Fourth Quarterly Briefing of 2015: The Recap

The Atlanta BeltLine held their final Quarterly Briefing of 2015 on Tuesday, November 3, where guests were treated to a special panel format. More than 130 attendees gathered at the Atlanta Technical College Campus to receive the latest project news as the meeting reflected the first 10 years of the Atlanta BeltLine program.

Kicking-off the night was Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) President and CEO Paul Morris who introduced ABI’s new Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Clyde Higgs. Project Director Lee Harrop followed with program updates. Westside Trail construction is fully funded and moving along while contract negotiations are underway for the highly anticipated Eastside Trail Extension where construction is set to begin early 2016.

Atlanta BeltLine Quarterly Briefing and panel discussion November 3, 21015 Photos by Christopher T Martin

The program continues to make progress around the corridor as the Request for Proposals for the Southside Corridor quickly approaches its November 12 deadline. ABI is looking for interested contractors to submit design and engineering concepts. Design improvements are wrapping up at Langford Park as community members can look forward to the opening of the second skatepark that will exist along the Atlanta BeltLine corridor.

The 2015 Art on the Atlanta BeltLine exhibition continues its success since its kick-off on September 12 through the annual Lantern Parade, which brought out over 60,000 participants. More than 100 performance and visual projects were submitted for this year’s exhibition, and temporary visual pieces will be on display until mid-November.

The 2015 Lantern Parade had an estimated 60,000 attendees. Photo: Jeff Milsteen
The 2015 Lantern Parade had an estimated 60,000 attendees. Photo: Jeff Milsteen

The briefing broke away from its usual presentation style as clips from “Life on the Atlanta BeltLine” played showcasing those who utilize the Atlanta BeltLine and the value the program has added to their lives. Keeping with the night’s changes, the meeting also featured a panel discussion that included experts and leaders that helped shape the Atlanta BeltLine.

Atlanta BeltLine Quarterly Briefing and panel discussion November 3, 21015 Photos by Christopher T Martin

The panel consisted of City of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed; Ryan Gravel, the man behind the thesis that proposed the Atlanta BeltLine; Paul Morris, current President and CEO of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.; and Mtamanika Youngblood, Board of Directors Chair for the Historic District Development Corp. Bill Nigut, Senior Executive Producer for Georgia Public Broadcasting, moderated the discussion and audience questions that addressed various hot topics such as affordable housing, transit, and trail progress.

Atlanta BeltLine Quarterly Briefing and panel discussion November 3, 21015 Photos by Christopher T Martin

Atlanta BeltLine Quarterly Briefing and panel discussion November 3, 21015 Photos by Christopher T Martin

Atlanta BeltLine Partnership (ABP) Executive Director Chuck Meadows and Deputy Executive Director Rob Brawner presented partnership updates through a timeline of the Atlanta BeltLine’s achievements.  ABP is focused on protecting and preserving the Atlanta BeltLine vision by raising funds and building partnerships that enable the Atlanta BeltLine project, engage the public, and empower residents in surrounding neighborhoods.

Atlanta BeltLine Quarterly Briefing and panel discussion November 3, 21015 Photos by Christopher T Martin

Even though the briefing has passed, those who missed the meeting can always access the full presentation for details. See you in 2016 for the next Quarterly Briefing when we will continue to celebrate 10 years of work and progress through the Atlanta BeltLine.

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