VINE CITY LCI
Client:
City of Atlanta Department of Planning and Community Development
Project Status: • Completed in 2009
• Study document and updates to the official future land use plan adopted by Atlanta City Council
Project Overview:• Comprehensive development plan for Vine City and Washington Park neighborhoods
• Extensive public participation process
• Recommendations that support and promote transit-oriented development around MARTA station
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VINE CITY LCI
Atlanta, Georgia

In early 2009, TSW lead a six-month public process to develop a comprehensive plan for the Vine City and Washington Park neighborhoods. The study was funded by the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) program, and focused on creating a vision for integrating transportation and land use.

Most of the study area lies less than one mile from downtown Atlanta. It faces many of the problems of historic urban neighborhoods suffering from a lack of investment. A high number of foreclosed properties and vacant lots, underutilized transit stations, and public safety were key stakeholder concerns.

TSW, as head of the consultant team, led area residents, businesses, community leaders, and others through a series of public meetings and a half-day workshop to discuss solutions to the challenges faced by the area. Using the comments from the workshop as a guide, the team developed recommendations, including:

  • Vine City Station Transit-Oriented Development. This underutilized transit station could benefit from new higher-density, mixed-use development that respects the scale of the historic neighborhood and adds public space.
  • Promenade Multi-Use Trail. The facility would connect the study area with downtown Atlanta to the east and the existing Westside trail to the west.
  • Nodal Mixed-Use Development. Changes to the City of Atlanta future land use plan will encourage street-oriented, mixed-use buildings at transit stops and near major intersections.
  • Streetscape Improvements. The study recommends that major roads within the study area have repaired sidewalks, new street trees, better lighting for increased safety, and new bicycle lanes in many areas.
  • Urban agriculture. Community gardens and farmers markets will create jobs, encourage the use of vacant lots, and bring neighbors together.

VINE CITY LCIThe study also included strategies for intersection improvements, pedestrian enhancements, code revisions, economic development, and housing. Its recommendations were approved by all appropriate neighborhood associations and Neighborhood Planning Units, thanks to an inclusive public involvement process.

VINE CITY LCI