Members of the local development community recently gathered to learn about current trends and projects relating to transportation in downtown Woodstock and the surrounding area.The event was hosted by City of Woodstock Community Development Department and the Council for Quality Growth, a not-for-profit trade association that works every day to ensure the metro Atlanta region’s regulatory environment supports quality growth and development.
Mayor Donnie Henriques and City Manager Jeff Moon welcomed attendees and recognized elected officials and other dignitaries including State Representative Michael Caldwell; John Wallace, field representative with U.S. Congressman Barry Loudermilk’s Office; Cherokee County Commission Chairman Harry Johnston; David Potts, Woodstock Council Member for Ward 2; and Rob Usher, Woodstock Council Member for Ward 6.
The first presenter was Matt McDow, vice president of Arcadis Design & Consultancy, the firm that has been working on a transportation corridor study with the City of Woodstock. McDow presented on innovation and collaboration in Woodstock and beyond.
“Woodstock appreciates its history and downtown culture,” McDow said. “They are really forward thinking and willing to go outside the box and outside their comfort zone.”
McDow stated that improving traffic in downtown Woodstock is a network issue, and the solution is to bypass the congestion in order to maintain walkability and charm. He shared plans for the Woodstock Hub Transformation Project. The focal point of the project is a roundabout at Mill Street and Towne Lake Parkway.
The plan identifies the need to convert Mill Street to a two-way. Once complete, this will allow people traveling northbound on Main Street to turn left on Mill Street instead of Towne Lake Parkway. The traffic model shows an approximate 40% delay reduction in the heart of downtown Woodstock.
Geoffrey Morton, Cherokee County Community Development Agency director, gave an extensive presentation of the Cherokee County transportation work program, detailing a wide array of countywide roadway projects and system improvements.
David Acree, assistant engineer with the Georgia Department of Transportation, provided an overview of GDOT District 6 services and contacts with some noteworthy state project updates.
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