Why the Mayor & Commission Should Vote "No Confidence" in the Long Range Transportation Plan

1. Overall, many of the road projects thwart Athens' Comprehensive Land Use Plan, which is supposed to maintain a 'greenbelt' around Athens and thus reduce sprawl. Ironically, the LRTP claims to be in accordance with the Land Use Plan even as numerous road projects guarantee increased reliance on cars and increasing pollution. The worst projects include the widenings of Hwys. 29, 441, Jefferson Hwy., and Lexington Hwy..

2. The draft of the LRTP for the most part disregards the overwhelming public commentary transportation planning from last summer. 377 Athenians commented on the direction of transportation planning, fully 85% of whom were not BikeAthens members and 92% of whom spoke explicitly in favor of non-automobile transportation options. Their thoughtful input is barely discernible in the road-heavy bulk of the LRTP.

3. Despite its claims to the contrary, the LRTP will increase traffic congestion rather than decrease it. Many of the road projects will prove to be quick-fix solutions to traffic-clogged roads, but long term, these projects will encourage, even necessitate, the increased use of automobiles.

4. Finally, we need much more emphasis on projects inside the Athens perimeter, like close-in connectors to high-volume destinations such as downtown & UGA. Many of the LRTP projects are more focused on widening/expanding roads leading out of town, which will encourage auto commuting and sprawling, unattractive development.

Our local planners need to think 'outside the blacktop' if we are ever to reduce traffic congestion, water & air pollution, obesity, reliance on foreign oil, and ugly sprawl development. Bike lanes, more buses, and sidewalks would go a long way toward achieving those ends.

Learn more about MACORTS and the LRTP