BeltLine Needs Rail Despite Growing Opposition, asserts Jim Irwin

"Rail tracks along urban path"

BeltLine Needs Rail Despite Growing Opposition, asserts Jim Irwin

Just two weeks after Atlanta’s Mayor Andre Dickens rescinded his support for adding a light rail along the Atlanta BeltLine, prominent developer, Jim Irwin, emphasized the necessity of a transit component alongside the popular pedestrian trail to accommodate the city’s burgeoning population. Irwin, the president of New City Properties, noted that transit alternatives and addressing worker mobility were paramount.

Need for a Comprehensive Transit Intervention

“If we can do that with transit, then I think it’s a great idea,” remarked Irwin at the recent Bisnow’s adaptive reuse event. “It at least needs to be part of a much larger, comprehensive intervention to make moving [around] our city a lot easier.” Planners have long envisioned a loop of light rail running parallel to the pedestrian path. One section of a streetcar line is already under construction, and MARTA is scrutinizing the best transit options for almost 14-mile of the pathway.

The Opposition’s Stance

Earlier this month, Mayor Dickens surprised many with his sudden withdrawal of support for a rail-only solution for mobility around the BeltLine. He expressed readiness to explore alternatives such as rubber tires, small pods, or maintaining it purely as a walking trail. This move comes on the heels of a coalition of local stakeholders and business leaders coalescing as Better Atlanta Transit, opposing any plans for rail along the BeltLine. Citing concerns regarding the impact on trees, green space, pedestrian access, and the overall costs involved with a light rail, this opposition group proposed more bikes, scooters, and autonomous vehicles as alternatives.

Voices for Rail Transit

Irwin was not the only one voicing support for BeltLine rail during the event. Anne-Michael Sustman, associate principal at Page, indicated that rail could act as a key connector for the various developments budding along the BeltLine. Asserting its potential benefit for the lower-wage workers, Irwin explained that they often struggle to live in the area due to expensive rents and lack of transit made it tiresome for the firm to hire the required staff.

Growth Irrespective of Mass Transit Decision

Despite the ongoing mass transit debate, more development is earmarked for areas adjoining the pedestrian path. The BeltLine Tax Allocation District, established in 2005, expects the zone to generate up to $1.4B in annual impact by 2030. Ben Hautt, the newly appointed managing partner of Robles Partners, mentioned plans to develop a 100K SF adaptive reuse project focusing on food and beverage in West Midtown. The senior vice president of Selig Enterprises, Malloy Peterson, has also initiated planning for a second phase with an emphasis on multifamily and office segments.