Should you find yourself near a Creative Loafing distribution point, pick yourself up a copy and turn to page 16. There’s my article!
It turns out the Atlanta Regional Commission, in its infinite wisdom, decided to take out federal funding for the entire western half of the Beltline from the region’s 25-year plan.
You can also read a more detailed account on Fresh Loaf.
Once you’re done being angry about government incompetence, turn to page 31, and read about Freddie Ashley, the new Artistic Director at Actor’s Express. I also interviewed him earlier this week for the Atlanta Performs Podcast. Once you’ve finished reading about Freddie, feel good to know that something good and right is going on in Atlanta.
Why mention these two things in the same post? Take a look at the map for the Northwest section of the Beltline. You’ll notice there’s a trail that is slated to go directly between a Beltline transit station and King Plow Arts Center, the home of Actor’s Express. That’s just one example of many showing how the Beltline will improve connectivity in the city, not to mention our quality of life. But that’s assuming the ARC puts the funds back in for the western half.
Speaking of incompetence, nice job, GDOT, signing a contract with these scumbags.
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2007/08/16/sensors_0817.html
Comment by Trackboy1 — August 16, 2007 @ 9:04 pm
Trackboy, that’s quite a find. It’s funny how GDOT gets so little scrutiny of the contracts they sign because of how secretive they try to be about them. With so little scrutiny coming from the outside, this story illustrates how there’s so little scrutiny coming from the inside, too.
Comment by Joe — August 16, 2007 @ 9:17 pm
Yep, you’re on point, there’s no accountability. They’ve been crying wolf lately alledging lack of funding. I don’t buy it, but without any regular forensic and procedural audits, they can do pretty much whatever the F they want to do. The legislature sure doesn’t give a damn.
And that’s both Dem and Repub.
If I ever won the lottery, I’d fund “GDOT Watch”. Surprised Citizen’s for Progressive Transit and PEDS don’t call out GDOT more often. Here’s something: 6,000 GDOT employees and only two, yes two, out of 6,000 work on pedestrian and bicycle projects, safety, etc.
Comment by Trackboy1 — August 17, 2007 @ 12:38 am
Well, speaking as a CfPT board member, I can tell you we only have so much bandwidth.. and there are much more important things to concentrate on.
Comment by Joe — August 17, 2007 @ 10:11 am