Nabil Hammam urges transparency in Sherwood Forest project oversight

In a recent government meeting focused on transportation issues in Georgia, community concerns regarding a highway project were brought to the forefront. Nabil Hammam, a long-time resident of Sherwood Forest and former president of the local civic association, voiced significant frustrations about the impact of the project on his neighborhood. He highlighted that the project has redirected highway access into Sherwood Forest, leading to unexpected changes that have heavily affected the community.

Hammam expressed his discontent over the lack of communication from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) regarding tree removals that occurred without proper permits. He emphasized that residents were left in the dark about these developments, which he believes indicates a gap in the system that needs addressing. His call for transparency and community involvement echoed throughout the meeting, as he compared the current situation to a previous project—the Monroe Roundabout—where residents were actively engaged and informed.

The discussion also touched on the need for open hearings regarding transportation projects, particularly when they are part of larger developments. A committee member raised the question of why separate hearings are necessary for intersection changes when they are part of broader projects that typically involve public scrutiny. This concern points to a perceived inconsistency in how transportation projects are managed and communicated to the public.

Additionally, Hammam referenced a master plan created by the Midtown business district, noting that the current project does not align with this established framework. This discrepancy raises further questions about the planning process and the need for community input in future projects.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of transparency and community engagement in transportation planning. As discussions continue, residents and officials alike are urged to work together to ensure that local voices are heard and that projects align with community needs and expectations. The next steps will likely involve addressing the identified gaps in communication and planning processes to foster a more inclusive approach to transportation development in Georgia.