 North Line (GA 400) Corridor Details
Description
In an effort to encourage the development of higher intensity land uses that will support a major transit investment within the GA 400 Corridor between McGinnis Ferry Road and the North Springs rail station, MARTA has completed the North Line Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Study. Transit Oriented Development includes mixed-use development activity that is directly connected to or surrounds a transit facility. Key features of TOD include the following:
- Ample sidewalks linking the transit station to the surrounding development, particularly within a fourth of a mile of the station,
- A mix of residential, commercial, and retail options that are within easy reach of the transit station,
- Land development intensity that is conducive to high capacity transit investment, particularly within a fourth of a mile of the station
The North Line TOD analysis involved examining seven potential cluster areas along the corridor that are considered to have strong potential for development as a regional draw. The study also focused on the density, diversity, and design of future land uses at these locations to determine the site with the greatest potential to support new development patterns and complementary transit services. As a result of the study, the North Point Cluster area was identified as the transit oriented development site. This cluster of potential shops, restaurants, retail outlets, and residential development could be tied together with a network of sidewalks and trails which would all be connected to transit. Development activity is recommended to occur with a comprehensive strategy that incorporates the following regional goals:
- Encourage a diversity of mixed income residential neighborhoods, employment, shopping, and recreation choices;
- Provide access to a range of travel options, including transit, walking, and biking; and
- Implement an outreach process to promote the involvement of all stakeholders.
Next steps include working with local jurisdictions to incorporate transit oriented development principles into local land use regulations, recommending short term transit options within the target cluster area, and conducting an Alternatives Analysis (AA). The AA will identify the best transit solution for the corridor.
Overall, this study effort supports the long-term goal of expanding fixed guideway transit service into North Fulton County.
Study Area
The North Line TOD study area included seven (7) focus areas (referred to as TOD clusters) along the GA 400 Corridor. The northernmost area is located just north of Windward Parkway and the southernmost TOD cluster is centered at Northridge Road at GA 400 (approximately 12 miles).
Additional Background Information
In 2000, the MARTA Board of Directors identified the extension of high capacity transit services from the North Springs Station to Windward Parkway as a priority for meeting travel needs within the metro Atlanta area. The North Line Alternatives Analysis was initiated in 2002. Initial results from the Alternatives Analysis suggested that despite growth in the area, land use densities within the corridor were not transit supportive and would need to increase to support a potential expansion of the North Line. The North Line Alternatives Analysis was subsequently placed on hold pending the results of the GA 400 Corridor Analysis undertaken as part of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority’s (GRTA) Northern Sub Area Study. In 2005, MARTA decided to redirect the North Line Alternatives Analysis to a Transit Oriented Development Study, under MARTA sponsorship, to examine new opportunities to support a future North Line expansion and the possible implementation of new complementary development patterns and transit services. The North Line TOD study was modeled after the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) program. Recommendations made as part of the North Line TOD Study may be incorporated into future LCI grant applications for submission to ARC.
Current Documents and Information
The
North Line TOD Study provides detailed information on
how the land use and demographic patterns were evaluated
for each cluster identified during the analysis. The
North Line TOD Study also describes the selection of
the prototypical transit oriented development site at
the North Point cluster. The
document is presented by chapter and as a whole for convenience. The
Executive Summary has also been published under a separate
cover for easier printing (Click
here).
Click
on the individual chapters to view them:
Click
here for the entire document.
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