Title
Discussion of Sidewalks along Hembree and Houze Roads - Guidance
Body
Action Required:
Guidance
Description:
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Burns contacted Dr. Betty Price in mid-December to inquire about the installation of sidewalk connections along Hembree Road east of Houze Road (SR 140) and along Houze Road (SR 140) south of Hembree Road. The Burns feel more connections in the area would allow for more pedestrian trips to schools, parks, and churches along these corridors.
Comments:
Regarding Hembree Road, years ago Roswell DOT identified a sidewalk connection along Hembree Road between Houze Road (SR 140) and the existing sidewalks near Hembree Park and Elkins Road (RDOT# 07-1011). To date, no funding has been identified for design or construction of this project. In addition, there are older properties located east of Upper Hembree Road along Hembree Road that would likely be impacted and may have to be relocated. Relocation of older properties, including the barn, can be a lengthy process and be expensive.
Presently, staff is working diligently on resolving the existing barn issue, in order to fill the sidewalk gap on the south side of Hembree Road, from Hembree Grove Dr to Elkins Elementary/Middle School. The plan is to add this project to MARTAs 0.75 mile pedestrian access from bus top program, in order to obtain construction funds.
Regarding Houze Road (SR 140), this roadway is a state route and as such, is controlled by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). There has been a project on the books for a number of years to widen Houze Road (SR 140) to four lanes including sidewalks. The City has opposed the widening of the road so therefore, GDOT has not moved forward with the project. Recently, through work developed in the North Fulton Comprehensive Transportation Plan, the widening project was scaled back to an intersection improvement which includes sidewalk connections. Staff is currently in discussions with GDOT on project details.