The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and DeKalb County will advance a transit-oriented development (TOD) Master Plan for Kensington rail station on the East/West Line after the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved rezoning the area to support mixed-use development. 

The rezoning of the 35 acres that make up Kensington Station to MU-5 (mixed-use very high density) keeps with the community’s vision for TOD at the station as defined in the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Livable Centers Initiative Plan and the 2050 DeKalb Unified Plan that was adopted late last year. 

“We are grateful for the support of the DeKalb County Commission and this vital rezoning designation,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “We are now ready to solicit developers to work with MARTA and DeKalb to turn the undeveloped and underused property around the rail station into a community hub with affordable housing and neighborhood amenities.”

Last June, MARTA and DeKalb County kicked off the TOD master planning process with an interactive website, community meetings and stakeholder engagement. The Kensington TOD Master Plan includes affordable senior and workforce housing, and a new headquarters for the Housing Authority of DeKalb County (HADC). 

“We have worked alongside MARTA in developing this TOD master plan and it is exciting to help achieve this milestone,” said DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry. “This type of development with convenient access to transit builds strong, connected communities.”

“I have long supported MARTA and the important role it plays in community development,” added DeKalb County Commissioner Steve Bradshaw. “The Kensington TOD will provide affordable housing and other amenities while reflecting the diversity and spirit of our county and serve as a catalyst for the planned revitalization of Memorial Drive.”

MARTA, DeKalb County, and Soccer in the Streets celebrated the opening of a soccer pitch and community garden at Kensington Station last July, and a MARTA Market offering fresh produce for sale is open at the rail station every Thursday from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.