Comparing police pursuit policies from area cities ► PAGE 3 July 24, 2025 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | Ser ving the community since 1976
Dunwoody haggles with GDOT over bridge enhancement costs By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody City Council discussed a $2.1 million contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation for enhancements added to the planned replacement of Chamblee Dunwoody Road bridge over I-285. The bridge is being replaced as part
of the state’s plans to add express lanes to I-285. Dunwoody officials took issue with the cost of the bridge enhancements and a required 50 percent contingency, ballooning costs from less than $1.5 million to more than $2 million. Mayor Lynn Deutsch instructed Public Works Director Michael Smith to explore ways to drive down the cost and continue discussions with the state.
“The thing is, if we were getting to what we perceive as $2 million worth of value out of this, it would be no question, but we’re barely getting $1 million worth of improvements,” Deutsch said. “So that’s where we stand … but we can continue this dialogue.” Public Works Director Michael Smith said the 50 percent contingency, atypical for city contracts, is GDOT’s way of protecting itself from losing money.
Negotiations began a few years ago, and the city is waiting on final documentation from the state. “[GDOT] asked us to remove the barrier along the path on the Chamblee Dunwoody Road bridge,” Smith said. “City staff believes that it should be there, and we’re continuing to discuss that with GDOT.
See BRIDGE, Page 10
Fashioning a new future in the Village
JANE KONG PHOTOGRAPHY/PROVIDED
At left, Nida Mudd, owner of Judy & Grace Boutique at the Village in Dunwoody, struck out from her empty nest home to found her own fashion boutique within the Shops of Dunwoody in the Village. Here, Mudd stands with her six employees during the shop’s grand opening earlier this year. From left, are: Angie Houghton, Sue Benedikt, Karen Oates, Susan DiChiara, Patricia Seimetz, Mary Peterka and Jennifer Morris. See story, page 4.
ROBIN BLASS
#1 SMALL TEAM COMPANYWIDE 2024 404-403-6561 C | 770-394-2131 O RobinBlass.com
Atlanta Perimeter Office | 4848 Ashford Dunwoody Road | Atlanta, GA 30338