Tara Boulevard, a major corridor in Clayton County, Georgia, is undergoing a transformation. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) grant to fund a planning study for the corridor, which spans three cities: Riverdale, Jonesboro, and Lovejoy. The study aims to improve pedestrian safety, access to bus routes, and catalyze development along the corridor, creating a more vibrant, walkable, and livable gateway for Clayton County.
What is the Livable Centers Initiative?
The Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) is a program that provides grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations to plan and implement projects that enhance the quality of life in metro Atlanta communities. The program supports the development of places that offer increased mobility options, encourage healthy lifestyles, and provide improved access to jobs and services. Since 2000, the ARC has awarded over $240 million in LCI grants to fund more than 120 planning studies and 700 transportation projects.
Why Tara Boulevard?
Tara Boulevard is a key corridor that connects Clayton County to the rest of the metro Atlanta region. It is home to diverse communities, businesses, and institutions, such as the Clayton County International Park, the National Archives at Atlanta, and the Southern Regional Medical Center. However, the corridor also faces challenges, such as high traffic volumes, limited pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and underutilized land. The LCI study will explore opportunities to address these challenges and enhance the corridor’s potential as a destination and a gateway.
How will the LCI study be conducted?
The LCI study will be conducted by a team of consultants led by Pond & Company, a planning, engineering, and architecture firm. The team will work closely with the ARC, Clayton County, and the cities of Riverdale, Jonesboro, and Lovejoy to develop a comprehensive and coordinated plan for the corridor. The study will focus on three nodes along Tara Boulevard: Upper Riverdale Road, the City of Jonesboro, and the City of Lovejoy. The study will include the following tasks:
- Data collection and analysis of existing conditions, such as land use, transportation, market, and environmental factors
- Public engagement and outreach to solicit input from stakeholders, such as residents, businesses, property owners, and elected officials
- Visioning and scenario planning to identify and evaluate alternative concepts for the corridor and the nodes
- Recommendations and implementation strategies to prioritize and fund projects and policies that support the vision
How can you get involved?
As a valued member of the community, you are invited to participate in the LCI study and share your ideas and feedback. The project team will host a series of workshops, surveys, and online platforms to engage with the public and present the progress and findings of the study. The first round of workshops will be held in February 2024 at the following locations and dates:
- Riverdale Workshop: February 15, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Riverdale Town Center, 7210 Church Street, Riverdale, GA 30274
- Jonesboro Workshop: February 16, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Lee Street Park Community Center, 155 Lee Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236
- Lovejoy Workshop: February 17, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Lovejoy Community Center, 11622 Hastings Bridge Road, Lovejoy, GA 30250
You can also visit the project website at PlanningatPond.com/TaraBlvdLCI to learn more about the study, view the workshop materials, take the online survey, and sign up for updates. You can also follow the project on social media using the hashtag #TaraBlvdLCI.
The Tara Boulevard LCI study is an opportunity to shape the future of the corridor and the county. Your input and involvement are essential to make this a successful and meaningful process. Join the conversation and help us create a vision for Tara Boulevard.
