Atlanta Streetcar May Not Be Desired

The busiest section of metro Atlanta may be set for a billion dollar makeover. City officials met on Monday, March 26^th to discuss plans for a transformation of the area known as the Peachtree Corridor. The biggest part of the plan includes streetcars which will run approximately 14 miles from Fort McPherson, all the way to the Brookhaven area, which lies to the north. But the proposed project is causing some concern...

The Peachtree Corridor Renovations...

The Peachtree Corridor task force reports that nearly a billion dollars will be spent on the transformation of this section of Atlanta. The overall plan itself was developed in an effort to make the downtown area more pedestrian and commuter-friendly. According to the proposal, a streetcar route would be placed near heavy tourist attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, the Martin Luther King Center, and others. Additionally, bike lanes and wider sidewalks would also be added.

Officials believe that by adding the additional lanes and pedestrian areas, the city will be better able to accommodate the rapid growth that is expected over the next few years. Considered the "social and economic spine" of Atlanta, the Peachtree Corridor's renovation has been illustrated in a detailed computer animation which has been broadcast on metro Atlanta's local news stations. The animation depicts what "Peachtree" (what is now called Peachtree Street/Road) will look like with the wider sidewalks, bike lanes, and of course, the streetcars-which will occupy both sides of the street. But the price tag on these massive plans has some in the city concerned.

Problems With the Streetcar Plan?

A combination of corporate, state, federal and city funds are expected to subsidize the extensive project. The major point of contention however, is the increase of property taxes along this section of the city. John Sherman, head of the Fulton County Taxpayers Foundation, who lives in a high rise condominium on Peachtree Road, is not too pleased with the proposed budget. He states:

"Our taxes for a 2-bedroom apartment are approximately $10,000 a year...To go up (close to) 10 percent for street widening and sidewalks and a bus would be very difficult for me to afford."

He further admits that he doesn't believe there is a proven demand for the street cars. But the Peachtree Corridor task force argues that property owners in the area will benefit from the project in the long run, since property values are expected to increase tremendously. Supporters of the plan maintain that the property value increase will far surpass the actual cost of the project. However, John Sherman and his organization plan to actively voice their opposition at future public hearings.