Atlanta is poised to reshape its transportation landscape through an ambitious trail expansion project aimed at enhancing mobility without cars.
With more than 100 of the proposed 535 miles of trails already built or funded for construction, city officials are focused on improving access to the Beltline and creating strategic connections to MARTA, Atlanta’s public transit system.
The project, a partnership between the PATH Foundation and the City of Atlanta, seeks to promote alternative commuting routes, particularly for residents near schools.
Rachel Maher, deputy commissioner for Partnerships and Enterprise, emphasized the significance of the trail network in accommodating Atlanta’s growth.
“Atlanta is growing and we have a chance to reshape how people move through the city,” Maher stated in an email.
The initial phase of this project, which proposes 35 miles of trails primarily composed of greenways, is set to span a decade with an estimated cost of $252 million.
Twenty-three projects are planned throughout the city as part of the first phase, with council districts 10, 11, and 12 being the primary focus for new trail development.
These districts will feature the Emerald Network, a set of 13 trails designed to connect southwest and west Atlanta residents with parks and schools, as well as facilitate access to the Beltline.
Currently, the Beltline serves 45 of Atlanta’s 242 neighborhoods, and city officials are optimistic that this initiative will contribute to reducing traffic congestion.
Phillip Smith, a spokesperson for the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation, highlighted how public interest in walking and cycling has outpaced commuting by car.
“We can see from the experience of the Beltline that people would much rather walk or bike to their destinations than sit in traffic,” he remarked.
However, funding for future phases of the project remains uncertain and may rely on grants or private donations, as cost estimates for subsequent phases have yet to be determined.
City Councilman Dustin Hillis noted that the trail project aligns with ongoing efforts to improve Atlanta’s rankings in the ParkScore index, which measures park accessibility within city limits.
Hillis expressed his goal of ensuring that every resident is within a safe walking distance of a park by advocating for more multi-use trails and sidewalks.
While the trail expansion project is aimed at improving transportation options, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on housing affordability in nearby communities.
Dr. Na’Taki Osborne Jelks, co-founder and executive director of the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, warned of the risk of gentrification, referencing prior experiences with the Beltline’s influence on surrounding neighborhoods.
“What we know from other experiences like the Atlanta Beltline is that these types of plans can replace legacy residents,” Jelks noted.
To address these concerns, she emphasized the importance of community engagement throughout the planning process, ensuring that the voices of impacted residents are heard.
Jelks stated, “I think this has the potential to be a net positive, but the process is just as important as the overall results.”
City officials have reassured residents that displacement will not occur as a result of the new trails.
The planned routes will connect with housing developments under consideration, including Bowen Homes, Chappell Road, Leila Valley, Gun Club, and Bankhead Courts.
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