Spotlight On: Matthew Lee, Executive Director, Tucker-Northlake CID
October 2024 — Matthew Lee, executive director of the Tucker-Northlake CID, sat down with Focus: to discuss the CID’s role in the local economy, updates since the area’s expansion, the importance of a walkable downtown and recreational options, and what makes the area attractive to development and investment opportunities.
What does the process of creating a more walkable downtown look like?
Tucker is fortunate to have a downtown with a street and alley grid created in the 1800s. It’s a unique opportunity in Metro Atlanta to have this type of structure hidden in plain sight. The terrain is generally flat, the block sizes are small, and all of it surrounds Main Street in the heart of the community. The CID has been the driver behind expanding the streetscape, including the width of sidewalks, extending sidewalks to surrounding streets, and helping restore the alleys that had been forgotten for generations.
We worked closely with the city of Tucker to use the CID’s grid plan, in conjunction with the city trail project, to begin constructing a trail network that will flow out from Main Street in multiple directions. Those first steps in the project have been a success. More people are walking in an area that is still accessible to businesses, but at a safer distance from traffic.
The CID worked with the city to obtain a grant through the Atlanta Regional Commission to help fund a 2-mile section of trail that will connect Downtown Tucker to the Northlake area just inside the Perimeter. When the city-wide trail project is completed, over one-third of Tucker and over 70% of businesses in the CID will be within a quarter-mile walking distance of the trail. That’s a great return on investment for today and tomorrow.
It’s all a result of good partnerships and planning that has enabled these projects to move forward.
What makes this location attractive to new and existing businesses?
In three words: accessible, attractive, and affordable. Regionally we are in a great place. Tucker has three expressway exits on I-285. We are just north of Highway 78, just south of I-85, and in good traffic 20 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Tucker is accessible from multiple MARTA stations and, for other commuters, it’s the second largest gateway into Gwinnett County. It’s in a great location to capture not only revenue from commuters passing through, but as a destination.
Part of what makes the Tucker area attractive is that it has the amenities businesses are looking for, surrounded by a healthy residential community. There are two fire stations and two police precincts in the CID. Two high school districts, two post office locations, hotels, parks, and plenty of opportunity to connect with other local businesses. Due to the work of the CID and our partners, the area looks better than it would without our engagement. That’s a plus for businesses, residents, and customers.
Taxes are reasonable and the CID is here to assist our stakeholders. It sits in the Goldie Locks zone. Not too hot with constant development or too cold from a lack of growth. It’s a location with great opportunity.
What transportation infrastructure is most critical for attracting future development and investment in the CID?
On a small level, it’s ensuring businesses have places for their employees and customers to park. On a much larger level, it’s connecting Tucker into the future express lane system on I-285. It’s also ensuring that roads are maintained to keep traffic flowing comfortably and at safe speeds. Over the last few years, the city has added dedicated turn lanes at intersections, added more pedestrian crossings in school zones, and used the city code to ensure new development flows well where it meets the right of way.
We worked with the Georgia Department of Transportation to ensure we will have an access point into the express lanes when they are developed. We also provided a parking study to the city to expand opportunities for parking near Main Street. Large and small, we are leveraging resources to keep the area accessible and relevant.
What are the major challenges and opportunities you foresee for the CID?
Our challenges are similar to the challenges others are facing, but I think our opportunities are different. Tucker is in a good place to be a model for Metro Atlanta. For generations, Americans dined in and shopped out. Today it’s reversed. We shop in and dine out. More people work from home and delivery services have reduced the need for large retail footprints. For Tucker, the location keeps bringing opportunities for reimagining spaces. Emory Healthcare now occupies two former anchor locations at Northlake Mall and there is more focus on residential occupying vacant office spaces. All are near I-285 with access to over 200,000 commuter trips a day.
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