Letter to the Editor: Council Candidate Salma Ahmed's Vision for Roswell

My vision for the is one that builds upon our existing foundation with healthy, viable neighborhoods, more employment opportunities, improved transportation and infrastructure, better schools and safety for our families.

I have a specific plan to accomplish this and I have the knowledge and experience to execute it. A strong economic base is necessary for the city to continue with the programs, parks and special events we love while strengthening our neighborhoods and schools. If we want Roswell to remain a thriving city with a small town atmosphere, we have to be proactive now and make Roswell the place for businesses to want to relocate to and stay. 

I propose to create an independent Development Authority that will focus on relocating larger companies to Roswell and to foster the redevelopment of blighted areas. Redevelopment of our blighted areas can include transportation infrastructure improvements and buffer zones that will help the surrounding neighborhoods to revitalize, while addressing the crime issues that have become endemic to some of these areas. Gang activity is now a part of our school systems and a drag on our social services.

Relocation of large businesses into these areas will produce additional tax revenues for the City and new, well paying jobs. New, well paying jobs mean a greater demand for housing, thereby helping our home values to stabilize. Studies have shown that large companies are drawn to areas with strong school ratings. If we do not redevelop these areas and our schools continue to degrade, we will lose our ability to attract businesses.

From city hall going north to Mansell Road and east toward Ga. 400 is a perfect example of blighted areas in need of redevelopment. There are old apartment complexes that have long passed their prime that sit on large tracts of land and are located close to Ga. 400 making them prime property for redevelopment. Since current zoning does not allow the same density and/or site coverage if the use changes, there is no incentive for changing the status quo. Without change, these areas will continue to be a negative influence on our revenue base and crime and social issues will continue to flourish.

In order to be successful, a Development Authority in Roswell must be able to offer a combination of zoning incentives along with bond financing. I propose a citywide Development Authority that can do both and will focus on these blighted areas such that they can become a part of a stronger, long term economic base for Roswell.

Because I have lived in Roswell for 25 years and have been a real estate developer focusing on projects here in Roswell, I have an excellent understanding of both zoning and development in Roswell. For the last five years I have served on the Fulton County Board of Tax Assessors. I am currently the chair person of the Fulton County Board of Tax Assessors. In this position, I work closely with Development Authorities focused on bringing new businesses to the metro Atlanta area. I have the knowledge and the experience in the methods by which Development Authorities can incentify large businesses to relocate here and will use my experience to set up a Development Authority for Roswell that can accomplish this goal.

Creating a stronger economic base that is good for our neighborhoods is how we can attain our vision and make Roswell an even more desirable place to live.

Salma Ahmed