Background
In 2000, SSRI facilitated
the Livable Sandy Springs Plan, one of the first community plans funded
by the Livable Centers Initiative (LCI). Among other things, this
Livable Sandy Springs Plan recommended completing the local street
network in the heart of Sandy Springs as a way to alleviate traffic
congestion in the area, and especially along Roswell Road. An improved street grid study would give local traffic alternate routes allowing residents alternatives to Roswell Road and the heavier travelled roads used by commuters.
In 2002, Fulton County
provided the funds to SSRI to undertake a Sandy Springs Street Grid
Analysis and Plan. In 2003, SSRI contracted with the traffic engineering
firm of StreetSmarts to conduct the study.
The primary purpose of
the plan is to identify new street segments, such as the one block
extension of Sandy Springs Circle completed in 2000, which would create
a well-connected local street network. The plan will also identify
the steps needed to provide these new streets. Issues relating to
the impact of the I-285/Roswell Rd interchange project will also be
addressed. It is anticipated that the plan will be implemented both
through the public works process and through modifications to land
development standards. Many of the propsoed connections would only occur when private business properties are redeveloped.
Study Area Map
Potential considerations
in development of a Sandy Springs street network 
What are the worst traffic conditions in the Study Area?
When do they occur?
How have conditions changed since you have been in Sandy Springs?
Do you typically avoid traveling on any
streets in Sandy Springs? If so, when and why?
Do you or people you know have alternate
or “cut-through” routes in the Study Area (e.g., through parking lots)?
If so, what are they? Do you use them always or only under certain conditions?
Do you or others you know typically park once and walk to several destinations
or do you typically drive short distances in the business district?
If you drive short distances, why?
Are there parts of the study area in which
you or others you know typically walk?
What is your perception of the parking situation in the Study Area? Drafting the Report:
The consultants will take into consideration evaluations of the study area as well as concerns from the community obtained via steering committee meetings, interviews with stakeholders and the charette and the public meeting to develop a report for SSRI recommending improvements to the street network and recommended phasing for implementation. 1. Street Grid Study Steering
Committee Meetings
A steering committe comprised
of 25-40 business owners and managers, property owners and residents
within the study area is scheduled to meet 3 to 4 times to provide community
input that will help guide the street grid study process. 2. Charette/ Public Workshop
The public had an opportunity
to comment on suggested road connections to help allieviate traffic
in the downtown Sandy Springs business district. The three-day charette
took place in May at an empty store in Marshall's Plaza on Roswell Road
courtesy of Mimms Enterprises. Maps and displays were available for
people to review and questionaires were filled out. The charette was
critical in the process of strategizing good transportation solutions
for the community.
3. Public Meetings
A public meeting was held on August 17, 2004 at the North Fulton Service
Center so that the community could review the initial recommendations and have an opportuity to give input. The meeting was held because SSRI wanted to establish broad community support for the recommended improvements. The public was encouraged to attend and give input and comments on the plan. Following the public meeting, SSRI conducted several smaller neighborhood meetings to follow up and get specific input.
4. Revision Process
The original street grid proposals went through an extensive revision process taking into account input from the steering committee, public meetings and several neighborhood meetings.
5. Submission
The Connecting Sandy Springs Street Grid Study Report and Map of proposed street grid improvements was finalized in early 2005 and submitted to Fulton County in March 2005.
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