u/misterdoinkinberg

Starting around the 12 min mark they get right into the Beltline Rail issues. Interesting arguments for supporting the Autonomous Project,

When most people think of walkable, transit-oriented living in Atlanta, Midtown and Downtown Decatur are usually the first places that come to mind.

However, TODs at Edgewood/Candler Park, Avondale, and King Memorial are proving we can convert underused surface lots into vibrant urban villages with housing, local retail, cafes, and parks right at the turnstiles.

Would you consider moving into a TOD area in South Downtown, West End, or Bankhead if the area had the right mix of retail and parks?

While these neighborhoods need some “attention and care” they currently offer relatively low housing and rental costs compared to the city's established transit cores.

Here are some locations that stand out as potential next TOD hotspots.

South Downtown and Centennial Yards: Plans are underway to transform historic, underutilized downtown blocks into walkable residential districts connected directly to Five Points and Garnett stations.

West End and Murphy Park: Combine rail proximity with active-transport corridors like the BeltLine Westside Trail, anchored by the major redevelopment of the former West End Mall into a mixed-use, mixed-income community hub alongside TOD proposals for the West End MARTA station area.

Hopefully the new owners will do something with it.

Perhaps since they got it so cheap they will do something with it.

Great news for Downtown! Easily accessible from Five Points Station and Park Place Streetcar stop. They also have a food court if you want to grab prepared items. Online ordering too.

Today was a MARTA travel day, and I kicked things off at Atlantic Station. I hopped on the shuttle to the Arts Center, where the driver was super friendly, and the crowd was manageable. I did forget my umbrella, so I had to head back to AS to grab it. While waiting for the shuttle, I had to deal with the constant yelling from a lady near the CobbLinc buses. Plus, there was the lady on the bench who was playing her social media reels (some with vulgarities). Ugh. Anyway, I made my way back to the Arts Center, and while waiting for the southbound train to West End, I was approached by two guys for money. A third guy, drooling, asked me about the Knicks. I acknowledged everyone and went back to my very low music on my headphones. Looking at the young women waiting, I kept thinking this has to be super uncomfortable for them. I got to West End and immediately noticed the police presence. About time!

I took the ATL Spoke to Lee & White. The funniest comment came from a kid with her mom who asked, “Why are their stinky people on buses?” I had a good lunch. I headed back to Five Points and got lost in the maze trying to get out of the station under construction. It’s looking good, but seriously, they need someone to guide folks out. I wound up taking the elevator and saw some guards by the exit. 

I was planning to take the streetcar from Five Points to the Eastside Beltline, but Google Maps suggested I get on at Park Place. Since I was a bit behind schedule and saw the train there, I started running towards it. That’s when I noticed about 10 people camped out around the stop canopy area. Some clearly unhoused and laid out for rest others piled right behind the glass of the pay machine. I quickly turned and headed towards Peachtree Center. About 30 minutes later (thank you, Streetcar Shuttle, for missing me!), I finally got on and tried to record the Park Place scene, but the train’s wrap covered the view. When I got off at King, I saw more unhoused camped right behind the stop. Luckily, there are Park police right across the street. Some people had moved on, but a shirtless guy was rummaging through the trash behind the stop at King. Some tourists were nervous and standing away, but I decided to sit down, and they joined me. At least it didn’t smell like urine. I took Peachtree Center back to the Arts Center, and armed guards were going through every car at each stop. The stations had been cleaned didn’t smell today outside of the leftover smell in the elevator.

Overall, we need to do a better job of making our public transit safe and pleasant to be at. Between the yelling crazies and the laid-out, creepy people camping out, I wouldn’t want to get out of my car and ride every day. There’s so much potential, great places to eat, parks to play, houses to live. It just has to be desirable.

Took a trip down to the West End to ride the ATL Spoke today. It's definitely in the testing phases, I had a good talk with one of the software engineers on board today. They want you to sit down and there is a human in the drivers seat making adjustments as needed. There was an active screen showing the status in front of one of the seats. Not big enough to put a scooter or bike on and it wasn't allowed at this time. Honestly it's a 5 minute bike ride so probably not an issue.

It's cautious right now. By law it must come to a complete stop at every stop sign and is allowing people to pass in certain situations. Overall it was a 10 minute ride to Lee & White food court from the station. Free is better than a scooter and once the kinks are worked out it will be a good option.

Some things I learned from the developer:
- They cant do full size buses because there isn't a company available in the US to make them.
- US regulations require a driver in the seat at this time.
- No place on board for payments as the plan at this time is to keep it a free city provided service.

https://preview.redd.it/icj425cgiy5h1.jpg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2bb8d5413894652cd7f44fb16cb789a2d78e6309

https://preview.redd.it/etgmf1cgiy5h1.jpg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a328e6c5b6d38978bc3e47195a61fa4ae7452992

https://preview.redd.it/b8ims4cgiy5h1.jpg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eb17001802d841e9fa065f751ca582e78ae2da25

Came for the Coca-Cola Cupcakes, stayed for the roasted garlic grits, amazing hash, and for a couple of years the churro waffles. I know some folks went the Murphys but its not the same. Would love to see them make a comeback.