The bridge was touted as a connection between downtown and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but it is more a reflection of the city’s misplaced fiscal and planning priorities.

Sean Keenan writes that Atlanta’s Northside Drive pedestrian bridge was a fiscal boondoggle that highlights income inequality in the city. The bridge, which connects the Vine City neighborhood to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, cost about $33 million to construct—$10 million more than initial cost estimates. And the bridge was supposed to be ready for the Super Bowl earlier this year, but it was not open to the public.
Keenan compares the pedestrian bridge to the 5th Street bridge in the Midtown area, which cost just over $10 million in 2004. "The 5th Street bridge repurposed an otherwise 'mediocre swath of concrete spanning the city’s vast Connector' into a complete streets success, replete with green space, seating, bike lanes, and wide sidewalks."
Keenan points out that building a costly pedestrian bridge to the stadium reflects the larger issue of the use of public funds in Atlanta. "Especially this summer, Atlanta has been criticized for prioritizing and subsidizing projects that make life more comfortable for motorists, sometimes at the expense of non-drivers," says Keenan.
FULL STORY: Report: Downtown pedestrian bridge shows city not built to foster equality

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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