The intensity of gentrification is predominantly noted within Ponce City Market and the Beltline’s impact on surrounding neighborhoods. By removing insufficient, worn-down housing and displacing the respective residents, developers were able to construct much of the Beltline which is conjoined to Ponce City Market. In turn, an influx of middle to upper class citizens relocated to the newly developed sites and caused immense displacement of lower class families. This process of renovation perpetuates cultural, social, and economic distinctions while continuing a lack of integration between different groups. When vastly different demographics are not intermixing, polarization and intolerance ensues. Additionally, with this revitalization throughout Ponce de Leon, housing prices have dramatically increased throughout the community. Ryan Gravel, the creator of the Atlanta Beltline, envisioned the communities around the Beltline to exhibit equal opportunities for housing. Therefore, residences of all prices, which would act inclusive for all socioeconomic classes, would reside along its path. Unfortunately, this ideal has not remained true with new construction. An overwhelming majority of housing around the Beltline is designated for middle to upper-class civilians which excludes lower-income groups. From this disparity, many Atlantans have voiced their discontent, including Gravel himself who recently resigned from head chairman of the Atlanta Beltline project. Moreover, in “What’s Happening With The Beltline?” by Kimberly Turner of the Atlanta Magazine, the pathways’ financial difficulties are discussed. After the Beltline lost $700 million in tax allocation districts due to a Georgia Supreme Court Case involving public education and funding, the Beltline’s progress was stunted. Consequently, Turner expressed that the financial obstacles and burdens become inflicted upon Atlanta citizens. Turner, among many, are against the notion that residential areas surrounding the Beltline will drastically increase in value. Generally, the cost of living in these encompassing communities will become extremely expensive, thus furthering the intensity of gentrification in the city. Ultimately, the goals that attempted to result in equality have done the opposite to residents in Atlanta.

Another current debate exists within Ponce City Market’s parameters. The revitalization of Atlanta’s old railway system has become proposed for the Atlanta Beltline Incorporation. This public transportation would extend to the Beltline’s 22-mile trail system and allow immediate access to 45 different neighborhoods within Atlanta. As a result, these encompassing communities would have a direct connection through the Beltline’s transport. This project acts as a response to Atlantans’ dissatisfaction of current public transportation and the increasing demand of the Beltline’s use. However, many debate the extent of the railway system since its parameters are bounded within the city of Atlanta. Should the routes extend to metro-Atlanta and suburban areas so the transportation can include a larger group? For many citizens, urban planners, and politicians, the implications are too dense if the expansion occurred. Homelessness would increase within suburbs and affluent neighborhoods surrounding Atlanta. Additionally, exponentially more funding would be required to fulfill such actions. On the other hand, because of this confinement, the transportation can only be accessed by a limited group of local Atlantans. Therefore, the railway’s success is restricted. Regardless, the limitations of the current mass transit system, Marta, and the Beltline respond as a result of homelessness and poverty. Higher classes have a strong distaste to intermix with impoverished demographics which heightens lower socioeconomic groups’ alienations within Ponce de Leon communities.