A Look at the Beltline

Atlanta is on the verge of a major redevelopment that will change this city for generations. Plans for the proposed Belt Line, a twenty-two mile loop around the city, are moving ahead. The Belt Line is a transportation and green space project that will spark redevelopment in the cities most blighted areas.

Proponents of the beltline cite the many benefits that the city would reap from this project. First, the new rail system will give a much-needed relief to the traffic gridlock throughout the city. In addition, the green space and redevelopments would e poised to beautify some of the cities poorest and most polluted areas. Lastly, the development would help generate a larger tax base to help fill the city’s coffers.

Beltline opponents argue that the poor and the neighborhood interests have been neglected. With redevelopment comes an increase in property values. In turn, the burden is placed on the poor to deal with higher property taxes, rent, and mortgages. Those who have had to endure with these blighted areas for years will not benefit from the project. Sadly, they will be forced to leave their neighborhoods because they will no longer be able to afford to live there.

Regardless of the ramifications of this project, the Belt Line is a major undertaking that will transform Atlanta.