An Ambitious Rails-To-Trails Project: The BeltLine

[Metro Jacksonville]

An Ambitious Rails-To-Trails Project: The BeltLine



In June 2013, we highlighted Jacksonville's recently completed first dedicated urban bike path, the http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2013-jun-touring-jacksonvilles-s-line-urban-greenway">S-Line Urban Greenway. Now, we ask what could happen if Jacksonville attempted to take multi-use trail planning to a level that really stimulates urban revitalization?  The Altanta BeltLine, one of the nation's largest, wide-ranging urban redevelopment and mobility projects underway, may provide us with that answer.


Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2013-sep-an-ambitious-rails-to-trails-project-the-beltline

[simms3]

Some of the projects going up along the beltline currently.

These are all projects that should deliver 2014 and certainly there are plenty more, but the Beltline has been a huge economic catalyst.  Lots of the city's best restaurants are within a block of the Beltline in restored buildings (Fourth & Swift, Midtown Kitchen, anything in Inman Park, and the booming westside restaurant scene where the Beltline hasn't even gotten underway yet).  This is the perfect economic catalyst example for Jacksonville, and really for cities across the country.

Most of the neighborhoods touched by the Beltline are either still gentrifying or were total wastelands 10-20 years ago, and now it's impossible to find a house under $400K or get a table at a restaurant on a Wed-Sat night.  The Beltline in fact is a victim of its own success - unbearably crowded nowadays and difficult to jog or bike on as a result.  It's an effort led by residents across the city and metro...the Beltline 501(c)3's host fundraising events such as 10Ks and beerfests every weekend and are purely volunteer run.  Volunteering for the Beltline will ensure that you meet folks from all walks of life and across the whole city, all uniformly championing what the Beltline represents and what is is doing/can do for the city.

[tufsu1]

and they just got a TIGER V grant for $18 million for the next phase

[jaxlore]

fantastic. come on jacksonville get on the damn train already!

[fieldafm]

Would be interested to see the breakdown detailing the various funding sources of how the BeltLine has and will continue to be constructed, maintained and programmed.  Also, any zoning changes and public incentive packages for new development along the BeltLine.

Those are all important components of the overall conversation.

[CityLife]

Would be interested to see the breakdown detailing the various funding sources of how the BeltLine has and will continue to be constructed, maintained and programmed.  Also, any zoning changes and public incentive packages for new development along the BeltLine.

Those are all important components of the overall conversation.

Also wonder it they had to change the land use to allow more density. I'm curious about the questions you asked too. The article states, "An additional $180 million has been generated from private and local government sources". Simms, Lake, or anyone know how much in private/corporate donations have funded this? Do they do corporate sponsorships or adoptions of segments of the beltline? What local governement funds have been used?
What about the boundaries of the TAD/TIF? Is it just a few blocks off the beltline, or does it push out to reach already developing or developed areas?

[thelakelander]

Speaking of the TIGER V, I figured we wouldn't get money for the Skyway extension. I wonder will JTA pay out of pocket?

http://www.dot.gov/tiger

[fieldafm]

Speaking of the TIGER V, I figured we wouldn't get money for the Skyway extension. I wonder will JTA pay out of pocket?

http://www.dot.gov/tiger

Would be interested to see the cost breakdown if they didnt have an elevated station and had the track running at grade.  According to the TIGER grant application, they would seem to have enough money to do something at $9-10million with their own money.  I can't imagine it would cost that much for a short extension at grade (less than a 1/4 mile track length), security measures to keep people off the track and a simple paved platform with some kind of shade awnings.

[thelakelander]

Would be interested to see the breakdown detailing the various funding sources of how the BeltLine has and will continue to be constructed, maintained and programmed.  Also, any zoning changes and public incentive packages for new development along the BeltLine.

Those are all important components of the overall conversation.

I have that breakdown.  I'll try and post on it after lunch.

[Jason]

In other news, Jacksonville to build even more highways!

[thelakelander]

A link to BeltLine funding sources so far: http://beltline.org/about/the-atlanta-beltline-project/funding/

How the Atlanta BeltLine is Funded

A form of tax increment financing known as Tax Allocation District (TAD) Funding anchors the 25-year financial plan for the Atlanta BeltLine. The TAD was established in 2005, and includes tax increment from the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and Atlanta Public Schools. This district covers more than 6,500 acres of the city, and is projected to generate $1.7 billion in bonding capacity over 25 years.

The remainder of the total project cost estimate is expected to be covered by a combination of other local contributions and federal funds. Since 2005, the Atlanta BeltLine has received $120 million from TAD bonds/tax increment, and $179.5 million from private and local government sources, including $37.5 million donated by private and philanthropic organizations.

Developing the Atlanta BeltLine to its full potential will require a significant investment from both the public and private sectors.

Tax Allocation District (TAD) Financing

The Atlanta BeltLine Tax Allocation District (TAD) will serve as the primary source of funding and will cover the majority of infrastructure costs. Bonds issued against increased tax revenue streams generated by new development within the 6500-acre TAD are projected to fund approximately $1.7 billion of the project. Get more information on the Atlanta BeltLine TAD.

Capital Campaign

The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership's $60 million capital campaign will raise critical funds that are being used to acquire land for new parks and to develop trails. Read more about the Capital Campaign.

Federal Funding

Federal funding is a critical piece of the Atlanta BeltLine funding picture. To date, more than $25 million in federal funds have been secured for the project through partners in local and state government, the Atlanta Regional Commission and nonprofit partners.

City of Atlanta Funding

In addition to its participation in the Tax Allocation District, the City of Atlanta has invested approximately $146 million in the Atlanta BeltLine (to date) through Park Improvement Bonds and Department of Watershed Management and City of Atlanta Capital Improvement Program funds.

Partner Funding

Many of the non profit partners involved in the development of the Atlanta BeltLine bring resources to the project as well. The PATH Foundation, Trees Atlanta, The Trust for Public Land and others have contributed funding for various aspects of the project and continue to do so where appropriate.

Annual financial reports can be found here: http://beltline.org/about/the-atlanta-beltline-project/funding/

[tufsu1]

Speaking of the TIGER V, I figured we wouldn't get money for the Skyway extension. I wonder will JTA pay out of pocket?

http://www.dot.gov/tiger

from what I understand, they still plan to move forward with the necessary environmental reviews for the Skyway extension.

[CityLife]

the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership has raised nearly $38 million towards the goal from more than 100 donors, including lead gifts from many of Atlanta's largest foundations and corporations.

Campaign contributions are tax-deductible and will underwrite the early development of key parks and trail segments along the Atlanta BeltLine and demonstrate this project's potential to transform Atlanta. Private support of the Atlanta BeltLine campaign will ensure that Atlanta can take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Lead Donors (some heavy hitters)
Robert W. Woodruff Foundation
Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
The James M. Cox Foundation
Kaiser Permanente
Sarah and Jim Kennedy/PATH Foundation
The Coca-Cola Company
The Home Depot Foundation
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
The Kendeda Fund
Mr. John C. Portman, Jr.
SunTrust Foundation and SunTrust Bank Trusteed Foundation
Florence C. & Harry L. English Memorial Fund
Woolford Charitable Trust Fund
Greene-Sawtell Foundation
Nell Warren & William Simpson Elkin Foundation
Wells Fargo
Ray and Helen Weeks
Georgia Power Company
Tull Charitable Foundation
The UPS Foundation
Georgia-Pacific LLC
Fuqua Family Foundations
AGL Resources
Mr. Ralph G. Edwards, Jr.
IDI
Mr. James Morgens
Norfolk Southern Foundation
Herman J. Russell Foundation
The David, Helen and Marian Woodward Fund

[CityLife]

In addition to its participation in the Tax Allocation District, the City of Atlanta has invested approximately $146 million in the Atlanta BeltLine (to date) through Park Improvement Bonds and Department of Watershed Management and City of Atlanta Capital Improvement Program funds.

[CityLife]

The TAD/TIF boundaries are interesting. They generally parallel the beltline, but are significantly wider in some areas. Reason why is underlined.

"The 6500-acre Atlanta BeltLine TAD covers 8% of the City's land area and lies entirely within Fulton County. Most of the properties within the Atlanta BeltLine TAD are underutilized or abandoned industrial properties. The TAD boundaries were created to avoid the inclusion of existing single family homes."