ATLANTA — A grassroots group is now starting a campaign to stop rail expansion on the Atlanta BeltLine, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
The group called Better Atlanta Transit will research alternatives for the MARTA streetcar's new home. According to the group's website, the group consists of neighborhood activists, transit advocates, urban planners and more.
“Rail is the 20th century. We need to look forward, not backward,” said Renee Glover, former president and CEO of Atlanta Housing, in a news release obtained by 11Alive's partners. Glover opposes the rail expansion alongside other civics leaders in metro Atlanta.
The Business Chronicle stated in their report that Billy Linville, a lobbyist and political strategist, will manage the group. Linville told the Atlanta Business Chronicle the group will hold discussions, conduct research and organize a public relations campaign.
The report also stated that opponents are worried about how the rail would impact pedestrian activity, properties, construction and more. An argument the group stands behind is that the streetcar has low ridership.
MARTA's existing streetcar line runs mostly on a loop through downtown. In July, MARTA's Board of directors approved millions of dollars in funding to expand the streetcar to the BeltLine's eastside trail. The extension would take north by northeast to connect with the BeltLine at Irwin Street. From there, the streetcar would have five stops on a one and a half mile stretch along the BeltLine’s eastside trail before reaching Ponce de Leon Avenue.
Some fans of the trail believe adding the streetcar could raise some concerns.
"I think it boils down to one thing and that’s space, if it becomes too congested. Because right now on a Saturday or Sunday, it’s pretty congested on the BeltLine," Mike Worley, a regular BeltLine user who also said he's a fan of public transit, previously stated.
According to the Business Chronicle, the eastside rail expansion project could be completed by 2028. It's unclear when MARTA would move to other parts of the BeltLine.
The lead principal engineer on the project previously stated in an Atlanta Business Chronicle report that they have no plans to look at alternatives.
“We need to make sure we are making investments in things that are not just roadway and car-based, [things] that move the needle on mobility, access, connectivity and sustainability as well,” said Shaun Green at a previous MARTA meeting.