FAQs
Why is the Kensington LCI being updated?
The Kensington area has changed since the previous LCI studies were completed. This update will consider current conditions, recent development and planning efforts, transportation and housing needs, market conditions, community priorities, and opportunities for future investment. It will also provide an updated implementation framework so future projects and decisions reflect current needs.
Have decisions already been made about future development?
No. Previous plans and projects provide important background, and some development or public investments may already be planned or underway independently of this study. The Kensington LCI will evaluate current conditions, determine what recommendations still make sense, identify new needs and opportunities, and develop updated recommendations with community and stakeholder input.
Is this the same as MARTA's 2023 Kensington Station Master Plan?
No. The two efforts are related, but they cover different geographic areas. MARTA's 2023 Kensington Station Transit-Oriented Development Master Plan focused primarily on the approximately 35-acre MARTA station property and its redevelopment. The Kensington LCI considers the larger approximately 870-acre study area and looks more broadly at land use, transportation, housing, economic development, public spaces, sustainability, and implementation. The 2023 MARTA plan is one of the important previous plans being considered as part of this study.
Will the study look at the DeKalb County Government Center area?
Yes. The County-owned Government Center property is an important part of the study area and is identified as a potential catalytic opportunity within the Kensington LCI. The study will consider it in relationship to MARTA, surrounding neighborhoods, transportation connections, land use, housing, economic development, and other community needs rather than as an isolated site.
Is this just a transportation plan?
No. Transportation is an important component, particularly because of Kensington MARTA Station and the major roads serving the area, but the Kensington LCI is an integrated land use and transportation plan. The study also addresses housing, economic development, development patterns, public spaces and placemaking, sustainability, and implementation.
Is this a construction project?
Not yet. The Kensington LCI is a planning study. It will identify and prioritize potential projects, policies, and other actions. Some recommendations may be relatively near-term, while others may require additional design, funding, property coordination, agency approvals, or future construction.
How will community input be used?
Community input will be reviewed alongside data, technical analysis, previous plans, and agency coordination. It can help the project team identify issues that deserve closer attention, understand how people experience Kensington today, develop and test potential ideas, refine recommendations, and determine priorities for implementation.
How can I participate?
Use the interactive map, sign up for project updates, attend public meetings and community events, review project materials and draft recommendations, and share project information with your neighbors and community networks.
Who is leading the Kensington LCI?
The DeKalb County Department of Planning & Sustainability is leading the Kensington LCI in coordination with the Atlanta Regional Commission, MARTA, other County departments and partner agencies, community stakeholders, and the project consultant team.