3 : methodology
3.6
S treetscapes assumptions
The Redevelopment Plan identified streetscape improvements as an element of the overall Atlanta BeltLine program (see map on the next page). The streetscape project list from the Redevelopment Plan was further refined through the Subarea Master Planning process. Streetscape projects that were identified in the Subarea Master Plans have since been incorporated into the Connect Atlanta Plan, the City’s comprehensive transportation plan adopted in 2008. To date, ABI and its partners have identified streetscape projects to be completed as part of the Atlanta BeltLine project. ABI is in the process of compiling a GIS database of projects to determine those that are located within the TAD. In many instances, project limits of streetscape improvements extended beyond the TAD, making them ineligible for TAD funding. Once the GIS database is finalized, detailed cost estimates, including the appropriate funding sources for all elements of the streetscape program, will be prepared and assigned. Based on the results of this analysis, ABI will work with the City to identify streetscape and roadway project to be implemented in Period 1. The project list will be refined regularly to inform projects that will take place in subsequent Implementation Periods. The cost estimate outlined in the Redevelopment Plan serves as the best available streetscape cost estimate at present and has been used for planning purposes in the SIP. This estimate will be revised once the GIS database is complete. The Redevelopment Plan estimates pedestrian and roadway improvements to cost $235-270 million and $70-105 million respectively, of which 70% was expected to be funded by federal or local (i.e. city, regional or state) sources. The success in securing local and federal funding for these improvements will depend on the availability of funding and qualification criteria at the time of application. Potential sources of funding and their likely contribution will be identified for each streetscape project during the compiling of the GIS database. If local and federal funds are successfully sourced for the streetscapes, then the total funding gap may be reduced. ABI will continue to work with the City of Atlanta, GDOT, ARC and other local partners to
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review their transportation improvement projects, grant opportunities and identify ways to secure funding for projects that extend outside the TAD but are key to the overall success of the Atlanta BeltLine. Implementation of streetscape and roadway projects are coordinated with the City’s Departments of Planning and Public Works. ABI and the City recently entered into a Transportation Services Agreement to better facilitate the advancement of streetscape and transit projects. To date, streetscape projects managed by ABI have been limited to improvements along roads associated with ABI-led projects (i.e. Edgewood Avenue bridge replacement, Eastside Trail Extension). ABI anticipates that some streetscape projects will be implemented as part of private developments (i.e. Glenwood Avenue improvements in the vicinity of the Maynard Jackson High School renovation and proposed Fuqua development) and as part of transit implementation (i.e. North Avenue streetscapes in conjunction with the proposed cross-town streetcar connection). Additional streetscape improvements beyond those identified in the Redevelopment Plan will continue to be implemented as part of other ABI projects (i.e. streetscape improvements along North Angier Avenue, Rankin Street, Garden Park Drive, and Willoughby Way associated with Historic Fourth Ward Park). In addition to streetscape improvements, a number of roadway projects to mitigate traffic impacts of redevelopment were identified as part of the Redevelopment Plan. These projects were further defined and additional projects were identified through the Subarea Master Planning process; many are located outside the Atlanta BeltLine TAD. ABI is working with local and federal partners to determine implementation responsibilities and funding approaches for these roadway projects. ABI anticipates that some of these projects may be implemented by private developers and others by public agencies including ABI and City Departments, in conjunction with the redevelopment of the major development sites corridor.
The Atlanta BeltLine 2030 Strategic Implementation Plan : FINAL REPORT