Two Gwinnett CID's receive Atlanta Regional Commission LCI Grants
02/28/2011 - By Jim Jaquish Gwinnett Place and Gwinnett Village CID receive Atlanta Regional Commission LCI Grants
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) recently announced the recipients of their latest round of Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) grants. 14 local governments were awarded a total of $678,000. Among the winners to receive supplemental grants, aimed at aiding in further implementation of existing LCI studies, were the Gwinnett Place and Gwinnett Village Community Improvement Districts (CIDs).
Gwinnett Place CID Executive Director Joe Allen said the ARC's $50,000 grant will assist in updating the decade-old market assessment and action plans for the initial LCI study area that included the Gwinnett Place and Sugarloaf Parkway areas. This was the first LCI study area in Gwinnett County, and much has changed since its inception.
"This supplemental study is integral to the implementation of the original LCI study because there have been significant market condition changes in our retail / business environment and area demographics. In order for this LCI study area to enhance its standing as a regional activity center with sustainable development practices, including transit-friendly densities, additional efforts are needed to reassess the market and adjust planned infrastructure projects and programs" Allen said. "We appreciate this opportunity to work with the ARC, Gwinnett County and area stakeholders to continue the study program and extend its viability to assist in guiding long-range planning efforts."
The $20,000 grant awarded to the Gwinnett Village CID will be used to help fund a signage and wayfinding master plan to improve circulation and community identity. The CID has existing LCI study areas along the Jimmy Carter Boulevard and Indian Trail Road corridors. This grant will assist in connecting those two study areas while enhancing accessibility and livability efforts.
"Much of our work is aimed at bringing a sense of community and place back to the area that once served as Gwinnett's central commerce hub and we greatly appreciate ARC's continued support in our efforts to revitalize the southwest portion of Gwinnett County," said Chuck Warbington, executive director for the Gwinnett Village CID. "Over the past few years we have seen a shift in demand from businesses and residents looking for locations that are closer to urban centers. This grant will assist us in our efforts to build a community that offers the quality of life and access that can appeal to those consumers."
With this latest round of awards, ARC has assisted 109 communities with more than $142 million in planning and implementation grants to create more livable communities. These grants help local governments devise strategies that reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality by better connecting homes, shops and offices; enhancing streetscapes and pedestrian amenities; and improving access to transit option
The LCI program is funded with federal transportation dollars. Once communities have completed their plans, they are eligible for a larger pot of federal funding to build the transportation projects required to see their plans realized.
A full list of ARC's 2011 LCI grant recipients can be found at:
