Beltline streetcar sparks fireworks on Georgia Gang

Democratic consultant Tharon Johnson and former Atlanta Council President Cathy Woolard agree on most issues that come up on Fox 5 TV’s The Georgia Gang. They’re the two panelists who represent the left side of the political spectrum.

On Sunday, though, the two engaged in a spirited debate about the proposed Beltline streetcar.

As an organization that is pushing for our transit dollars to be spent on projects that actually will serve transit needs, we naturally thought Johnson made the better arguments. 

But we found one exchange between Woolard and another panelist particularly telling: Johnson noted that small businesses along the Beltline have come out against the streetcar. 

“They built what they got,” Woolard responded. “They’re making tons of money, and now they don’t want what’s on the plan. I don’t think these people should be listening to that.”

Panelist Janelle King countered: “You absolutely have to pay attention to what the businesses are saying. You can’t just ignore the people who are the economic stimulators and tell them that we’re going to ignore what you feel and what’s happening to you.”

In Better Atlanta Transit’s view, everyone should have a voice in the discussion – including restaurateurs and shopkeepers who have invested heavily in the Betline’s success and who closely watch how people are using it.

Watch the full discussion for yourself in the clip below.