MARTA began reaching out to local communities this summer to get public feedback about Connect 400, a project that would extend high-capacity transit farther north in Fulton County. It’s no secret that the thriving Ga. 400 corridor is experiencing a boom in population, job growth and traffic gridlock. Those who live and work in the area have a lot to say about finding transportation options, and we’ve been listening.
So far, MARTA has had three very well-attended meetings to discuss the project, and we’re continuing to work closely with local community groups requesting information. Every day, we receive scores of emails, letters, phone calls and social media posts about this project. We’ve heard from residents, office workers, the media, elected officials, business leaders, local schools and universities.
Since the Connect 400 initiative is still in the early stages of planning and no firm decisions have been made, we want to ensure it has a broad base of support from people who would be most affected by it.
As the lead planner for Connect 400, one of the most gratifying experiences I’ve had is the recent invitation from residents in the Northridge Road area of Ga. 400 north of MARTA’s North Springs Station. This association of neighborhoods organized a tour of several subdivisions on a sunny Saturday afternoon in July and, as a result, they gave us a deeper understanding of the project from their unique perspective.
We had driven the corridor numerous times since the beginning of our study. This time, residents graciously took my colleague and me into their backyards, beside their pools, around their flower gardens and inside their screened porches. We also visited nearby community centers and schools that are likely to be impacted by their proximity to the corridor.
As transit planners at MARTA, this type of firsthand experience is invaluable, and it underscores our mission: Working closely with communities to develop technically sound, cost-effective and locally supported projects that address your needs.
Although the formal public comment period for this phase of the project ended Aug. 8, we still want to hear from you. The MARTA Community Bus – a rolling public outreach center – will be coming to shopping centers along the corridor to share information and gather feedback. MARTA will also visit major employment centers in northern Fulton County during lunchtime to hear from the area’s fast-growing workforce.
MARTA is open to scheduling more community events. If there is an upcoming meeting or event you would like our planners to attend to discuss the project, just let us know.
To share your thoughts about the Connect 400 transit initiative, send us an email at connect400@itsmarta.com. Also, for more information, please visit our website at: http://bit.ly/Connect400.
Mark Eatman is lead planner for MARTA's Connect 400 project.
