Idea: Ponce City Market and Exclusivity
Argument: Ponce City Market has not allowed for equal opportunities of lower-income families to engage in the market’s activity which results in the exclusivity of particular socioeconomic groups.
Substance of Argument:
Ponce City Market and its surrounding communities have been influenced by political factors. With the association between political leaders, urban planners, and residents, endeavors have been conducted to revitalize the city of Atlanta. This democratic process has its benefits in redeveloping obsolete properties for renewed use, though disadvantages also occur that perpetuate the isolation of particular groups. The intensity of gentrification is predominantly noted within Ponce City Market and the Beltline’s impact on surrounding neighborhoods. By removing insufficient, worn-down housing and displacing the respective residents, developers were able to construct much of the Beltline which is conjoined to Ponce City Market. In turn, an influx of middle to upper class citizens relocated to the newly developed sites and caused immense displacement of lower class families. This process of renovation perpetuates cultural, social, and economic distinctions while continuing a lack of integration between different groups. When vastly different demographics are not intermixing, polarization and intolerance ensues. Additionally, with this revitalization throughout Ponce de Leon, housing prices have dramatically increased. Ryan Gravel, the creator of the Atlanta Beltline, envisioned the communities around the Beltline to exhibit equal opportunities for housing. Therefore, residences of all prices which would include all socioeconomic classes would reside along its path. Unfortunately, this ideal has not remained true with new construction. An overwhelming majority of housing around the Beltline is designated for middle to upper class civilians which excludes lower income groups. From this disparity, many Atlantans have voiced their discontent including Gravel himself. Ultimately, the goals that attempted to result in equality have done the opposite to Atlanta residents.
It must also be regarded that Ponce City Market excludes particular groups which may or may not have been intentional in its foundation. With its expensive prices in every aspect (retail, food, parking, etc.), the market targets individuals with a larger expendable income. Therefore, lower class families are unable to spend copious amounts of money because such purchases take up a greater portion of their income than a middle to upper class family. With this notion, lower classes are subliminally excluded from participating in such transactions due to the progressive prices that are exhibited throughout the market. Another current debate exists within Ponce City Market’s parameters. The revitalization of Atlanta’s old railway system has become proposed for the Atlanta Beltline Incorporation. This public transportation would extend to the Beltline’s 22-mile trail system and allow immediate access to 45 different neighborhoods within Atlanta. As a result, these encompassing communities would have a direct connection through the Beltline’s transport. This project acts as a response to Atlantans’ dissatisfaction of current public transportation and the increasing demand of the Beltline’s use. However, many debate the extent of the railway system since its parameters are bounded within the city of Atlanta. Should the routes extend to metro-Atlanta and suburban areas so the transportation can include a larger group? For many citizens, urban planners, and politicians, the implications are too dense if the expansion occurred. Homelessness would increase within suburbs and exponentially more funding would be required to fulfill such actions. On the other hand, because of this confinement, the transportation can only be accessed by a limited group of local Atlantans. Therefore, the railway’s success is restricted.
In “Exploring a New World” by Jeff Zagoudis, the article elaborates on the developmental changes starting in mid 2016 that will drastically shape Ponce de Leon Avenue. The urban improvements are being separated into four different projects. In particular, Zagoudis focuses on the project that extends from Monroe Drive to Freedom Parkway which is overseen by Atlanta Beltline Incorporation. Currently, the street project integrates pedestrian-oriented renovations of Ponce de Leon Avenue including four new vehicle lanes, two-way left turns, disability compliant sidewalks, land strips that distinctly and safely separate walking pedestrians from vehicular traffic, additional bike lanes, and new light fixtures alongside the road. Zagoudis has reported several difficulties with the construction of the new advancements. Mandated environmental standards, unowned property, and obstructions like the old railway system act as hindrances for the ease of development. Interestingly, my previous article, “Planning Atlanta’s shows Past Illustrations of Future Development” by Hurley regards the old train system positively for future rapid transit development while Zagoudis opposes such notion. Moreover, both authors take different approaches to improve sidewalk and pedestrian experience. Zagoudis believes the funded transportation projects from the GTOD along Ponce de Leon will resolve all pedestrian related issues while Hurley believes the development of an extensive train system will combat the present complications. In reference to my other sources, this article discusses the most recent construction within the Ponce City Market community. In fact, these developments are so modern that they are occurring right now. This opposes to article that I have read which communicated the past reconstruction of the Sears and Roebuck building. Personally, I don’t understand the GTOD’s plans to incorporate more vehicular lanes. The area of Ponce City Market encourages other methods of transportation (i.e walking and biking), therefore why should we add more car lanes? This notion acts contradictory by combating the efforts to reduce car use throughout Atlanta. Additionally, the article presents flaws when Zagoudis transitions to Atlanta citizens’ opinions on the developments. He only includes one opinion that states “we’ve heard very few complaints and a lot of thank-yous,” thus excluding every varying account of the situation.
The parking at Ponce City Market is immense. Residents can access various parking locations through the market’s ground level parking, ramp to lower level parking, pedestrian access to lower level, complimentary 30 minute parking, Atlanta Beltline bike parking, and valet as exemplified through the map above. The places to park vehicles range from massive parking garages and adjacent parking lots. The parking lots located closest to the main level of the market are designated as the complimentary 30 minute parking. Due to their ideal locality, the time for each spot is limited. Otherwise, car users who intend to spend a larger amount of time at the market can navigate their way to the parking garage which can be accessed via ground level parking and ramps. Moreover, parking fees, a heavily-debated topic for residents, exist at Ponce City Market. The prices vary, which can be seen in the chart above. Gradually, the more time one requires at the site, the more money will be demanded for one’s parking spot. Residents have opposed this fee because of the predominant expensive prices within the market’s retail and food. Furthermore, individuals perceive the parking fee as another inconvenience for consumers that depend on cars to transport throughout the city of Atlanta. This unwanted fee has subliminal effects in terms of encouraging other modes of transportation such as walking, biking, or public transport. In fact, the Atlanta Beltline has direct access and an elaborate entrance to Ponce City Market. This widely-used path advocates healthy, unconventional means of travel that oppose the heavily-dependent vehicular use that exists within metro-Atlanta. During my visit, an individual who worked for Ponce City Market discussed their mandatory parking fees and its implications on consumers. She stated that many people opposed of the mandate due to its annoyance, but ultimately the implication was needed to maintain the exquisite establishment. Since Ponce City Market acts as a major attraction to civilians, the corporation would receive immense profit from the parking fees. From this, the property owners will utilize the monies to better the development for years to come which would hopefully benefit consumers’ experiences with the market. When I ventured into the parking garage, the landscape was undeniably attractive considering it is a parking garage. The concrete and structural components appeared incredibly new and well-kept. Instead of the location feeling like a prison for vehicles, the design emitted a lighter, more positive feel through its noticeable maintenance. Ultimately, my experience with the parking at Ponce City Market demonstrated two different themes that the market endorses:
- Individuals should become less dependent on vehicular transportation.
- In order to maintain the development’s refinement, additional fees are required.
Alongside the business spaces, retail, and restaurants, Ponce City Market also offers residential areas. These apartments, known as the Flats at Ponce City Market, integrate the historic landscape from the building’s origins, Sears and Roebuck, with modern aspects of design. When comparing the present-day architecture of the apartments (pictured above) with the original Sears facility (pictured below), the structures’ similarities are almost identical. The apartments have preserved the integrity of Sears and Roebuck with it’s brick exterior, industrial windows, and dimensions. When designing the flats, Jamestown properties desired to restore the history, as opposed to bulldozing and covering the site’s roots; the constructors managed to preserve the original building’s prominent qualities while adding complementary touches of modern decoration. For an individual residing in this development, everything they need is located within their building complex. Food, clothing, and entertainment – it’s all conveniently located at Ponce City Market, just a couple steps from the apartments. The quintessence of mixed-use properties and it’s advantages for individuals can be exemplifies by the Lofts at Ponce City Market. The location of the apartments are ideal, with the Atlanta Beltline, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park all within one’s backyard. Each loft includes steel-frame windows, european-style fittings, and views of Atlanta. Though the landscape is preserved, the units are full of vibrancy. The floor plans consist of studio, one bedroom, two bedroom, and three bedroom for Atlanta residents. Additionally, due to the Beltline’s presence, the Lofts have partnered with Invest Atlanta to keep the rent at a reduced rate in order to provide equal opportunities for housing along the Beltline. Interestingly, because of public funding, the residential space cannot be sold to an individual for ownership, the apartments can only be rented. After another year elapses, the apartments can evolve into condominiums or lofts and be available for purchase. Until then, individuals seeking to reside in an apartment can fulfill such residency at the market.
“What’s Happening With The Beltline?,” an article from Atlanta Magazine, discusses the financial difficulties that have stunted the Beltline’s progress. The project lost access to $700 million in TAD’s, tax allocation districts, because of the result of a Georgia Supreme Court case that ruled against cities utilizing TAD school funds for public projects unrelated to education. Now, the Beltline wants Georgia government to pass an amendment to the state constitution which allows TAD school funds to be allocated to non-educational purposes if the schools support the development. Though Gravel’s project has lost a major source of funding, the Beltline continue its construction and is looking for other financial investors, whether public or private, to assist in monies. The hardships discussed help me understand that the progression of the Beltline was a challenging feat; there were financial obstacles and burdens from opposing associations that attempted to impede the Beltline’s vision for Atlanta. Contrasting to other sources that I have read, this article examines the financial contributors of the Beltline which differs from the majority of optimistic pieces that discuss the Beltline’s positive effects on society. In relation to the article “Beltline: A Green Future” which provides an awe-inspiring message about the unlimited opportunities that this project ensues, this article provides an alternative message with more modest, practical tone. Regardless, both articles demonstrate a balance of the support and opposition of the Atlanta Beltline. Some bias is projected throughout the piece. The author, Kimberly Turner, maintains a negative tone when regarding the Beltline. It is particularly noted that she is against the notion that residential areas surrounding the Beltline will be extremely expensive. This negativity towards the project makes me assume that she is not a major supporter of the development and therefore it could potentially create bias throughout the article.