Public Meeting: Proposed Sales Tax would Build more Beltline

At a May 24 public meeting, staff from the Beltline will give a presentation about the Southwest Atlanta portion of a planned $435 million spend that would run light transit through the city if metro Atlanta approves a new penny sales tax.

It's one of a series of regular Study Group meetings that "we use to present information and get ideas," says Beth McMillan, director of community engagement for the Beltline. This week, they will be talking about the transportation special local option sales tax — or T-SPLOST — and what it could do for the Beltline.

The Southwest Atlanta portion of the proposed ring of trails follows a railroad path that starts near I-75/85 at University Avenue, parallels White Street, turns north by Enota Park and runs near Booker T. Washington High School. The works on the pedestrian and bike path are already underway.

But if they get the money, the Beltline will also install a streetcar at the intersection of Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard and Cascade Road, which would head north and east to link West End with Beltline transit planned for Downtown and the eastside at a total price of $602 million. 

All the money depends on passage of the T-SPLOST, a vote in the 10-county metro area to raise $8.5 billion over ten years to fund road, bridge and transit works throughout the region. 

The vote is on the July 31, 2012 primary ballot. The ten counties will vote as one on the tax, so it needs approval from the region overall.

Most of the cash can only be spent on a pre-approved regional list of projects.

The Southwest Atlanta Beltline Study Group meets Thursday, May 24 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 p.m. at at 1040 Ralph David Abernathy, Atlanta, 30310.