Leader in Atlanta Revitalization, Peachtree City Development Dies at Age 82

Robert Wilson Bivens, 82, a city planner who spearheaded the
revitalization of downtown Atlanta in the late 1960s and early 1970s, died April 1 as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident near Atlanta.

Bivens, who held a masters degree in city planning from Georgia Tech, headed the newly formed Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) from 1967 to 1974. He also played leading roles in the development or rejuvenation of three other cities: Peachtree City, a planned “new town” near Atlanta (1975-78); Louisville, Kentucky (1978-85); and Elmira, N.Y. (1985-92). Bivens specialized in forging alliances between private enterprise and government agencies to revitalize cities, often linking improved schools and recreation, such as golf or theater, to his plans.

Referring to a 2005 book Bivens co-authored, “For Great Cities…A Bold
Initiative,” former president Jimmy Carter wrote: “Bob Bivens draws from
his wealth of experience to show how many safe and successful downtown
projects have been realized by private-public partnerships and how
strong city centers can lead Americans boldly into the new millennium.”
“Bob Bivens has always trafficked in big ideas,” wrote Carl T. Hayden,
former chancellor of the Board of Regents of the State of New York.
Bivens developed “a remarkable plan for bringing our inner cities back
to life and restoring hope and opportunity to those who live there.”