In fact, Easterlin says, Atlanta's economy is on a positive trajectory over the next 12-18 months, with “massive” growth and more people moving into the region than leaving. He says the current positive inflow of new residents to the Atlanta metropolitan area will help make residential costs more affordable.

“We find that if you bring people back into this this community around these Beltline projects, then you can create affordable housing,” he says. “Obviously it continues to create job growth as well. So, it's a Yin and Yang, and they're both working together. Right now, we're not seeing any cracks in the egg.”

The success of the Beltline redevelopment so far is actually one of the potential stumbling blocks for future expansion projects, Easterlin believes.

“it's the competition between trying to stay true to the project's original identity and not create something that prevents others from being able to build or live alongside of it,” he says. “Obviously, people are looking in advance at areas along this rail line and purchasing property for higher amounts and increasing values that might prevent others from living there, but I feel that they're trying to balance that, without going into too many zoning and restrictive uses, by just planning ahead, and focusing on the good areas for everyone.”

Another issue is ensuring that government funding remains available for key parts of the project, he says.

“I think the potential other likely issue is always making sure that you can find the matching funds from state and federal government to help you with these infrastructure projects,” he says. “And this is an infrastructure project, no doubt about it. This is not just a walking park. It is light rail, it is the ability for people to move around in Atlanta, and maybe move back in and take away from that urban sprawl.”