Ever think to yourself — which unfunded Decatur streetscape improvement projects are the most important to the city right now?

No?

Well, because the Atlanta Regional Commission is asking for 4 years worth of grant applications for its Livable Centers Initiative, you will now be made aware.  A note from Deputy City Manager Hugh Saxon to City Manager Peggy Merriss as part of tonight’s City Commission meeting, recommends the top 4 projects to be submitted.

Remember, these are currently unfunded projects. Don’t go asking about McDonough streetscape improvements or some such nonsense.

1. Avondale MARTA Station Streetscape Improvements- Resolution R-15-AA

Deanne points out that the latest Atlanta Regional Commission press release regarding the latest round of Livable Centers Initiative grants includes a good chuck of money ($120,000) for a study focusing on the area around DeKalb Medical.  Here’s the description from the release…

This study focuses on the area around DeKalb Medical Center and will plan for redevelopment of underutilized and vacant properties to create a variety of housing options and an appropriate mix of commercial, office and retail. The study will incorporate Lifelong Communities concepts and the establishment of a “wellness district” for the DeKalb Medical Center area. Additionally, the plan will address sidewalk and bicycle facilities along the major corridors in the area to create a more walkable center and to improve connections to MARTA bus routes and Emory’s Cliff shuttle.

North McDonough sure has come a long way in the past couple years.

Once one of Decatur’s least inviting streets, home to little more than front of the Decatur High School and the western facade of the Marble House, this major city corridor has new life in recent years with the addition of new businesses like Village Vets and Relics & Rarities and of course the High School’s new auditorium and stadium.

And now Decatur can finally put the icing on the cake.

Just last month, the city heard that it had received preliminary approval of a $1.77 million grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Livable Centers Initiative to make improvements to McDonough’s streetscape.

Assitant City Manager Lyn Menne notes…

We had applied several times in the past but hadn’t gotten the grant – for several reasons I think. They try to spread the funding around and we have several streetscape projects in the works. It also helps that we have funding in place for the intersection improvement at the railroad intersection at the south end and funding in place for streetscape improvements along Trinity at the northern end of this corridor and the high school construction is completed and should generate more pedestrian activity with the gym, performing arts center and stadium improvements. All the pieces were in place to complete this last bit of the network to the south side and Agnes Scott.

The city will have to match 20% of the cost – around $354,000 – which is available from the Capital Bond Project Fund.

I’m beginning to feel a bit like a development junkie. Whenever there’s a little tidbit of information that might indicate a new shop, business, restaurant or trend in this city, I jump on it like a dog in heat (you’re welcome for the lovely visual).

So, here’s my latest fix.

GoDeKalb reports that DeKalb County is seeking a Livable Centers Grant for the part of Ponce that runs between the Avondale MARTA Station and Clarkston. Ironically, just today as my wife and I drove down to the Paddywax Factory Store and Kudzu, I commented on how that area was in the midst of a turn around. Five years ago, Kudzu and Pin Ups strip club were the only real landmarks between Avondale MARTA and the universally awesome DeKalb Farmer’s Market. Today, there’s the Progressive Auto Center (which relocated Kudzu down the street), a new Enterprise Rental Car Lot, Wag-A-Lot, Paddywax, and the under-construction Pangaea.

What does this LCI grant request mean? It means that DeKalb County recognizes the economic potential of this once struggling corridor and is thinking about a hard push for mixed use development along the strip. Regardless of what the study ultimately says, we all have to begin getting use to the idea of a revitalized East Ponce. The Farmer’s Market and Decatur are just too darn popular throughout the region to not expect new shops pop up in all directions.

Aside from Pin Ups patrons, many residents from Stone Mountain to Decatur will see this as a great step forward. Others might be a bit uncomfortable with the Decatur area becoming too chic, as was commented on this site with the announcement that Pangaea was setting up shop on Ponce. Ultimately, we’d be blind not to see it coming. It won’t happen overnight, but we’d be kidding ourselves if we didn’t think that the winds of change are blowing east. Look out sleepy Scottdale…you’re next!

It should be an interesting ride. Stay tuned.

Ahhh…What a rush!