Ralph David Abernathy Complete Street Meeting

Ralph David Abernathy Complete Street Meeting III

The third Ralph David Abernathy Complete Streets meeting took place at KIPP STRIVE Primary on September 28, 2017. Participants were presented with three recommended routes and were encouraged to provide further feedback for their preference in direction. Another meeting is anticipated in November or December 2017.

Neighbors can still provide feedback via the feedback card or email engage@atlbeltline.org.

Project History
In 2014 Westview residents made a big impact when they came out in large numbers to request improvements in the neighborhood at a series of Infrastructure Bond meetings. The City of Atlanta listened and included a number of Westview projects on the list, including making Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard a “complete street” between Cascade Avenue and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive.

What is a Complete Street?
“Complete Streets are streets for everyone. They are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Complete Streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work.” (Renew Atlanta)

Repaving
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) started initial project preparations in the summer, and has started to repave and restripe Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard in September 2017. This will result in a safer Westview Village due to traffic calming measures through reduced driving lanes, added on-street parking spots, and added bicycle lanes.

Sidewalks/Streetscape
The City of Atlanta has hired the Atlanta BeltLine to facilitate the design process of creating a more pedestrian-friendly area along the road.

Ralph David Abernathy Complete Street Meeting

Ralph David Abernathy Complete Street Meeting II

The second Ralph David Abernathy Complete Streets meeting was held on June 22, 2017 at KIPP STRIVE Academy. Attendees were split into three groups to visualize and provide input on the design of Ralph David Abernathy Blvd between Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Cascade Avenue.

Project History
In 2014 Westview residents made a big impact when they came out in large numbers to request improvements in the neighborhood at a series of Infrastructure Bond meetings. The City of Atlanta listened and included a number of Westview projects on the list, including making Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard a “complete street” between Cascade Avenue and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive.

What is a Complete Street?
“Complete Streets are streets for everyone. They are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Complete Streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work.” (Renew Atlanta)

Repaving
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has undergone the design process to repave and restripe Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard. This will result in a safer Westview Village due to traffic calming measures through reduced driving lanes, added on-street parking spots, and added bicycle lanes.

Sidewalks/Streetscape
The City of Atlanta has hired the Atlanta BeltLine to facilitate the design process of creating a more pedestrian-friendly area along the road.

Cascade Road/Avenue Complete Street Project #3

Please join the City of Atlanta and Atlanta City Council for the third public meeting to discuss the Cascade Road/Avenue Complete Street Improvements project.

Residents are encouraged to attend to view design options and provide feedback on the project.

Transportation
Public transportation options include MARTA bus Routes 66, 68 and 71 from West End Transit Station.

Additional Info
For more information about this project, please contact the City of Atlanta at (404) 330-6165 or visit www.renewatlantabond.com.

About Renew Atlanta
Renew Atlanta is an infrastructure improvement program for the City of Atlanta. The $250 million program is the most significant investment in Atlanta’s above-ground infrastructure in more than a decade and is a first step toward resolving an infrastructure repair backlog of more than $900 million.

Abernathy Complete Streets Project

Ralph David Abernathy Complete Street Vision Meeting

In 2014 Westview residents made a big impact when they came out in large numbers to request improvements in the neighborhood at a series of Infrastructure Bond meetings. The City of Atlanta listened and included a number of Westview projects on the list, including making Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard a “complete street” between Cascade Avenue and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive.

What is a Complete Street?
“Complete Streets are streets for everyone. They are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Complete Streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work.” (Renew Atlanta)

Repaving
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has undergone the design process to repave and restripe Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard. This will result in a safer Westview Village due to traffic calming measures through reduced driving lanes, added on-street parking spots, and added bicycle lanes.

Sidewalks/Streetscape
The City of Atlanta has hired the Atlanta BeltLine to facilitate the design process of creating a more pedestrian-friendly area along the road. The Atlanta BeltLine is hosting a series of meetings to allow residents to provide input to the look-and-feel of the streetscaped area. The first meeting was to create the “Vision” and was held on April 17, 2017 at KIPP STRIVE Primary School. Attendees were able to provide input on features such as benches, lighting, crosswalks, and more.

The “Concept Development” meeting will be scheduled in the summer and the “Detailed Design” meeting will be scheduled in the fall, while construction is anticipated to begin February/March 2018.

Infrastructure Bond Street Repaving

Infrastructure Bond Passes

The citizens of Atlanta went to the polls on Tuesday, March 17th, and approved the proposed Infrastructure Bond Referendum.

A total of 20,762 voters appeared at the polls to cast their vote for desperately needed infrastructure improvements around the City of Atlanta. The two-part vote included “Question 1,” which requested $134.5 million in funding towards transportation projects, and “Question 2,” which requested $44.8 million in funding towards municipal facilities. Both requests received an overwhelming number of “Yes” votes, with Question 1 being approved by 88.21% (or 18,314) of “Yes” votes, and Question 2 being approved by 85.52% (or 17,791) of “Yes” votes.

Per the city’s Frequently Asked Questions “It is estimated that the proceeds from the bonds sale will be received by July 1, 2015 for projects financing.” The projects are additionally scheduled to be completed within the next 5 years. Councilmembers have already voted to establish an oversight committee, the Renew Atlanta Infrastructure Bond Technical Advisory Committee, to ensure the projects are kept on track.

Westview fought hard to have several high-impact projects included as part of the referendum. Read our Updated Infrastructure Bond FAQ story for a list of Westview projects.

Infrastructure Bond

Updated Infrastructure Bond FAQ

With March 17, 2015, being imminently before us, we want to provide a follow-up on our previous Infrastructure Bond FAQ story with some updates on the latest projects and links to the information provided by the City of Atlanta.

Westview Projects (as of 3/16/2015):

Citywide Projects:

  • Cascade Road/Avenue: The project scope may include milling and repaving, sidewalk & bus stop improvements: bicycle lanes and median/pedestrian refuge islands along Cascade Ave/Road between Delowe and Road Abernathy Boulevard. (Citywide Project – “Complete Street”)
  • R.D Abernathy Blvd: Complete Street improvements inclusive of curbing, sidewalk and pedestrian improvements from Cascade Avenue to Westview Drive. Resurfacing will be completed by GDOT. (Citywide Project – “Complete Street”)
  • Beecher Street: Resurfacing from Donnelly Avenue to Ferris Street. (Citywide Project – “Roadway Resurfacing”)
  • R.D. Abernathy/Georgia Avenue: Upgrades along major thoroughfares to optimize signal operations and communications network to ATCC. (Citywide Project – “Traffic Communication Corridor”)

Download complete project list (as of 3/16/2015): Citywide Projects

Local Project Priorities:

This project list is comprised of suggested projects that resulted from meetings with Council Members and thousands of comments received from the public during three rounds of public meetings, website comments, phone calls and e-mails. These are suggested projects and additional analysis is required to determine the feasibility, scope, budget and limits.

Suggested District 4 Projects:

  • I-20 Bridge (Langhorn and I-20): District 4 – Local Project Priorities – “Bridge”
  • Langhorn Street SW Resurfacing: District 4 – Local Project Priorities – “Resurfacing/Sidewalks”
  • Lucile Avenue: District 4 – Local Project Priorities – “Bridge”

Suggested District 10 Projects:

  • Beecher Street and Road: District 10 – Local Project Priorities – “Decorative Street Lights”
  • Ralph David Abernathy: District 10 – Local Project Priorities – “Decorative Street Lights”
  • Rogers Avenue: District 10 – Local Project Priorities – “Decorative Street Lights”
  • South Gordon Street: District 10 – Local Project Priorities – “Decorative Street Lights”
  • Alvarado Terrace: District 10 – Local Project Priorities – “Resurfacing”
  • Derry Avenue: District 10 – Local Project Priorities – “Resurfacing”
  • Emerald Avenue: District 10 – Local Project Priorities – “Resurfacing”
  • Stokes Avenue: District 10 – Local Project Priorities – “Resurfacing”
  • Westwood Avenue: District 10 – Local Project Priorities – “Resurfacing”
  • Beecher Street: District 10 – Local Project Priorities – “Sidewalks”
  • South Gordon Street: District 10 – Local Project Priorities – “Sidewalks/Resurfacing”

Download complete project list (as of 3/16/2015): Suggested Local Council District Projects

#RenewATL #RebuildATL

Infrastructure Bond Needs

Infrastructure Bond FAQ

On March 17, 2015 the public will be asked to vote on the proposed Infrastructure Bond Referendum. Leading up to the vote there have been multiple public information meetings where citizens were able to provide input and feedback on the proposed projects. Westview residents were very vocal about their demands, and the City of Atlanta listened by putting Westview’s top priority projects on the list. Please consider voting “YES” on March 17, 2015 to approve the proposed infrastructure bond. #RenewATL

Westview Projects:

  • Cascade Road/Avenue: The project scope may include milling and repaving, sidewalk & bus stop improvements; bicycle lanes and median/pedestrian refuge islands along Cascade Ave/Road between Delowe Road and Abernathy Boulevard. Estimate: $3,040,000
  • R. D. Abernathy Blvd: Complete Street improvements inclusive of curbing, sidewalk and pedestrian improvements from Cascade Avenue to Westview Drive. Resurfacing will be completed by GDOT (separate budget). Estimate: $1,500,000
  • Beecher Street: Resurfacing from Donnelly Avenue to Ferris Street. Estimate: $456,300
  • R. D. Abernathy/Georgia Avenue: Upgrades along major thoroughfares to optimize signal operations and communications network to ATCC. Estimate: $612,700

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where do I go to vote?
Please go to your regular voter polling location (i.e. where you are also registered to vote for elections such as President and Congress). You can find this information via www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/.

What is a Bond Referendum?
A bond referendum is a vote to authorize the city to issue bonds to generate revenue for a specific project. If voters approve the referendum, the City of Atlanta will issue bonds up to $250
million to fund infrastructure projects including repair and construction of complete streets projects, sidewalks, bridges, and curb ramps. Bonds are considered one of the safest funding
tools available to the City of Atlanta. The City will repay the bonds at a low interest rate over a period of 30 years. Because of the City’s good credit rating and strong financial management
practices, the infrastructure bonds will not raise property taxes.

The full cost of fixing our infrastructure is more than $1 billion. Why is the City only asking for $250 million in bonds?
The City’s infrastructure backlog will require more than $1 billion to fully address. Mayor Reed and the City Council are asking Atlanta voters to approve $250 million in the bond vote to address one quarter of the problem now.

This $250 million investment will be the single-largest investment in the City’s infrastructure in more than a decade, and will result in clear and measurable improvements in the look, feel, and
experience of Atlanta for residents and visitors alike.

The City has developed a comprehensive funding strategy to complete the remaining infrastructure projects. Other sources of funding include increasing capital budgets in the City’s
annual budget, sales of assets, federal, state, and philanthropic grants, improving operational efficiency that results in new savings, corporate and private donations, and energy saving
performance contract opportunities.

How are the projects prioritized?
The City, through a public engagement and voting process, determined criteria through which to weigh various projects. Key criteria included:
– Infrastructure sustainability (number of years past lifecycle)
– Provide for pedestrian and bike facilities (construct or upgrade bike/pedestrian facilities)
– Promote public health and safety (bike lanes, pedestrian lighting, ADA improvements)
– Leverage Federal/State funds (80% or more)
– Connection to transit (proximity to rail and bus routes)
– Green infrastructure innovation (recycled materials, rain gardens, etc.)
– Preservation of neighborhoods (connectivity to schools or historic venues)
– Connection to other projects (proximity to other projects)
– Part of Connect Atlanta or other COA plans/reports
– Part of Neighborhood/Development adopted plan

What types of projects will be funded through the bonds?
Projects funded by the infrastructure bonds are broken down into two categories that correspond to the two questions on the ballot. Question 1 refers to transportation-related
projects and Question 2 refers to facilities-related projects.

Transportation projects include replacing street lights to make your neighborhood safer, repairing and replacing outdated bridges to connect communities, synchronizing traffic lights to
make your commute easier and reduce congestion, installing more bike lanes and complete streets projects for more transportation options, and building and repairing sidewalks, curbs,
and ADA ramps for better mobility.

Facilities projects include upgrading police and fire stations and recreation centers across the City.

How are projects chosen?
The City is now in its third and final round of public information meetings on the infrastructure vote to educate Atlanta residents and gather feedback. An interactive map of proposed projects
has been online for more than a year, with more than 600 people submitting comments and questions. The City is taking all public comments into consideration and combining this feedback with expert recommendations. Mayor Reed, the Atlanta City Council, and our staff at the Department of Public Works want to ensure Atlanta residents get the biggest bang for their buck, choosing projects that will make the biggest impact quickly.

When will the list be final? How do I give my opinion?
After more than a year of gathering input, the list is almost complete. You can still offer feedback at any public information meeting, through social media, or by contacting us through email or by phone. The City urges people to tell their City Council member which projects they care about most. City Council will vote to finalize a list sometime in March or April 2015.

How are projects allocated throughout the City? Will some neighborhoods have more funding than others?
Infrastructure projects are classified as city-wide or local projects. The Department of Public Works is working with the City Council to make sure funds are distributed in an equitable,
transparent manner across the entire City.

Will taxes be increased to pay this debt?
No. From March to June 2014, the Mayor‘s “Blue Ribbon Commission on Waste & Efficiency in Government” was charged with identifying cost-saving strategies in City government to enable
the City of Atlanta make these necessary investments in City infrastructure without raising property taxes. The City will begin implementing the initiatives that have been identified by the
Mayor’s Waste & Efficiency Commission.

Recurring savings and new revenues:
– Property taxes from new construction
– Sale of surplus assets
– Maintenance and operating savings from sold assets
– New revenue initiatives
– Savings from internal operations improvements
– Risk management & safety improvements
– Performance driven budgeting

What type of bonds will be issued?
General Obligation (GO) bonds with ad-valorem property tax revenues as pledged security for the payment debt service.

How will the bonds be sold?
The bonds will be sold as a negotiated transaction and will involve the selection of a team of financial institutions to participate as underwriters.

Which firms will be issuing the bonds?
At this time the City has not selected any firm/s that will participate in the bond transaction.

When will the bonds be sold?
The bonds are expected to be issued after the March 17, 2015 voter referendum.

When will the City start paying the debt?
It is expected that the first interest payment will occur on January 1, 2016, and the first principal will occur on July 1, 2016.

When will the debt be paid?
The debt is expected to be paid within 30 years (July 1, 2045).

What will be the interest rate on the bonds?
The bonds will bear a fixed interest rate, and as of January 23, 2014 projections, it is estimated that the interest rate on the bonds would be approximately 5.4% (subject to change).

How much debt service will be paid each year?
As of January 2014 projections, it is estimated that the annual debt payments will be approximately $16.5 million per year (subject to change).

How much will it cost to issue the bonds?
It is estimated that the total cost to issue the bonds will be between $3 – $5 million.

If the bond is voted on in March 2015, when will the funds be available and projects be scheduled to begin?
It is estimated that the proceeds from the bonds sale will be received by July 1, 2015 for projects financing. Once the project list is finalized, a timeline for implementation will be
developed. We expect to start projects immediately upon authorization from Finance to expend the funds.

What are the City’s G.O ratings?
The City’s current ratings are:
– Moody’s Investor Service Aa2 with a stable outlook
– S & P AA with a stable outlook
***S & P rating upgrade of 3 notches (June 27, 2014) from an “A” rating with a stable outlook

Are water and sewer projects included in the infrastructure bonds?
No. Water projects are paid for through water rates and fees, grants, and loans.

Will contracts go to women and minority-owned firms?
Thirty-five percent of City contracts will be with women and minority-owned firms. Federal and state projects may differ.

Additional Information
http://www.atlantaga.gov/index.aspx?page=1145

Inquiries related to the Proposed Infrastructure Bond may be sent to:
City of Atlanta
Department of Public Works
Office of Transportation Capital Projects.
ATTN: Rodney Givens, P.E.,
55 Trinity Avenue, SW, Suite 4500
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 330-6739
Email: infrastructure@atlantaga.gov

Infrastructure Bond Voting Day

2015 Proposed Infrastructure Bond Voting Day – March 17, 2015!
Please consider voting “YES” on March 17, 2015 to approve the proposed infrastructure bond. Westview projects slated for the list include:

  • Cascade Road/Avenue: The project scope may include milling and repaving, sidewalk & bus stop improvements; bicycle lanes and median/pedestrian refuge islands along Cascade Ave/Road between Delowe Road and Abernathy Boulevard. Estimate: $3,040,000
  • R. D. Abernathy Blvd: Complete Street improvements inclusive of curbing, sidewalk and pedestrian improvements from Cascade Avenue to Westview Drive. Resurfacing will be completed by GDOT (separate budget). Estimate: $1,500,000
  • Beecher Street: Resurfacing from Donnelly Avenue to Ferris Street. Estimate: $456,300
  • R. D. Abernathy/Georgia Avenue: Upgrades along major thoroughfares to optimize signal operations and communications network to ATCC. Estimate: $612,700

Proposed Infrastructure Bond 2015
Infrastructure Bond MeetingMayor Kasim Reed has made a commitment to address the city’s pressing infrastructure challenges. Today, the city faces an infrastructure backlog of more than $900 million. In order to begin improving our city’s roads, bridges, sidewalks and expand our green spaces, the city is proposing a bond infrastructure referendum to pay for these repairs and improvements. The Departments of Public Works, Planning and Community Development, in coordination with the Atlanta City Council, are seeking public input to determine priority and criteria for project selection for the bond.

What is a Bond?
Bonds are investment opportunities issued by an entity that is authorized to sell bonds to investors. After the bonds are released into the market and investors subscribe to them, the proceeds are used to finance infrastructure projects. These developments include basic facilities and other projects. The facilities may include transportation and communication systems, and public buildings.

Why do an Infrastructure Bond?
Atlanta has aging transportation infrastructure: $881M is needed to restore and/or replace existing bridges, roads, sidewalks, street lights, signals and signs to good condition.

Atlanta has aging facility infrastructure: $130.8M is needed to restore and/or replace city facilities (fire stations, police stations, recreation centers, etc.) to good condition.

The decision will rest with the voters: The City of Atlanta recommends a diversified funding plan to address the infrastructure backlog that begins with a $250M general obligation bond to be presented to the voters in March 2015.

Additional Information
http://www.atlantaga.gov/index.aspx?page=1145

Inquiries related to the Proposed Infrastructure Bond may be sent to:
City of Atlanta
Department of Public Works
Office of Transportation Capital Projects.
ATTN: Rodney Givens, P.E.,
55 Trinity Avenue, SW, Suite 4500
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 330-6739
Email: infrastructure@atlantaga.gov
#RenewATL

Infrastructure Bond Meeting

2015 Proposed Infrastructure Bond Public Information Meeting

Proposed Infrastructure Bond 2015
Infrastructure Bond MeetingMayor Kasim Reed has made a commitment to address the city’s pressing infrastructure challenges. Today, the city faces an infrastructure backlog of more than $900 million. In order to begin improving our city’s roads, bridges, sidewalks and expand our green spaces, the city is proposing a bond infrastructure referendum to pay for these repairs and improvements. The Departments of Public Works, Planning and Community Develop-ment, in coordination with the Atlanta City Council, are seeking public input to determine priority and criteria for project selection for the bond.

To that end, a series of information/community engagement sessions will be held throughout the city to solicit public input on what types of projects should be funded with the bond proceeds. An overview of the state of the city’s infrastructure and the referendum process will be included as part of the discussion. There will be three (3) rounds of public information meet-ings held between June 2014 and February 2015. Residents are invited to attend one or more of these sessions.

What is a Bond?
Bonds are investment opportunities issued by an entity that is authorized to sell bonds to investors. After the bonds are released into the market and investors subscribe to them, the proceeds are used to finance infrastructure projects. These developments include basic facilities and other projects. The facilities may include transportation and communication systems, and public buildings.

Why do an Infrastructure Bond?
Atlanta has aging transportation infrastructure: $881M is needed to restore and/or replace existing bridges, roads, sidewalks, street lights, signals and signs to good condition.

Atlanta has aging facility infrastructure: $130.8M is needed to restore and/or replace city facilities (fire stations, police stations, recreation centers, etc.) to good condition.

The decision will rest with the voters: The City of Atlanta recommends a diversified funding plan to address the infrastructure backlog that begins with a $250M general obligation bond to be presented to the voters in March 2015.

Location
Atlanta Metropolitan State College, 1630 Metropolitan Parkway, SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 United States

Additional Information
http://www.atlantaga.gov/index.aspx?page=1145

Inquiries related to the Proposed Infrastructure Bond may be sent to:
City of Atlanta
Department of Public Works
Office of Transportation Capital Projects.
ATTN: Rodney Givens, P.E.,
55 Trinity Avenue, SW, Suite 4500
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 330-6739
Email: infrastructure@atlantaga.gov

Infrastructure Bond Meeting

Infrastructure Bond Meeting Photos

The City of Atlanta has determined that a $1 billion infrastructure project backlog currently exists. In an effort to address at least part of the backlog they are proposing a $250 million bond. As part of the process citizens are able to provide input through a series of meetings (June 2014, September 2014, January 2015) before heading to the polls in March 2015 to vote on the selected projects.

Westview has been very active trying to promote projects from the Westview Master Plan to be incorporated into the proposed infrastructure bond list. After the initial infrastructure bond meeting in June residents met to determine which priority projects from the Westview Master Plan should be proposed to the city. The community then continued with a heavy email campaign to city employees and councilmembers, followed by Executive Committee members meeting with members of Public Works. To further drive the point of the community’s strong desires to have Westview projects included in the bond referendum 32 community members showed up to the phase two meeting at Atlanta Metropolitan College.

To learn more about the infrastructure bond visit http://www.atlantaga.gov/infrastructure.

To view photos of Westview in action at the infrastructure bond meeting view the photo gallery below (click “continue reading”) or visit the Westview Facebook page.

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