LAST CHANCE: Share Your Vision for the Stitch Before March 31st

Submit your ideas for Atlanta’s newest park and infrastructure project.

The recent $157 million award for The Stitch is a historic win for Atlanta. The grant will fund phase 1 construction of a planned multi-use 14-acre greenspace over Interstates 75 and 85 that will reconnect north Downtown Atlanta neighborhoods divided by the current highway system.

Beyond reconnecting these communities, The Stitch will also support new affordable housing and transit-oriented development, improve the overall transportation network in Downtown Atlanta by transforming existing car-oriented streets into complete streets, and enhance a local MARTA rail and regional bus station to improve operations and user experience.

Central Atlanta Progress and the Downtown Atlanta Improvement District invite the public to submit their ideas for this new park in the heart of our city. Now through March 31^st, Atlantans can contribute their comments and suggestions on the project’s 9 focus areas:

1. Affordable Housing
   The Stitch can play a defining role in housing opportunities and challenges in Downtown, Midtown, and Old Fourth Ward.
   
   
2. Capping the Connector
   The primary component of the Stitch is a “cap” over the Downtown Connector. Like the existing bridges in this area, the cap will span the entire Interstate, creating a seamless connection between both sides.
   
   
3. Community Equity
   The initial construction and subsequent widening of the Downtown Connector over the decades has displaced thriving Black homes and small businesses in Atlanta neighborhoods near the Stitch including Buttermilk Bottom, Sweet Auburn, and Old Fourth Ward.
   
   
4. Land Use & Zoning
   Surrounded by universities, hospitals and medical facilities, civic facilities, tourist and entertainment attractions, and rich historic and cultural resources, the Stitch is uniquely positioned to facilitate a thriving place that prioritizes people.
   
   
5. Multimodal Connectivity
   Streets that are designed for people are one of the most equitable investments our cities can make. Street and overall city design play into how we dedicate space to all modes of transportation, including walking, biking, public transit, and vehicles.
   
   
6. Parks and Open Space
   Located in an area where there is an urgent need for parks and open space, the Stitch can increase tree canopy coverage, restore ecological systems, and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.
   
   
7. Real Estate
   This project has an opportunity to be a catalyst for affordable housing development and economic revitalization in Downtown Atlanta.
   
   
8. Sustainability
   The Stitch and surrounding areas need to be thriving and vibrant while offering a unique and authentic experience. Sustainable environments use a variety of techniques to reduce lifecycle costs and energy use, promote biodiversity, and mitigate climate change.
   
   
9. Urban Design
   The interstate today and the design of the urban realm surrounding it creates a gap in the urban fabric and limits connectivity.

Each focus area contains background information about how it relates to the Stitch and includes activities for you to complete. Participants can choose which focus areas they’d like to contribute to, or they can share their ideas on all of them!

All ages are welcome to share their ideas before the portal closes on March 31st. Click here to get started.