While the redevelopment of Suburban Plaza to include a Walmart was probably the most talked about transformation along the Church Street corridor in unincorporated DeKalb in 2014, it is just one of many projects currently transforming the area.

Telsa opened its first in-town dealership back in November in an old Isuzu lot just up the street. One street over along Route 29, Scott Blvd Baptist Church has been stripped by a salvage company and many adjoining homes are boarded up, ready for Fuqua’s coming mixed-use development.

Now construction has begun on 330 apartments at the corner of Church Street and Milscott Drive, in place of one of the many vacant car dealerships that have long loitered along the strip.

As a reminder, the project was approved by the DeKalb County Commission back in June 2014.  Atlantic Realty Partners announced the project back then and described it thusly…

“The multifamily complex, to be named “The Reserve”, will feature two “U-shaped” buildings enclosing a terrace courtyard with landscaping and a swimming pool. (See attached site plan). To maintain an urban feel, the buildings are situated directly adjacent to the street and will largely shield the parking lot from view. Additionally, the developer will install sidewalks and landscaping along both Church Street and Milscott Drive.”

Photo courtesy of Google Streetview, rendering courtesy of MANA website

From the latest Decatur Focus…

Work on streetscape improvements in the Trinity corridor is scheduled to begin this month. This project will expand the streetscape network from the area surrounding the square to the N. Candler intersection. The developer of the Trinity Triangle will pay for streetscape improvements around this project to close the gap and create a much improved pedestrian and cycling experience. This portion of the streetscape project will also extend improvements down Church Street from Trinity Place to the tunnel under the railroad tracks.

If you’re in need of a reminder, the city’s website describes the project thusly…

The Phase V Downtown Decatur Streetscape project area includes the south side of East Trinity Place from North McDonough Street to Church Street, both sides of East Trinity Place from Church Street to just past the Fire Station, and Church Street from East Trinity Place south to East Howard Avenue. The purpose of the project is to improve accessibility and safety for pedestrians and to reduce conflicts between pedestrians and motorists. Potential improvements will be located in the public right of way and will include new sidewalks, crosswalks, curb ramps, street trees, pedestrian scale lights, and trash receptacles.

Conceptual Plan rendering courtesy of City of Decatur website

Nonie writes in…

Wolfgang

Mostly white male with faint buff markings on face, ears, hips and tail. Has two black spots on pink nose, two chipped fangs and blue eyes. Neutered after maturity, so has wide face and shoulders and is very muscular. About 12-13 lbs, 3-4 years old. Lived outside as a stray before May. No collar, but he has a chip. Shy but friendly towards people; hostile towards cats. Last seen 8 am on Monday, December 15 on 900 block of Church Street.

Among the agenda items for tonight’s Decatur City Commission meeting, signing an agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation to fund Phase V of the Downtown Decatur Streetscape Improvements.

The city will need to put $199,200 towards the project to get a $796,800 matching Federal Transportation Enhancement funding.  The total project cost is projected at $2.25 million, and “will be provided by the 2007 GO bond and HOST funds.” according to a letter from Deputy City Manager Hugh Saxon to City Manager Peggy Merriss.

According to the city’s webpage on the project…

The Phase V Downtown Decatur Streetscape project area includes the south side of East Trinity Place from North McDonough Street to Church Street, both sides of East Trinity Place from Church Street to just past the Fire Station, and Church Street from East Trinity Place south to East Howard Avenue. The purpose of the project is to improve accessibility and safety for pedestrians and to reduce conflicts between pedestrians and motorists. Potential improvements will be located in the public right of way and will include new sidewalks, crosswalks, curb ramps, street trees, pedestrian scale lights, and trash receptacles

Map courtesy of City of Decatur website

Decatur City Commissioner Fred Boykin writes in to note that next Thursday, January 12th at 6pm, the city will be hosting a second workshop “to discuss alternative plans for pedestrian safety improvements at Clairemont, Church Street and Commerce intersections and Church Street bicycle lanes.”

According to the note on the city’s website…

The city has retained the services of Development Planning and Engineering, a planning and engineering design firm, to help plan the project. The project will be partially funded through grants from the Georgia Department of Transportation. An initial workshop to outline project goals was held in September.

As part of its capital improvements program, the city is considering options for pedestrian safety improvements to the Clairemont Avenue-Commerce Drive and Church Street-Commerce Drive intersections and for bicycle lane improvements on Church Street in downtown Decatur. The purpose of the work is to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists and others using these facilities.

Fred also emphasized the particular importance of this meeting…

It is really important that residents (especially cyclists and walkers) attend this workshop as it will be the first one where the consultants present their proposals based on what they heard from community comments at the September workshop and afterwards. These projects will change the ways folks move around in this part of Decatur and will define the character of those areas for years to come. Community input is key to getting a good result – one that benefits Decatur as a healthy, active community.

Zombies may want to eat your brains, but through Sunday they can also save you money!

Mingei World Arts writes in…

Pssst.. the password is…

It’s hot on Church Street, and it’s gotten to us a little bit. We looked up from our screens and decided it was time for a little blog-inspired fun.

Through the close of business on Sunday, the right password will get you 15% off on your purchase at Mingei World Arts and/or Taste on Church Street. Need to finish your Father’s Day shopping? Have a wedding gift to buy? Come visit one of these two businesses and give us the secret Decatur Metro password as you check out. Your password is “zombies”. We are contacting other bloggers with other passwords, so show your Metro spirit and let the zombies help you save a little over the next few days. It will be interesting to see which blog readers come in!

What a great idea!

I say take it one step further and instead of just giving the word at checkout, explode into the store yelling “zombies!!”, then eye everyone in the store suspiciously before taking off down the street with arms flailing.  Then come back later – in a slightly more composed fashion – for your much-deserved discount.