ARC approves funding to unite Brookhaven’s Peachtree Creek Greenway and the Atlanta BeltLine
Cities working across borders to promote greater pedestrian access
Brookhaven, GA, Dec. 14, 2022 – The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) advanced federal funding today which will eventually connect the region’s ever-expanding Atlanta BeltLine with Brookhaven’s Peachtree Creek Greenway (PCG), providing a safe, healthy transit alternative to residents in Atlanta, North DeKalb County and beyond.
The ARC approved funding for critical land acquisition for construction of Phase II of the PCG in Brookhaven. The $4.5 million allocation advances the project closer to the City’s 2024 construction goal and brings the PCG to the Atlanta city limits. The ARC also included an allocation to the City of Atlanta for $400,000 to supplement an existing project to extend the Atlanta BeltLine to the PCG.
“People want and need alternatives throughout the region. Brookhaven residents are well aware of the improvements in quality of life from the Atlanta BeltLine and want that here,” said Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst. “Despite some considerable challenges along the way, we have accomplished what everyone has said could not be done – finishing Phase I less than a year from groundbreaking, creating safe pedestrian access in otherwise forgotten and unbuildable areas.”
As with Brookhaven’s PCG Phase I “Model Mile” between Briarcliff and North Druid Hills Rd, Phase II will provide last mile connectivity to transit, jobs, and retail. It will also stabilize existing streambanks and clear invasive species in order to reclaim and restore the north fork of Peachtree Creek, returning it to the community as a passive park with pocket recreation.
Immediately on the adoption of the Brookhaven’s 2016 Master Plan, Brookhaven officials met with leaders at the Atlanta BeltLine and the City of Atlanta to align plans. In 2022, the City of Atlanta added their proposed connection to Brookhaven in the Transportation Local Option Sales Tax referendum.
Recognizing the regional impact of the joint projects, Mayor Ernst and Mayor Dickens have met to discuss leveraging investments, aligning specifications, sharing costs where beneficial and, most importantly, meeting the needs of their shared communities.
“This is a significant step toward regional connectivity needed in our metro area,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “Working across city borders, we will be able to connect to and build upon the success of the Atlanta BeltLine in creating pedestrian and alternative transportation options along a green corridor, leading to a more equitable future for all of our residents.”
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