Recap: Second Quarterly Briefing of 2017

Quarterly briefings are your chance to get project-wide updates on the Atlanta BeltLine’s progress, with special topics presented each quarter. The second quarterly briefing of 2017, held on Tuesday, June 6, was one of the most well-attended Atlanta BeltLine public meetings to date. More than 160 residents were in the audience at Park Tavern’s Piedmont Room as Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) and Atlanta BeltLine Partnership (ABP) provided updates. Following the updates, an open house was held for the public to engage in deeper discussions with staff from ABI & ABP and our partners.

A full house at the second quarterly briefing of 2017. Photo: Atlanta BeltLine Partnership
A full house at the second quarterly briefing of 2017. Photo: Atlanta BeltLine Partnership

The discussion began with a look at affordability and equity along the Atlanta BeltLine, highlighting the $15+ million funding commitment to the BeltLine Affordable Housing Trust Fund over the next three years. More than 785 units have been produced within the Tax Allocation District (TAD) to date, and in 2017, there are 113+ more affordable units currently in development. One notable new development, Adair Court, will provide 91 new units of senior housing with 77 slated as affordable in the Adair Park neighborhood, thanks to a $500,000 commitment from Invest Atlanta. ABI is also engaging a developer to construct Phase II of the Lofts at Reynoldstown Crossing, with a requirement of 40% affordability.

ABI President and CEO Paul Morris introduced the line of project managers to deliver updates. Photo: Atlanta BeltLine Partnership
ABI President and CEO Paul Morris introduced the line of project managers to deliver updates. Photo: Atlanta BeltLine Partnership

Transit on the Atlanta BeltLine is also advancing, and work to satisfy the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is underway – an essential step to building out the Atlanta Streetcar System Plan’s 50 mile system. Four corridors are currently undergoing this process, and all will be submitted to the Federal Transit Administration by the end of 2017. Other transit updates included ABI’s work on behalf of the City of Atlanta on select Renew Atlanta bond projects.

Major progress has been made on the construction of the Westside Trail and Eastside Trail extension, with both expected to be complete later this summer. On the west side, trail pours have been completed in various sections, and the first native grass plantings have gone in. Light installation is underway, as well as handrails and other finishing touches on bridges and vertical connections. On the east side, paving is 95% complete, and the installation of lighting and landscaping is underway. Southside Trail design is 50% complete, thanks in part to public input on the 4-mile corridor between Glenwood Avenue and University Avenue.

Paving on the Westside Trail at Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard. Photo: The Sintoses
Paving on the Westside Trail at Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard. Photo: The Sintoses

On May 1, the call for artists closed for Art on the Atlanta BeltLine’s eighth exhibition, which kicks off on Saturday, September 9.

In the area of Community Planning and Engagement (CP&E), residents were informed of upcoming comprehensive updates to the 10 subarea master plans, originally adopted between 2009 and 2012. Through the efforts of CP&E ABI also initiated extensive community engagement in 2017, around a variety of topics including design and construction.

The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership wrapped up this quarterly briefing with an overview of their activities in 2017. The Partnership continues its work to enable the Atlanta BeltLine project with the upcoming launch of a capital campaign to fund construction of unpaved trails. ABP also engages the public with activities like the Washington Park Jamboree in April, the Run.Walk.Go! Race Series – featuring the Westside 5K on July 15 – and by providing bus, bike and walking tours of the Atlanta BeltLine. The Partnership’s mission also includes the goal of empowering residents of Atlanta BeltLine communities in the areas of health, housing and economic opportunity. Highlighting ABP’s work in this area is the next free homeowner empowerment workshop scheduled for June 24 at Lang Carson Community Center, and the availability of a resource guide designed to help residents looking for ways to stay in their homes as surrounding property values and taxes increase. You can learn more about the goals of the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership here.

ABP's Deputy Executive Director David Jackson delivers updates on the nonprofit's activities. Photo: Atlanta BeltLine Partnership
ABP’s Deputy Executive Director David Jackson delivers updates on the nonprofit’s activities. Photo: Atlanta BeltLine Partnership

If you missed the meeting, you can watch the presentation in full on Facebook, and view the powerpoint slideshow here. Our next quarterly briefing is scheduled for September 14, 2017 – location to be determined. Stay tuned for updates!

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