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WALK, BIKE OR DRIVE: PEOPLE LOVE PERIMETER CENTER WEST

Many commuters in the Perimeter are raving about the completion of a recent PCID's project. The transformation of one of the district's most vital corridors - Perimeter Center West - provides motorists, pedestrians and cyclists with an improved quality of life and a new reason to get out and about in Perimeter.

This heavily traveled corridor received a make-over during the course of its year-long construction. Improvements on Perimeter Center West include new traffic signal poles, newly paved roads, beautiful, drought-resistant landscaping and the addition of bicycle lanes. Pedestrians now enjoy 8' wide sidewalks that stretch from Ashford Dunwoody Road to Mt. Vernon highway, complete with enhanced lighting and ADA-compliant ramps.

Though significant lane closures during the final months of construction created complications for some motorists, the PCIDs are confident that the Perimeter Center West's revitalizations were worth the wait.

"We appreciate the patience of our community," said Yvonne Williams, PCIDs President & CEO.

"We want to thank them for all of their feedback over the last 12 months and also extend our gratitude to the business community for their investment in improving the quality of life for the entire Perimeter market."

The Perimeter Center West package helps bring the PCIDs one step closer to their goal of transforming a once totally car-dependent market into a multi-modal urban center, accessible by foot, bike or vehicle.

A NEW GATEWAY IS COMING: HAMMOND HALF-DIAMOND INTERCHANGE & BRIDGE

Many drivers in and around the district have noticed something big happening on Hammond Drive. Trees are cleared and utilities are relocated, all part of an exciting new project designed to significantly improve traffic throughout the market and provide commuters with a new choice: the Hammond Half-Diamond Interchange.

As the only project let by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) in the final quarter of 2008, the Hammond Half-Diamond Interchange and Bridge is a model for what public/private partnerships can accomplish. The partnership between the PCIDs and GDOT accelerated the project by at least five years and partnering with the City of Sandy Springs City Council & Development Authority allowed the PCIDs to save $500,000 on financing their $5.5 million contribution.

This amazing, fast-track, multi-jurisdictional project will provide Perimeter with another gateway into and out of the market while reducing extreme traffic congestion and safety problems at the Abernathy Road Interchange. This project will provide on/off ramps for GA 400 - one northbound entrance ramp from Hammond Drive onto GA 400 and one southbound exit ramp from GA 400 onto Hammond Drive. The current four-lane overpass will be replaced with a higher, nine-lane bridge.

In order to keep commuters in the loop about project progress, the PCIDs have partnered with GDOT to provide monthly updates regarding construction developments on the Hammond Half-Diamond Interchange and Bridge. To learn more about construction updates, timelines and what to expect as a commuter in the Perimeter area, please click here.

IT'S EASY BEING GREEN IN PERIMETER

Residents and visitors alike are enjoying another beautiful Spring in the Perimeter. Everywhere you look, trees are blooming and the lush landscaping throughout the market is thriving. But Perimeter boasts more than green leaves and colorful flowers. It also has a history of leading the sustainable pack with a strong commitment to creating barrier-free, pedestrian-friendly amenities and a target of district-wide connectivity and access. The Perimeter area is home to 3 MARTA stations, with 2 more in close proximity making it one of metro Atlanta's most intensely developed transit coverage areas.

Many companies within the market are doing their part to lead the green charge and have received recognition for encouraging alternative transportation programs.

UPS, which calls Perimeter home, has one of the most highly respected sustainability programs in the world. Water conservation, lighting and fuel management all play large roles in maintaining their commitment to reducing the company's impact on the environment and the Green Deliver Fleet includes 20,000 low emission vehicles.

Ravinia, one of Perimeter's most recognizable office and hotel developments, has won numerous Green Awards over the course of the last 23 years, including the American Society of Landscape Architects' Merit award in recognition of their beautiful garden areas and an EnergyStar label from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency which is awarded to buildings that show excellence in energy performance, reduced operating costs and environmental leadership. Hines, a development company, located in the Ravinia complex, builds all new construction to a Silver LEED rating.

Cox Enterprises, Inc., another front-runner in the sustainability movement, recently formalized its "Cox Conserves" green initiative with a goal of reducing the company's carbon footprint by 20% by 2017. With that vision in mind, 98% of Cox's low emission vehicle fleet runs on clean fuel with the company encouraging employees to participate in its award-winning alternative transportation program.

With their mission statement firmly rooted in improving transportation and infrastructure and promoting multi-modal choices, the PCIDs have provided over 5 miles of sidewalk to promote barrier-free pedestrian access and created bike lanes where it was once unsafe to ride. The hope of the PCIDs is that the Perimeter market will continue to decrease its dependence on single occupancy vehicles as the area becomes more connected and transportation choices more abundant.

The PCIDs and their partners at the PTC encourage employees to invest in their future by seeking out different ways that they can contribute to the continued Green and Sustainable momentum of the Perimeter.

DRIVER SAFETY TIPS FROM LOCAL OFFICERS

Here in the Perimeter, we are fortunate to enjoy the service of three outstanding police departments. Since 1999, the PCIDs have spent over $4 million to place off-duty officers along Perimeter's busiest corridors during peak traffic time to reduce idling time and create better traffic flow. To raise driver awareness, the PCIDs called on their partners at the Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and DeKalb County Police Departments to share safety tips with all Perimeter residents and visitors during busy driving times.

The Dunwoody Police Department provided a list of safe-driving reminders to ensure that everyone in the Perimeter gets home in one piece:

  • Use hands free devices for your phone (blue tooth, sync, etc.)
  • Do not text while driving
  • Do not drink and drive (buzzed driving is drunk driving)
  • Avoid road rage and aggressive driving
  • Wear your seatbelt
  • Move over for stopped emergency vehicles if allowed. If you cannot move over, slow down and prepare to stop

"In the same way that it is important at home, at work and while shopping, it is essential to be considerate of others while driving or sitting in traffic," says Dunwoody Chief of Police Billy Grogan.

Sergeant Bruce Barden of the DeKalb Police Department reminds drivers that blocking an intersection is against the law.

"When there is nowhere to go, do not enter the intersection," says Barden, who explains that it takes an average of 17 minutes to untangle gridlock caused by drivers eager to get home who drive aggressively and try to make the light.

"The Officers directing traffic are there to get everyone home safely. Do your part and respect the work they are doing by being patient and waiting your turn. Remember, these officers are human, too." He suggests learning alternate routes to avoid congested intersections.

While many people find themselves preoccupied with the daily rush, remember to stay alert behind the wheel.

"Basic precautions, being aware of your surroundings and some common-sense pro-activity can help to protect you, your family and your property," says Officer Larry Jacobs, Sandy Springs Crime Prevention/CPTED Specialist. Avoid walking in isolated or unlit areas and keep valuables out of site when leaving your vehicle unattended in a parking lot or garage. Lock items in your trunk where they will be less likely to invite criminal activity.

By following these tips, we can ensure that everyone in the Perimeter is safe while driving in the Southeast's premier urban center.