Article recaps, photos of the month, Netherlands takeaways and more!
The Urban Connector monthly newsletter looks back on the best of the previous month as well as ways to get involved in the coming month. Please make sure you sign up below to have these delivered straight to your inbox and follow on YouTube, Substack, Twitter, BlueSky Social, and Instagram.
April Content
Happy 404 Day, Atlanta | A collection of my favorite shots from the past year.
Atlanta BeltLine SouthSide Trail Progress | Drone tour of the much anticipated Southside Trail from Boulevard to Pittsburgh Yards.
Takeaways From a Week in The Netherlands | Initial thoughts from a week in the Netherlands.
Photos of the Month
Urban Thoughts: Too small for an article, too big to miss
BeltLine as a Place – The Beltline is obviously great. I won’t even touch on how we’re fumbling the future of rail on the corridor this time. Something else that sticks out to me is the lack of space to just “be.” On the newly completed Southeast trail there’s only two benches – both of which are right at the Glenwood intersection. There’s no shade structures, dog waste stations, rest places, or spots to just chill and enjoy the scenery. This feels like a huge mis to me for everything that the BeltLine is.
Developments that Excited Me
Englewood next phases: As the first phase of apartments gets set to open in Englewood South, officials are looking for developers to build the next phase. There’s even mention of a future “Englewood North” phase which s much of the land where I floated this!
Southeast Trail Opening: It took years, but the Southside Trail is finally (mostly) open. There’s still a fence to navigate at Boulevard and the United ramp is still incomplete but it’s already making a huge difference in how many others including myself navigate this part of the City.
Southeast Trail Infill Opportunity: Beulah Heights University is looking for ideas to transform or consolidate their campus property.
Get Involved, Atlanta!
| Date | Event | Notes |
| 5/4 | City Council | 1:00 PM |
| 5/5 | City Council | 1:00 PM |
| 5/11 | Zoning Committee | 11:00 AM |
| 5/13 | Transportation Committee | 10:00 AM |
| 5/18 | City Council | 1:00 PM |
| 5/27 | Transportation Committee | 10:00 AM |
| 6/1 | City Council | 1:00 PM |
Raleigh folks, I miss y’all! Make sure you’re keeping up to date with the great people at Raleigh Forward, WakeUP, Oaks and Spokes, NC Housing Table, and The Downtown Raleigh Community.
What I’m working on this month (and probably later)
- Netherlands infrastructure deep dives
- More suburban spotlights
- InPhil Designs ideas
- Urban Thoughts – Cities: Chicago, Orlando, Nashville
I’m sure this newsletter will evolve as time goes on. Comments or suggestions? Let me know!
I’ll be reposting my favorite ideas to date plus all new content over on Substack! As always, everything will remain free so hop on over and subscribe!
Phil Veasley, PE, CNU-A, The Urban Connector, is a Professional Engineer with Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates focused on creating safer, more vibrant cities through strategic multimodal infrastructure design. With expertise spanning traffic analysis, hand sketching, conceptual design, and full construction documentation, he thrives on transforming roads into great streets where people of all ages and abilities can flourish. Based in Atlanta, Phil is a passionate advocate for walkable, dense, and equitable neighborhoods. Outside of work, his passion is exploring urban life through sketching infill ideas and navigating cities primarily by bike or foot. His on-the-ground perspective informs his professional work, helping him design transportation systems that are not only functional but also people-centered and inspiring. Phil brings both technical depth and a city lover’s enthusiasm to every project, drawing on the belief that infrastructure and urban form must go hand in hand to support vibrant, inclusive communities where everyone has access to opportunity and quality of life.
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Opinions and insights are my own and are not representative of my employer or any organization.
Phil Veasley 