The Peirce Reports: Article I – “Taming the Sprawl”

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Taming the Sprawl

By Neal Peirce and Curtis Johnson, 1999

Just a century ago, St. Louis was busting its buttons with pride, riding the cutting edge of growth into a new century — not unlike Nashville and the region around it today.

That metropolis on the Mississippi was already an industrial and cultural colossus preparing for the world to come calling when it hosted its 1904 Exposition and Olympics.

Sadly, St. Louis’s edge grew dull not far into the new century. Reinvestment — so vital to the momentum — failed to materialize. Great historic buildings that filled its downtown were bulldozed. After World War II, vibrant urban neighborhoods emptied and suburbs exploded across farm and field.

The Peirce Reports: Article II – “Hurtling Toward Atlanta’s Fate”

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Hurtling Toward Atlanta’s Fate

By Neal Peirce and Curtis Johnson, 1999

Middle Tennessee has been a strong runner in the great growth race of the ’90s for key investments, higher paying jobs and signature companies.

The region is poised to break out of the pack with a spectacular sprint into the 21st century.
The area is such an employment magnet that it has many more jobs than workers, drawing tens of thousands of commuters from outlying counties each day.   But as Middle Tennessee moves forward, it may also find that growth is its Achilles’ heel.

The Peirce Reports: Article III – “Commuter Rail: A Timely U-Turn”

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Commuter Rail: A Timely U-Turn

By Neal Peirce and Curtis Johnson, 1999

Even as it hurtles toward Atlanta-style gridlock, the Nashville region has a dramatic opportunity to execute a smart U-turn.

Look across America’s regions and you’ll find it difficult to find any other with as ideal a set of rail development options — commuter rail and light rail combined — as Nashville and Middle Tennessee today.

The Peirce Reports: Article IV – “Stepping Up to Stop the Sprawl”

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Stepping Up to Stop the Sprawl

By Neal Peirce and Curtis Johnson, 1999

Some politicians, many highway engineers, would have you believe there’s only one solution to the traffic nightmare that’s now starting to seize the Nashville region: more roads.

Others would suggest public transit’s the only answer.

Both are wrong.

A new savvy slice of the engineering community is breaking with the old theology that salvation lies in pouring still more concrete on top of congestion. Honest transit advocates will agree they can’t cure congestion and can only provide alternatives.