BeltLine Transit Study 

• The Atlanta BeltLine is working with consulting engineer, Kimley-Horn, to conduct a transit study, which will include 13 miles of corridor between the Lindbergh and Bankhead MARTA stations and continuing counterclockwise to Glenwood Avenue. Project goals include identifying preferred alignments and station locations in the northwest quadrant of the BeltLine, and confirmed preferred station locations in the southwest and southeast corridor. The project kicked off in October of this year. Equity stakeholder and technical stakeholder committees have been established along with a transit advocate and academic roundtable. This study is anticipated to complete by June 2025.

Northeast Trail 

• Northeast Trail – Segment 1: Construction is underway on this segment that runs alongside Piedmont Park and will be completed in three phases: Phase I from Westminster Drive to Evelyn Street, Phase II from Evelyn Street to Monroe Drive, and Phase III including the 10th Street and Monroe Drive intersection improvements.
  • In Phase I, work is underway to replace an asphalt trail passing through Piedmont Park starting at Westminster Drive NE and running adjacent to Clear Creek. This area is sometimes referred to as the Carriage Trail. This section of trail will have the concrete trail poured to Evelyn Street by early January. Lighting and camera installation will follow along with planting work.
  • Along Phase II, construction crews have completed erosion control measures, tree clearing and stump removal. Storm water work is underway. Grading work is expected to begin in January, along with utility relocation work.
  • Phase III work, which includes pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of 10th and Monroe Drive, will take place later in the construction schedule and with ample community notice and coordination. Initial planning and logistics are in progress for this phase of work.
  • The BeltLine continues to work alongside Piedmont Park Conservancy, City of Atlanta Parks Department, and Atlanta Department of Transportation on this project. The project is expected to be complete in fall of 2024.

• Northeast Trail – Segment 2: This trail is open to the public with follow-on projects underway. Construction is wrapping up for a connecting sidewalk at the north end of the trail at Mayson Street, and is expected to be complete in January. Landscape installation is in progress and will continue through April 2024. Selig Enterprises, owner of Ansley Mall, is in progress on a bridge connecting the rear of their retail stores to the trail. Selig will set the opening date for the connecting bridge, which is expected by late winter or early spring.
  
• Northeast Trail – Segment 3: This federally funded portion of trail includes the mainline trail of the Atlanta BeltLine 22-mile loop, called Northeast Trail – Segment 3, and also includes connector trails to MARTA Lindberg station, PATH 400, and to the Armour-Ottley business district. The design team is scheduled to complete 90% drawings by March of 2024. Real estate acquisition and construction easements are underway and will be followed by GDOT approvals for right of way, environmental, and utility work. Construction letting / bidding is targeted for May 2025. The current expected construction start is August of 2025, with up to a three-year schedule to complete the mainline trail and the connector trails. 
• Details on each Northeast Trail segment can be found in our design and construction updates section: Segment 1, Segment 2, and Segment 3.
  
  

Eastside Trail 

• Ponce de Leon Avenue Streetscapes: The Ponce streetscape project will provide an improved pedestrian and bicycle connection along Ponce de Leon Avenue to the BeltLine running from Boulevard to Freedom Parkway. Work currently in progress includes construction of a median near Freedom Parkway.  The last section of sidewalk between Glen Iris and Somerset Terrace will be in progress starting in January and is expected to be complete within two months. This project is currently anticipated to complete in June of 2024. Updates are posted at www.beltline.org/ponce. 

Southside Trail 

• Southside Trail – Segments 2 – 3: The construction of Segments 2 and 3 has been released to bid.  Construction bids are currently expected in February. The goal is to begin trail construction in late spring of 2024, with a two year construction schedule.  This project achieved the highest level of federal funding possible at 80% of the total construction budget.
  
• Southside Trail – Segments 4 – 5: Current activities include the installation of storm piping and structures underground that will mitigate and manage storm water on the completed project. The contractor is working currently at Delmar and heading south towards Ormewood Ave. Sidewalks and some on-street parking on Ormewood Ave. was closed off to allow for the installation of a new pedestrian bridge. Pile driving is in progress for the bridge structure, or bridge bents at Ormwood Ave. and columns to support the new bridge are being poured. Construction of a retaining wall is in progress for a future access ramp to Delmar Ave., SE.  The trail will remain closed for the duration of construction, expected to last through spring 2025. Detour options can be found here.

  

  

   

• Manford Road Streetscapes: This project will get underway in once the contractor has received all permits, and will include the construction of connecting sidewalks to the Southside Trail from the Capitol View Manor neighborhood. All permits have been requested and are expected to be received in early 2024. Construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. between Monday and Friday and the project is expected to last no longer than six weeks.
• Details on each Southside Trail segment can be found in our design and construction updates section: Segments 2, 3, 4, and 5.
  

Westside Trail 

• Westside Trail – Segment 4: This 1.3-mile segment begins at the current Westside Trail terminus near Lena Street and Washington Park and extends north to Law Street where the trail ties into the Westside BeltLine Connector and the completed Westside Trail – Segment 3. The contractor is continuing to construct required retaining walls on the trail and has started granite cladding installation. Steel has been installed on elevated trails in three locations, with a first deck pour expected in late December. Steel for the fourth elevated trail section is expected to arrive this month. Stone rip rap is being installed under all elevated trail sections and final grading is underway between Washington Park and Washington Park Manor.  Trail grading and fiber ductwork has commenced near Lena Street. Grading is also underway along the section of trail with abandoned railroad corridor.  Details on this Westside Trail segment can be found in our design and construction updates section for Segment 4. This project is expected to be complete in summer of 2025.
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

   

• Ralph David Abernathy Access Point (at Westview): This project will provide a new access point to the Westside Trail, with a protected crossing across Ralph David Abernathy and a ramp and stair connection to the BeltLine. A landscaped plaza is also part of the design. The contractor, F.S. Scarbrough, has mobilized. Erosion control measures are in place, site fencing is installed, and heavy equipment delivered. Granite curb installation on South Gordon is in progress. On the trail access point, the contractor is cutting the grade down to begin excavation work for wall footings.  In addition, the trail wall will be cut for the new ramp and stair connection point.  A storm water tie-in will be required across the existing trail, which will mean cutting the trail concrete on the current trail, installing the storm water line across the trail, and then backfilling and pouring the trail concrete.  This work which will impact trail users will be scheduled and the community will be notified in advance.  The work is expected to be complete and open to the public within eight months, in spring of 2024.

  

  

   

• Ralph David Abernathy Complete Streets: This is a streetscape improvement project in the heart of the business district. The project is approximately 800’ in length and includes parking and protected bicycle lanes. Crosswalk installation at KIPP Academy to started on December 18^th, along with parking and median construction from West Ontario to Westview Drive, SW. Work in these areas is expected to be complete by January 3^rd when school starts back after the holidays. Outreach to community businesses was conducted in person on December 5^th to collect information on hours/days of operation of various businesses and to further refine the construction schedule for the work in the business district area. Coordination will be required for impacts to on street parking and business entrances. ABI is working with contractor to come up with plan to mitigate the effects of construction. This project is expected to be complete in spring of 2024. 
  
  

Enota Park

• Enota Park is an eight-acre park that will be built on the west side of Atlanta. A contract is in progress for a Construction Manager for Enota Park. After the construction manager is under contract, the project budget will be confirmed and any required adjustments to the design will be completed to maintain the budget before construction is released. ABI is also working with the City of Atlanta currently to consolidate some of the real estate parcels within the park, and finalizing construction permitting.  Construction is funded and targeted to start in 2024. The project construction schedule is expected to be 16 months, with an anticipated start by the second quarter of 2024.

Northwest Trail 

• Northwest Trail – Segment 1: This section of trail is 0.8 miles in length, beginning at the western edge of Peachtree Parks Apartments and running south along Peachtree Creek. We have executed a contract with Reeves Young to be our Construction Manager at Risk for Segment 1. We have completed 60% drawings for this segment and a cost model has been completed for the project. Design drawings could be complete as early as March 2024. ABI expects to release early enabling work such as material orders, utility relocations, the bridge across Peachtree Creek, or the reconfiguration of the Peachtree Park Apartments parking areas early in 2024.
• Northwest Trail – Segment 2: This segment begins at the southwest corner of Bobby Jones Golf Course and travels east along Colonial Hills Circle for 0.7 miles. 60% design is expected to be complete in January 2024.  Once design is 60% complete, real estate easements and purchases can be negotiated and finalized.
• Northwest Trail – Segment 3: This section of trail begins at Trabert Avenue near Monday Night Brewing’s parking lot and ends after crossing under I-75 at Tanyard Creek, for a total length of 1.2 miles. Design will be 60% complete by February 2024. A contract has been awarded to Astra Group for Construction Manager at Risk Services.  The construction manager will provide early assistance with construction logistics, scheduling, and budgeting while the drawings are being completed.
• Northwest Trail – Segment 4: This 0.9-mile-long trail begins at English and Culpepper and ends at the parking lot of Monday Night Brewery at Trabert. Design is expected to be 60% complete by March of 2024. Coordination with the Department of Watershed Management and other property owners has been very productive and the alignment for this segment has been confirmed.
• Northwest Trail – Segment 5: This trail section begins at the intersection of Marietta Blvd and Huff Rd, traveling to Ellsworth Industrial and English Street for a total of 0.7 miles. Real estate work is currently underway to purchase the final right-of-way needed to construct the trail. The real estate transaction is complex and a closing date has not been established.  The project will be posted for a construction bid in 2024 as soon a the property closes. The construction schedule is expected to be 18 months.

You can view November’s design and construction update here.  Our fourth Quarterly Briefing took place virtually on December 14th. View the recording here and download the presentation here.  

Launched in July 2022 as a collaborative effort from Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. and The Village Market, the inaugural BeltLine MarketPlace pilot sought to eliminate one of the greatest barriers for new businesses – commercial affordability – while also providing entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to grow and scale. 

After receiving over 200 applications, six lucky entrepreneurs were selected to receive placement in containers on the Eastside and Westside Trails, point-of-sale and business management systems from Clover®, and tailored business support over the 18-month incubator period. 

On December 14, 2023, those entrepreneurs gathered with friends, family, and supporters for a graduation ceremony at CreateATL that capped off the experience.   

Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.’s Vice President of Economic Development Kelvin Collins kicked off the celebration, sharing background on the program and its evolution over the course of the 18-month pilot. Collins was then joined by representatives from Invest Atlanta who talked about how the graduates could continue to grow through the city’s numerous small business resources.  

After additional remarks from ABI’s Economic Development Director Kara Lively, each graduate was then introduced by a program partner, featured in a quick video, and given the opportunity to speak about their experience. 

“We knew once we got on the BeltLine, it would be on from there,” Talia Jones, Co-Founder and CMO for Good As Burgers said. “Success. Success. Success.” 

For the team at Cococakes by Coco, the BeltLine MarketPlace pilot was the perfect place for them to test out models for future franchise expansion, while also gaining insight into how to run a multi-location business. 

“We want to be on the cover of the [Atlanta Journal Constitution] talking about how we started the expansion of Cococakes through this project,” said Partner Kina Morgan. 

It wasn’t just the BeltLine MarketPlace participants who benefited from the pilot project, however. Program partners, like Atelier 7 Architects, talked about how being involved with BeltLine MarketPlace changed their company’s trajectory, as well.

“It was a great opportunity for us, and I can’t show how grateful we are to the BeltLine team,” said Founder Tony Pope. “This was bigger than just us and the boxes. We were weaving these businesses into parts of Atlanta no one was paying attention to. I mean, who would think to build a building under a bridge?”

The ceremony concluded with commencement remarks from The Village Market’s Communications & Program Manager Epiphany Barnes and ABI’s Chief Operating Officer Ruben Brooks. 

As the program looks to welcome its next round of participants in the spring, the seeds have been laid for an incubator that is sure to help countless Atlanta entrepreneurs moving forward. 

“We shattered the mold and demonstrated what is possible,” Grady Baby Co. Co-Founder Terrence Albritton celebrated. “We get the joy and privilege knowing future businesses [will] stand on the foundation we helped lay.”  

Nestled along the Eastside Trail, GAB’s is the first container restaurant on the BeltLine, a forerunner with a taste for success. Being located on the BeltLine has offered exposure to all trail visitors during the 18-month program. This flourishing venture’s mission extends beyond Atlanta, aiming to expose and inspire different communities to adopt a healthier way of eating.  

Talia sees the BeltLine as “the place to be.” “Being a part of the BeltLine Marketplace has been a dream really because when we stepped into the restaurant industry, we had no idea where we would go. When the BeltLine marketplace put us in their program, we really knew we could take off,” she says. 

Choosing GAB’S is not just about enjoying a delicious meal; it’s a commitment to saving lives and reducing environmental impact—one Good As Burger at a time. For more insight into how the BeltLine Marketplace is shaping the future of local gems like GAB’s on the BeltLine, watch the video below. 

On December 12, 2023, the first cohort of business owners participated in a graduation ceremony featuring keynote speaker James Harris, Co-Founder and Partner of The Core Venture Studio, which provides mentorship for Atlanta’s entrepreneur and business startup community.

Mr. Harris told the 24 graduates, “Your ego is both your best and worst business partner. You have to be a student of entrepreneurship. As an entrepreneur you have a superpower: the ability to see the unseen.”

Lana Harris, CEO of The Honey Pot Energy and Art, participated in the first cohort, and shared how impactful the program was for her. “This has been the most eye-opening education. I feel more confident than ever. Before I started, I was literally considering closing my business. Now, I have the confidence and knowledge to rebrand, reinvent, and disrupt.” 

Natalie Jones, the BeltLine’s Project Manager for the Business Solutions Office, said, “the ceremony not only celebrates the achievements of our BeltLine Business Ventures graduates but also recognizes the importance of fostering a thriving local economy as part of the overarching vision for the Atlanta BeltLine project.”

In her closing remarks, Jones emphasized how empowering this program can be, saying, “please know you are not leaving with just a token of accomplishment but with the support of a community, the wisdom gained from experienced mentors, and the confidence to navigate the road ahead.” 

This is an ongoing program and recruitment for the second cohort for Winter/Spring 2024 is underway. Each three-month session hosts up to 25 promising ventures. If you are a small business entrepreneur interested in applying for an upcoming session, get more information here.

ATLANTA (December 11, 2023) – Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) is seeking a construction firm to construct the Southside Trail – Segments 2 and 3. An Invitation to Bid is now open for the project, which totals 1.9-miles. This will be the last major section of the Southside Trail to go into construction and will connect from the current end of the completed trail at Pittsburgh Yards on University Avenue to Boulevard, just south of Grant Park.

The Southside Trail is 4 miles in total length. When complete, Segments 2 and 3 will provide safe passage under 16 lanes of Interstates 75/85 and under an active vehicle and freight rail intersection, while connecting to several Atlanta Public Schools, parks, and 12 adjacent neighborhoods. The schools include Slater Elementary School, Carver Early College High School, Carver High School, and Barack and Michelle Obama Elementary School. Neighborhoods include Pittsburgh, Capitol View Manor, High Point, Villages at Carver, Joyland, South Atlanta, Peoplestown, Chosewood Park, Summerhill, Boulevard Heights, Benteen, and Grant Park.

Southside Trail – Segments 4 and 5 are currently under construction between Boulevard and Glenwood Avenue with anticipated completion in spring of 2025. Segment 1, alongside Pittsburgh Yards, was completed in 2021.

“We look forward to receiving bids from diverse, local companies to partner with to build these next segments of the BeltLine,” said Kimberley Wilson, Vice President of Design and Construction for Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. “To us, equity is a business imperative that extends across all areas of our work as we bring people together to build more BeltLine for Atlanta.”

Southside Trail – Segments 2 and 3 are targeted to go into construction in the second quarter of 2024. Construction will include a 14-foot-wide concrete multi-use trail, landscaping, fiber duct bank, retaining walls, connections to adjoining streets, the reuse and rehabilitation of several bridges, stainless-steel handrails and guardrails, storm drainage and storm water management (with a focus on green infrastructure), brownfield remediation, lighting, and security cameras. Each trail project considers the plan and space needed for future transit.

The BeltLine continues to partner with City of Atlanta departments, GDOT, Verizon, and Georgia Power. Trail design was completed by Kimley-Horn. eX² is building out a fiber network in the duct banks under the multi-use trails.

The majority of funding for the Atlanta BeltLine comes from BeltLine TAD partners: City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and Atlanta Public Schools. Lead philanthropic support to complete the full BeltLine corridor comes from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, Inc. and The James M. Cox Foundation. Additional funding comes from the Special Service District (SSD) and federal and state grants.

Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. appreciates the support of Senator Ossoff, Senator Warnock, Congresswoman Williams, USDOT Secretary Buttigieg, and other federal leaders for their support of the Atlanta BeltLine. The federal government has awarded the maximum amount of possible funding for construction of Southside Trail – Segments 2 and 3 at 80 percent of the total project costs as allowed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). Funding includes investments from the Biden Administration Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – FY 2021 RAISE Grant ($16.46M) and Carbon Reduction Formula Funds through the Atlanta Regional Commission Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) ($10M). The FY 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act included Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding for the project ($5M). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supported pre-construction remediation activities with a Brownfield Cleanup Grant ($500,000).

Once a construction contract is executed, the BeltLine will host a public meeting to introduce the selected contractor to the community and outline work timelines. Construction is expected to take approximately two years and to be complete in 2026.

To view this solicitation, interested parties can register on the BeltLine’s procurement management website. Once registered, the invitation can be found here: Invitation to Bid, Southside Trail – Segment 2 and 3 Construction.

As of November 2023, the Atlanta BeltLine consists of 10.4 miles of open, completed mainline trail, 4.3 miles of mainline trail in design, and 3.4 miles of mainline trail under construction with an additional 2.7 shovel ready miles. There are also more than 10.3 completed miles of connector trails. For up-to-date information about each project in design or construction, please visit www.beltline.org/projects.

High resolution images and the map can be downloaded here: https://beltline.mediavalet.com/portals/southsidetrail2-3

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About the Atlanta BeltLine

Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.’s vision is to be the catalyst for making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable city life. As one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs in the United States, the Atlanta BeltLine is building a more socially and economically resilient Atlanta with our partner organizations and host communities through job creation, inclusive transportation systems, affordable housing, and public spaces for all. For more information on the Atlanta BeltLine, please visit www.BeltLine.org.

Media Contacts:

Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. Office of Communications and Media Relations
100 Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30303

Jenny Odom, Communications & Media Relations Manager
(404) 477-3659, jodom@atlbeltline.org

Meghann Gibbons, Vice President of Communications & Media Relations
(404) 477-3549, mgibbons@atlbeltline.org

During this time, the crew will be installing a storm water sewer line as part of the Ralph David Abernathy access point project. The trail will remain closed for two (2) weeks to complete the installation.

During this time, residents are advised to take the following detour.

Detour: Lucile Avenue Access Point to Muse Street SW. Take the Atlanta BeltLine West End Trial to Cascade Road SW. Cross over Cascade Road via crosswalks to rejoin the Westside Trail via the Kroger Citi Center ramp.

Ralph David House groundbreaking on December 5, 2023. Photo by Joshua Spruiel.

Led by Stryant Investments,, the apartments will be reserved for those earning 30 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) or less and who were previously unhoused. Rents and utility costs combined will be capped at 30 percent of each tenant’s income. Plans include having a social worker office onsite, ADA-compliant units and a design that meets Fair Housing Guidelines.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, President and CEO of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. Clyde Higgs and other city and housing leaders gathered at the site near I-20 to mark the occasion.

“The Ralph David House project marks a significant milestone in fully affordable housing options in Atlanta and forwards Atlanta BeltLine’s mission to meet affordable housing goals along and around our 22-mile corridor,” said Higgs. “As our city grows and evolves, developments like this one are ensuring that all Atlantans have access to projects like this one that deliver shared prosperity and an opportunity to access jobs and amenities.”

In addition to Atlanta BeltLine’s $500,000 investment from the TAD Increment Fund, managed by Invest Atlanta, the project has received funding from the Atlanta Affordable Housing Fund, City of Atlanta HOME funds, as well as support from Partners for HOME’s HomeFirst program, which provided funding as well as Housing Choice Vouchers from Atlanta Housing and supportive services for all individuals housed in the units.

“Finding new ways to serve to Atlanta’s homeless population is another way Invest Atlanta and our partners are supporting Mayor Dickens’ goal to build or preserve 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “We continue to think creatively with projects like Ralph David House and 184 Forsyth Street, a soon-to-be-completed homeless housing village out of shipping containers, to ensure more homeless residents receive the housing and support they deserve faster.”

Partners for Home, the primary funder, currently has 660+ permanently supportive housing units in their pipeline with about 50 located on the BeltLine. Atlanta BeltLine has a goal to create and or preserve 5,600 units of affordable housing within the BeltLine TAD and, to date, is nearly 60 percent of the way toward this goal, having assisted in the creation or preservation of more than 3,300 affordable places to live.

Apartments in Ralph David House are expected to open to residents in fall of 2024.

 ATLANTA (December 6, 2023) – Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) is investing more than $550,000 in the Ralph David House, an adaptive-reuse development converting an eyesore motel at 277 Moreland Avenue into 54 apartments in the Reynoldstown community – the first time Atlanta BeltLine has invested in a project with all permanently supportive housing units. A groundbreaking ceremony was held December 5 at the site with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, ABI President and CEO Clyde Higgs, and honored speakers and guests.

Led by Stryant Investments, the development is situated where Moreland Avenue meets I-20. Apartments will be reserved for those earning 30 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) or less and who were previously unhoused. Rents and utility costs combined will be capped at 30 percent of each tenant’s income.

“The Ralph David House project marks a significant milestone in fully affordable housing options in Atlanta and forwards Atlanta BeltLine’s mission to meet affordable housing goals along and around our 22-mile corridor,” said Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta BeltLine Inc. “As our city grows and evolves, developments like this one are ensuring that all Atlantans have access to projects like this one that deliver shared prosperity and an opportunity to access jobs and amenities.”

Designed by Terminus Design Group, the architect of record, plans include having a social worker office onsite, ADA-compliant units and a design that meets Fair Housing Guidelines.

In addition to funding provided by the BeltLine’s TAD Increment Fund, managed by Invest Atlanta, the project has received funding from the Atlanta Affordable Housing Fund, City of Atlanta HOME funds, as well as support from Partners for HOME’s HomeFirst program, which provided funding as well as Housing Choice Vouchers from Atlanta Housing and supportive services for all individuals housed in the units.

“Finding new ways to serve to Atlanta’s homeless population is another way Invest Atlanta and our partners are supporting Mayor Dickens’ goal to build or preserve 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “We continue to think creatively with projects like Ralph David House and 184 Forsyth Street, a soon-to-be-completed homeless housing village out of shipping containers, to ensure more homeless residents receive the housing and support they deserve faster.”

Partners for Home, the primary funder, currently has 660+ permanently supportive housing units in their pipeline with about 50 located on the BeltLine. Atlanta BeltLine has a goal to create and or preserve 5,600 units of affordable housing within the BeltLine TAD and, to date, is nearly 60 percent of the way toward this goal, having assisted in the creation or preservation of more than 3,300 affordable places to live.

Apartments in Ralph David House are expected to open to residents in fall of 2024.

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About the Atlanta BeltLine 

Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.’s vision is to be the catalyst for making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable city life. As one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs in the United States, the Atlanta BeltLine is building a more socially and economically resilient Atlanta with our partner organizations and host communities through job creation, inclusive transportation systems, affordable housing, and public spaces for all. For more information on the Atlanta BeltLine, please visit www.BeltLine.org.

Media Contact for Atlanta BeltLine:

Jenny Odom, Communications & Media Relations Manager
(404) 477-3659, jodom@atlbeltline.org
Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. Office of Communications and Media Relations

The BeltLine Marketplace has helped in expanding CocoCakes’ horizons. Corey envisions the program not just as a means of growth but as a franchise model, imparting invaluable lessons on navigating the nuances of running a second location. This opportunity, coupled with the bustling Beltline Westside Trail location, has allowed them to test their franchise model and capture a new demographic in the heart of Atlanta. 

For the past 18 months, the BLMP program has provided a platform to understand the intricacies of expansion. Corey’s involvement in community events and their commitment to hiring locally showcase CocoCakes’ dedication to fostering community engagement. 

As CocoCakes wraps up their time on the BeltLine at the end of this year, they will continue to sweeten the Atlanta community at their Tucker location. Their vision of bringing people together through the joy of delicious cakes remains unwavering.  

Watch the video below to learn more about CocoCakes’ positive impact. 

The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership (ABP) is pleased to announce that its Legacy Resident Retention Program is helping more than 200 households with increased property taxes, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to supporting the community and preserving Atlanta’s rich cultural heritage. In support of increasing the assistance to neighbors in southern and western Atlanta, Google is donating $100,000 to the program.

“We’re excited to support a program as impactful and life changing as the BeltLine’s Legacy Resident Retention Program,” said Lilyn Hester, Google’s head of external affairs for the Southeast. “Our cities are strongest when they’re welcoming and inclusive to all, whether that be through increasing access to technology or ensuring legacy residents are able to stay in their homes and enjoy the beatification that comes alongside projects like the Atlanta BeltLine.”

Launched at the end of 2020, the Legacy Resident Retention Program was created to address the needs of vulnerable communities facing rising housing expenses and gentrification pressures. The participating homeowners’ property tax increases will be covered by the program through the end of 2030. For current participants, the program will pay $3,324,461 to Fulton County ensuring they are able to stay in their homes and build generational wealth.

“We are deeply grateful for Google’s contribution and commitment to the residents of Atlanta BeltLine communities,” said Atlanta BeltLine Partnership Executive Director Rob Brawner. “As we celebrate this milestone, we are honored that Google is joining the supporters devoted to ensure even more residents live, work, and thrive in their homes and neighborhoods.

Residents in some Atlanta neighborhoods have seen home prices rise 15.2% in 2022, according to the Georgia Association of Realtors. ABP is an advocate for future legislative policies that can also play a key role in addressing the social, economic, and community-related challenges associated with homeowner displacement due to rising property taxes.