ARC awards $8.5 million for projects

Cyclists and pedestrians will benefit from four projects around DeKalb County funded through the Atlanta Regional Commission's Livable Centers Initiative.

Of the 48 communities that applied for grants from the Atlanta Regional Commission 13 were chosen to receive funding, four of which are in DeKalb County. Almost $8.5 million in grants was given to fund projects in DeKalb to make improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Perimeter Community Improvement Districts will use $3.1 million for Lake Hearn Drive, Perimeter Summit Parkway and Parkside Place bike and pedestrian facilities.

"It's going to make this area more multi-mobile, more walkable and more bikeable," said Susan Long, communications and development consultant with the Perimeter Community Improvement District.

The project will include pedestrian access improvements such as additional sidewalks, larger medians and additional crosswalks.

Long said the total cost of the project is $4.86 million and the grant will pay a large portion of the bill.

In Doraville, a $2.3 million grant will be used to create segregated bicycle tracks along New Peachtree Road.

Luke Howe, assistant to the mayor, said the city first identified the project in 2006 and modified the plans for the recent grant application.

"It's a totally exclusive lane that combines elements of a separated path," he said. "It's much safer."

Howe said this will most likely be the first project of its kind in the South but there are examples of the bicycle tracks in San Francisco and Europe. The bike lanes will be separated from the main road with a curb and landscaping.

They also plan to narrow New Peachtree Road from five to three lanes and expand the sidewalk.

Decatur's $2.1 million grant will be used for bike facilities on Commerce Drive between Clairemont Avenue and Church Street, said Deputy City Manager Hugh Saxon.

"Basically the objectives are to improve pedestrian safety on those intersections," he said. "We're also trying to develop a system of bicycle networks throughout the city."

Tucker residents will see an expansion of the recent Main Street revitalization project with a $960,000 grant.

"That's going to be used for sidewalks and street lighting and landscaping," said Honey Van De Kreke, co-general manager of the nonprofit Main Street Tucker Alliance. "It'll be a more walkable area."

She said the plan is to make improvements around First Avenue, Lynburn Drive and Fellowship Road.