The Cities of Milton and Alpharetta, in partnership with the North Fulton Community Improvement District, are undertaking a strategic plan for the Windward Parkway and Highway 9 corridors. These corridors are home to major employers, shopping destinations, and thousands of residents. This strategic plan will identify potential investments in mobility, transportation, green space, and placemaking to improve the area's quality of life and economic competitiveness.
Building on the 2012 Strategic Master Plan for the Windward Parkway/Highway 9 area, this effort will consider the significant changes that have occurred within the last 10 years, both locally and nationally. These include changes in the economic market, shifts in consumer demands and preferences, and new mobility opportunities which necessitate a fresh look at the challenges and opportunities that impact development patterns, and transportation investments. As corridors planned to receive a high-capacity transit station related to the GA 400 Express Lane project and development trends moving away from automobile-dominated land uses, the Windward/Highway 9 Area requires an updated community vision and action plan.
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An updated approach to land use and transportation integration that re-imagines the areas as a walkable, multimodal transit-supportive place.
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Strategies for integrating the planned high-capacity transit station and providing first/last mile connectivity.
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An updated market study to assist developers in gaining an understanding of the type, scale, design, and location of desired development.
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A branding strategy for the area that re-creates it as a destination and improves sense of place.
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Strategies for economic development to support growth of the area and attract a talented and diverse workforce.
The project will take place over 9 months (April-December) and is comprised of four major tasks:
Task 1 – Assessment of existing conditions, review of past planning efforts and current development context, and the establishment of a Core Team to guide the planning effort, in addition to the first Community Meeting.
Task 2 – Market and Real Estate Analysis and the development of an Economic Development Strategy.
Task 3 – Development of connectivity and mobility enhancements, placemaking and branding strategy, and land use strategy with associated redevelopment sites. Task three also includes stakeholder focus group sessions.
Task 4 – Preparation of the implementation action plan, work sessions with City and North Fulton CID Staff, and development of the final planning report.
Community feedback will shape the foundation of the plan’s recommendations, therefore anyone with an interest in the future of the Study Area is strongly encouraged to participate. Engagement with the community will include a three-pronged approach made up of Community Meetings, Online Engagement and Stakeholder Focus Groups.
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Community Meetings include two in-person, interactive sessions where the general public are welcome to gather for a presentation followed by activities related to the plan process. Outcomes from community meetings include learning about Study Area assets, issues and opportunities and sharing the plan’s vision with the community. Meetings are planned for June and October.
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Online Engagement includes this project web page to disseminate project information with the community. Another component of online engagement is an employer survey which seeks to learn about employee priorities and trends. Online engagement will be concurrent throughout all phases of the plan.
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Stakeholder roundtables will be conducted as virtual 1-hour sessions with key groups of stakeholders who are directly impacted by investments and improvements to the Study Area.
