Agencies working together on Beltline ‘solution’

Officials from the city of Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Transportation, MARTA, Amtrak and other agencies agreed Monday to a 30-day timeout to work out a solution over how best to use a portion of the Beltline railroad tracks.

Mayor Shirley Franklin complained to U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) in a letter last week that GDOT and Amtrak proposed moves that could endanger the project.

State officials expressed interest in high-speed rail on some portions of the tracks. City leaders believe the tracks and surrounding neighborhoods are better suited for light rail.

Officials from the agencies met Monday at Lewis’ Atlanta offices and released a joint statement that said they will work over the next 30 days on a “common solution.”

The Beltline is a 22-mile loop around Atlanta’s core. Supporters hope the project will encourage more affordable housing, parks and walking trails in neighborhoods near the loop over the next two decades.