Council committee approves MOU letting Marietta assume maintenance control of Whitlock Avenue; vote 2–1

The Public Works Committee advanced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Georgia Department of Transportation that gives the City of Marietta operational control and maintenance responsibility for Whitlock Avenue between North Marietta Parkway and John Ward Road while GDOT retains ownership of the state route.

Public Works staff said the MOU assigns duties to the city including pavement marking and replacement, curb and sidewalk maintenance, mowing, traffic‑signal coordination, intersection improvements and other right‑of‑way responsibilities. Under the draft MOU Marietta would have final say on improvements in the corridor; a city representative said that gives the city the ability to refuse GDOT proposals that staff consider inappropriate or inconsistent with local priorities.

Committee discussion centered on the tradeoffs of assuming maintenance liability and costs in exchange for local control. Several councilmembers said GDOT’s historical proposals (including previously proposed roundabouts) had been out of step with local expectations; staff said the city has at times funded maintenance efforts because GDOT did not respond promptly. Opponents at committee noted increased local liability and longer‑term maintenance costs.

A motion to approve the MOU was presented and approved in committee by a 2–1 vote. One member reiterated earlier objections to removing the route from state control; supporting members said local control allows the city to better coordinate corridor improvements for safety and neighborhood needs.

Staff said the MOU will be presented to full council for final action with related legal review and any required implementation details.