04-03-2025
Planners: Develop Hulsey Yard with mixed-use and green space
The Trust for Public Land says the city and Atlanta Beltline leaders should encourage green spaces and mixed-use development at the 70-acre rail yard.
Driving the news: The conservation nonprofit is releasing an update Tuesday to its 2004 "Emerald Necklace" study (PDF), the late urban plannerAlex Garvin's comprehensive plan that helped make the Beltline we know today.
Catch up quick: The 96-page report (PDF) explores the project's progress and highlights what ideas from the original study have come to fruition (Shirley Franklin Park, for example) or not (a 2-acre park on a city-owned parcel with skyline views in Reynoldstown).
Zoom in: Specific recommendations include:
🏡 Expand the Beltline's policy requiring developers to build affordable housing or pay into a trust fund across the city.
🗑️ Convert the capped Gun Club landfill into a city park.
💵 Consider whether the city should extend the lifespan of the tax allocation district that has funded Beltline trails, parks, public art, and more.
🌳 Build the South River Forest, a network of green spaces stretching from south DeKalb County into southeast Atlanta.
The intrigue: The report focuses on the Beltline's public realm, George Dusenbury, TPL's Georgia director, told Axios. It does not include any recommendations about whether transit should run on the Beltline.
