Politics & Government

Half-Diamond Interchange Cherry Blossom Landscaping Celebrated

The Perimeter Community Improvement Districts presented a "Champion of Transportation" Award to a GDOT board member, Tuesday. GDOT awarded a grant to the PCIDs to enhance landscaping for the new gateway to the Perimeter Market and Sandy Springs.

Provided by Susan Long

A Georgia Department of Transportation board member received thanks, Tuesday, for his commitment to an extensive landscaping project at the Hammond Half-Diamond Interchange at Ga. 400.

The Perimeter Community Improvement Districts presented a “Champion of Transportation” Award to Dan Moody. GDOT awarded a $258,281 grant to the PCIDs to provide enhanced landscaping for the new gateway to the Perimeter Market and Sandy Springs that opened in September 2011. 

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Moody, who represents part of the Perimeter area on the GDOT Board said PCIDs' reputation easily helped to get the grant approved. 

“This project is a tremendous asset for Sandy Springs and Perimeter,” said Yvonne Williams, PCIDs President and CEO.  “The PCIDs’ signature landscaping and branding of major entrances to the Perimeter Market creates a strong statement about the quality of development in the area.” 

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Williams presented the award at Lowe Engineers offices, overlooking the interchange. Lowe Engineers designed the Hammond Half-Diamond Interchange landscaping, which includes groves of cherry blossom trees, knockout roses and yellow daylilies.

“If there is anybody who does things right, it is the PCIDs,” said Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos, who attended the landscaping celebration. “I can’t wait until spring to see the blossoms. Thank you PCIDs.”

Williams noted that the Hammond Half-Diamond Interchange is helping retain office tenants and opening up opportunities for new development.

The interchange was developed through a partnership between GDOT, the PCIDs and the City of Sandy Springs. GDOT funded the $12 million cost of the bridge and the PCIDs contributed $5 million for the ramps. The City of Sandy Springs Development Authority financed the PCIDs’ portion of the project, saving the organization $500,000 in interest fees. Sandy Springs also contributed $150,000 for lighting, fencing and other upgrades to the Hammond Bridge.

Moody said the landscaping grant was funded through GDOT’s LOGO Program, which allows outside vendors to pay for the blue signs along highways that note gas, food, lodging and other services at upcoming exits.  The funds raised by that program are used for gateway projects throughout Georgia.



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