Roadwork plans in Roswell spark debate

ROSWELL, Ga. — A proposal to connect two dead-end roads in Roswell is getting mixed reviews from home and business owners on either side.

Currently, Sun Valley Road dead-ends into a local business, and Warsaw Road dead-ends into a town home community. Roswell transportation officials are talking about connecting the roads in the middle.

"You have these two stubs of roads that are tantalizingly close, but they just don't connect," said city Transportation Director Steve Acenbrak.

Acenbrak told Channel 2's Mike Petchenik connecting the roads will alleviate traffic congestion on Highway 9 and Mansell Road.

"There will be a great opportunity for us to add some economic impact to improve mobility," he said, adding that part of the plan calls for bike and walking trails.

Homeowners in the Regency at Mansell subdivision off Warsaw Road are concerned the proposal will have an adverse effect on their neighborhood.

"My preference and the preference of many in the neighborhood is not to proceed with the project," said Jon Schlanger, whose home is at the end of a street up against a cluster of trees. "Where we have a nice, natural area with animals we get to see and such, they'll be replacing that with a road."

Schlanger told Petchenik the city has been receptive to the neighborhood's concerns and is discussing the idea of putting in a buffer of trees. Still, Schlanger said he's concerned about what the future holds.

"Build this as if you lived right here," he said of his message to city leaders.

Matt Stein's business, G Force Racing Gear, sits in the dead end on Sun Valley Drive. He told Petchenik he's concerned about the additional traffic connecting the roads will generate.

"As long as it doesn't interfere with our business I'm fine, but I'm worried traffic flow will interfere with our day-to-day business," he said.

Acenbrak said the city will continue to work with those affected.

"Everything is on the table to help them understand that this is both important to the city and will benefit them in the long run," he said.

WSBTV