With some of the nation's longest between-stop distances, MARTA will assess the feasibility of leveraging the densification of intown Atlanta to construct new stations on existing rail lines.
"Nearly three miles separate the Arts Center and Lindbergh rail stations on MARTA's north-south line. In transit terms, that's a vast gap. Most people will walk no more than a half-mile to catch a train or bus, experts say. MARTA's 48-mile rail system has several similar gaps, to the frustration of transit system officials on the lookout for new riders and additional revenue."
"Historically, MARTA has sought to build ridership by expanding its rail lines. But with construction costs at about $100 million per mile, it's an expensive proposition. MARTA officials are now wondering whether there might be a cheaper alternative: Shoe-horning new stations into some of those gaps."
"The MARTA board of directors recently asked staffers to study the concept of building 'infill' stations. But building the new stations could prove difficult. An infill station in the fast-growing area near Hodgson's workplace, for instance, would have to be built either underground or on a bridge spanning I-85. MARTA officials estimate it would cost $175 million to $300 million."
FULL STORY: MARTA studies closing rail gaps

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Adaptive Reuse Will Create Housing in a Suburban Texas Strip Mall
A developer is reimagining a strip mall property as a mixed-use complex with housing and retail.

Study: Anti-Homelessness Laws Don’t Work
Research shows that punitive measures that criminalized unhoused people don’t help reduce homelessness.

In U.S., Urban Gondolas Face Uphill Battle
Cities in Latin America and Europe have embraced aerial transitways — AKA gondolas — as sustainable, convenient urban transport, especially in tricky geographies. American cities have yet to catch up.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont