For: Immediate Release                                 Contact: Julie Herron Carson

May 14, 2015                                                  404-285-3434, jhcarson@bellsouth.net

Tucker-Northlake CID Board of Directors Approves Master Plan

TUCKER – The Board of Directors of the Tucker-Northlake Community Improvement District (CID) has approved a comprehensive Master Plan to serve as a blueprint for the future commercial development of the area, according to Bill Rosenfeld, chairman of the board. “The plan is the culmination of months of site visits, market studies, community meetings and public input solicitations by consultants Sizemore Group of Atlanta, and represents a shared vision for our community,” Rosenfeld said.

“The overall goal of the Master Plan is to identify opportunities to create a vibrant, walkable and economically thriving Tucker-Northlake,” said Ann Rosenthal, president of the Tucker-Northlake CID. “The new Master Plan builds on the findings of previous Livable Centers Initiatives, and includes ideas for transportation improvements and multi-modal transportation options throughout the community, along with re-development ideas within three distinct areas: the Northlake retail and commercial district, downtown Tucker and the medical/industrial district near the Lawrenceville Highway/I-285 interchange.”

The plan identifies one- and five-year priorities for the 2,600-acre study area, as well as suggested long-term projects and potential funding sources. Among the recommendations are re-designing the Northlake Parkway and LaVista Road/I-285 interchanges into one connected interchange, attracting a regional conference center and hotel, creating a wellness trail within the medical/industrial district, enhancing downtown Tucker with vibrant shops and restaurants and improved streetscaping and creating a walkable, mixed-use destination within the Northlake retail and commercial center.

“The Atlanta Regional Commission has confirmed the preliminary plan meets their Livable Centers Initiatives requirements,” said Rosenthal. “Our next step is to seek approval from the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, so they can incorporate the Master Plan into their Comprehensive Plan. In late summer, we’ll present the plan to the Council for Quality Growth to let them know the kind of growth and development our community is seeking. Then, we’ll pursue funding options for immediate projects including a feasibility study for Lawrenceville Highway and creation of the wellness trail. Thanks to the hard work of the Tucker-Northlake CID’s Board of Directors, steering committee and members, as well as our planning consultants and the many interested citizens who participated in our survey and public meetings, we have a strong, shared vision and a clear road map to guide us as we work together to make our community even better.”

About the Tucker-Northlake CID

Formed in 2013 as the Tucker Community Improvement District, the Tucker-Northlake CID is a public-private partnership that includes over 230 commercial property owners, representing approximately $234 million in property value. The district’s boundaries span the I-285/LaVista Road interchange in DeKalb County and extend from Lawrenceville Highway at Tucker Industrial Road, down Lawrenceville Highway to Montreal Road and LaVista Road, and through the Northlake business district. The entire area is roughly nine square miles. The Tucker-Northlake CID’s goals include creating a clear identity for the area, transportation improvements and alternatives, economic development, public safety, and overall landscaping and beautification of the Tucker-Northlake area. www.tuckernorthlakecid.com

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