Executive Director’s Message: Twenty Years of Progress for the Cumberland CID

This year marks a major milestone — the 20th anniversary of the Cumberland CID. For the last two decades, the CID’s investments in Cumberland Galleria have allowed businesses to thrive, while fostering community development by creating the transportation and pedestrian infrastructure necessary to support growth. Business leaders and elected officials joined CID Board members, past and present, at an August luncheon to celebrate these achievements. Senator Johnny Isakson, Congressman Tom Price, and Lt. Governor Casey Cagle shared their historical perspectives and visions for the future and were joined by more than 80 other community leaders at the anniversary event (see event photos). Congratulations to everyone who helped play a role in the CID’s success over the years.

As we celebrate 20 years of growth and development, the CID also continues to adapt to changes as it heads into the future. In May, the CID Board held its annual retreat to set goals for 2009 and beyond. One important item the Board discussed is the transportation funding crisis in Georgia and the impact this has on the local community. After much consideration, the CID Board determined that this challenging environment calls for a new approach which is discussed below.

This successful past, coupled with a dedicated vision, gives the Cumberland Galleria area an exciting future.

Best,

Malaika Rivers
Executive Director, Cumberland CID

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Kudos and Recognition for Commuter Club

Commuter Club, the Cumberland CID’s commuter assistance program, garnered a myriad of attention this year for providing affordable transportation choices for people.

In June, Commuter Club marked one of its biggest achievements to date — the placement of its 100th vanpool. The event was attended by more than 200 vanpool drivers and program supporters with Governor Sonny Perdue providing the keynote address.

“The 100th vanpool for Cumberland CID’s Commuter Club shows that attitudes about commuting are changing,” said Governor Perdue during his address which commended Commuter Club and the CID for providing innovative transportation programs and services.

Covered by a bank of television and print media, the lunchtime event celebrated a milestone very few communities around the country achieve. Even more amazing though, is the additional 25 vanpools that have been placed on the road since the event.

The CID/Commuter Club has also been named as a finalist in the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) 14th Annual Development of Excellence Awards. ULI Atlanta has deemed this year’s award finalists as the most resourceful and innovative projects in the history of the event. Winners will be announced at this month’s awards dinner.

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Event Shines “Spotlight on Success” in Cumberland Galleria

Those of us who spend a lot of time in the Cumberland Galleria area know about the new development and the improvements in our community. Now, we think it’s time the rest of the Atlanta region discovered what a good thing we have going.

The Cumberland CID is the presenting sponsor of the “2009 Spotlight on Success” Cumberland Galleria Showcase on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Created by a collaboration of the CID, Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Cobb County government, the Cobb Convention and Visitors Bureau and other vested interests, the showcase will feature special performances, insightful speakers and a look at the future of the Cumberland Galleria area. The breakfast will provide ample opportunity for attendees from around the region to network with peers, community leaders and potential clients, as well.

If you would like to support the showcase with a sponsorship, contact Lindsey Barnes at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce at (770) 859-2350 or by lbarnes@cobbchamber.org. If you would like to attend, tickets will be $55 each (breakfast included). More information will be available in the coming months.

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Board Takes Direct Approach to Funding Transportation Projects

For 20 years, the Cumberland CID has been advancing transportation projects by funding engineering and design work, with construction costs leveraged against state and federal funds. That successful formula has built a superior transportation system in Cumberland Galleria for the benefit of all.

These days the region is faced with fewer available dollars coupled with exorbitant construction costs and a reprioritization of public funds. These challenges, addressed at the CID’s strategic planning retreat in May, set in motion a new approach for the CID Board of Directors.

Understanding that a few key priorities of the CID, such as transit, are so costly and depend upon larger regional decisions and approach, the CID Board determined that its money could make more of a difference through direct means.

The Board committed to developing a list of projects that can be constructed over the next few years that are largely independent of regional funding decisions. Compiled over the summer, the Advanced Action Plan contains a comprehensive package of projects such as streetscapes, trails, intersection and corridor improvements, gateway signs and more that will make a big difference in the community. The Board also expanded its focus to include landscape enhancements to beautify the various corridors in the CID.

Instead of pursuing the projects individually, the CID will work with Cobb County to determine the best funding arrangements that will deliver the projects as quickly as possible. This includes more CID funds going towards construction.

“We are very excited about this endeavor,” remarked CID Chairman Tad Leithead, a VP with Cousins Properties. “We’ve identified millions of dollars worth of projects that will make a big difference in terms of mobility and beautification. We’re actively working on non-traditional funding sources to get these projects underway.”

The CID will continue to solicit state and federal funding for costly priority projects as appropriate; however, the Board is committed to advancing this new work plan and hopes improvements will be underway as soon as this fall.

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Newest Leg of the Kennesaw Mountain to Chattahoochee River Trail to Open Summer of 2009

Have you ever wished you could walk or bicycle from one end of Cobb County to the other? Some day soon you will, thanks to the Cobb County DOT Master Bike and Trail Plan. One trail currently underway is the Kennesaw Mountain to Chattahoochee River Trail that traverses 13.5 miles connecting North Cobb to the City of Atlanta.

The Cumberland CID is proud to play a role in completing that portion of the trail that runs through Cumberland Galleria. The last local leg of this network, currently known as the Spring Road Trail, is a $2 million, one-mile stretch. It runs east along Spring Road, south down Cumberland Boulevard, across I-285 and Cumberland Parkway and continues behind Cumberland Mall until it connects with an already completed segment along Cumberland Boulevard. The CID contributed $215,000 to this project.

Construction is slated to begin this October with the trail opening to the public in the summer of 2009.

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