Atlanta's Most Famous Street Considers a Streetcar, But At What Price?

"After months of studies and promotion, the $190-million Peachtree Streetcar project gets its turn in the public spotlight. Touted as the first phase in a 25-year project aimed at revitalizing Atlanta's most famous thoroughfare, critics are questioning the property-tax increase streetcar advocates have in mind to cover the bulk of its cost. If the city council agrees with the idea, commercial and multi-family residential property owners along the proposed route would see a 2-3 millage increase. The owner of a $300,000 condo, for example, would see his or her annual property tax bill increase by $360.

At a time when residents -- tired of long commutes and suburban life -- flock back to an intown Atlanta unprepared for pedestrian lifestyles, will property owners go for it? And what effect will it have on the booming corridor's thousands of affordable housing units?"