Community
Peachtree Corners Reports Public Works Project Roundup
Published
3 years agoon
Major construction of sidewalks, road improvements, city enhancements set for completion by year’s end.
In the overview of the FY 2022 Budget, the city of Peachtree Corners outlined a mission to create, enhance, and maintain the city infrastructure.
“For the past seven years, the City Council has been persistent in its focus on providing the resources and support to address our infrastructure needs from paving and sidewalks to the addition of stormwater. The continues the aggressive progress on the capital paving plan along with significant investments into sidewalk improvements and will continue the implementation of the stormwater capital improvement plan,” it stated.
Recently, the city made good on this promise by providing an update on several specific activities that support the spending of $2 million for paving of city roads, $1 million for improvements and maintenance to the stormwater drainage system, and $950,000 in new sidewalks and streetlights.
Gunnin Road Sidewalks
The project includes adding sidewalks on the west side of Gunnin Road from Spalding Drive to Willbanks Drive.
The Peachtree Corners City Council approved a contract a year ago for the city’s 2020 Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant and Special Local Option Sales Tax sidewalk program for sidewalks on Gunnin Road. Council awarded a $723,388 contract with Construction 57 Inc. The 2020 Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation paid $421,439.56 of that total. The project includes constructing concrete sidewalk, curb and gutter, storm drainage improvements, retaining walls, and grading.
Like many construction projects around the county, it has been delayed due to supply shortages, construction schedules, and the impact of COVID.
City officials anticipate a new completion date sometime this spring.
Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant Sidewalk Program
Sidewalk installation has begun on the east side of Jones Mill Road from Green Pointe Parkway to Peachtree Corners Circle, both sides of Peachtree Corners Circle from Peachtree Industrial Blvd to Jones Mill Spur and Engineering Drive from SR 141 to the next driveway. This sets up for a future trail opportunity. The project also includes a speed table on Town Center Boulevard. The budgeted cost for expenditures this year are $700,000.
When all 11 originally approved sidewalk projects are complete, they will add nearly 32,000 feet of sidewalks to Peachtree Corners streets. The original plan from 2017 included:
• Corners Parkway
• Crooked Creek Road
• Frank Neely Road
• Holcomb Bridge Road
• Jay Bird Alley
• Peachtree Corners Circle multiuse trail
• Peachtree Corners Circle
• Spalding Drive
• Technology Parkway
• Technology Parkway South
• Winters Chapel Road
In addition to installing sidewalks, two pedestrian crosswalks with rapid flashing beacons were also part of the 2017 plan. The project is near completion and should be finished by this spring.
Bush Road and Medlock Bridge Road
The intersection improvement project at Bush Road and Medlock Bridge Road adds an extra through lane on Medlock Bridge Road and an additional slip lane from Bush Road onto SR 141/Peachtree Parkway. It comes with a price tag of $1.2 million from the FY 2022 budget.
This project includes:
- Two lanes added to northbound Medlock Bridge Road to accommodate a left turn lane
- Through lane leading to SR 141 South
- Through lane to East Jones Bridge Road
- Through and right turn lane leading to both Bush Road and the slip ramp leading to North SR 141
- Second right turn lane added to Bush Road that leads directly to the SR 141 slip ramp
- New traffic signal installed to aid in the operation of these new lanes
- Widening and traffic signal on Medlock Bridge Road and Bush Road
In addition, this project also includes a new concrete sidewalk, island, curb and gutter, asphalt paving, drainage improvements, modular block retaining wall, overhead signs, ornamental fence and ornamental trees.
Although most of the work is completed, there are still several remaining components to finish:
- Overhead utility relocation
- Traffic signal installation
- SR 141 slip lane construction
- Concrete island and ADA ramp construction
- Final asphalt layer installation
- Guardrail, sod, decorative trees, ornamental fence, signing and marking
- Remaining Schedule/Milestones (estimated):
- Georgia Power to set three joint-use poles and five utility poles – Mid December 2021
- Traffic Signal Installation
- Overhead facilities relocated to new poles by Georgia Power, Comcast, AT&T, Zayo – February 2022
- Existing pole removal by Georgia Power
- Guardrail, signs, fencing, trees, filling gaps in sidewalk, curb and gutter, sod, final asphalt paving and striping
Even though the list appears to be daunting, the project has an anticipated completion date for this summer.
Town Center Corners Connector
The FY 2022 Budget includes funding to complete two segments of Corners Connector, the multi-use trail system. The Town Center segment will connect Peachtree Parkway and Peachtree Corners Circle and provide a pedestrian link from both roadways to the Town Green. The FY 2022 Budget also includes funding to complete the planning and engineering for two additional segments of the Corners Connector: Crooked Creek Trail and Engineering Trail.
Although construction is still ongoing, it is scheduled for completion this summer.
Bankers Industrial Bioretention and Stormwater Installation
The project will install 10 linear bioretention cells/bioswales totaling up to 13,00 square feet along Bankers Industrial Drive.
Although several stormwater systems within city limits are maintained by the state or the county, the city of Peachtree Corners is tasked with maintain the stormwater drainage system within the city’s right of way and stormwater pipe systems in residential subdivisions with recorded drainage easements dedicated to the city that are attached to the right of way.
The city accepting a bid proposal in March and the project is currently under utility relocation. The contractor will start immediately upon completion. The project is set to be completed this summer.
Town Center Enhancements
Construction is underway for a new playground at Town Center including walls, sidewalks and shade structures. So far, drainage lines have been installed and grading is ongoing. Soil testing for the playground foundation is also underway.
The project is scheduled for completion this summer.
Spalding Drive Widening
Spalding Drive is set for widening from Winters Chapel Road to Holcomb Bridge Road. The project also includes the widening of the bridge over Crooked Creek.
“If you’ve ever driven on Spalding Drive between Winters Chapel Road and Holcomb Bridge Road during rush hour, you’ve probably experienced significant delays and extended wait times, said Councilmember Phil Sadd in advance of a Town Hall meeting addressing city improvements. “At the town hall meeting, we will provide an overview of the Spalding Drive project and explain how it will help improve traffic flow and increase pedestrian safety.”
This year’s budget included $900,000 from the city to be paired with planned GDOT improvements to the intersection of Spalding Drive and SR 140.
Construction is underway but it had a slight delay in April 2021. The issues were resolved in June 2021 and construction is ongoing. Completion is scheduled for this fall.
East Jones Bridge Riverlands Trail
As part of the city’s continued commitment to the expansion of the Corners Connector Trail System, the East Jones Bridge Road Multi-Use Trail Project is now underway.
This project consists of approximately 1.65 miles of 12-foot-wide concrete multi-use trail connecting SR 141/Peachtree Parkway to Jones Bridge Park. Construction began at SR 141 and continues north until completion at Jones Bridge Park. Some adjustments and stormwater revisions had to be located near Broadgreen.
The scheduled completion date is sometime this fall.
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Arlinda Smith Broady is part of the Boomerang Generation of Blacks that moved back to the South after their ancestors moved North. With approximately three decades of journalism experience (she doesn't look it), she's worked in tiny, minority-based newsrooms to major metropolitans. At every endeavor she brings professionalism, passion, pluck, and the desire to spread the news to the people.
Community
PCBA Awards $3,500 to Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer
Published
1 week agoon
November 4, 2024The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) donated a check for $3,500 to the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer at their October Business After Hours event. The organization was selected by the PCBA Community Outreach Committee and board, who are dedicated to identifying and selecting charities whose mission aligns with supporting the community.
Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer — formerly It’s the Journey — is a registered 501c3 non-profit that supports Georgia’s breast cancer community by raising funds for breast health and breast cancer programs throughout the state.
Since 2002, the organization’s Georgia 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer has raised over $19 million to fund 554 grants that provide breast cancer education, screening, early detection, support services and continuing care for Georgians. Their mission is to engage with Georgia’s breast cancer community to increase access to care and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.
“Since [our] donations are made possible through our members and sponsorships, we wanted to award this check at our recent PCBA Business After Hours Speaker’s event, allowing our members the opportunity to celebrate with us and learn how this organization supports our community” said Lisa Proctor, PCBA president. “This check represents the first of three charities we raised money for at our annual charity event, Tailgates and Touchdowns, in August of this year. We will be awarding a check to the Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries in November and Spectrum Autism Support Group in December.”
Supporting the community
“We are so proud of our continued commitment to supporting our community,” Proctor continued. “The PCBA has donated over $162,000 to local deserving charities and awarded 19 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors in our metro Atlanta community since the inception of our community outreach program in 2013.”
Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach program are raised throughout the year from PCBA memberships, sponsorships and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded during monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the selected organizations.
For more information about the Peachtree Corners Business Association, visit peachtreecornersba.com.
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Community
Peachtree Corners Dedicates Memorial Garden to its First Lady
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 29, 2024Although Debbie Mason, the first First Lady of Peachtree Corners passed away in January 2023 just shy of her 72nd birthday, she left a lasting legacy on the community.
Her obituary summed up her attributes beautifully.
“If Debbie Mason believed in a cause, she could be counted on to work toward it tirelessly. Debbie was known to her family as a full-time mom, part-time Wonder Woman and occasional miracle worker. To her friends and community, she was a professional volunteer, fearless leader and perpetual truthteller.
Before starting her family, she worked as a legal secretary, where she began honing her exceptional organizational skills and trademark charisma, which made her the most formidable fundraiser. PTSA president, Scout den leader, drama club mom, sports team mom, volunteer organizer, teen-driving advocate, recycling and beautification champion — whatever her kids were involved in or called to her heart, she made it a priority.
A consummate ‘mover and shaker,’ there was little in her sphere of influence that didn’t receive a bit of ‘the Debbie Mason touch.’ She and Mike were founders of the Fox Hill Homeowner’s Association, where she worked to build community on the street she called home for 36 years. Hanging holiday decorations, throwing her annual Halloween party and even going door-to-door gathering signatures to have sewers installed in the neighborhood, Debbie spent so much of her time and energy in service of others.”
A loving memorial
At a memorial service in her honor, several members of the community stood around brainstorming a way to truly respect the impact she had on those around her.
“There were a group of us that just kept talking to each other and saying, what else can we do?” said Lynette Howard. “Debbie inspired us. She did so many things for us, and she gave up great things to the city. And the city was something that she just … it was her pride and joy, and she wanted to make sure that everybody was embraced and hugged in this city.”
A public garden in Debbie Mason’s name was born from that discussion. And a little less than two years later, a dedication was held on Saturday, October 24 to commemorate the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden.
Her obituary went on to include her love of gardening and the outdoors.
“To nurture was her nature; she loved to look after her home and garden. Visitors often commented on how warm and welcoming the house made them feel and how beautifully decorated it was. She was an artist, viewing the backyard garden as her canvas and the flowers, plants and pots as her paints. Working in the garden restored her soul; it was her special place. She was brilliant, an independent thinker, honest, direct and utterly unique. There will never be another one like her.”
A legacy that will live on
As in life, her kindness, dedication and joy will live on.
“With the opening of this garden today, she will leave an imprint that will be enjoyed by Peachtree Corners citizens for generations to come,” said Dave Huffman during the ceremony.
Debbie inspired those around her to make a positive impact on the city, as seen in the garden project. The Debbie Mason Memorial Garden Committee: Bob Ballagh, Pat Bruschini, Lynette Howard, Dave Huffman, Sarah Roberts, Gay Shook and Robyn Unger worked together to answer questions, prioritize goals and honor Debbie’s legacy.
To ensure the garden design and features aligned with Debbie’s passions and the community’s input, the committee thought about things the garden shouldn’t be: hectic, feeling noisy, unkempt, sad, forgotten, without a purpose, ostentatious, gaudy, overdone, devoid of interactive things.
“Did we accomplish it?” Howard asked the crowd during the ceremony.
The thunderous applause proved that Debbie would have approved.
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Community
PTC Arts Inc. Furthers Mission to Provide Accessible Art
Published
3 weeks agoon
October 23, 2024Not long after the incorporation of Peachtree Corners in 2012, city leaders envisioned an arts council that would ensure local arts and culture were given necessary attention. The Peachtree Corners Arts Council, now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was established in 2016 to bring that vision to life by creating an Arts & Culture Master Plan and Public Art Initiative program for the city.
The council facilitates public art projects, such as a soon-to-be-completed mural on Peachtree Corners Circle by artist Jonathan Bidwell. With another major endeavor, the independently funded Debbie Mason Memorial Garden, also nearing completion, Peachtree Corners Magazine caught up with the organization — now called Peachtree Corners Arts Inc. (PTC Arts) — to learn more about the projects as well as the future of arts and culture in our city.
Debbie Mason Memorial Garden
The Debbie Mason Memorial Garden is an aesthetic and contemplative garden space nestled in an area of the Peachtree Corners Botanical Garden near Town Center. A group of Peachtree Corners residents, with a shared love for the city’s first first lady and an appreciation for all that she has done for the city, formed the Debbie Mason Memorial Committee (DMMC) to raise funds to build the oasis that will delight with flowering color each season.
The goal of the DMMC is to preserve Mason’s memory by transforming a space that will offer Peachtree Corners residents a quiet place to reflect, connect and rejuvenate among vibrant colored seasonal plantings and mosaic tiled artwork, according to the PTC Arts website.
Although the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden falls under the umbrella of PTC Arts Inc., it had its own committee in charge of design and fundraising goals.
“When they started getting going, because they were creating an artistic kind of installation in the city and were going to raise the funds for it, they worked with our council for ideas and input on the plan that they ultimately came up with,” said Marcia Catterall, a member of PTC Arts. “They really ran independently with that. Primarily, they used us as the nonprofit vehicle to raise the funds.”
Independent of PTC Arts, DMMC created all of its own publicity and had a committee tasked with handling all of the fundraising.
Building a master plan
Although the objective of PTC Arts Inc. is simple, the execution can be complicated.
“We had our hands in numerous things,” said Catterall. “We’ve created the city’s arts and culture master plan. We created a public art initiative. Our goal was to think about all of the ways that arts and cultural activities could impact the city and then to help facilitate the creation and the installation of arts and culture in the city.”
The initiative, along with the master plan, took up the first several years of the council’s efforts. The master plan was formalized and officially adopted in 2018.
According to city records, “The resolution requires developers to meet with the Peachtree Corners Arts Council to discuss possibilities for public art on their property. Developers would also be asked to voluntarily set aside one percent of their project costs for public art, either by including public art on their site or contributing money to a public art fund administered by the city.”
“This Public Art Initiative and Vision Map is intended to help city officials, developers and the community at large visualize and implement the city’s public art future. It outlines a vision for public art, offers an inventory of opportunities for public art throughout the city and provides background on the types of projects that should be encouraged and prioritized,” the records continued.
Early efforts of the council included designing activities for the Town Green and facilitating the use of public spaces for a variety of arts and cultural activities.
“One of the things that we helped with initially was designing some of the activities and talking about how to host activities on the Town Green,” said Catterall. “Now that’s all handled separately by the city, but we were sort of the sounding board and created a lot of the ideas and the thoughts about how Town Green was to be used.”
The mural project and what’s ahead
The first big art installation project initiated from beginning to end by the council is a mural on the retaining wall at Peachtree Corners Circle.
“That’s going to be our first big project that we’ve started — soup to nuts — and have run with completely on our own,” said Catterall.
Jonathan Bidwell, a well-known artist out of Asheville, North Carolina is creating the mural, having designed several others in the past.
“He designed, for example, the playful foxes on the Social Fox Brewing Company in downtown Norcross,” she said. “He’ll be covering the big, long retaining wall that will border part of the Botanical Garden Walk around the Town Center area. And it will actually be near the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden.”
Funding for the mural project was covered partly through business donations.
“Part of our arts and culture master plan is to ask businesses, when they either develop or open up a new business, to donate 1% of their project value towards public art on their property or to give that to us,” Catterall said. “So, this is being funded mostly through the donation from QuickTrip’s new development.”
Since the company didn’t have a particular art installation in mind for its property, it allowed the money to go toward an effort elsewhere in the city.
The mural’s background colors were scheduled to be painted by the end of September with the remaining details to be completed by late October, in time for the ribbon cutting for the Debbie Mason Garden. That event is set for 11 a.m. on October 26.
For more information about Peachtree Corners Arts Inc., the mural or the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden, visit ptcarts.org.
You can read this article in the October/November issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine.
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