Yale planner Garvin to study Belt Line

Atlanta's Belt Line concept continues to pick up steam.

In the latest move, renowned Yale University planner Alexander Garvin has signed on to study the effort to redevelop a largely abandoned series of rail lines that surround downtown in a 22-mile loop. Garvin's goal is to identify areas near the Belt Line that could be turned into large parks.

Garvin, whose recent projects include the redevelopment of ground zero in New York City and that city's 2012 Olympics bid, has been hired by the Trust for Public Land, a national land conservation group.

James Langford, director of TPL's Georgia office, said a report from Garvin is expected before the end of the year. The Belt Line, conceived by former Georgia Tech student Ryan Gravel, may include a transit line as well as a path for bicycling and walking.

— Paul Donsky

Source: ajc.com>Ahead of the Curve