-#/registration
Meeting ID: 953 5469 3520
Dial-In: +1 646-558-8656
Access code: 95354693520#