By Gabriel Owens, contributor 

Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. held a study group meeting on Nov. 30 to discuss the future of Chosewood Park with residents of the neighborhood.

ABI described its plans as a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) framework. As the Beltline passes through Chosewood, ABI said it wanted the residents to be involved in the process.

“The interest appeared to be very high,” said consultant David Loube. “I’m quite surprised and pleased with the turnout. We don’t have enough tables to go around.”

The meeting started with an introduction to four types of plans ABI and their partners are looking at. The different “Community Character” styles were broken down as Urban Village (like Decatur), Park Activity Center (like Old Four Ward), Park and Service Community (like Glenwood) and Historic Single Family Neighborhood (like Inman Park).

The presentation further broke down the amount of acreage for residential, retail, green space, and other sections of the area for each plan.

“We’re trying to get the community’s input on the master plan for how this area is going to evolve,” Loube said.

The plans looked at the existing framework conditions such as hill slopes, drainage piping, and power services, and what would have to be adjusted in each model to accommodate them.

One resident continually asked about the sewage lines of one of the designs, and was frustrated to not get a clear answer.

“As always, these are preliminary designs and are still works in progress,” Loube said.

The ABI presenters and the gathered residents then went to the back where various tables were set up showing  TOD frameworks and different Community Characters. Each table was a discussion group led by one of the ABI representatives.

The groups identified their own houses and neighborhoods on the map and talked with the representatives about what would specifically affect their neighborhoods, good and bad. The discussions lasted over 30 minutes.

“We’ve had some initial meetings already, so we’ve got some initial feedback,” Loube said. “I think we of course want to get a consensus, but we’ve already got some ideas.”

Loube said that most feedback was negative on large scale retail (due to traffic considerations). He said he imagined the plans would land somewhere on the smaller side of retail.

“We’re here to completely document the community’s vision,” he said.

The Beltline is due to start work in Chosewood Park sometime next year.