City approves resolution on closing streets

pedestrians and cyclists.

Councilmember Amir Farokhi, who introduced the bill along with Councilmembers Natalyn Archibong and Jennifer Ide, said the bill is an important public safety measure during the ongoing pandemic.

By Collin Kelley

The Atlanta City Council unanimously approved a resolution May 18 requesting that the Commissioner of the Atlanta Department of Transportation (ADOT) close select streets and/or traffic lanes to vehicular traffic and open them to

“Traffic is down, walking and biking are up, and folks need more space to move around safely,” Farokhi said. “Opening up select streets for pedestrians and cyclists during the pandemic makes smarter use of our public space and allows for social distancing. This resolution urges our Department of Transportation to act to meet the moment for public safety and enjoyment of the city.”

The bill gives Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs) the opportunity to weigh in on street closures in their jurisdiction. It also asks that ADOT Commissioner Josh Rowan look for “long-term opportunities to repurpose streets and lanes” beyond the immediate crisis.

“The pandemic presents an opportunity to rethink how we allocate street space and what we want our city experience to be. This opportunity has been embraced by cities near and far, large and small, and, if we are serious about evolving into a city where it’s safer to walk and bike, we should be acting with more urgency and creativity right now,” Farokhi said. “I think we all want a city that’s safe for all of us, especially right now.”

The resolution coincides with Atlanta Streets Alive marking its 10th anniversary in May. Created by the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, Atlanta Streets Alive regularly hosts events closing the city’s main streets to vehicles and opening them to pedestrians and cyclists.

While the pandemic meant the cancellation of proms, spring break, and graduation ceremonies for public and private schools, we wanted to take a moment to salute all grads and recognize the Valedictorian and Salutatorians of each class. Be sure to visit AtlantaINtownPaper.com or ReporterNewspapers.net for a full list once all the schools make their announcements.

Atlanta Public Schools

B.E.ST. Academy: Jordan Jones (V) and Rashad Whitehead (S)

Carver Early College: Kacie Geter (V) and Wahhad Allah (S)

S.T.E.A.M. Academy at Carver: Cy’Riah Pearson (V) Daijha Sankey (S)

Douglass High School: Edward Porter III (V) and Makilah Clay (S)

Grady High School: Kavi Jakes (V) and Clarice Hill (S)

Jackson High School: Ethan Heyns (V) and Ari Renai (S)

Coretta Scott King YWLA: Lauren Hester (V) and Lauren Jones (S)

Mays High School: Jazmari Moreno-Gutierrez (V) and Alexis Grady (S)

North Atlanta High School: Emily Song (V) and Soleil Golden

South Atlanta High School: Shaniya Longino (V) and Jacauri Jones (S)

Therrell High School: Ta’Destiny (V) and Efe Ajueyitsi (S)

Washington High School: Mahlon West (V) and Miriam Olajide (S)

Atlanta Classical Academy: Charlotte Taylor (V) and Lucy Eagleson (S)

Drew High School: Solomon Adams (V) and Gary Sheppard (S)

KIPP Atlanta: Kadija Marshall (V) and Jordan Campbell (S)

School for the Deaf: Menelik Tavares (V)

Marist School

Lucas Gonzalez (V) and Charlie Callahan (S)

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Nick Reddy (V) and Matthew Raeside (S)

The Lovett School

Sarah Packman (V) and Lily Siegel (S)

Pace Academy

Aidan Gannon (V) and Sophie Lettes (S)

Riverwood Int’l Charter School Hayes Miller (V) and Chandler McCleskey (S)

St. Pius X Nicole Gresham (V) and Daniel Buckley (S)

The Weber School

Caroline Schneider (V) Isaac Goldman (S)

The Westminster Schools

Anup Bottu and Lauren Kennedy (V) and Albert Liang and Laura Sams (S)