By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great local journalism.
Market Place to get another light
City approves work near supercenter
Placeholder Image
Forsyth County News
Other business

Also Tuesday, the city council approved the following:

• A bid from Lanier Contracting Co. to install automatic sludge removal equipment in the city’s potable water production facility. The project, partially funded through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will cost about $1.9 million. The city is receiving a $475,000 grant and a $712,000 loan through the federal money. The upgrade, which could begin in October, will allow the plant to always stay at full operation.

• A new cell phone tower by a professional office park at 980 Sanders Road. Medicus Properties agreed to several conditions for the 190-foot cell tower, including a minimum of three future carriers and paying an annual inspection fee. The president of a nearby homeowners’ association and a real estate agent and homeowner spoke in favor of it.

— Jennifer Sami
Traffic improvements are in the works for a busy stretch of Market Place Boulevard (click for map) near Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Construction could begin by October to add 1,500 feet of sidewalk and a traffic signal at the entrance to the retailer.

City officials on Tuesday discussed the project, which will be handled by Merritt Construction Co.

Specifics of the contract were not revealed during the meeting. Merritt is currently working on the widening of Hwy. 9 in downtown Cumming.

The sidewalk will be funded jointly by the city and Wal-Mart, though the cost breakdown has not been determined.

Also Tuesday, the city took the next step toward widening Buford Dam Road (click for map), approving the purchase of the necessary right of way.

The project, which will widen the road and bridge to four lanes with sidewalks between Hwy. 9 and Sanders Road, will be a joint effort of the city and state Department of Transportation.

The needed property totals less than 1 acre, but will involve several owners and parcels, said Steve Bennett, assistant city administrator.

In addition to right of way expenses, the project is projected to cost more than $5 million, with the DOT footing nearly $2.46 million of that.