Brookhaven City Council approved spending $2.3 million to improve Buford Highway’s streetscape, sidewalks on Dresden Drive, and sign toppers.
City Manager Christian Sigman said during the Oct. 8 meeting that the city has been working with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to improve the safety of Buford Highway. Sidewalks will eventually run the length of the city’s cultural corridor.
“The city is partnering with GDOT to add other elements to the corridor, to make it a welcoming place as people drive through or visit Brookhaven,” said Councilmember John Funny.
The city council’s approval of spending $2.3 million will increase lighting and landscaping on a one-mile stretch of Buford Highway from Afton Lane to Clairmont Road. The work is being paid for by Special Service District (SSD) funds.
Mayor John Park thanked Funny for his dedication to improving Buford Highway, calling the area the jewel of Brookhaven.
Buford Highway has been in the spotlight as the city is focusing on redevelopment to increase housing. In September, Brookhaven closed a $7.4 million deal, purchasing 2677 and 2687 Buford Highway to build “affordable workforce housing” with DeKalb County Housing Authority.
At this week’s meeting, the city also approved spending an additional $249,000 with Thomas & Hutton to complete sidewalk design on Dresden Drive from Clairmont Road to Apple Valley Road, and $1 million with Big Apple Services for a five-year sign replacement program across the city.
In other news:
Mayor John Park recognized Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Arthur M. Blank Hospital, now the largest employer in Brookhaven. Children’s CEO Donna Hyland was present to accept the proclamation.