Beltline Funding Falls Through, Buckhead Library May Be Demolished
So far it’s been a dark day for Atlanta preservation and development.
Literally. This is what it looked like on my way to work this morning.
Funding for the Beltline, Atlanta’s proposed loop of transit, trails, and parks, has fallen through.
One man legal show John Woodham contested the funding mechanism for the Beltline, and the Georgia Supreme Court was like, “Dude, he’s kinda right.”
Problem is, the funding mechanism–the TAD–has become an important revitalization tool for the city of Atlanta. Things like Atlantic Station wouldn’t exist without it.
Either way, it’s by no means clear how this will affect the stretch of the Beltline (supposedly) already under construction near the Wren’s Nest. Look to Fresh Loaf for answers throughout the day.
Next up–Ben Carter, the Streets of Buckhead developer, wants to demolish the Buckhead library.
The Streets of Buckhead is this huge mixed use project going up across town. The developers tore down a few city blocks to create Atlanta’s answer to Rodeo Drive.
The library in question is right in the middle of their development. According to a few folks who know more than I do, it also happens to be one of the most important buildings in Atlanta built during my lifetime.
I can’t say I’m surprised, but you’d figure that we’d have learned from our mistakes by now. I wonder how many more buildings we’ll lose before we realize that historic structures are important culturally and economically.
Update: Some save the library! people have created a blog. Go team!
Related: Place in Peril 2008, Beltline Cleanup, Atlanta Preservation Center, Atlanta Time Machine
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Amelia Trace Lerner
Program Director
Lain Shakespeare
Executive Director
2 Comments to Beltline Funding Falls Through, Buckhead Library May Be Demolished
I’m glad someone is sticking up for Atlanta Public Schools. Everyone seemed to be ignoring the fact that the BeltLine was essentially stealing public money from the school system and handing it over to private developers.
The BeltLine may in fact be a great project for Atlanta, but funding it with money meant for public schools is just unacceptable in my opinion.
Good point, Tyler.
I personally see the TAD as an indirect investment in and for the public school system (and a very good thing), but that doesn’t necessarily make it constitutional …or fair in the short term.