| Q. |
Why is Emory purchasing homes along the north side of North Decatur Road?
May 27, 2008 |
| A. |
Emory has worked with the Clifton Community Partnership and the general community to develop Urban Design Guidelines for key corridors that lead to Emory's campus and the Clifton community. One such gateway to our community is along North Decatur Road. Emory is offering to purchase houses along the north side of North Decatur Road (between Haygood Drive and Clairmont Road) so that a portion of the frontage of these properties can be used for expanded sidewalks, bike paths and a well-landscaped, more visually pleasant street. Emory has no plans or desire to widen North Decatur Road.
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| Q. |
What is Emory's timetable to buy the homes/purchase the easements along North Decatur Road?
May 27, 2008 |
| A. |
Emory does not have a specific timetable, but would like to begin to make these bike and pedestrian improvements as soon as possible.
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| Q. |
How many homes do you own?
May 27, 2008 |
| A. |
Emory currently owns 9 of 25 homes along this section.
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| Q. |
How much frontage will be needed for the possible bicycle/pedestrian paths?
May 27, 2008 |
| A. |
The exact number of feet that will be needed has yet to be determined. Community input through the April 2008 charrette and the work of Emory's urban design firm, Goody Clancy, will help determine the width of property needed for these paths.Typically, a 25 to 30 foot minimum width would work best to accommodate separated or combined pedestrian and bike paths. In order to avoid trees and other obstacles, the frontage width could be reduced or expanded in some areas.
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| Q. |
What is your plan to preserve trees along the route?
May 27, 2008 |
| A. |
Potential bike and pedestrian path options are being laid out to avoid all significant trees, while still allowing for gentle grade transitions. Smaller trees within the path area could be moved. The path options also allow for planting new canopy trees along North Decatur Road. All removed trees would be accounted for under Emory's No Net Loss of Tree Canopy policy. Another option contemplates access to these homes via a rear alley. The alley would impact existing trees behind the homes, but would also allow for new greenspace in front of the homes by eliminating some or all of the current driveways.
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| Q. |
What if Emory does not purchase each property, or an easement on each property along this section of North Decatur Road will the entire project depend on every homeowner participating?
May 27, 2008 |
| A. |
In order to ensure path connectivity along this section of North Decatur Road, all lots must be included.
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| Q. |
How will the possible bicycle/pedestrian paths cross the CSX bridge on North Decatur Road?
May 27, 2008 |
| A. |
There are no plans at this time to extend bicycle/pedestrian paths across the CSX bridge. At a future date, when this bridge needs to be repaired or replaced, a bicycle and improved pedestrian path could be added.
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| Q. |
In order to improve connectivity with the DeKalb County bike and pedestrian paths planned near Emory Village, will Emory extend the proposed bicycle/pedestrian path on North Decatur Road to property it owns between Haygood Drive and Clifton Road?
May 27, 2008 |
| A. |
This is an important link in the bicycle/pedestrian network. Emory could plan for this extension of the bicycle/pedestrian path along North Decatur Road, and implement it at an appropriate time.
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| Q. |
What will separate the bicycle/pedestrian paths from individual front yards? How will the bicycle/pedestrian paths be separated from North Decatur Road?
May 27, 2008 |
| A. |
Shrubs, garden beds or other low vegetation, and low retaining walls are suggested as the primary means of defining private front yard area and buffering pedestrians and bikes from road traffic. The Druid Hills Historic District design guidelines prohibit fences.
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| Q. |
If the bicycle/pedestrian paths are added, how will the loss of turn around space in front yards be addressed for homes along North Decatur Road?
May 27, 2008 |
| A. |
If front driveways are retained, turnaround space would need to be relocated away from the paths and road, preferably behind homes where possible. An alternative is to create access alleys serving at least some homes from the rear.
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| Q. |
While Emory is purchasing these homes and easements, how will the homes Emory currently owns along this section of North Decatur Road be used?
May 27, 2008 |
| A. |
Emory will rent these homes with priority given to faculty and staff
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| Q. |
How will Emory determine the offer price for the homes?
May 27, 2008 |
| A. |
Offer prices will be based on the appraised market value for each home.
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| Q. |
How will the bicycle/pedestrian paths impact traffic on North Decatur Road and safe traveling for bicyclists and pedestrians?
May 27, 2008 |
| A. |
It is hard to determine the impact at this point. New pedestrians and bicyclists attracted to the paths translate to fewer car trips. The addition of new and/or enhanced pedestrian crossings with signals could reduce traffic speed without necessarily affecting the overall volume of traffic. The creation of more destinations and residences with pedestrian and bike-friendly access at either end of North Decatur Road would significantly increase the value of the paths in reducing traffic.
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| Q. |
How will this project impact local property values, including the values of homes across the street on North Decatur Road?
May 27, 2008 |
| A. |
Emory anticipates that safe, scenic, landscaped bicycle and pedestrian paths will support enhanced property values for homes near these paths.
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| Q. |
If I am a property owner on the north side of North Decatur Road between Haygood Drive and Clairmont Road, and wish to talk with someone about my property, who should I contact?
May 27, 2008 |
| A. |
Contact Beverly Comican, Assistant Vice President for Business Management, at 404/727-8391.
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