February 6, 2025

Sandy Springs Advances PATH400 Multi-Use Trail Project

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News Summary

During the February 4 city council meeting, Sandy Springs officials are set to approve a construction inspection contract for the PATH400 project. This multi-use trail is designed to enhance connectivity across Metro Atlanta. The project aims to cover approximately 8 miles, linking Midtown Atlanta to the Central Perimeter and is expected to break ground in March. Additionally, discussions will include environmental initiatives, funding, and community engagement efforts, such as tree planting and local business recognition.

Sandy Springs Developments Unfold in Meeting of February 4

The city of Sandy Springs is set to make significant strides in urban development during its upcoming council meeting on February 4. Among the key highlights is the contract for construction inspection on the much-anticipated PATH400 project. This multi-use trail project is designed to enhance connectivity across Metro Atlanta, and city officials are gearing up for discussions that promise to shape the region’s future.

The City Council will convene for its annual retreat during the first week of February, aimed at discussing city priorities and addressing resident issues. Elected officials plan to identify key topics for inclusion in future agendas, allowing local concerns to take center stage. The discussions will inevitably include the PATH400 project, which will cover around 8 miles and provide vital links between Midtown Atlanta and the Central Perimeter.

PATH400: The Trail That Connects

The PATH400 project is projected to break ground in March and is expected to take about three years for completion. This ambitious undertaking will stretch from Loridans Drive in Atlanta, traversing over Nancy Creek, and extending to Windsor Parkway. A critical component of this trail includes segments connecting Ridgeview Charter Middle School to existing pathways south of Johnson Ferry Road.

Sandy Springs will finance a 20% local match for the PATH400 contract, with the rest covered by federal funding managed by the Georgia Department of Transportation. An impressive $1.5 million contract is set to be approved, aimed at ensuring compliance with federal construction standards—a critical necessity to avert complications with state funding organizations.

Environmental Considerations

$400,000 federal grant for a streambank stabilization project at Abernathy Greenway South. This project, estimated to cost around $4 million, will ultimately require a $1.5 million local match. Recent construction activities related to the widening of Abernathy Road resulted in drainage changes that led to erosion—thus necessitating this important restoration initiative.

Furthermore, discussions will touch upon the North Springs MARTA Corridor Study at the council meeting, along with plans regarding the Peachtree Dunwoody Road corridor. The council has made notable moves concerning development partnerships as well, recently selecting Regent Partners and Morris and Fellows to assist with upcoming city expansions around City Springs.

Community Engagement and Tree Planting

Best of Perimeter nominations for local businesses running from February 15 to March 15, 2025. This campaign invites residents to recognize their favorite local establishments, further bolstering community solidarity.

As part of the environmental goals, city officials plan to plant 437 new trees along the PATH400 trail, promoting biodiversity while enhancing the city’s green space. Moreover, residents are encouraged to contribute creatively in naming and designing animal sculptures for a new safari-themed sculpture garden at Mountain Way Common.

Upcoming Projects and Challenges

The completion of a major segment of the PATH400 project—running between Wieuca Road and Loridans Drive—is targeted for summer. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding PATH400, the middle segment remains unfunded and lacks a designated timeline for construction. Nevertheless, Sandy Springs has been proactive in engaging with the Atlanta Regional Commission and GDOT to secure funding for these crucial links.

As Sandy Springs embarks on this new chapter of urban planning and development, it is clear that community input and environmental considerations will be pivotal in shaping the city’s landscape for years to come.