"This program is having

a profound impact in the way our region plans for future vitality,"

said Tom Weyandt, director of ARC's Comprehensive Planning. "Whether

typically considered urban, rural or suburban, these communities are creating

places we can all be proud of. ARC is thrilled to be able to directly

support and encourage the creative ideas coming from local governments

to improve livability."

LCI promotes quality growth

in the region by encouraging greater mobility and livability within existing

employment and town centers, thereby using the infrastructure already

in place instead of building anew.

All totaled, the program awards

$5 million in planning grants over five years, with 2004 the final year

in this initial LCI program. ARC is currently exploring the best ways

to continue and expand this popular program in the future. The nine successful

grantees are:

- Upper Westside (City

of Atlanta) - $75,000 -�The goal of this study is to link downtown

Atlanta and Atlantic Station with mixed-use designs at key intersections

along the primary corridor.

-�City of Buford Town

Center -�$75,000 -�The intent of the study is to encourage mixed-use

developments and interconnect these with other downtown attractions through

the provision of pedestrian-oriented facilities such as sidewalks and

multi-purpose paths.

-�City of Clarkston Town

Center -�$65,000 -�The City of Clarkston is one of the most

diverse areas in the region and many of these diverse populations rely

on non-automotive travel. The compact nature and layout of the city would

provide easy access for pedestrians and cyclists if the appropriate facilities

were in place. Clarkstons LCI plan will emphasize pedestrian connectivity

within and outside the town center and facilitate redevelopment opportunities

for mixed-use housing and retail services.

-�City of East Point Town

Center -�$75,000 -�While East Point's population stagnated

or declined in the 1970s and 80s, it is now experiencing growth as people

recognize the value of in-town living. East Point is home to a MARTA rail

station, close to two additional MARTA stations, is served by 13 bus routes

and is the potential site for a proposed commuter rail station. East Points

LCI study will capitalize on these transportation amenities by encouraging

two TODs with full range of housing, commercial services and employment

opportunities.

-�City of Holly Springs

Town Center - $65,000 -�The City of Holly Springs is a small,

community-oriented town that is experiencing growth and its associated

development activities. A recent market survey indicated that the city

is losing a potential $80 million in business and jobs to surrounding

areas. To these ends, the city desires to create a compact, pedestrian-friendly

downtown with mixed-use and compact development that can support diverse

activities and provide a stronger employment base.

-�City of McDonough Town

Center -�$75,000 -�McDonough and Henry County underwent tremendous

growth in the 1990s Henry County's population doubled while McDonough's

population almost tripled. The City's LCI plan will support and enhance

an expanded town center, maintain and create mixed-use developments, and

integrate the rest of the city through strategic transportation links.

-�Delk Road TOD -�$75,000

-�This study is centered on Transit-Oriented Development opportunities

based on proposed alignments identified in the Northwest Connectivity

Study for a Bus Rapid Transit station in an area that is poised for redevelopment

and reinvestment in the community. The study area has an integral mix

of commercial, residential (both multiple and single family dwellings)

and transportation facilities for residents. The purpose of the study

is to prepare land use and transportation recommendations that are both

transit and development oriented.

- Northwest Clayton -�$80,000

-�The mission of the Northwest Clayton LCI study will be to foster

redevelopment and related improvements in the area of Northwest Clayton

County that is adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The

redevelopment will include an appropriate mix of housing, employment,

commercial, recreation, entertainment, education and transportation facilities

that are organized in a manner so as to produce a safe, attractive, and

functional activity center environment. -�Town Center Area (Cobb

County) -�$75,000 - The Town Center Area has emerged as a regional

activity center with its proximity to interstates 75 and 575. The LCI

study will take a comprehensive approach to tackle the area's sprawling

atmosphere, congested streets and underutilized land.