Message from the Executive Director: What’s on the Horizon

Looking back over the past year, the Cumberland CID completed an impressive array of projects in Atlanta's northwest market. About $10.5 million in streetscapes and aesthetic treatments came to life, including decorative retaining walls, improved sidewalks and pedestrian lighting. Cobb Galleria Parkway is one example, and I invite you to take a stroll to experience these enhancements.

The Spring Road portion of the Kennesaw Mountain to Chattahoochee River Trail adds another valuable amenity to our office market. Once this trail is complete, cyclists, pedestrians and other users will have access to a path that stretches 13.5 miles.

Looking ahead, our most exciting project will break ground soon: the reconstruction of the U.S. Highway 41 Bridge.

Thank you for your continued support, investment and interest in the Cumberland community.

Best,

Malaika Rivers
Executive Director, Cumberland CID

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U.S. Highway 41 Bridge Reconstruction

After a decade of planning, the CID is excited to announce the reconstruction of the U.S. Highway 41 Bridge spanning Cobb and Fulton counties. The CID has leveraged funds to complete this $18 million project at a ratio of 1-to-22, with primary funding derived from federal transportation dollars. The new bridge will have a six-lane capacity, pedestrian and bicycle facilities and improved access to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

The CID's partnerships with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Cobb County were invaluable to secure planning and funding for this regionally significant endeavor. GDOT will manage the project, overseeing the staging, demolition, traffic control and construction.

Designed by renowned Georgia-based engineering firm Moreland Altobelli Associates, Inc., the new bridge will span from Northgate Drive in Fulton County to Paces Mill in Cobb County. A 12-foot multi-use trail on the east side of Cobb Parkway and 5-foot sidewalk on the west also will be added to the bridge. An additional expansion project is planned for Cobb Parkway, which will continue the multi-use trail and sidewalk and will include widening for additional traffic capacity.

The bridge reconstruction will begin in earnest this March. The second road expansion project is slated to begin in 2013.

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Urban Land Institute Tours the Cumberland District

The Cumberland CID recently participated in a forum that explored how metropolitan regions are approaching development around transit in the new economy.

The Urban Land Institute's Atlanta chapter hosted this national event at the Renaissance Waverly in the Galleria. Case studies detailed how developers are thinking about transit and rethinking how roads and other infrastructure function.

CID Executive Director Malaika Rivers guided attendees on a bus tour of the Cumberland market and discussed potential and future development plans, current land use and infrastructure. The opportunity for high-capacity transit in the market was a significant focus.

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Transportation Referendum for the Atlanta Region

Citizens of the 10-county Atlanta region will have the opportunity to consider the Transportation Investment Act (TIA) referendum this July. The referendum allows citizens to vote on a proposed list of projects that tackle the Atlanta region's congestion. If approved, the referendum represents a potential investment of $7 billion over 10 years. The project list may be viewed here.

A broad-based group of citizens have come together to form the Metro Atlanta Voter Education Network (MAVEN) and provide non-biased information to all those interested. MAVEN consists of members from business organizations and civic coalitions, as well as concerned residents working together to provide the public with information on transportation issues that affect the entire Atlanta region. This non-partisan organization is engaged in educational activities and does not advocate for or against the TIA referendum.

For more information on MAVEN, click the Transform Metro Atlanta logo above.

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