Clairmont Heights Civic Association

From Commissioner Jeff Rader. At the end, he invites comments and questions. You are invited also to email or cc your comments and questions to the CHCA board at info@clairmontheights.org. The draft plans he references are available here.
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I’m excited that preliminary plans for Phase 2 of the Mason Mill Multiuse Trail System are now available for the public for review. The project is an extension of the trail which now connects Medlock Park to the Old Stone Bridge at the historic Decatur Water Works Site. The alignment proceeds from the Old Stone Bridge perpendicular to Burnt Fork Creek, as required by stream buffer regulations. It bridges the CSX railroad track and provides a direct connection to Mason Mill Park near the DeKalb Tennis Center.

The PATH Foundation commissioned the design at its own expense and with private funds. Working in their capacity as DeKalb’s Multi-use Trails development partner, PATH negotiated the design with CSX to meet the Railroad’s specifications in the rail right of way, and is awaiting final railroad approval. The DeKalb Historic Preservation Commission reviewed and approved the design, focusing on the project’s potential for impact on the historic Decatur Waterworks, which is traversed by the project. A Neighborhood Advisory Committee has been reconvened and expanded to include the community near the western end of the trail, and is reviewing community concerns.

While these activities represent a significant accomplishment, the planning and development process is not complete. In order to implement the project, DeKalb County Public Works will obtain all necessary permits. The project is expected to go out for construction bids in January or February of 2010. Upon completion, this trail segment will link Medlock Park and Mason Mill Park in a way that is accessible to people of all levels of mobility, and provide a safe railroad crossing for the first time to users of both parks. Users of the Medlock Pool and Park, Avis G. Williams Library, DeKalb Tennis Center, and the Mack Love Center can reach these destinations without having to travel on Clairmont or North Druid Hills Roads, while enjoying the beauty of this natural area. Already, Phase 1 of the trail has proved popular with droves of users who turn out every day. With the completion of Phase 2, the Medlock-Mason Mill Trail will serve even more needs of this neighborhood and the County as a whole.

Please contact the Commission District 2 office at jrader@co.dekalb.ga.us or 404-371-2863 with any questions or concerns.

Jeff Rader