Whether gondolas will be used as part of a “last mile connectivity” plan in Dunwoody was a question raised at the March 28 council meeting where members approved spending $25,000 to fund a comprehensive plan by the the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts.

Yvonne Williams, president and CEO of the PCID, told council members the master plan that will cover that “last mile” between MARTA and riders’ final destinations will combine previous studies and plans together at a cost not to exceed $100,000. Sandy Springs has already contributed $25,000 as has the PCID. Brookhaven will also be asked to contribute $25,000, Williams said.

The money will be used to hire a consulting firm for a master connectivity plan that includes improving existing plans for a multi-use trail network as well as a cost-benefit analysis for biking, walking or other alternative modes of transportation. Recently, MARTA partnered with Uber as part of a last mile connectivity plan.

“Is there where the monorails come in? And could we have gondolas in the plan?” Council member Terry Nall asked Williams.

Possibly, Williams said, but it’s important to note that overhead transportation is not subsidized.

Nall was referring to Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul’s proposition of monorails or gondolas in that city as a way to think outside the box. Brookhaven is also exploring the idea.

Williams pointed out that shuttle services are currently used to transport people to their final stops, but the comprehensive plan could find better ways for them to be used in the future. The PCID’s Perimeter Connects program and GRTA buses may have other and better options, she said.