East Point Council approves urgent storm line replacement on Norman Berry Drive

Emergency storm line replacement took center stage at the East Point City Council meeting on May 12, 2025, as officials addressed urgent infrastructure failures on Norman Berry Drive. The council reviewed a proposal for immediate repairs due to dangerous sinkhole formations that pose significant risks to public safety and emergency services access.

The Water Resources Department highlighted the critical nature of the situation, noting that the area is just one to two feet away from a potential road failure. The project, originally estimated at $1.1 million, has been quoted at $865,000 by a contractor, allowing for a more manageable budget. Council members expressed urgency, with repairs expected to begin within five days of approval and projected to take three to four weeks to complete.

The discussion also touched on funding sources, with stormwater fees likely to be utilized for the project. Despite previous attempts to secure federal funding through congressionally directed spending, the city was informed that no awards would be granted, necessitating immediate action to prevent further deterioration.

In addition to the storm line replacement, the council briefly discussed an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Atlanta regarding the Welcome More Road Bridal Project. This agreement is essential for coordinating construction and maintenance across jurisdictional boundaries, as the project primarily affects Atlanta but requires East Point's sponsorship.

The council's swift response to the storm line issue underscores the city's commitment to public safety and infrastructure integrity, with immediate steps being taken to address the pressing concerns of residents and emergency services alike.