The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) announced that it has awarded $1.6 million in Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) study grants to help metro Atlanta communities develop plans and policies to create more vibrant, walkable, and connected places. The Tucker-Northlake CID was one of ten communities selected, and will receive $80,000 to develop a plan for restoring the historic street and alley grid in downtown Tucker.

Downtown Tucker was established as a railroad town in the late 1800’s. Like many historic downtowns, it was built on a traditional grid system with avenues running east-west and streets running north-south. Each block was bisected by an alley running in each direction, facilitating coal delivery. Over time, modifications to the street grid were made to accommodate suburban-style development patterns, and alleys went away as the use of coal was phased out. The foundation of this grid still exists, but with significant gaps.

The LCI grant will enable the CID to conduct a feasibility study and develop an implementation plan for reconnecting the pedestrian and vehicular grid in downtown Tucker, which would improve walkability and create new public spaces. Once the planning study is complete, the CID will be eligible to receive federal transportation funding to implement the project. The study is scheduled to begin by October 2019.