Doraville council approves pedestrian connection to Assembly with ADA lift; staff to proceed

Doraville — The City Council on July 8 unanimously directed the city manager to proceed with a revised pedestrian connection between New Peachtree Road and Motors Industrial Way that includes an outdoor ADA lift to provide accessibility where grade and utilities prevent a ramp.

City staff and general contractor Jay Gibson described the redesign as necessary to avoid Atlanta Gas Light and AT&T utility lines; Gibson said the project has the required permits and bonds and that the contractor is ready to begin architectural and civil drawings once council gives the go‑ahead. Gibson also said the city arborist reviewed trees near the route and staff judged the plan workable without damaging critical root zones.

Council members asked whether the city would own ongoing maintenance of the path, who would maintain landscaping on the private‑assembly side, how to secure the lift against misuse and whether stairs on site would be rebuilt. Staff said the city will handle landscaping and maintenance on the portion the city controls and that insurance and liability issues for the lift and adjacent areas remain to be finalized with adjacent property owners and their legal teams.

On security, the contractor said the lift model includes a keyed on/off control and staff suggested routine operational controls (e.g., police switching it off at night) if the council prefers. Council voiced general support for the design and then approved a motion to instruct the city manager to move forward; the motion passed with an affirmative vote.

Staff said they will return with detailed civil drawings, maintenance agreements and any insurance or easement language needed for final construction authorization.