DeKalb officials review I‑285 “Top End” station‑area study and urge local planning for Memorial Drive

Commissioners at the DeKalb County Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on Monday reviewed a station‑area analysis tied to the I‑285 “Top End” transit planning effort and discussed local steps DeKalb can take to prepare for future transit service.

Eric Bozeman, who led the presentation for the Top End Transit effort, said the study grew out of feasibility work that began in 2019 and moved from an initial rubber‑wheel vs. rail analysis to a station‑area focus. "Transit works best when people can walk to and from their destination to a transit station and not have to get into a vehicle first," Bozeman said while describing development and connectivity analyses for potential stations around the top of I‑285.

The study examined existing municipal comprehensive plans and small‑area/TOD plans, used tax parcel data to identify parcels "susceptible to change," and evaluated first‑and‑last‑mile needs for walking, bicycling and micromobility connections. Using Memorial Drive as an example,…