Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. Announce Acquisition of Railroad Corridor for Southside Trail

Staff Report From Metro Atlanta CEO

Friday, March 16th, 2018

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced that the City of Atlanta has acquired the railroad corridor needed to complete the Atlanta BeltLine’s Southside Trail, connecting the Eastside and Westside Trails for approximately 14 contiguous miles of the Atlanta BeltLine corridor. The purchase is the single-largest remaining land acquisition for Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., representing more than four miles and 63 acres of the Atlanta BeltLine’s planned 22-mile transit and trail loop.

“I am pleased to announce that the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta BeltLine have concluded the largest remaining single purchase of land toward closing the Atlanta BeltLine loop,” said Mayor Bottoms.  “With this historic purchase, the City of Atlanta is taking another step forward in improving connectivity, growth and investment in South Atlanta by providing access to trails, transit options and world-class greenspace for all residents.”

The corridor was purchased in a $26 million transaction with CSX, who operated rail on this corridor until 2014. Design of the Southside Trail is underway, funded by a $2.4 million grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission. Community engagement commenced in 2016 and will continue throughout the design process, establishing trail alignment, access points, vertical connections, and preparation for future transit.

“The Southside Trail will connect the east side of the Atlanta BeltLine to the west side for the first time in its history - and that changes everything.” said Brian P. McGowan, President and CEO of ABI. “This inactive rail corridor that once divided neighborhoods can now be used to create jobs, transit and affordable housing options for communities south of downtown.”

ABI hopes to open the trail in an interim state within the year. The corridor will remain closed while CSX works to remove the rails and the Kimley-Horn design team begins detailed engineering and site investigations.

This purchase of the Southside Trail extends from University Avenue on the west side to Glenwood Avenue on the east side, running adjacent to several neighborhoods including Pittsburgh, Capitol View Manor, High Point, South Atlanta, Peoplestown, Chosewood Park, Grant Park, Boulevard Heights, Ormewood Park and Summerhill. The trail will support developments such as Pittsburgh Yards, catalyzing economic growth and equitable access for jobs, transit, and other opportunities.

“CSX is proud to once again partner with ABI and the City of Atlanta to advance their vision of a more connected community that integrates transportation, commercial development and greenspace,” said Craig Camuso, CSX Regional Vice President. “CSX has worked to support the Atlanta BeltLine project since its inception, and this latest transaction is a prime example of what can be accomplished when public and private sectors work together to find innovative solutions that enhance neighborhoods and propel the local economy forward.”