Cherry Street Energy’s expansion boosts clean energy in state
Cherry Street Energy’s expansion boosts clean energy in state
The clean energy industry has been rapidly growing in Georgia.
The clean energy industry has been rapidly growing in Georgia. Read MoreBizjournals.com Feed (2022-04-02 21:43:57)
The clean energy industry has been rapidly growing in Georgia.
Photos: ‘Avatar’-inspired space marks latest Underground Atlanta addition
Photos: ‘Avatar’-inspired space marks latest Underground Atlanta addition
Photos: ‘Avatar’-inspired space marks latest Underground Atlanta addition
Josh Green
Wed, 04/23/2025 – 16:16
The latest addition to Underground Atlanta’s roster of restaurants, nightspots, event spaces, and galleries isn’t technically underground, but project leaders hope it adds oomph (and visibility) to the district as next year’s FIFA World Cup hoopla draws closer.
Atlanta real estate company Lalani Ventures officially cut the ribbon Saturday on Utopia, an otherworldly Latin fusion restaurant, during an event attended by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and other dignitaries.
With its patio-lined, standalone space overlooking Underground’s fountains, Utopia now anchors the district’s Upper Alabama Street section and helps boost its daytime offerings, according to Lalani Ventures reps.
How Utopia’s standalone building on Upper Alabama Street looked while vacant in September. Google Maps
Remade exteriors of the Utopia space at Underground Atlanta’s Upper Alabama Street. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
The eatery and lounge will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to “late,” serving brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night fare. It carries a futuristic theme throughout—a nod to the “lush, bioluminescent world of Pandora in ‘Avatar.’” Expect an elevated menu (sample dish: Wagyu beef served on a hot stone for interactive guest experiences) alongside vegan options, hookahs, and cocktails and mocktails, as Underground officials relayed this week.
Shaneel Lalani, CEO of Lalani Ventures, said Utopia marks the beginning of a new push to activate Upper Alabama Street and draw more pedestrian traffic to Underground all day and night.
“We are transforming the experience here,” Lalani noted in a concept announcement, “and we’ll be ready and excited for the World Cup and other exciting events coming to our city.”
Utopia’s distinctive interiors today. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Underground made waves earlier this year with the opening of legendary, relocated Atlanta nightclub MJQ in what had been Dante’s Down the Hatch’s space a quarter-century ago. A new art gallery featuring the works of George F. Baker III (aka, GFB3) is also scheduled to open soon at Underground, serving as the brick-and-mortar location for Baker’s brand FOSTER, a goods shop and event space.
Underground in 2024 tallied more than one million visitors and is on pace to eclipse that this year; meanwhile, Lalani Ventures is in talks with additional dining concepts to keep bringing life to the district’s above-ground area, per officials.
For now, head up to the gallery for a quick photo tour of Utopia’s intergalactic downtown space.
…
Follow us on social media:
Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram
• Downtown news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)
Remade exteriors of the Utopia space at Underground Atlanta’s Upper Alabama Street. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
How Utopia’s standalone building on Upper Alabama Street looked while vacant in September. Google Maps
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens leads Saturday’s grand opening at Utopia. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Futuristic signage helps set the tone for the downtown concept. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Social spaces extend outdoors at Utopia, overlooking Underground’s fountains. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Utopia’s distinctive interiors today. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Atlanta’s mayor hobnobs with attendees at Saturday’s event. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Photos: ‘Avatar’-inspired space marks latest Underground Atlanta addition
Josh Green
Wed, 04/23/2025 – 16:16
The latest addition to Underground Atlanta’s roster of restaurants, nightspots, event spaces, and galleries isn’t technically underground, but project leaders hope it adds oomph (and visibility) to the district as next year’s FIFA World Cup hoopla draws closer.Atlanta real estate company Lalani Ventures officially cut the ribbon Saturday on Utopia, an otherworldly Latin fusion restaurant, during an event attended by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and other dignitaries. With its patio-lined, standalone space overlooking Underground’s fountains, Utopia now anchors the district’s Upper Alabama Street section and helps boost its daytime offerings, according to Lalani Ventures reps.
How Utopia’s standalone building on Upper Alabama Street looked while vacant in September. Google Maps
Remade exteriors of the Utopia space at Underground Atlanta’s Upper Alabama Street. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
The eatery and lounge will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to “late,” serving brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night fare. It carries a futuristic theme throughout—a nod to the “lush, bioluminescent world of Pandora in ‘Avatar.’” Expect an elevated menu (sample dish: Wagyu beef served on a hot stone for interactive guest experiences) alongside vegan options, hookahs, and cocktails and mocktails, as Underground officials relayed this week. Shaneel Lalani, CEO of Lalani Ventures, said Utopia marks the beginning of a new push to activate Upper Alabama Street and draw more pedestrian traffic to Underground all day and night. “We are transforming the experience here,” Lalani noted in a concept announcement, “and we’ll be ready and excited for the World Cup and other exciting events coming to our city.”
Utopia’s distinctive interiors today. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Underground made waves earlier this year with the opening of legendary, relocated Atlanta nightclub MJQ in what had been Dante’s Down the Hatch’s space a quarter-century ago. A new art gallery featuring the works of George F. Baker III (aka, GFB3) is also scheduled to open soon at Underground, serving as the brick-and-mortar location for Baker’s brand FOSTER, a goods shop and event space. Underground in 2024 tallied more than one million visitors and is on pace to eclipse that this year; meanwhile, Lalani Ventures is in talks with additional dining concepts to keep bringing life to the district’s above-ground area, per officials. For now, head up to the gallery for a quick photo tour of Utopia’s intergalactic downtown space. …Follow us on social media: Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram • Downtown news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)
Tags
50 Upper Alabama Street
Underground Atlanta
Peachtree Fountain Plaza
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HGOR
Smith Dalia Architects
Moody Nolan
tvsdesign
Goode Van Slyke Architecture
Kimley-Horn & Associates
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Images
Remade exteriors of the Utopia space at Underground Atlanta’s Upper Alabama Street. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
How Utopia’s standalone building on Upper Alabama Street looked while vacant in September. Google Maps
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens leads Saturday’s grand opening at Utopia. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Futuristic signage helps set the tone for the downtown concept. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Social spaces extend outdoors at Utopia, overlooking Underground’s fountains. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Utopia’s distinctive interiors today. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Atlanta’s mayor hobnobs with attendees at Saturday’s event. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Subtitle
Above-ground Utopia Latin fusion restaurant, lounge now anchors district’s Upper Alabama Street
Neighborhood
Downtown
Background Image
Image
Associated Project
Underground Atlanta
Before/After Images
Sponsored Post
Off Read More
Photos: ‘Avatar’-inspired space marks latest Underground Atlanta addition
Josh Green
Wed, 04/23/2025 – 16:16
The latest addition to Underground Atlanta’s roster of restaurants, nightspots, event spaces, and galleries isn’t technically underground, but project leaders hope it adds oomph (and visibility) to the district as next year’s FIFA World Cup hoopla draws closer.Atlanta real estate company Lalani Ventures officially cut the ribbon Saturday on Utopia, an otherworldly Latin fusion restaurant, during an event attended by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and other dignitaries. With its patio-lined, standalone space overlooking Underground’s fountains, Utopia now anchors the district’s Upper Alabama Street section and helps boost its daytime offerings, according to Lalani Ventures reps.
How Utopia’s standalone building on Upper Alabama Street looked while vacant in September. Google Maps
Remade exteriors of the Utopia space at Underground Atlanta’s Upper Alabama Street. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
The eatery and lounge will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to “late,” serving brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night fare. It carries a futuristic theme throughout—a nod to the “lush, bioluminescent world of Pandora in ‘Avatar.’” Expect an elevated menu (sample dish: Wagyu beef served on a hot stone for interactive guest experiences) alongside vegan options, hookahs, and cocktails and mocktails, as Underground officials relayed this week. Shaneel Lalani, CEO of Lalani Ventures, said Utopia marks the beginning of a new push to activate Upper Alabama Street and draw more pedestrian traffic to Underground all day and night. “We are transforming the experience here,” Lalani noted in a concept announcement, “and we’ll be ready and excited for the World Cup and other exciting events coming to our city.”
Utopia’s distinctive interiors today. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Underground made waves earlier this year with the opening of legendary, relocated Atlanta nightclub MJQ in what had been Dante’s Down the Hatch’s space a quarter-century ago. A new art gallery featuring the works of George F. Baker III (aka, GFB3) is also scheduled to open soon at Underground, serving as the brick-and-mortar location for Baker’s brand FOSTER, a goods shop and event space. Underground in 2024 tallied more than one million visitors and is on pace to eclipse that this year; meanwhile, Lalani Ventures is in talks with additional dining concepts to keep bringing life to the district’s above-ground area, per officials. For now, head up to the gallery for a quick photo tour of Utopia’s intergalactic downtown space. …Follow us on social media: Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram • Downtown news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)
Tags
50 Upper Alabama Street
Underground Atlanta
Peachtree Fountain Plaza
Haralson Bleckley
HGOR
Smith Dalia Architects
Moody Nolan
tvsdesign
Goode Van Slyke Architecture
Kimley-Horn & Associates
Shaneel Lalani
Billionaires Funding Group
Art & Industry
Lalani Ventures
Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
86 Pryor Street
Historical Markers
Shape
Paris on Ponce
Pigalle by Paris on Ponce
Pigalle
The Masquerade
Kenny’s Alley
MJQ
MJQ Concourse
Altar
Atlanta Music
Atlanta Music Venues
Atlanta Nightlife
Atlanta Nightclubs
Utopia
Images
Remade exteriors of the Utopia space at Underground Atlanta’s Upper Alabama Street. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
How Utopia’s standalone building on Upper Alabama Street looked while vacant in September. Google Maps
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens leads Saturday’s grand opening at Utopia. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Futuristic signage helps set the tone for the downtown concept. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Social spaces extend outdoors at Utopia, overlooking Underground’s fountains. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Utopia’s distinctive interiors today. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Atlanta’s mayor hobnobs with attendees at Saturday’s event. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Courtesy of Underground Atlanta
Subtitle
Above-ground Utopia Latin fusion restaurant, lounge now anchors district’s Upper Alabama Street
Neighborhood
Downtown
Background Image
Image
Associated Project
Underground Atlanta
Before/After Images
Sponsored Post
Off
MARTA: Don’t pay out the a@%, Atlanta; take trains to airport
MARTA: Don’t pay out the a@%, Atlanta; take trains to airport
MARTA: Don’t pay out the a@%, Atlanta; take trains to airport
Josh Green
Wed, 04/23/2025 – 13:48
Across Atlanta, the buzziest news this week doesn’t concern what happened on Easter, the Falcons upcoming draft, or Beltline-adjacent development in high-dollar neighborhoods. It has to do with airport parking rates, which are set to (gulp) triple in some cases—and climb as high as $100 per day in others.
Atlanta’s transit authority is promoting a simple solution: Take the train, silly.
In a message similar to the one MARTA issued in February when a federal clampdown on work-from-home policies sent employees flocking back to government buildings downtown, the transit agency this week is tempting Atlanta air-travelers to skip high parking costs and traffic jams and swoop to the airport on MARTA trains before their next flight.
Roundtrip fare to the airport is $5, and parking is available at MARTA stations from Dunwoody to College Park and Decatur for as low as $5 per day, equating to the cheapest, least stressful means of reaching the world’s busiest airport, per MARTA.
The Red or Gold Line southbound leads riders directly to the airport’s doorstep.
“MARTA is one of only a few public transit systems in the world that take customers directly into the airport,” Collie Greenwood, MARTA CEO and general manager, said in an announcement today. “[O]ur fares and daily parking rates have remained the same for well over a decade… in a time of rising prices, [customers’] best option is let MARTA do the driving to the airport.”
One of the new CQ400 railcars on MARTA’s tracks. Courtesy of MARTA
According to airport officials, the parking-rate increases are the first in eight years and come as the transit hub aims to modernize parking facilities while inflation rages on. Hourly parking rates will climb to at least $10 per hour (up from $3), while travelers who leave vehicles in the international hourly lot for multiple days will have to fork over up to $100 per day. Prices will hike in all domestic parking lots, too, by up to $14 extra per day, as the AJC reports.
Meanwhile, according to MARTA’s calculations, rideshare costs from downtown Atlanta to the airport average $74 per roundtrip.
Daily parking is available at nine MARTA stations for either $5 per day (Dunwoody, Medical Center, Kensington, Lenox, and Sandy Springs stations) or $8 per day (North Springs, Doraville, Lindbergh Center, and College Park stations).
MARTA is also reminding Atlantans the agency has completed extensive renovations to its Airport station that included new terrazzo flooring and platform pavers, along with concourse and track wall repairs, in preparation for a new canopy. The Breeze Mobile 2.0 app, available for download on all major platforms, also offers riders a generally swifter way to purchase train fare, per the agency.
An added bonus will be sleek new MARTA trains scheduled to start rolling out this year; as others have pointed out, maybe a good power-washing of stations throughout the system will follow.
…
Follow us on social media:
Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram
• Why is transit ridership sinking in Atlanta and not other cities? (Urbanize Atlanta)
MARTA: Don’t pay out the a@%, Atlanta; take trains to airport
Josh Green
Wed, 04/23/2025 – 13:48
Across Atlanta, the buzziest news this week doesn’t concern what happened on Easter, the Falcons upcoming draft, or Beltline-adjacent development in high-dollar neighborhoods. It has to do with airport parking rates, which are set to (gulp) triple in some cases—and climb as high as $100 per day in others. Atlanta’s transit authority is promoting a simple solution: Take the train, silly. In a message similar to the one MARTA issued in February when a federal clampdown on work-from-home policies sent employees flocking back to government buildings downtown, the transit agency this week is tempting Atlanta air-travelers to skip high parking costs and traffic jams and swoop to the airport on MARTA trains before their next flight.Roundtrip fare to the airport is $5, and parking is available at MARTA stations from Dunwoody to College Park and Decatur for as low as $5 per day, equating to the cheapest, least stressful means of reaching the world’s busiest airport, per MARTA. The Red or Gold Line southbound leads riders directly to the airport’s doorstep. “MARTA is one of only a few public transit systems in the world that take customers directly into the airport,” Collie Greenwood, MARTA CEO and general manager, said in an announcement today. “[O]ur fares and daily parking rates have remained the same for well over a decade… in a time of rising prices, [customers’] best option is let MARTA do the driving to the airport.”
One of the new CQ400 railcars on MARTA’s tracks. Courtesy of MARTA
According to airport officials, the parking-rate increases are the first in eight years and come as the transit hub aims to modernize parking facilities while inflation rages on. Hourly parking rates will climb to at least $10 per hour (up from $3), while travelers who leave vehicles in the international hourly lot for multiple days will have to fork over up to $100 per day. Prices will hike in all domestic parking lots, too, by up to $14 extra per day, as the AJC reports. Meanwhile, according to MARTA’s calculations, rideshare costs from downtown Atlanta to the airport average $74 per roundtrip. Daily parking is available at nine MARTA stations for either $5 per day (Dunwoody, Medical Center, Kensington, Lenox, and Sandy Springs stations) or $8 per day (North Springs, Doraville, Lindbergh Center, and College Park stations).MARTA is also reminding Atlantans the agency has completed extensive renovations to its Airport station that included new terrazzo flooring and platform pavers, along with concourse and track wall repairs, in preparation for a new canopy. The Breeze Mobile 2.0 app, available for download on all major platforms, also offers riders a generally swifter way to purchase train fare, per the agency. An added bonus will be sleek new MARTA trains scheduled to start rolling out this year; as others have pointed out, maybe a good power-washing of stations throughout the system will follow. …Follow us on social media: Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram • Why is transit ridership sinking in Atlanta and not other cities? (Urbanize Atlanta)
Tags
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Collie Greenwood
Airport
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Airport Park
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Alternate Transportation
Alternative Transportation
Subtitle
$5 fare to, from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport hasn’t changed in decade
Neighborhood
MARTA
Background Image
Image
Before/After Images
Sponsored Post
Off Read More
MARTA: Don’t pay out the a@%, Atlanta; take trains to airport
Josh Green
Wed, 04/23/2025 – 13:48
Across Atlanta, the buzziest news this week doesn’t concern what happened on Easter, the Falcons upcoming draft, or Beltline-adjacent development in high-dollar neighborhoods. It has to do with airport parking rates, which are set to (gulp) triple in some cases—and climb as high as $100 per day in others. Atlanta’s transit authority is promoting a simple solution: Take the train, silly. In a message similar to the one MARTA issued in February when a federal clampdown on work-from-home policies sent employees flocking back to government buildings downtown, the transit agency this week is tempting Atlanta air-travelers to skip high parking costs and traffic jams and swoop to the airport on MARTA trains before their next flight.Roundtrip fare to the airport is $5, and parking is available at MARTA stations from Dunwoody to College Park and Decatur for as low as $5 per day, equating to the cheapest, least stressful means of reaching the world’s busiest airport, per MARTA. The Red or Gold Line southbound leads riders directly to the airport’s doorstep. “MARTA is one of only a few public transit systems in the world that take customers directly into the airport,” Collie Greenwood, MARTA CEO and general manager, said in an announcement today. “[O]ur fares and daily parking rates have remained the same for well over a decade… in a time of rising prices, [customers’] best option is let MARTA do the driving to the airport.”
One of the new CQ400 railcars on MARTA’s tracks. Courtesy of MARTA
According to airport officials, the parking-rate increases are the first in eight years and come as the transit hub aims to modernize parking facilities while inflation rages on. Hourly parking rates will climb to at least $10 per hour (up from $3), while travelers who leave vehicles in the international hourly lot for multiple days will have to fork over up to $100 per day. Prices will hike in all domestic parking lots, too, by up to $14 extra per day, as the AJC reports. Meanwhile, according to MARTA’s calculations, rideshare costs from downtown Atlanta to the airport average $74 per roundtrip. Daily parking is available at nine MARTA stations for either $5 per day (Dunwoody, Medical Center, Kensington, Lenox, and Sandy Springs stations) or $8 per day (North Springs, Doraville, Lindbergh Center, and College Park stations).MARTA is also reminding Atlantans the agency has completed extensive renovations to its Airport station that included new terrazzo flooring and platform pavers, along with concourse and track wall repairs, in preparation for a new canopy. The Breeze Mobile 2.0 app, available for download on all major platforms, also offers riders a generally swifter way to purchase train fare, per the agency. An added bonus will be sleek new MARTA trains scheduled to start rolling out this year; as others have pointed out, maybe a good power-washing of stations throughout the system will follow. …Follow us on social media: Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram • Why is transit ridership sinking in Atlanta and not other cities? (Urbanize Atlanta)
Tags
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Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority
Collie Greenwood
Airport
Airport News
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Subtitle
$5 fare to, from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport hasn’t changed in decade
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Neighbors near Piedmont Park taking bike-lane installation into own hands
Neighbors near Piedmont Park taking bike-lane installation into own hands
Neighbors near Piedmont Park taking bike-lane installation into own hands
Josh Green
Thu, 04/24/2025 – 08:44
In the following Letter to the Editor, Hugh Malkin, Midtown Neighbors’ Association Infrastructure Chairperson and an Atlanta tech entrepreneur, details how an example of “tactical urbanism” is striving to make an intown neighborhood safer for a vulnerable demographic: little kids on bikes.
…
Dear Editor:
The Midtown Neighbors’ Association, Virginia-Highland Civic Association, and Atlanta Department of Transportation are joining forces to create a safer route to school for students of Virginia Highland Elementary and Midtown High School.
Our collaborative effort has produced a design for a two-way protected bike lane on Virginia Avenue, from Monroe Drive, and now we need your support to make this vision a reality.
Imagine a daily commute where students can independently and safely bike to school. For the majority of VHE families, school is less than a mile away, the perfect distance for a 5 to 11-year-old to cycle. Beyond the sheer joy of riding, the benefits of incorporating cycling into a child’s routine are profound.
But this project could be beneficial to drivers in the area, too.
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Physical activity is a powerful catalyst for cognitive development, boosting focus and concentration in the classroom. Starting the school day with exercise provides an energizing jolt, enhancing alertness and learning readiness. Exercise also triggers the release of endorphins, naturally elevating mood, while time spent outdoors demonstrably reduces stress and anxiety.
Biking also fosters a sense of independence and responsibility, nurturing self-confidence. Moreover, biking with friends and family strengthens social bonds and cultivates a sense of community. Finally, an increase in cycling to school helps alleviate traffic congestion around the school during drop-off and pick-up times, creating a smoother flow for everyone.
Virginia Avenue is the shortest, flattest, easiest route to school for many VHE and MHS children. The problem is Virginia Avenue’s 40-foot-wide, two-lane road is a dangerous place for all riders but especially our 5 to 11-year-olds who’ve just learned to ride their bike.
The school’s crossing guard, Sabrina, has witnessed this firsthand, recently stating: “It’s dangerous out here. These drivers don’t respect the kids, even when they have the right-of-way.”
With its extra-wide lanes, Virginia Avenue’s drivers often don’t realize they’re traveling well over the 25-mile-per-hour speed limit. So when they unexpectedly come across a child biking—just a bit faster than walking—right in the middle of their lane, it’s a shock. The driver either slams on the brakes or tries to squeeze around the novice rider, darting into the oncoming lane.
It’s a heart-stopping sight—and only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
To address this critical safety issue, the Midtown and Virginia-Highland neighborhoods have worked with ATLDOT to design a tactical urbanism project that creates a temporary two-way protected bike lane along Virginia Avenue from Monroe Drive to Park Drive/Ponce Place. The beauty of tactical urbanism projects is that they let the community test a concept (reviewed and approved by ATLDOT) quickly and affordably, giving us a real-world glimpse of how the concept could permanently improve safety—not just for drivers, but for everyone.
If the neighborhoods decide it’s not working, we can easily modify it or remove it.
MNA and VHCA are aiming to raise $12,000 and install the roadway amendments in two days for a 12-month test.
Optional extension
This project can be extended both toward and up 8th Street, creating a safe way for highschoolers to get to Midtown High, and all the way to North Highland Avenue, connecting the Beltline to the many businesses in the heart of Virginia-Highland.
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
MNA welcomes your input on the 8th Street extension and VHCA encourages your feedback on the Virginia Avenue extension to North Highland.
Most of VHE’s students live less than a mile from school, and being a few hundred feet from the Beltline, VHE has the opportunity to be the most bikeable elementary school in Atlanta and maybe even Georgia.
This temporary bike lane will demonstrate that VHE and MHS can provide a healthy opportunity to bike to school while reducing the need for cars on the road and in the pick-up line.
You can help by donating to the project and/or volunteering to help with its installation.
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
…
Follow us on social media:
Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram
• Virginia-Highland news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Neighbors near Piedmont Park taking bike-lane installation into own hands
Josh Green
Thu, 04/24/2025 – 08:44
In the following Letter to the Editor, Hugh Malkin, Midtown Neighbors’ Association Infrastructure Chairperson and an Atlanta tech entrepreneur, details how an example of “tactical urbanism” is striving to make an intown neighborhood safer for a vulnerable demographic: little kids on bikes. …Dear Editor:The Midtown Neighbors’ Association, Virginia-Highland Civic Association, and Atlanta Department of Transportation are joining forces to create a safer route to school for students of Virginia Highland Elementary and Midtown High School.Our collaborative effort has produced a design for a two-way protected bike lane on Virginia Avenue, from Monroe Drive, and now we need your support to make this vision a reality.Imagine a daily commute where students can independently and safely bike to school. For the majority of VHE families, school is less than a mile away, the perfect distance for a 5 to 11-year-old to cycle. Beyond the sheer joy of riding, the benefits of incorporating cycling into a child’s routine are profound. But this project could be beneficial to drivers in the area, too.
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Physical activity is a powerful catalyst for cognitive development, boosting focus and concentration in the classroom. Starting the school day with exercise provides an energizing jolt, enhancing alertness and learning readiness. Exercise also triggers the release of endorphins, naturally elevating mood, while time spent outdoors demonstrably reduces stress and anxiety. Biking also fosters a sense of independence and responsibility, nurturing self-confidence. Moreover, biking with friends and family strengthens social bonds and cultivates a sense of community. Finally, an increase in cycling to school helps alleviate traffic congestion around the school during drop-off and pick-up times, creating a smoother flow for everyone.Virginia Avenue is the shortest, flattest, easiest route to school for many VHE and MHS children. The problem is Virginia Avenue’s 40-foot-wide, two-lane road is a dangerous place for all riders but especially our 5 to 11-year-olds who’ve just learned to ride their bike. The school’s crossing guard, Sabrina, has witnessed this firsthand, recently stating: “It’s dangerous out here. These drivers don’t respect the kids, even when they have the right-of-way.”With its extra-wide lanes, Virginia Avenue’s drivers often don’t realize they’re traveling well over the 25-mile-per-hour speed limit. So when they unexpectedly come across a child biking—just a bit faster than walking—right in the middle of their lane, it’s a shock. The driver either slams on the brakes or tries to squeeze around the novice rider, darting into the oncoming lane. It’s a heart-stopping sight—and only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
To address this critical safety issue, the Midtown and Virginia-Highland neighborhoods have worked with ATLDOT to design a tactical urbanism project that creates a temporary two-way protected bike lane along Virginia Avenue from Monroe Drive to Park Drive/Ponce Place. The beauty of tactical urbanism projects is that they let the community test a concept (reviewed and approved by ATLDOT) quickly and affordably, giving us a real-world glimpse of how the concept could permanently improve safety—not just for drivers, but for everyone. If the neighborhoods decide it’s not working, we can easily modify it or remove it. MNA and VHCA are aiming to raise $12,000 and install the roadway amendments in two days for a 12-month test. Optional extensionThis project can be extended both toward and up 8th Street, creating a safe way for highschoolers to get to Midtown High, and all the way to North Highland Avenue, connecting the Beltline to the many businesses in the heart of Virginia-Highland.
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
MNA welcomes your input on the 8th Street extension and VHCA encourages your feedback on the Virginia Avenue extension to North Highland. Most of VHE’s students live less than a mile from school, and being a few hundred feet from the Beltline, VHE has the opportunity to be the most bikeable elementary school in Atlanta and maybe even Georgia. This temporary bike lane will demonstrate that VHE and MHS can provide a healthy opportunity to bike to school while reducing the need for cars on the road and in the pick-up line. You can help by donating to the project and/or volunteering to help with its installation.
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
…Follow us on social media: Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram • Virginia-Highland news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)
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Letters to Editor
Letter to the Editor
Tactical Urbanism
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Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Subtitle
Letter to Editor: Virginia Avenue project could create “the most bikeable elementary school in Atlanta and maybe even Georgia”
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Virginia-Highland
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Neighbors near Piedmont Park taking bike-lane installation into own hands
Josh Green
Thu, 04/24/2025 – 08:44
In the following Letter to the Editor, Hugh Malkin, Midtown Neighbors’ Association Infrastructure Chairperson and an Atlanta tech entrepreneur, details how an example of “tactical urbanism” is striving to make an intown neighborhood safer for a vulnerable demographic: little kids on bikes. …Dear Editor:The Midtown Neighbors’ Association, Virginia-Highland Civic Association, and Atlanta Department of Transportation are joining forces to create a safer route to school for students of Virginia Highland Elementary and Midtown High School.Our collaborative effort has produced a design for a two-way protected bike lane on Virginia Avenue, from Monroe Drive, and now we need your support to make this vision a reality.Imagine a daily commute where students can independently and safely bike to school. For the majority of VHE families, school is less than a mile away, the perfect distance for a 5 to 11-year-old to cycle. Beyond the sheer joy of riding, the benefits of incorporating cycling into a child’s routine are profound. But this project could be beneficial to drivers in the area, too.
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Physical activity is a powerful catalyst for cognitive development, boosting focus and concentration in the classroom. Starting the school day with exercise provides an energizing jolt, enhancing alertness and learning readiness. Exercise also triggers the release of endorphins, naturally elevating mood, while time spent outdoors demonstrably reduces stress and anxiety. Biking also fosters a sense of independence and responsibility, nurturing self-confidence. Moreover, biking with friends and family strengthens social bonds and cultivates a sense of community. Finally, an increase in cycling to school helps alleviate traffic congestion around the school during drop-off and pick-up times, creating a smoother flow for everyone.Virginia Avenue is the shortest, flattest, easiest route to school for many VHE and MHS children. The problem is Virginia Avenue’s 40-foot-wide, two-lane road is a dangerous place for all riders but especially our 5 to 11-year-olds who’ve just learned to ride their bike. The school’s crossing guard, Sabrina, has witnessed this firsthand, recently stating: “It’s dangerous out here. These drivers don’t respect the kids, even when they have the right-of-way.”With its extra-wide lanes, Virginia Avenue’s drivers often don’t realize they’re traveling well over the 25-mile-per-hour speed limit. So when they unexpectedly come across a child biking—just a bit faster than walking—right in the middle of their lane, it’s a shock. The driver either slams on the brakes or tries to squeeze around the novice rider, darting into the oncoming lane. It’s a heart-stopping sight—and only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
To address this critical safety issue, the Midtown and Virginia-Highland neighborhoods have worked with ATLDOT to design a tactical urbanism project that creates a temporary two-way protected bike lane along Virginia Avenue from Monroe Drive to Park Drive/Ponce Place. The beauty of tactical urbanism projects is that they let the community test a concept (reviewed and approved by ATLDOT) quickly and affordably, giving us a real-world glimpse of how the concept could permanently improve safety—not just for drivers, but for everyone. If the neighborhoods decide it’s not working, we can easily modify it or remove it. MNA and VHCA are aiming to raise $12,000 and install the roadway amendments in two days for a 12-month test. Optional extensionThis project can be extended both toward and up 8th Street, creating a safe way for highschoolers to get to Midtown High, and all the way to North Highland Avenue, connecting the Beltline to the many businesses in the heart of Virginia-Highland.
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
MNA welcomes your input on the 8th Street extension and VHCA encourages your feedback on the Virginia Avenue extension to North Highland. Most of VHE’s students live less than a mile from school, and being a few hundred feet from the Beltline, VHE has the opportunity to be the most bikeable elementary school in Atlanta and maybe even Georgia. This temporary bike lane will demonstrate that VHE and MHS can provide a healthy opportunity to bike to school while reducing the need for cars on the road and in the pick-up line. You can help by donating to the project and/or volunteering to help with its installation.
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
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Letters to the Editor
Letters to Editor
Letter to the Editor
Tactical Urbanism
Images
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Courtesy of Hugh Malkin
Subtitle
Letter to Editor: Virginia Avenue project could create “the most bikeable elementary school in Atlanta and maybe even Georgia”
Neighborhood
Virginia-Highland
Background Image
Image
Before/After Images
Sponsored Post
Off
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