When 11 of Atlanta's 15 City Council voting members come together to sponsor a resolution on a controversial topic, it's worth paying attention to. Even more so when the resolution includes the following remarkable phrases:

"the confusion reflects a failure of infrastructure design and the City’s indecision as to what Peachtree Street should be"

"a decision that is reactionary and takes the path of least resistance over that which prizes Vision Zero principles"

This language is from 25-R-3213, a resolution that calls for the Mayor to replace the crosswalk at 225 Peachtree Street, where Pradeep Sood was tragically killed by a driver, and to add elements like flashing lights and signage -- along with removing at least one lane from vehicle access -- to make the crossing safer. The legislation calls for this to be completed by June 30. It was introduced by Atlanta City Council member Amir Farokhi and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Jason Dozier, Matt Westmoreland, Michael Julian Bond, Andrea L. Boone, Jason Winston, Mary Norwood, Alex Wan, Antonio Lewis, Byron D. Amos, and Liliana Bakhtiari.

Our position is that this is the only right thing to do. It is long past time to prioritize safety, walkability and livability over driver speed and convenience on Atlanta's signature street. 

In discussion about the aggressive timeline, Farokhi pointed out that the City moved quickly, within weeks, to remove the remnants of the crosswalk following Sood's passing, and it can move equally quickly to build a safe crossing. Good points, we say.

The resolution passed unanimously, save one absentee, and now moves on to the full Council for consideration.

In other notable news: 

• Councilmembers discussed the success of the e-bike rebate program, and mentioned the need to find new funding for a second round of rebates.
• The committee also passed legislation authorizing project management agreements for safe-streets projects on Courtland St. and Piedmont Ave. as well as Spring and West Peachtree Street.