Frustration mounts in southwest Atlanta over lack of safe sidewalks

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Southwest Atlanta residents are growing increasingly frustrated as their sidewalks continue to crumble apart.

Over the last decade, there have been several pedestrian and cyclist-related vehicle crashes along Dill Avenue in the Capitol View neighborhood.

Eric Jacobson lives in the area and voiced his safety concerns.

“When you walk on sidewalks that are cracked and broken, it creates opportunities for people to be hit by cars,” he said.

Dianne Bryant runs around the neighborhood, and said the uneven sidewalks present problems and perils.

“In many cases, you’re running along, then all of a sudden there’s no sidewalk,” she said.

Yet, residents have been repeatedly told by local leaders that there is no funding available to fill the gaps in their existing sidewalks.

The group’s patience reached a final straw this week, as the Atlanta City Council approved $120 million in bond funding for a large-scale transportation project in order to make over the downtown in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Jacobson believes this is a slap in the face.

“We’re a surrounding neighborhood of the downtown area,” he said. “Isn’t it time that they look at what’s happening in our neighborhoods?”

On Thursday, dozens of neighbors in southwest Atlanta plan to participate in a march up Allene Avenue toward the Beltline.

Kathy Johnston lives at a senior living complex in Capitol View. She’ll be using her wheelchair to march, hoping to highlight the lack of accessible sidewalks in her neighborhood.

“I would like for local leaders to fix some of the sidewalks,” Johnston said. “To make it easier for handicapped people in wheelchairs or walkers to get to and from wherever they’re trying to go.”

The “Southwest Atlanta Mobility March” will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. The group of neighbors will meet at the corner of Deckner Avenue and Allene Avenue in Capitol View.

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