Year: 2021

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.

 

Cumberland CID Unveils New Cumberland Sweep Brand

 

(CUMBERLAND) – The Cumberland CID revealed an exciting new brand for one of their innovative projects today at the Cumberland CID’s Board Meeting. ‘Cumberland Sweep’ will be the new name and brand for a three-mile multimodal path designed to improve connectivity throughout the core of the Cumberland area with dedicated walking and cycling lanes and an autonomous shuttle system that will make travel easier, more reliable, and safer.

“The Cumberland Sweep name embodies the very essence of this path,” said John Shern, Chairman, Cumberland CID Board of Directors. “The Sweep means movement and our goal is to move people more effectively and efficiently around the Cumberland area. This vital transportation resource will make our region more accessible connecting businesses, residents, and visitors to the best of what Cumberland has to offer.”

We envision the path being the future heartbeat of the community,” said Kim Menefee, executive director of the Cumberland CID. “The Cumberland Sweep name emerged out of a detailed and planned process that engaged many stakeholders from commercial property owners, businesses, government officials, and residents. The name is reflective of its environment and welcoming to all.

The Cumberland Sweep will connect to key destinations including The Battery Atlanta, Truist Park, Cumberland Mall, Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), Bob Callan Trail, Akers Mill Trail, and local bike share stations.

The launch included a video which featured key endorsements for the Cumberland Sweep from Cobb Commissioner Jerica Richardson, Mike Plant of the Braves Development Company, Chris McCoy of Brookfield Properties/Cumberland Mall, Sharon Mason of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Holly Quinlan of Cobb Travel & Tourism, and Cumberland residents.

The Cumberland CID also launched a dedicated website for the Cumberland Sweep (cumberlandsweep.org). Website features include a map of the Cumberland Sweep, a project timeline, testimonial videos, project details, and a gateway to sign up to be an ambassador for the Sweep.

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. Today, Cumberland has a $20 billion annual impact on Georgia’s economy. Cumberland is home to industry leaders and Fortune 500 companies including The Home Depot, HD Supply, Comcast, Genuine Parts Company and more.

 

Cumberland Sweep Logo

 

Renderings of the Cumberland Sweep

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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.

Bike Share Launch Recap Video

The Cumberland CID launched a new bike share station at the Galleria Gardens last week. The station will become the 7th bike station in the Cumberland Bike Share.

(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.

 

Finance Director Bill Volckmann and Atlanta Braves’ Mike Plant presented to Cobb’s Board of Commissioners the annual update on Truist Park and the economic impact surrounding the stadium and The Battery Atlanta.

NOTICE OF CUMBERLAND COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ELECTION
NOTICE IS GIVEN as provided in the COBB COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS ACT, Ga. L. 1985, p. 4009, as amended, that a Caucus of Electors of the Cumberland Community Improvement District shall be held on the 27th day of May, 2021, at 1100 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 1000, Atlanta, Cobb County, Georgia 30339. The purpose of the Caucus is to elect Board members to serve in Posts 2, 3, & 6 on the Cumberland Community Improvement District Board. Registration for the election shall be held from 7:45 o’clock A.M. to 8:30 o’clock A.M. Voting will occur immediately thereafter. All Electors as designated under the Act are invited to attend and cast their votes.

Bike Share Launch Recap Video

The Cumberland CID launched a new bike share station at the Galleria Gardens last week. The station will become the 7th bike station in the Cumberland Bike Share.

Cumberland CID Project Updates

The Akers Mill Ramp

The Akers Mill Ramp is slated to begin construction later this year. With the funding for the $44.2 million project complete, the ramp will finish the I-75 NW Express Lanes, one of the most successful infrastructure projects in Georgia’s history. The ramp is scheduled to be open to the public in 2023 providing direct, safe access for more than 100,000 daily commuters.

Pictured above: Akers Mill Ramp

Cumberland Multi-Modal Path

A path connecting the community to Cumberland’s rich assets is underway.  The Cumberland Multi-Modal Path, a 3-mile path that will be Cobb’s version of the Atlanta Beltline. The $25 million path will connect to unrivaled cultural, retail, natural, hospitality, and performance venues in ways that exponentially increase the human experience and financial value of the district. The goal is to improve connectivity throughout the core of the district offering pedestrians and cyclists enhanced mobility options with the ultimate goal of adding an autonomous shuttle making travel even easier around the district. The path also will help build additional character in Cumberland increasing enjoyment for those that work, live and visit.

Pictured above: Renderings of the Cumberland Multi-modal Path

Paces Mill/Palisades Rehabilitation

A project that started in 2017 and gained momentum in 2020 is the Paces Mill/Palisades Rehabilitation. In July 2020, the Cumberland CID reached a key milestone in 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. 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 total $14 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.

The Paces Mill/Palisades Rehabilitation is scheduled for construction in 2023.

Paces Mill/Palisades Rehabilitation Continued:

The Visitor Contact Station will sit in the center of the Park and is proposed as a cluster of three structures:

  • An open-air pavilion that functions as a central gathering space with information and interpretative signage about the NRA and the connecting Cumberland CID trails.
  • The other two buildings will provide individual restroom and changing room facilities.

The architecture is contemporary with a National Park Service style and feel. Made of durable materials, it will be long lasting and easily maintained.

Pictured above: Rendering for the Visitor Contact Station

River Overlooks / River Steps

Pictured above: Examples for Paces Mill/Palisades Rehabilitation.

Bob Callan Trail

The Cumberland CID continues to invest in the Cumberland Trail Network. Altogether, Cumberland’s Trail Network is part of a 60-mile network of completed or planned trails. In 2019, the Cumberland CID opened a 1-mile extension of the Bob Callan Trail. Today, the Cumberland CID and Cobb County are working to extend the Bob Callan Trail again. From its northernmost access point at Interstate North Parkway to Windy Hill Road with a new trailhead proposed at Windy Hill Road (see renderings). Cobb County’s Windy Hill/Terrell Mill Connector at Bentley Road project to the north will connect seamlessly into the Bob Callan Trail once both are complete.  Construction for the extension of the Bob Callan Trail and Trailhead are scheduled for late 2022 with an estimated investment of $3.2 million.

Pictured above: Renderings for the new Bob Callan Trailhead

Cumberland Trails

The Cumberland CID launched a new website (cumberlandtrails.org) dedicated to the Cumberland Trail Network. The purpose of the website is to provide the public with information on where and how to access Cumberland’s trails. Created with the user experience in mind, the site includes many features to help users quickly and easily find information about Cumberland’s trails.

The following features are included for each trail:

  • A custom Google map for navigation
  • A downloadable map to print for navigation
  • Mileage information
  • Parking information for each trail

The Cumberland Trails Network contains over 38 miles of trails and connects visitors and residents to Cumberland’s vibrant core area, including The Battery Atlanta, Truist Park, Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and more.

Cumberland Bike Share

The Cumberland and Town Center CIDs were excited to announce new bike share programs in partnership with Tandem Mobility last year. The CIDs’ previous bike share provider shuttered operations in May. Before May, the Cumberland Bike Share had nearly 2,700 users enjoying 6,000 trips in Cumberland alone.

The new program offers technology that improves the user experience for renters. Bike share 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 ride for free for the first hour. After that, it is $3 per hour with a $24 per day maximum.

As spring and summer approach, the Cumberland CID expects more users to take advantage of this community investment as the Cumberland Bike Share helps make Cumberland more attractive, more accessible, and more connected.

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

 

 

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