Document Dawsoncountyga_doc_31f6f10d40

DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DAWSON COUNTY, GA - 2023 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Photography Credit Dawson County Chamber of Commerce ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN iii CONTENTS 1.0 2.0 Community 3.0 Community Development 4.0 Implementation 5.0 Transportation Appendices A. 2018 List of B. Area Labor Profile for Dawson C. Summary of Comprehensive Plan Survey D. Transportation Element - Summary of Public and Stakeholder Engagement..................99 E. Transportation Element - Comprehensive List of Project F. Lumpkin Campground Corridor G. Greenways and Trails ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN iv TABLES Table 2-1. Dawson County Population Table 2-2. Dawson County Household Table 2-3. Dawson County Housing Unit Table 2-4. Dawson County Income, Home Values, Table 2-5. Dawson County Households by Income (2022, Table 2-6. Dawson County Owner Occupied Housing Units by Value (2022, Table 2-7. Dawson County Population by Age Table 2-8. Dawson County Population by Table 2-9. Dawson County Population by Table 2-10. Dawson County Population 25+ by Educational Table 2-11. Dawson County Population 15+ by Marital Status (2022) Table 2-12. Dawson County Civilian Population 16+ in Labor Force Table 2-13. Dawson County Population 16+ by Industry Table 2-14. Dawson County Employed Population 16+ by Occupation (2022) Table 2-15. Dawson County Households by Type Table 2-16. Dawson County Households by Size Table 2-17. Dawson County Households by Tenure and Mortgage Status Table 2-18. Dawson County Affordability, Mortgage, and Wealth Table 2-19. Dawson County Housing Units by Urban/Rural Status Table 2-20. Dawson County Population by Urban/Rural Status Table 2-21. Dawson County Consumer Spending Table 3-1. Dawson County Quality Community Table 3-2. Dawson County Key Population and Income Table 3-3. Dawson County Permit and Amendment Table 3-4. Technical College Certificate Graduates – Table 3-5. Technical College Diploma Graduates – Table 3-6. Technical College Degree Graduates – Table 3-7. Dawson County Critical Environmental Table 3-8. Dawson County Environmental Planning Table 3-9. State-Listed Water Bodies in Dawson Table 3-10. Dawson County Existing Land Use Table 3-11. Agricultural Conservation Character Area Land Table 3-12. Etowah Character Area Land Table 3-13. Lanier Character Area Land Table 3-14. Dawson Character Area Land Table 3-15. Hightower Character Area Land Table 3-16. North 400 Corporate Park Character Area Land Table 3-17. GA 400 Mixed Use Character Area Land Table 3-18. Rural Living Character Area Land Table 3-19. Crossroads Commercial Character Area Land Table 3-20. Suburban Living Character Area Land Uses Table 3-21. Russell Creek Character Area Land Table 3-22. Rural Village Character Area Land Table 4-1. Priority Topics for Dawson’s Future, Identified Through the SWOT Process Table 4-2. Community Needs and Opportunities ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN v TABLES Table 4-3. Mitigation Strategies Status Table 4-4. Community Work Program Table 5-1. Planning Process Table 5-2. Key Demographic Table 5-3. Employment and Wage Table 5-4. Roadway Functional Classification Table 5-5. Bridge Condition Table 5-6. Motorized Crash Table 5-7. Known Agency Partner Table 5-8. Dawson County Priority Project Table 5-9. Dawson County Improvement FIGURES Figure 2-1. Dawson County Graphic Figure 3-1. Broadband Internet Figure 3-2. Dawson County Trout Streams Figure 3-3. Dawson County Environmentally Sensitive Figure 3-4. Dawson County Existing Land Figure 3-5. Example of Agricultural Conservation Character Figure 3-6. Example of Etowah Character Figure 3-7. Example of Lanier Character Figure 3-8. Example of Dawson Character Figure 3-9. Example of Hightower Character Figure 3-10. Example of N 400 Corporate Park Character Area Figure 3-11. Example of GA 400 Mixed Use Character Figure 3-12. Example of Crossroads Commercial Character Figure 3-13. Example of Suburban Living Character Figure 3-14. Example of Russell Creek Character Area Figure 3-15. Proposed Russell Creek Reservoir Figure 3-16. Dawson County Character Figure 4-1. Dawson County Figure 5-1. Dawson County Planning Figure 5-2. Dawson County Social Vulnerability Index (2020) Figure 5-3. Roadway Functional Classification Figure 5-4. Annual Average Daily Traffic (2015) Figure 5-5. Annual Average Daily Traffic (2050) Figure 5-6. Level of Service (2015) Figure 5-7. Level of Service (2050) Figure 5-8. Bridge Condition Ratings Figure 5-9. Freight Routes Figure 5-10. Existing Zoning Figure 5-11. All Crashes (2017-2021) Figure 5-12. Fatal and Serious Injury Crashes (2017-2021) Figure 5-13. Critical Transportation Figure 5-14. Priority Project Recommendations ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1 PURPOSE The 2023 Dawson County Comprehensive Plan aims to lay out a road map for the community’s future, developed through a public process in which leaders and stakeholders make decisions about the community’s future. The Comprehensive Plan includes the community’s vision for the future, key issues, opportunities it chooses to address during the planning period, and its implementation program for achieving this vision. SCOPE This document addresses Dawson County, Georgia’s local planning requirements and community development. Some consideration has been given to the City of Dawsonville and those areas and political entities adjacent to the County that influence local conditions. Still, all the cited issues, objectives, and opportunities discussed herein focus on Dawson County. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION As a part of the planning process, Dawson County provided opportunities for public participation while preparing the comprehensive plan. This aims to ensure that citizens and other stakeholders know the planning process, are provided opportunities to comment on the local plan elements, and have adequate access to defining the community’s vision, values, priorities, goals, and policies. At a minimum, the public participation program must provide adequate notice to inform the general public of the emerging plan, provide opportunities for the public to provide written comments, and hold the required public hearings. Dawson County has a Long-Range Planning Steering Committee, contributing to the plan update. This committee is responsible for continually assessing the community’s issues beyond the current planning time frame. This Committee works with the Planning and Development Department staff to provide an additional layer of analysis of Dawson County’s land use issues. Additionally, stakeholders met from March to August 2023, and two public meetings were held in July and two in September. A user-friendly component of the public involvement process was online survey opportunities. The County hosted a public engagement opportunity during May, June, and July on growth management; this was publicized on social media and promoted by the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. INTRODUCTION ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2 The online survey asked respondents to indicate their concerns for the community, the prospects for growth and development in the area, and to prioritize local needs on housing, recreation, economic development, and natural resource protection. The survey produced 294 responses. Additionally, virtual engagement opportunities were available during the Transportation Element planning process. The first public engagement opportunity was held during June and July 2023 and focused on identifying the opportunities and challenges facing the County’s Transportation system. Participants provided feedback via a survey and interactive map regarding their priorities, project concepts, and general feedback regarding opportunities and challenges. The growth management and the transportation master plan participant comments were shared with the LRP group and contributed significantly to considering Dawson County’s values and priorities. PLAN ELEMENTS - LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS This comprehensive plan meets the requirements and intent of the Georgia Department of Community Affair’s “Minimum Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning,” as amended in 2018i, and the Georgia Planning Act of 1989. The plan must be prepared in compliance with these rules and guidelines for Dawson County to maintain its Qualified Local Government (QLG) status. State law requires that the local government update its comprehensive plan every five years. “The purpose of Minimum Standards is to provide a framework for developing, managing, and implementing local comprehensive plans at the local, regional, and state government level. They reflect an important state interest: healthy and economically vibrant county complements are vital to the state’s economic prosperity.” 1. Community Goals: The Community Goals element aims to lay a road map for the community’s future, developed through a public process involving community leaders and stakeholders in making critical decisions about the community’s future. The Community Goals are an essential part of the plan. The Community Goals must include at least one or a combination of any of the four components listed programs. • General Vision Statement: Include a general statement that paints a picture of what the community desires to become, providing a complete description of the development patterns to be encouraged within the jurisdiction. • List of Community Goals: Include a list of the community’s goals. • Community Policies: Include any policies the local government selects to provide ongoing guidance and direction to local government officials for making decisions consistent with achieving the Community Goals. • Character Areas and Defining Narrative: This option lays out more specific goals for the future of the community- by-community sub-areas, districts, or neighborhoods. 2. Needs and Opportunities: Each of the needs or opportunities the community identifies as a high priority must be followed up with corresponding implementation measures in the Community. The list must be developed by the community/stakeholders in a SWOT weaknesses, opportunities, threats) community analysis. 3. Community Work Program: This element of the comprehensive plan lays out the specific activities the community plans to undertake during the following five years to address the priority Needs and Opportunities or achieve portions of the Community Goals. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 3 HISTORIC CONTEXT Dawson County is a political jurisdiction of north Georgia encompassing 214 square miles. Historically land populated by the Cherokee, Dawson County was founded in 1857, and its County seat (and only municipality) is the City of Dawsonville. Dawson County was created by a legislative act on December 3, 1857, primarily out of Lumpkin County and smaller parts of Gilmer, Pickens, and Dawson counties. Georgia’s 119th county and the county seat of Dawsonville were named for Judge William C. Dawson, a compiler of the laws of Georgia and commander of a brigade in the Creek Indian War of 1836. Before the creation of Dawson County, the area enjoyed a rich history. Initially settled by the Cherokee Indians at about the time of the American Revolution, the river valleys were dotted with farms, orchards, and numerous modern log structures. Native Americans thrived in the area until the discovery of gold in 1829. By 1832, prospectors had overrun much of the area, and Georgia claimed the region as a new territory. In 1838, those Native Americans who had not voluntarily moved west were forcibly removed to Oklahoma along the Trail of Tears. Although absent as a people from the area for more than 180 years, the legacy of the Cherokee remains in many names found throughout Dawson County: Amicalola, which means “tumbling waters,” Etowah, Toto Creek - named for the Cherokee Toter family, and a host of other local names. Throughout the 1830s and 1840s, the area that was to become Dawson County was in the midst of the first gold rush in America. Numerous mines and mining operations were located throughout the region. Remnants of these mines and small mining projects can still be found within the county. The first census count was taken in 1859. The population was 3,856. In 1957, the Appalachian Trail was re-routed to a new endpoint about 8 miles north of AmicaIola Falls State Park, establishing the county as a major destination for outdoor recreation. At the same time, the flooding of the Chattahoochee River plain to form nearby Lake Lanier was completed, resulting in Georgia’s largest lake at 39,000 acres. With the completion of the Georgia 400 highway to Atlanta in the 1980s, the county had the major road it had lacked for a hundred and twenty years. This transportation route, Lake Lanier, Amica Iola Falls, and the development of the North Georgia Premium Outlets have helped Dawson County transition from a quiet mountain enclave to one of Georgia’s fastest-growing communities. The southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail lies in Dawson County, which, combined with the abundant reserved forest within the area, has raised the profile of outdoor recreational activities for locals and tourists alike. But commerce and industry have also grown in the region as suburban development and population growth have reached the Dawson County line. COMMUNITY VISION ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 4 COMMUNITY PROFILE Table 2-1. Dawson County Population Summary POPULATION SUMMARY DAWSON COUNTY 2010 Total Population 22,330 2020 Total Population 26,798 2020 Group Quarters 108 2022 Total Population 28,205 2022 Group Quarters 108 2027 Total Population 30,773 2022-2027 Annual Rate 1.76% 2022 Total Daytime Population 25,694 Workers 10,393 Residents 15,301 Table 2-2. Dawson County Household Summary HOUSEHOLD SUMMARY DAWSON COUNTY 2010 Households 8,433 2010 Average Household Size 2.61 2020 Total Households 10,313 2020 Average Household Size 2.59 2022 Households 10,869 2022 Average Household Size 2.59 2027 Households 11,883 2027 Average Household Size 2.58 2022-2027 Annual Rate 1.80% 2010 Families 6,390 2010 Average Family Size 2.97 2022 Families 8,048 2022 Average Family Size 2.99 2027 Families 8,776 2027 Average Family Size 2.99 2022-2027 Annual Rate 1.75% Source: Esri forecasts for 2022 and 2027. U.S. Census Bureau 2000 and 2010 decennial Census data converted by Esri into 2020 geography. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 5 Table 2-3. Dawson County Housing Unit Summary HOUSING UNIT SUMMARY DAWSON COUNTY 2000 Housing Units 7,163 Owner Occupied Housing Units 69.0% Renter Occupied Housing Units 15.7% Vacant Housing Units 15.3% 2010 Housing Units 10,425 Owner Occupied Housing Units 65.0% Renter Occupied Housing Units 15.9% Vacant Housing Units 19.1% 2020 Housing Units 11,926 Vacant Housing Units 13.5% 2022 Housing Units 12,645 Owner Occupied Housing Units 70.0% Renter Occupied Housing Units 16.0% Vacant Housing Units 14.0% 2027 Housing Units 13,825 Owner Occupied Housing Units 70.5% Renter Occupied Housing Units 15.5% Vacant Housing Units 14.0% Table 2-4. Dawson County Income, Home Values, Ages YEAR CHARACTERISTIC Median Household Income Median Home Value Median Age 2010 40.6 2022 $74,589 $289,834 43.6 2027 $90,104 $369,680 43.6 Data Note: Household population includes persons not residing in group quarters. Average Household Size is the household population divided by total households. Persons in families include the householder and persons related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. Per Capita Income represents the income received by all persons aged 15 years and over divided by the total population. Source: Esri forecasts for 2022 and 2027. U.S. Census Bureau 2000 and 2010 decennial Census data converted by Esri into 2020 geography. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 6 Table 2-5. Dawson County Households by Income (2022, 2027) 2022 HOUSHOLDS BY INCOME 2022 2027 Household Income Base 10,869 11,883 <$15,000 4.6% 3.2% $15,000 - $24,999 6.5% 4.5% $25,000 - $34,999 6.0% 5.0% $35,000 - $49,999 12.4% 10.2% $50,000 - $74,999 20.6% 18.9% $75,000 - $99,999 12.2% 12.3% $100,000 - $149,999 19.1% 22.2% $150,000 - $199,999 8.4% 11.4% $200,000+ 10.1% 12.3% Average Household Income $109,542 $128,144 Table 2-6. Dawson County Owner Occupied Housing Units by Value (2022, 2027) OWNER OCCUPIED UNITS BY VALUE 2022 2027 Total 8,852 9,742 <$50,000 3.5% 1.7% $50,000 - $99,999 2.5% 1.0% $100,000 - $149,999 4.6% 2.0% $150,000 - $199,999 12.3% 8.3% $200,000 - $249,999 18.3% 16.9% $250,000 - $299,999 10.9% 11.4% $300,000 - $399,999 10.8% 12.5% $400,000 - $499,999 11.8% 14.2% $500,000 - $749,999 15.0% 19.1% $750,000 - $999,999 4.2% 5.8% $1,000,000 - $1,499,999 1.0% 1.2% $1,500,000 - $1,999,999 2.3% 2.5% $2,000,000 + 2.7% 3.3% Average Home Value $436,644 $499,500 Data Note: Income represents the preceding year, expressed in current dollars. Household income includes wage and salary earnings, interest dividends, net rents, pensions, 551 and welfare payments, child support, and alimony. Source: Esri forecasts for 2022 and 2027. U.S. Census Bureau 2000 and 2010 decennial Census data converted by Esri into 2020 geography. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 7 Table 2-7. Dawson County Population by Age AGE GROUPING YEAR 2010 2022 2027 0-4 5.7% 5.0% 5.0% 5-9 6.5% 5.5% 5.4% 10 -14 6.8% 5.9% 5.9% 15 -24 12.1% 10.2% 9.9% 25 -34 11.5% 12.6% 10.6% 35 -44 13.6% 12.5% 13.8% 45 -54 15.3% 12.7% 12.4% 55 -64 14.5% 14.6% 13.7% 65 -74 9.6% 13.8% 13.2% 75 -84 3.7% 6.0% 8.5% 85 + 0.8% 1.2% 1.6% 18 + 77.2% 80.3% 80.4% Total 22,330 28,205 30,773 Table 2-8. Dawson County Population by Sex CATEGORY YEAR 2010 2022 2027 Males 11,164 14,144 15,448 Females 11,166 14,061 15,325 Table 2-9. Dawson County Population by Race/Ethnicity RACE/ETHNICITY YEAR 2010 2020 2022 2027 Total 22,330 26,798 28,205 30,773 White Alone 95.6% 89.0% 88.6% 87.8% Black Alone 0.5% 0.8% 0.7% 0.7% American Indian Alone 0.4% 0.3% 0.3% 0.3% Asian Alone 0.6% 0.9% 0.8% 0.8% Pacific Islander Alone 0.0% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% Some Other Race Alone 1.6% 2.5% 2.6% 2.7% Two or More Races 1.4% 6.4% 6.8% 7.6% Hispanic Origin 4.1% 6.0% 6.1% 6.3% Diversity Index 15.8 29.3 30.0 31.5 Data Note: Persons of Hispanic Origin may be of any race. The Diversity Index measures the probability that two people from the same area will be from different race/ethnic groups. Source: Esri forecasts for 2022 and 2027. U.S. Census Bureau 2000 and 2010 decennial Census data converted by Esri into 2020 geography. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 8 Table 2-10. Dawson County Population 25+ by Educational Attainment EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT DAWSON COUNTY Total 20,709 Less than 9th Grade 3.0% 9th - 12th Grade, No Diploma 7.6% High School Graduate 23.2% GED/ Alternative Credential 5.9% Some College, No Degree 19.2% Associate Degree 7.0% Bachelor's Degree 21.8% Graduate/Professional Degree 12.4% Table 2-11. Dawson County Population 15+ by Marital Status (2022) MARITAL STATUS DAWSON COUNTY Total 23,593 Never Married 24.2% Married 59.5% Widowed 5.0% Divorced 11.2% Table 2-12. Dawson County Civilian Population 16+ in Labor Force (2022) LABOR STATUS DAWSON COUNTY Civilian Population 16+ 13,359 Population 16+ Employed 96.9% Population 16+ Unemployment rate 3.1% Population 16-24 Employed 12.9% Population 16-24 Unemployment rate 5.2% Population 25-54 Employed 62.2% Population 25-54 Unemployment rate 3.4% Population 55-64 Employed 17.5% Population 55-64 Unemployment rate 1.3% Population 65+ Employed 7.4% Population 65+ Unemployment rate 0.6% Source: Esri forecasts for 2022 and 2027. U.S. Census Bureau 2000 and 2010 decennial Census data converted by Esri into 2020 geography. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 9 Table 2-13. Dawson County Population 16+ by Industry (2022) INDUSTRY TYPE DAWSON COUNTY Total 12,948 Agriculture/Mining 2.6% Construction 10.2% Manufacturing 10.0% Wholesale Trade 4.0% Retail Trade 11.8% Transportation/Utilities 9.1% Information 1.4% Finance/Insurance/Real Estate 5.8% Services 42.5% Public Administration 2.6% Table 2-14. Dawson County Employed Population 16+ by Occupation (2022) INDUSTRY TYPE DAWSON COUNTY Total 12,948 White Collar 62.8% Management/Business/Financial 21.9% Professional 19.3% Sales 11.8% Administrative Support 9.8% Services 10.5% Blue Collar 26.7% Farming/Forestry/Fishing 0.7% Construction/Extraction 6.3% Installation/Maintenance/Repair 4.7% Production 5.1% Transportation/Material Moving 9.9% Source: Esri forecasts for 2022 and 2027. U.S. Census Bureau 2000 and 2010 decennial Census data converted by Esri into 2020 geography. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 10 Table 2-15. Dawson County Households by Type (2010) TYPE DAWSON COUNTY Total 8,433 Households with 1 Person 19.7% Households with 2+ People 80.3% Family Households 75.8% Husband-wife Families 61.7% With Related Children 24.2% Other Family (No Spouse Present) 14.1% Other Family with Male Householder 4.6% With Related Children 2.6% Other Family with Female Householder 9.5% With Related Children 5.7% Nonfamily Households 4.6% All Households with Children 33.0% Multigenerational Households 4.6% Unmarried Partner Households 5.0% Male-female 4.3% Same-sex 0.7% Table 2-16. Dawson County Households by Size (2010) SIZE DAWSON COUNTY Total 8,433 1 Person Household 19.7% 2 Person Household 39.7% 3 Person Household 16.6% 4 Person Household 14.0% 5 Person Household 6.4% 6 Person Household 2.2% 7 + Person Household 1.5% Table 2-17. Dawson County Households by Tenure and Mortgage Status (2010) TYPE DAWSON COUNTY Total 8,433 Owner Occupied 80.3% Owned with a Mortgage/Loan 57.9% Owned Free and Clear 22.5% Renter Occupied 19.7% Source: Esri forecasts for 2022 and 2027. U.S. Census Bureau 2000 and 2010 decennial Census data converted by Esri into 2020 geography. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 11 Table 2-18. Dawson County Affordability, Mortgage, and Wealth (2022) CHARACTERISTIC DAWSON COUNTY Housing Affordability Index 120 Percent of Income for Mortgage 20.5% Wealth Index 127 Table 2-19. Dawson County Housing Units by Urban/Rural Status (2010) UNITS DAWSON COUNTY Total Housing Units 10,425 Housing Units Inside Urbanized Area 16.9% Housing Units Inside Urbanized Cluster 0.0% Rural Housing Units 83.1% Table 2-20. Dawson County Population by Urban/Rural Status (2010) POPULATION DAWSON COUNTY Total Population 22,330 Population Inside Urbanized Area 19.7% Population Inside Urbanized Cluster 0.0% Rural Population 80.3% Data Note: Households with children include any households with people under age 18, related or not. Mulligenerational households are families with 3 or more parent/child relationships, Unmarried partner households are usually classified as nonfamily households unless there is another member of the household related to the householder. Multigenerational and unmarried partner households are reported only to the tract level. Esri estimated block group data, which is used to estimate polygons or non-standard geography. Source: Esri forecasts for 2022 and 2027. U.S. Census Bureau 2000 and 2010 decennial Census data converted by Esri into 2020 geography. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 12 Table 2-21. Dawson County Consumer Spending (2022) TYPE DAWSON COUNTY Apparel & Services: Total $ $26,818,675 Average Spent $2,467.45 Spending Potential Index 102 Education: Total$ $19,646,760 Average Spent $1,807.60 Spending Potential Index 92 Entertainment/Recreation: Total $ $42,971,388 Average Spent $3,953.57 Spending Potential Index 108 Food at Home: Total $ $71,472,597 Average Spent $6,575.82 Spending Potential Index 106 Food Away from Home: Total $ $48,730,457 Average Spent $4,483.44 Spending Potential Index 104 Health Care: Total $ $87,265,794 Average Spent $8,028.87 Spending Potential Index 113 HH Furnishings & Equipment: Total $ $29,935,484 Average Spent $2,754.21 Spending Potential Index 107 Personal Care Products & Services: Total $ $11,535,333 Average Spent $1,061.31 Spending Potential Index 104 Shelter: Total $ $243,638,939 Average Spent $22,415.95 Spending Potential Index 98 Support Payments/Cash Contributions/Gifts in Kind: Total $ $33,753,409 Average Spent $3,105.48 Spending Potential Index 114 Travel: Total $ $32,491,151 Average Spent $2,989.34 Spending Potential Index 104 Vehicle Maintenance & Repairs: Total $ $15,103,199 Average Spent $1,389.57 Spending Potential Index 110 Source: Esri forecasts for 2022 and 2027. U.S. Census Bureau 2000 and 2010 decennial Census data converted by Esri into 2020 geography. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 13 GRAPHIC PROFILE Figure 2-1. Dawson County Graphic Profile ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 14 VISION STATEMENT The Minimum Standards and Requirements for Local Comprehensive Planning defines a community vision as “ .intended to paint a picture of what the community desires to become, providing a complete description of the development patterns to be encouraged within the jurisdiction.” Discussions with stakeholders, as well as public engagement, revealed common themes that contributed to the vision statement for Dawson County. These elements were considered valuable to Dawson County’s identity, and all other aspects would build from their principles: Sustainability growth management, development with the continued mindset of the community, keep Dawson County beautiful (lakes, rivers, farmland), sustainability as we progress (keep economics in mind, farms can continue), balance, financial, growth, rural, small-town life, mountains, farmland, home, unique, family, down-to- earth, local, nature, transitioning. Dawson County will foster a growth strategy that is sustainable, respects the natural environment, and balances beneficial economic expansion, diverse housing, and job opportunities to support and enhance quality of life and prosperity. Quality of Life. Dawson County will remain an inclusive community with natural environments, agritourism events, economic prosperity, social stability, educational opportunities, and cultural, entertainment, and recreation possibilities. True Livability. Dawson County will foster a balanced growth of various multi-generational lifestyle choices responsibly planned, connected, and supported with appropriate infrastructure and services for suburban and rural living. Prosperity. Dawson County will continue to thrive by supporting existing agribusiness, ecotourism, and businesses and fostering a sustainable pro-technology and healthcare business environment so companies can grow or choose to locate in Dawson County, thus facilitating a balance of jobs and housing to further a more balanced tax base. Distinctive Character. Dawson County will respect and be sensitive to our agricultural history and legacy in designated federal, state, and local recreational sites, in the auto racing community, and within the culture and resources that define our sense of place. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 15 AREAS REQUIRING SPECIAL ATTENTION Georgia Department of Community Affairs has identified the following seven special conditions and requires that they be addressed where they exist within the community: • Natural or cultural resources. • Areas where rapid development or land use change is likely to occur. • Areas where the pace of development has and may outpace the availability of community facilities and services. • Areas needing redevelopment and significant improvements to aesthetics or attractiveness. (not applicable) • Large abandoned structures or sites. (not applicable) • Infill development opportunities. (not applicable) • Areas of significant disinvestment, levels of poverty, and substantially higher unemployment. (not applicable) Areas of significant natural or cultural resources: Dawson County contains numerous state waters, which are valuable natural resources and have been identified in the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Map. Areas where rapid development or change of land use is likely to occur: 1. Adjacent to the City of Dawsonville city limits 2. Dawson Forest Road 3. GA400 corridor; and 4. Southern boundary with County Areas where the pace of development has and may outpace the availabllity of community facillties and services: 1. Lumpkin Campground Road 2. Highway 53 E COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 16 In areas that have experienced significant growth, the realities of what the community can control must be considered. Dawson County maintains a series of planning documents to facilitate a proactive approach to the future, many of which have recently or will soon be undergoing an update. Each of these plans should be compatible, which requires an ongoing process of reviewing trends and policy changes in each document and calibrating plans each time they are updated. QUALITY COMMUNITY OBJECTIVES The Department of Community Affairs has identified Quality Community Objectives (QCOs) as value statements of the development patterns and options that will help Georgia preserve unique cultural, natural, and historic resources while looking to the future and developing sustainably. Table 3-1. Dawson County Quality Community Objectives QUALITY COMMUNITY OBJECTIVES ECONOMIC PROSPERITY RESOURCE MGMT EFFICIENT LAND USE LOCAL PREPAREDNESS SENSE OF PLACE REGIONAL COOPERATION HOUSING OPTIONS TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS COMMUNITY HEALTH Dawson County X X X X X X X X X X Economic Prosperity Dawson County encourages developing or expanding businesses and industries suitable for the community. The county supports the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, the Development Authority, and the Industrial Building Authority. The 2023 comprehensive plan update supports an economic base of commercial, office, and light industrial development. Dawson County strives to make the most efficient use of its financial resources. Dawson County uses a 5-year capital improvement plan; the plan also encompasses SPLOST funding, which can last up to 6 years. The County has four primary sources of financing for long-range planning: General Fund, SPLOST Fund, Capital Projects Fund, and Impact Fees Fund. Combining all these sources makes up the available funding for the Capital Projects Plan. SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) is the largest funding source. SPLOST VII was approved in 2021 and will fund (six-year) capital projects. Table 3-2. Dawson County Key Population and Income Statistics YEAR POPULATION PERSONAL INCOME UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 2018 25,083 $43,380 3.3% 2019 26,108 $45,201 2.4% 2020 26,108 $46,278 2.8% 2021 26,798 $48,170 1.9% 2022 30,138 $53,996 2.3% ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 17 Approximately 90% of the County’s population resides in the county’s unincorporated portion, with the remaining 10% living in the single municipality, the City of Dawsonville. The County’s largest employer is North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall, which attracts many visitors from the Atlanta metro area and surrounding counties. Dawson County Board of Education and WalMart retail are the second and third largest employers. Dawson County has a significantly higher rate of retail employment and accommodation and food services as a percentage of its total employment. The total number of land use applications (rezoning), new home permits, and business licenses issued during the planning time frame illustrate the continuing growth in the County. Table 3-3. Dawson County Permit and Amendment Statistics YEAR LAND USE AMENDMENTS NEW HOME BUILDING PERMITS OCCUPATIONAL LICENSES ISSUED 2018 7 382 1,956 2019 24 331 2,074 2020 27 295 2,035 2021 30 484 2,223 2022 33 815 1,540 Resource Management Dawson County promotes the efficient use of natural resources and identifies and protects environmentally sensitive areas of the community. Dawson County coordinates with the local USDA/NRCS to ensure stream and lake protection compliance during land disturbance activities. In 2023, the County amended the land use code to provide a 50-foot buffer from streams, greater than the minimum state requirement of 25 feet. Efficient Land Use This will be achieved by requiring the development or redevelopment of sites closer to the community’s core and designing new housing products to minimize the amount of land consumed. Land use regulation occurs in two ways. First, the Character Area policies for evaluating land use requests. Second, land use regulations and subdivision regulations to maintain infrastructure, open space, agricultural, forestry, or conservation uses. Growth is happening all across the County, residentially and commercially. This growth has a significant impact on the services the County must provide. This growth pattern is expected to continue through FY 2023 and beyond. Dawson County is expected to continue seeing consistent local economic improvement and steady real estate growth trends in the next few years. This population growth continues to impact all service levels needed in the County. Local Preparedness Dawson County leadership and staff proactively address community needs. Resources have been or are being expended on the following: • Greenway and Trails Master Plan (2021) • Fiscal Impact of Land Use in Dawson County (2021) • Land Use Regulations (2023) • Comprehensive Plan (2023 update) • Comprehensive Transportation Plan (2023) • Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update (2025) • Hazard Mitigation Plan (2023-24 update) • Capital Improvements Element (2023-24 update) • Impact Fee Schedule (2023-24 update) • Economic Strategic Plan (2021) • Lumpkin Campground Corridor Study (2023) ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 18 Sense of Place Dawson County leaders endeavor to protect and enhance the community’s unique qualities. Promote housing products compatible with the community’s traditional features; expand parkland that supports the area’s rural character; and protect scenic and natural elements essential to defining the community’s character. Regional Cooperation Dawson County participates in regional organizations, identifying joint projects that may result in greater efficiency and less cost to the taxpayer and collaborative solutions for regional issues such as protecting shared natural resources and developing the transportation network. This 2023 comprehensive plan provides a policy guide for the County, the City of Dawsonville, NRCS, the Chamber of Commerce, commercial developers, GDOT, DNR, and other agencies that can see that the county has designated areas for future growth and rural preservation. Housing Options Dawson County’s land use regulations and enforcement of the International Building Codes promote a range of safe, affordable, inclusive, and energy efficient housing in the community. As the county grows, there will be opportunities for instituting programs to provide housing for residents of all socio-economic backgrounds. At present, there are opportunities for infill housing throughout Dawson County. There currently is a lack of housing and the desire to preserve rural estate housing choices. Additionally, there is a different opinion over the desirability of townhomes and apartments. Transportation Options This 2023 comprehensive plan update includes a Transportation Element. Dawson County’s transportation system consists primarily of state highways and county-maintained roads. US Highway 19 (better known as Georgia 400) and State highways 9, 52, 53, 136, and 183 are major transportation routes that carry most passenger and commercial traffic in and out of Dawson County. Congestion in these transportation corridors creates traffic problems, primarily because of population growth. In addition, Dawson Forest Road, Kelly Bridge Road, and Lumpkin Campground Road are major county- maintained corridors. Dawson County has one privately owned airport (Elliott Field). There has never been a passenger or freight railroad located within Dawson County. Residents’ transportation needs, challenges, and opportunities may be achieved by fostering alternatives to transportation by automobile, including walking, cycling, and transit; employing traffic calming measures throughout the community; requiring adequate connectivity between adjoining developments; and coordinating transportation and land use decision-making within the community. One of the significant issues identified in the 2023 Transportation Plan was funding for active transportation projects. This 2023 comprehensive plan also uncludes a Lumpkin Campground corridor study. Educational Opportunities Dawson County supports educational and training opportunities to enable all community residents to improve their job skills, adapt to technological advances, or pursue life ambitions. Dawson County contains seven schools. Dawson County continues partnerships with post-secondary educational institutions, the Chamber of Commerce, Development Authorities, and other stakeholders such as the Department of Labor and GMRC to provide training opportunities. Table 3-4. Technical College Certificate Graduates - 2022 PROGRAMS TOTAL GRADUATES PERCENT CHANGE 2020 2021 2022 2020-2021 2021-2022 Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General 128 95 111 -25.8 16.8 Child Care Provider/Assistant 103 115 103 11.7 -10.4 Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide 82 101 103 23.2 2.0 Welding Technology/Welder 191 245 94 28.3 -61.6 Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology 152 109 79 -28.3 -27.5 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 19 Table 3-4. Technical College Certificate Graduates - 2022, continued PROGRAMS TOTAL GRADUATES PERCENT CHANGE 2020 2021 2022 2020-2021 2021-2022 Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology 149 67 68 -55.0 1.5 Aesthelician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist 33 30 54 -9.1 80.0 Medical Office Assistant/Specialist 75 60 52 -20.0 -13.3 Business Administration and Management, General 49 103 44 110.2 -57.3 Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing 31 44 38 41.9 -13.6 Source: GMRC Table 3-5. Technical College Diploma Graduates - 2022 PROGRAMS TOTAL GRADUATES PERCENT CHANGE 2020 2021 2022 2020-2021 2021-2022 Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General 58 44 45 -24.1 2.3 Business Administration and Management, General 26 41 39 57.7 -4.9 Medical/Clinical Assistant 57 40 36 -29.8 -10.0 Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training 34 25 30 -26.5 20.0 Welding Technology/Welder 41 31 25 -24.4 -19.4 Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping 30 20 22 -33.3 10.0 Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology 48 56 19 16.7 -66.1 Early Childhood Education and Teaching 18 20 17 11.1 -15.0 Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology 24 12 13 -50.0 8.3 Criminal Justice/Safety Studies 13 11 11 -15.4 0.0 Source: GMRC; Note - Please visit TCSG website for any college configuration changes. Table 3-6. Technical College Degree Graduates - 2022 PROGRAMS TOTAL GRADUATES PERCENT CHANGE 2020 2021 2022 2020-2021 2021-2022 Business Administration and Management, General 42 52 47 23.8 -9.6 Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping 28 38 26 35.7 -31.6 Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology 28 22 23 -21.4 4.5 Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer 17 19 17 11.8 -10.5 Early Childhood Education and Teaching 14 28 15 100.0 -46.4 Interior Design 9 13 14 44.4 7.7 Design and Visual Communications, General 8 1 11 -87.5 1000.0 Criminal Justice/Safety Studies 13 16 11 23.1 -31.3 Surgical Techology/Technologist 8 7 11 -12.5 57.1 Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology 15 11 9 -26.7 -18.2 Source: GMRC ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 20 Community Health Ensure that all community residents, regardless of age, ability, or income, access critical goods and services, safe and clean neighborhoods, and good work opportunities. There are primary care facilities within Dawson County and a public health care facility in downtown Dawsonville. Dawson County will have greater access to care close to home as the Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) expands its facilities on the GA400. Additionally, the Dawson County Family Connection provides mental health and behavioral assistance, and the community-based Shepard’s Clinic offers an expanded range of services, including general medical care, primary dental care, women’s Wellness screening, prescription assistance, eye exams and glasses, information, referral, and advocacy for health and support services. 1. Mental and Behavioral Health - Dawsonville has the unfortunate distinction of being one of the top counties in our region where the most deaths due to suicide or drug/alcohol poisoning occur. Some efforts are happening locally to improve mental and behavioral health. 2. Social Needs/Unite Us (transportation, housing) - The county has a senior transit program meeting some of the community’s social needs, which research shows impacts overall health. Research supports that as much as 80% of a person’s well-being is tied to physical environment, economic factors, and health behaviors. Unemployment, food insecurity, poor housing, and transportation are detrimental to overall health. 3. Healthy Behaviors - While many factors influence health, obesity can lead to chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. 25.6% of adults in Dawson County have a BMI over 30. By impacting healthier lifestyle choices regarding diet and exercise, future health issues may be avoided, and more excellent quality of life can be achieved. This affects the individual and their family and has ripple effects on the economy regarding a healthy workforce. NGHS analyzes community health data to identify geographical hotspots or areas throughout the region where unhealthy behaviors have led to poor health outcomes. This tactic will allow for health education to be tailored to serve audiences better and improve health. NGHS will also start a microgrants program to help support community organizations working to decrease health disparities by providing small grants to promote and develop healthy behaviors across the region. BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS Dawson County has identified broadband as an essential infrastructure. Access to reliable, high-speed, affordable internet connections is a vital economic tool. Dawson County was designated a “Broadband Ready Community” in August 2021. Dawson County has 3,528 households “unserved” by broadband, representing 22% of the total households. In assessing Dawson County’s 2023 access to higher-grade broadband, those who completed public input surveys revealed the condition and availability of existing internet service providers. The majority provider within the region is for which service ratings were considered average. and Comcast provide primary commercial service in the GA 400 corridor, along westward arterial roads, and various routes throughout Dawson County. The North Georgia Network (NGN) is an incorporated cooperative providing a regional fiber optic system with over 1,600 linear miles of infrastructure. The NGN provides infrastructure connecting regional institutions and businesses throughout the northeast Georgia mountains. Dawson County supports improvement programs to expand local network connectivity and enhance network capacity in preparation for growth and increased demand for internet services. Figure 3-1. Broadband Internet Access ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 21 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Local comprehensive plans in Georgia must include an assessment of compliance and consideration for the appropriate regional water plans. Each community must review the Regional Water Plan covering its area and the Rules for nvironmental Planning Criteria to determine if there is a need to adapt local implementation practices or development regulations to address the protection of these critical natural resources. The community must certify that it has considered the Regional Water Plan and the Rules for Environmental Planning Criteria when it transmits the plan to the Regional Commission for review. The following is provided as a simplified assessment of critical environmental conditions in effect in Dawson County. Table 3-7. Dawson County Critical Environmental Conditions CLEAN WATER ACT COMPLIANCE YES Any “not supporting” 303(d) listed waterbodies? If yes, these waterbodies have been found contaminated to the extent that they are not considered to support their designated use. As such, the local community should seek to manage land uses within the watershed so as to yield healthier water quality. YES Any 305(b) listed waterbodies? NO If yes, do the Implementation Plans/Watershed Plans require any outstanding. actions from the local government? Several listed stream segments within Dawson County are below minimum criteria for the use - predominantly due to fecal coliform (bacteria) and sedimentation. However, the County, the City of Dawsonville, and other area stakeholders have worked to improve water resource stewardship practices and quality standards. Regional partners such as the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeepers, Upper Etowah River Alliance, and North Georgia Water Partnership can assist the County with monitoring best management practices needed and employed in the area and aid in local resource management. The County must work with these entities, the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority, and others to address the water quality of local streams, rivers, and Lake Lanier. Table 3-8. Dawson County Environmental Planning Criteria ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING CRITERIA YES WATER SUPPLY WATERSHEDS MINIMUM REGULATIONS IN PLACE? YES YES WETLANDS MINIMUM REGULATIONS IN PLACE? YES YES GROUNDWATER RECHARGE AREAS MINIMUM REGULATIONS IN PLACE? YES YES PROTECTED RIVER CORRIDORS MINIMUM REGULATIONS IN PLACE? YES NO STEEP SLOPES MINIMUM REGULATIONS IN PLACE? N/A NO PROTECTED MOUNTAINS MINIMUM REGULATIONS IN PLACE? N/A NO COASTAL AREAS MINIMUM REGULATIONS IN PLACE? N/A ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 22 Table 3-9. State-Listed Water Bodies in Dawson County NAME LOCATION BASIN MILES Taylor Creek Headwaters to Lake Lanier Chattahoochee 3.7 Toto Creek Headwaters to Lake Lanier Chattahoochee 1.2 Burt Creek Headwaters to Shoal Creek Coosa 5.1 Shoal Creek Headwaters to Flat Creek Coosa 8.4 Sweetwater Creek Headwaters to Shoal Creek Coosa 3.8 Etowah River Proctor Creek to Black Mill Creek Coosa 6.5 Palmer Creek Headwaters to Etowah River Coosa 5.3 Black Mill Creek Headwaters to Etowah River Coosa 4.7 Cochrans Creek Gab Creek to AmicaIola Creek Coosa 5.5 Holly Creek Headwaters to AmicaIola Creek Coosa 3.5 Little Amicalola Creek Headwaters to AmicaIola Creek Coosa 7.1 Amicalola Creek Headwaters to Lake Fausett Coosa 5.2 Amicalola Creek Faucett Lake to Etowah River Coosa 24.7 Tributary to Little Amicalola Creek Lake Laurel to Little Amicalola Creek Coosa 1.3 Tributary #2 to Little Amicalola Creek Headwaters to Amicalola Lake Coosa 2.1 Cochrans Creek Rome Kraft Co. Lake to Gab Creek Coosa 3.7 Yellow Creek Headwaters to Etowah River Coosa 10.5 Etowah River Amica Iola Creek to Yellow Creek Coosa 5.2 Etowah River Yellow Creek to Brewton Creek Coosa 3.8 Source: Georgia EPD, 2023 Trout Waters in Dawson County • Amicalola Creek watershed upstream from GA Hwy 53 • Anderson Creek watershed • Long Swamp Creek watershed • Nimblewill Creek watershed • Shoal Creek watershed upstream from the mouth of Burt Creek • Sweetwater Creek watershed • Amicalola Creek and Shoal Creek start as trout but transition to non-trout waters. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 23 Figure 3-2. Dawson County Trout Streams ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 24 Lakes and Rivers Lake Lanier - At 39,000 acres, Lake Lanier is the largest lake in Georgia and offers exciting outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, boating, swimming, and other water sports. Amicalola River - The Amicalola, Dawson County’s premier whitewater stream, is one of the top whitewater rivers in the southeast. The upper section is nearly 10 miles of continuous fast water, punctuated by small, manageable class II up to class IV rapids. The Lower Amicalola is a serious whitewater stream, with class II-IV+ rapids and enough volume to challenge the most experienced whitewater enthusiast, including the famous “Edge of the World” rapid. Etowah River - In its upper reaches, the Etowah River is a foothills and mountain stream, with small, class I and II rapids and secluded, pastoral surroundings comprised of farms, fields, and low ridges. The lower Etowah runs through the sprawling Dawson Forest Wildlife Management area, offering a more remote experience for boaters. Ninety-one species of native fishes had been recorded in the Etowah and its tributaries, with five fish species common to the river. Fifteen fish species and most of the mussels are believed to be extirpated. Eight fish species (including five darters and a new species discovered in 2020) are federally listed as threatened or endangered. Amicalola Falls State Park - Amicalola Falls State Park offers a variety of trails to visitors, including a less challenging path designed for disabled visitors that makes the Falls Trail accessible to almost everyone. The approach trail to the start of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain begins near the Amicalola Falls Lodge. Amicalola Riverside Nature Trail - ADA Compliant. The great outdoors is accessible to everyone, even those with physical disabilities. The Amicalola Riverside Nature Trail is ADA-compliant and provides access to viewing, fishing, canoe launch areas, and a river’s edge trail. Dawson Forest - Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area (Dawson Forest WMA) comprises more than 25,000 acres of diverse terrain, ranging from foothills and mountain valleys to high country ridges and river gorges. Two rivers and several major streams meander through the WMA, adding another scenic element to a trail system rich with flora, fauna, and unique topography. Three major sections of the WMA (Eastern Wildcat Tract, Western Wildcat Tract, and the Dawson Forest City of Atlanta Tract) have miles of marked improved trails, unnamed backcountry trails, and old singl e -track roadbeds available for public use. Hikers, cyclists, equestrian visitors, hunters, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts use the system without conflict. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources regulates trail use and access through specific policies allowing for restricted horse or mountain bike travel during hunting season to ensure public safety. War Hill Park - War Hill Park is a large park and campground on the north end of Lake Lanier. The park is located on War Hill Park Road, off Hwy 53 East, and consists of 14 primitive campsites, day-use areas, a bathhouse (restrooms and showers), and four boat ramps. As part of this plan update, staff has reviewed the Coosa-North Georgia Water Plan, the Georgia Mountains Regional Plan, and the Georgia State Rules for Environmental Planning Criteria (OCGA 12-2-8) and considered them. No conflicts were identified between this plan and those documents. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 25 Figure 3-3. Dawson County Environmentally Sensitive Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 26 LAND USE ASSESSMENT Land use management policies and programs represent strategies for development patterns that provide sustainable growth while protecting sensitive environmental areas. This section presents an inventory of existing land use patterns and development trends for the community to produce the most effective policies needed to manage the demands of projected development. The rural corridors will feature some change, but this should be focused on nodal intersections while preserving the integrity of the roadways for through traffic. Outlying portions of the County will feature more agricultural activities, minimizing environmental impacts and capital improvement costs outside the suburbanized areas. Concentrating the densities and activities adjacent to the City of Dawsonville and adjacent to the GA400 corridor will preserve the rural character of Dawson County as identified within the comprehensive plan. Commercial development outside the GA400 corridor or downtown Dawsonville should be clustered around prominent intersections, smaller scale, and intensity with a small-town feel, serving local needs. Commercial and public activity centers should be reserved for nodal locations at the intersection of arterial roadways. Maximizing the infrastructure while preserving the traffic flow, minimizing the number of curb cuts along arterials or traffic flow on collector roads. Master-planned office parks for sustainable industries and technology are envisioned for the northern section of the GA400. High-density residential should be considered as part of mixed-use developments. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 27 Analysis of Existing Development Patterns An analysis of existing development patterns provides an understanding of the use of land at a specific point in time. An existing land use map is a tool for understanding what land uses exist and where. Dawson County supports a land use plan that protects environmentally sensitive areas and agricultural enterprises, maintains open-space preservation, integrates employment centers, and safely connects future and existing developments. Table 3-7 summarizes the estimated acreage of the county’s land dedicated to certain land uses. Dawson County is 214 square miles and contains one municipality - the City of Dawsonville. Table 3-10. Dawson County Existing Land Use Acreage EXISTING LAND USE TOTAL ACREAGE Restaurant/Fast Food 167.7 Multi-family Residential 93.5 Arts, Entertainment, Recreation 652.0 Storage, Warehouse, Distribution 184.7 Heavy Manufacturing 8.0 Light Industrial 298.4 Mini Warehouse - Storage 104.1 Office Building, Finance 176.2 Medical Office/Healthcare 15.0 Public Schools 58.2 Churches 250.2 Private Residential Recreation 2,015.4 Commercial Retail 266.0 Services 852.7 Government 107.8 Dawson County has a considerably higher rate of retail employment and accommodation and food services as a percentage of its total employment. The services category includes acreage owned by the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 28 Figure 3-4. Dawson County Existing Land Uses ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 29 Overlay Districts In addition to the Character Areas, Dawson County also utilizes overlay regulations to shape certain development conditions. Overlay districts do not govern the uses within but instead serve as a complementary set of guidelines or standards for development in certain areas. Dawson County is showing these here both for the benefit of agencies and developers within the area and to show how these districts work within the framework of the comprehensive development strategy. Georgia 400 Overlay District {North and South) This overlay district is divided into northern and southern portions, each with its own character area. State Vital Areas This consists of resource protection districts established under environmental planning criteria of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Of the natural conditions listed under the DNR criteria, those listed below can be found within Dawson County, so this district is used to recognize the general locations of each. Properties within this overlay should be reviewed for the presence of one or more of the State’s Vital Areas, and development should comply with the guidelines directed by the State to protect these natural resources. Water Supply Watershed Protection These areas establish buffer requirements, impervious surface setbacks, and overall impervious surface limitations for watersheds (for more information, see the natural resources element of the comprehensive plan). This district establishes protection criteria that apply upstream of the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority’s intake on the Etowah River Uust below Georgia 53). Dawson County has adopted regulations to implement the state’s environmental planning criteria for water supply watersheds. Groundwater Recharge Areas One Groundwater Recharge Area is located in Dawson County - an area straddling the County-Dawson County line west of Georgia 9. In this area, lot sizes are established for on-site septic use to ensure groundwater is not adversely affected by development. Dawson County has adopted regulations to implement the state environmental planning criteria for protecting groundwater recharge areas. River Corridor Protection The Etowah River, which reaches the regulatory threshold of 400 cubic feet per second (cfs) below Georgia 9, is subject to these rules, establishing a minimum two-acre lot size and a 100-foot buffer on both sides of the river. While not required by state rules, the land use element update shows the entire river in Dawson County as “protected.” given the sensitivity of this corridor with regard to habitat for sensitive or endangered species. In addition, the future land use plan designates the west side of the Etowah River as an agricultural belt. The County has adopted regulations to implement the required environmental planning criteria for river protection. Wetlands Protection The state criteria do not specify regulations to be adopted. Still, they require Wetlands to be identified (see Natural Resources element of the Comprehensive Plan) and the impacts of the land use plan on Wetlands to be identified. Dawson County has adopted regulations to implement wetlands protection. Mountain Protection This overlay district applies to land areas with an elevation of 2,200 or more and with slopes of 25 percent or more, including ridges and crests above. Generally, such sites are found chiefly within national forest lands. Development criteria limit building heights, establish lot size minimums and multi-family density maximums, and sometimes require reforestation and landscaping plans. Dawson County has adopted regulations to implement these state environmental planning criteria. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 30 RECOMMENDED CHARACTER AREAS Defining character areas helps identify unique characteristics that provide a sense of community and discern localized functions within the larger county context. Each character area narrative includes implementing strategies to promote the unique qualities of each character area. A character area is a specific geographic area that meets the following criteria: 1. Has unique or special characteristics 2. Has the potential to evolve into a unique area when provided specific and intentional guidance or; 3. Requires special attention due to unique development issues. The recommended character areas for Dawson County are as follows: • Agricultural Conservation • Etowah • Lanier • Dawson • Hightower • North 400 Corporate • GA400 Mixed Use • Rural Living • Crossroads Commercial • Suburban Living • Russell Creek Although the Official Character Area Map is provided on a parcel basis, information on the boundaries of individual parcels is not warranted to reflect all replatting, private property exchanges, or other actions that may change the boundaries of parcels. Character Area designations are drawn with parcel boundaries, and there will be occasions where the edge of a Character Area designation and a lot do not coincide. In such instances, goals, objectives, and policies of the Dawson County Comprehensive Plan and the adopted map series (including features such as environmentally sensitive lands) will be used to guide decisions about which Character Area designation applies to portions of a parcel. Agricultural Conservation The Agricultural Conservation Character areas are for conservation, agricultural uses, and low-density residential homesites. This character area consists of mainly agricultural and semi-wilderness forested lands interspersed with very low-density residential homes that may be customarily accessory to agricultural uses. A few farmsteads and outbuildings accent the landscape, and rolling hills contribute to its rural character. Agricultural activities are a sustainable way of life within Dawson County. Agricultural uses provide employment, contribute to the local and state economy, and create demand for support businesses. Agricultural use means farming in all its branches, including, but not limited to, the cultivation and tillage of the soil, the production, cultivation, growing, and harvesting of any agricultural or horticultural products, the raising of livestock, bees, dairy-producing animals, and poultry, agricultural education, the sale of produce through farms stands, and any practices performed by a farmer or on a farm or smallholding as an incident to or in conjunction with farming operations. Dawson County also depends on the scenic beauty created by open pastureland, cultivated cropland, and managed woodland to attract visitors to hike on its trails and stay in local hotels and rental homes (VRBOs), which benefit the local economy. Family farms, conservation areas, vast natural and scenic resources, and the rural landscape comprise the community’s identity. Preserving the overall rural character viewsheds and protecting the farming heritage are priorities for the county’s citizens. The Agricultural Conservation character area intends to protect and reduce development pressure on existing agricultural uses and provide space for expansion to lessen the impact between non-compatible commercial services and suburban growth. This character area discourages subdivision development of minor lot plats on dirt roads and serves as a buffer to suburban low-density development. Agricultural uses require a low public service delivery expense to taxpayers. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 31 Table 3-11. Agricultural Conservation Character Area Land Uses LAND USES LAND USE DESIGNATION Residential homesteads Rural Agriculture (RA) Commercial Rural Business (C-RB) at Crossroads Places of worship Agricultural Uses Silviculture Forestry Wildlife Management Areas Passive Recreation Conservation Easements MITIGATION STRATEGIES: • Strategy 1.1: Evaluate and promote options for the permanent conservation of land during the development of the Parks Master Plan (2025) • Strategy 1.2: Support family heritage farms by allowing family density lot exceptions. • Strategy 1.3: Coordinate with the local office of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Office to create a process that identifies land for permanent protection, such as recreational, ecological, or agricultural value. • Strategy 1.4: Research and consider criteria and standards for the Transfer of Development Rights (TDRS). • Strategy 1.5: Support Agricultural Conservation Easements, Urban Agricultural incentive zones, tax breaks, or incentives for continuing agricultural use. • Strategy 1.6: Identify the most effective approach for incorporating Low Impact Development design for stormwater and development design for all land disturbance activity. • Strategy 1.7: Designate historic and scenic corridors. Figure 3-5. Example of Agricultural Conservation Character Area ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 32 Etowah The Etowah (known historically as High Town and later Hightower River by colonials) is one of the nation’s most diverse ecological watersheds with unique flora and fauna found only on the southern slopes of the Appalachian Mountains. From its source, the Etowah flows southwest in neighboring Lumpkin County (designated as one area requiring special attention in their 2022 plan update). Its basin comprises most of Dawson County, apart from the small portion east of GA 400 that drains into Lake Lanier (Chestatee/Chattahoochee Basin). The river continues through the northwestern part of County into Cherokee County (Canton) and Lake Allatoona (currently the only dammed reservoir). The Etowah emerges from Lake Allatoona, continuing to Rome, where it meets the Oostanaula River to form the Coosa. Major tributaries, such as Amicalola Creek, form some of its most richly diverse habitats, with a new species of Bridled Darter confirmed in 2021. Other smaller tributaries in this watershed that are equally important ecologically include Cochran Creek and Shoal Creek. Yellow Creek has been dammed to form the Hollis Latham reservoir (in Dawson County, but its water serves Cherokee County) before it joins the Etowah. Palmer Creek has been dammed to form Brice Lake. Prime agricultural land is in the river’s floodplain in the County’s southern region. Significant pasture land and several large cultivated tracts also exist along the major creeks. The Etowah River is the county’s water source, which is currently piped to the most densely populated residential and commercial area by the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority (EWSA). This utility has received a permit to restore a storage reservoir at Russell Creek, which, when complete, is planned to provide sufficient water for the growing Dawson communities through 2050. Because the Etowah River provides a clean water source (not just for Dawson County but many more communities a unique habitat for multiple threatened and endangered species, and provides an area of natural beauty for those who recreate with care on or in its waters, these qualities must be protected. Developing river parks and trails offers both local communities and visitors outdoor recreation opportunities, adding economic benefits to Dawson County. Much of the Etowah River’s course in the southwestern part of the County includes 10,000 acres of Wildlife Management Area overseen by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Etowah River reaches major flood stage at 21 feet near Dawsonville and 31 feet near Landrum. At these levels, Georgia Highway 9 floods in low-lying areas, and water levels reach the bottom of the Georgia Highway 136 bridge. Homes along Riverbend Road and Etowah River Road become inundated with 4-10 feet of water (flooding of homes begins at “Moderate” flood level near Landrum in unincorporated Dawson County). The highest crest of the Etowah River near Dawsonville (unincorporated Dawson County) was 15.9 feet in 2013, just below the “moderate” flood stage. Table 3-12. Etowah Character Area Land Uses LAND USES LAND USE DESIGNATION Places of worship Rural Agriculture (RA) Residential Rural Estate (RRE) Agricultural Uses Wildlife Management Areas Passive Recreation Trails Undeveloped areas in their natural state ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 33 MITIGATION STRATEGIES: • Strategy 2.1: Evaluate options for more launch sites while developing the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2025) • Strategy 2.2: Continue to support the Etowah River Water Trail through Dawson County. (Policy) • Strategy 2.3: Encourage eco-based and cultural tourism. • Strategy 2.4: Identify the most effective approach for incorporating Low Impact Development design for stormwater design for all land disturbance activity. The low-impact design includes pretreatment measures, setback requirements, and stormwater system maintenance. • Strategy 2.5: Identify mechanisms and funding sources, including consideration of SPLOST and Impact Fees, for acquiring rights-of-ways and easements through privately held lands for Greenways, Trails, and canoe and kayak launches. • Strategy 2.6: Amend the regulations to require trail construction or payment in lieu for land uses adjacent to the trail. • Strategy 2.7: Wetlands within a project shall be placed in a conservation easement, which shall run in favor of and be enforceable by a property owners’ association. • Strategy 2.8: Limited recreation-related buildings to provide access and education to visitors. Figure 3-6. Example of Etowah Character Area ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 34 Lanier Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s, Lake Lanier is a multi-purpose lake authorized for flood protection, power production, water supply, navigation, recreation, and fish and wildlife management. The Lanier character area comprises property adjacent to or near the county’s 47 miles of Lake Lanier shoreline. In the 1970s, people building weekend cabins and second homes developed the lake’s northwestern shore. Many of these structures have been modernized, expanded, or upgraded since. The Lanier character area is comprised almost exclusively of detached, single-family housing and conservation land protected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Housing here is predominantly in older, established communities along Lake Lanier—residential uses vary wildly in age, size, and character. With few exceptions, these areas are not served by sewer service; however, central water is available. With about 12 million visitors last year, Lake Lanier is one of the nation’s most-visited USACE-built lakes. Table 3-13. Lanier Character Area Land Uses LAND USES LAND USE DESIGNATION Residential Uses Lakefront Residential (RL) Residential Sub-Rural (RSR) Residential Rural Estate (RRE) Residential Suburban (RS) Commercial Rural Business (C-RB) Places of Worship Small scale agriculture Public Parks Existing commercial MITIGATION STRATEGIES: • Strategy 3.1: Evaluate options for Dawson County to take over the management of (Corps of Engineers) USACE lake parks during the development of the Parks Master Plan (2025) • Strategy 3.2: Commercial and mixed-use development should be concentrated along Hwy 53. • Strategy 3.3 Develop systems and processes to improve policies that support eliminating substandard housing, including community resources, to accomplish compliance. • Strategy 3.4: Ensure that commercial centers do not encroach near residential development • Strategy 3.5: Increase public access to the lake by revamping conservation lands, i.e., Toto Creek Park, Thompson Creek, and Nix Park. • Strategy 3.6: Open storage yards, open-air businesses, and automobile sales are inappropriate within the Lanier Character Area. • Strategy 3.7: Retain low-intensity residential community character. • Strategy 3.8: The Warhill Park Road commercial uses should not expand beyond the existing commercial structures at the intersection with Highway 53 to remain at the residential community scale. • Strategy 3.9: New residential development should provide pedestrian access via sidewalks, multi-use trails, and walkways. • Strategy 3.10: Update the county’s regulations to address drainage, driveway, and impervious surface requirements. • Strategy 3.11: Vehicle service establishments are inappropriate within the Lanier Character Area. • Strategy 3.12: Evaluate options to establish regulations for the inspection of septic systems. • Strategy 3.13: Support the upgrade of infrastructure, i.e., water mains, to improve the fire safety of the lakeside communities. Figure 3-7. Example of Lanier Character Area ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 35 Dawson The primary function of the Dawson character area shall be to contain suburban growth, economically provide for public facilities and services, and provide for the efficient use of land while retaining levels of open space. Established neighborhoods will be maintained, and new development shall be compatible with surrounding suburban densities. Residential development in the Dawson character area shall have a maximum density of three dwelling units per net acre. Future development will continue to be detached, single-family homes at medium densities. Opportunities for variety in dwelling sizes and types can be developed, provided such action is part of a Mixed-Use Village or Residential Planned Community. New commercial office professional or institutional shall be allowable uses within Crossroads Commercial nodes. Table 3-14. Dawson Character Area Land Uses LAND USES LAND USE DESIGNATION Residential uses Residential Town (RT) Residential Suburban (RS-2) Residential Suburban (RS-3) Mixed Use Village (MUV) Residential Planned Community (RPC) Commercial Office Institutional (C-OI) Offices Places of worship Institutional Recreation Greenways and trails Neighborhood and Community Parks Conservation Subdivisions MITIGATION STRATEGIES: • Strategy 4.1: Provide pedestrian linkages to adjacent residential or commercial areas. • Strategy 4.2: Land Disturbance plans should reduce the limits of clearing and grading, limiting the amount needed for development and road access. • Strategy 4.3: Residential development plans should reduce the limits of clearing and grading, i.e., no land disturbance of more than 30 percent in any single contiguous area. • Strategy 4.4: Developments should provide open and green space, including shared civic space exclusive of utility easements. • Strategy 4.5: Amend the Land Use Code to include maximum impervious surface requirements. • Strategy 4.6: Support civic and cultural uses and entertainment establishments that promote community interaction. • Strategy 4.7: Mixed Uses may be multi-story in a campus setting. • Strategy 4.8: Require trail construction or payment instead of land uses adjacent to the proposed greenway and trails. Figure 3-8. Example of Dawson Character Area ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 36 Hightower Dawson County should provide attractive sites for future industrial park development to provide additional employment opportunities to residents. The Hightower character area intends to offer facilities for the design, assembly, finishing, packaging, and storing of products or materials that are usually processed at least once. These activities are characterized as “clean” since they produce a relatively small amount of environmental outputs, including, but not limited to, smoke, odor, dust, noise, the vibration of the earth, or light to the degree that is offensive when measured at the property line of the adjoining property. Light industries include administration, research, assembly, storage, warehousing, and shipping facilities. Development standards for light industrial industries include the minimum necessary to assure safe, functional, and environmentally sound development. They shall conform to requirements regarding enclosure, screening, and minimum distance from existing residential and office land uses. Table 3-15. Hightower Character Area Land Uses LAND USES LAND USE DESIGNATION Light manufacturing and assembly Commercial Industrial Restricted (C-IR) Commercial Office Professional (C-OI) Distribution and warehousing Uses involving handling, storage, or shipping Laboratories for research and development food production clusters breweries, cracker, and pasta manufacturing). Arts and crafts manufacturing cluster pottery product manufacturing, ornamental and architectural metalwork manufacturing). Master-planned business park Master-planned Industrial park An area accommodating more industry can be essential to successful economic diversity. The Hightower character area combines activities of both light and existing heavy industry. Uses such as office, warehouse, wholesale, product assembly, and light manufacturing are included and interspersed among heavy industry operations, including outdoor storage and outdoor work activity. Unrelated to the land uses listed above, hightraffic generators are inappropriate due to the conflict between transit vehicles and the need to preserve roadway capacity. MITIGATION STRATEGIES: • Strategy 5.1: Service, retail land use, and institutional, i.e., schools, government offices, daycare, banks, and fast-food restaurants, are inappropriate uses within the Hightower character area. • Strategy 5.2: Modify the regulations to ensure adequate truck loading and maneuvering areas within a building or in a side or rear yard in such a way that all storage, standing, and maneuvering of trucks will take place solely on private property and is well-screened from all public thoroughfares or residential development. • Strategy 5.3: Identify incentives for master-planned industrial park developments featuring more open space, landscaping, screening, and building design standards. • Strategy 5.4: Identify the most effective approach for incorporating Low Impact Development design for stormwater and development design for all land disturbance activity. The low-impact design includes pretreatment measures, setback requirements, and stormwater system maintenance. • Strategy 5.5: Require formal landscaping within the built spaces. • Strategy 5.6: Reduce the footprint size of commercial buildings by using alternate or taller building designs while maintaining the same floor-to-area ratio (the ratio of building square footage to lot size). ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 37 Figure 3-9. Example of Hightower Character Area ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 38 North 400 Corporate Park The North 400 Corporate Park character area runs along both sides of GA 400, from Kilough Church Road to the northern border of Dawson County. The purpose of the North 400 Corporate Park character area is to foster the growth of high-quality office and medical services, technology, research, and development that provide sustainable employment opportunities for the residents of Dawson County. The North 400 Corporate Park character area will not be urban; land should be developed in a campus-style setting with reduced site coverage and increased open space. Employees are the primary activity generators for offices, medical, technology, and research use, and public, institutional, and civic services. Development outcomes are often controlled by private covenants and restrictions that exceed County land use standards—intended to create an attractive business investment environment. Site operations are conducted indoors with limited storage and no display of merchandise. Table 3-16. North 400 Corporate Park Character Area Land Uses LAND USES LAND USE DESIGNATION Master-planned business parks Residential Suburban (RS) Residential Sub-Rural (RSR) Commercial Office Institutional (C-OI) Mixed Use Village (MUV) Hospitals Colleges / Universities Light Manufacturing (assembly indoors) Offices Research and Development Warehousing/distribution as an accessory use Places of worship Recreation Low density residential MITIGATION STRATEGIES: • Strategy 6.1: Growth shall be designed in a more clustered pattern instead of isolated parcels along strips of land on the corridor. • Strategy 6.2: Encourage civic and cultural use of entertainment districts to promote community interaction and public open space. • Strategy 6.3: Retail development is only allowed within a Mixed-Use Village. • Strategy 6.4: Multi-family residential is only allowed within a Mixed-Use Village. • Strategy 6.5: New developments shall provide pedestrian access via sidewalks and walkways. • Strategy 6.6: Establish minimum guidelines for extensive landscaping outside utility easements of North 400 Corporate Park perimeter, exceptional streetscape, and design treatments at entries, key intersections, and internal focal points • Strategy 6.7: Identify the most effective approach for integrating Green Infrastructure/Low Impact Development into Dawson County’s stormwater and development review programs, including developing a periodic inspection program. • Strategy 6.8: Reduce the footprint size of commercial buildings and residences by using alternate or taller structures while maintaining the same floor-to-area ratio (the ratio of building square footage to lot size). • Strategy 6.9: Provide inter-parcel vehicular connections between adjacent land uses and potential developments to protect future roadway capacity so that congestion does not overwhelm the arterial road network and Emergency Services has less impeded access. • Strategy 6.10: Require trail construction or payment instead of land uses adjacent to the proposed greenway and trails. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 39 Figure 3-10. Example of N 400 Corporate Park Character Area ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 40 GA 400 Mixed Use The GA 400 Mixed Use character area runs along both sides of GA 400 from the Dawson County boundary with County to Kilough Church Road. The character area includes the North Georgia Premium outlet mall and many retail and national restaurant brand categories. The character area mainly comprises commercial and service uses, with multi-family communities and some undeveloped land along the GA400. This character area includes the commercial node of state highways 400 and 53 and the Kilough Point mixed-use development. This area is of higher density/intensity than the rest of Dawson County. Table 3-17. GA 400 Mixed Use Character Area Land Uses LAND USES LAND USE DESIGNATION Banks Commercial Office Professional (C-OI) Community Business (C-CB) Commercial Highway Business (C-HB) Highway Business Intensive (C-HI) Planned Commercial Development (C-PCD) Mixed Use Village (MUV) Hospitals Hotels Medical Offices Places of worship Professional Offices Restaurants Retail Centers Warehousing and Wholesale MITIGATION STRATEGIES: • Strategy 7.1: Continue to work with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to facilitate improvements to Highway GA400 and Highway 53, Dawson Forest Road, and Lumpkin Campground Road. • Strategy 7.2: Evaluate options for more public spaces near the multifamily uses during the development of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2025) • Strategy 7.3: Amend regulations to require a minimum 25-foot landscape strip along the GA 400 in the mixed-use corridor, exclusive of utility easements. • Strategy 7.4: Review regulations for any impediments to site design techniques reducing impervious surface) and Low Impact Design structures bio-retention areas, enhanced swales, permeable pavement). • Strategy 7.5: Require trail construction or payment instead of land uses adjacent to the proposed greenway and trails. • Strategy 7.6: Provide linkages to nearby residential or commercial sites. • Strategy 7.7 Continue maintaining a supportive relationship with Simon Property/North Georgia Premium outlet mall. Figure 3-11. Example of GA 400 Mixed Use Character Area ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 41 Rural Living The Rural Living character area seeks to preserve the pastoral landscape of the county, celebrating the natural landscape that remains both a scenic value to the community and a critical facet of supporting the environment and natural resources. This character area corresponds to lands near the forested greenbelt. This area includes rural residences, farms, and privately owned forested tracts. These areas are located outside of established sewer service areas. A five-acre lot size ensures that this area remains rural and has very low-density residential development to prevent the need to extend facilities and services to that area. Some sites may have access to central water. Table 3-18. Rural Living Character Area Land Uses LAND USES LAND USE DESIGNATION Residential homesteads Rural Agriculture (RA) Rural Residential Estate (RRE) Community Rural Business (C-RB) Places of worship Agricultural Uses Forestry Wildlife Management Areas Passive Recreation County Parks MITIGATION STRATEGIES: • Strategy 8.1: Retain and conserve the rural character of the area. • Strategy 8.2: Small-scale retail services serving nearby residents are appropriate around intersections (crossroads). • Strategy 8.3: Coordinate with the local office of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Office to eliminate improper stream crossings that can result in erosion and the introduction of sediment into a stream, affecting water quality. • Strategy 8.4: Support existing and proposed agricultural activities and venues such as equestrianrelated uses, wedding venues, and landscape nurseries. • Strategy 8.5: Update the regulations to address access management (shared drives) for all property divisions. • Strategy 8.6: Require trail construction or payment instead of for those land uses adjacent to the trail. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 42 Crossroads Commercial This character area is for small nodes (2-8 acres) of commercial development at intersections, primarily in rural and suburban areas along corridors. Crossroads Commercial nodes are inappropriate for automobile sales, service establishments, or other highway commercial uses. Instead, they are intended to be limited to small, enclosed trade and service establishments serving the immediate area. Crossroads Commercial maintains and creates access to goods and services at designated intersections throughout the county. Table 3-19. Crossroads Commercial Character Area Land Uses LAND USES LAND USE DESIGNATION Professional Offices Commercial Rural Business (C-RB) Commercial Community Business (C-CB) Residential Agricultural (RA) Residential Rural Estate (RRE) Residential Suburban (RS) Residential Sub-Rural (RSR) Retail Centers <7500 square feet Restaurants Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Forestry Agriculture Residential MITIGATION STRATEGIES: • Strategy 9.1: Monitor and sustain land use management policies through Comprehensive Planning and land use regulations • Strategy 9.2: Nonresidential development shall provide a minimum of 20% of the net buildable area as open space. The maximum Impervious Surface Ratio shall be 0.60. • Strategy 9.3: Residential development exceeding five dwelling lots/ units shall be required to protect a minimum of 25% of the net buildable area, exclusive of utility easements, as common open space. • Strategy 9.4: Review regulations for any impediments to a diverse set of site design techniques reducing impervious surface) and Low Impact Development structures bio-retention areas, enhanced swales, permeable pavement). • Strategy 9.5: Identify trail connections during the county’s Parks and Recreation Plan update. • Strategy 9.6: Support establishing and continuing sites for farmers’ markets. • Strategy 9.7: Require trail construction or payment instead of land uses adjacent to the proposed greenway and trails. Figure 3-12. Example of Crossroads Commercial Character Area ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 43 Suburban Living The primary function of the Suburban Living character area is to economically provide for public facilities and services in an established residential area and provide for growth while retaining levels of open space. Residential development in the Suburban Living character area shall have a maximum density of two dwelling units per net acre. Future development will continue to be detached, single-family homes. Opportunities for variety in dwelling sizes and types can be developed, provided such action is part of a Residential Planned Community. New commercial development shall be an allowable use within Crossroads Commercial nodes. Table 3-20. Suburban Living Character Area Land Uses LAND USES LAND USE DESIGNATION Residential uses Residential Suburban (RS) Residential Suburban (RS-2) Residential Planned Community (RPC) Commercial Office Institutional (C-OI) Commercial Rural Business (C-RB) Offices Places of worship Libraries Schools Recreation Greenways and trails Neighborhood and Community Parks Conservation Subdivisions MITIGATION STRATEGIES: • Strategy 10.1: Provide pedestrian multi-use paths to adjacent and nearby residential or commercial areas. • Strategy 10.2: Residential subdivision design should set aside a high percentage of open space, excluding utility easements. • Strategy 10.3: Residential development plans should reduce the limits of clearing and grading, i.e., no land disturbance of more than 30 percent in any single contiguous area. • Strategy 10.4: Developments should provide open and green space, including shared civic space, exclusive of utility easements. • Strategy 10.5: Amend the Land Use Code to include maximum impervious surface requirements. • Strategy 10.6: Require trail construction or payment instead of land uses adjacent to the proposed greenway and trails. Figure 3-13. Example of Suburban Living Character Area ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 44 Russell Creek This character area corresponds to lands near the Russell Creek Reservoir. Russell Creek took its name from Russell’s Mill, a watermill on its banks. The purpose of this area is to provide sites for low-density, single-family residential use, to stabilize and protect the characteristics of this area, and to maintain a suitable environment for family living and passive recreational opportunities. Table 3-21. Russell Creek Character Area Land Uses LAND USES LAND USE DESIGNATION Residential Rural Agriculture (RA) Residential Sub-Rural (RSR) Rural Residential Estate (RRE) Residential Suburban (RS) Community Rural Business (C-RB) Places of worship Agricultural Uses Passive Recreation County Parks Small recreation-oriented commercial Trailheads EWSA infrastructure and facilities MITIGATION STRATEGIES: • Strategy 11.1: Amend the Land Use Code to include maximum impervious cover requirements. • Strategy 11.2: Require trail construction or payment instead of for those land uses adjacent to the trail. • Strategy 11.3: Require trail and greenway accommodations with development. • Strategy 11.4 Identify grant funds to develop and implement a septic system homeowner education program. • Strategy 11.5: Coordinate with the local office of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Office to eliminate improper stream crossings that can result in erosion and the introduction of sediment into a stream, affecting water quality. Figure 3-14. Example of Russell Creek Character Area ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 45 Russell Creek Reservoir • Basin: ACT (Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa) • Watershed: Etowah River • Purpose: Water supply • Proposed Size: 137 acres normal pool • Estimated Safe Yield: 11.5 million gallons per day (MGD) • Estimated impacts to USACE Jurisdiction: 5.9 acres of wetlands/ 22,344 linear feet of waters of the United States • Proposed Compensatory Mitigation: Commercial mitigation bank credits • Coordinating Agencies: Etowah Water and Sewer Authority • Georgia Department of Natural Resources (Environmental Protection Division) • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District Figure 3-15. Proposed Russell Creek Reservoir Dam Rural Village The Rural Village character area seeks to recognize existing residential communities. These residential land uses with on- site active recreation are located outside the established higher-density areas of Dawson County. Low-density residential development and large tracts of forested lands surround the neighborhood. Table 3-22. Rural Village Character Area Land Uses LAND USES LAND USE DESIGNATION Residential Big Canoe Community Falls Community Rural Agriculture (RA) Rural Residential Estate (RRE) Community Rural Business (C-RB) Places of worship Agricultural Uses Passive Recreation Golf Course associated with residential plat County Parks MITIGATION STRATEGIES: • Strategy 12.1: Ensure performance standards of the community are enforced at the time of permit issuance. • Strategy 12.2: Small-scale retail services serving nearby residents are appropriate around designated intersections (crossroads). • Strategy 12.3: Coordinate with the local office of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Office to eliminate improper stream crossings that can result in erosion and the introduction of sediment into a stream, affecting water quality. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 46 Figure 3-16. Dawson County Character Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 47 In addition to the values identified within the Vision Statement, other goals for Dawson County were raised for consideration. Participants expressed near unanimous support for growth management, improving infrastructure, promoting higher-paying sustainable employment, and protecting natural resources. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM Figure 4-1. Dawson County Goals ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 48 The Character Area Map illustrates the physical conditions expressed within the Vision; the Implementation Program is the strategy for achieving the Community Vision and addressing each Community’s Issues and Opportunities. It identifies specific short- and long-term measures the community must undertake to realize its goals. A. Policies and Long-Term Objectives Some policies may complement single action items, while others may provide continuing guidance and direction to local government officials for making decisions consistent with achieving the Community Vision or addressing Community Issues and Opportunities. • Balance growth with improvements to roads, parks, schools, libraries, emergency services, and utilities with proactive planning (concurrency management). • Sustain land use management policies through Comprehensive Planning • Promote opportunities for clean industry and higher-paying employment • Maintain State Environmental Planning Criteria • Continue to support the economic development Authority of Dawson County, Chamber, and joint Development Authority of Lumpkin, White, and Dawson Counties • Seek to concentrate development around existing urbanized areas. B. Long-Term Activities and Ongoing Programs Communities establish long-term or ongoing programs and activities supporting identified objectives. These measures are action items that must be employed more than once. These are recognized here to distinguish their need and conditions from the single-action items and identify any required special terms or context. • Annual update of the Transportation Master plan • Annual report summarizing Capital Improvement (CIE) projects. • Coordinating transportation and land use decision-making within the community. • Support and partner with local organizations to protect the environment. • Support local agricultural interests. • Continue to work with the Development Authority to support their economic development activities. • Support the Friends of the Amicalola Falls and other natural resource advocates. • Maintain Participation with the North Georgia Water Partnership • Utilize SPLOST (and comparable measures) to support investment in infrastructure. • Support the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and Upper Etowah River Alliance • Support the Friends of Amicalola Falls, Appalachian Trail Conservation and other natural resource advocates. • Sustain and expand the network of Regional economic development; partners convene regular meetings. Dawson County continues to focus on maintaining existing infrastructure, retaining and attracting commerce, and managing resources responsibly to preserve the quality of life enjoyed in Dawson County. Financing these goals is a priority concern for County leaders. Due to a growing and expanding economy, in 2018, the County reactivated the collection of impact fees that had been paused. In 2009, to offset the costs of new infrastructure and capital needs. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 49 COMMUNITY NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES The needs and opportunities described reflect assessing the conditions and factors influencing the area and people, community stakeholder knowledge, and comments received throughout the planning process. By identifying the core needs and priorities of the community, the government and its partners can develop specific mitigation strategies that may be accomplished to fulfill the desired goals and objectives of the vision. The public engagement included a Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis survey. Table 4-1. Priority Topics for Dawson’s Future, Identified Through the SWOT Process WEAKNESSES Nature; Small town life Mountains, rivers, lakes, and farmland Rural Community Park system Beautiful area. Community among residents parks and rec programs and school events expansive green spaces and undeveloped portions. Natural resources in the north of the county. Farmland and timber Hometown GA400 corridor Outdoor activities Lake Lanier Not enough fire, police, and paramedics. Commercial growth is too big, rentals to lower income are too big. Sustain growth by those who own property. Rapid development Adequate resources for speed of growth, outdated outlet mall Staff wages infrastructure All the growth in Apartments. Skyrocketing property tax. Poverty. Lack of higher paying job training and employment opportunities. Low-paying retail jobs OPPORTUNITIES THREATS There is time to plan We are getting ahead of rapid growth by slowing rezoning and development of land. Use the resources that we already have. Take the opportunity to say ‘NO’ to more plans for apartments, etc. Dawson County is primarily rural in nature, More economic opportunities for residents Agritourism Option to save the county by limiting growth Eco-friendly development; growth Grow as good stewards of the environment Better homestead exemptions Tourism, if things are maintained outdoor theater for concerts or aquatic facilities. Acquire/preserve greenspace Lack of resources for this growth Lumpkin Campground Road Chopping up rural areas Too much change in a short time erosion and stormwater runoff, The public safety infrastructure Too many multi-family homes Crime is increasing from the outside. Silt contaminants- in streams and lakes Lack of affordable housing Housing development in rural areas Traffic Lack of deputies Overuse of service industries Lack of manufacturing ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 50 Table 4-2. Community Needs and Opportunities POPULATION NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES MITIGATION STRATEGIES 1. Provide Services • Adequate staff levels to meet the minimum Level of Service. 2. Expanding tax base 3. Employment centers 4. Community Wellness • Monitor and evaluate annual transportation reports to ensure safety and efficiency. • Enhance public awareness of communitybased prevention and wellness programs. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES MITIGATION STRATEGIES 1. Tourism opportunities • Purchase parkland for a variety of venues • Protect and conserve natural resources • Identify locations for additional canoe/kayak launch sites. • Inventory and map Agritourism assets • Develop and implement plans for promoting and managing tourism. 2. Economic development • Maintain partnership with the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and the Development Authority of Dawson County • Monitor annual transportation reports to ensure safety and efficiency. 3. Transition of economic base • Maintain partnerships with post-secondary educational institutions, GMRC Work Source, Goodwill Center, Development Authorities, and DCA. 4. Employment opportunities and a higher range of income opportunities • Maintain and increase partnerships with postsecondary educational institutions, the Chamber of Commerce, Development Authorities, and other stakeholders such as the Dept. of Labor and GMRC. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 51 Table 4-2. Community Needs and Opportunities, continued HOUSING NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES MITIGATION STRATEGIES 1. Shortage of family housing 2. Aging housing stock/shortage of specific housing types • Monitor and sustain land use management policies through Comprehensive Planning and land use regulations. • Examine GMRC and DCA programs regarding availability and affordable housing programs. • Support non-profit charitable organizations, i.e., Habitat for Humanity. 3. Diversify the housing mix • Research accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a potential to address Senior housing affordability issues. • Update regulations so that residential developments include a minimum percentage of affordable units. 4. Structural maintenance or repair • Well-trained code compliance staff. • Organize neighborhood improvement/cleanup events. NATURAL RESOURCES NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES MITIGATION STRATEGIES 1. Waterways and wetland integrity need to be maintained by limiting development and maintaining buffers. 2. Natural resource protection activities reduce the impact of natural hazards by preserving or restoring natural areas floodplains, wetlands, steep slopes) and their protective functions. 3. Incompatible land uses and development • Monitor and sustain land use management regulations. • Promote the greenway and trails plan. • Continue to support the Shore Sweep event, Keep Beautiful, the Chestatee- Chattahoochee Resource Conservation and Development Council, Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, and Upper Etowah River Alliance. 4. Improved resources for natural resource management. 5. River launches draw visitors to Dawson County; Management planning is needed. • Include conservation land purchases in the master park plan update. • Identify grant funds to develop and implement the Septic System Homeowner Education program. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 52 Table 4-2. Community Needs and Opportunities, continued CULTURAL RESOURCES NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES MITIGATION STRATEGIES 1. Need to evaluate existing resources and seek local funding and assistance for enhancing facilities. 2. Explore opportunities to promote the racing heritage of the community. 3. Utilize regional, state, and federal programs that provide funding and services to enhance programs for Dawson County. • Continue plans to expand and improve County Parks. • Map (GIS) historical sites • Support the Dawson County Historical Society • Identify Historical properties that can be revitalized or preserved • Several laws deal with particular kinds of “resources” that are “cultural” in character. The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) sets forth government policies and procedures regarding “historic properties” — The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) prohibits excavating archeological resources on Federal or Indian lands without a permit from the land manager. The Archeological Data Preservation Act (ADPA) or Archeological and Historic Preservation Act (AHPA) requires agencies to report any perceived impacts their projects and programs may have on archeological, historical, and scientific data. The Federal Records Act (FRA) requires that agencies manage documents in such a way as to protect their historical value. COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES MITIGATION STRATEGIES 1. Demand for additional meeting space: Dawson County needs conference space for hosting indoor events. • Conduct a feasibility study to determine the meeting facility’s type, size, and location. 2. Evaluate programs for public fire safety education • Enhance the resources of the Public Information Office to provide educational outreach for hazard mitigation and building safety codes. 3. Demand for additional recreational areas and Parks • Update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. 4. Enhance the level of service (ISO) Emergency Management • Budget for mitigation recommendations of the 2023-24 Hazard mitigation plan update 5. Enhance efforts to improve community health and wellness • Require pedestrian access between land uses • Enhance public awareness of communitybased prevention and wellness programs. • Increase the Seniors Transit program’s marketing to reach untapped markets. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 53 Table 4-2. Community Needs and Opportunities, continued TRANSPORTATION NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES MITIGATION STRATEGIES 1. See Transportation Element • Continue to seek funding under Title 49 U.S.C. Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act for rural areas, offering general public transportation to all citizens. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES MITIGATION STRATEGIES 1. Growth Management: Coordination as part of the Service Delivery Agreement and effective planning by the County and utility providers. • Update Service Delivery Agreements. • Evaluate the benefits of a Joint Planning Area (JPA) with Lumpkin County 2. Coordination with affiliated organizations • Coordinate transportation improvements and studies with GDOT 3. Collaboration with the City of Dawsonville • Potential joint projects that would qualify for State Grants. • Joint Planning Area 4. Disaster Mitigation • Updated Hazard Mitigation Plan 2023-24 LAND USE NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES MITIGATION STRATEGIES 1. Competing land uses: Competing land uses and development interests along the corridors and transition areas between the rural county and the established suburban communities. • Monitor and sustain land use management policies through land use planning. • Enforce separation and buffering between land uses • Tree canopy protection in development proposals. 2. Protect farmland and Agricultural uses • Evaluate the USDA soils analysis completed in the Fall of 2023; • Continue implementing the GA land conservation programs. • Promote Georgia Centennial Farm Program 3. Accommodating new growth: Dawson County will incorporate new development, requiring monitoring trends and infrastructure. • Budget for Annual Transportation Plan updates to ensure the efficiency of services. • Monitor and sustain land use management policies through long-range planning and land use regulations. • Update of Capital Improvement Element (plan) 2023-24 • Update of Impact Fee schedule 2024. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 54 Table 4-2. Community Needs and Opportunities, continued LAND USE, CONTINUED NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES MITIGATION STRATEGIES 4. Redevelopment plans • Explore funding options for community cleanups. • Update the 2000 GA 400 design guidelines. 5. Public Protection – fire suppression • Evaluate regulations allowing property divisions (plats) over 7 miles from a responding fire station with a credible water source. 6. Russell Creek Reservoir Area • Master Park Plan shall include outdoor recreation, trail and greenways. • Private RV parks, Rustic camping • Conservation design plats • Buffer Protection • Watershed Protection ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 55 REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS The 2018 Plan included a list of mitigation strategies to address the Needs and Opportunities of the community. In March 2020, a worldwide pandemic and subsequent economic outfall delayed many projects. This is the listing (as numbered in 2018) of the items from the 2018 STWP. Objects are identified as completed, in progress, postponed, or canceled. Those items that have been delayed or are in progress are included in the 2023 STWP. Table 4-3. Mitigation Strategies Status Updates ACTION STATUS COMMENT 1. Update long-term water and sewer plans. Completed Etowah Water & Sewer Auth. 2. Develop a road improvement plan. Completed Nov 2023 3. Revise facility and vehicle assessment for the fire department and law enforcement. Completed 4. Update Parks and Recreation Master Plan Postponed Funding – placed on the next five-year cycle 2025 STWP 5. Update Future Development Strategy Postponed Placed on the next five-year cycle 6. Adopt conservation design subdivision code. Completed Update of land use code 2023 10. Survey County to identify prime agricultural acres Completed USDA- NRCS/P&D 11. Establish a policy to protect prime agricultural areas from urban-scale utilities. Postponed Subject to the USDA soil map evaluation in the next five-year cycle. 13. Develop/Obtain reference material for architectural design guidelines to promote desired forms among developers. Canceled Staffing constraints/lack of interest 14. Survey code enforcement performance Completed New division created in 2022 15. Hold workshop to review code enforcement practices Completed Management reorganized department 16. Initialize annual report on code enforcement tracking site visits and violations. Completed Purchase of Energov Software 17&23. Identify resources to assist homeowners w/ property revitalization Postponed Placed on the next five-year cycle: 2024 18. Develop preferred design elements for County and School Board facilities. Canceled Staffing constraints 19. Develop/Obtain a market study for senior housing in the Dawson Area. Canceled Funding 20. Identify target sites best suited for senior housing (based on market study) Canceled Funding/staffing 21&22. Convene a forum with builders and banks to discuss entry-level housing. Completed Chamber of Commerce ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 56 Table 4-3. Mitigation Strategies Status Updates, continued ACTION STATUS COMMENT 24. Survey realtors re: potential for high-end housing in Dawson County Canceled Market-driven/lack of staff 25. Develop a Freight traffic study of the county. Postponed Chamber of Commerce project - next five-year cycle. 26. Develop conceptual site plans and funding options for spec industrial parks. Postponed Staffing constraints placed on the next five-year cycle. 27. Develop a Target Industry recruitment strategy in conjunction with the development authority. Postponed Chamber of Commerce project; placed on next five-year cycle. 28. Develop Broadband and Telecom Plan Utility Ord. Completed Broadband Ready in 2021 29. Develop Inventory of regional assets; create marketing tool promoting the same. Completed Development Authority 30. Sustain and expand the network of regional economic development partners; Convene regular meetings Completed Moved to Long Term Activities and ongoing programs. 32. Implement 2050 Master Plan for water and sewer Completed Etowah Water & Sewer Authority 34. Identify and establish a fiscal standard or benchmark for county operations; Promote county performance. Postponed Staffing: placed on the next five-year STWP 2025. 36. Include a review of the Comprehensive Plan in site location studies for all new County facilities. Completed Moved to Long Term Activities and ongoing programs. Gap analyses of Commercial Retail and service industries through a USDA grant with Rural Development Institute (Valdosta State). In Progress Chamber of Commerce; placed on the next five-year STWP cycle. Support Workforce Initiatives to provide job opportunities and housing opportunities. Completed Chamber of Commerce Support Existing Businesses and Industries Completed Chamber of Commerce 37. Develop catalog of funding resources for capital improvement projects Completed Chamber of Commerce 38. Report outlining Lake Lanier park opportunities w/ Army Corps of Engineers Postponed Staffing: placed on the next five-year STWP 2025. 39. Survey identifying potential properties or target areas for parks/aquatic facility Canceled Lack of interest in Aquatic facility/ funding 40. Seek funding to increase staff and vehicles Completed 41. Develop preferred specs and budget for indoor aquatic facility Canceled Funding/other recreational needs ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 57 Table 4-3. Mitigation Strategies Status Updates, continued ACTION STATUS COMMENT 40. Seek funding to increase staff and vehicles Completed 41. Develop preferred specs and budget for indoor aquatic facility Canceled Funding/other recreational needs 42. Complete the Russell Creek Reservoir, water treatment plant expansion and water reclamation expansion In Progress EWSA has completed surveys and plan design 44. Replace vehicles in accordance with Fire Dept. Assessment Completed 7. Maintain State Environmental Planning Criteria Moved to Long Term Activities and Ongoing Programs Policy 8. Support the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and Upper Etowah River Alliance Moved to Long Term Activities and Ongoing Programs Policy 9. Support the Friends of Amicalola Falls, Appalachian Trail Conservation, and other natural resource advocates. Moved to Long Term Activities and Ongoing Programs Policy 12. Seek to concentrate development around existing urbanized areas. Moved to Long Term Activities and Ongoing Programs Policy 30. Sustain and expand network of Regional economic development partners Convene regular meetings Moved to Long Term Activities and Ongoing Programs Policy 31. Continue to support the Economic Development Authority of Dawson County, the Industrial Building Authority of Dawson County, the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, and the Joint Development Authority of Lumpkin, White, and Dawson Counties. Moved to Long Term Activities and Ongoing Programs Policy 33. Utilize SPLOST (and comparable measures) to support investment in infrastructure. Moved to Long Term Activities and Ongoing Programs Policy 36. Include a review of the Comprehensive Plan in site location studies for all new county facilities Moved to Long Term Activities and Ongoing Programs Policy ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 58 Table 4-3. Mitigation Strategies Status Updates, continued ACTION STATUS COMMENT 43. Maintain Participation with North Georgia Water Partnership. Moved to Long Term Activities and Ongoing Programs Policy The listing, as numbered, or bulleted in 2018, included several policy statements that have been moved to the Long Term Activities and Ongoing Projects section of this plan. Many items have been canceled due to lack of funding or the action is no longer necessary due to a change in priorities. Those items that have been delayed or are in progress are included in the 2023 STWP. COMMUNITY WORK PROGRAM (2023-2027) An element of the Implementation Program is the Short-Term Work Program (STWP). This identifies specific implementation actions the local government or other entities intend to take during the first five-year time frame of the planning period. Table 4-4. Community Work Program (2023-2027) ACTION 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 ENTITY PROJECTED COST FUNDING OPTIONS Administration Establish benchmarks for County operations X Admin. TBD General Fund Educational Outreach X X X X X Admin. TBD General Fund Update Future Development Strategy X X Admin. TBD General Fund Community Development Identify resources to assist homeowners with property revitalization. X Code Enforcement TBD General Fund DCA Update Tree Protection Ordinance X P&D TBD General Fund Establish a policy to protect agricultural areas from urban growth; and utilities X P&D Staff General Fund Update regulations to address impervious surface requirements X P&D Staff General Fund Adopt regulations for Scenic Corridors X P&D Staff General Fund ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 59 Table 4-4. Community Work Program (2023-2027), continued ACTION 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 ENTITY PROJECTED COST FUNDING OPTIONS Library Services Purchase collection materials X X X X X Dawson Library TBD 99.5% impact fees; SPLOST Parks and Recreation Master Park/Recreation Plan/ Greenspace X Parks & Rec. Dept TBD Grants General Fund Acquire parkland X X X Parks & Rec. Dept TBD 84.76% impact fees; SPLOST A report outlining Lake Lanier park opportunities with ACOE X Parks & Rec. Dept TBD Grants Impact Fees Law Enforcement New Detention Center X Sherrif’s Office TBD 100% Impact Fees Replacement Vehicles X X Sherrif’s Office TBD SPLOST Fire Protection Purchase collection materials X Emergency Services 1,000,000 General Fund Renovate Fire Stations 3,4,5 X X X Emergency Services TBD TBD Install fire hydrants X X X X X TBD 100% Impact Fees Purchase three Engines X Emergency Services 2,250,000 General Fund Road Improvements - See Transportation Element ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 60 Table 4-4. Community Work Program (2023-2027), continued ACTION 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 ENTITY PROJECTED COST FUNDING OPTIONS Public Works Update traffic study requirements X Public Works TBD General Fund Update regulations to require interconnected streets parking, driveways, and trails X Public Works Staff Time General Fund Investigate establishing a local government stormwater utility. X Public Works TBD General Fund Development Authority / Chamber of Commerce Support the Board of Education to receive an Economic Development Partnership with the State Department of Education. X Chamber of Commerce Staff time General Fund Assist in the creation of CIDs & TADs X Development Authority Staff time General Fund Help create land for business and industrial recruitment X Chamber of Commerce Staff time General Fund Freight and Inland Port transportation and development study X Chamber of Commerce/ Public Works 10,000 General Fund Market target industries for recruitment along GA 400 X Chamber of Commerce Staff time General Fund Support Existing Businesses and Industries X X X X X Chamber of Commerce Staff time N/A Gap analyses of Commercial Retail and service industries through a USDA grant with Rural Development Institute (Valdosta State). X Chamber of Commerce Staff time General Fund Support Workforce Initiatives to provide job opportunities and housing opportunities. X X X X X Chamber of Commerce Staff time General Fund ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 61 Table 4-4. Community Work Program (2023-2027), continued ACTION 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 ENTITY PROJECTED COST FUNDING OPTIONS Development Authority / Chamber of Commerce, continued Develop conceptual site plans and funding options for spec industrial parks. X Chamber of Commerce Staff time General Fund Develop a Target Industry recruitment strategy (in conjunction with the development authority) X Chamber of Commerce Staff time General Fund ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 62 TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT INTRODUCTION The Dawson County Transportation Element is an essential part of the County’s comprehensive planning process. This Transportation Element is an update to the County’s 2018 comprehensive planning document and identifies priority transportation projects and policy recommendations to help guide transportation investments in Dawson County over the next 30 years. The projects included in the Transportation Element comprise a multimodal suite of transportation priorities for the county, including projects to improve safety, operations, and bicycle and pedestrian access at key locations. Located northeast of Metropolitan Atlanta, Dawson County encompasses approximately 211 square miles in northeastern Georgia and is home to more than 26,000 people (Figure 1 It borders County to the south, Cherokee County to the southwest, Hall County to the southeast, Pickens County to the west, Gilmer County to the north, Fannin County to the northeast and Lumpkin County to the east. The City of Dawsonville, the county seat, is the sole municipality and is located in the southern portion of the county. Dawson County is characterized by rich natural beauty, many outdoor recreational attractions, including Amicalola Falls State Park, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and the 23,000- acre Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area. These features make the county an ideal location for hunting, hiking, bird watching, camping, and fishing opportunities for visitors and residents alike and are also a significant source of recreational traffic and tourism. Additionally, continued residential and commercial development are evidence of the county’s steady growth. According to the U.S. Census, the population has increased by 20% over the last decade, from 22,330 in 2010 to 26,798 in 2020, resulting in increased demand for the county’s transportation system. PLANNING PROCESS The Transportation Element was developed over a period of six months (Table 1-1) and included significant engagement with regional partners and the public during the four major phases of the planning process, which included the following: • Research and data collection – this phase was dedicated to developing a comprehensive understanding of the county’s existing transportation system, as well as future needs that may arise over the next 30 years. • Public engagement – stakeholder, public, and agency partnerships critical to determining the key transportation- related issues and opportunities facing the county. • Analysis and visualization – this phase consolidated the feedback received in the previous phases to identify area transportation issues and potential solutions. • Community development strategy update – this phase included more detailed project evaluation and an assessment of potential funding sources for implementation. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 63 Table 5-1. Planning Process Timeline TASK 2023 APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT Research and Data Collection Public Engagement Analysis and Visualization Community Development Strategy Update GEORGIA STATE COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING REQUIREMENTS Specific requirements for the transportation element of the comprehensive plan are established by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, as enumerated in Chapter 110-12-1, Minimum Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning. Chapter 110-12-1-.03 outlines the required elements for inclusion in the Transportation Element for the portions of a local government’s jurisdiction that are located within a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), which are to: • Evaluate major components of the local transportation system, including the roadway network, alternative modes, parking, rail/freight/ports/airports, and the connection between transportation and land use, and • Establish a strategy to address the issues and opportunities identified through evaluation of the transportation system and incorporate this strategy into the Community Work Program. After the 2010 Decennial Census, a portion of southeastern Dawson County was identified as part of the urbanized area connected with County and metro Atlanta, becoming part of the Atlanta region’s 20-county Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Transportation planning activities for the MPO are directed by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), which develops the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) – the long-range transportation strategy for the MPO area. While the majority of Dawson County is not located within the ARC planning area, the above elements are encouraged for local governments undergoing comprehensive planning and are therefore included in this Transportation Element, organized into the following main sections: • Transportation Priorities and Engagement, • Existing Conditions and Needs Assessment, • Project Development and Evaluation, • Financial Framework, and • Project Recommendations. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 64 Figure 5-1. Dawson County Planning Area ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 65 TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES AND ENGAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES This Transportation Element assessed the goals established in previous Transportation Element documents and has updated them with minor revisions based on feedback and guidance from the Long-Range Transportation Planning Committee, regional stakeholders, and the public. These goals will help guide future transportation decisions in the county and establish a safe, connected, sustainable, and multimodal transportation system and are as follows: • Goal 1 – Improve roadway safety for all travelers within Dawson County. • Objective 1.1 – Reduce rates of crashes, particularly those that result in serious injuries and fatalities. • Objective 1.2 – Ensure safe and convenient travel options for all roadway users by minimizing conflict points through design, addressing ADA concerns, and expanding active transportation infrastructure facilities. • Objective 1.3 – Identify funding needs for the construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure to ensure a state of good repair. • Goal 2 – Integrate land use decisions with transportation analysis and planning. • Objective 2.1 – Evaluate the transportation needs of existing land uses within the county and coordinate with Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), ARC, GMRC, and other regional partners to ensure roadway improvements meet the needs of future development. • Objective 2.2 – Align development regulations to achieve identified transportation improvements by working with private developers. • Objective 2.3 – Implement the Dawson County Greenway Trail Master Plan by securing easements and rights-of- way through the subdivision and entitlement process. • Goal 3 – Minimize negative transportation impacts on the environment and people’s health to ensure sustainable growth and continued quality of life. • Objective 3.1 – Prioritize transportation investments that provide alternatives to driving alone. • Objective 3.2 – Preserve natural and cultural resources open space, farmland, viewsheds, and riparian zones). • Objective 3.3 – Invest in the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight, to support sustainable economic development and reduce transportation impacts on air quality. • Goal 4 – Support alternative modes of transportation. • Objective 4.1 – Identify opportunities for improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure that provides access to businesses and other key destinations. • Objective 4.2 – Support expanded transit services and pursue opportunities for park and ride facilities within Dawson County. • Objective 4.3 – Refine and pursue budgeting for the design and construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities detailed in the Dawson County Greenway Trail Master Plan. PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT Public and stakeholder engagement was a critical component of the Transportation Element update. Outreach was conducted throughout the planning process to the public, regional stakeholders and the county’s Long Range Planning Committee. Detailed summaries of public and stakeholder feedback are included in the appendices. The outreach and engagement approach consisted of virtual engagement opportunities, including meetings, surveys, and interactive mapping. Advertising efforts focused on promoting upcoming events and providing varied opportunities for feedback. Targeted outreach included the development of a project webpage developed on the Social Pinpoint engagement platform, press releases on the Dawson County website, social media posts on Facebook, and email distribution lists. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 66 Initial public engagement included online resources and a web-based survey that was available from June to July 2023. Outreach at this stage focused on providing information regarding the purpose of the Transportation Element update and gathering feedback on issues and opportunities related to the county’s transportation system. The survey and interactive map were available online and garnered 69 map comments and 88 survey responses. Respondents provided information about past and future development preferences, transportation priorities, and locations of transportation-related issues and opportunities through the interactive map. Key findings included: • Need for addressing congested areas, maintenance of existing roadways and sidewalks, protection of the natural environment, and improved safety were top priorities, • Desire to invest in the major corridors (SR 400, SR 53), • Concerns about future growth and development, and • Desire for more transportation choices (walkways, bikeways, and transit). Coordination with regional stakeholders was ongoing throughout the development of the Transportation Element update and included consultation with ARC and the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (GMRC), county representatives, and GDOT. Stakeholder engagement also included three presentations to the county’s Long Range Planning Committee, which provided status updates and allowed the Committee to provide feedback during key phases of the planning process. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 67 EXISTING CONDITIONS AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT The following sections detail existing conditions within Dawson County to provide an overview of issues and opportunities facing the County’s transportation system. PEOPLE Dawson County has a population of 26,798, according to the U.S Census Bureau’s 2020 Census, which is a 20% increase since the 2010 Census. Due to Dawson County’s proximity to suburban metro Atlanta, the county may continue to see increasing residential and commercial development pressure in the future. As the county’s population continues to grow, transportation investments will need to be coordinated with future development to ensure that the transportation system can accommodate increased demand. Additionally, key demographic features, including age, access to vehicles, and income affect the types of transportation services that should be prioritized within Dawson County. These demographic characteristics were sourced from the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), which was developed by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to identify communities that need additional support before, during, and after emergencies or natural disasters (such as severe weather, floods, disease outbreaks, etc.). The index uses U.S. Census data to determine socioeconomic status, household characteristics, racial and ethnic minority status, and housing type and transportation status at varying geographies to generate an overall social vulnerability score on a scale of 0 (least vulnerable) to 1 (most vulnerable). Table 5-2 displays these key transportation-related demographic indicators for each of the census tracts located within Dawson County, as well as county-wide averages, and overall SVI scores are illustrated in Figure 5-2. These SVI scores can be used to identify locations that require additional focus during transportation planning processes, for example to identify communities that may have mobility concerns related to vehicle access or disability, impoverished communities, and/or historically underserved minority populations. Table 5-2. Key Demographic Characteristics CENSUS TRACT SVI SCORE 65 YEARS AND OLDER PERCENT BELOW 150% POVERTY POPULATION LIVING W/ DISABILITY MINORITY POPULATION LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY NO VEHICLE 9701.01 0.0897 67.5% 15.9% 26.8% 2.2% 0% 0% 9701.02 0.6122 18.5% 15.9% 15.8% 10.3% 1% 2.3% 9701.03 0.049 15.6% 5.9% 17.4% 0% 0.5% 0% 9702.03 0.1586 23.1% 2.9% 13.3% 9.7% 0% 1.1% 9702.04 0.4587 20% 12.2% 13.8% 13.5% 0.1% 0% 9702.05 0.6975 11.9% 26.5% 13.6% 14.7% 1.3% 0% 9702.06 0.2785 10% 18.6% 13.6% 7.7% 0.1% 3.6% County Average 0.1887 19.9% 14.1% 14.7% 9.1% 0.5% 1.3% Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index (2020) ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 68 Figure 5-2. Dawson County Social Vulnerability Index (2020) ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 69 Dawson County’s commuting patterns also significantly affect the county’s transportation system. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 Longitudinal Employer Household Survey, of the more than 8,300 people whose jobs are located within Dawson County, 20% (1,675) live and work within the county, while 79% (6,628) live elsewhere and commute in for work. An additional approximately 10,200 workers live in Dawson County but commute to neighboring counties for their employment. Key employment centers within the county are in the city of Dawsonville and within commercial areas along SR 400. Residents who live in Dawson County and commute elsewhere for work primarily travel south/southwest towards and Fulton Counties, as well as north/northeast towards Lumpkin and Hall Counties. General employment and wage trends are included in Table 5-3. Table 5-3. Employment and Wage Trends PERCENTAGE OF PERSONS IN POVERTY MEDIAN INCOME (2021 DOLLARS, 2017-2021) MEAN TRAVEL TIME TO WORK (AGE 16+, 2017-2021) Dawson County 9% $77,630 30.4 minutes Georgia 14% $65,030 28.6 minutes Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts ROADWAY NETWORK Dawson County’s multimodal transportation system includes arterials, collectors, and local streets, transit, sidewalks, bikeways, and trails, all of which are used to move people and goods where they need to go, both locally and regionally. A well-planned transportation system that is accessible to all types of users helps support the region’s economic health and desirability as a place to live and do business. Functional Classification There are approximately 448 miles of functionally classified roadways within Dawson County. Each roadway is categorized by its function, which reflects the level of accessibility and mobility each provides. For example, interstates allow high speed travel and regional connectivity, with minimal local access points, while arterials and collectors distribute relatively high volumes of vehicles between regional and local destinations. Local roads, in contrast, tend to have lower speeds and more access to individual properties and businesses. There are no interstates in Dawson County. Table 5-4 details the mileage of each type of roadway within Dawson County, and these functional classifications are illustrated in Figure 5-3. Table 5-4. Roadway Functional Classification Mileage FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION MILES OF ROADWAY (APPROXIMATE) Interstate 0 Major Arterials 31 Minor Arterials 8 Major Collector 97 Minor Collector 41 Local 271 Total Roadway Mileage (excluding private roads) 449 Source: Dawson County GIS Department ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 70 Figure 5-3. Roadway Functional Classification ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 71 Volumes and Operations Traffic volume data are collected for major roadways by GDOT, including Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) and safety metrics. This data is used to understand facility use, plan road maintenance, identify roadway segments with safety issues, and determine operational and capital improvements to address congestion. Figure 5-4 and Figure 5-5 illustrate the expected increase in AADT throughout the county between 2015 and 2050 as projected by the Georgia Statewide Travel Demand Model Overall, volumes are expected to increase most significantly within the southeastern portion of the county, particularly along SR 9, Lumpkin Campground Road, SR 400, and SR 136. While the statewide model covers a large geographic area, it can be difficult to determine the reliability of model results at the local level. A future task for the county should be the development of a county-wide model, which may yield more accurate results. Additionally, future coordination with ARC and GDOT will be necessary as each agency undergoes updates to their travel demand models to ensure the most accurate results are generated for Dawson County. In addition to AADT, roads are also assigned a “Level of Service”, or LOS, by the LOS is used to describe a roadway segment’s traffic conditions and how well it serves to move vehicles, by comparing traffic volumes to roadway capacity. While vehicular LOS does not consider other modes of travel, such as walking and bicycling, it can be a useful indicator of existing and expected traffic conditions. These LOS scores are determined by a road’s volumes and number of lanes, and each road is assigned a letter grade between A and F, where LOS A denotes roads with free flow conditions and LOS F represents roads where demand far exceeds capacity. In more developed urbanized areas, LOS E is considered an acceptable level of congestion. Figure 5-6 and Figure 5-7 illustrate the expected degradation in LOS throughout the county between 2015 and 2050 as projected by the Similar to the expected increase in volumes, LOS is expected to degrade primarily within the southeastern portion of the county, especially along Lumpkin Campground Road, SR 400, and SR 136. Future traffic volumes and operations will be affected by residential, commercial, and industrial growth within the county. Traffic Impact Studies for significant new developments should be required to ensure that the roadway system can accommodate increased travel demand. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 72 Figure 5-4. Annual Average Daily Traffic (2015) ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 73 Figure 5-5. Annual Average Daily Traffic (2050) ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 74 Figure 5-6. Level of Service (2015) ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 75 Figure 5-7. Level of Service (2050) ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 76 Bridge Conditions Bridge condition information was sourced from GDOT’s repository of bridge documentation, which includes maintenance and inspection reports, as well as overall bridge condition ratings. These ratings are used to identify bridge locations that require weight restrictions, repair, or replacement. Of the 49 bridges located within Dawson County, 5 were identified by GDOT to have a sufficiency rating indicating either load restrictions or that replacement is needed. These bridges are detailed in Table 5-5 and illustrated in Figure 5-8. Table 5-5. Bridge Condition Ratings BRIDGE LOCATION ID LOCATION RESTRICTION 085-00058X-000.75N Kelly Bridge Road at Etowah River, 7 miles southwest of Dawsonville Posted for load 085-99999X-000.40N Shoal Creek Road at Etowah Rover, 4.5 miles south of Dawsonville Posted for load 085-00994F-001.01N Shoal Creek Road at Shoal Creek, northwest of Dawsonville Posted for load 085-00192X-009.75E Steelbridge Road at Amicalola Creek, 6 miles northwest of Dawsonville Posted for load 085-00057X-002.25S Hubbardsville Road at Yellow Creek, 9 miles west of Dawsonville Closed to all traffic Source: GDOT Freight Routes Freight transportation is an essential element of Dawson County’s economy that relies heavily on the county’s roadway network. The county is not serviced by any regional rail lines, so freight transport into and out of the county is primarily restricted to over-the-road truck movements. SR 400 is the county’s primary oversized truck route, as designated by GDOT, but additional state highways are suitable for freight and truck movements and are also designated as truck routes, including SR 53, SR 136, SR 183, and SR 9. These freight routes are illustrated in Figure 5-9. Parking Parking availability in the unincorporated portions of Dawson County is not currently a significant issue. Within most local commercial and business areas, such as along the GA 400 corridor, free off-street parking is plentiful. Due to current parking requirements in the county zoning regulations, local businesses and public facilities are currently adequately served. As the county continues to grow and develop, development regulations may need to be updated to efficiently site parking facilities for new commercial and residential areas, particularly to accommodate freight parking needs for industrial and commercial uses near SR 400. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 77 Figure 5-8. Bridge Condition Ratings ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 78 Figure 5-9. Freight Routes ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 79 Transit and Active Transportation Facilities Within Dawson County, there are no fixed-route transit options available. However, Dawson County Transit provides on- demand transit services to county residents, particularly elderly individuals, or persons living with a disability to provide access to critical services and jobs. Dawson County Transit operates four vans and receives operations and maintenance funding through GDOT. Service is provided throughout Dawson County on Mondays through Fridays between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, excluding holidays. Limited service is available to access Dahlonega in Lumpkin County, Gainesville in Hall County, and Cumming in County. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities are limited in Dawson County. Most sidewalks are located within the City of Dawsonville and connect downtown areas with businesses, government centers, and community facilities. SR 52 is Dawson County’s only designated bicycle route. This section of SR 52 is a portion of the Mountain Crossing Route, which stretches across northern Georgia from Walker County to Rabun County. Land Use and Zoning Dawson County’s land use and development patterns are influenced by local zoning ordinances and development regulations. Decisions about how and where development occurs have wide-ranging effects on the county and broader region, from influencing where people live and work and how they travel, to impacts on the natural environment. As illustrated in Figure 5-10, Dawson County covers approximately 214 square miles, and more than 96% of this area is zoned for residential uses (some of which include agricultural uses). The rest of the county is zoned for commercial land uses and mixed uses As the county continues to grow and change, land use decisions can be made to better coordinate new development with transportation planning efforts to best manage how the transportation system operates. For example, encouraging more compact, mixed-use development in existing communities can make bicycling, walking, and transit more viable alternatives to driving alone, while simultaneously reducing the impact of new development on the county’s natural resources. Additionally, ensuring that seasonal traffic generators, such as vacation rentals and recreational access points, are well served by the transportation system will continue to be a priority within the county. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 80 Figure 5-10. Existing Zoning ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 81 Environmental Conditions Dawson County is characterized by its rich natural environment, from its varied topography and fertile agricultural lands to its expansive forests. Most of Dawson County is located within the Etowah River Watershed, which begins in Lumpkin County to the northeast and flows southwest into Floyd County. The Etowah River basin is one of the most biologically diverse watersheds in the world and is home to 76 native fish species, including four that are endemic to the watershed. While large portions of the county are currently preserved as open space, development pressures along the major corridors (SR 400, SR 53, SR 136, and SR 9) have increasingly resulted in sprawling development patterns in formerly forested and/ or agricultural areas. Uncertainty remains about the future of the 10,000-acre Dawson Forest tract, which is owned by the Atlanta Airport Authority but currently leased by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Dawson County envisions a future where this tract is preserved as open space for water- and air-quality preservation. Safety Between 2017 and 2021, there were 4,748 crashes in Dawson County. As shown in Figure 5-11, these crashes were most concentrated in the more densely traveled and populated areas of the county, including the City of Dawsonville and near the commercial hub surrounding SR 400. Additional crashes were concentrated along the southern portion of SR 9, Lumpkin Campground Road, and SR 136. Of the 4,748 total crashes, 95 resulted in a serious injury and 29 resulted in a fatality. Fatal and serious injury crashes were concentrated along SR 400, SR 53, SR 136, and SR 9 (Figure 5-12). Of these crashes, almost half (49%) were crashes that did not involve a collision with another vehicle. These crashes can be caused by a variety of factors, from human errors such as speeding and distracted driving, to roadway design deficiencies, such as shoulder widths and horizontal and vertical curvature. Crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians are of particular concern because people walking and bicycling are at greater risk of injury and death if they are involved in a collision with a vehicle, compared to people traveling by motor vehicle. Of the 19 crashes involving a person walking or bicycling, two resulted in a serious injury and three resulted in a fatality. Table 5-6 summarizes the crash types within Dawson County between 2017 and 2021, including reported crash types and associated injuries. Table 5-6. Motorized Crash Summary CRASH TYPE ANGLE HEAD- ON SINGLE VEHICLE REAR- END SIDESWIPE (OPPOSING DIR.) SIDESWIPE (SAME DIR.) OTHER TOTAL Fatal 10 3 15 1 29 Serious Injury 24 11 46 11 3 95 Minor Injury 171 34 196 117 15 19 552 Possible Injury 198 20 178 375 13 19 803 No Injury 635 53 922 1,319 84 250 2 3,265 Unknown 2 2 4 Total 1,040 121 1,359 1,823 112 291 2 4,748 Source: GDOT Numetric Crash Data Portal ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 82 Figure 5-11. All Crashes (2017-2021) ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 83 Figure 5-12. Fatal and Serious Injury Crashes (2017-2021) ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 84 Other Critical Facilities There is no passenger or freight rail service within Dawson County. The closest passenger rail service is provided by Amtrak along the Norfolk Southern route that provides service between Greenville, South Carolina, and Atlanta. Additionally, while there are no public-use airports available in the county, a privately-owned airstrip, Elliot Field, is located within the City of Dawsonville. Public use airports near Dawson County include those located in Gainesville, Blairsville, Dahlonega, Canton, and Jasper. Critical facilities in Dawson County include eight fire stations that cover ten fire rescue zones spread throughout the county. Six alternative fueling stations are available for public-use electric vehicle charging, including three at the Atlanta Motorsports Park near Dawsonville, one at the Paradise Valley Resort and Club (private access), one at the North Georgia Premium Outlets, and one at Main Street Park in Dawsonville. These critical transportation facilities are illustrated in Figure 5-13. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 85 Figure 5-13. Critical Transportation Facilities ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 86 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS The following section outlines the multimodal project recommendations that have been identified as priorities for Dawson County. PREVIOUS PLANS AND COORDINATION Previous planning studies were assessed during the development of the county’s transportation priority projects, including the ongoing Lumpkin Campground Road Corridor Study, the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission’s 2012 Regional Assessment, and previous Capital Improvement Elements. The Lumpkin Campground Road Corridor Study will include a variety of transportation recommendations along Lumpkin Campground Road between the County line and SR 400 to address traffic operations and safety concerns. Additional project concepts were sourced through coordination with the county’s Long Range Transportation Committee, the Public Works Department, and from public engagement. In addition, known and in-progress transportation projects were documented from agency partners, including GDOT and ARC. These projects are listed in Table 5-7, below. Table 5-7. Known Agency Partner Projects LOCATION PROJECT TYPE PHASE AGENCY SR 224/Shoal Creek Rd at Shoal Creek Bridge Active Preconstruction GDOT SR 136 at Toto Creek 7.6 miles SE of Dawsonville Bridge Active Preconstruction GDOT SR 9 at Bannister Rd Roundabout Active Preconstruction GDOT SR 53 at Thompson Creek Bridge Replacement Active Preconstruction GDOT, ARC SR 136 at Keith Evans Rd Roundabout Active Preconstruction GDOT SR 53 at Shoal Creek 1.6 miles West of Dawsonville Bridge Active Preconstruction GDOT SR 400 at Sev Loc in Dawson and Cable Barrier Active Preconstruction GDOT Sharp Curve Warning Signs at 1102 Locs inD1 Area 1 - SR 9, 52, 53 & 136 in Dawson Safety Active Preconstruction GDOT Rumble Strips in D1 - Area 1 & 2 at 12 Routes (SR 136W, 136E, & 9) Safety Active Preconstruction GDOT SR 136 at Chestatee Bridge Replacement Construction GDOT Amicalola Falls Culvert Replacement Construction GDOT SR 183 and Cochrans Creek Bridge Construction Construction GDOT Blue Ridge Overlook, Afton Rd and Nix Bridge Rd Safety Construction GDOT SR 9 from SR to Jewell Slaton Rd/ Dawson Resurfacing Construction GDOT ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 87 Table 5-7. Known Agency Partner Projects, continued LOCATION PROJECT TYPE PHASE AGENCY SR 52 from Gilmer County Line to SR 183 Resurfacing Construction GDOT SR 136 from the Pickens Co line to SR 183 Resurfacing Construction GDOT SR 400 from SR 369 to SR 53 (Dawson) Resurfacing Construction GDOT SR 400 from SR 53 (Dawson) to SR 60 (Lumpkin) Resurfacing Planning GDOT PROJECT RECOMMENDATIONS The following project recommendations were identified as transportation priorities for the county and are listed in Table 5-8 and illustrated in Figure 5-14. These projects were developed through coordination with the public, Steering Committee, and county staff, and provide a range of project types to address issues related to safety, operations, and bicycle and pedestrian access. The priority transportation projects are categorized as high, medium, or low priorities. Priority classifications are further defined as: • High priority – Projects that have been identified to address known safety and operational issues in key locations; • Medium priority – Projects that require additional planning and design, right-of-way-acquisition, and funding identification; and, • Low priority – Projects that will require significant funding, as well as public engagement, environmental assessments, and additional planning, design, engineering, and phasing. A more comprehensive list of additional project concepts is included in Appendix E to document additional transportation system needs that should be considered in the future, as funding for planning, design, and construction becomes available. Table 5-8. Dawson County Priority Project Recommendations ID ROAD JURIS- DICTION DESCRIPTION PROJECT TYPE ESTIMATED COST PRIORITY 1 Whitmire Drive/Lumpkin Campground Road/Red Rider Road County/ GDOT Install single lane roundabout at intersection of Whitmire Drive/Lumpkin Campground Road/Red Rider Road with pedestrian facilities for future sidewalk connections. Intersection Improvement $2,415,000 High 2 SR 53 at Lumpkin Campground Road County/ GDOT Intersection modifications to address operational concerns. Intersection Improvement TBD High 3 SR 400 County/ GDOT Signal timing improvements along corridor between Whitmire Drive/Carlisle Road and SR 136. Operations TBD High 4 Allen Street and Perimeter Road City/ County Pedestrian safety improvements along Allen Street and Perimeter Road (new crosswalks, fill sidewalk gaps, pedestrian-scale lighting, etc.). Safety / Pedestrian TBD High ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 88 Table 5-8. Dawson County Priority Project Recommendations, continued ID ROAD JURIS- DICTION DESCRIPTION PROJECT TYPE ESTIMATED COST PRIORITY 5 Shoal Creek Road and SR 136 County/ GDOT Install roundabout and t-up intersection at Shoal Creek Road and SR 136. Intersection Improvement TBD High 6 Couch Road County Lane widening (11ft) and pedestrian safety improvements (sidepaths, lighting) and drainage improvements between Harmony Church Road and Elliot Road. Widening / Safety $ 3,500,000 Medium 7 Hubbard Road County Full Depth Reconstruction and widening to provide improved access for emergency vehicles between Amicalola Church Road and Fire Station #6 on Hubbard Road. Widening / Safety TBD Medium 8 Lumpkin Campground Road County/ GDOT Install two-way left-turn lane along Lumpkin Campground Road between Dawson Forest Road and Red Rider Rd/Whitmire Drive. Safety TBD Medium 9 Dawson Forest Road West / SR 9 County/ GDOT Side path (10-12ft) along the north side of Dawson Forest Rd W. and the west side of SR 9 between Whitewood Dr and Woodbrook Farm Rd. Bicycle / Pedestrian TBD Medium 10 Etowah River Road County Re-open, widen, and repave Etowah River Road as a parallel, alternative route to SR 400 between SR 9 and SR 136 Widening TBD Low Note: Undetermined project costs to be developed as project parameters are further defined. Project ID 1 and ID 8 were sourced from the ongoing Lumpkin Campground Road Study – additional modifications and design revisions may be necessary. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 89 Figure 5-14. Priority Project Recommendations ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 90 FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK In addition to the specific project needs listed in the above table, Dawson County has also identified that a programmatic approach is needed to address bridge repair and maintenance, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements, safety and operational projects, and roadway resurfacing. By allocating funds to these types of projects, the county can address issues and needs as they arise. These programs and anticipated potential funding sources are listed in Table 5-9 and should be allocated through the county’s budgeting process based on funding availability. Table 5-9. Dawson County Improvement Programs IMPROVEMENT TYPE ANTICIPATED FUNDING SOURCE Bridge Repair and Maintenance SPLOST, future TSPLOST, General funds, GDOT funds Bicycle and Pedestrian General funds, GDOT funds, development impact fees, public/ private partnerships Safety and Operational General funds, GDOT funds, development impact fees Roadway Resurfacing SPLOST, future TSPLOST, General funds, GDOT funds, public/ private partnerships, development impact fees Funding for transportation projects come from a variety of sources, including local, state, and federal sources. The following types of funding are available for transportation investments in Dawson County: • Local Sources: • Special Purpose Location Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) – Dawson County’s most recent SPLOST (SPLOST VII) was approved by voters in 2021 as a 1 percent sales tax that will generate approximately $60 million in funds to support a variety of government functions over the next 6 years, including the Sheriff, Fire/EMS, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works departments. Future attempts to develop additional transportation-specific SPLOST programs could yield significant funding to support transportation investments in the county. • General Funds – County general funds can be approved by the Board of Commissioners to be spent in support of transportation projects, including roadway maintenance, bridge repair, and other necessary improvements. • Other local funding sources for transportation projects in Dawson County could include development impact fees and tax increment financing. • Issuing bonds can fund major capital investments, however, Dawson County does not currently issue bonds for roadway projects. • State and Federal Sources: • Formula Funds – some formula funds administered by GDOT and ARC are only eligible for allocation within the MPO region that extends into the southeastern part of the county, including Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds, which can be used for the preservation, reconstruction, and construction of federal-aid eligible roadways, bridges, and tunnels, and Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds, which is a set-aside of the STBG program that supports transportation improvements for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, as well as safe routes to school projects. • GDOT Funding – GDOT’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds transportation projects located outside the MPO’s jurisdiction and includes projects to address issues related to safety and operations, bridge condition, transit, and bicycle and pedestrian deficiencies, among others. • Discretionary/Competitive Funds – Various competitive grant programs are available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which reauthorizes the federal surface transportation program for fiscal years 2022 through 2026. These include funding programs available to cities and counties such as the Bridge Investment Program, Carbon Reduction Program, and the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, among others. • Transit Funding – for the area of Dawson County that is within the ARC MPO’s boundary, transit funding is available from the ARC to support regional transit projects. Additional transit funding for capital improvements and operations is allocated on an annual basis from the GDOT Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 91 CONCLUSION Growth in Dawson County will continue to pose transportation challenges and opportunities over the next 20 years. The discussion included in this Transportation Element is intended to inform and guide the prioritization and funding of transportation projects going forward. The transportation planning process used here should be revisited every five years or as necessary to respond to changes in the community. The consultant team, in coordination with county staff, determined that the listed priority projects should be further developed to include conceptual cross-sections and plans to better estimate project budgets. Once completed, the revised project concepts and budgets should be reprioritized and evaluated against the goals and objectives listed herein. Additional projects should be evaluated and added through plan updates as higher priority projects are completed and funds become available. A list of these projects is included in Appendix E. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 92 APPENDICES A. 2018 List of Projects B. Area Labor Profile for Dawson County C. Summary of Comprehensive Plan Survey Results D. Transportation Element - Summary of Public and Stakeholder Engagement E. Transportation Element - Comprehensive List of Project Concepts F. Lumpkin Campground Corridor Study G. Greenways and Trails Plan ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 93 APPENDIX A. 2018 LIST OF PROJECTS • Develop Greenspace Master Plan • Develop Bike/Pedestrian/Greenways Master Plan • Adopt conservation subdivision regulations • Adopt Best Management Practices (BMP) for storrnwater run-off • Adopt regulations for Scenic Corridors • Adopt Georgia 53 Corridor Overlay • Adopt a gateway and signage master plan for planned communities • Adopt a circulation master plan that defines how the street, sidewalk, and path network will look and how it will connect to surrounding neighborhoods • Update county’s regulations to require interconnected streets, parking, driveways, sidewalks, greenways, and trails for planned communities • Adopt a policy framework to prevent encroachment of inappropriate automobile-oriented development that would adversely affect the quality oflife and public realm • Adopt Best Mgmt Practices to protect water quality from storrnwater runoff and sedimentation • Investigate establishing a local government storrnwater utility • Implement strategies, studies, and plans that call for water quality protection on a regional basis all counties in the Lake Lanier basin) • Set specific time frames for adding additional staff ( e.g., water quality engineer) to implement water quality enhancement projects and enforce water quality standards during the development plans review process • Adopt Traditional Neighborhood Development ordinance • Adopt a policy framework to prevent encroachment of inappropriate automobile-oriented development that would adversely affect the quality of life and public realm • Adopt a collector street plan • Adopt sidewalk requirements • Update traffic study requirements • Develop an Access Management Plan for the Cultural mixed Use corridor • Adopt ordinance for shared parking, inter-parcel access and driveway requirements • Adopt Campus Style Business Park zoning district • Adopt Urban Activity Center zoning district • Create an access management and driveway control master plan for corridors that allow signalized intersections every 600 to 1,200 feet without intervening curb cuts • Adopt Scenic Corridor Overlay zoning • Adopt Best Management Practices (BMP) for addressing storm water run-off • Adopt a policy framework to prevent encroachment of inappropriate automobile-oriented development that would adversely affect the quality oflife and public realm • Designate historic and scenic corridors, and provide for a thorough impact assessment process in these designated areas • Update development regulations to address drainage and impervious surface requirements ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 94 2018 LIST OF PROJECTS - STATUS UPDATES STATUS 2018 PROJECTS REASON Postponed Develop Greenspace Master Plan Funding Completed Develop Bike/Pedestrian/Greenways Master Plan Completed Adopt conservation subdivision regulations Completed Adopt Best Management Practices (BMP) for stormwater run-off Listed 2x Adopt regulations for Scenic Corridors Canceled Adopt Georgia 53 Corridor Overlay BOC Voted “No” in 2021 Canceled Adopt a gateway and signage master plan for planned communities Sign code updated in 2022 Postponed Adopt a circulation master plan that defines how the street, sidewalk, and path network will look and how it will connect to surrounding neighborhoods Staffing levels Postponed Update county’s regulations to require interconnected streets, parking, driveways, sidewalks, greenways, and trails for planned communities Staffing levels Canceled Adopt a policy framework to prevent encroachment of inappropriate automobile-oriented development that would adversely affect the quality of life and public realm Not quantifiable Completed Adopt Best Mgmt. Practices to protect water quality from stormwater runoff and sedimentation Postponed Investigate establishing a local government stormwater utility Staffing levels Canceled Implement strategies, studies, and plans that call for water quality protection on a regional basis all counties in the Lake Lanier basin) Staffing levels Canceled Set specific time frames for adding additional staff ( e.g., water quality engineer) to implement water quality enhancement projects and enforce water quality standards during the development plans review process Budgetary Constraints (Stromwater Manager position exists in Public Works Dept.) Canceled Adopt Traditional Neighborhood Development ordinance Completed Adopt a collector street plan Completed Adopt sidewalk requirements Postponed Update traffic study requirements Staffing levels Canceled Develop an Access Management Plan for the cultural mixed use corridor No such corridor exists Canceled Adopt Campus Style Business Park zoning district Land Use Code Amended in 2023 Canceled Adopt Urban Activity Center zoning district Land Use Code Amended in 2023 Postponed Create an access management and driveway control master plan for corridors that allow signalized intersections every 600 to 1,200 feet without intervening curb cuts Staffing levels Postponed Adopt Scenic Corridor Overlay zoning Staffing levels Completed Adopt Best Management Practices for addressing storm water run-off Postponed Designate historic and scenic corridors, and provide for a thorough impact assessment process in these designated areas Staffing levels Postponed Update development regulations to address drainage and impervious surface requirements Staffing levels ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 95 COUNTY ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS (2018-2022) County activities beyond those projects included in the five-year short-term work program: 2018 • Provided data to citizens via the Dawson County website and social media, i.e., Facebook and Twitter • Road projects: Red Rider Road, Dollar Road, Mountain Lake Road, Davis Road, and A.T. Moore Road • Started design work for new Public Works/Fleet Maintenance Complex • Purchased a Fire Pumper truck • Purchased land for Fire Station • Replaced eighteen (18) vehicles for various departments • Constructed a pool house at Veteran’s Memorial Park • Received a $750,000 grant to match donation from the Pauline Ivey Estate for the building of a Sr. Center • Emergency Services hired nine new Firefighters with funding from the SAFER Grant. 2019 • Road projects: Lumpkin Campground, Kelly Bridge, Kilough Church Road, and Hightower Industrial Parkway • Construction of a new Public Works/Fleet Maintenance Complex • Construction of Fire Station • Replaced ten (10) vehicles for various departments • Improvements at Veteran’s Memorial Park • Upgraded a majority of the computers in the County network • Upgraded the CAD system at the Emergency 911 Center 2020 • Provided information to citizens via an online live stream of all Board of Commission and Planning Commission meetings • Road projects on Kelly Bridge, Sweetwater Juno, Hugh Stowers, and Bailey Waters Road utilizing SPLOST. • Completed construction of a new Public Works/Fleet complex • Purchased a ladder truck to provide better fire protection for tall structures • Completed construction of Fire station • Replaced twelve vehicles for various departments • Made improvements at Veteran’s Memorial Park • Built a new pavilion at Veteran’s Park • Completed construction of a new Senior Center • Upgrade of computer systems 2021 • Audio/Visual Upgrade for Courtrooms • Road-rehab projects on Wesley Chapel Road, Juno Road, and Howser Mill Road. • Constructed a round-about at Harry Sosebee Road, utilizing SPLOST dollars • Culvert replacements utilizing SPLOST dollars • Purchased land to be used as the future site for the new fire station • Completed construction of a new Fire station • Replaced thirty-three vehicles for various departments; • Purchased ten pieces of heavy equipment for the Public Works Department • Improvements at Veteran’s Memorial Park • Construction of a K-9 Unit building for the Sheriff’s Department • New floors at Rock Creek Park Recreation Center • Completed a new berm at Rock Creek Park • River Park Canoe/Kayak access point • Installed an updated backup system for the Information Technology network ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 96 COUNTY ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS (2018-2022), CONTINUED 2022 • Audio/visual upgrade for Courtroom C • Computer upgrades for several departments • Road-rehabilitation projects on various County local roads • Started design phase of Highway 53/Thompson Creek roundabout joint project with GDOT • Replaced thirty-one vehicles for various county departments • Purchased two fire engines • Purchased three pieces of heavy equipment • Purchased new books, media, and materials for the library • Site improvements and expansions at both Veterans Memorial and Rock Creek parks. • Remodeled the county Health Department Building • Purchased seventeen fire hydrants • Update of County Sign Ordinance • Franchise Agreement with Community Television Company, a Subsidiary of Ellijay Telephone Company, to Provide Cable Services to Dawson County ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 97 APPENDIX B. AREA LABOR PROFILE FOR DAWSON COUNTY ---PAGE BREAK--- Dawson County C7 Area Labor Profile Labor Force Activity Mt 202J Labor Force Employed Unemployed Rate Dawson 13,593 13,195 398 2.9% Cherokee 144,616 140,571 4,045 2.8% Fannin 12,272 11,889 383 3.1% 131,981 128,307 3,674 2.8% Gilmer 12,489 12,051 438 3.5% Hall 109,044 106,099 2,945 2.7% Lumpkin 18,869 18,339 530 2.8% Pickens 16,126 15,644 482 3.0% Dawson Area 458,990 446,095 12,895 3.5% Georgia 5,299,480 5,117,724 181,756 3.4% United States 166,702,000 161,002,000 5,700,000 3,4% Note: This series reflects the latest information available. Labor Force includes residents of the county who are employed or actively seeking employment. Source: Georgia Department of Labor; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Initial Claims Activity May Aprll March Total 2023 2023 2023 Dawson 19 40 36 95 Cherokee 258 310 310 87.8 Fannin 21 22 57 100 223 266 284 773 Gilmer 22 22 402 446 Hall 264 260 257 781 Lumpkin 20 31 24 75 Pickens 34 38 93 165 Dawson Area 861 989 1,463 3,313 Source: Georgia Department of Labor; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Version 4.0 Dawson Area Updated: Jun 2023 Dawson County Employment Trends , ,OCIO 10,000 S.000 M)O •.CICIO - I - Laborfurce I - Employment
2012 ao,s 2014 2015 2016 2011 201e aout 2020 2021 2022 Unemployment Rate Trends Initial Claim Trends Initial Claim Trends 10,QOO - Georgia May Jun Jul Au11 Sep Ocl Nov Dae Jan Feb Mer Apr May Page 1 of6 ---PAGE BREAK--- Building Permit Construction Activity Dawson Area May Aprll March Total 2023 2023 2023 Totals 700 587 626 1,913 Family residential 636 547 589 1,772 Multi family resident 64 40 37 141 Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Population Activity Annual Annual Difference 2021 2020 Dawson 28;497· 27,113 1,384 Cherokee 274,615 265,274 9,341 Fannin 25,817 26,521 -704 260,206 250,847 9,359 Gilmer 32,026 31,978 48 Hall 207,369 206,591 778 Lumpkin 34,278 34,186 92 Pickens 34,024 33,127 897 Dawson Area 898,832 875,637 21,195 Georgia 10,799,566 10,710,017 89,549 United States 331,893,745 329,484,123 2,409,622 Source: Georgia Department of Labor; U.S. Census Bureau. White Population by Ethnicity Dawson County Annual 2021 24,5$7 Hispanic 1,404 Black • 224 Asian 206 Other 77 American Indian 25 Native Hawaiian o 0 10,000 20,000 5,000 15,000 25,000 Permits - Total Units toO 100 00 I\ I I \ , r I - Dawson Are•  Jun Jul Aug Sep Ocl Nov Dec J■n Feb Mar Apr May Population Projections 10.000 IIO.ODO 40,000 2D,000 I - Dawson County ' 202s 2030 2035 2040 10•5 = 10>> 2oeo 2oe5 Source: Governor's Office of Planning and Budget Population Projections :0,000,000 • 000.000  10,000,0d • industry not assigned 129 68 0.7 1,199 4,265 1,814 0.6 1,360 Total. Private Sector 994 8,764 87.7 746 26,969 252,774 87.7 1,073 Total • Government 24 1,237 12.4 866 442 35,394 12.3 1,008 Federal Government 2 40 0.4 1,218 73 1,362 0.5 1,430 State Government 11 164 1.6 815 140 4,807 1,7 978 Local Government 11 1,033 10.3 860 229 29,225 10 1 993 ALL INDUSTRIES 1,01B 9,998 100.0 761 27,411 288,163 100.0 1,085 ALL INDUSTRIES · Georgia 422,306 4,705,469 1,265 Note: 'Denotes confidential data relating to individual employers and cannot be released. These data use the North American loduslrlal Classification Systom(NAICS) categories. Average weekly wage Is dorivod by dividing gross p:iyrol/ dollars paid to all employees • both hourly and s.ilarfed • by lho average numbor or omployem, who had earnings; averoge earninos are then divided by lho number of weeks In a reporting period lo obtain weekly Rguros. Figures In olhor columns mFJV nol sum occura(ely due to rounding. All Mgures are annual averages of 2022, Source: Georgia Department or Labor, These data represent jobs that are covered by unemployment insurance laws. Version 4.0 Dawson Area Page 3 of 6 ---PAGE BREAK--- Top Industries - Annual 2022 Top Industries by Firms Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Construction Health Care and Social Assistance Accommodation and Food Services - Administrative and Support and Waste Top Industries by Employment Health Care and Social Assistance Accommodation and Food Services Administrative and Support and Waste Construction Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Top Industries by Weekly Wages Management of Companies and Enterprises Utilities Finance and Insurance Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction Information 500 Dawson Area 1,00-0 1,600 2,0(10 2,500 J,000 10,000 20000 30,000 500 J ooo 1,-500 Source: Georgia Department of Labor. These data represent jobs that are covered by unemployment insurance laws. Version 4.0 Dawson Area J,SOO ◄0,000 2 000 ---PAGE BREAK--- Top Ten Largest Employers - 2022* Dawson Btd Manufacturing, Inc. Chick-FIi-A Gold Creek Foods, LLC Longhorn Publlx Super Market, Inc. Sleeve Co., Inc. The Home Depot The Kroger Company Under Annour Retail, Inc. Walmart •Note: Represents employment covered by unemployment insurance excluding all government agencies except correctional inslilutions, state and local hospitals, state colleges and universities. Data shown for the Fourth Quarter of 2022. Employers are listed alphabetically by area, not by the number of employees. Source: Georgia Department of Labor Education of the Labor Force Dawson Area PERCENT OF TOTAL 18-24 Elementary 4.8% 2.1% Some High School 6.7% 12.4% High School Grad/GED 24.7% 37.3% Some College 21.8% 34.3% College Grad 2 Yr 7.2% 4.3% College Grad 4 Yr 23.1% 9.0% Post Graduate Studies 11.8% 0.6% Dawson Area Century Ii Staffing, LLC Fieldale Farms Corporation Fox Racing Shox Gold Creek Processing, LLC Kubota Manucturing of America Corporation Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Inc. Hospital, Inc. Northside Hospital, Inc. Pilgrim's Pride Corporation Walmart PERCENT DISTRIBUTION BY AGE 25-34 35-44 45-64 3.9% 6.8% 4.8% 6.3% 6.3% 5.1% 23.7% 16.9% 23.2% 21.8% 18.4% 20.0% 8.2% 7.2% 7.9% 26.9% 26.8% 26.2% 9.3% 17.6% 12.7% Totals 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Hall Hall Hall Hall Hall Cherokee Hall Cherokee 65+ 5.0% 6 9% 28 2% 21.0% 6.7% 19.4% 12 8% 100 0% Note: Totals are based on the portion of the labor force between ages 18 - 65+. Some College category represents workers with some Source: U.S. Census Bureau - 2021: ACS 5-Year Estimates. Version 4.0 Dawson Area ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 98 APPENDIX C. SUMMARY OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SURVEY RESULTS ---PAGE BREAK--- Public Announcement flyer and posted on-line DAWSON COUNTY PREHENSIVE PLAN: SCAN WITH YOUR PHONE Dawson County is updating the Comprehensive Plan that will guide development and community projects. The plan is updated every five years as required by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. For this process Dawson County needs your input! The public input is important to gather ideas and feedback from the community. Please post or share - also visit our website: 178 ---PAGE BREAK--- Summary of Public and Stakeholder Engagement Dawson County Comprehensive Plan: Five-year update 294 23:59 Responses Average time to complete 1. I am submitting comments for Dawson County as a • Resident 265 Business Owner 5 e Student 0 • Visitor 4 e Employed in Dawson County 20 Closed Status ---PAGE BREAK--- 2. What is your age range? 90 Under 18 0 80 18-24 10 70 • 25-34 25 60 • 35-44 58 so 40 45-54 55 30 • S5-64 58 20 I • 65 and older 88 10 0
3. As a way to assess a strength, weakness, an opportunity and a threat for Dawson County. Please list a STRENGTH for Dawson County. Latest Responses 271 "Small town life outside of Atlanta metro Natural surroundings . Responses "The nature! There's mountain, rivers, lakes, and farmland whic . "Rural community • 4. Please list a WEAKNESS for Dawson County. Latest Responses 278 "Development is out of control Much of the 400 new developme . Responses "1he growth of Dawson is taking away from the natural beauty . "Turning into apartments everywhere. Growing too fast. Dawso . 5. Please list an OPPORTUNITY for Dawson County. 258 Latest Responses "Allow development to happen, but assure builders support cap Responses "Stay rural feeling." ---PAGE BREAK--- 6. Please list a THREAT for Dawson County. 275 Responses Latest Responses "Growth just for tax revenue - or development that has limited "The amount of growth and people moving to Dawson is a larg "Uncontrolled growth that is already happening. Where is all of. 7. For the following community issues, please rank them in order of importance (1-5 with 1 being the most important) (slide the bar) Recreational Opportunities 2 Economic Development 3 Code Compliance 4 Housing Opportunities 5 Increasing tourism 8. Our community's most important asset that should be preserved in the future is: Latest Responses 276 "The beauty and natural surroundings that have been "Dawson Responses "The nature!" "Rural communities 9. Our community's biggest liability that should be changed in the future. is: Latest Responses 261 "Development to goes unbalanced for speed and low capital co Responses "The amount of traffic and people who are moving here." "Uncontrolled growth, apartments " ---PAGE BREAK--- 10. With respect to cultural resources, (uses of the natural environment, the built environment, and social institutions) our most important issues are (pick 250 • Improving sidewalks, bicycle an 115 200 The need for more park space 114 Unified County and City Govern 102 150 • Preservation of forested land for 247 100 Protect scenic corridors, i.e. Hwy 221 • Expand recreation opportunities 77 50 0 11. With respect to housing, our most important needs are (pick 200 • Family housing 200 180 160 Starter homes 800 to 1600 squa 102 140 Townhomes 14 120 100 • Apartments 80 Senior housing (55+) 81 60 Fewer run down/unsafe houses 165 40 20 0 12. New residential growth and development should be directed: • In/around the City of Dawsonville 62 Adjacent to existing subdivisions 29 South area of the County - Fors... 112 • Other 80 - ---PAGE BREAK--- 13. What should Dawson county focus resources on? Please rank in order of importance 5 with 1 being the most important) (slide the bar) 1 Preserving the rural and scenic c 2 Improving transportation infrast... 3 Expanding Public Safety and Em 4 E,cpanding Parks and Recreation 5 Supporting jobs and economic I • • • • • • • • - - 14. With respect to economic development, our top priorities should be (pick • Attract new Medical facilities 113 Attract new manufacturing/fabri... 73 Attract diverse business to the 112 Attract sustainable businesses w 218 15. For the following public services, please rank them in order of importance (1-7 with 1 being the most important) (slide the bar) Public Safety 2 Fire Protection/EMS 3 Land Use Planning 4 Roads and Transportation 5 Parks and Recreation 6 Senior Services 7 Solid Waste (trash and recycling) ---PAGE BREAK--- 16. What type of home internet service do you have? • DSL/cable 157 Fiber optic 93 Satellite 16 • Cell phone hotspot 15 None Available 9 17. How would you rate your home internet service? Please rate your response from 1-5 with 1 being excellent and 5 being home internet service not available. 120 100 80 3.01 60 Average Rating 40 20 3 4 5 ---PAGE BREAK--- 18. What is keeping you from obtaining faster more reliable internet? • Availability Cost Other 203 24 41 19. What is your Vision for Dawson County for the next five years. latest Responses 262 "To maintain the charm and natural beauty that the country ha Responses "To stop the growth of Atlanta into our county. We moved here "Slow controlled growth. Commissioners with a clue." ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 99 APPENDIX D. TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT - SUMMARY OF PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT The community engagement strategy for the Dawson County Transportation Element update included outreach to the public as well as technical meetings with Dawson County staff and the Steering Committee. Feedback from the public was used to develop goals and objectives, evaluation criteria, and project concepts. Stakeholder Meetings A Steering Committee was developed to provide feedback on each stage of the Transportation Element planning process, and the committee provided guidance on a variety of topics, including issues and opportunities within the county, project concepts, the public engagement strategy, and technical analysis. Members of the stakeholder committee included representatives from the Long-Range Planning Committee, the City of Dawsonville, and Dawson County. Public Engagement The county hosted virtual engagement opportunities during the Transportation Element planning process. The first public engagement opportunity was held during June and July 2023 and focused on identifying the opportunities and challenges facing the county’s transportation system. Participants provided feedback via a survey and interactive map regarding their priorities for the transportation system, project concepts, and general feedback regarding opportunities and challenges related to transportation. A project webpage was also available that provided additional background information about the planning process, a schedule, and previous planning resources. A summary of the more than 160 map comments is included in the table below. The first survey and interactive map were available from June to July 2023. The survey was completed by 151 respondents, and the interactive map received 163 comments. Respondents provided information about travel behavior, mode choice, priorities for the county’s transportation system, and preferred roadway and traffic improvements. Key results are as follows: • Typical travel behavior: 96% primarily drive alone, 22.5% carpool, 6.6% walk, 3% bike, and almost 2% use other modes (including transit, rides hare, and other). • Goals and priorities: 77.5% prioritized improving traffic operations and congestion, 44.5% chose maintenance of existing roadways and sidewalks as their second priority, and 33.8% selected improved safety as their third transportation priority. Preservation of environmental resources wetlands, natural areas) was closely ranked as the fourth highest priority, at 33%. • Areas of improvement: 60% of respondents preferred transportation investments to occur along existing major corridors SR 400, SR 53), while 20% preferred investments in commercial areas. • Respondents shared their concerns about future growth and development, particularly related to congestion and traffic. • Desire for more transportation choices (walkways, bikeways, transit). • Specific recommendations for signal timing and intersection improvements, especially within the commercial core along SR 400. ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 100 Interactive Map Comments ID COMMENT TYPE UPVOTE DOWNVOTE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 1 Intersection of Lumpkin Campground Rd and HWY 53 needs improvement. Need to add left turn arrows from LC Rd onto HWY 53 during morning and early evening hours to reduce back-ups. Other changes could include: a dedicated right turn lane from HWY 53 E onto LC Rd south, maybe add addi-tional lane on HWY 53 from Gober Hill or Pawn Shop to GA 400 to reduce congestion and backups if right away allows for this. Not sure if a round-about is needed or would work here. Congestion and Delay 27 0 34.36726 -84.0408 2 Left turn lane from Dawson Circle (Publix entry/exit) onto Dawson Forest Rd E needs a green arrow rather than a solid green light. Too many accidents from drivers turning in front of traf-fic/ congestion when drivers can’t turn at all during the duration of the green light Safety Concern 13 0 34.35344 -84.0439 3 Accidents at this intersection (Whitmire, Red Rider and Lumpkin Campground Rd) due to limited sight coming over hill on LC Rd. Reduce speed limit on LC Road and put up flashing yellow warning light. Safety Concern 12 1 34.3454 -84.0594 4 Roundabout or traffic light would signif- icantly improve the flow and safety of this intersection. I’ve seen numerous near-misses of collisions as while as heavy congestion from cars wanting to turn left from Dawson Forest Road E onto SR 53 as there are long periods without a break in traffic to make the turn safely Safety Concern 12 0 34.35395 -84.032 5 Possible roundabout here to reduce congestion? Congestion and Delay 12 2 34.36181 -84.048 6 Traffic lights with left turning arrows coming off harmony church onto 400 south. Extend left turning lane, most vehicles are turning south bound onto 400 off harmony church road. Ideas and Sugges- tions 12 0 34.37897 -84.0243 7 The light needs to be extended for traf-fic going across from Lumpkin campground to Lumpkin campground. A green turn signal to go left on 53 West would be nice too. Traffic backs up to the church just to turn. Ideas and Sugges- tions 12 0 34.36725 -84.041 8 Bike path from Veteran's Memorial Park to Downtown Dawsonville. Bicycle 11 5 34.43772 -84.0992 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 101 Interactive Map Comments, continued ID COMMENT TYPE UPVOTE DOWNVOTE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 9 This intersection needs a traffic light. It is dangerous pulling out of Thomp-son Road and Etowah River Road Safety Concern 11 0 34.38506 -84.0754 10 Students need crosswalk Safety Concern 11 0 34.41939 -84.1131 11 Need crosswalk (pref raised/speed table) for students crossing from DCHS to sidewalk on far side of Pe-rimeter Rd. Pedestrian 11 1 34.41563 -84.1052 12 Crossing of street by students is un-safe Safety Concern 10 0 34.41813 -84.1139 13 Keep 400 North beautiful by planting wildflowers in median. Discourage building close to 400 with restrictions and landscape entries and exits as they've done south on 400 (areas near Alpharetta, south Cumming, etc.) Ideas and Sugges- tions 10 0 34.38031 -84.0234 14 This pedestrian crosswalk is a huge safety concern it is placed where cars don’t look or look its direction it is placed where cars don’t slowdown so many almost people getting stuck needs to be moved or put up blinking lights with buttons to alert drivers prior to entering roundabout Safety Concern 10 0 34.42135 -84.119 15 The traffic light when on Harmony Church Rd to turn onto Hwy 400 does not have a green left turn arrow and only has a blinking yellow arrow for left hand turns onto Hwy 400 South. There needs to be a green turn arrow to de-crease congestion turning L onto 400s from Harmony Church Rd to decrease congestion for morning traffic. Congestion and Delay 10 0 34.37907 -84.0241 16 A bike route connecting Dawson For- rest or Rock Creek Park to Downtown Dawsonville. Bicycle 9 5 34.35422 -84.1142 17 Need dedicated turn R Safety Concern 9 0 34.36777 -84.0403 18 Need a true frontage road through here that connects back to 53 vs driv-ing every which way through the park-ing lot. Ideas and Sugges- tions 9 1 34.36207 -84.0391 19 Crossing HWY53 traffic for left turn out of shopping centers is dangerous in this location. Often cars are backed up in parking lots. Recommend traffic light or extending the median for right hand turns only Safety Concern 9 0 34.36556 -84.0384 20 4 ways stop light school traffic backs up a mile it’s really getting bad all di-rections but perimeter backups are terrible you can sit there some morn-ings and afternoons 10 to 20 minutes Safety Concern 9 0 34.42511 -84.1062 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 102 Interactive Map Comments, continued ID COMMENT TYPE UPVOTE DOWNVOTE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 21 No commercial uses - create the sce- nic route into the city and north into the mountains. Ideas and Sugges- tions 8 1 34.40202 -84.0977 22 Difficulty crossing downtown streets due to vehicle speeds, traffic calming or reduced speeds would be helpful for pedestrian safety. Safety Concern 8 0 34.42141 -84.119 23 Consider a roundabout to eliminate the conflicting traffic and yield sign Safety Concern 8 1 34.51196 -84.2271 24 Designate as Scenic Byway Ideas and Sugges- tions 8 0 34.4273 -84.1857 25 Weird lane merging causes confusion Safety Concern 8 0 34.34967 -84.0492 26 longer green light when turning from 53 onto 400. At the continuous flow intersection, when turning left on 400 from 53, the crossover light (400N drivers turning left on 53) needs to last literally 7 sec-onds longer. That would clear all the traffic that turned left on 400 from 53. As is, it’s easy to get caught at this crossover light if you don’t hammer down! Ideas and Sugges- tions 8 0 34.36303 -84.0362 27 Don’t let Atlanta build a huge interna-tional airport here says no and get our land back Ideas and Sugges- tions 8 0 34.39912 -84.1775 28 Right out only Ideas and Sugges- tions 7 1 34.36522 -84.0388 29 Roundabout? The congestion here is always a pain Congestion and Delay 7 3 34.36203 -84.0482 30 Lights when walking on sidewalks it is so dark in the area it is so unsafe Safety Concern 7 0 34.42639 -84.1182 31 Entirety of Cowart Road is crumbling and full of potholes where a vehicle's right tires would normally track. The only way to avoid them is to drive down the middle of the road. There are also several spots where the road bed has sunk and where roots from nearby trees are lifting the pavement up. Safety Concern 6 0 34.37111 -84.2315 32 Need sidewalks from Red Rider to Kroger Center. People walking on nar-row ROW frequently is unsafe. Would provide connectivity between residen-tial and commercial. Pedestrian 6 4 34.34673 -84.0579 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 103 Interactive Map Comments, continued ID COMMENT TYPE UPVOTE DOWNVOTE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 33 Need someway to address the conges-tion that builds up at this light during holiday traffic. It backs up the rounda-bout and turns a quick trip to Kroger to an hour-plus trip just to get through the light. Congestion and Delay 6 1 34.35391 -84.0504 34 From this spot to the other end of Dawson Forest at Hwy 9, there are at least 4 new neighborhoods being built. There are NO plans to either widen Dawson Forest, nor to even install cen-ter turning lanes into these neighbor-hoods. Frustratingly, the developers were not required to install these lanes into their developments, which has left this road increasingly danger-ous. IMO, this is an increasing safety issue that needs to be addressed. Safety Concern 6 0 34.3546 -84.053 35 High volume congestion during peak hours. Congestion and Delay 5 0 34.37962 -84.0559 36 Shared parking and bike racks for pe- destrians / visitors. Ideas and Sugges- tions 5 4 34.42138 -84.1195 37 Evaluate reopening Etowah River Road to create a parallel satellite road to GA 400. May take some congestion off of Lumpkin Campground Road. Ideas and Sugges- tions 5 3 34.40845 -84.0273 38 Very congested within the marketplace Congestion and Delay 5 0 34.34989 -84.0507 39 Need to finish Perimeter Rd to connect to Hwy 53 W and eliminate tractor trailers coming through downtown. Ideas and Sugges- tions 5 3 34.40811 -84.1177 40 This is always unnecessarily backed up. Turn on the GREEN ARROW at this traffic light Congestion and Delay 5 0 34.36801 -84.0409 41 The green light here at Dawson Forest traveling West needs to be longer. There is constant traffic that bottle necks up to Power Center Drive be-cause the green light is too short. Ideas and Sugges- tions 5 0 34.35352 -84.0464 42 Reduce the speed limit on Lumpkin Campground In between Lee Castle-berry and Dawson Forest. Put a round about at the intersection of Whitmire, Lumpkin Campground and Red Ryder. Fix Freeland rd onto Lumpkin Campground so people turning south on Lumpkin don’t pull into north bound lane. Everything in between lee Cas-tleberry and Dawson Forest is a freak-ing nightmare getting in and out. Ideas and Sugges- tions 5 3 34.34807 -84.0572 43 Safety concern with traffic from Keith Evans and Bailey Water Roads not stopping. Numerous accidents at this location. Safety Concern 4 0 34.48652 -84.171 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 104 Interactive Map Comments, continued ID COMMENT TYPE UPVOTE DOWNVOTE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 44 Blind curves on Hubbard Rd. There has been a lot on houses built, there is a fire station on the road. A fire truck and SUV cannot meet in the curves without putting your car in the ditches. I have been told by the personnel that they will go around to avoid going down Hubbard road. Maintenance will come and put gravel / scrap the road and 1-2 months later that it needs it again. Wasted time and money. Safety Concern 4 0 34.45693 -84.2558 45 Yes! Also, get the bicycles OFF State Highways, make bike lanes. I've had to hit my brakes when coming around a curve, to avoid cyclists IN THE MIDDLE of my lane! It's a nightmare to drive around here. Bicycle 4 2 34.50189 -84.2255 46 Etowah to County line keep 53 scenic Ideas and Sugges- tions 4 1 34.38181 -84.0636 47 Hightower Hwy 53 intersection at peak traffic times, this intersection be-comes blocked . Traffic wishing to turn left into Hightower from 53 builds and long lines of traffic they must cross builds back from the lights at Lumpkin Campground back to and sometimes beyond Brights Way Congestion and Delay 4 2 34.36962 -84.042 48 Traffic on Hwy53 turning left into Sun- down Way causing potential accidents on this fast (downhill) section of the roadway. Similarly traffic joining 53 from Sundown having to pick up suffi-cient speed to gain safe entry to 53. Line of sight is also not ideal. Safety Concern 4 0 34.34644 -84.0251 49 Blind, tight and precipitous road curves, some with their superelevation sloping the wrong way producing dan-gerous traffic conditions for the multi-tudes of trailered boats and RV's head-ing for the launches and campground in War Hill Park. These dangers are doubled because this 4 mile road is both entry and exit for the cul-de- sac park as well as serving some 2000 residents living on this peninsula. Driveway cuts (many blind) on both sides of the road occur every few yards. Safety Concern 4 0 34.3384 -83.9816 50 Lee Castleberry is very narrow and has some extreme grading. At the very least this road should have a shoulder added. But ideally it should be brought up to current standards to support the new developments and traffic to/from GA 400 and better access for pedes-trian / bike traffic. Safety Concern 4 3 34.33794 -84.0603 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 105 Interactive Map Comments, continued ID COMMENT TYPE UPVOTE DOWNVOTE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 51 There are marking for this to be right turn in/out only. But it is often used for left turns in/out. This should be re marked for that usage or concern is-land added to prevent improper usage. It seems this entrance should be left/right turn allowed and the other entrance to the south should be right turn only to reduce conflict with Free-land Rd traffic. Safety Concern 4 0 34.35127 -84.0542 52 Align Freeland Rd and Marketplace Blvd. Maybe add traffic light or round-about, if feasible. Or make other improvements to make this intersection safer and reduce congestion on Freeland Rd. Ideas and Sugges- tions 4 3 34.34952 -84.0558 53 Possibly a roundabout here? This is an awkward left hand turn from Shoal Creek onto Hwy 136. Not sure what all could be done here since the church and cemetery are close proximity to the road. Ideas and Sugges- tions 4 0 34.4535 -84.1349 54 Improved skate park the money spent for this one is a joke Ideas and Sugges- tions 4 0 34.41663 -84.1108 55 When heading West on Hwy 53, and attempting to turn left into River Valley Rd (entrance to subdivision), I was struck from behind while sitting at complete stop, waiting for oncoming traffic to pass, so that I could turn left. THE PROBLEM: They created a “park-ing lane” just to the right of that area. It is technically NOT a passing lane, but people use it as such, and when car behind whips around, 3rd car back doesn’t see stopped car suddenly in front of them, nor have time to stop. Safety Concern 3 0 34.38407 -84.0723 56 Limited sight distance to the north side pulling out of New Hope Road on to SR136 Safety Concern 3 0 34.49618 -84.1989 57 Right only out of back of mall Safety Concern 3 1 34.35739 -84.0501 58 Transit stop for Mall Public Transit 3 9 34.3591 -84.0493 59 create frontage road Ideas and Sugges- tions 3 4 34.3667 -84.0404 60 Hwy 52 going towards Ellijay all the way to the county border needs to be replaced. I haven't been up that way since April, so please let me know if there has been any repairs. Ideas and Sugges- tions 3 0 34.55376 -84.292 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 106 Interactive Map Comments, continued ID COMMENT TYPE UPVOTE DOWNVOTE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 61 This should be a roundabout. A flash-ing yellow warning light and reduced speed limit will likely not slow down traffic enough to make this safe. Driv-ing the speed limit or under thought this intersection already results in oth-er drivers riding your bumper. Safety Concern 3 1 34.3454 -84.0594 62 Add roundabout. This is a very unsafe intersection with many accidents and close calls. Also, often congested on Whitmire Dr and southbound on LC Rd Safety Concern 3 2 34.34565 -84.0594 63 Make this a 4 way stop. It is currently a 3 way stop but many drivers already treat it like a 4 way stop. Safety Concern 3 0 34.35046 -84.0465 64 Work with County to provide pedestrian access / greenway type trail along Hopewell Rd / Lumpkin Campground Rd. Over the past several years there is an increase in bike and pedestrian access on this corridor but it is not very safe for that usage as is. Pedestrian 3 1 34.3345 -84.0662 65 As housing increases on Dawson For-est, something is needed to help with traffic congestion at the school when turning left from Grizzle Rd. Congestion and Delay 3 0 34.35359 -84.0839 66 It would be nice to be able to get a few cars through this light without having to punch it. After sitting at the light turning South onto 400 from 53 it is irritating to be immediately stopped at that first light. Maybe 1 car gets through the green and another 1/2 will run the light making it also very dan-gerous. Congestion and Delay 3 0 34.36198 -84.0384 67 Can we not get more of these cheaply built eye sore subdivisions in Dawson-ville please!!! Please approve better looking houses. One company owns almost have of these and rents them out. How is that helping our community but adding tax dollars. Dawsonville will be trash if they keep putting these kinds of houses in. Ideas and Sugges- tions 3 0 34.41018 -84.1148 68 Poor drivers from Retail (outlet mall) and Was-Mart retail center; Close access from Goodwill to 53 Safety Concern 2 2 34.35644 -84.0446 69 Rideshare parking lot, or shared park-ing for pedestrians. Public Transit 2 9 34.42138 -84.121 70 Enhance and widen Couch Road to allow a better southbound access to Kilough Church Road Ideas and Sugges- tions 2 1 34.36193 -84.0242 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 107 Interactive Map Comments, continued ID COMMENT TYPE UPVOTE DOWNVOTE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 71 Yes, Dawson County and the city of Dawsonville need to work with GDOT to implement features to make vehi-cles going through the city slow down and look for pedestrians. Drivers will blow through the old courthouse roundabout like it’s nobody’s business. And yet, some of downtown’s most popular shops and the BBQ truck are right by that roundabout. Safety Concern 2 0 34.42141 -84.119 72 or a roundabout that would be less of an impediment to the busier Hwy 53 and still allow Thompson Rd/ Etowah River Rd traffic to filter in swiftly and safely. Safety Concern 2 1 34.38506 -84.0754 73 traffic lights along the commercial corridor might help ease the congestion. Currently getting through one light only to be held up at the next compounds the congestive ripple. Congestion and Delay 2 0 34.34433 -84.0483 74 Traffic backs up into roundabout from Chick-fil-A drive-thru. Congestion and Delay 2 0 34.35626 -84.0442 75 A right turn lane onto Jenkins. I can’t tell you the amount of people that will cross the double line to go around me while I turn on this street. Just because they don’t want to wait. Safety Concern 2 0 34.38541 -84.1247 76 3 way stop or a big mirror so we can see over this hill. I’ve almost been hit crossing to Irvin more times than I like. It’s not safe. Safety Concern 2 0 34.38389 -84.1171 77 This intersection would be a good can- didate for a "Turbo Roundabout". Keep traffic moving on 53 and provide easy movement to/from LC Road. Other-wise additional lanes need to be add-ed with better timing for the traffic lights. Congestion and Delay 2 1 34.36726 -84.0408 78 Not sure the solution for this other than a redesign. But maybe painting arrows in the lanes to make it clear which lane goes where could help things. It is very strange in its current design and not clear at first what lane is going where. Safety Concern 2 0 34.34967 -84.0492 79 Move Harmony Church / LC Rd / GA 400 Interchange/Intersection to this area so the cross road can be at 90 degrees instead of current extreme angles. This could be apart of any pro-ject that would go on the parcel on the east side of 400. Ideas and Sugges- tions 2 1 34.38277 -84.0235 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 108 Interactive Map Comments, continued ID COMMENT TYPE UPVOTE DOWNVOTE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 80 I know I'll be in the minority here, but a roundabout needs to be installed here. I've been on Dawson Forest for 18 years, and I constantly hear traffic speeding along this straight section of the road. A roundabout would not only slow the traffic down here, but it would create a safe entry/exit point for any-one pulling out from the school, the new neighborhood, and Grizzle Rd. Congestion and Delay 2 1 34.35359 -84.0839 81 No more left turns on GW Taffer. Mo- torists try to take this shortcut and often bottleneck traffic behind them on Dawson Forest. Ideas and Sugges- tions 2 3 34.35494 -84.0556 82 There should be a left turn/straight combo marker on the road and not a designated left turn only option. If you want to go straight across up toward Publix you block anyone trying to turn right. Many more cars turn right or go straight across than go left from here. It is very frustrating and causes a lot of congestion. Congestion and Delay 2 0 34.35351 -84.044 83 Perimeter & JC Burt needs a round about at 9. People on Perimeter turning left on hwy 9 do not follow the 4 way stop rule that whoever stops first does first. They just take their chances. Also, there is a little hill on 9 & you can't see these cars com-ing at a distance. We need some form of traffic control here, whether it's a round about or light...something. Safety Concern 2 0 34.40794 -84.1168 84 conflict with student activities Safety Concern 1 7 34.41318 -84.1055 85 Absolutely needed. It is a nightmare MVA between cars and Big Rigs waiting to happen Safety Concern 1 0 34.51196 -84.2271 86 Closing East bound access to Hwy 53 will finish off the businesses left in the Goodwill / Ingles shopping center. Safety Concern 1 0 34.35644 -84.0446 87 Absolutely! It’s either a giant game of traffic chicken there or a bad accident waiting to happen. Safety Concern 1 0 34.35344 -84.0439 88 Right In. Right Out only from mall Ideas and Sugges- tions 1 0 34.35851 -84.0499 89 Definitely need left turn arrows primarily in the morning & afternoon. Congestion and Delay 1 0 34.36726 -84.0408 90 Hazardous curve. Line of sight some-what limited. Industrial vehicles, large trucks carrying earth moving equip-ment etc. turn here to leave or reach their depot on Liberty Church Rd. Safety Concern 1 0 34.34406 -84.0075 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 109 Interactive Map Comments, continued ID COMMENT TYPE UPVOTE DOWNVOTE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 91 Seek road access (in conjunction with Co) from Hwy53 E to this 267 acre Corps of Engineers lake parkland as a more suitable and safe location to develop an full service RV Campground, rather than continuing to pressure for this type of development in War Hill Park. Ideas and Sugges- tions 1 3 34.33722 -83.9961 92 more lanes Congestion and Delay 1 1 34.36726 -84.0408 93 Post speed limit sign on Cothran Road. (There is one on Etowah River Road when traveling in the opposite direc-tion). Safety Concern 1 0 34.41556 -84.031 94 No one yields at this yield sign. Some-thing is needed here but I have almost been hit too many times by people not yielding or even looking. Safety Concern 1 1 34.42121 -84.1168 95 And people will virtually stop to try to figure out which lane and where to go causing back ups and people having to swerve to miss confused drivers. I agree with unsure of a solution, but hopefully there’s an engineer some-where that has a better solution. Safety Concern 1 0 34.34967 -84.0492 96 There is no safety concern here. The people who put the safety concern at this roundabout are people who are scared to drive or don’t know how to drive Congestion and Delay 1 9 34.42119 -84.1191 97 Agreed. I was always surprised this light was even installed so close to the roundabout, but it is what it is. One thing is the green light on Dawson For-est does not last long enough, espe-cially on the evenings and weekends. I think extending the light would at least help some Congestion and Delay 1 1 34.35391 -84.0504 98 Close the LCR end of Red Rider and make it a cul-de-sac. Route all of the Black Mill Preserve traffic to DFR or onto Freeland. Ideas and Sugges- tions 1 5 34.34737 -84.0635 99 This would very detrimental and in-crease traffic on Couch Rd. which has several horse pastures and a farm essentially creating a cut through and a better race track for those who are already using it for that. This is a HOR-RIBLE idea for the animals and for the residents on Couch Rd. & for the residents on/off Kilough Church Rd. This would only benefit the school traffic which is minimal and they don’t live here. Just leave some more rural and beautiful roads alone please! Ideas and Sugges- tions 1 0 34.36193 -84.0242 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 110 Interactive Map Comments, continued ID COMMENT TYPE UPVOTE DOWNVOTE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 100 Street lights are needed along 400 starting from Browns Bridge all the way up. It is so dark it is difficult to see. I thought those giant ugly silver poles would at least get lights but it didn’t happen. Safety Concern 1 5 34.3715 -84.0299 101 I have seen many wrecks at this inter- section. Some have appeared to be quite bad. Each left turn lane needs a light with an arrow for turning and no left turn allowed when oncoming traffic has a green light. It would be helpful if the intersection could be reworked to have lumpkin campground come straight onto 19. Taking the angle out would help too. Thank you. Ideas and Sugges- tions 1 0 34.37897 -84.0243 102 Agree there needs to be dedicated turn signal at intersection to allow traf-fic flow better. Turn left onto 400 South or left on 400 north gets backed up. Ideas and Sugges- tions 1 0 34.37897 -84.0243 103 This intersection at 183 and Bailey Waters is becoming dangerous along with Bailey Waters and 136. Both in-tersection could greatly benefit from roundabouts that would slow traffic down in all directions approaching the roundabout. Ideas and Sugges- tions 1 1 34.49484 -84.1761 104 400 needs a upgrade like ga 316! 400 as a at grade hwy intersections has become congested a functionally obso-lete with our tremendous growth! The rest of 400 needs a freeway upgrade! Congestion and Delay 1 1 34.3324 -84.0545 105 Change the speed limit at that area and enforce it Safety Concern 1 0 34.33578 -84.0212 106 No more cookie cutter monopoly houses. They are an eyesore. New construction and people are coming so let's create an environment and county that is lovely and a place people will enjoy living in. Ideas and Sugges- tions 1 0 34.41165 -84.1161 107 Rideshare parking on Dawson Forrest property. Public Transit 0 11 34.35216 -84.1233 108 The stop sign at the intersection of Thompson Bridge & 53 is very difficult to see. A number of accidents, including fatalities, have occurred at this location. The placement of the sign contributes to the difficulty, as does the fact that it’s at the crest of a hill. Please consider putting some sort of indicator, warning drivers that they are approaching a stop sign. This is especially important for our less expe- rienced drivers & those unfamil-iar with the area. Safety Concern 0 0 34.38064 -83.876 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 111 Interactive Map Comments, continued ID COMMENT TYPE UPVOTE DOWNVOTE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 109 Yes! Also, get the bicycles OFF State Highways, make bike lanes. I've had to hit my brakes when coming around a curve, to avoid cyclists IN THE MIDDLE of my lane! It's a nightmare to drive around here. Bicycle 0 0 34.43772 -84.0992 110 Add Traffic light at this intersection. Safety Concern 0 0 34.48652 -84.171 111 Grizzle direct to 400 Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 1 34.36179 -84.0473 112 Taffer to 400 - behind last wing of out-let mall Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 1 34.35965 -84.0496 113 I would agree with functioning left turn arrows off of Lumpkin Campground Road in either direction onto 53. Cur-rently the arrows flash yellow. Congestion and Delay 0 0 34.36726 -84.0408 114 A flashing yellow light will have little impact on the speed of motorists trav-eling North on LC. The addition of rumble strips AND a flashing yellow light might get a drivers attention. Safety Concern 0 1 34.3454 -84.0594 115 Needs a turn lane or a lane for bypass-ing a car making a left turn. Probable accident area because of oncoming traffic or traffic going in westward di-rection. Safety Concern 0 0 34.39902 -84.0965 116 Terrible congestion in this area, both north and south of this spot. Congestion and Delay 0 0 34.34873 -84.0479 117 You need to blacktop that road. As is, you slide around on the gravel on those curves. Safety Concern 0 0 34.45693 -84.2558 118 Getting very busy-add more lanes. Congestion and Delay 0 1 34.36726 -84.0408 119 Tight busy intersection with the new Dollar General, North Gate Strip Cen-ter with several active store fronts and the busiest entry AND exit into Big Ca-noe (north Gate) for residents, ven-dors, contractor, and residents Black-well Creek (that have multiple owners of shared lots in Big Canoe accessing for amenities). Trash facility entry for residents. Hubbard Road is used to access to the Big Canoe Community Garden (by fire station), new homes, dog kennel , 2 storage unit facilities... Safety Concern 0 0 34.45756 -84.2607 120 good idea Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 0 34.40845 -84.0273 121 needs more than discouraging. we need specific regulations or it will look like ga 400 around 53 el jinete, motel, etc,-- buffer made of weeds and mud! Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 0 34.38031 -84.0234 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 112 Interactive Map Comments, continued ID COMMENT TYPE UPVOTE DOWNVOTE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 122 Drop speed limit to 45 and enforce it on 53 Safety Concern 0 0 34.38506 -84.0754 123 Blind curve. Cars are traveling the speed limit (55 MPH) or faster in a curve that has very limited sight dis-tance. The curve is also banked so naturally cars may drift into other lane. There’s has been multiple accidents here with many fatalities. There is a business entrance and residential driveways in this curve. Safety Concern 0 0 34.33578 -84.0212 124 Traffic on Hwy 53 west bound backs up to War Hill Church daily. Congestion and Delay 0 0 34.34032 -84.0228 125 Dangerous area because of a hump in the road that causes limited sight dis-tance. Accidents occur almost weekly here. At the minimum this stretch needs to be a reduced speed limit, not 55MPH, because of church/school zone. Safety Concern 0 0 34.3344 -84.0187 126 Sorry I meant *repaved Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 0 34.55376 -84.292 127 I have personally never seen the green arrow at this light. If it was functional, the congestion might not be as bad. Congestion and Delay 0 0 34.36726 -84.0408 128 A roundabout here would be much better than the very strange 4 way stop with turn lanes. So many close calls here with drivers that are impatient and others (myself include) that are not clear on the order to go when there is traffic using turn lanes and main lanes at the same time. Congestion and Delay 0 1 34.36181 -84.048 129 Bring Tesla Supercharger to the mall. Would be great for locals and people traveling. Current charging is not great. Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 1 34.35549 -84.0501 130 Extend Hightower Pkwy to Lumpkin Campground. Move access to Medical offices on west side of 53 to use this new section of Hightower. Add traffic light or roundabout to this intersection. Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 4 34.36978 -84.042 131 100% this needs to be a roundabout Congestion and Delay 0 1 34.36181 -84.048 132 This intersection needs a red light. Especially once everyone moves into the new apartments/townhomes be-hind CVS. Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 0 34.36522 -84.0388 133 Turning left out of this shopping center is a pain in the ass Congestion and Delay 0 0 34.36543 -84.0386 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 113 Interactive Map Comments, continued ID COMMENT TYPE UPVOTE DOWNVOTE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 134 There has got to be an adjustment made here, whether traffic light or round about. The widening of 53 with the addition of the center turning lane only made this intersection worse. There is a deputy often at this intersec-tion watching and I’m sure they see some close calls. It is near impossible to make a left turn from either of these roads onto 53. There have already been numerous accidents and some deaths here. Please do something to make this intersection safer! Safety Concern 0 0 34.38506 -84.0754 135 Straighten the road and relocate, per-haps other side of lumber store Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 0 34.4535 -84.1349 136 A yellow flashing light will have little impact IMO. This intersection can only be made safe by a roundabout. Safety Concern 0 1 34.3454 -84.0594 137 Yes, a roundabout is needed. Traffic backs up so far on Lumpkin Campground now, and the 4-way stop bottlenecks it all up. Congestion and Delay 0 1 34.36181 -84.048 138 This is private property, the mall would be in charge of any Superchargers. Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 0 34.35549 -84.0501 139 I agree this road needs to be done. Gilmer did theirs two years ago. It's a heavily traveled road. Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 0 34.55376 -84.292 140 Roundabout or light. Evening traffic backs up, and dangerous for those who don’t see stop sign. Especially in the AM with families traveling to day care. Congestion and Delay 0 1 34.36203 -84.0482 141 These giant blinking lights are danger- ous. They hurt my eyes and distract from looking at the road by drawing attention to them. They are also medi-cally dangerous and can actually cause seizures. Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 1 34.37897 -84.0243 142 These giant blinking lights are medical-ly dangerous and can cause seizures. They distract by pulling focus to them and off the road and personally they hurt my eyes. Safety Concern 0 4 34.37891 -84.0241 143 Add a No Jake Braking sign to reduce truck noise Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 3 34.41006 -84.1046 144 Fill in pothole at the crest of the blind hill. Drivers have to go into oncoming traffic to avoid it. Safety Concern 0 0 34.38764 -83.9965 145 It's really bad they need to redo it asap! Someone is going to end having a blowout or wreck! Some pretty gnarly stretches between Gilmer County line and 183. Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 0 34.55376 -84.292 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 114 Interactive Map Comments, continued ID COMMENT TYPE UPVOTE DOWNVOTE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 146 This should be a utmost high risk dan- ger issue in this county and receive top priority! I've seen too many wrecks and have had close calls! There needs to be a stop sign in the interim until they can construct a roundabout or put a stoplight there. Safety Concern 0 1 34.3454 -84.0594 147 This will be going through our neigh- borhood. How will this make it safer for us? I thought we were only getting a roundabout. I already see tractor trail-ers running the red light at 53 and pe-rimeter rd, so will they be plowing over us trying to get out of our street. Please explain this logic. Thank you. Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 0 34.40811 -84.1177 148 Where will it go and whose land will the county have to take to build it?? Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 0 34.40811 -84.1177 149 There are dozens of people who walk on Hwy 9 south of oldtown all the way to perimeter road. We need sidewalks! Sidewalks should be everywhere with-in the city limits. Someone's going to get hit one day especially when they pedestrians walk at night to/from town in the dark. Pedestrian 0 0 34.41441 -84.1187 150 Make Harmony Church and Kilough connected for school traffic to avoid 400. Congestion and Delay 0 3 34.38063 -84.0066 151 Downton Development Authority owns on the other end of JC Burt road, and then there is undeveloped land all the way to HWY 53 to make the road. Hav-ing a road through that land should make it more valuable to the current land owner. As for the subdivision, concerns are a valid, but there is dire need for a Pe-rimeter Rd to get unnecessary conges-tion, mainly tractor trailers, out of the downtown area. Then downtown could be developed into a more friendly place to shop, eat, etc. Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 1 34.40811 -84.1177 152 Need a sign to slow down as heading east on 136 approaching Riverbend and 400. Very dangerous now for traf-fic exiting Riverbend. Could use sign in other direction between 400 and Riverbend as well. Safety Concern 0 0 34.40397 -84.0147 153 Roundabout is very much needed at this intersection. I've seen many acci-dents here. Safety Concern 0 0 34.48652 -84.171 154 Agreed a very dangerous intersection. Can a traffic circle be considered here? Safety Concern 0 0 34.38064 -83.876 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 115 Interactive Map Comments, continued ID COMMENT TYPE UPVOTE DOWNVOTE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 155 Less mowing required will Help maintenance budget Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 0 34.38031 -84.0234 156 Please repair holes at 53 and Kilough Church rd. Drivers swerving to miss potholes Safety Concern 0 0 34.382 -84.0246 157 This is a major congestion concern for drivers and it only appears to be get-ting worse. I agree to opening up Etowah River Road or other roads to help take congestion off Lumpkin Campground Road. Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 0 34.40845 -84.0273 158 A friend of mine said it took her six lights to turn off Harmony Church Rd onto 400 S last Friday. This was at 5:00 pm on a weekday, so traffic was beginning to peak. A green arrow is a no brainer and would make this inter-section safer as people push that red light all the time. Congestion and Delay 0 0 34.37907 -84.0241 159 Shoal Creek need to reconstructed and widened. The FDR process that the county has used recently would work best to safe this road up. Safety Concern 0 0 34.4367 -84.1318 160 GDOT needs to be fast tracking a wid- ening project from to 400. This corridor needs to increase its capacity. Congestion and Delay 0 0 34.36948 -84.0435 161 GDOT needs to remove the white edge line rumble strips!! Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 0 34.49544 -84.1983 162 If the right hand lane on Lumpkin Campground going south were a right turn lane only onto 53 west, it would alleviate the backup and allow the traf-fic on the other side to not back up waiting for the cars to go straight through. Agreed a left turn signal on the northbound side would help a lot. I can't understand why when we can turn right on red this is not taken ad- vantage of! Ideas and Sugges- tions 0 0 34.36725 -84.041 163 And when going south on 400, the light turns green only to have you wait at the next light until the traffic backs up through the intersection behind you, before it turns green. It seems like every light is timed to stop you or slow you down, instead of letting the traffic move. Congestion and Delay 0 0 34.36198 -84.0384 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 116 APPENDIX E. TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT - COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF PROJECT CONCEPTS The following project concepts were sourced from the public engagement process, as well as through discussions with the Steering Committee and Dawson County staff. As the county pursues additional funding for planning, design, engineering, and construction, the following list should be evaluated as a resource for future project concepts and priorities. Additional Project Concepts LOCATION PROJECT SUGGESTION CATEGORY SOURCE SR 53 Widen SR 53, capacity increases Capacity Social Pinpoint Interactive map Shoal Creek Road Reconstruct Shoal Creek Road - Safety and widening Maintenance/ Reconstruction Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Kilough Church Road and SR 53 Resurface Kilough Church Road Maintenance/ Reconstruction Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 136 near River Bend Road Signage improvements along SR 136 - sight distance, speed reminders Safety Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Perimeter Rd/JC Burt Rd and SR 9 Roundabout at Perimeter Road and JC Burt Road Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map East of SR 400 New road connection between Harmony Church Road and Kilough Church Road; parallel route New Roadway Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 9 between downtown Daw-sonville and Pe-rimeter Road Sidewalks along SR 9 Bicycle/Pedestrian Social Pinpoint Interactive map Various Stricter development stand- ards for new construction Development standards/ Housing Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 400 Upgrade and increase func- tional class on SR 400 Capacity Social Pinpoint Interactive map Bailey Waters Road and SR 136 Roundabout at intersection of Bailey Waters Road and SR 136 Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Grant Ford Drive Resurface Grant Ford Drive Maintenance/ Reconstruction Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 53 No Truck Braking signage along SR 53 Safety Social Pinpoint Interactive map Harmony Church Road and SR 400 Intersection and signal im- provements at intersection of Harmony Church Road and SR 400 (green left arrows, specifically) Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map intersection of Perimeter Rd and SR 9 Intersection /signal im- provements at intersection of Perimeter Rd and SR 9 Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 117 Additional Project Concepts, continued LOCATION PROJECT SUGGESTION CATEGORY SOURCE Perimeter Rd Pedestrian lighting improve- ments along Perimeter Rd Bicycle/Pedestrian Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Lumpkin Campground Rd and SR 53 Intersection/signal im- provements at intersection of Lumpkin Campground Rd and SR 53 (left turn arrows, turn lanes, potential rounda- bout) Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Dawson Circle and Dawson Forest Rd Signal improvements at intersection of Dawson Circle and Dawson Forest Rd Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Lumpkin Campground Road and SR 400 Intersection improvements at intersection of Lumpkin Campground Road and SR 400 (left tun lane extension from Harmony to SR 400) Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Dawson Forest Road East and SR 53 Roundabout or signal at Dawson Forest Road East and SR 53 Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Allen St Midblock crossings across Allen St near Dawson County Junior High Bicycle/Pedestrian Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Thompson Road/Etowah Riv-er Rd and SR 53 Roundabout or signal at in-tersection of Thompson Road/Etowah River Rd and SR 53 Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Whitmire Dr/ Red Rider Rd and Lumpkin Campground Rd Intersection improvements at Intersection of Whitmire Dr/Red Rider Rd and Lumpkin Campground Rd (sight distance warnings, transverse rumble strips, etc.) Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of SR 53/E 4th St/Dahlonega St Pedestrian safety improvements at intersection of SR 53/E 4th St/Dahlonega St Bicycle/Pedestrian Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Perimeter Road and Rand Way Pedestrian crosswalk across Perimeter Road at Rand Way intersection Bicycle/Pedestrian Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 400 Beautification of SR 400 (wildflowers in median), re- strictions on building close to SR 400 Beautification Social Pinpoint Interactive map ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 118 Additional Project Concepts, continued LOCATION PROJECT SUGGESTION CATEGORY SOURCE Intersection of Dawson County Industrial Park/ Grizzle Road and Lumpkin Campground Rd S Roundabout at intersection of Dawson County Industrial Park/Grizzle Road and Lumpkin Campground Rd S Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 53 between Allen St and Main St Pedestrian safety improve- ments along SR 53 between Allen St and Main St Bicycle/Pedestrian Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Medical Center Drive and SR 53 Intersection improvements at intersection of Medical Center Drive and SR 53 (right turn lane, signal) Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of SR 53 and Lumpkin Campground Rd Right turn lanes on Lumpkin Campground Road at inter- section with SR 53 Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of SR 53 and SR 400 Signal timing improvements at intersection of SR 53 and SR 400 Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Dawson Xing Lane striping along Dawson Xing Maintenance/ Reconstruction Social Pinpoint Interactive map Main Street Park Skate Park improvements Parks Social Pinpoint Interac-tive map SR 53 Designate as scenic route heading north Aesthetics Social Pinpoint Interactive map Cowart Road Repave/widen Cowart Road Maintenance/ Reconstruction Social Pinpoint Interactive map Various - Downtown Dawsonville Traffic calming, speed reductions to improve pedestrian safety Safety Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 9/Bannister Road Bikeway along SR 9 between Dawson Forest Road W and Martin Road near Rock Creek Park Bicycle/Pedestrian Social Pinpoint Interactive map Shadwood Place Rideshare parking on Dawson County property Parking Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 9 Bikeway along SR 9 between Recreation Road and downtown Dawsonville Bicycle/Pedestrian Social Pinpoint Interactive map Main Street Rideshare parking lot near Harry Melling St Parking Social Pinpoint Interactive map Main Street Rideshare/multimodal parking on empty log between W 2nd St and Raymond Parks St Parking Social Pinpoint Interactive map Etowah River Road Re-open, widen, repave as parallel route to SR 400 Maintenance/ Reconstruction Social Pinpoint Interactive map ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 119 Additional Project Concepts, continued LOCATION PROJECT SUGGESTION CATEGORY SOURCE Intersection of Elliot Family Parkway (SR 183) and SR 183/136 Roundabout at intersection of Elliot Family Parkway (SR 183) and SR 183/136 Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Couch Road Widen Couch Road between SR 53 and Kilough Church Road Maintenance/ Reconstruction Social Pinpoint Interactive map Hubbard Road Repave/widen Hubbard Road to improve emergency vehicle access Maintenance/ Reconstruction Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 9 between Dawson Forest Road and Taffer Rd Right turn only out of mall parking lots Access Management Social Pinpoint Interactive map Lumpkin Campground Rd S Transit stop for mall Transit Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of SR 53 and Medical Center Dr Right out only onto SR 53 Access Management Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 53 between SR 9 and SR 400 Frontage road on south side of SR 53 Access Management Social Pinpoint Interactive map New Road - Extension to Taffer Rd Extend Taffer Road to connect with SR 400 New Roadway Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Hightower Parkway and SR 53 Extend Hightower Parkway to Lumpkin Campground Road/SR 9, roundabout at new intersection New Roadway Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 53 near Sundown Way Advanced intersection warning signs approaching Sundown Way on SR 53 Safety Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 53 near Buddy Burt Road Turn lanes to access Buddy Burt Road Capacity Social Pinpoint Interactive map Red Rider Road/Freeland Road/SR 9 Sidewalks on Red Rider Road/Freeland Road/SR 9 Bicycle/Pedestrian Social Pinpoint Interactive map War Hill Park Road Add sight distance signage Safety Social Pinpoint Interactive map Near the Reserve Club and Marina at Lake Lanier Develop new RV park in partnership with Army Corps of Engineers Parks Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 400 Signal timing improvements along corridor Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 9/Lumpkin Campground Road Widen Capacity Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 53 Reduce speed limit to 45 MPH Safety Social Pinpoint Interactive map Cothran Road Install speed limit signage Safety Social Pinpoint Interactive map ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 120 Additional Project Concepts, continued LOCATION PROJECT SUGGESTION CATEGORY SOURCE SR 53 Install driveway warning signs between Blue Ridge Overlook and Old Taylor Road Safety Social Pinpoint Interactive map Perimeter Rd Complete Perimeter Road loop around Dawsonville New Roadway Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 53 Speed reductions where necessary because of sight distance issues Safety Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of SR 9 and Jenkins Road Right turn lane on SR 9 to access Jenkins Road Capacity Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Irvin Dr/ Jenkins Road/Norma Rd Stop control Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Harmony Church Road and SR 400 T-up intersection Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Hopewell Road/Lumpkin Campground Rd Install sidepath/greenway along Hopewell Road/ Lumpkin Campground Road Bicycle/Pedestrian Social Pinpoint Interactive map Lee Castleberry Road Install shoulders, bike/ped facilities Bicycle/Pedestrian Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of SR 53 and Medical Center Drive install signal? Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Freeland Rd and Marketplace Blvd T-up these two intersections Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Shoal Creek Road and SR 136 Install roundabout at inter- section of Shoal Creek Road and SR 136; t-up approach Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Grizzle Road and Dawson Forest Road Intersection improvements at intersection of Grizzle Road and Dawson Forest Road (signal, roundabout) Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Marketplace Parkway and Dawson Forest Road East Signal timing improvements at intersection of Market- place Parkway and Dawson Forest Road East Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map Dawson Forest Road Install turn lanes where needed Capacity Social Pinpoint Interactive map Intersection of Power Center Dr and Dawson For-est Rd Restripe southbound lanes on Power Center Dr to have a right turn only lane and a left/thru lane Intersection Improvements Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 400 Lighting improvements along SR 400 Safety Social Pinpoint Interactive map SR 400, South of Dawson Forest Rd Widen into median - conges-tion relief (short term) Capacity Dawson County Staff ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 121 Additional Project Concepts, continued LOCATION PROJECT SUGGESTION CATEGORY SOURCE Azalea Drive Pave gravel road from Hugh Stowers Rd to dead end Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Blue Ridge Over-look Widen and resurface SR 53 to County line Plans/Studies Dawson County Staff Buck Trail Pave gravel road from New Bethel Church Road to cul- de-sac Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Burt Creek Road Resurface county lot near SR 136 Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Cedar Ridge Road Pave gravel road from Hugh Stowers Rd to cul-de-sac Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Clayton Wallace Road Pave gravel road from Kilough Church Road to dead end Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Coltrane Road Full Depth Resurfacing from Kelly Bridge Road to County Line Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Cowart Road Full Depth Resurfacing from SR 53 to 4-way stop Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Crane Road Resurface from SR 136 to April Trace and Fern Valley Road Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Dean Couch Road Pave gravel road from Nix Bridge Road to Lula Garrett Road Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Diane Circle Pave Gravel Road at Dog- wood Lane Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Downtown By-Pass (south con-nector) New Road Plans/Studies Dawson County Staff Elliot Road Widen, resurface, add drain- age from SR 53 to Sunset Rd. Plans/Studies Dawson County Staff Emmett Drive Pave gravel road from Moss Overlook Drive to cul-de-sac Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Etowah River Road Full depth resurfacing from SR 53 to Cothran Road Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Fausetts Lake Road Pave gravel road to SR 136 Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Fern Valley Pave all 15 roads in Fern Valley Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Frank Bruce Road Full depth resurfacing from SR 9 to Seed Tick Road Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 122 Additional Project Concepts, continued LOCATION PROJECT SUGGESTION CATEGORY SOURCE Grant Road East Pave gravel road from Harmony Church Road to SR 400 Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Grizzle Road Full depth resurfacing from Hugh Stowers Rd to Dawson Forest Road Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Hampton Drive Pave gravel road from Jenkins Road to House #21 Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Hanging Dog Road Pave gravel road from Grizzle Road to cul-de-sac Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Indian Cove Drive Resurface from Barker Road to the loop Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Keith Evans Road Full depth resurfacing from Sr 136 to SR 183 Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Laurel Lane Pave gravel road from Hugh Stowers Road to dead end Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Little Mountain Road Full depth resurfacing from SR 136 to end of pavement Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Longview Drive Full depth resurfacing from Shadow Lane to loop Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Needham Road Resurface from Kelly Bridge Road to County Line Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff New Hope Road Full depth resurfacing from SR 136 to Bailey Waters Road Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff North Chestatee Point Resurface to Chestatee Point Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Old Henry Grady Road Full depth resurfacing to SR 136 Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Patton Drive Pave gravel road from Hugh Stowers Road to dead end Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Rainbow Lake Drive Pave gravel road from Sweetwater Juno Road to Victor Lane Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Roadway Safety Improvements Various intersection alignments, turn lanes, signalization, paved aprons, sight distance, etc. Plans/Studies Dawson County Staff Seed Tick Road Full depth resurfacing from Etowah River Road to Frank Bruce Road Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Shoal Creek Rd at Burt Creek Road Roundabout/intersection improvement Intersection Improvements Dawson County Staff ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 123 Additional Project Concepts, continued LOCATION PROJECT SUGGESTION CATEGORY SOURCE Shoal Creek Rd at Perimeter Road Roundabout/intersection improvement Intersection Improvements Dawson County Staff Steele Bridge Road Realign and add new bridge from Sweetwater Juno Road to Steele Bridge Road Plans/Studies Dawson County Staff Thompson Creek Park Road Overlay pavement from new alignment to boat ramp Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff Thompson Rd at SR 9 intersection Install roundabout Intersection Improvements Dawson County Staff Toto Creek Park Road Full depth resurfacing from Price Road to end of pavement Reconstruction/Resurfacing Dawson County Staff ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 124 APPENDIX F. LUMPKIN CAMPGROUND CORRIDOR STUDY ---PAGE BREAK--- Lumpkin Campground Corridor Study 117 ---PAGE BREAK--- Lumpkin Campground Corridor Study Study Introduction Lumpkin Campground Road serves as a vital north-south parallel road to SR 400. The road provides access to residences, businesses, and serves as a secondary route to locals trying to avoid traffic congestion along SR 400. This study focused on the South Segment - County Line to Dawson Forest Rd and the North Segment - SR 53 to SR 400. A prior study focused on the Middle Segment (between Dawson Forest Road and SR 53) which was performed in the fall of 2019. The corridor study includes three major study tasks: review existing conditions, a public meeting was held to identify transportation concerns, and identify corridor improvement recommendations. Recommendations Recommendations were developed based on the existing conditions data, field observations of traffic conditions, crash data, input from the public meeting, and discussions with county staff. Table 1 identifies the list of projects and Figure 1 indicates the project locations for the South Segment. Table 2 identifies the list of projects and Figure 2 indicates the project locations for the North Segment. Some projects have separate concept layouts, included as attachments to this memo. Projects were prioritized and grouped into tiers based on current traffic conditions and safety concerns. It is recommended to focus on the Tier 1 projects first; however, traffic and development conditions may change which could affect which projects to construct first. The list includes individual projects which can be built separately or grouped together and constructed as one project. The amount of available County funding, GDOT funding partnership, and new developments along the corridor will determine the pace of implementing the projects. Table 1 and 2 identifies the projects, need addressed, constraints, and implementation considerations. Additionally, Table 1 and 2 separates the recommended projects into two implementation tiers. 118 ---PAGE BREAK--- Dawson County Lumpkin Campground Corridor Study 08-28-2023 Table 1 - Recommended Projects in South Segment Location Project Addresses Constraints Implementation need considerations Tier 1 Projects 1A- Intersection of Single-lane Safety and Right-of- Requires ROW Whitmire Rd/Red roundabout Operational Way (ROW) acquisition; utilities; Rider Rd (Concept Layout) Adjacent homes Modify single-lane roundabout with 1 B - Intersection of additional lanes; add Operational; Utility poles Address short-term, Dawson Forest Rd sidewalks/crosswalks; Pedestrian not long-term needs add lighting (Concept Layout) Identify 1 C - Speed Study: Perform Speed Study appropriate County Line to to lower 50 mph speed for - GDOT Approval Dawson Forest Road posted speed limit roadway conditions 1 D - Intersection of Developer of Lee Add sidewalk and Safety; Castleberry Farms Lee Castleberry - Rd/Harry Sosebee Rd lighting Pedestrians could be asked to contribute 1 E - Northern driveway to Add physical Accommodate large Marketplace shopping restriction at right- Safety - truck right-turns center (Dawson in/right-out driveway Market Way) Tier 2 Projects 2A - Intersection of Modify single-lane Operational Utilities Addresses long-term Dawson Forest Rd roundabout to multi- need lane roundabout 2B - Whitmire Dr to Add center left-turn Left-turns & Available Coordinate with new Dawson Forest Rd lane or TWL TL Safety ROW development (Typical Section 1.1) 2C - Lee Castleberry Add sidewalk/shared Pedestrians Road Road shoulder needs Rd to Dawson Forest use path; improve & Safety shoulder; to be modified; install Rd shoulder/add guardrail ditches; on at least one side; at culvert locations Available review culvert (Typical Section 1.2) ROW condition/replacement needs 2D - South Segment Paved roadway Paved Shoulders Check adequate shoulders Safety - County Line (Typical Section 1.3) graded shoulder to Lee Castleberry Rd) Note: TWL TL = center two-way left-tum lane ---PAGE BREAK--- Dawson County Lumpkin Campground Corridor Study Table 2 - Recommended Projects in North Seqment Location Project Addresses Constraints Implementation need considerations Tier 1 Projects 1 A - Intersection of Add northbound left-turn GDOT approval; protected/permitted signal Operational . short-term SR 53 phase option 1 B - Intersection of GDOT identified lane Operational ROW Requires ROW SR 53 modifications acquisition Two additional right-turn ROW; Stand-alone 1 C - Intersection of lanes with GDOT identified business project or lane modifications; extend Operational SR 53 northbound left-turn lane sign; historic combine with (Concept Layout) property 1 B project 1 D - Intersection of Add left-turn Operational GDOT current protected/permitted signal (vehicle - programmed SR 400 phase - both side-streets queues) project Tier 2 Projects 2A - Intersection of Provide dual eastbound Requires ROW and westbound left-turn Operational ROW SR 400 lanes acquisition Add center TWL TL and Left-turns; Topography; Coordinate with 2B - SR 53 to SR 400 sidewalks Safety; ROW new Pedestrians development Tier 2 - Study Intersection Future Improvement to be Coordinate with 2C - Intersection of determined (based on Operational Topography; Kilough Church Rd adjacent development ROW new impacts) development Note: = center two-way left-tum lane ---PAGE BREAK--- Considerations for Recommendations Existing Conditions Dawson County Lumpkin Campground Corridor Study The southern study segment is a two-lane road with a total length of approximately 8,500 LF. The posted speed limit is 50 mph from the County line to Dawson Forest Road. Based on county GIS parcel data, the southern study segment has approximately 60-foot total ROW from the County line to Dawson Forest Road, with a slight variation at Dawson Forest Road (approximately 75-foot total ROW on the south side of the intersection). The northern study segment is a two-lane road with a total length of approximately 12,900 LF. The posted speed limit is 40 mph from Dawson Forest Road to SR 53 and 45 mph from SR 53 to SR 400. Based on county GIS parcel data, the northern study segment has approximately 60-foot total ROW from SR 53 to SR 400. Traffic volumes were collected Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Six 4-hr turning movement counts were performed at the study intersections and four 24-hr volume counts were performed at locations shown in Table 3 below. For the intersection turning movement counts refer to Exhibits 1A and 1 B attached. Table 3 - Average Daily Traffic and Heavy Vehicle Percentages Location Average Daily Heavy Vehicle Traffic Percent 1) Lumpkin Campground Rd, 6,819 vehicles 2% south of Harry Sosebee Rd 2) Lumpkin Campground Rd, 8,685 vehicles 2% south of Red Rider Rd 3) Lumpkin Campground Rd, 8,265 vehicles 3% south of Dawson Forest Rd 4) Lumpkin Campground Rd, 8,138 vehicles 5% north of SR 53 ---PAGE BREAK--- Dawson County Lumpkin Campground Corridor Study Field observations at each intersection are listed below: • Lumpkin Campground Rd at Harry Sosebee Rd/Lee Castleberry Rd o Single-lane roundabout o Some sidewalk at roundabout, but not all sides o No speed reduction signs along Lumpkin Campground Rd two approaches o Rumble strips are present along Lumpkin Campground Rd approaches o No overhead lighting • #2 - Lumpkin Campground Rd at Whitmire Drive o Sight distance concern looking south from Whitmire Drive (50 mph speed limit) o No existing warning signage along northbound Lumpkin Campground Rd o PM observation: Steady flow of vehicles turning from westbound Whitmire Drive o Utility poles on SW and NE corner of intersection o Underground gas, water, and fiber near/at NE and SE corner of intersection • #3 - Lumpkin Campground Rd at Dawson Forest Rd o Current single-lane roundabout o PM observation on 3/8/2023: Eastbound vehicle queue; short southbound vehicle queue o PM observation on 3/14/2023: Northbound eight vehicle queue o Transmission pole and power pole in SE corner - underground utilities could be present on SE corner and NW corner of intersection o No crosswalks or sidewalk around roundabout • #4 - Lumpkin Campground Rd at SR 53 o PM observation on 3/8/2023: Heavy northbound left-turn vehicle queue; long eastbound vehicle queue o PM observation on 3/14/2023: Long northbound vehicle queue at 4:55pm; approximately 1,700 feet o Sidewalk present o Has two FYA (flashing yellow arrow left-turn signal phase) for the SR 53 approaches; review possibility to upgrade to FYAs on NB & SB approaches of Lumpkin Campground Road • #5 - Lumpkin Campground Rd at Kilough Church Rd o Sight distance concern looking north from Kilough Church Rd o Very low traffic volume • #6 - Lumpkin Campground Rd at SR 400 / Harmony Church Road o PM observation on 3/8/2023: Heavy westbound left-turn; 16+ westbound left-turn queue on Harmony Church Road o Traffic signal has only permitted left-turn movements for both side streets o No major utility constraints observed 122 ---PAGE BREAK--- Potential recommendation options considered included: • Additional turn lanes at intersections (left-turn or right-turn lanes along major road, or side-street) • Roundabout or traffic signal at major intersection • Re-alignment of side-streets • Paved shoulders • Center two-way left-turn lane along major road • Adding crosswalk/sidewalks for pedestrians Discussion of the recommended projects is provided below: South Segment Tier 1 Projects 1A - Intersection of Whitmire Dr/Red Rider Rd The existing four-leg intersection has one side-street stop control approach - Whitmire Drive. Red Rider Rd is a one-way street with direction of travel away from the intersection. Due to the roadway grade changes, a vertical crest hill to the south of the intersection, and high vehicle speeds on Lumpkin Campground Rd, this intersection has poor stopping sight distance which has resulted in angle crashes at the intersection. Therefore, the recommendation is to install a single-lane roundabout as the intersection control. This would require drivers to slow down when approaching the intersection and a roundabout is proven safety countermeasure to reduce angle collisions. It is important to note Dawson County has identified a potential project to convert Red Rider Rd from a one-way street to a two-way street. Therefore, the roundabout layout was created to allow two-way streets for each approach. Additionally, part of this recommendation would involve the re-alignment of Whitmire Dr to intersect Lumpkin Campground Rd closer to a 90-degree angle. The roundabout capacity analysis results in year 2043 are level of service (LOS) A in the AM peak hour and LOS B in the PM peak hour. 1B & 2A - Intersection of Dawson Forest Road The existing roundabout is currently operating with an acceptable level of service during the AM and PM peak hours. However, by year 2033 the intersection is expected to operate with a low level of service due to high delay. To accommodate future year 2033 traffic volumes, it is recommended to provide an additional eastbound and westbound approach and exit lane at the roundabout (Dawson Forest Road approaches). This would accommodate the higher volumes on Dawson Forest Rd and is expected to provide improved levels of service in year 2033; however, the northbound and southbound approaches will have increased vehicle delay. By year 2043, it is recommended to provide a second lane on all approaches and make this a multi-lane roundabout to accommodate the expected high volumes at the intersection. A second option was identified for year 2043. This would install a traffic signal at the intersection and is also expected to accommodate the expected high volumes at the intersection. Intersection Level of Service (LOS) and delay for the existing conditions and improvement options are shown in Table 4 below. ---PAGE BREAK--- Dawson County Lumpkin Campground Corridor Study Approach Overall NB SB EB WB Table 4: Lumpkin Campground Rd at Dawson Forest Rd Alternative Comparison Capacity Results for Peak Hours: AM LOS & Delay (PM LOS & Delay) Existing Year 2023: B 12 (B 14) B 13 (C 16) A 9 (B 13) B 15 (B 13) A 10 (B 12) No Build 2043 F 105 (F 116) F 62 (F 163) E 42 (F 121) F 206 (F 113) E 39 (F 69) Build Alt 1 Build Alt 1 2043: 2033: Add Add addl. EB & addl. EB& WB approach lane C 18 (D 32) E 43 (F 73) C17(E39) B 10 (B 10) A 9 (A 10) WB approach lane F54(F93) F 187 (F 229) E 36 (F 131) C 16 (B 12) A 10 (B 11) Build Alt 2 2043: Multi- lane RAB C 19 (D 33) C 19 (C 22) B 10 (B 14) C 16 (C 16) D 32 (F 80) *Average vehicle delay in secands 1C - South Segment Speed Study (from County Line to Dawson Forest Rd) Build Alt 3 2043: Signalize D 42 (D 49) C 35 (E 56) D 39 (D 52) D 41 (C 29) D 55 (E 58) Due to the roadway conditions, travel lane width, and multiple driveway access, it is recommended to conduct an Engineering and Traffic Investigation report (ETI) to evaluate if the posted speed limit should be reduced from 50 mph. An ETI report would include collecting vehicle speed data and evaluating an appropriate speed limit. Based on the crash review performed for the corridor study, in a five-year period there were 152 crashes along the southern segment. There were 8 'run off road' collisions, 2 head on collisions, and 1 sideswipe-opposite direction collision. Reducing the posted speed limit may help decrease the frequency and severity of these crash types along the south segment. 1 D - Northern driveway to Marketplace shopping center (Dawson Market Way) Due to complaints received at the county as well as safety concerns, it is recommended to install a physical restriction / channelized island for the right-in/right-out driveway at Dawson Market Way to prevent vehicles from making the left-turn movement. 1 E - Intersection of Lee Castleberry Rd/Harry Sosebee Rd Due to the residential development near the intersection, it is recommended to provide sidewalks and crosswalks at the roundabout as well as install lighting for the intersection. Lighting will improve visibility of the roundabout for drivers at nighttime and improve visibility for pedestrians. 2B - Center two-way left-turn lane along south segment The road currently accommodates the daily traffic volume of around 8,000 vehicles per day. Two-lane roads can carry high volumes depending on the conditions, if there are left and right turn lanes at intersections, and the number of traffic signals along the corridor. Theoretical capacity limits for a two­ lane local road to operate at a LOS D is 15,000 vehicles-per-day (vpd). In practice, two-lane and three-lane roads (with a center turn lane) can carry between 17,000 - 22,000 vpd. Above this volume the roadway experiences severe congestion and delay. Providing a center two-way left-turn lane along Lumpkin Campground Road would separate left­ turn vehicles from the through lane, reduce rear-end crashes, and increase capacity of the two-lane road. This would accommodate future growth in vehicle volumes anticipated in the corridor. Based on current conditions and driveway locations, installing a center two-way left-turn lane in certain areas of the corridor were prioritized. ---PAGE BREAK--- Dawson County Lumpkin Campground Corridor Study Location considerations: • Whitmire Dr to Dawson Forest Rd - Center widening at this location appears most appropriate 2C - Lee castleberry Rd to Dawson Forest Rd Due to the residential and commercial uses in this segment as well as public comments, it is recommended to install sidewalk or a shared-use path from Lee Castleberry Rd to Dawson Forest Rd. The installation of sidewalk and a shared-use path would provide multi-modal options which was a concern of residents who showed up to the public engagement meeting. Additionally, in the southern segment, there are existing culvert crossings with roadway shoulders which are recommended to be improved. Some are not signed and not visible, in part due to tall grass in the summertime. Provide design standard shoulders, and guardrail at the crossing, would improve safety for both vehicles and pedestrians. It is also recommended to review the culvert condition, stormwater needs, and program replacement if needed. 2D - South Segment Paved Shoulders (from County Line to Lee castleberry Rd) It is recommended to add 1-foot to 2-foot paved roadway shoulders to the existing roadway. Paved roadway shoulders, as opposed to grass shoulders, improve safety and provide improve vehicle recover to avoid run-off-the-road crashes. Paved shoulders would also allow for bicyclists and pedestrians to have some accommodation. ---PAGE BREAK--- North Segment 1A, 1 B, 1 C - Intersection of SR 53 The intersection has two lanes (left-turn and shared through/right-turn) for three approaches and the westbound approach has three lanes (one left-turn, one through, and one right-turn lane). During the AM and PM peak hours the intersection has a consistent volume and currently operates with significant vehicle queues in both the eastbound direction and the northbound direction. The capacity analysis results indicate an acceptable level of service during the AM and PM peak hours; however, field observations indicate operational improvements are needed to address current volumes. Additionally, after reviewing GDOT's Left Turn Phasing Policy it was determined the northbound Lumpkin Campground Rd approach warrants a lagging-only protected-permissive left-turn phase. Adding the northbound left­ turn phase to improve vehicle safety as there were 4 angle collisions where a northbound left-turning vehicle collided with a southbound through vehicle. The five-year crash review indicated the primarily crash types are angle and rear-end collisions. Note that the capacity analysis analyzed maintained the SR 53 green times and only modified the Lumpkin Campground Rd approach signal phase times (see Table 5 below). GDOT District 1 shared a draft concept layout which proposes to modify the SR 53 approaches by adding a second eastbound through lane and removing the westbound dedicated right-turn lane. This would reduce the eastbound vehicle queue. KCI performed the capacity analysis of this concept for year 2033 to compare the level of service with the current geometry. A second option was identified to enhance the draft GDOT concept layout. This would add one right-turn lane on the Lumpkin Campground Road southbound approach and one right-turn lane on the SR 53 westbound approach to the GDOT draft concept (Alt 2 in Table Exhibit A attached indicates the GDOT draft concept layout and the two potential additional right-turn lanes. KCI performed the capacity analysis of this concept for year 2033 to compare the level of service. The recommended option to consider would be to install the proposed GDOT changes as well as providing a southbound right-turn lane and westbound right-turn lane. Based upon the capacity analysis this improvement for the intersection is expected to operate with an acceptable level of service during the AM and PM peak hours in future year 2033. This would require right-of-way to be purchased to install the right-turn lanes. It is important to note, these improvements were only found to improve operations at the intersection in future year 2033. The preferred improvements were tested with year 2043 volumes, but due to the expected increase in traffic volume by year 2043, widening of the westbound approach of SR 53 would be needed. Intersection Level of Service (LOS) and delay for the existing conditions and improvement options are shown in Table 5 below. Table 5: Lumpkin Campground Rd at SR 53 Alternative Comparison Capacity Results for Peak Hours: AM LOS & Delay (PM LOS & Delay) Approach Existing Year2023 No Build 2043 Overall D 48 (C 32) F 219 (F 161) NB D 41 (C 30) F 286 (F 202) SB D 38 (C 26) F 148 (D 44) EB E 56 (C 35) F 297 (F 199) WB D 45 (C 33) D 42 (F 138) Existing 2023 Alt 1: Add NB left-turn phase E 61 (D 35) D 51 (D 35) F 98 (D 41) E 56 (C 35) D 44 (C 33) Build Alt 1 2033: GDOT Concept Improvements E 63 (E 76) C 32 (F 86) F 173 (F 267) C 30 (C 26) D 41 (D 45) Build Alt 2 2033: GDOT Concept + SB RT+ WB RT C 29 (D 41) C 32 (E 62) C 32 (D 48) C 25 (C 24) C 28 (D 40) Build Alt 2 2043: GDOT Concept + SBR + WBR D 51 (F 84) E 72 (F 168) E 59 (E 67) D 40 (D 40) D 50 (E 79) ---PAGE BREAK--- *Average vehicle delay in seconds 1D, 2A- Intersection of SR 400 The intersection (Lumpkin Campground Road is the eastbound approach and Harmony Church Road is the westbound approach) currently has multiple lanes on each approach and has consistent volume during the peak hours. During the AM and PM peak hours, there are significant vehicle delay and queues for westbound vehicles on Harmony Church Road. The capacity analysis results indicate an acceptable overall intersection level of service C during the AM and PM peak hours; however, during the AM peak hour the westbound approach operates at LOS E and during the PM peak hour both the westbound and eastbound approaches operated at LOS E. The first recommended option would be to add leading protected-permissive left-turn phases for the Lumpkin Campground Rd and Harmony Church Rd approaches. After reviewing GDOT's Left Turn Phasing Policy, it was determined the Lumpkin Campground Rd and Harmony Church Rd approaches warrant leading protected-permissive left-turn phases. This would improve the side-street LOS to D during the peak hours due to the heavy eastbound (99 vehicles in AM, 261 in PM) and westbound (366 vehicles in AM, 246 in PM) left-turn volumes during the AM and PM peak hours. Per discussions with GDOT District 1, this is a programmed project, and the left-turn phases are in the process of being added at the intersection as well as the addition of crosswalks at the intersection. The second recommended option to consider would be to install dual eastbound and westbound left-turn lanes at the intersection. This would accommodate the high left-turn volume at the intersection and provide acceptable operations up to year 2043, at which time widening of SR 400 (adding a third through lane) would be needed to accommodate the increased volumes along SR 400. Intersection Level of Service (LOS) and delay for the existing conditions and improvement options are shown in Table 6 below. Appr oach Overall NB SB EB WB Table 6: Lumpkin Campground Rd/Harmony Church Road at SR 400 Alternative Comparison Capacity Results for Peak Hours: AM LOS & Delay (PM LOS & Delay) Existing Year 2033 - Vear 2043 - Vear 2043 - Alt Year 2033 - 3: Add dual EB & Existing No Build 2023 - Alt 1: Alt 1: Add EB Alt 2: Add Alt 1: Add WB left-turn Year 2023: 2043 Add EB & & WB left- dual EB & dual EB & lanes+ 3rd WB left-turn turn phases WB left-turn WB left-turn through lane on phases lanes lanes SR400 C 31 (C 28) F 164 (F 112) C 32 (C 31) E 76 (D 51) D 52 (D 43) F 101 (E 65) D 45 (D 37) B 18 (C 20) C 24 (F 87) C 20 (C 28) D 43 (D 42) D 41 (C 35) D 53 (E 79) D 44 (C 27) C27(817) F 146 (C 27) C 30 (C 23) D 48 (C 25) D 45 (C 23) F 146 (C 29) D 37 (C 21) C 35 (E 60) F 101 (F 247) D 55 (D 52) E 63 (F 102) E 70 (F 96) E 75 (F 95) E 73 (F 95) E69{E67) F 499 (F 352) D 51 (D SO) F 221 (F 112) F 85 (F 84) E 63 (E 74) E61{E74) *Average vehicle delay in seconds ---PAGE BREAK--- 2B - Center two-way left-turn lane and sidewalk along north segment Providing a center two-way left-turn lane (TWL TL) along Lumpkin Campground Road, from SR 53 to SR 400, would separate left-turn vehicles from the through lane, reduce rear-end crashes, and increase capacity of the two-lane road. This would accommodate future growth in vehicle volumes anticipated in the corridor. Additionally, due to the proposed developments along this section, it is recommended that sidewalk be added as needed. Additional Recommendations 2C - Study Intersection of Kilough Church Rd The existing T-intersection consists of one-lane approaches, with Kilough Church Road stop-control. The current traffic volumes are low. It is recommended to determine a future intersection improvement in conjunction with adjacent development near or at the intersection. The current topography will need to be considered if turn lanes or a roundabout is considered. Corridor Pedestrian Plan The study identified there is a need, and as developments continue to occur, a future need for facilities to accommodate pedestrian and bicyclists along the Lumpkin Campground Rd study segments. It is recommended the County identify a preferred facility to provide multi-modal connectivity. One option could be to install a sidewalk or shared use path at a minimum along one side of Lumpkin Campground Road. This facility could be installed as a stand-alone project or be built as part of one of the identified projects, or as part of future developments. Attachments: • Figure 1 - South Segment - Recommended Project Locations • Figure 2 - North Segment - Recommended Project Locations • Conceptual Layouts o Lumpkin Campground Rd at Whitmire Dr/ Red Rider Rd o Lumpkin Campground Rd at Dawson Forest Rd o Lumpkin Campground Rd at SR 53 o Exhibit A - GDOT draft concept: Lumpkin Campground Rd at SR53 • Typical Sections • Exhibits 1A & 1B Turning Movement Counts for Existing Year 2023 • Intersection Volume Development • Historical Crash Review - Segments and Intersection Tables • HCM 6th Edition Capacity Reports • Public Meeting comments ---PAGE BREAK--- Corridor Study Lumpkin Campground Corridor Dawson County, Georgia Dawson County Lumpkin Campground Corridor Study South Segment Recommended Project Locations Figure 1 ---PAGE BREAK--- Corridor Study Lumpkin campground Corridor Dawson County. Georgia North Segment Recommended Project Locations Figure 2 ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- e- tr- CONCEPT LAYOUT - ALTERNATNE 2 LUMPKIN CAMPGROUND ROAD D HIGHWAY 53 ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- 136 ---PAGE BREAK--- Lumpkin Campground Road Corridor Study – 2019 Dawson Forest Road to SR 53 Industrial Park Rd ---PAGE BREAK--- Study Introduction Lumpkin Campground Road serves as a vital north-south parallel road to SR 400. The road provides access to residences, businesses, and serves as a secondary route to locals trying to avoid traffic along SR 400. This study focused on Segment 1 – from Dawson Forest Rd to SR 53. The Corridor Study includes three major study tasks: establish existing conditions, hold one public meeting, and identify corridor improvement recommendations. This memo summarizes the public meeting and recommendations. The public meeting was held June 11th, from 4-6pm, at the Dawson County emergency services building on SR 53. About ten people attended the meeting. Residents were interested in what the study would recommend. The meeting sign-in sheet is attached. Recommendations Recommendations were developed based on the existing conditions data, field observations of traffic conditions, crash data, input from the public meeting, and discussions with county staff. Table 1 identifies the list of projects and Figure 1 indicates the project locations. Our team prepared a digital map indicating corridor recommendations using google earth (kmz file). This method allows viewing the project, project limits, and area of impacts on an aerial in relation to properties and businesses. Based on discussions with county staff, the projects were prioritized and grouped into tiers based on current traffic conditions and safety concerns. It is recommended to focus on the Tier 1 projects first; however, traffic and development conditions may change which could affect which projects to construct first. The list intentionally includes many small projects, which can be built separately or grouped together and constructed as one project. The amount of available County funding and new developments along the corridor will determine the pace of implementing the projects. Table 1 identifies the projects, need addressed, constraints, implementation considerations, and the four project tiers. Lumpkin Campground Corridor Study Segment 1 - 2019 137 ---PAGE BREAK--- Table 1 – Recommendation Projects Location Project Addresses need Constraints Implementation considerations Tier 1 Projects 1A - North of Grizzle Rd AND South of Grizzle Rd Add Left-turns & crashes Existing driveways and grades Potential wall needed on east side; drainage improvements; possibly widen to west side 1B - North of Dawson Forest Rd Add Left-turns & crashes Drainage improvements Tier 2 Projects 2A - Intersection of G W Taffer Rd Re-align at 90- degrees Large truck turns and safety Requires ROW acquisition; utility poles; Wooded land currently 2B - Intersection of G W Taffer Rd Add southbound right-turn lane Volumes and crashes 2C - At northern driveway to Dawsonville Outlets Add southbound left- turn lane Left-turns & crashes Stand-alone project or build as part of adjacent project 2D - Intersection of Grizzle Rd / Industrial Park Rd Single-lane roundabout Volume & crashes Utilities; gas valves, steep road grades Drainage improvements Tier 3 Projects 3A - Bethel United Methodist Church and Lumpkin Campground properties Add 2-ft paved shoulders Shoulder runoff May need to improve shoulder on east side 3B - South of SR 53 Add 225’ extend NB LT storage Left-turns Widen to east side 3C - SR 53 traffic signal Provide ‘lagging’ protected/permitted left-turn signals Left-turn queue Monitor volumes Tier 4 Projects Corridor Pedestrian Plan Identify preferred facility to serve pedestrians/bicyclists Multi-modal Connectivity Right-of-Way Stand-alone project or built as part of developments Note: = center two-way left-turn lane 138 ---PAGE BREAK--- Considerations for Recommendations Existing Conditions Segment 1 has a total length of approximately 6,100 LF. The intersection of Grizzle Road/Industrial Park Road is approximately in the middle of the segment. The posted speed limit is 40 mph. The road has two travel lanes. The traffic signal at SR 53 there has a dedicated northbound left-turn lane. At the driveways and intersections along the segment, there are no dedicated left-turn lanes although there are some right-turn deceleration lanes at driveways. Based on courthouse research, the corridor typically has a 60-foot total ROW from SR 53 south to the Dawsonville Outlets area. Potential recommendation options considered included: • Additional turn lanes at intersections (left-turn or right-turn lanes along major road, or side- street) • Roundabout or traffic signal at major intersection • Re-align side-street • Curve enhancements (signage, striping, guardrail, re-construction) • Paved shoulders • Center two-way left-turn lane along major road Discussion of some of the projects is provided below: Tier 1 Projects Center two-way left-turn lane along corridor The road currently accommodates the daily traffic volume of around 8,000 vehicles per day. Two- lane roads can carry high volumes depending on the conditions, if there are left and right turn lanes at intersections, and the number of traffic signals along the corridor. Theoretical capacity limits for a two-lane local road to operate at a LOS D is 15,000 vehicle-per-day (vpd). In practice, two-lane and three-lane roads (with a center turn lane) can carry between 17,000 – 22,000 vpd. Above this volume the roadway experiences severe congestion and delay. Providing a center two-way left-turn lane along Lumpkin Campground Road would separate left-turn vehicles from the through lane, reduce rear-end crashes, and increase capacity of the two- lane road. This would accommodate future growth in vehicle volumes anticipated in the corridor. Based on current conditions and driveway locations, installing a center two-way left-turn lane in certain areas of the corridor were prioritized. At the same time, considering the Bethel United Methodist Church and Lumpkin Campground properties are not expected to change, the two-lane road could be maintained in the area. Location considerations: • 1B – Center widening at this location appears most appropriate • 1A – North of Grizzle Road widening to the west may cost less; the design depends on the long-term option for the Grizzle Road intersection • 1A – South of Grizzle Road widening to the west is recommended; this would not require reconstructing the existing northbound right-turn lanes at driveways • At G W Taffer Road area – Widening could either occur to the west or centered • 3B – Widening to the east is recommended; this would align with the recent lane improvements at the SR 53 intersection 140 ---PAGE BREAK--- • At the Intersection of Grizzle Rd/Industrial Park Rd - The existing all-way stop intersection has two lanes (shared left/through lane and separate right-turn lane) on all four approaches. Installing a center two-way left-turn lane would result in the lane assignments changing; however, the all-way stop control could remain. o Lane assignments southbound: left-turn lane, shared through/right-turn lane o Lane assignments northbound: left-turn lane, through lane, right-turn lane Tier 2 projects Intersection of G W Taffer Rd G W Taffer Rd intersects with Lumpkin Campground Road at about a 60-degree angle. This angle precludes large trucks from making the eastbound right-turn. Trucks daily access the industrial business located on G W Taffer Road. The recommendation is to re-align G W Taffer Road to be at a 90-degree angle. This will improve truck access and improve safety for all vehicles making turns at the intersection. There are two recommendations in addition to the re-alignment recommendation. A southbound right-turn deceleration lane can be provided along Lumpkin Campground Road. Also, providing either a or northbound left-turn lane is recommended. The design of the northbound left-turn lane needs to consider the southbound left-turn lane at the Dawsonville Outlets northern driveway. Intersection of Grizzle Rd/Industrial Park Rd The existing all-way stop intersection has two lanes (shared left/through lane and separate right-turn lane) on all four approaches. During the AM and PM peak hours the intersection has a consistent volume and currently operates with some delay. Crashes are occurring, and one fatality occurred at this intersection. A 10-minute ‘sample’ count was performed at the intersection during the AM and PM peak period. The volume was compared to the HCM 2000 Exhibit 10-15, which provides guidance for intersection control type based on volumes. The existing volumes indicate a traffic signal is not needed and the intersection can operate stop-controlled. The exhibit indicates if the side-street volume holds steady, the two-way volume along Lumpkin Campground Road could increase by another 400 vehicles in the peak hours, before the stop-control creates excessive delays. Based on the traffic patterns and low side-street volume, a traffic signal is not expected to meet MUTCD volume warrants in the future; however, new developments or changing traffic patterns could create the need for a traffic signal. A recommended option for consideration is a single-lane roundabout. A single-lane roundabout would provide enough capacity, improve traffic flow, and reduce crashes. Upon initial review, there are geometric and topographic constraints which will need to be studied. A concept study is recommended prior to pursuing full engineering design. The concept study could include analyzing the location of a 120-foot diameter roundabout, tie-in to street approaches, vertical tie-in to the steep Grizzle Road approach (approximately 12 percent), and utility impacts. The concept study could also analyze the roundabout’s ability to accommodate heavy trucks which access businesses along Grizzle Road. Tier 3 projects SR 53 Traffic Signal This recently completed improvement was operating well during observations. The signal is operating with permitted only left-turn movements along the northbound and southbound approaches of Lumpkin Campground Road. During some signal cycles, a northbound left-turn queue was observed during the AM period. 140 ---PAGE BREAK--- The recommendation is to monitor the volumes each year and determine if providing a left-turn signal phase would be beneficial and reduce the northbound vehicle queue. Based on a traffic count performed in August 2018, the ‘lagging’ left-turn criteria (GDOT) is met. GDOT policy 6785-2 regarding left-turn phasing states when the left-turn volume exceeds 75 vehicle per hour, the ‘lagging’ protected left-turn phase can be requested. In the future a ‘leading’ protected/permitted left-turn signal phase may be an option. GDOT policy 6785-2 regarding left-turn phasing states when the cross-product is met 50,000), the ‘leading’ protected left-turn phase can be requested. Currently the cross-product is less than 30,000. Tier 4 projects Corridor Pedestrian Plan The study identified there is a need, and as developments continue to occur, a future need for facilities to accommodate pedestrian and bicyclists along the Lumpkin Campground Road corridor. It is recommended the County identify a preferred facility to provide multi-modal connectivity. Lumpkin Campground Road serves as a parallel, lower volume facility compared to the SR 400 major arterial. One option could be to install a sidewalk along the east side of Lumpkin Campground Road, since this side of the road has more businesses/development. This facility could be installed as a stand- alone project, or be built as part of the identified projects, or as part of future developments. Lumpkin Campground Road – Segment 1 Buildout Looking into the future (20+ years), it is anticipated this segment of Lumpkin Campground Road, between SR 53 and Dawson Forest Road, can function as a three-lane road. SR 400 to the east provides the major north-south capacity. This does not preclude Lumpkin Campground Road having a different number of travel lanes either to the north of SR 53 or south of Dawson Forest Road. The corridor typically has a 60-foot right-of-way (ROW) from SR 53 south to the Dawsonville Outlets area. Additional ROW will be needed to accommodate a three-lane road with right-turn deceleration lanes at intersections and driveways. The dimensions for a typical three lane road are indicated here and based on current industry standards. For projects which would be built to an ‘urban’ shoulder design (including curb and gutter, drainage systems, sidewalks), the roadway features could include 12-foot travel lanes, a 12-foot center turn lane, 24-inch curb and gutter, a 2-ft grass strip, 5-ft sidewalks, and 3-foot utility strip. This results in a typical right-of-way width of 60-feet. Additional right-of-way is needed to provide right-turn deceleration lanes at intersections and major driveways. Therefore, an 80-foot ROW would be a recommended minimum. For projects which would be built to a ‘rural’ shoulder design (including grassed shoulders and ditches), the proposed roadway features included 12-foot travel lanes, a 12-foot center turn lane, and 4-foot stabilized shoulders. Additional permanent easement or right-of-way width is needed to accommodate clear zones, the drainage ditches, and/or slope tie-ins. The additional right-of-way width varies. This results in a recommended minimum right-of-way width of 60-feet; however, an 80- foot ROW would be preferred. As development occurs along this segment of Lumpkin Campground Road, the county may want to consider establishing development or zoning regulations with minimum setback requirements to preserve land to accommodate the future improvement projects. ---PAGE BREAK--- Next Steps The study provides recommendations to address existing needs and expected future traffic demands. The County can utilize this information to program projects for design and construction. Attachments: • Figure 1 – Recommended Project Locations • Public Meeting sign-in sheet • Estimated Intersection Volumes at Grizzle Road/Industrial Park Rd • HCM 2000 Exhibit 10-15 Associated file: • Google Earth kmz file: Corridor Recommendations 140 ---PAGE BREAK--- Figure 1 Recommended Projects Lumpkin Camp Ground Road Corridor Study – Dawson Forest Road to SR 53 Industrial Park Rd ---PAGE BREAK--- L T R L T R L T R L T R Main St total Side-St total Intx total AM Peak Hour 10-minute sample count (7:27-7:37) 6 28 16 13 42 6 7 13 13 6 1 3 154 Factor to 1-hour 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Estimated 1-hr volume 32 151 86 70 227 32 38 70 70 32 5 16 598 231 829 PM Peak Hour 10-minute sample count (5:37-5:47) 17 55 17 3 35 3 7 2 13 7 10 9 178 Factor to 1-hour 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Estimated 1-hr volume 92 297 92 16 189 16 38 11 70 38 54 49 702 260 962 AM count performed 5/14/19; PM count performed 6/5/19 Estimated Intersection Peak Hour Volumes Westbound Eastbound Southbound Northbound Lumpkin Campground Rd Lumpkin Campground Rd Grizzle Rd Industrial Park Rd ---PAGE BREAK--- Exhibit 10-15. Intersection Control Type and Peak-Hour Volumes From the Highway Capacity Manual 2000, adapted from Traffic Control Devices Handbook. Project: Lumpkin Campground Road Corridor Study Scenario: 2019 Existing Conditions Date: 6/10/19 Major Street Peak-Hour Two-Way Volume (veh/h) Lumpkin Campground Rd 598 Minor Street Peak Hour Two-Way Volume (veh/h) Grizzle Road / Industrial Park Rd 231 Major Street Peak-Hour Two-Way Volume (veh/h) Lumpkin Campground Rd 702 Minor Street Peak Hour Two-Way Volume (veh/h) Grizzle Road / Industrial Park Rd 260 AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour AM PM 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 0 200 400 [PHONE REDACTED] 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 Minor Street Peak-Hour Two-Way Volume (veh/h) Major Street Peak-Hour Two-Way Volume (veh/h) Exhibit 10-15 Traffic Signal Control All-way stop AWSC Two-way stop TWSC Infeasible region minor > major ---PAGE BREAK--- Public Engagement 2019 Lumpkin Campground Road Segment 1 Study ---PAGE BREAK--- Q)  u u ro C: • CO Vl Q) Q) > Q) ro -o I- .c LU a, LU 5 ro I 5l  V) C: Q) z C: Q) - b.O E Z 'o l9  1: - Q) V) 8 -s 0 8 .g 0 0 '"ts 0 0 Cc: '"ts 0) n C YA/ 0 0 N o, QJ n QJ n E  w a .u § ro E w  C QJ I- C u C: 0 u "C 0 tl.() C: 0 QJ - ca > V) Q) V) QJ ro a. Q) o- Q. a. C: Q) ! " 0 :s 0 > 0 C QJ E ca z it  1 R) p -z 0 J:u V 'yo) td- ! . - " ·3 # ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 125 APPENDIX G. GREENWAYS AND TRAILS PLAN ---PAGE BREAK--- The overall plan is broken in six trail segments that connect to the different points of interest within the County. Dawson County Trail Segments: 1 I Dawson Forest Trail 2 I Etowah River Trail 3 l GA 400 4 I Thompson Creek Park Trail 5 I Highway 53 6 I Future Connection to Russel Creek Reservoir and the City of Dawsonville (Route to be determined.) The remaining pages within this Chapter provide a general description of the typical trail types proposed as well as a break down of the trail segments into further study segments based on the specific type of trail within that sub-segment. DAWSONVILLE FOREST MASTER PLAN OVERVIEW • - • • - ° • ' .o ' ' FlUREll:USSEL Cll:W ESEll:VOIR ' ' ' .Ji LEGEND - C( LAKELANIEI!. ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 TRAIL TYPES MULn-USE SIOIMIH 12"•/ 5• O:isriNG OO'CH - - - SIDE PATH TYPICAL SECTION MULn-UR TUIL BOARDWALK TYPICAL SECTION CUIL TYP. 1 !Design, Alta Planning+. "Facility Types:• Home - Rural Design Guide, ruraldesignguide.com/. l SIDE PATHS: As defined by 1Small Town and Rural Design Guide, a side path is "a bidirectional shared use path located immediately adjacent and parallel to a roadway. Side paths can offer a high-quality experience for users of all ages and abilities as compared to on-roadway facilities in heavy traffic environments, allow for reduced roadway crossing distances, and maintain rural and small town community character." For the purposes of cost estimation, all side paths ore assumed to have either and existing or constructed adjacent curb and to include necessary roadway drainage to accommodate such. The path material is assumed to be 6 inch thick concrete on a graded aggregate base. The buffer area between the path and adjacent vehicular travel ways should be as wide as practical in order to create physical distance and separation from the user and adjacent traffic. BOARDWALK SECTION: A boardwalk section is necessary in areas of wetlands, streams, floodplains and where typical earth grading practices may not be feasible. Simply put, it is a pathway constructed out of "boards". Conventional construction often utilizes pressure treated lumber. However, due to the life cycle cost and ongoing maintenance associate with wood construction, many communities ore now utilizing precast concrete boardwalk systems. For purposes of cost estimation, a precost concrete boardwalk system has been considered for all boardwalks and bridges. ---PAGE BREAK--- OFF ROAD GREENWAY: Off road greenways are trails that are constructed exclusive of an adjacent roadway. They are also known as shared use paths, which, as defined by 1Small Town and Rural Design Guide, are used to provide "a travel area separate from motorized traffic for bicyclists, pedestrians, skaters, wheelchair users, joggers, and other users. Shared use paths can provide a low-stress experience for a variety of users using the network for transportation or recreation." To the greatest extent practical, the trail will be constructed by balancing the cut and fill that is needed. In areas of extremely steep grade, creek or wetland crossings; boardwalks, retaining walls and bridges will be needed. For the purposes of cost estimation, all on grade path material is assumed to be 6 inch thick concrete on a graded aggregate base and boardwalks and bridges as described above. RIVER TRAIL: The River Trail type is a version of the greenway trail type with just a few additional considerations needed because of the sensitivity of the natural river system that is adjacent. Materials within the floodplain will need to be closely studied and may require higher interval of regular maintenance due to natural river flooding events. A higher ratio of boardwalk to on-grade trail will be needed when compared to a typical off road greenway trail. A minimum of one pedestrian bridge crossing will be needed. Water quality protections may require special permitting or buffers to the river. For the purposes of cost estimation, all on grade path material is assumed to be 6 inch thick concrete on a graded aggregate base and boardwalks and bridges as described above. !Design, Alta Planning+. "Facility Types5 Home - Rural Design Guide, ruraldesignguide.com/. UWNNCI WAU.nP. MULll-Ult TUil M GIOUN':'o":i lt( V MN. MUIJI.USI 11WL 12'•/ OFF ROAD GREENWAY TYPICAL SECTION TRAIL ALONG RIVER FRONT TYPICAL SECTION ---PAGE BREAK--- SEGMENT 1 DAWSON FOREST Overview: Benefits: Challenges: Connecting points of interest: North Georgia Premium Outlets, Etowah River, Dawson Forest, Rock Creek Park Begins/Ends: GA 400/Dawson Forest Distance: 6.4 miles LEGEND I I ROAD CROSSINGS - BRIDGE CROSSINGS - ROAD ON SHOULDER SEGMENT - ETOWAH RIVER SOUTH SEGMENT - THROUGH UPLAND SEGMENT - • OWSl;jH !OUST Elevation: 1174 FT Connects commercial hub to existing natural areas, river, and porks Adjacent to existing and planned residential Connects existing trail heads Requires droinoge improvements on Dowson Forest Road Right-of-way acquisition through upland areas NORTH GEORGIA HEM.1U.M9'i,JTl.fn 1159 FT ' 1125 FT GHWAY 9 & 1100 FT It- 1D75 FT 1D50 FT 1031 FT 05MI IMI 1,5 Ml 2MI 25M1 3M! 35MI 4MI 45 Ml TOTAL DISTANCE: 6.29 MILES ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS: 808 FT., -693 FT MAX SLOPE: 14.4 -15.5% 5MI 5 S Ml 6MI 629Mf AVERAGE SLOPE: 2.9%, -2.7% MINIMUM ELEVATION I 1031 FT AVERAGE ELEVATION I 1074 FT MAX ELEVATION I 1174 FT ---PAGE BREAK--- SEGMENT 1-A DAWSON FOREST ROAD 0Trail segment would be • built within the Dawson Forest Road right-of-way -1 from GA 400 west to the point of the existing sewer easements. This will require drainage improvements to allow for construction of a side path on the north side of the right-of­ way. 0-.._'Yl':IC kJJ. St , 1-A r ✓ TRAIL TYPE: SIDE PATH W.11.11-USE 5'DfMIII (XisiiNG OOCH - - MIN. IUffU SUMMARY Distance: Cost Est.: 0.7 MILES $1.7 M C\IIL TYP. Estimated cost for 12' wide concrete trail with conversion of ditch to curb and gutter {no R/W acquisition cost included) ---PAGE BREAK--- SEGMENT 1-B THROUGH UPLAND SUMMARY Distance: Cost Est.: 2.4 MILES $7.3 M Estimated cost for 12' wide concrete surface (no R/W acquisition cost included) Segment Overview Trail segment would follow the route of the existing sanitary sewer easement to the greatest extent practical. Key challenges to address during design will be grade changes, property acquisitions, and road crossings. TRAIL TYPE: OFF ROAD GREENWAY M MULll-llSi 1IIAIL r LDDI-,. l<>JNAJ. OIOUND PIO,U CUT SECT!ON TYP MULJl•U5l F!LL SECTION, TYP MIN. " ---PAGE BREAK--- SEGMENT 1-C ETOWAH RIVER SOUTH TRAIL r Segment Overview The trail/ segment would follow the 3.0 MILES $13.1 M ,,Estimated cost for 12' wide concrete surf,:ice, bridge over Etowah River and boardwalks in portions of the river Aoodplain (no R/W acquisition cost included) route of sewer along the river to the extent practical. Key challenges to address will be a bridge connection over the river, boardwalks, property acquisitions, and road crossings. TRAIL TYPE: OFF ROAD GREENWAY MULTI-USli TIWL OI.IOIMAt. oacuND PRO FU CUT SECTIO. TYP TRAIL TYPE: BOARDWALK i MULTI-USli TUil ---PAGE BREAK--- EXISTING TRAIL AT ROCK CREEK PARK Segment Overview l0CJC.Clil:Et1< SUMMARY Distance: Cost Est.: 0.3 MILES $1.0 M Estimated cost for 12' wide concrete surface and boardwalks in portions (no R/W acquisition cost included) Trail segment would connect the existing Rock Creek Park trails and other amenities to Etowah River. The use of boardwalks will be crucial in connecting Rock Creek Park due to the surrounding creeks and wetlands. SEGMENT 1-D ROCK CREEK PARK ACCESS TRAIL T YPE: OFF ROAD_GREENWAY n r MUL1I-IISI TIWL 12••1 Qll!GfNAL OIOUNDPROAI CUT SECTION TYP MULJI-USI TIWL FILL SECTlm*, TYP ---PAGE BREAK--- SEGMENT 2 ETOWAH RIVER TRAIL Overview: Connecting points of interest: Highway 53, future connection to Head Lake reservoir, GA 400 Begins/Ends: Etowah River/GA 400 Distance: 6.6 miles I I - ElevatiQn: lJlB FT Benefits: • Continues trail abng Elowah River to connect Hwy53 ono Hwy 9 • Connects areas of planned growth in the County Challenges: • Expense of bridges and boardwalks • Requires a large amount of property acquisition for o proper right-of-way UPLAND TO GA 400 L "GODZILLA PARCELS" l25□FT - 1200 FT 1100 FT - OSMI IM 15MI 2MI 25MI JMI JSMI 4MI 45 Ml SMI 55MI 6MI 627MI MINIMUM ELEVATION I 1044 FT AVERAGE ELEVATION I 1121 FT MAX ELEVATION I 1318 FT ---PAGE BREAK--- SEGMENT2-A ETOWAH RIVER NORTH TRAIL SUMMARY Distance: Cost Est.: 4.2 MILES $17.1 M Segment Overview The trail/ segment would follow the planned route of sewer along the river to the extent practical. Key challenges to address will be a bridge connection over the river, boardwalks, property acquisitions, and road crossings. Estimated cost for 12' wide concrete surface, bridge over Etowah River and boardwalks in portions of the river floodplain lno R/W acquisition cost included) TRAIL TYPE: OFF ROAD GREENWAY w.w,n,. MOl'IMIJI IUll M II, , GIOUNc:,: kt( " 1 Is TRAIL TYPE: BOARDWALK ' MU"'""SI TIM 1 ---PAGE BREAK--- SEGMENT 2-B UPLAND TRACT Overview 'o Q) i!),9 /
MUL1MJ:51 IUIL OROUNl>Pll:OfU CUT SECTION, TYP MULJl-USE IUIL 67:u89t;;i.-a:u-;­ F I LL SECTION. TYP SUMMARY Distance: Cost Est.: 2.4 MILES $6.3 M Estimated cost for 12' wide concrete surface (no R/W acquisition cost included) Trail segment would follow the route of the future sanitary sewer easement and planned developments to the greatest extent practical. Key challenges to address during design will be grade changes, property acquisitions, and road crossings. ---PAGE BREAK--- SEGMENT 3 GA 400 Overvievt_; BeneFits: Chol/e...D.g_e..s_: Connecting points of interest: Commercial and business areas along GA 400 Trail section will provide connectivity along GA 400 from Lumpkin Campground Rood to the north to Dowson Forest Rd to the south. Provides on opportunity for alternative to vehicular only transportation that currently exists. Increased ohernotive transportation to businesses along 400 Follows existing GA 400 right-of­ woy Existing open drainage Many points of roodJ driveway eras-sings Crossing 400 (future pedestrian bridge) Begins/Ends: Lumpkin Campground Rd North/ Dowson Forest Rd. Distance: 2.2 miles Elevation: LUMPKIN CAMPGROUND RD &Gr400 HWY 53 & GAsOO 1253 FT - - - - - - - - - 1225 FT - - -  WETLAND 1uwuc•i? 1200 FT I I  cws!1NG 1 102e! I I II I • 1175FT 1140 FT 02SMI Q_SMI 07SMI IMI 125MI 15MI l.75MI 2MI 2 22MI MINIMUM ELEVATION I 1140 FT AVERAGE ELEVATION I 1185 FT MAX ELEVATION I 1253 FT ---PAGE BREAK--- SEGMENT 3-A GA400 q.O #
if ff DAWSON FORoSl RD E SUMMARY Distance: + 2.2 MILES Cost Est.: + $6.6 M Estimated cost for 12' wide concrete surface, crossing improvements (No R/W acquisition cost included) B BOSCHERT GREENWAY TRAIL (EXAMPLE STUDY) The Boschert Greenway Trail is 4.25 miles long and connects to the overall Missouri Greenway. Portions of the trail run along major Highway 370. Like GA 400, the topography dramatically changes along the roadside, therefore the path is benched into the hillside. This trail typology relates to the proposed side path along 400. H W R tv--1 y d>o r "I • • V , " II  . ' , · . Trail segment would be along one side of the GA 400 right of way. Key challenges to address will be road/ driveway crossings, crossing of GA 400, steep slopes of existing grade, and utility anQrainage conflicts. ---PAGE BREAK--- SEGMENT 4 THOMPSON CREEK Overview: Trail segment will provide connecting Connecting points of interest: Thompson from GA 400 to the existing park and Creek Park to Commercial/Business areas and the network of trials. boat landing at Thompson Creek Park to Begins/Ends: Thompson Creek Park/GA 400 b t •1 h d Distance: 1.5 miles ecome a ra1 - ea . Elevation: GA400 & DAWSON FOREST RD 1160 FT U WETLAND CROVSING 1150FT - '  1125 FT 1100 FT 1086 FT 025MI V ETlAND C OSSING / OSOMI / HIGHWAY 53 & 0/\WSON FOWES'I' RD 0 75 Ml IMF TOTAL DISTANCE: 1.54 MILES ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS: 187 FT., -126 FT MAX SLOPE: 26.7 -14.8% Benefits: Utilize existing park as trail-head access • Directly accessible by the growth occurring in the area Tl OMF c ee SON PAIK I :S 0 - Challenges: Lack of right-of-way width from Higliway 53 to Thompson Creek Park • Intersection crossing ot Highway 53.ond Dowson Forest Rd. (Planned roundabCilut) MINIMUM ELEVATION I 1086 FT AVERAGE ELEVATION I 1129 FT MAX ELEVATION I 1160 FT 125 Ml 15"1 Ml AVERAGE SLOPE: 3.1 -3.3% ---PAGE BREAK--- SEGMENT 4-A THOMPSON CREEK PARK WEST NORTH GEORGIA PREMIUM OUTLETS 4-A 0 b:S:WSON ?oktSikD e O, Existing right-of-way along Dawson Forest Rd. Adjacent to North Georgia Premium Outlets THOMPSON CREEK PARK LAKE LANIER SUMMARY Distance: Cost Est.: MILES $2.2 M Estimated cost for 12' wide concrete trail with conversion of ditch to curb and gutter (no R/W acquisition cost included) Trail segment would follow along one side of Dawson Forest Rd. from GA 400 to the east side of Highway 53. TRAIL TYPE: SID_E___EATH MUtn-UK SID5'MJM &:isriHG iiTOr !MIN. IUAII 5' CUaLn,.. ---PAGE BREAK--- SEGMENT 4-B THOMPSON CREEK PARK EAST AWSON fORESI RO E  4 THOMPSON CREEi: PARK t.1:th TRAIL TYPE: SHARED USE LANE WITH ADJACENT SIDEWALK Shared Use Lanes in Sisters, OR Existing Thompson Creek Park Rd. SUMMARY Distance: 0.6 MILES Cost Est.: $1.1 M Estimated cost for share lane striping and a 6' wide concrete sidewalk (no R/W acquisition cost included) Thompson Creek Road may lack the vehicular traffic volume to justify the cost of a separate 12' paved side path scenario. Due to the low volume street, new striping would allow bikers and vehicles to share the existing road and a smaller pedestrian only sidewalk could be built on one side. ---PAGE BREAK--- SEGMENT 5 HIGHWAY 53 Elevation: ETOWAH (Vf 1253 FT 1225 FT 1200 FT 1175 FT 1150 FT 1125 FT 1100 FT 1170 FT I r / / / 025 Ml I / I 05MI 0-75MI l.OMI L25MI 15 Ml Overview: Connecting points of interest: Thompson Creek Park/GA 400/   )1-11'1 Etowah River LUMPKIN CAMPGROUND RD & HWY 53 Begins/Ends: Etowah River/ Dawson Forest Road Distance: 2.9 miles Trail segment will provide a connecting/alternate route option from Thompson Creek Park/trail-head to Etowah River. Challenges: Existing driveways and ulilities akmg southern portion • Lack of right-of-way width available for northern section Grade changes along route GA400 & HWY 53 I + - HIGHWAY 53 & DAWSON FOREST RD ' Benefits: • Provides an alternate transporlalion 0pllon to new/ existing developments between Lumpkin Campground Rd. and Dawson Forest Road • Loop connection to the north end of Etowah River Trail MINIMUM ELEVATION I 1070 FT AVERAGE ELEVATION I 1193 FT MAX ELEVATION I 1153 FT l 75MI 20MI 2 25 Ml 2 50MI 275MI 2B9MI ---PAGE BREAK--- SEGMENT 5-A HIGHWAY 53 NORTH #'19 # TRAIL TYPE: SIDE PATH MULIMJS! O:is1iHG 0001 - - - - - MN, au,1=n - C1Jtl,.1YJ. SUMMAR'( Distance: Cost Est.: EXISTING HIGHWAY 53 NORTH 1.8 MILES $4.4 M Estimated cost for 12' wide concrete trail with conversion of ditch to curb and gutter (no R/W acquisition cost included) This trail segment will follow along the existing Highway 53 right­ of-way. long term, a buffered roadside trail section is preferrea, but a short term solution may include an improved shoulder to accommodate confident bicyclist. ---PAGE BREAK--- SEGMENT 5-B HIGHWAY 53 SOUTH DAWSON fORF.51 RD E EXAMPLE "ROAD DIET" - 4 LANE TO 3 LANE Sourc:Cl: a.kc lnlormatt011 Cent.t>r, 0Aoao Diets1 b'Bnng mOOLA&. 20()9,. EXISTING HIGHWAY 53 SOUTH This segment will be within the Highway 53 corridor where there a large amount existing development. Coordination with utilities and drainage will be crucial. Due to the presence of sidewalks on the majority of this segment, the best solution may be consideration of lone reductions, re-striping, etc. in order to allow for at o minimum shared bike lanes and preferably dedicated bike lanes in each direction. SUMMARY Distance: Cost Est.: 1.1 MILES TBD Image from Road Diet: Common Questions and Answers, US Cast will depend on the striping solution and could be done next time the road is repaved at no additional cost.