Atlanta BeltLine study finds overall satisfaction with project, identifies improvement priorities

CREDIT ALISON GUILLORY / WABE
Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. has released key findings from its first-ever comprehensive community study about the BeltLine, and the results show strong public satisfaction with the project.
More than 6,000 surveys were completed to gauge the community’s expectations for the urban project, find ideas for improvements and more.
According to ABI, the survey showed that the public is happy with the BeltLine, with its perceived strengths being the quality of trails, parks, and green spaces, public art and the BeltLine’s contribution to economic development.
More specifically, 80 percent of survey respondents are satisfied with the project overall, and 70 percent feel that “the Atlanta BeltLine has improved their neighborhood both economically and socially,” according to ABI.
More than 60 percents of respondents also indicated that the BeltLine “builds community, is good for health, fitness, and economic activity and is a good place to visit.”
“ABI believes this community feedback is critical, and we are already using the information to determine priorities and next steps,” Brian P. McGowan, ABI’s outgoing CEO, said.
The study also found some areas for improvement, including trail development, housing and transit, with the speed of the completion of the development project identified as a top priority.
Affordable housing is the second greatest priority, with the displacement of low-income residents listed as a concern. Additionally, the third highest priority was identified as the speed of construction of the Atlanta BeltLine transit system, as more than 80 percent of respondents indicated they would use the transit once completed.
According to ABI, the outreach was conducted using third-party vendor InfoSurv, with the surveys sourced randomly online and via phone.
To learn about the BeltLine and ABI’s plans, view past community meetings here or attend one of its future meetings, which appear on the BeltLine Events Calendar.
To view the survey and data, go here.