By David Pendered

The Atlanta BeltLine plans to sell a 1.5-acre, tree-covered parcel next to Piedmont Park to a developer who’s to build a mix of shops and residences, most likely apartments. Proposals are due Friday.

The 1.5 acres is a linear tract that begins at Park Tavern and stretches about 500 feet along the northeast side of the railroad tracks. The tract ends at Cresthill Avenue.

Park Tavern is adjacent to Piedmont Park, at the intersection of 10th Street and Monroe Drive.

The BeltLine issued a request for proposals on April 15 and conducted a pre-proposal meeting on April 27. The sale is slated to close on or before Dec. 1.

The RFP does not suggest a number of residences or shops that are to be created. The master plan for this section of the BeltLine was adopted Dec. 5, 2011. This is one statement from the master plan concerning this specific area:

“The land on the east side of the ROW [BeltLine right of way], near Monroe Drive, is currently zoned low-density commercial. The recommendations would maintain this existing condition while creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment with more public space.”

The BeltLine has established a vision statement with seven components that touch on affordable housing, sustainability, and quality design. If a developer doesn’t provide affordable housing at this project, an agreement is to be reached for the developer to make a “donation” that will enable the BeltLine to provide affordable units elsewhere.

Seven goals for the project include:

“Successful integration of access to the Atlanta Beltline trails and transit within the proposed development project.

“Generate the best economic value to Invest Atlanta considering the cash price in combination with other priorities.

“Increase residential density, diversity, and design quality.

“Increase the supply and availability of affordable workforce housing.

“Increase retail/commercial units along the Monroe Drive Corridor.

“Maximize Atlanta BeltLine TAD [property tax] revenue generated by this Property.

“Add jobs in the Atlanta BeltLine Plan Area.”

The BeltLine created a vision statement with seven components. This is the entire statement: