Security a Concern on Beltline

Security is one of Buckhead's concerns about the Atlanta BeltLine, the network of trails that's being built in a ring around Atlanta.

"What are they doing for safety?" asked one of the handful of people who attended a Beltline 101 briefing on Apr. 25 at the Buckhead Library.

Beltline volunteer Lauren Cohen said she's heard the question many times before.

People remember a sexual assault and murder on a remote part of Paulding County's Siver Comet bike trail, as well as any number of crimes in Atlanta parks.

Early Beltline studies suggested smart design, including things like plenty of lighting, emergency phones and high visibility would reduce the chances of crime.

Nonetheless, "it looks like a great project for the city of Atlanta," concluded Brad Parker of Decatur.

Other people obviously want more details about the project. Several audience members complained that there is a months-long waiting list for a guided bus tour of the general Beltline route around the whole city.

If Beltline managers decide to build light rail as well as multi-use trails, its northernmost stop would likely be adjacent to the .

The proposed trails in Buckhead — the path for pedestrians — are independent of any transit decision. In fact, the rail corridor that the Beltline would like to use is still in service, so it's not possible to put a footpath beside it. Instead, the trail would wind through neighborhoods and include the portion that is already open in Tanyard Creek Park.

Building the entire Beltline, transit and trail, is a project that will last as long as 25 years, said Cohen. It could be done by 2030. The Beltline has acquired about half of the property and rights-of-way it's seeking.

There are several other Beltline 101 sessions scheduled around Atlanta, as well as sessions designed to educate the public about the July sales tax vote for transportation projects.

What are your questions about the BeltLine project? Do you support it? Tell us in the comments area below.