Peachtree Corners Circle Landscaping Project Reboots, Construction to Begin in Mid-July

of the landscaped medians.

Over the past couple of months, the City has received many questions regarding the stalled median landscape project on Peachtree Corners Circle between Peachtree Industrial Blvd. and Westchase Village Lane.

Due to delays in the project, the City would like to provide some clarity, explain delays, and provide an update on the construction.

In June of 2022, the City signed an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Gwinnett County to perform a median landscaping beautification project on a segment of Peachtree Corners Circle. This agreement was necessary given that Peachtree Corners Circle is a County maintained road.

Through the signing of the IGA, Peachtree Corners was granted permission to move forward with the project, and in turn, was given responsibility for the maintenance

Over the summer of 2022, the City worked on the design of the landscaping project and began the competitive sealed bid process in late July. Competitive sealed bidding means a method of soliciting public works construction contracts whereby the award is based upon the lowest responsive, responsible bid in conformance with the provisions of subsection (b) of Code Section 36-9121. Following the posting, the City received bids in August. The bids were opened, and the construction contract was awarded to the lowest most responsive bidder.

Following the award, a Notice to Proceed with the construction of the project was issued on November 1st, 2022. Due to weather-related delays and logistical issues, work on the project did not begin until January 23, 2023. As crews began work on the project, they became aware that the demolition of the current median was more encompassing and more challenging than anticipated by the contractor.

At that time, the contractor contacted the City and voiced the need to issue change order requests for the construction which would have increased the price of the project to a limit that was not acceptable to the City. Subsequently, the City and the contractors began renegotiating the contract and it was deemed by the contractor that it would be a change in scope for the project.

At the end of the renegotiations, it became apparent that the parties would not be able to reach an agreement, so the City and the Contractor decided that it would be best if they parted ways and canceled the current construction contract. This mutual agreement was reached in March of 2023.

Following the termination of the initial contract, the City rebid the contract for the construction of the project in mid-April. Following the required 4-week posting, the City failed to receive any bids for the construction of the project. In mid-May, the City re-engaged with the second lowest most responsive company from the original bid list and , and began discussions on the terms necessary for them to complete the project.

Following discussions and negotiations, the City and the new contractor reached an agreement for the completion of the project, which was approved by the City Council on June 27, 2023.

With this new contract in place, the City anticipates that construction will restart in mid-July. Construction will continue throughout the fall months; at which time the landscaping will be installed during the fall planting season to ensure the successful growth of all installed plants and trees.

It is currently anticipated that the project will be completed by the end of the calendar year 2023.

The City apologizes for the delay and looks forward to the completion of the Peachtree Corners Median Landscape Project which will lead to the beautification of the area roadway.

Single Use Plastics are everywhere from the water bottle on your desk to the plastic bags you use at the groceries. Some examples of Single Use Plastics are non-reusable plastic bottles, plastic silverware, plastic straws, and plastic grocery bags.

Single Use Plastics are a hazard to the environment because of the decomposition of the plastics. Most plastics are not biodegradable which means they will take a long time to break down, and in the process leave behind harsh chemicals or particles. The picture is just one of many examples of how long it takes for a plastic bottle to decompose on land. The rate at which it decomposes in the water is then multiplied exponentially increased.

Traditional plastic bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It’s a lightweight and flexible material that doesn’t decompose easily, mainly because bacteria cannot consume and break down the chemicals used in PET.

A plastic bottle made from PET takes around 450 years to decompose.

There are many ways to help prevent and help with the use of these types of plastics such as:

■ Using cloth bags when going to the grocery store.

■ Using reusable water bottles.

■ Reusable Tupperware and utensils.

■ Use a soda stream with reusable cups/personal bottles.

■ Use your own glass coffee mugs/reusable cup at the office or when going out to get coffee.

■ When at the groceries attempt to purchase items with little to no plastic materials/packaging such as loose fruits and veggies.

■ Invest in bamboo toothbrushes or degradable materials.

■ Purchase in bulk