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City updates capital projects: dam reconstructions, Tucker Town Green progress, and change order for John's Homestead
Summary
City staff updated council on multiple capital projects, including two dam reconstructions, Peters Park restroom, Tucker Town Green nearing completion, and a change order for John's Homestead dam after encountering unsuitable soils. Council approved a contract amendment to cover the work.
City capital projects received a mixed progress and technical update at the Tucker Mayor and Council meeting on June 23, with staff detailing construction status, schedules and an approved contract amendment for unexpected work at John's Homestead.
Michelle Barossi, the city's capital project consultant, reviewed active projects: the John Homestead dam and park reconstruction (spillway work, trail connections and a fishing pier; construction began Dec. 2024 with an 18‑month schedule), Lake Erin Dam (outlet and spillway reconstruction to meet state dam safety standards), a Peters Park restroom addition (DeKalb County‑partnered, CDBG funded, NTP in July), and Tucker Town Green (about 75% complete; vertical elements and stage work expected this fall).
On the John Homestead dam, staff reported encountering extensive "unsuitable soils" while relocating and reconstructing the upper dam. A consultant explained that geotechnical borings can identify likely conditions but not their full extent; excavation revealed more than 2,000 cubic yards of soft soils that had to be removed or re‑used. "We did hit some unsuitable soils in the construction of the dams," the consultant said, explaining that re‑use of some excavated material for on‑site backfill produced a contractor credit that mitigated hauling costs. Council approved a contract amendment to cover the measured quantities and to use contingency funding as needed.
Staff also described design‑phase work for Richardson Street (federally funded pedestrian and bike improvements, anticipated advertisement in 2028) and the South Fork Peachtree Creek Greenway (right‑of‑way acquisition for 28 parcels; construction funding not yet identified). Several councilmembers asked for clearer public communications and weekly updates for neighbors near construction (Lake Erin was cited as having surprised some residents when work began).
City staff said the grant for John's Homestead is a reimbursement model (city pays and is reimbursed for eligible costs) and that the change order is covered by the project contingency, though they cautioned that additional change orders for the lower dam could arise as work proceeds. Council approved the John's Homestead contract amendment during the meeting.
