In a move that will enable the $350 million redevelopment of Underground Atlanta, the city has agreed to hand over ownership and control of public streets to the developer.
"The city's decision to give several streets near Underground Atlanta to WRS Real Estate, the South Carolina-based developer lined up to purchase and redevelop the shopping mall, rubbed a lot of folks the wrong way," reports Thomas Wheatley.
In an article from earlier in December, Wheatley explains the details of the deal between the city and WRS Real Estate. Underground Atlanta is a $350 million redevelopment project, and the developers will own and control the streets crossing through the mixed-use project.
More reporting on the deal to sign over city streets to WRS Real Estate is available from Lean Stafford from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Maria Saporta from the Saporta Report.
The focus of the more recent article by Wheatley, however, is the pragmatic response of advocates concerned about the city's decision. Namely, drinking beer. Specifically, the urbanism advocacy group Thread ATL, is hosting a fundraiser at the Georgia Beer Garden to generate funding for an expected court case.
FULL STORY: Want to help save some Downtown streets? Have a beer.
Free Parking in Atlanta, To Punish Privatized Meter Readers
The Atlanta City Council voted unanimously to approve a 30-day moratorium on enforcing the city's privately managed parking meters.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
How Atlanta Built 7,000 Housing Units in 3 Years
The city’s comprehensive, neighborhood-focused housing strategy focuses on identifying properties and land that can be repurposed for housing and encouraging development in underserved neighborhoods.
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.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service