City Council Approves Sidewalk Projects

The Johns Creek City Council on Monday unanimously gave the OK for $250,000 from a mid-year budget surplus to fund sidewalk connectivity.

After a $290,525 surplus was discovered following a mid-year budget review in May, the council opted to use the money to fund capital projects. While resurfacing roads such at Taylor, Parsons and McGinnis Ferry was discussed, the council decided to spend the money on eight sidewalk projects.

"There are eight things we can actually accomplish," said Councilman Dan McCabe, rather than spending the money on just one resurfacing project, which would be more expensive than each sidewalk project.

"We really need to look at Taylor Road," Councilman Ivan Figueroa said. But, "it's hard to say no to a project that touches so many areas."

The sidewalks projects give the "most bang for the buck," added Councilman Randall Johnson, "Thanks to Ken [Hildebrandt, public works director] and staff for putting together a great project list."

The project will close gaps on Bell, Morton, Douglas, Barnwell, Medlock Bridge, Haynes Bridge and Buice roads. See the chart accompanying this article for details.

The council also approved adoption of the 2011 Community Development Block Grant action plan, which funds the future Adult Activity Center at Park Place/Newtown School, set to open in mid-July.

In the work session preceding the meeting, the parks department gave a presentation of the city's first Farmers Market, tentatively set to debut July 9 at Newtown Park, and to follow on Saturdays through Sept. 10.

The legal department reviewed a temporary no-parking ordinance that will take place during the PGA Championship in August and will affect neighborhoods near the Atlanta Athletic Club, where the championship takes place. The ordinance will likely come up for a vote in July.