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-, C ITY OF .ATLAN,.T.A CITY HALL ATLANTA. GA. 30303 Tel. 522-4463 Area Code 404 IVAN ALLEN, JR., MAYOR R. EARL LANDERS, Administrative Assistant MRS. ANN M. MOSES, Executive Secretary DAN E. SWEAT, JR., Director of Governmental Liaison May 26, 1967 Mr. Irving K. Kaler, Chairman Community Relations Commission 1203 City Hall Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Dear Mr. Kaler: j ' I I was very surprised to learn that the Community Relations Commission had filed a Vista Project Proposal with the Office of Economic Opportunity for the purpose of providing a "reliable source of information on the various programs having to do with the proposed Model Neighborhood Program in Atlanta." As you know, the Model Neighborhood Program is a project of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Atlanta. A planning grant application was approved by the Board and Mayor on March 6th requesting funds to plan a Model Neighborhood rmder the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966. A key part of this application provides for a Community Relations Coordinator, four Neighborhood Involvement Specialists and twelve Supporting Community Development Aides { citizen planners who will be employed from among the residents of the neighborhood.) A copy of the proposed organization chart is attached. --·1il. The wording of the Community Relations Commission application to OEO ( copy attached) implies:

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,, 1. That information provid e d through the Model City organiz ation might not be "r e liable" . 2. T hat groups must plan "independently" of the City o r M odel City ag e ncy. �May 24, 1967 Mr. Irving K. Kaler, Chairman Community Relations Commission Page Two The Model City proposal was developed with the cooperation of many groups, agencies and individual citizens of the Model City Neighborhood. Citizens of both races were involved. The Mayor's Office and all the agencies and groups involved in the preparation of the application have acted in good faith with all involved. We have attempted to provide reliable, intelligent and honest information on all phases of the program as we have progressed to this stage. We feel that the Model Cities organizational structure as proposed will be able to provide for full involvement and participation for all citizens and groups interested in being a part of the project. It is my opinion that any information group i:1-S proposed, using temporary outside residents such as Vista Volunteers, would tend to increase the confusion and anxiety which might exist in the community. Since the Model Neighborhood Program is being coordinated from the Mayor's Office, it would be helpful if any proposals which might affect the Model Neighborhood Program were discussed with . this office. If we are ever to hope to achieve full communications and coordination among our deprived citizens, we certainly must first be able to have cooperation and understanding among those of us who have been assigned to help. · ' ___P! Please be assured that the Community Relations Commission has the full cooperation of this office at all times . Since r ely your s , Da n E. Sweat Directo r of G o vernmental L i aison DES:lp . / CC: M a yor Ivan A llen» J r . ~ Mrs • .E:liz a P a schall �