MARTA, Brookhaven finalize deal for new City Hall at Brookhaven rail station
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
MARTA
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and the City of Brookhaven have approved the terms of an agreement for a new City Hall to be built on MARTA-owned property adjacent to Brookhaven rail station on the Gold Line in DeKalb County.
Brookhaven is a suburban city of about 55,000 people located ten miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. The city enjoys Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Administration (MARTA) rail (Gold Line) and bus service, and the rail line parallels Norfolk Southern’s main line to Washington, D.C. (See map at left.) Courtesy of MARTA.
“MARTA is excited to partner with Brookhaven to establish a transit-supportive City Hall, one of only a few in this country located at a rail station. This project will inspire future development around the station, increase ridership, and improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, and makes a powerful statement about the centrality of transit,” said MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood.
The 1.24-acre property on Peachtree Road is currently used for long-term parking which will be relocated to the eastern side of the station, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible spots will be moved closer to the rail station entrance along Peachtree. The ground lease agreement states Brookhaven will lease the almost $3 million property for 50 years before purchasing.
“This is the result of a collaboration with MARTA which has been ongoing for five years,” said [Brookhaven] Mayor John Ernst. “We were all seeking a transit-friendly live-work-play solution that meets the current and future lifestyle needs of residents and our greater regional community. I am looking forward to continuing the partnership with MARTA as we create a permanent City Hall.”
Brookhaven will oversee planning, financing, and construction of the building. Prior to the start of construction, MARTA will continue to accommodate long-term parking at its current location. A timeline for the work is still being established.
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