Decatur Gets $500,000 For “Safe Routes To School”
Decatur Metro | May 13, 2010City Commissioner Patti Garrett just sent along a GDOT press release announcing Georgia recipients of federally funded grants through the state’s Safe Routes to School program.
Decatur got a cool half-million dollars, which is on par with the largest payouts on the list. Pretty impressive that a city of 18,000 people got around the same amount of funding as Fulton County or Savannah!
What will the funds be used for?
The city’s planning director, Amanda Thompson, tells DM that because the application is “2 years old and the city has moved on with some projects already, like sidewalk repairs and the South Columbia traffic calming project, this scope of the original project will change.” Also, GDOT is responsible for the design and construction of all projects.
That said, here’s the original project list included with the application…
Part A…
- includes the realignment of the driveway at the entrance of Glennwood Academy with Sycamore Place. The existing crosswalk on East Ponce de Leon will be narrowed to 8 feet in width to align the crosswalk with a new 5′ sidewalk connecting to the school entrance. The existing concrete island at the intersection of Sycamore Place and Commerce Drive will be expanded to narrow the right turn slip lane, a new crosswalk and curbcut will be added across Sycamore Place, and the existing crosswalk across Commerce Drive will be moved to align with the existing curbcut on the northeast side of the intersection.
- Commerce Drive will be re-striped to reduce the number of travel lanes between East College Avenue and South Columbia Drive.
- The intersection of East College Avenue and Commerce Drive will receive new signal heads and re-striping to reflect the changes to turning lanes on Commerce Drive/South Columbia Drive. This improvement was designed as part of GDOT Project Number STP-0002-00(669).
- Two new medians and a crosswalk will be installed at the curve on South Columbia Drive.
Part B includes new sidewalks and sidewalk repairs at the following locations: South Columbia Drive, West College Avenue, Glendale Avenue, Mead Road, and Sycamore Drive. Each sidewalk will be concrete and 5 feet in width.
Part C is the purchase and installation of 50 bicycle racks, 10 per school. The type of racks will include inverted U racks and wave racks. Some locations may receive covered bicycle parking shelters.
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Pardon my nag, but there’s a name missing from this list: W. Howard Ave. The crossing at Adair is so treacherous, two crossing guards are now stationed there in the morning and the afternoon.
Andy, you need to turn up the political heat on this. A couple options… First, I know of at least one other family on Howard pushing for the same thing. I’ll bet there’s more. If all of you were organized, even modestly, it’d surely speak louder.
Second, if you’re participating in the Round Tables, make sure it gets discussed. And if you’re not, the Decatur Next website has a discussion issue here focused on Transportation/Mobility issues and any comments will be added to those being shared in person.
Good luck.
What can we propose should be done specifically?
How about W. Howard goes to 1 lane each way starting at the east lake marta station/railroad tracks?
As someone who turns from/to Adair/Howard each weekday on commute to Downtown Atlanta, I (1) recognize that there is most definitely a safety issue here, especially during school walking hours and (2) would prefer additional safety measures that don’t close lanes of traffic.
The brick sidewalk across Howard is a good start, as is daily presence of traffic cop in the mornings and the digital speed reader coming back towards Decatur. I think I heard someone mention getting the bright neon yellow stop for pedestrians cone up in the middle of the street was being tried, but maybe the county is slow to respond?
Some additional possibilities– flashing lights during school hours (on Howard) and maybe some of the road grooves that make noise from each direction on howard would slow folks down? (i’m thinking the road grooves that announce impending tollway, etc). The latter would be hard on neighbors though– I wonder if there are ways to do that only during school hours?!
I’d also like to see improved visibility onto Howard from Adair– I think some danger is build in as drivers from Adair have to pull so far forward to see what traffic is coming from the Decatur direction.
I, for one, thing the entire Howard/College/Atlanta Ave intersection needs to be reworked so that there are lights and crosswalks, so that I can see if the light is green or red when I am waiting to turn from College onto Atlanta, and so that Atlanta doesn’t zig zag through there.
I’ve seen the crossing guards and the brick crosswalk in that vicinity, and I think the whole thing is a mess, and likely a dangerous one. Add a train and some bikes on the PATH to the mix, and we’ve got a rush hour meltdown waiting to happen.
Some might think it silly…just thinking out of the box here…but I’d love to one day see a pedestrian and bike bridge that crosses over Howard and College and the railroad tracks in between. I think of it as “Bridging the gap” between the Decatur and Oakhurst neighborhoods in a pedestrian-friendly kind of way. I would imagine that it would cost a lot more than a half million, and I can’t think of an exact location of where this bridge would start or end. I just thought that I would put it out there in the universe and see what comes back
It’s not silly at all. It’s been suggested many times. If I understand correctly, problem is that CSX Railroad owns both the tracks and the air over them. It has no interest in improving the quality of life of the communities it goes through.
I think CSX would agree if the structure met their requirements. The basic problem, as Mom says, is cost. Besides, having the structure doesn’t mean anyone would use it.
That’s interesting that it has come up many times before. I can see how between the cost and CSX it could never get off the ground. But with regards to the foot traffic, I think that it could be pretty high during the school year. Especially if was it located somewhere between Renfroe and Oakhurst Elementary.
I agree that it would be used. Me and my children would use it at least twice a week and that’s BEFORE attending a school across the tracks which we’ll be doing twice per child once Fifth Avenue is built.
If it’s just a matter of cost, I say do it. It’s been a high priority in the community for years and years and it’s time to just take care of it whenever we next get grant money which City of Decatur is so good at getting. But it might be a question of aesthetics as well–maybe what CSX would require would be an ugly blight on the city. Although what’s there is so ugly already, I suspect it’s hard to make it worse. We could put Decatur logo or original art on it and make it another Decatur icon like the Courthouse or the Square fountain.
As some of these projects have already been done and funded as per Amanda, I hope that some of the now undesignated grant funds can be put towards the safe bike routes that the City is already planning (at least the route portions near schools). That benefits the entire community, and goes nicely with those new bike racks that are to be purchased.
Congrats to those who put the hard work into this grant– it definitely paid off!!
Andy–I’d join your Team/Protest/Group/War/Sit In/Love In to make that intersection safer. Just say the word.
Good luck Andy. But there is only person in this city that you need to convince if you want something done and her first name starts with a P and her last name starts with an M.
I’ll do what it takes to get the word out about West H and Adair. Especially if it involves a Love In.
Amanda Thompson did an awesome job writing the original grant application and Greg White does a great job with the Safe Routes program, as do parent volunteers like Beth Thompson, Neil Norton, Leslie Stuart, Scott Hollenbeck, Fred B. and others. It’s a major achievement and city staffers & the parent volunteers deserve recognition for it. And covered bike shelters rock!
Yes – great job to the parents mentioned as well as Greg W. and the thank you to businesses that support this program.
Safe Routes to School. Just a reminder…..Westchester was chosen by Governor Roy Barnes to be one of the first pilot programs for Safe Routes to School. ( +/- 2000-2001)
Let’s not forget about improvements for access to and from Westchester as well.
I’ve never seen a bigger collection of bikes, scooters, and walkers than used to occur at Westchester, although I confess that I’m only familiar with what’s at Clairemont, Glennwood, and Renfroe. Never worried about our bikes being stolen because there were so many that I figured our chances were low. Ms. Kuebler standing outside and congratulating the kids was a factor as well as all the neighborhood paths leading to the playground.
Well then thank you for leading the charge for those of us with Elementary School-aged kids who are now benefiting…
I understand the theory, but a lot of the work Decatur is doing will come with a price. Access into downtown Decatur is a mess. Reducing traffic lanes to slow traffic like they have done on Church St make the hassle even worse.
The ridiculously timed traffic lights, lack of turn lanes, lack of turn signals, and increased population in downtown now make heading into the city for a nice dinner to much of a hassle.
I wonder if downtown Decatur businesses know how many times people like me say “It’s not worth the hassle anymore.”
Whether it’s a hassle or a success depends on the priorities and goals, Sam. If the goal is maximized auto access, convenience and throughput then I agree, some of our initiatives have been a mistake. But I’d counter those weren’t the goals. The goals were to create a pedestrian-friendly, bike-friendly and car-accommodating town and, to that end, I think great strides have been made.
I’m sure some folks say it’s no longer worth the hassle but I think the number of people who would not previously have come downtown and now do is far greater. Such is the nature of trade offs.
I think most downtown Decatur businesses are doing OK, think you. Sam, I guess you’d rather drive to the mall, look for a parking space, hike across acres of asphalt, hike through the mall to the store you want, come back and sit in line at the light trying to get out. Downtown Decatur is a different environment, suited for some, not so for others.
The inability to maintain highway speeds directly to your subsidized parking space in front of your destination is not a “hassle”. It’s an integral feature that helps Decatur businesses succeed.
“Walkability” is a proven recipe for success.
If it were not for the way we have developed downtown Decatur (in an urban, ped friendly kind of way) then it would not be a destination at all or a hassle to get to. It would be the dead zone it was 15 years ago with no businesses open after 5PM or on weekends.
We don’t want wide roads and big surface parking lots. If you do, I suggest you go looking somewhere else. I have never encountered a hassle getting into Downtown Decatur such as I do in other areas.
Who is we? I’m a 32 year resident of this city. I was supporting the very first restaurant that opened in downtown Decatur, Bucks then later Micks.. I dined there 3 or 4 nights a week for 20 years. I live 1 and a half miles from downtown, and you are telling me to walk? Actually more like telling me to take a hike.
Samx. It’s a very nice walk. You should try it. 2 miles is nothing. If you have a medical problem drive to one of the nearby parking garages or even park along one of the pretty streets. If you don’t want to take the time for a pleasant stroll, try a bicycle ride. Imagine interacting with your friendly neighbors, enjoying their front gardens as you stroll home from a nice meal. How on earth is that a hassle?
No Steve, I do not wish to “drive to the mall, look for a parking space, hike across acres of asphalt, hike through the mall to the store you want,” I don’t know how you managed to judge that from my post.
If you noticed I said I understand the theory. I think Scott pretty much got my point. Its a trade off. I never said they were going to kill downtown Decatur. I still go downtown but not nearly as much as I used to. Getting into downtown Decatur, from my location is a nightmare, no matter what time of day, and I am not walking or biking 2 miles to get there.
I think most downtown Decatur businesses would love to have my business.
Your business yes. Your car no.
Nice to get the money. I’m really hoping that something might also be done at the intersection of Howard and Commerce (crosswalk?), and across from Renfroe where there are always kids walking out in the road (crosswalk? hazard lights?).
I would like to believe that we can achieve an equitable balance between those who have the time and luxury to walk to businesses in Decatur and those who may not be able, due to disability and time restraints to walk to businesses, schools or whatever in town. It is short sighted to address the issue from either perspective and to criticize those who plead for solutions to the exclusion of others. I have tired of people who think walking, biking or anything else should be a litmus test for inclusion in our community. We’re bigger than that. Aren’t we?
I do not understand why walking or cycling (especially cycling) 2 miles is out of the question for you SamX. You’re only 32? Unless you are disabled, cycling two miles would take less than 15 minutes. Of course, if you are differently abled, it’s a different story, and we cyclo-ped advocates need to be sensitive of the issues surrounding access for folks who don’t have the option of walking or cycling.
What if SamX gets hungry and it’s raining? or really cold? or really hot?
Or he’s short on time? Or just feels lazy, but really wants to drop some bucks in downtown Decatur….
Right on Nola, I think it’s about time that the SamX’s of Decatur pushed back against the “biker chic” attitude. I ain’t ridin’ no bike every time I get an hungered. I would also like to add 2 things, Decatur has always been cool and happenin’ for those of us that have lived here. Traffic calming has not made it hipper – but I do think it has it’s place. Secondly, all of Atlanta ( intown) has gotten hipper and more livable over the last 15 years if you base your decision on
dining and culture- what made Decatur special was the small community feel. How livable is a city that expects all it’s citizens to walk or ride a bike all the time, and makes you pay $5000 for an engineering survey if you decide to build a deck so you can stay home and eat on it.
The argument that automobile drivers in Decatur are victims of some socialist “cycle chic” is laughable. It is NOT a hassle to drive to downtown Decatur. Plenty of open routes and parking. There is a pretty good mix of transportation modes to get to and from the downtown area. Cars still endanger pedestrians and that can be addressed somewhat with infrastructure improvements. So cars have to slow down. Guess what? The area is crowded with students,diners and shoppers! (and drinkers) You should slow down!
SamX’s proof that traffic calming caused a mess is that driver’s don’t use turn signals and the restaruants are crowded. How is that a policy issue? The calming on Church is great and slows the traffic near where there are a lot of pedestrians around the pool and park. I drive through there a lot and it is not a hassle in the least. BTW the more people walking a cycling, the more open the roads and parking spots are for the Samx’s and NoSurprises to enjoy. Traffic congestion is caused by cars. Making an area more “walkable” reduces that congestion.
I don’t get it. I walk most of the time I want to eat or shop (and with my tiny kitchen that’s most nights). But when I want to drive I’ve never had a hard time finding a parking space in the public deck behind Parkers, in the public deck behind the courthouse in the evenings, or simply on the street. 90% of the time I’m parking for free. The rest of time I’m paying a couple of quarters. I don’t see what the big deal is. If I’m going to the library, it’s free. If I’m running a quick errand, it’s a quarter or two. If I’m going to CVS or a business in that lot it’s free. SunTrust? Cooks Warehouse? Free. Relics and Rarities? Free. Chick Fil A? Free. Twain’s Free. Greene’s Free. Call the restaurant you’re where you’re going–many have deals with decks and will validate (such as Noodle). . . . Even Subway validates! There is a ton of parking in Decatur!
Hey, if Ryan Gainey drives his SUV from Emerson to eat at WaterShed, I think we can cut SamX some slack. Parking is not the issue Altmond, the pushback is against those wanting to use federal $$’s to remove more lanes than there are today. I think we have a pretty good balance now. Obviously we want kids to be safe going to school, but I don’t want the plan to be hijacked for “biker utopia” ( friendly yes, utopia
no).
Ridgelandistan, I like how you inserted the word “socialist” – Freudian slip on your part. Taken togeather with your chosen moniker, I would not be surprised if you support throwing acid in the faces of children taking driver’s-ed coarses.
BTW , I don’t use Church because I kick it in Lowcatur.
no need to be so “coarse”
Sorry, upon reading again, didn’t come across as playful as I intended. Please forgive me. Also forgive my spelling. I’m a naturally bad speller, and my iPhone makes the problem worse.
OK, but for the record. I never threw acid at any kids. It was stinkwater, and they were skateboarding on my marblework.
I do not understand any of this talk about it being a hassle to get to downtown Decatur. It can be a hassle to park, sometimes, but hardly a major one (unless you are incapable of walking a few hundred feet, in which case you maybe should have a handicap sticker).
How is having to slow your car down “too much of a hassle?” That is ridiculous.