Thursday, August 20, 2015

A Report from Terry Nall - Dunwoody City Council

Councilman Terry Nall

District 1 Council Representation
Local District 1 Councilman Denis Shortal vacated his post on August 19 in order to run for Mayor. Until his seat is filled in the next election, District 1 residents are welcome to direct their requests and needs to my colleagues and me on Council. This direct access to elected officials is part of what makes Dunwoody great. 

Construction Approved:  Tilly Mill Rd. at N. Peachtree Rd/Peeler Rd.
On July 27, City Council voted 6-1 to approve a $4.5 million construction contract for much needed intersection improvements on Tilly Mill Rd. at N. Peachtree Rd., including the intersection of Peeler Rd. at N. Peachtree Rd. The project will add turn lanes, a coordinated traffic light at Peeler/N. Peachtree Rd., sidewalks and other safety features.

In a citizen survey, this was rated as the worst intersection in Dunwoody, so I am delighted it will be our first major intersection improvement to break ground. Work will begin as soon as DeKalb County approves the water main pipe portion of the contract. The work will continue into 2016, with traffic flow maintained throughout the project. 

Paving and Pipe Replacements on Mt. Vernon Rd. and Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd.
The water main pipe replacement project on Mt. Vernon Rd. from Vernon Oaks Dr. to Ashford-Dunwoody Rd. continues on schedule. Crews replaced the pipe in the two-lane area and are now grading and laying the sidewalk. The focus now is on finishing the two-lane area traffic disruption. Then the pipe replacement will continue in the four-lane area of Mt. Vernon Rd. where even if one lane is closed, traffic can still flow in both directions. The project will conclude with new pavement. The "rumble strip" in front of the BP station will finally go away.

A similar water main pipe replacement, sidewalk, and paving project is currently in the bid process for Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd. between Roberts Dr. and Cambridge Dr. Once the bid is let, the project will continue into early 2016 and also conclude with new pavement.

Additional Summer Paving
At our most recent meeting, City Council heard that the current fiscal year is projected to conclude with a surplus. Council provided guidance to Public Works that a portion of the surplus should be directed to additional paving in 2015. Olde Village Court, Olde Village Lane, and Olde Village Run are three poorly rated streets from our 2016 paving list that can now be accelerated into this year. 

The balance of the 2015 projected surplus will be needed for the increased bids of paving and construction that we're now seeing due to many projects underway in metro Atlanta.

Independent School District Event

Early in my term on Council, I suggested we include in City Council legislative priorities the removal of the barrier for new independent school districts. Fast forward and now here we are with proposed legislation H.R. 4 carried by State Rep. Tom Taylor.

We need your assistance. An advocacy group called GLASS (Georgians for Local Area School Systems) is helping with lobbying efforts for this initiative. 2016 could be the year, as support is growing.

GLASS is hosting a fundraiser at McKendrick's Steakhouse (Park Place Center on Ashford-Dunwoody Rd.) on this Tuesday, August 25 at 5-7 pm. Please come out to support our legislative efforts for a future Dunwoody School District.  More information is at: glassnow.org


Upcoming City Council Meetings 
Monday, August 24
Monday, September 14
Monday, September 28

City Council meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall,  41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 103. All meetings are open to the public. Come see your government in action!

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