If you ever wished folks would slow down on Boulevard to either soak in the beauty of Grant Park or look out for pedestrians, then you might be in luck.
The Atlanta City Council voted unanimously Monday to lower the speed limit of the Grant Park passage from 35 to 25 mph between Mead Street and I-20, said the legislation’s sponsor Councilwoman Carla Smith.
The representative for District 1, which includes Grant Park, said the move came about actually because of trees.
The public back-and-forth regarding scores of trees on Grant Park's Boulevard side set for removal, which the city recently paused, brought lots of attention to the east side of the park.
“That made everyone take a look at Boulevard,” Smith said.
The tress are coming down in order to build a $48 million, 1,000-space parking garage for the park and Zoo Atlanta.
Plans for the semi-underground Grant Park Gateway announced by Mayor Kasim Reed in April include a restaurant, outdoor greenspace and a way to harvest rainfall.
Also due to parking garage construction: Expect 500 fewer parking spots at Grant Park for next 18 months
Smith said that residents reached out to her to draft legislation to make Boulevard more safe. And though no traffic study has been done on the area, Smith agreed it was a good idea to slow folks down.
“It catches all of Grant Park,” she said.
From here, the measure moves to Reed’s desk. Smith explained that he has eight days to approve or veto the legislation before it automatically becomes law.
Smith said she doesn’t expect any opposition from the mayor.