Rather than committing to a new direction for urban design, Atlanta is backpedaling on a 'people-friendly' makeover on three blocks of Peachtree Street.
A pedestrian-oriented pilot project on Atlanta's Peachtree Street will soon disappear, despite early promises that the project would "signal 'the beginning of a cultural shift' in terms of how intown public space is utilized," writes Josh Green. "Applauded by urbanists, the initiative was described as the first step toward making that stretch of Peachtree a curbless, permanently shared space."
"Building on an Atlanta City Studio concept from 2018, the initiative installed small removable barriers and verdant planters to open up street lanes for pedestrians, bicyclists, and e-scooter riders, spanning from Baker to Ellis streets in front of marquee hotels and numerous restaurants and office towers." Now, "All planters, signage, wheel stops, and other elements of the planning department’s shared space project will be pulled."
"Sources including downtown residents indicate that Richard Bowers, president of commercial real estate firm Richard Bowers and Co., opposed the changes to Peachtree Street and was influential in the city’s decision to remove shared lanes."
The article notes that the city's planning department and Bowers have not responded to requests for comment. "But Amir Farokhi, Atlanta City Councilor for downtown’s District 2, confirmed the plans and said his efforts to keep the demonstration project in place were ultimately fruitless."
FULL STORY: City plans to remove people-friendly project on Peachtree Street
Houston Road Safety Project at Risk
Mayor Whitmire reversed his support for a planned road safety project that includes lane reductions, putting $40 million in federal funding in jeopardy.
Two Midtown Atlanta Complete Streets Projects to Break Ground in 2024
The projects include new bike lanes, expanded sidewalks, and other Complete Streets infrastructure.
States Have Mixed Feelings on Speed Cameras
While some states and cities are embracing automated traffic enforcement as a tool for improving road safety, others are banning the technology over concerns that the programs are designed for profit rather than public benefit.
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Idaho Data: Unexpected Vehicle Repairs Exacerbate Housing Instability, Eviction Risk
Over 21 percent of clients struggle with transportation barriers.
A Year-Long Investigation On Permanent Supportive Housing
The New York Times reveals what’s working and what’s not in the cornerstone of Housing First.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland