Atlanta and The Livability Quandary

By André Cross

After moving to Atlanta in 2005 seeking a large, progressive and forward-thinking city, I realized my perception may have been a bit ambitious. It didn’t take long to notice the significant need for more transit systems and functional bike lanes. To compensate for these shortcomings, I decided to strategically design my life around access to MARTA’s trains and streetcars.

Unfortunately, with the rapid rise in the cost of living intown, the limited reach of MARTA, and the delayed construction of Beltline rail, I'm now faced with the reality that both operating my business and living intown are no longer an option.

So, I'm currently exploring other areas of town that offer culture, affordable housing, a commercial spot for my business, MARTA, and the Beltline.

Yes, that turns out to be a really tall order. 

I've recently discovered College Park -  its relative affordability with access to frequent MARTA service. The streets are cyclist-friendly, though there are no official bike lanes that I've noticed. I guess 50/50 is better than nothing.

As it relates to light rail along the BeltLine, from my perspective as a cyclist/commuter, strategic connections to MARTA train stations from all directions are absolutely essential. One of the biggest missteps of the existing streetcar route downtown is that it provides no access to the BeltLine and only the Peachtree Center MARTA station.

There seems to be a clear distinction in many locals' minds between MARTA (the train) and MARTA (the bus), as well as a stigma that transit is something for the poor or those without a car. Even now I encounter people of a certain economic "class" including your regular 9-5ers who have no familiarity with how to ride MARTA if the need arises. Though difficult to believe, it’s obvious many locals still haven't heard about the city’s rail expansion plans.

For far too many, transit is not even a consideration.

During the recent municipal election, my question to Atlanta candidates was: “What is the plan to shift or broaden the public's perception of how essential MARTA and Beltline rail are to the functionality of 21st Century Atlanta?” 

For me, the answer is something far more extensive, expansive, and connecting many more places than what we have today. 

André Cross a Brookhaven-Based Orthopedic Bodyworker/Massage Therapist, in private practice since 2008. He has enjoyed living and working in town since 2005.