Chamblee buys MARTA land for over $140,000

The city of Chamblee recently purchased detention pond property from MARTA to make an extension to the nearly one-mile long Rail Trail.

The purchase was for $148,500, according to Chamblee officials. 

The purchase creates a trail extension that crosses Chamblee Tucker Road and extends through the area to create a pedestrian connection as well as a pocket park.

The newly purchased MARTA property is between Keswick Park and the new Town Center Project, and will be converted to a park along the trail as well. 

“Acquiring this property allows the city to add a significant connection to our trail system,” said City Manager Jon Walker. “This is a step toward completion of the trail system in downtown Chamblee, providing safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle connections for residents and businesses across Peachtree Boulevard.”

For the trail construction that will begin in 2019, the city will be using SPLOST funds. While the construction contract has yet to be awarded, $157,000 was set aside in the 2018 fiscal year budget for the trail’s design. An additional $179,000 was set aside for the Peachtree Road streetscape, which includes elements of the Rail Trail.

Construction will take two and a half years to complete, however, no construction company has been selected.

The concept plan was viewed by the public at the Mid-City Stroll last September and adopted by city council.