I-485 Progress Wins Again

Morningside and B.O.N.D. residents filled the Aldermanic Chambers Monday afternoon in another battle against 1-485 and the Stone Mountain Freeway. A resolution was presented by Alderman Nick Lambros, backed by Aldermen Arrington and Flanagan to stop acquisition and destruction for the two highways until a study can be made on the economic, social and environmental effects and to further examine the effects of the highways if MARTA is approved by the voters this fall. Lambros cited other interstates that had been stopped, the need to rethink our transportation goals in light of the pollution that auto causes, the destruction of inner city neighborhoods and the damage caused to the Central Business District.

The following were the sentiments of those speaking for the resolution:

Alderman Briggs: So what if money will be lost due to stoppage... Man shall not live by bread (money) alone ... Let people live in the city if they want.

Alderman Flanagan: Delay the freeways until the MARTA vote ... Let the. freeways stop at the outer edge of the city and then make use of public transportation.

Alderman Driebe: Thought of practical aspects like it's almost too late to stop construction, but came to conclusion that there's no need to tear down nice inner city neighborhoods for the benefit of outsiders coming into the city ... Must maintain the city as a livable place.

Those opposed said:

Alderman Pierce: Questioned Lambros on several statements in the proposal... Was the auto designated as a villain? Would we all be here (the meeting) if we had ridden the horse and buggy? Wasn't there a study and evaluation before?

Alderman Turner (Greeted by hisses from the people he represents): ... Not an advocate of 1-485, but choose it as lesser of evils... Against replanning and jeopardizing ongoing programs ... Insult to planning and highway experts...

Aldermen Mitchell and Fowler: For Atlanta and Progress. .. Passing the resolution would be a slap in the face of best experts and consultants. . . Another study is unnecessary .. .Experts say Atlanta needs public transportation plus new freeways ... Must consider the whole city, not just one neighborhood ...

The resolution was defeated 9 to 6. Those voting for were Lambros, Arrington, Driebe, Summers, Flanagan and Gribbs. Against were Fowler, Fowlkes, Mitchell, Ira Jackson, Pierce, Leftwich, Turner, Williamson and

Cotsakis.

Some questions/observations:

What made Black Aldermen Williamson and Jackson decide at the last minute to vote in favor of the highways?

Why was the Lakewood Freeway extension provision taken out of the resolution?

Where were those who voted for the resolution when the Black community was being torn apart for the Stadium, Civic Center, and other highways?

How much longer will "expert planners" be able to continue plotting the destruction of Atlanta for the sake of getting more cars into the Central Business District?

The people of Morningside and B.O.N.D. (and Atlanta) lost a battle with the Aldermanic vote, but the fight will go on. While they await the decision on their suit in Federal District Court, the Morningside residents are continuing their political work to build opposition to the freeways and are thinking of bringing in their own "expert planners." Also, they will not easily forget the Aldermen who voted against them.

—jane