Atlanta's Most Famous Street Considers a Streetcar, But At What Price?

A streetcar has been proposed for Pechtree Street in Atlanta, but with the bulk of project's funding to come from a tax hike along the streetcar's route, some are concerned that gathering political support will be difficult.

1 minute read

January 15, 2008, 8:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"After months of studies and promotion, the $190-million Peachtree Streetcar project gets its turn in the public spotlight. Touted as the first phase in a 25-year project aimed at revitalizing Atlanta's most famous thoroughfare, critics are questioning the property-tax increase streetcar advocates have in mind to cover the bulk of its cost. If the city council agrees with the idea, commercial and multi-family residential property owners along the proposed route would see a 2-3 millage increase. The owner of a $300,000 condo, for example, would see his or her annual property tax bill increase by $360.

At a time when residents -- tired of long commutes and suburban life -- flock back to an intown Atlanta unprepared for pedestrian lifestyles, will property owners go for it? And what effect will it have on the booming corridor's thousands of affordable housing units?"

Thanks to Dale Coburn

Wednesday, January 9, 2008 in Creative Loafing

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

A swamp in South Carolina with tall pale trees and Spanish moss in the water.

Satanic place names

From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.

October 31 - The Daily Yonder

A rendering of a high speed rain station in California, with wide platforms and a sleep train with yellow highlights.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal

Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.

October 30 - Cal Matters

 A bridge stretches across the Missouri River at Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states

Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.

October 30 - South Dakota Searchlight