Coffee Conversations: Atlantans call for equity and access in transit and mobility

March 29th, 2024

Caleb Wheelus, the co-owner of Stereo, stands at the door of the cafe shop. (LaShawn Hudson/WABE)

Music and coffee are at the center of an Inman Park coffee cafe. Caleb Wheelus, one of the co-owners of Stereo, says he’s unsure how light rail transit on Atlanta’s BeltLine would impact his business.

But he believes it will increase walkability and says he’s in support of all the growth that’s happening in the area.

Wheelus was a featured panelist for the March installment of “Coffee Conversations.” He talked with show host Rose Scott about why Inman Park feels like home. He also talked about the rebranding of his café and how his business has benefitted from being closely located to the BeltLine.

Scott then talked with Janice Darling, Inman Park Neighborhood Association Traffic and Transportation Committee chair and a volunteer for BeltLine Rail Now!, and Hans Klein, an associate professor in the School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech.

Professor Klien explained why he’s against light rail transit on the BeltLine and why he believes funds should be used to expand transit options on Atlanta’s Westside and Southside.

Darling expressed her support for clean energy and light rail transit on the Beltline. She also talked about how it could be a way to connect Atlanta.

Lastly, Charles Peterson, a Just Opportunity portfolio associate for Partnership for Southern Equity, Sagirah Jones, the program director for Propel ATL, and Kenneth Florence, a member of Red, Bike and Green Atlanta, discussed how transit, mobility and access impact all Atlantans and how they could be improved so that they are equitable for all.