Funding approved for Brookhaven pedestrian bridge design
The Decide DeKalb Development Authority has approved a $588,168 Urban Renewal Fund grant to help the city of Brookhaven design a pedestrian bridge over Interstate 85 that will connect Executive Park with the Peachtree Creek Greenway.
Funded through the Briarcliff North Druid Hills Tax Allocation District, the grant will cover eligible design and other preconstruction costs for the proposed 14-foot-wide bridge. The project is designed to provide an ADA-accessible route for pedestrians and bicyclists between the Emory University Executive Park campus and the regional trail network.
The proposed bridge would offer an alternative to the area’s only existing pedestrian crossing over I-85, a narrow sidewalk along the North Druid Hills Road interchange bridge.
The project has been in development since it was identified in Brookhaven’s 2020 Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The city is working with Michael Baker International on the design and coordinating with the Georgia Department of Transportation, which must approve projects spanning the interstate.
The grant represents about 31 percent of eligible design-related costs. Brookhaven is contributing funding through its Special Service District, while Emory University has committed $15 million to the project. The city is expected to seek additional Tax Allocation District funding for construction in late 2027.
Right-of-way acquisition, environmental permitting and final design are expected to continue through 2027. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028, with the bridge expected to open in 2029.
— Derek Prall
CHRIS 180 opens North Fulton counseling center
CHRIS 180 has opened a counseling center in Alpharetta, expanding access to trauma-informed behavioral health services for children, adults and families in North Fulton and surrounding communities.
The new center is located at the Fulton County Health and Human Services North facility at 4700 North Point Parkway, where CHRIS 180 will provide services as a network provider in the Fulton County Behavioral Health Network.
The counseling center will offer individual and family counseling, along with other behavioral health services, through in-person and telehealth appointments. According to the organization, licensed therapists use trauma-informed, person-centered approaches to help clients address mental health challenges, strengthen relationships and build resilience.
CHRIS 180 said the new location is intended to meet growing demand for mental health services in North Fulton by providing care closer to where families live. The North Fulton counseling center is accepting new clients.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta Chinese Dance Company debuts original dance production in August
The Atlanta Chinese Dance Company will present “Chinese American Journeys,” its first full-length production devoted entirely to original works inspired by Chinese American history and experiences, Aug. 15 and 16 at the Emory Performing Arts Studio.
The performances mark a new direction for the company, which has spent more than three decades showcasing traditional Chinese dance. The production explores themes of identity, belonging and civic engagement through three original dance dramas.
“Votes for Women” tells the story of Chinese American suffragist Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, who led a New York City voting rights march in 1912 despite being barred from citizenship under the Chinese Exclusion Act. “Ribbon Dance of Empowerment” follows a young Chinese American girl growing up in the American South, while “We Belong Here” focuses on community and resilience.
Co-Artistic Director Kerry Lee choreographed the production, blending traditional Chinese dance with contemporary dance, ballet and martial arts. The performances also feature collaborations with guest artists specializing in contemporary dance and wushu.
Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Aug. 15 and 3 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Emory Performing Arts Studio. Tickets start at $27. More information is available here.
— Derek Prall
