ATLANTA, GA – The Cumberland Community Improvement District (Cumberland CID), in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Transportation, today held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new access point to the popular Northwest Corridor Express Lanes from Akers Mill Road. The new access ramp, which will be the newest of 12 access points for the lanes, will serve southbound express lanes users as an exit ramp in the morning and northbound express lanes users as an entrance ramp in the evening.

“With travel times approximately 20 percent faster than the general-purpose lanes, the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes have transformed the way residents of Cobb and Cherokee counties commute to and from work along I-75,” said Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. “The Cumberland area has an annual economic impact of $20 billion on Georgia’s economy, and this new access point will provide safe and easy access to the Express Lanes for those who live and work here.”

“Today’s groundbreaking is a marquee achievement for the Cumberland CID,” said John Shern, Chairman of the CCID Board of Directors. “The Akers Mill Ramp will be a critical, access point to help get people in and out of our community both effectively and safely. It’s no secret that Cumberland is growing in all sectors, allowing the Ramp to serve the thousands of businesses, residents, and visitors in the region. I’m proud of the Cumberland CID’s commitment to bring together the necessary partners and stakeholders to plan, fund, and construct successful projects like the Akers Mill Ramp to help enhance the future and success of Cumberland.”

“We have seen tremendous usage of the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes since their opening in 2018,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell McMurry. “One of our goals at the Georgia DOT is to ensure the projects we are completing improve safety for Georgia motorists. By creating this new access point, commuters will have a safer and more efficient way to access the Express Lanes system from the Cumberland area.”

The Cumberland CID serves as a major commercial activity center and one of the largest employment centers in the state. Located along I-75 in the thriving northwest corridor in the greater Atlanta region, the Cumberland CID is experiencing tremendous growth. Today, over 3,400 businesses and 29,000 residents call Cumberland home.

The Georgia Express Lanes systems are dynamically priced, meaning as demand for use of the lanes increases, the toll amount rises to ensure that motorists experience more reliable trip times.

“Overall, this project improves mobility and the reliability of commutes facilitating direct, safe access to the Northwest Corridor Express lanes for daily commuters traveling to and from the Cumberland area,” said Chris Tomlinson, SRTA Executive Director. “Given Cumberland’s regional economic importance, this project represents what GTIB is all about – partnership with local, state and federal funding partners to deliver difference-making transportation projects together. The collective investment by all the partners contributes to Atlanta’s Regional economic development making the project extremely impactful to the area.”

“The Northwest Corridor Express Lanes project has been a tremendous success in moving people both through and into Cobb County,” said Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid. “This new ramp will finally allow access into a popular destination for people visiting our county and help us manage flow in and out of the area as the attractions here grow and prosper. The efforts of all the stakeholders who worked to make this a reality is greatly appreciated.”

“The Atlanta Regional Commission was proud to partner with the Cumberland CID and allocate funding for this project, which will improve mobility and safety in one of the region’s most important economic hubs,” said Mike Alexander, Senior Director of the Center for Livable Communities at the Atlanta Regional Commission. “This is another example of the Cumberland CID’s commitment to making the innovative investments needed to keep this fast-growing area a great place to live, work and play.”

The ramp will include gates on both ends to ensure safety for reversible directions of travel. The ramp will be 24-feet wide for the reversible lanes plus break-down shoulders and will widen to 50-feet at Akers Mill. It will include a barrier separated entrance to the northbound managed lanes.

Phase I of this project, which included widening of the I-285 bridge over I-75, was completed in 2018 and was funded through Georgia DOT’s existing Northwest Corridor construction contract. The second phase of this project, estimated to cost $18.2 million, which consists of constructing the ramp, is anticipated to be complete in 2023.

 

Commercial property owners of the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) elected Alex Valente and Chris McCoy to the Cumberland CID Board of Directors at a Caucus of Electors Thursday morning. Valente and McCoy filled two open seats created by the retirement of Mason Zimmerman and Steven Barnhouse from the Board. Board Chairman John Shern also was re-elected.

Valente represents Piedmont Office Realty Trust which owns The Galleria Atlanta, comprised of five office buildings, three development sites, and an 8-acre park, making this the largest office complex in Northwest Atlanta. McCoy represents Brookfield Properties which owns the Cumberland Mall.

“It is an honor to be elected and to serve on the Cumberland CID’s Board of Directors,” said Valente. “With the Galleria Atlanta located in the heart of the Cumberland, we are heavily invested in the success of the CID. My focus will be to continue to strengthen the efforts and goals of the CID and further position Cumberland as a great place to live, work, and visit.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity entrusted by the commercial property owners of Cumberland to be a part of the Board,” said McCoy. “Representing Cumberland Mall, I have seen firsthand how projects of the Cumberland CID have enhanced our community. The CID, along with its partners, have been a leader in making the region more attractive, more accessible, and more connected.”

Zimmerman was first elected to the Board in 2003 as a representative of Pope and Land Enterprises, Inc. Barnhouse was elected to the Board in 2018 and represented Olshan Properties. Both Zimmerman and Barnhouse made important contributions and helped to shape the direction of the Cumberland CID during years of significant growth. John Shern represents The Home Depot and has served as a Board Member since the inception of the Cumberland CID in 1988.

About Cumberland CID

The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), Georgia’s first CID, is one of the nation’s premier models of public-private collaboration. More than 190 Commercial property owners pay additional property taxes and the CID leverages these funds to advance key projects for increased access, better connectivity, and a more vibrant character throughout the Cumberland area. Each year, the CID creates more value for the community by initiating and leading enhancements to make Cumberland a more attractive place to operate a business, to work, and to live. Cumberland is home to industry leaders and Fortune 500 companies including The Home Depot, HD Supply, Comcast, Genuine Parts Company and more.

Cumberland CID Board Members, From left to right: Alex Valente, Bob Voyles, Connie Engel, John Shern, Barry Teague, and Chris McCoy. Not pictured: Mike Plant.

(CUMBERLAND)- The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) launched a new bike share station on Tuesday at the Galleria Gardens. The station located in the Galleria Office Park Complex now brings the Cumberland Bike Share to seven stations. The launch showcased bike test rides, information about the Cumberland Bike Share, giveaways, and featured trails in Cumberland using the Cumberland CID’s website cumberlandtrails.org.

“We are thrilled to feature this bike station within one of the largest most bustling office centers in the region,” said Kim Menefee, executive director of the Cumberland CID. “We appreciate the partnership with Piedmont Office Realty Trust and Childress Klein to bring bike share to their tenants and the surrounding Cumberland community.. The CID Bike Share program is designed to provide a viable transportation alternative to explore and discover the best of what Cumberland has to offer.”

Because of the Cumberland CID’s strategic investments in trails and connectivity, Cumberland has evolved into a hub of greenway and regional trail connections that attracts walkers, joggers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. The Cumberland Bike Share and the Cumberland Trails Network connect visitors and residents to Cumberland’s vibrant core area, including The Battery, Truist Park, Cobb Galleria Centre, and more.

To find out more about station locations, visit Cumberland Bike Share webpage (https://www.cumberlandtrails.org/cumberland-bike-share/.) To rent a bike, download the Movatic app on your smartphone and follow the registration guide.

About Cumberland Trails

Cobb County’s largest commercial district serves as a hub for urban trails, with nearly 38 miles of trails for residents and visitors to explore and interact with Cumberland’s rich natural assets. The multifaceted trail network has many spokes that wind through Cumberland’s vibrant core area, joining eateries, shops, Truist Park, 840 acres of national parkland and more—with some trails connecting to the Silver Comet Trail and eventually to the Atlanta BeltLine.

About Cumberland CID

The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), Georgia’s first CID, is a premier model public-private partnership in the country. Over 190 Commercial property owners pay an additional property tax and the CID leverages these funds to advance key projects for increased access, connectivity, and character throughout the Cumberland area. Each year, the CID creates more value for investors by initiating and leading the enhancements that make Cumberland a more attractive place to operate a business, to work, and to live. Cumberland is home to Fortune 500 companies like The Home Depot, HD Supply, Comcast, Genuine Parts Company, and more.

 

New Bikeshare Programs Launch in Cumberland and Town Center

 

The Cumberland and Town Center Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) are excited to announce new bikeshare programs in partnership with Tandem Mobility. The CIDs’ previous bikeshare provider shuttered operations in May (see earlier releases from Cumberland and Town Center). The relaunch with Tandem Mobility will serve as a one-year pilot program while the CIDs explore a regional bikeshare program with additional community partners.

“With the CIDs’ investments in our urban trail network, the region has evolved into a hub of greenway and regional trail connections that attracts walkers, joggers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts.” said Kim Menefee. “Our bikeshares help make our communities more attractive, more accessible, and more connected. Whether you are heading to a Braves’ game or taking a beautiful ride in Town Center, our bikeshares connect you to the best of what Cobb County has to offer. “

“Our vision of a regional system would take these programs to the next level,” said Tracy Rathbone Styf, executive director of the Town Center CID. “This collaboration between the Cumberland and Town Center CIDs sets the stage for a more connected Cobb County in the future. Through our membership numbers, we’ve seen that thousands of users want to ride and ride further, and now they can. We could not be more thrilled to launch our new system and offer this amenity once again.”

Tandem Mobility offers technology that improves the user experience for renters. Bikeshare members can rent and return a bike from either program’s stations. The previous system allowed riders to rent and return bikes to only one program’s stations. Now, riders can use the programs interchangeably, with access to 80 bikes at 12 stations. Users of the new program will be able to ride for free for the first hour. After that, it will be $3 per hour with a $24 per day maximum.

The Cumberland and Town Center CIDs took a creative approach for the ribbon cutting of the new program. The relaunch took place as a YouTube premier showing both CIDs’ executive directors celebrating the long-awaited return of the program.

The Town Center Community Alliance (Alliance), the Town Center CID’s nonprofit partner, will manage the Town Center Bikeshare Program. The Alliance leverages the work of the CIDs, Cobb County, and other partners who have invested in a regional trail network to engage community members.

The Cumberland and Town Center CIDs look forward to releasing more announcements in the future regarding Cobb’s bikeshare programs. To find out more about station locations, visit Cumberland (https://www.tandem-mobility.com/cumberland) and Town Center’s bikeshare page (https://www.tandem-mobility.com/town-center). To rent a bike, download the Movatic app on your smartphone and follow the registration guide.

About Cumberland CID
The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), Georgia’s first CID, is a premier model public-private partnership in the country. Over 190 Commercial property owners pay an additional property tax and the CID leverages these funds to advance key projects for increased access, connectivity, and character throughout the Cumberland area. Each year, the CID creates more value for investors by initiating and leading the enhancements that make Cumberland a more attractive place to operate a business, to work, and to live. Cumberland is home to Fortune 500 companies like The Home Depot, HD Supply, Comcast, Genuine Parts Company and more.

About Town Center CID
Founded in 1997, the Town CID is dedicated to the betterment of the Town Center area through transportation infrastructure, safety improvements, beautification and other projects that enhance property value by increasing interest and investment in the community. The Town Center CID utilizes funds from voluntary commercial real estate taxes to implement its projects. For more information, please visit www.towncentercid.com.

About the Town Center Community Alliance
Established by the Town Center CID in 2015, the Town Center Community Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to shaping the future of Town Center by supporting and funding beautification, greenspace and other quality of life initiatives that help foster a sense of place within the district. The Alliance’s vision is a vibrant, creative Town Center community with enhanced public places, preserved green spaces and collaborative economic development.

About Tandem Mobility
Tandem Mobility was born out of a desire to help develop and manage complete mobility solutions with their community partners. They focus on aligning people, tech, and data around their partners’ community’s goals–not the other way around. By partnering with premium providers in the industry, they are able to deliver a turnkey solution that allows their partners to focus on improving mobility programming while they seamlessly execute on the details.

Paces Mill/Palisades Unit Project Moves Forward with Approval from NPS

 

(CUMBERLAND)- The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) has reached a key milestone in their plans to help rehabilitate the Paces Mill/Palisades Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) by receiving project approval from the National Park Service. The Paces Mill/Palisades Unit project represents a collaborative effort of the National Park Service/CRNRA and the Cumberland CID. Built in the 1970s, the park unit is a popular destination for people participating in recreational boating, fishing, picnicking, jogging, biking and walking activities. The facility is currently the trailhead for the Bob Callan Trail.

The total $11 million renovation will feature the following at the Paces Mill/Palisades Unit:

• A more national park-like visitor experience that realigns the entrance road and repositions the central open meadow and the main parking area.
• Improved vehicular circulation at both boat ramps allowing cars and trucks with boat trailers to circulate more easily.
• Increased river access with new river-viewing platforms and a wide set of river steps.
• An enhanced and expanded picnic area.
• Upgrades to the existing trail system to minimize conflicts with vehicular traffic inside the park.
• A series of bioswales to filter stormwater runoff before it enters the river.
• A new, expanded visitor contact station.

“We are proud to have 840 acres of national park land within the Cumberland CID boundary,” said Kim Menefee, Executive Director for the Cumberland CID. “The CRNRA is the lifeblood of the community, connecting us to our natural environment, our culture, and our way of life. This unique partnership with the National Park Service further positions the Cumberland community as a diverse place to live, work, and visit.”

“The Paces Mill/Palisades Unit renovation will enhance and improve the visitor experience, and we appreciate Cumberland CID being our partner to make it possible,” said Ann Honious, Acting Superintendent of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. “The Paces Mill/Palisades Unit hosts over 250,000 visitors a year connecting to 38 miles of multi-use trails and these renovations will enhance the unit as an entry point for visitors to enjoy the entire park.”

The next phase of the Paces Mill/Palisades Unit project is to select a design consultant and develop design plans by the end of the year.

About Cumberland CID

The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), Georgia’s first CID, is a premier model public-private partnership in the country. Over 190 Commercial property owners pay an additional property tax and the CID leverages these funds to advance key projects for increased access, connectivity, and character throughout the Cumberland area. Each year, the CID creates more value for investors by initiating and leading the enhancements that make Cumberland a more attractive place to operate a business, to work, and to live. Cumberland is home to Fortune 500 companies like The Home Depot, HD Supply, Comcast, Genuine Parts Company, and more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schematic design of the Paces Mill/Palisades Park Unit.