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

Scott reports that the trees along the median of the Courthouse Square turnaround in front of the Brick Store have been ripped up and hopes they’re just being replaced.

My guess is they’re being replaced as part of the Streetscape Improvements under the Bond Fund Projects, but can’t find a specific mention of this location.

Perhaps they were non-native trees? (like the infamous Bradford Pear)

If you have info, please comment or email me.