05 LC
14 9052
Senate
Resolution 116
By:
Senators Zamarripa of the 36th, Williams of the 19th and Tate of the 38th
ADOPTED
SENATE
A
RESOLUTION
Commending
the Atlanta Belt Line project and urging the City of Atlanta and related parties
to move forward with the Belt Line project; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
the Belt Line is a project to develop a 22 mile transit greenway within the City
of Atlanta using existing right of way rail lines; and
WHEREAS,
the Belt Line would encircle over 40 of
Atlantás
historic intown neighborhoods that currently do not have sufficient access to
rail transportation; and
WHEREAS,
the Belt Line would act as a catalyst for redevelopment and revitalization of
these intown neighborhoods, as well as helping to preserve and enhance existing
commercial and residential areas; and
WHEREAS,
the Belt Line would provide convenient alternative access to major destinations
in Atlanta, such as Piedmont Hospital, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, City Hall
East, the Carter Center, the King Center, Zoo Atlanta, West End, and the King
Plow Arts Center; and
WHEREAS,
the Belt Line proposes to increase greenspace within the City of Atlanta by up
to 1,400 acres by expanding and creating park areas along the transit rights of
way; and
WHEREAS,
the Belt Line would be financed by federal grants and a local Tax Allocation
District, and would have no direct impact on the budget of the State of Georgia;
and
WHEREAS,
the Belt Line would connect with existing MARTA rail and bus lines to extend and
enhance
Atlantás
transportation infrastructure; and
WHEREAS,
Atlanta currently ranks among the
natiońs
worst cities for traffic, pollution, and greenspace; and
WHEREAS,
transportation alternatives are a necessary and needed part of future management
of traffic and pollution in metropolitan Atlanta; and
WHEREAS,
the Belt Line would work to substantially reduce traffic and pollution and to
greatly increase greenspace within the City of Atlanta.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that this body recognizes and commends
the Belt Line project for its innovative approach to urban transportation and
greenspace.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Atlanta and all related parties are urged
to continue to take proactive measures to see that the Belt Line will come to
fruition.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body commends former City Council of Atlanta
President Cathy Woolard for her work to bring the project before the public and
commends Ryan Gravel for his work originating the Belt Line concept while at
Georgia Tech and for his work on the project since then.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to the Mayor of Atlanta, to
the City Council of Atlanta, to the Chairmen of the Belt Line Steering
Committee, to Cathy Woolard, and to Ryan Gravel.