Civil Municipal Magazine Aug 2023

75 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 8 COLLEGE PARK , GA love”. She emphasizes the project’s aim to connect people with their natural resources, as the Flint River, a vital waterway, lies beneath the Atlanta International Airport. “We built an airport over a river, and most people don’t know that. The headwaters initiate right here in the Tri-Cities,” states Mayor Motley Broom, highlighting College Park’s part in this geographical curiosity. With this initiative, College Park aims to return a seven-acre tract of land to its natural state, making it a beacon for the community and playing a crucial role in flood mitigation. The Mayor asserts, “How we treat the river here matters to folks downstream.” Pivoting towards infrastructure projects, the Mayor delightedly shares news of an $800,000 investment in stormwater upgrades—a significant step in dealing with the impacts of climate change on College Park. The city’s leadership is not stopping there. The excitement surrounding SixWest is palpable. According to Alexander, there’s an inundation of interest in the project. “It’s astounding to me how busy we’re kept reviewing letters of interest,” she shares, adding that the city’s strategy is to ensure the development aligns with the community’s needs. After all, College Park is no stranger to audacious city-planning endeavors. “The city’s sophistication is precisely in the success of the GICC and the arena, spurred by the city’s investment,” Alexander points out. The Heart of College Park: A Master Plan in Evolution At the vibrant epicenter of College Park, an ever-evolving master plan charts the course of its growth and development. The master plan is built every few years with the support of the Atlanta Regional Commission through what’s known as Livable Centers initiatives. Spanning the entire expanse of Main Street College Park, the plan also extends further south to an area around Philips Park. “We’re working on updating our master plan for Philips Park, a former shopping center site that the city now owns,” shares Alexander. This shows a commitment to transforming unused or outdated areas into spaces that could benefit the community and contribute to the city’s growth. Further north on Main Street, an intriguing new initiative called ‘Finding the Flint’ has emerged. As Alexander explains, “The headwaters for the Flint River are actually on a site that was owned by Marta, our transit station. The city has partnered with Marta and an organization called Finding the Flint to purchase a seven-acre nature preserve.” This initiative hints at College Park’s dedication to preserving and enhancing natural spaces, even amidst urban development. Unearthing the Flint and Upgrading Infrastructure: College Park’s Growth Blueprint Unveiling more details about the ‘Finding the Flint’ initiative, Mayor Motley Broom shares her excitement, calling it a “labor of