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.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie