Beltline staff and consultants fielded questions about future development, existing artwork and trail connections during a community meeting on Tuesday evening.

The event was the third meeting Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. has held this summer to gather input and hear concerns from residents as they develop the final design for the Southside Trail. The design process is expected to take 18-24 months before the plans are finalized and trail construction begins.

The 4-mile trail will stretch between University Avenue and Glenwood Avenue in a primarily east-west orientation. Tuesday’s presentation focused on the section of the trail between Pryor Road Southwest and University Avenue near the High Point, Capitol View Manor and Capitol View neighborhoods.

Dozens of people crowded into Carver Market on the south side of Atlanta asked questions during the presentation and then participated in a breakout session where they talked with the trail designers and gave input.

One of the main concerns voiced during the meeting was how the Southside Trail will interact with the Annie E Casey Foundation development planned adjacent to the trail. BeltLine staff told residents they have not seen an official site plan for the development, but assured them the development would work with the city and other groups during the final process.

The plans presented on Tuesday evening show the Southside Trail going under I75/85 in a tunnel that will be about 250 feet long. The space will be well-lit, with lots of artwork and lights to make to safe, ABI consultants said.

One person asked about the existing graffiti that is in the area and whether it would become part of the artwork along the Beltline. That would be considered, he was told.

The presentation, which can be seen here, also showed different points that are being considered for artwork, benches, meeting spots or other interactive places.

“If there other areas you think we need to focus, please write it down and include it in your feedback,” Catherine Owens, an ABI engineer, told the group.

City Councilman and ABI board member Andre Dickens also urged people to continue giving their input on the design process by sending emails, calling and attending meetings.

ABI has several upcoming meetings scheduled.

 Murphy Crossing Economic Feasibility Study

Monday, September 19, 2016, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

James Orange Recreation Center
1305 Oakland Drive SW
Atlanta, GA 30310

Atlanta Streetcar Program 

Options for DeKalb Avenue Southeast Crossing

Tuesday, September 20, 2016, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Central United Methodist Church
501 Mitchell Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30314