Large-scale adaptive reuse projects like the BeltLine in Atlanta receive praise in many circles. But they can also release a flurry of speculation, severely threatening affordability.
As we saw in July, Atlanta's BeltLine has come under fire for paying scant attention to future housing affordability in its vicinity. Dan Immergluck continues on that vein in Shelterforce, writing that "absent a fundamentally new approach to redevelopment planning that places housing affordability at the center of the process, large-scale sustainable development projects are likely to become engines of what has been termed 'environmental gentrification.'"
The project derives part of its funding from tax increment financing (TIF). "As the BeltLine's principal funding mechanism, the TIF redirects increases in property tax revenues that arise after its establishment to project-related expenses rather than to the regular general revenue budgets of the city, county, or school district."
Immergluck writes that around the BeltLine, property values have already risen substantially, despite the fact that the project isn't set for completion until 2030. "Without addressing affordability well before groundbreaking, there will be far less ability to provide for inclusive development in which affordable housing remains viable in the long run."
FULL STORY: Sustainable for Whom? Large-Scale Sustainable Urban Development Projects and “Environmental Gentrification”
The Atlanta BeltLine Wants to Prevent Displacement of Longtime Residents. Is it Too Late?
A program to pay property-tax increases of nearby homeowners is welcome, but "about ten years too late," one advocate says.
Affordable Housing Funding Reaches New Heights for Beltline Neighborhoods
The city of Atlanta has allocated $11.9 million of its $45 million budget for the Beltline for affordable housing.
An Investigation of Affordable Housing Failure on the Atlanta Beltline
An investigative collaboration between the Georgia News Lab and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has produced a scathing critique of Atlanta Beltline Inc., the organization shepherding one of the nation's most ambitious public works projects.
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