Summary:

• The I-16/I-75 Improvement Project Staff Presentation was an agenda item on the regularly scheduled Pleasant Hill Neighborhood Association meeting. Approximately 38 people attended the meeting. The presentation was number five out of the eight agenda items. However, the neighborhood association moderator invited the project team to present as the first agenda item.
• Before the meeting, Ms. Cheryl Dilworth of Sycamore Consulting spoke with some of the attendees one-on-one to offer a copy of the latest I-16/I-75 newsletter and ask if they would like to be added to the mailing list. Four people were added to the mailing list in this way.
• The Pleasant Hill Neighborhood Association Meeting moderator called the meeting to order. He then asked Mr. Bob Enesley to introduce the I-16/I-75 Project Team. Mr. Enesley is a member of the Pleasant Hill community and serves on the I-16/I-75 Interchange Improvements Advisory Committee. Mr. Enesley explained his role on the Advisory Committee and stated that he was pleased with the preferred alternative to be presented by GDOT. The only impact that he expects would be to a drainage ditch parallel to the interstate. He said that he believes this will be an improvement to the existing condition of the drainage ditch. He then introduced Ms. Liz Sanford, Public Involvement Consultant.
• Ms. Liz Sanford thanked the neighborhood association for the opportunity to present the preferred project alternative and introduced Mrs. Angela Alexander, Assistant State Urban Design Engineer, GDOT. Mrs. Alexander said that we were returning to the community to address some of the concerns of the previous Pleasant Hill neighborhood meeting. She noted that as a result of the last meeting, Mr. Enesley was invited to be a member of the Advisory Committee. She stated that the purpose of this visit was to keep residents updated as the project progressed, a request from a previous Pleasant Hill meeting. Mrs. Alexander stressed the importance of public involvement in this project. She then introduced Mr. Brad Hale, Consultant Team Project Manager.
• Mr. Hale discussed the preferred concept alternative in detail, outlining the proposed changes to the interstate within the project area. Of special interest to the Pleasant Hill Neighborhood, he pointed out that the project would have very little impact on their neighborhood. Currently, the project will end construction along I-75 at the Walnut Street overpass.
• During and after this explanation by Mr. Hale, several questions were raised. The questions and answers are outlined in the appendix attached to this meeting summary.
• Mr. Hale and Mrs. Alexander answered questions. Once all questions were answered, Ms. Sanford informed attendees that recent I-16/I-75 project newsletters were available. She added that there is a project specific toll free number listed on the back of the newsletter and to please call if they would like to be added to the mailing list.

Questions and Answers

• Q1. How close will the impact be to the fence line of the Linwood Cemetery?
  The edge of the proposed pavement will be 190 feet from the cemetery fence (15 Feet closer than the existing edge of pavement).

• Q2. My main concern is about GDOT coming through this neighborhood like they did before (in the 1960's) when bulldozers just showed up one day. It always seems like the black neighborhoods have to be divided by roads. Traffic comes through the black neighborhoods. I am concerned about increased traffic.
  That is why we are here, to keep you informed of what is going on and to get your feedback. The project is geared toward the traffic on the interstate. There will be minimal work, if any, inside the neighborhood.

• Q3. I am concerned about the project coming within 15 feet from the cemetery.
  The project is only being extended 15 feet from the current edge of pavement, but will not be within 15 feet of the cemetery. (Showed diagram) A barrier wall will be added. That way, we can stay out of the ditch area and will have the least amount of impact.

• Q4. Are you aware that there is a cave right where you are talking about putting that barrier?
  That is why these meetings are so helpful. We find out so many things from you because you are familiar with the area. Could you show us where the cave is on our map? (Residents showed area of cave on project map) It looks like it is on the back slope of the ditch, and will not be impacted. Our archeologists will be very interested in finding out about this. Thank you.

• Q5. Traffic is very dangerous at the intersection of I-16 and I-75. Are you going to do anything about this?
  Yes. This project attempts to fix the interchange at I-16 and I-75 (Showed preferred project map and explained the lane change process).

• Q6. Will this project do anything to relieve traffic?
  Yes. That is one of the purposes of this project. Traffic forecasts were considered for now and for 20 years into the future. So, this plan will accommodate traffic for the next 20 years.

• Q7. When will you begin construction?
  2003, 2004 and 2005, depending on which portion of the project construction at Coliseum Drive will commence in 2003.

• Q8. Will this project have any affect on Forrest Avenue and Riverside Drive?
  No impact.

• Q9. What about 3rd Avenue?
  It is not within the scope of the project. No impact.

• Q10. What about the Spring Street exit?
  Yes, there will be improvements. The addition of collector distributor (CD) roads along I-16 will greatly facilitate traffic to and from Spring Street. In addition, Eastbound access to 2nd Street from I-16 will relieve some of the traffic burden from Spring Street.