Dear Chamblee Doraville CID Stakeholders,
2024 was another year of significant progress for commercial property owners in the Chamblee and Doraville area, as our CID marked notable achievements across multiple fronts. From a project funding perspective, the CID was honored to receive an additional $2 million in federal funding through the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Transportation Improvement Program. This latest award brings the total external funding secured since the CID’s inception to over $8.5 million.
The funding award will help advance our top-priority project: the realignment and improvement of the complex intersection at Peachtree Boulevard, Shallowford Drive, Peachtree Road, and Parsons Road. This commitment by our government partners underscores the regional importance of this effort and reinforces our ability to deliver meaningful infrastructure solutions.
On the construction front, we completed the installation of more than 2,700 linear feet of a multi-purpose trail along Peachtree Boulevard. Alongside key safety and crossing enhancements, this project significantly improves walkability in this high-traffic corridor. What began as a $292,000 seed investment by the CID was leveraged into a $1.3 million community improvement via partnerships with the City of Chamblee and the Georgia Department of Transportation. Encouraged by this success, we initiated design on a second phase that will not only double the length of the existing pedestrian corridors, but also expand several sidewalks into modern 10-foot-wide multi-use paths. This next phase represents a $642,000 direct investment from the CID and an application for a $3 million funding package from the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB). All in all, this represents a $5 million improvement spearheaded by the CID.
Beyond these efforts, we continue to advance other initiatives within our broader $34 million work program. Connectivity and operational improvements remain a priority, with three studies underway to evaluate potential intersection enhancements and road extensions. This $70,000 investment is exploring solutions to extend Terrell Drive and John Glenn Drive, as well as improve the intersection of Chamblee-Tucker Road and Buford Highway. We are optimistic that these early-stage studies will pave the way for future infrastructure enhancements that will improve mobility throughout the district.
As you continue through this report, you will see firsthand the impact of our partnerships with Chamblee, Doraville, and DeKalb County. These collaborations are instrumental in strengthening the quality of life in our community and maximizing the investments made by our dedicated commercial property owners.
Best,
Josh Harrison
CID Chairman
President, Pattillo Industrial Real Estate
Vince Riggio
CID Vice Chairman
Founding Partner, Trinity Development Group
Matthew Oppenheimer
CID Secretary/Treasurer
President, Halpern Enterprises
Josh Harrison
Pattillo Industrial Real Estate
CID Chairman
City of Chamblee Appointee
Vince Riggio
Trinity Development Group
CID Vice Chairman
Matt Oppenheimer
Halpern Enterprises
CID Secretary/Treasurer
City of Doraville Appointee
Stacey Ellis-Hodges
Jim Ellis Automotive Group
Christine Curry
Selig Enterprises
Brent Reid
The Winter Companies
Randy Holmes
Seven Oaks Company
Vacant
DeKalb County Appointee
In 2024, one of the CID's priority projects was awarded another $2M in funds, bringing total commitments to $4.58M to date. Of that amount, $992K is from the CID, representing a 3.6:1 leverage ratio. The project will improve safety at one of the most heavily trafficked intersections in the district. Throughout the year, a design firm studied traffic conditions and developed concepts prioritizing operations and safety. The CID continues to advance design and pursue opportunities to close any potential funding gaps.
In 2024, the first phase of an effort to expand sidewalk connections along Peachtree Boulevard was completed, adding nearly 3K linear feet for the corridor's many pedestrians. The improvements enhance safety and access to local businesses. The CID committed $292K to the first phase, which successfully leveraged $1.1M in construction funds from the City of Chamblee and Georgia DOT. The CID committed another $642K to design the second phase and is currently seeking $3M in funding to complete another 7K linear feet.
This project seeks another route across the Norfolk Southern and MARTA rail lines, which currently disconnect the community. In 2024, the CID kicked off a study to identify the feasibility of three potential crossing locations and cost estimates. The CID's initial $100K commitment leveraged another $400K for this study, a 4:1 leverage ratio. The CID and city partners are currently evaluating the results of the study and considering the next steps.
This project will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists traveling from Buford Highway to the Doraville MARTA station. To date, the CID has committed $20K to advance an $800K effort to develop early concepts, begin design, a perform environmental reviews.
The CID is an interested partner in Georgia DOT's plans to construct express lanes across the Top End of I-285 in the coming years. In 2024, the CID continued collaborating with neighboring cities and communities to incorporate high-capacity transit along the route, maximizing the regional infrastructure. The group also completed a concept to add a regional trail component, utilizing the express lanes' corridor right-of-way.
The CID and neighboring cities are collaborating on safety features needed along Buford Highway, one of the busiest routes in metro Atlanta. The CID contributed $50K to help the City of Doraville secure a $200K federal 'Safe Streets For All' planning grant to help identify pathways forward. The planning effort launched in 2024, resulting in a 'Safety Action Plan' when complete.
In 2024, the CID allocated $50K to consider extending two dead-end roads: John Glenn Drive and Terrell Drive. The potential roadway extensions will enhance connectivity and support increases in traffic as the area grows. Preliminary concepts are underway, with the CID determining next steps in 2025.
In 2024, the CID committed $22.5K to study traffic operations, efficiency, and safety improvements at a busy intersection. Preliminary concepts are underway, with the CID determining next steps in 2025.
Real Estate in the Surrounding Business Area
Type of Real Estate
There are approximately 2,000 parcels in the surrounding business area, with 747 (37%) eligible to participate in the CID. Of the eligible parcels, 168 participate.
Eligible properties include those that are used for non-residential, commercial purposes only. This includes industrial, retail, office, and hotel. Neither multi-family nor single-family parcels are eligible.
Within the CID membership, property values amount to more than $630M in FMV/Appraised Value, or almost $253M in Assessed Value (See chart left). This is a 4% increase over 2023 property values.
The CID sources revenues through an assessment placed on members' properties. The CID board of directors determines the level of assessment, not government partners. Since inception, the board has selected the maximum allowable amount of 5 mills. This amounts to $5 per $1,000 of assessed property value. These funds allow the CID to leverage government grants to plan, design, and construct projects important to their businesses and properties.
In 2024, the CID collected $1.2M, or 15.8% higher than in 2023. The CID collects about 90% of the amount levied.
Over the past six years, the CID has collected a total of $5.4M. Most funds (~75%) are invested in the development of capital projects. The remainder is for professional support (legal, management, etc.) and advocacy needs.
Chamblee’s growth continued in 2024, driven by a surge in development activity, safety initiatives, and beautification efforts.
The new City Hall remained a vibrant hub for community events, including the annual Taste of Chamblee and Summer Concert Series.
Progress on the Town Center project, Chamblee's new downtown, gained momentum from interested developers. Twenty-five firms responded to Chamblee's Offering Memorandum to develop the project.
Demonstrating its commitment to safety, the city took proactive steps to address crime and code compliance, exemplified by efforts to develop a real-time crime center.
Enhancing connectivity and promoting active lifestyles remained a priority. In late 2024, voters approved a $30M bond referendum to support parks, trails, and recreational facilities. The city also installed new wayfinding signage throughout the Rail Trail network and downtown, improving navigation for residents and visitors. Public art installations, including the "Metaphysical" sculpture outside the MARTA transit station, further enriched the city’s sense of place.
Chamblee's annual 'Taste of Chamblee' event, hosted on the lawn of the new City Hall.
Chamblee's new art installation, "Metaphysical," at the MARTA transit station.
New wayfinding signage was installed in and around Chamblee's downtown, further branding this vibrant community.
Doraville expanded its momentum in 2024 with key development improvements spanning infrastructure, housing, and zoning.
Doraville was awarded more than $3.5M in federal and state funding to advance six transportation infrastructure projects spanning 3.5 miles. The city is also spearheading a 13-mile Safety Action Plan for Buford Highway to enhance pedestrian safety.
Residential growth remains strong with more than 380 residential units under construction and an additional 700 planned through projects like Lotus Grove and Rhythm. The Veranda, an affordable senior living complex at Assembly, officially opened and the Towns at Creekside is nearing completion.
Zoning and redevelopment efforts continue to shape Doraville's future. The city initiated the rezoning of 200 properties to simplify its Zoning Ordinance. In addition, the city leveraged a $548,000 investment in facade improvements through the SBA Community Congressional Facade Improvement Grant.
The City recently received an easement for the Peachtree Creek Greenway project from the School Board, further advancing greenspace and recreational initiatives.
Doraville secured $250,000 from the SBA's Community Congressional Facade Grant program. Coupled with property owners' $298,000 investments, sixteen businesses were awarded $548,000 in facade improvements, such as Robert Hernandez's mural at Taqueria El Rey del Taco (above).
Mayira Bunting, Doraville's Business & Community Engagement lead (left), joined performers to welcome guests at Doraville's annual Trunk or Treat event at Honeysuckle Park.
Volunteers from the Formosa Association of Student Culture Ambassadors (FASCA) performed the Lion Dance to bring luck and fortune at Doraville's Spirit of the Season event in December.
Malaika Rivers
CID Executive Director
Pontem Resources
Kerstin Thulé
CID Program Coordinator
Pontem Resources
5170 Peachtree Road
Building 100, Suite 400
Atlanta, Georgia, 30341
For more information on the CID or to join our efforts, contact kthule@cdcid.org.
Lynn Rainey
CID Legal Counsel
Rainey & Vaughan
John Vaughan
CID Legal Counsel
Rainey & Vaughan
Anshul Hans Wesley
CID Accountant
Dot Management Consultants
CIDs are voluntarily formed by neighboring property owners in various commercial areas, from dense office parks to mixed-use retail and industrial areas.
CIDs are legislatively-enabled mechanisms in Georgia that allow commercial property owners to advocate, design, fund, and maintain public infrastructure and community improvements within defined districts. They allow commercial property owners to raise funds by placing an additional assessment on their properties.
A CID's governing board, consisting of local property owners, determines the level of assessment. Assessments are a fraction of property values. Funds are used for projects and services that protect and enhance commercial real estate investments.
By pooling funds through CIDs, commercial property owners attract larger amounts of government funds which pay for projects. Governments see the "skin-in-the-game" brought by these commercial property owners through CIDs.
CIDs are extremely effective public-private partnerships. For every $1 contributed by CIDs, they receive an average of $5 from government sources.
Created by Pontem Resources.