Checking in on the status of negotiations for the redevelopment of Fort McPherson's 488 acres of rolling hills, historic buildings, and a lake, among much more, the Saporta Report argues that Atlanta has been far too accommodating.
Maria Saporta pens an op-ed decrying a potential deal that would allow entertainment mogul Tyler Perry to locate Tyler Perry Studios on two-thirds of the grounds at Fort McPherson in Atlanta.
Saporta is highly skeptical of Mayor Kasim Reed's support for the deal, pushing the McPherson Implementing Local Redevelopment Authority (MILRA) "to give Perry what he wants":
"That is how Atlanta has ended up with what may become known as one of the worst transactions in the city’s history. Perry is getting 330 acres for $30 million (a bargain by any measure), and he is getting the fort’s prime real estate."
As evidence of the "precious little in return" the city will get in the deal Saporta asks the following questions and others:
- "Has the city set a height restriction on how high a wall or fence Tyler Perry can build around his 330 acres to keep people out?"
- "What guarantees exist that Perry will maintain the historic properties on the site?"
- "[W]hat kind of job guarantees will Tyler Perry provide, and how many will be local residents?"
Saporta goes on to point out more of the risks involved in diving in headfirst with Tyler Perry, and offers a strategic, master planning effort led by the Integral Group in redeveloping a 165-acre Doraville GM plant as an alternative way of doing land use business.
FULL STORY: Fort McPherson-Tyler Perry deal not in the city’s best interest
New Plans Take Shape for Atlanta's Fort McPherson
The land adjacent to Tyler Perry Studios will be developed into an entertainment district with offices, restaurants, and retail.
Mixed-Use Project Planned for Southeast Atlanta Neighborhood
A nonprofit-led housing development will include 72 housing units and retail space.
The Winners and Losers of Atlanta’s Transformation
The city has reinvented itself in many ways, but its residents are not reaping those benefits equally.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
Indy Bikeshare System Turns 10, Expands to E-Bikes
Pacers Bikeshare riders logged over 700,000 rides since the system launched in 2014.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
New York’s Deadliest Neighborhoods for Pedestrians
Pedestrian deaths rose last year, but remain below pre-2020 levels.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.
