The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and the Atlanta Regional Commission have approved the comprehensive Master Plan created by the Tucker-Northlake Community Improvement District to identify opportunities to create a vibrant, walkable and economically thriving Tucker-Northlake.  The document will serve as a blueprint for the future commercial development of the area, and was created following months of site visits, market studies, community meetings and public input solicitations by consultants Sizemore Group of Atlanta.  It identifies one- and five-year priorities for the 2,600-acre study area, as well as suggested long-term projects and potential funding sources.

“With this week’s approval from the Board of Commissioners and the ARC, we can now begin seeking federal funds to start implementing priority projects within the CID, including the Northlake business district, downtown Tucker and the Lawrenceville Highway corridor,”  said Ann Rosenthal, president of the Tucker-Northlake CID.

The new Master Plan builds on the findings of previous Livable Centers Initiatives, and includes ideas for transportation improvements and multi-modal transportation options throughout the community, along with re-development ideas.  Among the recommendations are re-designing the Northlake Parkway and LaVista Road/I-285 interchanges into one connected interchange, attracting a regional conference center and hotel, creating a wellness trail near the Emory University Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital, enhancing downtown Tucker with vibrant shops and restaurants and improved streetscaping and creating a walkable, mixed-use destination within the Northlake retail and commercial center.

“It’s very exciting to be moving from the planning stage into funding and implementation,” said Rosenthal.  “Thanks to the hard work of the Tucker-Northlake CID’s Board of Directors, steering committee and members, as well as our planning consultants and the many interested citizens who participated in the process, we have a strong, shared vision and a clear road map to guide us as we work together to make our community even better.”