The infusion of $1.1 million in federal funding helps move the project along, but the total cost remains far beyond the city’s current budget.
A proposed freeway cap over Atlanta’s Downtown Connector dubbed The Stitch is one recipient of the recently announced first round of the federal Reconnecting Communities grants, reports Josh Green in Urbanize Atlanta.
While the $1.1 million grant is only a small part of the total funding needed for the project, which is estimated at $713 million, it will be put toward engineering work, Green explains. “The Stitch, if fully realized, would be nearly as large as 16-acre Rodney Cook Sr. Park, located in Vine City on the flipside of downtown. It’s one of three major highway-capping proposals in the city currently in fundraising mode. The others are Buckhead’s HUB404 and the largest (but now smaller) Midtown Connector concept.”
The Stitch could be completed, at the earliest, in 2032. “As of November, the city, ADID, and federal government officials had channeled about $15 million toward making The Stitch a reality. Other potential funding sources could include philanthropy and mechanisms such as tax allocation districts.”
More on The Stitch:
FULL STORY: Downtown's 'Stitch' concept scores another boost of federal cash
Atlanta Launches Website for Highway Cap Project
Residents can view plans for the 14-acre project that include public plazas and green spaces connecting local landmarks, employment centers, and transit stations.
Take a Look at Midtown Atlanta's Proposed Freeway Cap Park
Inspiration for the cause of putting a 25-acre park on top of a 14-lane freeway.
Atlanta Weighs 'Midtown Connector' Freeway Cap
The billion-dollar project would create a 25-acre park and 3.5 miles of new bike and pedestrian routes.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)