Hi everyone,
Last night, the BeltLine Network called an emergecy meeting for BeltLine supporters to take action on Amtrak's attempt to take over the northeast corridor of the project's transit. This action by Amtrak has far-reaching implications that could do much more than just bring the Atlanta BeltLine to a screeching halt. It would also have a profound effect on our intown neighborhoods (with a high speed train and barrier walls through Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, and Virginia Highland), it would decisively divide Piedmont Park with its right-of-way and significant environmental impact, and it would have a broad, negative toll on future federal funding for the advancement of Atlanta's transportation initiatives.

Fortunately, Amtrak has no actual plan and no actual funding to even come close to bringing this plan into reality. Unfortunately, regardless of that fact, they can still stop the BeltLine with the intention of "preserving their options" for the future. So what do we do now?

Support the BeltLine rally this Saturday, January 31st! 2 p.m.! Piedmont Park by Park Tavern at the intersection of 10th and Monroe! Invite your friends and neighbors to come out and show their support for the Atlanta BeltLine's initiative to create light rail, trails, parks, arboretums, affordable housing, and equitable development!!

For more details on the background and overall scope of the BeltLine & Amtrak issue as well as who to contact to show your support, please click here for a blog posted by Jenny this morning: http://jennypittam.wordpress.com/2009/01/29/support-the-atlanta-beltline-help-save-piedmont-park/