November Transportation Cmte. Activity Summary
The transportation committeee met on November 18th, and brainstormed potential activities for 2026. In particular, they discussed ideas for tactical urbanism projects, based on ATLDOT’s published recommendations.
Later in the month, committee members learned of plans to build a new datacenter at West End Production Park. The project would require an exemption from a city ordinance that prohibits data centers within a half mile of MARTA Stations and the Beltline. Committee members agreed that the project would not support the community’s goals for the neighborhood.
Among other reasons:
- Datacenters do not create meaningful employment.
- They Create large “dead spaces” that interrupt the flow of walkable neighborhoods, reducing community vibrancy and aesthetic appeal.
- They consume significant amounts of power but pay reduced rates, increasing costs for residents.
For these reasons, the committee drafted a letter, and recommended the WEND general body vote to send it to the Atlanta City Council, expressing opposition to the proposed zoning exemption. The full text of the Letter can be found here. The General Body approved the recommendation at the December meeting.
