A significant new development in Atlanta aims to reverse the historical damage caused by urban infrastructure, particularly in Black communities, through the ambitious Stitch project.
District 4 Council member Jason Dozier expressed optimism about the initiative, emphasizing its potential to mend the negative impacts of previous urban planning decisions that have dislocated historic neighborhoods.
“The great thing about this project is it’s attempting to reverse — or at the very least repair — some of the damage, some of the poor decision-making that was made by previous generations of Atlantans,” Dozier stated during a recent announcement.
The first phase of the Stitch will cover a section of the Downtown Connector between Peachtree and Courtland streets, transforming it with a pedestrian plaza and a garden featuring native plants.
Funding aspects include nearly $200 million sourced primarily from federal grants, which have already been secured for this initial project phase.
Construction is earmarked to commence in late 2026, with expectations of completion by 2030. However, the entire Stitch project is projected to reach fruition by 2036, depending on the availability of additional funding.
In a recent City Council meeting, three ordinances were passed that establish a special tax district and a nonprofit entity tasked with managing the park’s operations and maintenance. This governance structure is necessary due to the park’s unique position atop an interstate, which demands specialized upkeep.
Jennifer Ball, the chief operating officer for Central Atlanta Progress, characterized the approval as a crucial milestone for the project’s development.
“They set up a governance mechanism as well as a sustainable funding stream for the operations and maintenance of the park that we are going to build,” Ball noted.
The newly created Atlanta Downtown Improvement District will also have the legal authority to enter into contracts and agreements to further the project’s goals.
Despite concerns about changing federal policies and potential funding uncertainties, Ball conveyed confidence in the ongoing project.
“There’s always risk with any grant, particularly in the environment that we’re in today,” she acknowledged.
However, the focus remains on fulfilling grant obligations and advancing the benefits of the Stitch project for the city’s infrastructure.
Commercial and multifamily property owners within the designated special district will incur an additional tax to support the park’s ongoing operations and maintenance, with a rate of $2 for every $1,000 of assessed property value.
Importantly, owner-occupied residents will be exempt from this additional tax.
Once the park is completed, businesses previously located near the highway will have direct access to the new public space.
Jack Cebe, who is overseeing project developments, indicated that the master plan includes recommendations for redesigning adjacent properties to foster retail and dining options along the park.
Ultimately, the design specifics will depend on individual property owners, ensuring that the project complements their visions.
The overarching master plan also proposes that 30% of both new and existing housing within a half-mile radius of the Stitch qualifies as affordable.
“We’re creating the conditions for housing to return to this area,” emphasized Dozier.
By investing in projects like this, he reassured that Atlanta is committed to evolving and thriving over time, reinforcing the message that deliberate urban revitalization can catalyze community resilience.
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