Closing Commerce to Demolish Allen Wilson Terrace?
Decatur Metro | March 3, 2008
Back in September, just before this blog got off the ground, the City Commission approved the destruction and redevelopment of Allen Wilson Terrace (by far Decatur’s poorest neighborhood), which sits between Trinity and W. Howard on Commerce Dr. just outside of downtown.
Shortly thereafter, GoDeKalb’s Aileen Harris gave a thorough overview of what Decatur had in store for the site. In short, its a plan seen metrowide in recent years; mixing public housing with market-rate condos. According to the article, the city will sell three of the 7.39 acres of the site (along W. Trinity) to be rebuilt as market rate condos w/ a parking deck, while the remaining land will house 189 units in 5 multi-story buildings and a mid-rise building for senior citizens.
I bring all this back to light because last night we ran across one of those large traffic signs parked along Commerce in the middle of the sidewalk next to CVS.
What did it say?
“Commerce Drive Closed Between W. Trinity and W. Howard Starting March 8th.” When was the anticipated start date of this project? In the article Decatur Housing Authority Director Paul Pierce said “…our hope is to start next spring.”
Well, its nearly Spring and what else could possibly close that whole portion of Commerce for an extended period of time? (unless it has something to do with Decatur High’s Stadium)
So, that’s my speculation for the morning. Let the redevelopment begin!
Any further info (confirming or denying) would be much appreciated.
UPDATE: It’s not Allen Wilson, its the High School. See the comments section for details!
(photo courtesy of GoDeKalb)
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I heard through our neighborhood group that it was related to a storm drainage system being installed.
Ah…so perhaps I’m completely off-base. Oh well, at least it gave me a reason to write about the Allen Wilson demolition.
Thanks for the update ks!
Commerce Drive will be closed for 10 days to 2 weeks starting on Saturday, March 8. This is to allow construction of the new storm drainage system between Allen Wilson Terrace and the High School athletic field. Commerce between West Trinity and and Robin Street will be closed to all through traffic, vehicular and pedestrian. However, there are alternate pedestrian routes through and around the Decatur Housing Authority’s Allen Wilson complex. A notice also will be posted this week on the City website.
Here’s the city’s official word on the subject:
Starting on Saturday, March 8, Commerce Drive will be closed to pedestrians and vehicles between West Howard Avenue and West Trinity Place to relocate and replace storm drainage lines and other utilities underneath the street. It is expected that the utility relocation will take about two weeks. Pedestrian traffic and vehicular traffic will be directed away from the work area in advance using lighted message boards and detour signage.
Extended construction work hours will be permitted during this period to speed the completion of the work and to limit the amount of time Commerce Drive is closed to the public. Work hours will be 7 am to 9 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 9 pm on weekends.
This work is part of the improvements to the Decatur High School campus, which includes a new stadium, new athletic field, and new gymnasium and auditorium.