Comments on: GDOT, AMTRAK throw wrench in Beltline plans

By: Anon.

Anon. — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:49:59 +0000

You know, back “in the day”, long-distance trains and trolleys actually shared track.

Amazing, I know.

Given that that’s considered “unsafe” now, there really is no reason not to put parallel Amtrak/HSR and trolley tracks down the Decatur Belt. It may require some complicated earthwork at the south end, but that’s about it.

By: Daedalus

Daedalus — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 03:53:21 +0000

Good story.

I’ve been involved in transportation issues with federal agencies in Atlanta for the last 12 years. I agree that the idea that Georgia DOT will ever get its act together on ANY kind of passenger is delusional. I sat in a meeting at GDOT 10 years ago where they showed us their comprehensive commuter rail map. We thought it would never happen then. We were right. Cool maps though.

There is no way this state will ever provide the matching funds necessary to establish a commuter rail system. High speed, low speed or trolleys. Ain’t gonna happen. Might as well change GDOT’s name back to the “Highway Department” — at least that’s accurate.

On the other hand, the ability of the City of Atlanta to pull off the transit component is pretty remote. The City simply hasn’t got the skills and the will to see it through.

The Beltline will make a lovely bike trail — which is what the residents really want. The developers will sell a dream: “trolleys and urban living” — but all their customers will get is a circular bike path.

Could be a lot worse.

By: Michele

Michele — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:38:34 +0000

imo, bigger picture, Beltline supporters would get a LOT more community support if they came up with a name that does NOT sound like another highway.

Part of the larger problem is the communication/marketing of the Beltline vision… most of Atlanta has never heard of the Beltline… of those that HAVE heard of it, half think it is more pavement, and the rest are not sure WHAT it is… and human nature is, no one is going to go out of their way to look it up… what’s a Beltline? Y’know?

Better name, better marketing, get the community fired up- more support to get this project MOVING! Tell the public WHY THEY CARE about this project. When the public cares, then the policymakers will care.

great story, thanks for keeping it alive.

By: Eric Davis

Eric Davis — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:14:08 +0000

People are questioning GDOTs and AMTRAKs motives here, citing the bizarre nature of their last minute fillings. I have not researched this myself, but it seems reasonable that there is some provision within the stimulus bill packages moving through the House and Senate that these agencies find to their liking.

By: anon

anon — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:08:43 +0000

Geez. There’s room for the Beltline and high-speed rail. Just have the city and ABI reserve space for high-speed rail tracks within the Beltline corridor next to the Beltline tracks. Then grant an easement to Amtrak to guarantee that the space can be used for high-speed rail or Amtrak service any time in the future. That will cause Amtrak to withdraw its complaint and make everyone happy. (Except the neighbors.)

By: cityzen

cityzen — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 14:58:10 +0000

The uproar over running trains along the NS track is because the Beltline is not about transit. The transit bait is to get the hopelessly naive, incl. Sierra Club, on board with a massive developer boondoggle.

(The official panel that looked at transit for the Beltline as much as said it would never be viable. Hardly required a PhD to note that ridership on a circle to and from nowhere without convenient interchanges to MARTA would never justify the expense.)

But even developers know that they can’t sell premium Piedmont Park-side condos with noisy trains running past the windows and blocking the new roads in and out of the Park that will be built to carry the non-transit-friendly condo dwellers.

By: Concerned Citizen

Concerned Citizen — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:34:35 +0000

Another thing about this mess. ABI must be open and honest about developments involving the BeltLine. This is a public project and meaningful community involvement is in everyone’s best interests. In this case, for example, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) asked for public comments about the Norfolk Southern abandonment starting December 23, 2008. GaDOT made its outlandish filing on Jan. 2, 2009. The BeltLine people responded to GaDot on January 7, 2009. Amtrak also filed papers to stop the abandonment and condemn the property. The official STB comment period closes unbeknownst to the citizens of Atlanta. Finally, on about Jan. 26, 2009 ABI tells the community about the problem, and expects everyone to run around like chickens with our heads cut off, writing Governor Perdue, our Senators, our Congressmen, demonstrating in the streets, etc. If ABI had let us know about things in a timely manner, maybe some entities could have intervened in the STB proceeding and filed comments? The BeltLine people obviously know it all, have super-human business minds that are well beyond ours, and don’t need or want our help. Or maybe not? Either the BeltLine people involve the public at all steps, or they should stew alone in their own juices.

By: Wayne Shackelford

Wayne Shackelford — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:40:28 +0000

Great idea Chris!! We can use the new hover train technology to eliminate all the grade crossings through town. Like George Jetson always says, “Jane, get me off this crazy thing!”

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 01:45:56 +0000

Here’s a thought, the Belt-Line originally ran Freight and Passenger trains over it. So “heavy-rail” is nothing new to this line. Neighborhoods had it then, so there is nothing wrong with neighborhoods having it again one day. Eliminate grade crossings and “heavy trains” won’t have to sound the horn. Create two parallel lines and sidings for freight activity. Have a dedicated line for lighter rail and a second for “heavy-rail”. If this IS the BEST way for Amtrak to enter the city for this new terminal then this 11th hour stop should be given merit and researched since Amtrak’s trains would be considered “heavy-rail”. As far as the City paying Mason; what a waste of money. The abandonment process should have been started and initiated before any “checks” were cut to the Mason family; what a poor use of tax payer’s money on poor pre-planning. The City wants no “hic-cups” because they would lose monies that they know were spent prematurely.

By: Wayne Shackelford

Wayne Shackelford — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 01:19:51 +0000

This wouldn’t have happened if I were still alive. I’m not, am I?