Capitol Ideas from Cumberland CID Leadership

Members of the Cumberland CID Board of Directors and staff have spent the last few weeks meeting with members of our state and U.S. legislative delegations.

We discussed some of the key issues facing Cumberland Galleria, Atlanta and Georgia — things like growth, infrastructure and traffic congestion. We also took the opportunity to advise Senators Isakson and Chambliss, along with Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle and House Speaker Glenn Richardson, among others, of our local progress.

We informed the legislators about recent projects that we have completed, projects that are underway, and how we plan to continue to make Cumberland Galleria one of the best places to live and work in the Atlanta area. Our representatives in government are impressed and appreciative of the work the CID is doing.

We came away from these meetings with a feeling of accomplishment and a hopeful outlook. Our leaders in Atlanta and Washington are depending on us to help them and are committed to partnering with us to reach our collective goals.

Best,

Malaika Rivers
Executive Director, Cumberland CID

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CID Invests in South Quadrant Transportation Study

As part of its continuing efforts to stay ahead of traffic, the Cumberland CID will invest in a transportation study in the South Quadrant to better understand the area’s future growth and the opportunities and challenges that will accompany it.

The South Quadrant, which encompasses Vinings, is a critical point in Cumberland Galleria, with major office centers like Overlook and Paces West, not to mention Home Depot. Much like the Northeast Quadrant study that resulted in the improvement of several intersections, valuable recommendations will likely come out of this eight-month study.

ARCADIS, the CID’s partner in the study, will begin by soliciting a group of stakeholders for their thoughts on the study area. This study will assess the opportunities and risks associated with future development from a market, economic and demographic perspective. By assessing everything from land use to existing transportation conditions, the CID will be able to identify potential improvement projects in the area. The study is expected to be complete in June 2008.

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Streetscaping Updates to Beautify Cumberland Galleria

If Cumberland Galleria is to continue to develop into a more walkable community, streetscaping is a necessity. To accomplish this, the Cumberland CID leverages funds for streetscaping projects that enhance the beauty and mobility of the Cumberland Galleria area while also creating a true live-work-play community.

“Streetscaping” includes all sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting and landscaping upgrades. Although the severe drought affecting north Georgia has potentially put some landscaping projects on hold, the Cumberland CID continues to move forward with plans to add the hardscape portions. Look for these improvements on Cumberland Boulevard, Cobb Parkway and Akers Mill Road in the near future.

To supplement streetscaping projects, the Cumberland CID is considering wayfinding signs as an addition to the Cumberland Galleria area. Similar to signs found throughout downtown and midtown Atlanta, wayfinding signs would direct people toward the Cumberland CID’s top attractions. During the September board meeting, the board decided that the Cumberland CID will study the program and begin looking at concepts for signage.

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Employees and Employers Benefit from Commuter Club’s Telework Solutions

You may already know that Commuter Club — the Cumberland CID’s Transportation Management Association — is an award-winning program with one of the largest vanpool fleet in the country. But did you know that in addition to helping Cumberland Galleria employees find a carpool or vanpool to join, Commuter Club also is available to help employers create customized telework and flextime opportunities for their employees?

Commuter Club partner J.M. Huber completed a six-month pilot telework program with 10 employees this year. On average, teleworkers reported that they were able to save more than 90 minutes each day by not commuting to work, and in that time they were able to complete more work for their employer, spend more time with their family and relax more. Managers reported improved morale, recruitment, retention and increased productivity.

The benefits of telecommuting include: enhanced recruitment and retention, facilities capable of accommodating staff increases and reduced traffic congestion. In addition, employees earn the opportunity to balance their lives between the office and home. Because Georgia recently became the first state to offer a tax credit for employers who offer teleworking, employers have the opportunity to earn money with telework programs. Employers are eligible for a one-time tax credit up to $20,000 and annual credits up to $1,200 per new teleworker.

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