A long time ago in a previous design office, I made the mistake of engaging a light rail fanatic in a debate about whether Peachtree Street in Atlanta should be adorned with a light rail line. The debate turned into a protracted email diatribe about the pros and cons of light rail and whether this specific idea made any sense.
A long time ago in a previous design office, I made the mistake of engaging a light rail fanatic in a debate about whether Peachtree Street in Atlanta should be adorned with a light rail line. The debate turned into a protracted email diatribe about the pros and cons of light rail and whether this specific idea made any sense. Imagine my surprise when I learned this week that there is in fact a proposal for a new light rail line along Peachtree Streets.
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against light rail. In fact, I have been pro light rail on many occasions and see its inherent benefits. Transforming Peachtree Street into a "world class corridor" is a must and I have no doubt that adding streetcars would add an allure to the streetscape it currently lacks.
But Peachtree Street has rail in many locations. Granted it's underground and underutilized, but this infrastructure remains a potential asset that could be creatively imprinted on the street surface. The article does not even mention MARTA's existing line.
More importantly, I would hope that any transit investment on this magnitude would pick up on one of the City's most unique assets - its adjacent neighborhoods. As someone who used to live in one of these areas, I remember vividly that what I truly wanted was an option, on occasion, to not drive in Atlanta. Wouldn't light rail be better suited to connect these neighborhoods to Peachtree Street? (The proposed Beltine in Atlanta holds a lot of promise in this regard) It will be interesting to see the study's final report due out in March.

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.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Massachusetts Budget Helps Close MBTA Budget Gap
The budget signed by Gov. Maura Healey includes $470 million in MBTA funding for the next fiscal year.

Milwaukee Launches Vision Zero Plan
Seven years after the city signed its Complete Streets Policy, the city is doubling down on its efforts to eliminate traffic deaths.

Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance
The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
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
