It may come as no surprise to close MARTA watchers but the next step in the transit agency’s expansion is likely to be an arm connecting Emory University to the rail network. One little hiccup that may have to be worked out before that however is the annexation of Emory into the City of Atlanta.
As part of the House Commission on Transit Governance and Funding, MARTA gave a presentation earlier this month which Insider Advantage discussed here. Much of that presentation revolved around MARTA’s current status and improvements over the last few years, as well as its status compared to that of other transit agencies in other cities.
Down on page 34 of that presentation however, was a slide with “Today” and “Tomorrow” maps. MARTA CEO Keith Parker called it an “aspirational map.” The projects are not currently funded but it gives an idea of where MARTA would like to go next. The “Tomorrow” portion included expansion up Georgia 400 with stops beyond the current North Springs at Northride, Holcomb Bridge, Mansell, North Point and Windward. It also included a Purple Line which would run southeast from the existing Lindbergh Center station over to the existing Avondale station. This line would include stops at Cheshire Bridge, CDC/Emory Point, Emory Hospital, DeKalb Medical and DeKalb Farmers Market, among others.
As reported by the Emory Wheel, a September 5 vote to approve Emory University’s petition for annexation into the city of Atlanta has been postponed in an effort to resolve issues between Atlanta and DeKalb County. MARTA expansion may be a piece of the discussion. Atlanta has already passed a sales tax to fund MARTA expansion but DeKalb has yet to do so. The county will be voting on a measure for the increase next year. With DeKalb’s voting history and the popularity of the rumored Emory extension, the measure will likely pass. So by the time funding is actually being allocated towards any actual expansion, DeKalb will likely be contributing.
But here is where the MARTA expansion and local tax allocations get tricky. If Emory becomes part of Atlanta, how much enthusiasm will there be for an extension of MARTA, partially paid for by DeKalb, that does not include DeKalb. Or if the DeKalb referendum ultimately does not pass, will Atlanta residents be okay with funding other DeKalb expansion? Judging by the overwhelming votes in favor of the MARTA tax, Atlanta residents are enthusiastic to see expansion in some form and presumably have been buoyed from the leadership of Parker.
According to the Emory Wheel, Atlanta City Councilmember and Emory Director of Development Alex Wan said the city council is hoping to vote on the annexation proposal by December 4, which is the last meeting of the year. If this is able to happen, Emory would become part of Atlanta on January 1.
In the meantime, the House Commission on Transit Governance will be hiring a consultant on the next steps. With the annexation potentially still up in the air, arbitration may need to be on the required skillsets.
