Locally Preferred Alternatives

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) conducted an Alternatives Analysis (AA) to identify and evaluate transit improvements within the Atlanta BeltLine corridor. Finalized in 2007, this offered options for improving local and regional mobility, accessibility, and connectivity, while also supporting the City of Atlanta’s redevelopment plans.

Five-Year Work Plan

The implementation of the Atlanta BeltLine began in 2006 with the formation of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) and the start of the Five-Year Work Plan. This plan served as a road map for all targeted activities and accomplishments of the first five years for ABI and its partners. The majority of the goals articulated in the plan were achieved in the five-year timeframe.

Atlanta BeltLine Redevelopment Plan

Completed in 2005, the Atlanta BeltLine Redevelopment Plan includes the initial proposal to combine greenspace, trails, transit, and new development along 22 miles of historic rail segments that encircle Atlanta’s urban core. The plan provided a framework for moving the project forward by outlining the major public infrastructure projects that comprise the project, identifying the type and scope of development that would be consistent with good planning practices, and by determining the boundaries of a Tax Allocation District to successfully provide a primary local funding source for the project.

Environmental Justice Policy

The Environmental Justice Policy explains the Atlanta BeltLine’s commitment to the fair treatment of people of all races, age, cultures and incomes; and how they shall all be fully considered during the Atlanta BeltLine’s planning, decision-making, development and implementation of programs, policies, and activities.

Emerald Necklace Study

In 2004, Alex Garvin published “The BeltLine Emerald Necklace: Atlanta’s New Public Realm” outlining a public realm framework around which 21st Century Atlanta can grow and prosper.  Recognizing the extraordinary opportunity offered by the Atlanta BeltLine project, Garvin’s team looked for ways to maximize greenspace opportunities in the Atlanta BeltLine corridor. The study was integral to the plans for comprehensive development or redevelopment of hundreds of acres for greenspace improvements.

Ryan Gravel’s Thesis

Ryan Gravel’s joint master’s thesis in Architecture and City Planning from Georgia Tech in 1999 was the original vision for the ambitious Atlanta BeltLine project. Gravel’s subsequent work as a volunteer for the Atlanta BeltLine initiative was critical to obtain the necessary support and funding to get the project from drawing board to reality.

Ryan Gravel’s Thesis Addendum

An addendum to Ryan Gravel’s joint master’s thesis in Architecture and City Planning was published in 2005.

These documents can all be downloaded as PDFs. The Atlanta BeltLine Redevelopment Plan is approximately 90 pages, so please plan for large files sizes.