City receives ARC grant to support its vision

The Atlanta Regional Commission has awarded $985,000 to 11 communities in metro Atlanta, including the city of Forest Park. The funds are part of the commission’s Livable Centers Initiative study grants, helping recipients develop plans and policies that support the creation of more vibrant, connected communities.

Once the studies are complete, these communities will become eligible to receive funding for transportation projects, such as sidewalks and intersection improvements, to help implement their visions.

Forest Park is a part of the Aerotropolis Atlanta Community Improvement District, which was granted $160,000. The Aerotropolis study will develop a plan for a trail network that connects the communities around Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport as well as the Atlanta Beltline, the Phoenix Trail and Southtown Trail.

Upcoming

Get Informed About Child Support. 2-4 p.m. Thursday and March 30. Free. East Point Branch, 2757 Main St., East Point. Learn the process and Georgia law regarding child support, including a question-and-answer session. 404-7624842, afpls.org.

Make a Cat in the Hat Mask. 4 p.m. Thursday. Free. Fairburn Branch, 60 Valley View Drive, Fairburn. Children, ages 3 to 8, are invited to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday by making a mask of one of his best-known characters and have some Seussical treats. 770306-3138, afpls.org.

Developer asks for ‘wish list’ on old mill site

In October 2014, Avila Real Estate (then known as Euramex Management) purchased 13 acres just north of downtown Avondale Estates, former site for the Fenner Dunlop mill. Since then, the company’s made no public statement regarding its plans for the property.

But Avondale officials say they’re optimistic after meeting with Avila representatives last week.

“Avila is definitely getting more robust,” Mayor Jonathan Elmore said. “There is more movement than we’ve seen on their end. They are preparing to submit some kind of permit.”

The developer even asked the city to submit a “wish list” of ideas that could be assimilated into a developer’s agreement. Elmore said commissioners, the Downtown Development Authority and residents will contribute wish-list suggestions.

Elmore said that some ideas he’s discussed with other officials include connecting Washington and Parry Streets, which would form a southern border to the Avila development. Others are a retention pond, sidewalks and that any open or green space is open to the public.

Months ago, Avila submitted a rough draft of a site plan for the 13 acres, which included 28 town homes and 400 apartments. Elmore said the mixeduse development won’t include a grocery.

Lane closings continue on Transform 285

Overnight construction work continues on Interstate 285/State Road 400 this week. Weather permitting, Georgia Department of Transportation contractors will close lanes for geotechnical site investigations and survey work on the Transform 285 improvement project.

One eastbound right lane on I 285 will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Friday from Long Island Drive to east of Ashford Dunwoody Road. Also for the same time period Monday through Thursday another right lane on I 285 westbound will be closed from Chamblee Dunwoody Road to Ashford Dunwoody Road. Motorists should be aware of work vehicles on the shoulders of the roadway and those entering and exiting the work zone.

Information: www.brook havenga.gov.