The City, in coordination with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), has developed a plan to remove the I-16 flyover ramp to Montgomery Street on the west side of the historic district. Voters approved $4 million in funding through the most recent SPLOST 8 referendum to help advance this project.

The plan supports the goals of the MLK Celebration Corridor Initiative by advancing connectivity, economic revitalization, placemaking, multimodal improvements, and equitable reinvestment along the corridor and surrounding neighborhoods. The project is also an important component in reestablishing the historic street grid pattern disrupted by construction of the flyover. Currently, the flyover serves as a barrier preventing West Charlton, West Jones, and Berrien Streets from connecting between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Montgomery Street. Reconnecting these streets will help restore access between historically underserved neighborhoods and downtown, improve mobility for residents, create safer pedestrian connections, and support opportunities for minority-owned businesses, affordable housing, and community-focused redevelopment along the corridor.

To facilitate the project, the City must acquire 0 Montgomery Street (PIN 20045 05004), a parcel owned by JIRI, LLC. Acquisition of this property is a key requirement for reconnecting Berrien Street. The City and the property owner each obtained third-party appraisals prepared by highly qualified MAI-designated appraisers. Following extensive negotiations, the parties agreed to a purchase price of $700,000. If approved, closing will occur within 90 days of execution of the purchase and sale agreement.

Approval is recommended to acquire the necessary property and authorize the City Manager to execute all associated closing documents.

Approval