Streetscape, drainage and pipeline projects advance; Temple Bethel site to become detention and memorial park

Public Works Director Chad Townsend delivered a broad update on streetscape, drainage and pipeline projects. Highlights included the recently completed Pence & Kyler Streetscape (construction May–Aug 2024; $2,000,000 Improving Neighborhood Outcomes grant plus $6,800,000 from the general fund) and Walnut North drainage work featuring a regenerative stormwater conveyance system intended to reduce downstream flooding. Townsend said the Walnut North rollout covered multiple phases funded with bonded capital and earned a Georgia APWA project-of-the-year award in its category.

Townsend described the city's trenchless pipeline rehabilitation program, noting the July completion of a Level 1A project that rehabilitated 3,145 linear feet of pipe (15–112 inch diameter) at a cost of $1,130,000 funded by bonded capital. He said the method reduces road closures and expedites repairs, sometimes allowing multiple crossings per day without major traffic interruptions.

Townsend also overviewed the Crater Alley detention pond (completed in September; construction cost ~$1,200,000 funded by 2015 SPLOST and bonded capital) and the Temple Bethel stormwater detention + Memorial Park project: the temple property was offered to the city and the proposed project (budget ~ $1,500,000, funded by bonded capital) will pair stormwater detention with an architectural memorial plaza using salvaged elements from the demolished temple. He said construction is anticipated to begin in February 2026.