Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners OK Glenwood ROW and multiple neighborhood traffic‑calming petitions
Summary
The board approved a resolution to acquire right of way for Glenwood Road sidewalk work and approved traffic‑calming special tax districts for Terry Mill Road and Radcliffe Boulevard after public testimony from neighborhood residents.
DeKalb County commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the acquisition of right of way needed for Glenwood Road sidewalk improvements and approved two neighborhood traffic‑calming petitions Tuesday, actions county staff said were aimed at improving pedestrian safety and reducing speeding.
Glenwood Road: Staff told the board that clear‑title issues — property owners of record were deceased and estates unprobated — required the board to proceed with a declaration of taking to clear title for the Columbia Drive to Covington Highway sidewalk project. Staff recommended approval; a motion to approve passed and the item was recorded as agenda item 2025‑0550.
Traffic calming petitions: The board approved two traffic‑calming petitions that will establish special tax districts to fund installation and ongoing maintenance of traffic‑calming measures.
- Terry Mill Road (agenda item 2025‑0566): A petition for traffic calming between Glenwood Avenue and Fayetteville Road was approved. Staff reported 65.42% of affected parcels voted in favor; the county’s estimated cost is $39,580. Neighbors described speed‑related crashes and near misses; petition organizers said they had to track down absentee owners, rentals and overseas owners to secure signatures.
- Radcliffe Boulevard (agenda item 2025‑0567): A petition to install measures between Radcliffe Court and Lehigh Boulevard passed with 66.67% positive support in the affected area; staff estimated the county’s cost at $29,810. Speakers from Chapel Hill Neighborhood Association and neighbors near Chapel Hill Elementary described repeated speeding and previous crash damage to yards and called the project a needed safety improvement.
Board and staff discussion touched on program funding and equity. Commissioners asked how the traffic‑calming fund is replenished and how resurfacing work affects lifetime maintenance costs. Staff said the county’s traffic‑calming fee per parcel ($25) has not changed in many years and that replacement costs can outpace annual special‑tax receipts; multiple commissioners asked for a review of funding and a traffic‑calming policy update.
What happens next: For both petitions, staff will move forward with installation work and administrative steps to establish the special tax districts; the county will cover initial installation and levy the special tax district for long‑term maintenance. The Glenwood ROW item moves forward to clear title so sidewalk construction can proceed.
