Decatur City Commission to Discuss Pedestrian Safety and Affordable Housing Plans in Upcoming Meeting

Decatur City Commission Gears Up for Meeting Addressing Safety and Housing Plans

Hello, Decatur residents! Get ready for an eventful evening in the charming city of Decatur. The Decatur City Commission has set the stage for a regular meeting on Monday, October 21, at 7:30 p.m. Held both in-person at City Hall on North McDonough Street and virtually through Zoom, this gathering promises to cover some significant topics.

Before diving into the main event, the evening will kick off with a dinner session at 5:30 p.m., followed by two engaging work sessions at 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. These sessions will delve into the updates from the Better Together Advisory Board and bring everyone up to speed on the ongoing renovations at the community’s beloved Decatur Square.

Addressing Pedestrian Safety Concerns

During the regular meeting, one of the key topics up for discussion involves pedestrian safety. The city commission will contemplate whether to authorize the mayor to send a letter to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) supporting certain recommendations geared towards enhancing pedestrian safety. These suggestions include dropping speed limits and placing “no turn on red” signs at certain intersections.

This comes as a result of GDOT’s previous discussions at a work session back on July 15 about possibly lowering speed limits on the state’s major routes in Decatur, like College Avenue and Scott Boulevard, to 30-35 mph. GDOT seeks the city’s official backing to proceed with their plan. Given a series of unfortunate pedestrian accidents since late 2023, these changes aim to make our streets safer for everyone.

Housing Developments: A Step Forward with Legacy Park

In addition, the commission will look at several amendments related to the second phase of the South Housing Village development at Legacy Park. With a goal of providing 132 units of affordable housing, phase one is already underway. The discussion will center on modifying certain agreements with the Decatur Housing Authority (DHA).

One amendment focuses on detailing the infrastructure and funding needs for phase two, such as driveway enhancements. Notably, the city will receive an impressive $750,000 in federal community project funding to aid the infrastructural upgrades. Another modification outlines potential future financing to revitalize the project’s second phase. Moreover, there will be talks about approving a ground lease spanning approximately 3 acres, part of the development’s 6.5 acres. This plan showcases Decatur’s dedication to affordable housing expansion while improving community infrastructure.

How to Participate?

If you wish to get involved or simply stay informed, you have a couple of ways to engage with the meeting. First, feel free to attend in person at City Hall. Alternatively, you can register for the Zoom meeting in advance. Please ensure your comments, if necessary, are sent via email to City Manager Andrea Arnold by 5:00 p.m. on the meeting date.

For the convenience of those who prefer to watch from the comfort of their home, a live broadcast of the Decatur City Commission meeting will be available online, offering a front-row seat to all the discussions.

So, whether you’re a road safety enthusiast or invested in housing development, this meeting has something for all Decatur residents. Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on the action as Decatur continues to shape its bright future.