With a unanimous vote, the city of Brookhaven agreed to purchase two tracts of land totaling more than 21 acres for the Peachtree Creek Greenway, according to a press release. The acquisitions are a very significant milestone in order to complete the Peachtree Creek Greenway which will ultimately become a 2.98-mile multi-purpose linear park and alternative transportation system along the North Fork of Peachtree Creek.
“These two tracts are the largest purchase of land for the PCG and brings us that much closer to breaking ground,” said Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst. “With this historic purchase, Brookhaven takes a giant leap forward in linking the PCG with the nationally renowned Atlanta Beltline, by providing access to safe and sustainable transit alternatives and unique urban greenspace for all.”
The PCG Master Plan outlines a series of nature trails, paved multi-purpose paved trails, and paved promenade trails which will connect Brookhaven’s portion into the 12.3-mile Peachtree Creek Trail project from Mercer University in unincorporated DeKalb to the PATH400 trail, the South Fork Conservancy Trails and the Atlanta Beltline. The PCG will also provide connectivity to areas beyond as part of a larger network of multi-use trails to residences, offices, restaurants, bike rental stands, coffee shops and picnic areas.
“The Mayor, City Council, and the staff of the City of Brookhaven should be congratulated for following through with their commitment to build the Peachtree Creek Greenway. They’ve taken a dormant project that was sitting on a shelf for decades, and are bringing it to life,” said Betsy Eggers, chairperson of Peachtree Creek Greenway, Inc. “It just proves that great things can be accomplished through hard work, partnerships and collaborations.”
The PCG is a High Performance Public Spaces initiative, similar to the Silver Comet Trail. A recent study estimates that for every $1 spent on the Silver Comet Trail expansion, Georgians received $4.64 in direct and indirect economic benefits. Another HPPS project, the Atlanta Beltline, generated $775 million in development within ½ mile of the Eastside Trail.
The 19-acre parcel at Briarwood Road has been target for greenspace, trailhead, parking and crucial ADA access. The second 2.6-acre parcel is located behind Corporate Square and will serve as the launching area for the PCG bridge as well as provide over two acres of community greenspace. Council authorized $2,186,000, or just under $100,000 per acre for both purchases.
With price and terms agreed to, the City should close on the property within 90 days.
