Brookhaven Mayor: Not So Fast on MARTA Development

BROOKHAVEN, GA -- Mayor John Ernst is postponing any rezoning applications until June for the controversial development being planned for the Brookhaven/Oglethorpe MARTA station.

Ernst made the announcement during a Monday night town hall meeting.

“I’ve heard residents’ concerns, and there are many unanswered questions regarding these plans,” he said. “Any development at this site will have a big impact on our community for decades, and this process cannot be rushed. I’m pleased that all parties agree that we must plan smarter in order for this property to meet the needs of our city.”

MARTA is planning a Brookhaven/Oglethorpe Transit Oriented Development which has drawn the ire of Brookhaven residents who say the project is too dense and will create suffocating traffic jams throughout the area.

The massive project currently includes hundreds of apartments; up to 400,000 square feet of office space; up to 60,000 square feet of retail; 10,000-40,000 square feet of civic space and 150 hotel rooms.

Ernst said the city will also lead a joint effort with MARTA and Brookhaven City Center Partners and with other agencies to address existing traffic problems, infrastructure capacity and other regional issues that could be further impacted by development at this site.

Ernst plans to augment the city’s comprehensive plan and review zoning regulations through a resident-led initiative to strengthen Brookhaven’s development policies and regulations.