What’s New with the BeltLine?
It's the Next Big Thing intown. Everybody has an opinion...we, like most intowners, think "FINALLY!" Connecting parks to parks by a multi-use trail, so that bikers, hikers, and runners don't have to navigate the city streets for commute or play; saving precious Atlanta greenspace and providing a gallery for public art projects; heck, even having streetcars or light rail line circling the core of Atlanta...it's all a breath of fresh air to our often-beleagured transportation situation. Since it's the talk of the town, we thought we'd bring you up to speed on what's happening on the BeltLine:
- We're no slouches. It turns out that plenty of businesses along the BeltLine's proposed first branch have been "adopting" their stretch of the BeltLine, mowing grass, pulling weeds, reporting graffiti, and just generally keeping an eye on the neighborhood. Additionally, many local charities and organizations have stepped forward to adopt portions of the greenspace to maintain. Nice work, Atlanta, we're proud!
- Of course, there was that story about the tires dumped late last year.
- But then some lovely people came and tidied them up.
- The BeltLine Partnership has begun offering bus tours of the loop to get people accustomed to the route and the plan. So far, the response has been pretty good. The free, narrated bus tour of the Atlanta BeltLine leaves the Inman Park MARTA station on Friday and Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Climb aboard the BeltLine tour bus to hear details and updates regarding project planning, implementation, and development.
- Right now, the main issue is sorting out where the transit lines and where the trails are going to be. By filling out the new survey on the BeltLine site and/or donating to the project, you can make your voice heard and help make the BeltLine its best. You can also use the site to volunteer or to sign up for a study group, where you can really make your voice heard.
Why are we excited about the BeltLine? Besides the obvious, it symbolizes the amazing changes happening around intown Atlanta. Twenty, even ten years ago, something like the BeltLine seemed like a pipe dream. Now, it's happening...Atlanta is truly coming into its own. We are proud to call it home!
