Speed detectors and sidewalks coming to Tucker roads
People attend a June 17 candlelight vigil in memory of Kuldip Kaur who died from her injuries after being struck by a vehicle in the 1800 block of Brockett Road on June 10. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Tucker, GA — Tucker City Council at its July 12 meeting focused on safety improvements to local roads, addressing sidewalks, speeding and road conditions.
Mayor Frank Auman said Brockett Road, the site of a fatal pedestrian crash on June 10, will soon see a list of improvements including repainting broader lines on the road, installing speed detection devices, conducting traffic-calming analysis and filling in sidewalks on the east side.
“Other items we will work into our priorities. Some of them take longer term funding, some require studies before we execute them …,” said Auman.
The city announced a plan to install speed detectors to collect data available to the city of Tucker and DeKalb County Police Department. Funded by SPLOST dollars, a contract was approved by City Council for $30,869 to install and monitor digital speed detectors on Lilburn Stone Mountain Road, Rosser Road, Old Norcross Road, Idlewood Road, Brockett Road and Midvale Road.
Auman said the data is crucial for future decisions.
“Do they slow the speed over a period of weeks or months? Do they have any effect at all? How many, how much, how big is the problem? We’re talking about spending some pretty significant money studying these roads … this will help us make the right kinds of improvements,” said Auman.
City Engineer Ken Hildebrandt said the city has approximately $30 million worth of sidewalk needs along major roads, but feedback from residents points to improving sidewalks on collector streets. Hildebrandt suggested starting with Church Street, Old Norcross Road, Tucker Industrial Road, Montreal Road, Brockett Road and Cooledge Road. Special Purpose Local Option Tax (SPLOST) dollars will cover the construction, Hildebrandt said. A contract was not presented this month for approval.
Expected to be operational by the first day of school, the intersection across from Smoke Rise Elementary School is nearing completion. Assistant City Manager John McHenry presented an InterGovernmental Agreement (IGA) to accept $100,000 from DeKalb Commissioners Robert Patrick and Lorraine Cochran-Johnson to help pay for the traffic light at Flintstone Drive and Hugh Howell Road.
In January, City Council approved the intersection improvement at Hugh Howell Road and Flintstone Drive for $855,262. During the project assessment, a 12-inch asbestos cement water line was discovered to conflict with the plan. City Council approved a $400,000 contract for ER Snell to relocate the water line before school begins in August.
The project speaks to how well the city of Tucker has worked with many partners, said McHenry, including Georgia Department of Transportation, Branch Properties and Tucker Summit CID. City council members authorized the IGA unanimously.
City Council unanimously approved a $904,425 contract to repave Rosser Road from Hugh Howell to Spencers Point. Hildebrandt said the work requires digging up and reinstalling the road base, as well as reinstalling a granite curb as necessary between Hugh Howell Road and Rosser Place. Southeastern Engineering Inc (SEI) will provide daily inspections and oversight, costing an additional $37,000. The city expects to be finished in November.
City Council also approved an ordinance to amend the FY21 budget and an ordinance to enter a franchise agreement with Norcross Power. Both were second reads.
Plans continue at Fitzgerald Field to attract major tournaments and high-level league play to bring “positive economic benefits including visitors to the city patronizing local hotels, community shops and restaurants” according to city staff. City Council approved a $64,200 contract for Keck & Wood for the development of construction documents for a field, infrastructure, lighting, video/sound board, locker room and concession stand. Money for Fitzgerald Field was included in the FY22 budget.
Construction is anticipated to begin in October, said Parks and Recreation director Rip Robertson.
On Church Street, the former site of Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library and four surrounding homes are ready for demolition. City Council approved a contract for $97,000 for demolition and asbestos removal by Tristar America, LLC. Environmental studies showed asbestos found in floor tiles and window caulking. The scope of the project includes asbestos abatement, demolition, site grading and stabilization, according to a memo from the city. The property will be a passive park.
In other news:
– Courtney Smith, planning and zoning director, presented a first read of an amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance for auto businesses. The amendment calls for changes to improve safety with guidance on vehicle storage, sales and brokerage, environmental concerns and accessibility for emergency vehicles. A second read will take place Aug. 9.
– The July 24 City Council work session is canceled because, according to the city, “We have nothing on the agenda.” The next City Council meeting is Aug. 9.
– The city’s 5th annual National Night Out is Aug. 3 from 6-8 p.m. at Midvale Elementary School.
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