Document Pickenscountyga_doc_a55588ac31

Pickens County Joint Comprehensive Plan 2023-2027 Including the Municipalities of Jasper, Nelson, and Talking Rock ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 This page is left blank for formatting purposes. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 Pickens County Joint Comprehensive Plan 2023 - 2027 Including the Municipalities of Jasper, Nelson, and Talking Rock Adopted by: Pickens County – May 18, 2023 Jasper- June 5, 2023 Nelson- June 5, 2023 Talking Rock- June 12, 2023 Prepared by the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission PO Box 1798 Rome, GA 30162-1798 Chase Holden, GIS Officer Shane Holden, GIS Officer Julianne Meadows, Director of Regional Planning Alex Smith, Community Planner Boyd Austin, Executive Director ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 This page is left blank for formatting purposes. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 Contents Acknowledgements 6 Introduction 18 Why We Plan 18 Plan Requirements and Elements 19 Public Hearings and Stakeholder Meetings 19 Goals, Vision Statements, and Policies 21 Pickens County Overview 30 City of Jasper Overview 33 City of Nelson Overview 35 Town of Talking Rock Overview 37 Demographics 39 Pickens Progress Survey Results 44 Broadband 48 Land Use 52 Pickens County Character Areas 55 Jasper Character Areas 74 Nelson Character Areas 90 Talking Rock Character 98 Future Development Maps 107 Implementation Programs 112 Pickens County Implementation Program 117 City of Jasper Implementation Program 138 City of Nelson Implementation Program 152 Town of Talking Rock Implementation Program 163 Appendix A: Public Hearing and Participation 171 Appendix B: Community Survey Results 181 ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 Acknowledgements Pickens County Commission Jasper City Council Kris Stancil, Chairman Hon. Steve Lawrence, Mayor Josh Tippens, Commissioner Kirk Raffield, Mayor Pro Tem Josh Tatum, Commissioner John Foust Lesa Thomason, County Clerk Jim Looney Sonny Proctor Anne Sneve Sonia Jammes, City Manager Kim Goldener, Assistant City Manager/PIO Tara Benson, City Clerk Nelson City Council Talking Rock Town Council Hon. Sylvia Green, Mayor Hon. James W. Bryant, Jr., Mayor James Queen, Mayor Pro Tem Mary Bregantini David Hamby Anthony Hawf Nathan Hamby Steven Lewis William Taylor Lynda Cagle Kelsey Riehl, City Clerk Dawn Carver, Town Clerk Miranda McDowell, City Finance Manager Jeffrey Rusbridge, Town Attorney Jeffrey Rusbridge, City Attorney Stakeholder Committee Sonny Proctor, Jasper City Council Anne Sneve, Jasper City Council Kirk Raffield, Jasper Mayor Pro Tem Jim Looney, Jasper City Council Steve Lawrence, Mayor of Jasper Sonia Jammes, Jasper Tim Moran, Jasper Shauna Coleman, Jasper Sylvia Green, Mayor of Nelson Miranda McDowell, Nelson Graham Parker, Pickens County Bethany Brown, Pickens County James Cavender, Pickens Progress/ Media Josh Tippens, Commissioner, Pickens County Keith Ray, Pickens County Mary Bregantini, Talking Rock City Council John Sneve, Jasper Kay Lawrence, Jasper Robert Keller, Jasper Amberle Godfrey, Jasper Tim Prather, Pickens County Kim Goldener, Jasper Michele Mellgren, Pickens County Kelsey Riehl, Nelson Ashley Craig, Pickens County James Bryant, Mayor, Talking Rock Bethany Brown, Pickens County Haley Bouchie, Pickens County Clayton Preble, Pickens County Bill Cagle, Jasper Keith Ray, Pickens County Green Suttles, Development Authority of Pickens County Joe Hamme Wes Frye, Pickens County Kelsey Essig Mari Livsey Steve McClure Jenna Prince Farmer Rosene Ruschman Dan Peel ---PAGE BREAK--- 10 Adoption Resolution: Pickens County ---PAGE BREAK--- 11 This page is left blank for formatting purposes. ---PAGE BREAK--- 12 Adoption Resolution: City of Jasper ---PAGE BREAK--- 13 This page is left blank for formatting purposes. ---PAGE BREAK--- 14 Adoption Resolution: City of Nelson ---PAGE BREAK--- 15 This page is left blank for formatting purposes. ---PAGE BREAK--- 16 Adoption Resolution: Town of Talking Rock ---PAGE BREAK--- 17 This page is left blank for formatting purposes. ---PAGE BREAK--- 18 Introduction Pickens County and the Cities of Jasper, Nelson, and Talking Rock have joined together in an effort to meet the challenges ahead; working together as citizens, elected officials, professional staff, business leaders, and property owners, they have prepared the Pickens County Joint Comprehensive Plan Update 2023-2027. Why We Plan For Pickens County and the Cities of Jasper, Nelson, and the Town of Talking Rock, the 2023-2028 Joint Comprehensive Plan represents both a shared cooperative vision and individual action steps for community success. The comprehensive plan describes the traits and values of each municipality, and balances future growth and development with these values, for growth that is respectful to local cultural attitudes and the scenic natural beauty of the area. The plan provides a predictable environment for local businesses and industry, investors, taxpayers, and the general public, to ensure a vibrant, resilient, and healthy community. The plan discusses the surveyed preferences of the local citizenry, perceptions of and weaknesses, development type preferences, local needs and opportunities, and future work program items. The Joint Comprehensive Plan also reflects the State of Georgia’s commitment to its communities’ success, by promoting and helping provide for a vibrant and healthy future for each community. In 1989, the Georgia Planning Act established a requirement for local governments to create a joint comprehensive plan according to set standards and procedures (Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning; March 1, 2018) to maintain Qualified Local Government status (QLG) and eligibility for state grants, loans, and permits. The joint comprehensive plan and five-year community work program also demonstrate the importance of local projects to funding agencies such as the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Economic Development Administration. ---PAGE BREAK--- 19 Plan Requirements and Elements This update to the Joint Comprehensive Plan has been prepared in accordance with the Georgia Planning Act of 1989 and the Rules of Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Chapter 110-12-1, Minimum Standards and Procedures for Comprehensive Planning (effective October 1, 2018). This plan contains the following required elements for Pickens County, City of Jasper, City of Nelson, and the Town of Talking Rock: • Community Vision and Goals – A summary used to lay out a road map for the community’s future, developed through a very public process involving community leaders and stakeholders making key decisions about the future of the community and its direction. • Report of Accomplishments – A report on each work program item from the 2018 – 2022 Joint Comprehensive Plan Update and the status of completion. Items assessed as “Underway” are automatically moved to the 2023 – 2027 Joint Comprehensive Plan update, along with activities that were postponed. • Community Needs and Opportunities – Input provided by stakeholders, members of the public, and government leaders, which reflects current conditions of the County and its Municipalities, and what can be improved upon or enhanced. • Land Use/Future Development Map and Narrative – Identified and mapped boundaries of sub- areas, districts, or neighborhoods described by character areas. Character area categories include, but are not limited to, the following: Residential, commercial, industrial, agriculture/ forestry, and conservation. Along with the Future Development Map, there is a written narrative/description with pictures and illustrations for each character area. • Community Work Program – Specific activities the community plans to undertake during the next five years. • Broadband Service – The most recent element required by the State of Georgia for all governments. Its intent is to assess current conditions and to identify improvements needed to increase internet connectivity locally and state-wide. On May 5, 2022, Pickens County and the municipalities of Jasper, Nelson, and Talking Rock adopted a resolution to amend the Joint Comprehensive Plan to include a Broadband Element (2018-2028), which was reviewed in this update. Public Hearings and Stakeholder Meetings The initial public hearing was held on July 21st, 2022, at the Pickens County Administration Building in the City of Jasper. The legal advertisement for the public hearing was published in the local paper of record, the Pickens Progress, on July 7th, 2022 (Appendix At the public hearing, the 2023-2028 Joint ---PAGE BREAK--- 20 Comprehensive Plan Update process for Pickens County, the City of Jasper, the City of Nelson, and the Town of Talking Rock, was discussed. Following the initial public hearing, each local government appointed residents having local knowledge, technical expertise, and community commitment to serve as stakeholders. These stakeholders met three times to cooperatively discuss the future for Pickens and each municipality. The first meeting was held on October 18, 2022, at the Pickens County Administration Building in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Appendix A Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis was conducted. The SWOT results and stakeholder comments were used to develop a Community Survey. The second stakeholder meeting was held at the Chattahoochee Technical College Appalachian Campus on November 1, 2022, to discuss the draft Community Survey questions that would be used to gather public input. The Community Survey was launched November 8, 2022 (Appendix The survey responses, as well as the Environmental Planning Criteria and the Coosa-North Georgia Water Plan, were discussed at the third meeting, held on February 20th, 2023, at the Pickens County Administration Building in Jasper (Appendix On April 20, 2023, a second public hearing was held to allow public comment on the draft Joint Comprehensive Plan Update. The hearing was held at the Pickens County Administration Building in the City of Jasper. The public hearing was advertised in the Pickens County Progress on March 9, 2023 (Appendix ---PAGE BREAK--- 21 Goals, Vision Statements, and Policies The purpose of the Community Goals element is to lay out a road map for the community’s future; it is developed through a public process involving community leaders and stakeholders to make key decisions about the community’s future. The community goals are the most important part of the plan; they identify the community’s direction for the future. These goals are intended to generate local pride and enthusiasm for the future of the community, thereby leading citizens and leadership to ensure implementation of the plan. Creating a functional comprehensive plan begins with defining a common vision for the future development of the community. A community vision is the overall image of what the community wants to be, and how it wants to look, in the future. It is the starting point for creating a plan, and developing actions to implement the plan. A successful visioning process requires meaningful participation from a wide range of community stakeholders. Pickens County and Jasper Joint VISION STATEMENT Pickens County and City of Jasper are proud and vibrant communities that work to promote sustainability and self-sufficiency. We embrace our history while coming together as a community to promote economic growth and development, protect our natural and cultural resources, and build a successful future for our children through actions listed below: ---PAGE BREAK--- 22 Economic Development Actively promote and pursue new and innovative businesses to diversify and strengthen our local economy, while simultaneously investing in and retaining a high-quality environment for our existing businesses. 1. Pickens County and its cities will support an on-going, coordinated economic development program resulting in a diversified economic base, which will raise income levels. 2. We will encourage re-investment in older, declining commercial corridors. 3. We will support and assist existing businesses and industries to grow and expand in the county and cities. 4. We will enhance the historical, aesthetic, and economic vitality of our downtowns and other existing commercial areas to create a unique atmosphere for shopping, entertainment, and cultural activities. 5. We will support the development and promotion of tourism opportunities that utilize our mountain resources, marble mining heritage, and other historic events and places. Housing Promoting a diversified housing stock for our current and future residents of all socioeconomic tiers while protecting the character of existing neighborhoods from inappropriate development. Encourage infill housing within unfinished residential developments as well as neighborhood revitalization, especially in areas where blighted properties are common. 1. We will support affordable housing opportunities to ensure that all those who work in the community have a viable option to live here. 2. We will stimulate infill housing development in existing neighborhoods. 3. We will encourage development of housing opportunities that enable residents to live close to their places of employment. Figure 1. Downtown Jasper. ---PAGE BREAK--- 23 4. We will support the development of housing opportunities and choices that allow people upward mobility from rental dependence to home-ownership. 5. We will support opportunities for “aging in place” and other housing needs. Infrastructure and Facilities 1. We will continuously plan and develop an adequate and economical supply of water and wastewater service to meet the growth and development needs of the county and incorporated areas. 2. We will continually evaluate public water and wastewater service demands, and program system improvements in areas of the county and cities where development is planned. 3. We will support the development of private wastewater treatment facilities in planned communities where appropriate. 5. We will ensure that new development does not cause a decline in existing levels of service for the community’s residents and employers. 6. We will limit development within the county to areas that can be reasonably served by public infrastructure. 7. We will ensure that public facilities and services needed to accommodate future development are provided concurrent with new development. 8. We will coordinate the provision of public facilities and services with land use planning to promote more compact nodal development in areas identified on the Future Development Map. 9. We will consider and support all alternative finance mechanisms (impact fees, special improvement districts, SPLOST, grants, etc.) necessary to provide needed public infrastructure and services. 10. We will support the development of neighborhood parks as well as larger county parks. 11. We will continually evaluate fire protection needs and program system improvements where needed. Transportation 1. Providing a variety of walkable neighborhoods with sidewalks, greenway trails, and bike lanes in appropriate locations. ---PAGE BREAK--- 24 2. An inclusive community that offers a variety of public transportation opportunities for its residents, with special attention given to those disadvantaged by age, income, or special needs. 3. We will continually improve the transportation system to provide for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods within the county and cities and with adjoining counties. 4. We will target transportation improvements to support desired development patterns for the community (recognizing that ready availability of transportation creates demand for and development in adjacent areas.) 5. We will design and reconstruct roadways using context sensitive design considerations that enhance community aesthetics and minimize impacts on the environment and our historic resources. 6. We will plan our new and/or reconstructed roadways to include consideration of multiple functions, including pedestrian facilities, parking, bicycle routes, public transit (if applicable) as well as local vehicular circulation. 7. We will promote connectivity of our road network (such as fostering a grid network of streets, multiple connections between subdivisions) in the non-rural areas of the county. 8. We support the creation of a community-wide greenway or multi-use path network for pedestrians and cyclists. Natural and Cultural Resources 1. Embrace our history by supporting the preservation of historic resources and neighborhoods for the coming generations to enjoy. 2. Strongly enforce codes and ordinances to ensure our community remains clean, comfortable, nice, peaceful, and most of all family-friendly. Figure 2. Downtown Jasper Pedestrian Crossing. Figure 3: Historic Tate Mansion in Pickens County ---PAGE BREAK--- 25 3. Continue to support our technical college that, through its attractive programs and an enriching educational environment, produces a skilled workforce for our community and region. 4. We will support Federal and State protection measures that preserve water quality and endangered species habitat. 5. We will encourage the preservation of fragile mountain ecology and scenic views. 6. We will ensure safe and adequate water supplies through protection of ground and surface water resources. 7. We will promote the benefits of open space and tree preservation in all developments. 8. We will support the preservation of important historic resources in the county. Community Facilities and Services 1. Become community rich with neighborhood parks and trail systems that provide recreational opportunities for our residents and visitors. 2. Research and pursue resources related to water and wastewater service areas to better plan for needed expansions regarding service areas or system capacity where it is found to be feasible and prudent. Land Use Guiding future development with informed land use plans that take into account the protection of our natural resources, reduce sprawling development, and determine where future growth is or is not suitable by considering the Smart Growth goals below: − Healthier, Safer Communities o A central goal is to improve the quality of neighborhoods where we live. Our efforts will make our communities healthier, safer, more convenient, more attractive, and more affordable. − Protecting the Environment o Neighborhoods designed to reduce our dependence on automobiles also reduce our impact on the environment. By creating streetscapes that encourage walking and biking, we create opportunities for individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. Figure 4: Grandview Lake in Pickens County Figure 5: Photo from Hinton Fest ---PAGE BREAK--- 26 Reducing environmental impacts may also occur through promotion of recycling throughout the community and strong enforcement of best management practices for erosion and sedimentation control. − Better Access, Less Traffic o Mixing land uses, clustering development, and providing multiple transportation choices helps us to encourage healthier lifestyles, manage congestion, reduce pollution, and save energy. − Thriving Cities, Suburbs, and Towns o By guiding development to areas already served by water and/or wastewater service, we maximize our investments in transportation, schools, libraries, and other public services. Our public dollars can serve the community where people live today. − Shared Benefits o Building a comprehensive transportation system and locating jobs and accessible housing within reach of each other expands opportunities for all income levels. − Lower Costs, Lower Taxes o Taking advantage of existing infrastructure keeps taxes down. Convenient transportation choices also reduce our household transportation costs, leaving families with more money for other needs. − Keeping Open Space Open o Protecting our natural resources creates healthier air and cleaner drinking water. From forests and farms to wetlands and wildlife, let us pass on to our children the landscapes we love. Our Smart Growth goals will be implemented via the following principles: 1. Provide a variety of transportation choices. 2. Mix land uses. 3. Create a range of housing opportunities and choices. 4. Create walkable neighborhoods. 5. Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration. 6. Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place. 7. Make development decisions predictable, fair and cost effective. 8. Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty and critical environmental areas. 9. Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities. 10. Take advantage of compact building design and efficient infrastructure design. Intergovernmental Coordination 1. We will seek opportunities to share services and facilities with neighboring jurisdictions when mutually beneficial. ---PAGE BREAK--- 27 2. We will work jointly with neighbors to develop solutions on multi-jurisdictional issues such as watershed protection, stormwater management and environmental protection. 3. We will share information with other jurisdictions when making decisions that are likely to impact them. 4. We will provide input to other jurisdictions when they are making decisions that are likely to impact our communities. 5. We will coordinate with the Pickens County Board of Education in regard to decisions to build new schools and the use of schools as community facilities. 6. Local public safety officials will work cooperatively with Emergency Management Agency (EMA) staff to administer the Pickens Hazard Mitigation Plan. The EMA is the local arm of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), which are part of the Office of Homeland Security. City of Nelson Vision Statement The City of Nelson will retain its traditional small community roots while continuing to evolve into a dynamic, active town adjacent to the fast-growing suburbs of Cherokee County by utilizing the following implementation strategies: • Work with the Chamber of Commerce to promote a variety of commercial and industrial uses depending on location and demand. • Work cooperatively with Pickens County and Cherokee County officers to maintain a safe community with clean streets and properties and structurally sound residences. If desired, consider contracting with service providers for an increased level of code enforcement. • Continually maintain and increase parks & recreation facilities as well as community center facilities. Figure 7: Nelson's nature trailhead Figure 6: City limits sign in Nelson ---PAGE BREAK--- 28 • Work with Cherokee Water & Sewer Authority representatives to plan for continual maintenance and, where possible, upgrades to existing water lines. • Plan for whether or not future annexations and rezonings for higher uses (residential to commercial or residential to industrial as examples) may be appropriate. Consider whether or not, depending on ability to install an adequate septic system, rezonings for increased residential density may be appropriate. • Continually maintain and, where appropriate, add sidewalks throughout the community. Town of Talking Rock Vision Statement Talking Rock will remain a rural town that retains its historical characteristics. The downtown area, including the popular park along Talking Rock Creek, will continue to be a dynamic, scenic destination for residents and visitors by adhering to the following implementation strategies: • Work with property owners to improve the septic systems in the downtown area so that a greater range of businesses can thrive, including the potential for one or more restaurants. Figure 8: Baseball Field at Nelson's City Park Figure 9: Historic caboose in Talking Rock's town center ---PAGE BREAK--- 29 • Work with the Pickens County Economic Development office and Chamber of Commerce to continue to develop and promote tourism opportunities. • Provide assistance to property owners to preserve and rehabilitate historical buildings. • Develop and implement a streetscape plan (lighting, landscaping, sidewalks, pavilion or stage, etc.) in the downtown area to accommodate festivals and other events. • Refurbish railroad cars for greater use as a tourist attraction. • Support and promote positive community events at the park building, fire station, area churches, and other nearby facilities. • Work cooperatively with business representatives and landowners for development and redevelopment for agri-business and agri-tourism in all areas of the community. • Support and promote continual maintenance and expansion of the park. • Support and promote redevelopment of properties near Talking Rock Creek while ensuring that actions are considerate of creekbank maintenance, stormwater best management practices, federally- designated floodplain areas, etc. Figure 11: Historic building along GA. Highway 136 in Talking Rock Figure 12: Covered picnic area and sanitary facilities located in the town park Figure 10: View of the extensive handicap accessible nature trail within the Town's park ---PAGE BREAK--- 30 Pickens County Overview Geography ickens County is located in the foothills of the Appalachians, less than an hour from downtown Atlanta on the Interstate 575/Highway 515 corridor. In addition to its three incorporated municipalities of Jasper, Nelson, and Talking Rock, Pickens County includes unincorporated communities such as Tate, Marble Hill, and Hinton. The County was created by land derived from Cherokee and Gilmer Counties. History Pickens County, founded in 1853, is a community rich in history ranging from the Cherokee Indians to the Industrial Revolution and much more. Its namesake was Andrew Pickens, a Revolutionary War hero. Pickens County’s history primarily revolves around the marble industry and railway. The County sits on a sea of the sought-after stone; most of it is the Georgia white variety, but rare pink Etowah marble is also found. This marble has been mined in Pickens County since the 1830’s; it forms the Lincoln Memorial, the United States Capitol Building, and tombstones of service members and veterans of the U.S. Military, and is used in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and cosmetics. Pickens County marble has been the building material of choice for structures in the County as well, such as the historic Tate House, the Pickens County Courthouse, and the historic Tate Elementary School, the only school in the U.S. built of marble. P Geography Total Area: 233 square miles Highest elevation: The 3,288 foot summit of Mount Oglethorpe, the southernmost peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains and, for a number of years, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Other notable peaks: Sharp Top Mountain and Sharp Mountain. One of the best viewpoints of Sharp Top Mountain is from Grandview Lake Dam on Grandview Road. Source: Pickens County Government Website Figure 13: Historic map of Pickens County ---PAGE BREAK--- 31 Educational Assets Pickens County boasts strong community assets such as its healthcare systems and award-winning public schools. The nation’s Head Start program was, in fact, pioneered in Pickens County. Upon graduation, students may learn employable skills at Chattahoochee Technical College’s Appalachian Campus in Jasper, or go just a few miles away to earn college degrees at such quality institutions as Reinhardt University or the University of North Georgia. Healthcare System Piedmont Mountainside Hospital anchors the area’s healthcare system and contributes to the community’s focus on wellness. Pickens County ranked as the 32nd healthiest of Georgia’s 159 counties by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings for 2017. Pickens County residents are also served by the Pickens County Health Department, which ensures that even the neediest citizens can receive quality, low cost or no cost healthcare. Other Community Amenities Although much of Pickens County would be classified as rural character, great places to shop, dine, and lodge can be found with only a brief commute. Social events and festivals such as Jeep Fest and the Marble Fest tend to draw rather large crowds from around the region and state. Given the abundance of natural land in Pickens County there are many locations that provide great locations for passive recreation opportunities to hike, bike, camp, and fish. Figure 16: Marble Fest in Downtown Jasper, Photo courtesy of Pickens County Chamber of Commerce Figure 14: Chattahoochee Tech located in Jasper, Photo courtesy of Pickens Chamber of Commerce Figure 15: Piedmont Mountainside Hospital ---PAGE BREAK--- 32 Figure 17: A timeline of significant events relevant to Pickens County Figure 19: Historic Tate Train Depot, recently restored and relocated Figure 18: Photo from inside Blue Ridge Marble Co. in Nelson. Photo courtesy of Pickens County Marble Museum ---PAGE BREAK--- 33 City of Jasper Overview Geography erched on a ridge a little east of the geographic center of Pickens County sits the City of Jasper. Since the City’s humble beginnings, it has expanded its boundaries immensely. This growth is primarily attributed to the commercial and industrial development made possible by the railway and, more recently, State Route 515. Due to Jasper’s placement on the ridge, one can enjoy a view of the surrounding mountains from almost anywhere in the city. History Founded in 1857 as the County’s seat, the City of Jasper was named after the Revolutionary War hero Sergeant William Jasper. As with most historically thriving communities, the railroad brought with it an opportunity for commerce that had not previously existed. The railroad was the City’s conduit for importing equipment and supplies as well as exporting the heavy marble products from the County’s mines and milling operations. As the county seat, Jasper became the central business district within Pickens County- facilitating both commercial and residential development. Jasper’s overall growth can be greatly attributed to the creation and capacity of its water and wastewater utilities. As the use of the railroads decreased in recent decades, creation of the Appalachian Regional Highway (State Route 515) has allowed economic prosperity to continue in the City of Jasper. P Figure 20: Historic Kirby-Quinton Cabin restored and relocated to downtown Jasper Figure 21: Fully functional historic Jasper water tower ---PAGE BREAK--- 34 Other Community Amenities Jasper is by far the largest and most dynamic city within Pickens County boasting a busy historic downtown, diverse residential housing stock, and ever-growing commercial corridor. As stated previously, much of the growth and development in Jasper was made possible by the City’s water and wastewater infrastructure. As the County seat, Jasper is home to many assets including Chattahoochee Technical College and Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, and is the location of the annual Marble Festival. Jasper also has several recreational assets such as its main city park located on Pioneer Road, Peace Park, and Lee Newton Park which offers a pond, two playgrounds, obstacle course, grills, tennis courts, restrooms, and walking trails. Summary of Land Use There are more diverse land uses within the City of Jasper than anywhere else in Pickens County. Land use character varies from the city’s historic downtown, historic and modern residential neighborhoods, industrial, and modern “big box” commercial development along or near State Route 515. The availability of public water and wastewater utilities created opportunities for increased density and high- intensity uses not found in most areas of Pickens County. By promoting its utilities, the City of Jasper has the ability to continue to extend its corporate boundaries as prospective development occurs. The analytic methodology and character area style of land use planning for the City of Jasper followed the same process as Pickens County. Figure 22: Jasper's City Park, located on Pioneer Road Figure 23: Peace Park, located in downtown Jasper Figure 24: Historic Marker interpreting the Old Pickens County Jail in downtown Jasper ---PAGE BREAK--- 35 City of Nelson Overview Geography The City of Nelson straddles Pickens County’s southern border with Cherokee County and includes portions of both. The City’s incorporated boundaries span beyond Pickens’ borders into Cherokee County creating a dual jurisdictional city. South on old Highway 5 lies the City of Ball Ground, with unincorporated Tate to the north. The north end of I-575 and south end of SR 515 are at the county line southwest of Nelson. History John Nelson, early landowner, farmer, and rifle maker, is the namesake of the City of Nelson. Nelson is served through its downtown by the Georgia Northeastern Railroad, and along its Main Street is the former route of SR 5. In 1883, a railroad line built from Atlanta through the valleys and mountain passes of Pickens County to Tate and Nelson promulgated the development of large marble quarries. One of the largest marble veins in the world is in Pickens County; it runs at least four miles long. It is a half-mile deep, and almost that wide in places. Over 60 percent of the monuments in Washington D.C. are made from Pickens County marble quarried in Nelson. Many stone cutters and other workers who migrated from Italy and Scotland settled in Nelson to work in the area's marble industry. Today, the Georgia Northeastern Railroad operates between Tate and the CSX Interchange at Elizabeth (Marietta, Georgia) five days a week. The Georgia Marble Rail Lines at Tate, Marble Hill, and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad at Blue Ridge, Georgia are also operated by GNRR. Truly an international city, the Georgia Marble Company brought approximately 50 Italian families to Nelson because of their skills in marble carving and sculpting. They worked side by Figure 25: Marble being shipped via rail from Blue Ridge Marble Co. ---PAGE BREAK--- 36 side with other Nelson residents to craft some of the most widely recognized structures in America and beyond. Some of these include headstones at Arlington National Cemetery, the East Front of the U.S. Capitol Building, the Lincoln Memorial, the Russian Embassy, the New York Stock Exchange building, the Federal Reserve Bank, and St. Peters Cathedral in the Loop, Chicago. The Structural Division in Nelson was formed early in the industry's history to handle the many requests for structural marble. At the Nelson facility the marble was/is shaped into panels, columns, floor tiles and all special items specified by the architect. The Structural Division has seen many architectural styles come and go over the past century, and can fabricate any type of design, old or new. Other Notable Amenities Nelson’s City Park and baseball field, nature trail, and Marble Museum are currently its most notable amenities. The Marble Museum is located in Nelson City Hall, and includes a year-round exhibit of fine marble and the history of marble mining in Pickens County. All historical photos included in this document were provided by Nelson’s Marble Museum. Figure 26: Marble lathe inside Blue Ridge Marble Co. Figure 27: Exhibits on display inside the Marble Museum at Nelson City Hall ---PAGE BREAK--- 37 Town of Talking Rock Overview GEOGRAPHY The Town of Talking Rock is nestled in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains between the cities of Ellijay and Jasper in Pickens County. Happily, the third-smallest town in the State of Georgia has changed very little since its beginning in 1883, when the train was the lifeline of the town. HISTORY Talking Rock's history is rich with stories about the Trail of Tears, the Civil War, the railroad, and the Great Depression. The origin of the town's name is unclear, and there are many interesting stories regarding its derivation. Some believe that it’s from the noise of the water rolling over the rocks in our beautiful creek, while others like the story of folks sitting for a spell on a rock to have a talk with a neighbor. Still others believe that the name has Native American origins. The railroad played a vital part in the lives of the residents by providing a means for shipping cotton grown in the community, mail delivery, and travel to other parts of the state. The once busy depot saw an average of four trains a day. In more recent years the town has purchased two historic rail cars which rest on a former spur track in front of the town hall and parallel to the modern railway. The town’s plan is to restore the railcars with the purpose of interpreting transportation related to the town’s history. The town’s historic schoolhouse, seen in figure 28, has been restored and is now another component of the vintage aesthetics of the town center. Figure 29. Talking Rock Brewery Figure 28. Talking Rock historic schoolhouse ---PAGE BREAK--- 38 Other Notable Amenities While it may lack a bustling central business district, the Town of Talking Rock’s town center has several notable assets such as the general store, a landmark antique shop, and a large passive recreation park adjacent to Talking Rock Creek which draws visitors from across the area. Talking Rock is also the location of the annual Heritage Days Festival that draws an impressive crowd year after year. Figure 30: Heritage Days 2016, Photo courtesy of the Pickens County Progress ---PAGE BREAK--- 39 Demographics Population Pickens County is approximately 233 square miles in size and includes three municipalities: the City of Jasper, the City of Nelson, and the Town of Talking Rock. The most populous of these cities, Jasper, serves as the County Seat of Government. Pickens County is surrounded by Gordon County to its west, Gilmer County to its north, Dawson County to its east, and Cherokee County to its south. Dawson and Cherokee Counties are outside the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission; Dawson County is in the Georgia Mountain Regional Commission, while Cherokee County is part of the Atlanta Regional Commission. The 2020 Decennial Census showed that Pickens County’s population growth outpaced both that of the State of Georgia and the Northwest Georgia region; the County’s population increased by 11.4% from 29,431 to 33,216. The State of Georgia’s population increased by 10.4% during this period, while Northwest Georgia increased by 5.8%. Source: U.S. Decennial Census, Governor’s Office of Population and Budget. 0 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000 300,000 350,000 400,000 450,000 19001910192019301940195019601970198019902000201020202030204020502060 Year Pickens and Surrounding Counties Population Change (1900-2060) CHEROKEE DAWSON GILMER GORDON PICKENS ---PAGE BREAK--- 40 Education Educational attainment is important for each community of the Northwest Georgia Region, as it provides for greater employment opportunities, attracts businesses, and increases the overall quality of life of its residents. Among those 25 years and older, Pickens County has a higher percentage of persons with a high school equivalent degree and at least some postsecondary education than the Northwest Georgia Region and the state of Georgia Pickens County has a higher percentage of those with post-secondary college education, in both the category of “Some College and No Degree” and for “Associate Degree” than the region and the state. Part of Pickens County’s success in this area is due to the presence of the Chattahoochee Technical College Appalachian Campus. Those 25 or older living in Pickens County also outperform the state totals in percentage of individuals with “Bachelors’ Degree,” but are below that of the Northwest Georgia region. Pickens County trails the state and the region for those achieving a graduate degree or professional degree. Educational Attainment for those 25 and Older Less than 9th grade 9th to 12th grade, no diploma High school graduate (includes equivalency) Some college, no degree Associate's degree Bachelor's degree Graduate or professional degree Bartow 3,156 6,631 25,475 16,408 5,396 9,630 4,448 Catoosa 1,474 3,709 15,177 11,598 3,941 7,292 3,459 Chattooga 1,847 2,899 6,570 3,058 1,093 1,039 626 Dade 674 1,389 4,088 2,230 1,016 1,260 498 Fannin 801 1,595 6,836 4,328 2,013 2,551 1,864 Floyd 4,198 6,474 21,804 13,563 5,338 7,906 6,057 Gilmer 1,411 2,178 8,149 4,513 1,796 2,950 1,971 Gordon 3,290 5,258 13,419 8,024 2,569 3,358 2,795 Haralson 1,024 2,583 7,422 4,622 1,191 2,188 1,326 Murray 2,899 4,480 9,105 5,358 1,943 1,967 857 Paulding 2,980 7,259 32,882 28,898 9,788 17,299 8,386 Pickens 824 2,095 7,787 5,212 2,179 3,411 1,895 Polk 2,143 3,227 10,832 5,962 2,166 2,204 1,349 Walker 2,551 5,663 16,670 10,555 3,984 5,768 3,578 Whitfield 9,644 9,610 20,683 12,739 3,617 6,983 4,067 ---PAGE BREAK--- 41 When education totals are broken down further by municipality within Pickens County, the highest percentage of those 25 and older achieving a graduate or professional degree is seen in the City of Nelson. This may be due to Nelson’s boundary extending into Cherokee County where a higher demand for professional degrees would be seen. Location High school graduate or equivalency Some College Associates degree Bachelor's degree Graduate or Professional City of Jasper 6.1% 37.1% 18.2% 11.1% 3.1% City of Nelson 2.5% 29.6% 19.6% 14.2% 5.3% Town of Talking Rock 7.8% 22.1% 27.3% 7.8% 2.6% Educational Attainment of Adults Ages 25 or older in 2020 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% Less than 9th grade 9th to 12th grade, no diploma High school graduate (includes equivalency) Some college, no degree Associate's degree Bachelor's degree Graduate or professional degree Educational Attainment by Percentages Georgia Northwest Georgia Pickens ---PAGE BREAK--- 42 Housing and Economics Pickens County’s population is growing at a faster rate than the region and state. It is adding housing at a higher rate than neighboring Bartow County, but much less than Cherokee and Dawson Counties. The rate of additional housing units appears to be increasing. Between 2010 and 2020, Pickens County added only 1,200 new units, but has added 400 units between 2020- 2022. The housing vacancy rate is decreasing in Pickens County and in surrounding counties. Home ownership is strong in Pickens County, with over 70% of homes owned rather than rented; the majority of housing stock was built in 1970 or later. For most homeowners, their mortgage is less than 30% of their salary. Most housing values range from $200,000 to $400,000. Median household incomes in the County vary, from Jasper’s MHI of $33,570, to Nelson’s MHI of $66,111, and the County’s MHI of $68,365, which exceeds all surrounding counties except Cherokee. Location Median Household Income City of Jasper $33,570 City of Nelson $66,111 Town of Talking Rock No data Annual Rate of Change in Total Housing Units Annual Rate of Change In Housing Vacancy 2010 2020 2022 2010-2020 2010 2020 2010 2020 2022 2010-2020 Location Count Count Estimate Count Count Estimate Bartow County 39,819 42,435 43,593 0.64% 2.77 2.69 4,041 2,390 2,651 -5.12% Cherokee County 82,360 100,813 106,065 2.04% 2.80 2.76 6,424 4,897 5,313 -2.68% Dawson County 10,425 11,926 12,645 1.35% 2.61 2.59 1,613 1,992 1,776 -2.09% Counthy 64,052 87,581 93,793 3.18% 2.94 2.99 4,619 4,030 3,589 -1.35% Gilmer County 16,560 17,717 32,054 0.68% 2.48 2.43 5,248 4,885 5,095 -0.71% Gordon County 22,282 22,736 23,022 0.20% 2.76 2.69 2,563 1,526 1,570 -5.05% Murray County 15,979 16,038 16,064 0.04% 2.8 2.7 1,899 1,320 1,312 -3.57% Pickens County 13,692 14,896 15,333 0.85% 2.57 2.51 2,401 1,776 1,843 -2.95% Census 2020 PL 94-171 Profile Total Housing Units Average Household Size Total Housing Vacancy Location Median Household Income Cherokee County $84,817 Dawson County $72,260 Gilmer County $57,376 Gordon County $48,662 Pickens County $68,365 ---PAGE BREAK--- 43 Pickens County’s unemployment rate fell to 2.5% in 2022, from a high of 4.8% during 2020. With a labor force of 16,022 and an employed population of 15,629, there are workers in Pickens County available for employment. Labor Statistics for Pickens County (2017-2022) Year Employed Labor Force Unemployed Unemployment Rate 2022 15,629 16,022 394 2.5% 2021 15,099 15,533 434 2.8% 2020 14,210 14,927 717 4.8% 2019 14,977 15,457 480 3.1% 2018 14,671 15,219 548 3.6% 2017 14,464 15,117 653 4.3% ---PAGE BREAK--- 44 Pickens Progress Survey Results The public survey gathered a total of 1,180 complete responses, with a completion rate of 84%. Full survey results are provided in Appendix B. The first series of questions asked respondents’ place of residence, age, employment status, and about business ownership and location and internet availability. The remaining questions discussed perceptions of the community; for instance, their preferred type of housing development. These questions also allowed survey respondents to select “Other,” then to provide further information. By location, 73.2% of survey respondents lived in Pickens County, 14.3% resided in Jasper, 1.2% lived in Nelson, 5.4% lived in Talking Rock, and 6% lived elsewhere. Survey takers were allowed to rate their place of residence as Excellent, Good, Okay, or Fair. Of the 1,180 respondents, a majority of individuals (38%) were between the age of 35 to 54. The second largest age group (30%) were between ages 55 to 69. One in five (18%) of survey takers were between the age of 18-34. One in ten (13%) of those who responded were age 70 or older. Less than one percent of respondents were 17 or under. As for employment status, 58.3% of participants were employed, while 23.2% were retired, 10.3% were self-employed, 4.5% were stay-at-home parents or caregivers, and less than 2% were students (both employed and unemployed). More respondents reported their place of employment as outside Unincorporated Pickens County (37.3%) than within Unincorporated Pickens County (31.6%) or Jasper One in five (17.5%) owned a business; these businesses were located in Unincorporated Pickens County outside the County or in Jasper Question 11 and 12 gauged internet availability, with 63.8% of businesses owners and 63.8% of residents stating they had internet access with adequate speeds, while 2.3% stated that they had no internet access at all. What age group do you represent? 17 or Under 0.30% 18-34 18.00% 35-54 38.10% 55-69 30.60% 70 or Older 12.90% I live in Pickens County 73% I live in the City of Jasper 14% I live in the City of Nelson 1% I live in the Town of Talking Rock 6% I live elsewhere 6% What is your connection to Pickens County or the City of Jasper, Nelson, and the Town of Talking Rock? ---PAGE BREAK--- 45 Total number of responses: 1,017 Number of responses: 191 Number of responses: 76 Number of responses: 15 ---PAGE BREAK--- 46 The remaining questions addressed of the community, threats to the community, preferred development density and housing types, and types of projects desired. Respondents were asked to select 5 choices from a list of 16 traits that the Stakeholder Committee identified as of the community. Responses valued Scenic views and natural beauty Smalltown atmosphere and sense of community Proximity/access to Highway 515/I- 575 Local heritage Public safety Parks and recreation and Local school systems and higher education(9.8%). Weaknesses and Threats Of fourteen items listed, the highest concern or threat was the loss of natural and agriculture resources followed by lack of water and wastewater infrastructure availability and water and wastewater infrastructure condition workforce availability (24.3%) and losing workforce to surrounding municipalities too many tourists Survey Question #13. What are the of where you live? Smalltown atmosphere and Sense of community 75.20% Parks and Recreation 9.90% Local Heritage 21.40% Proximity/access to highway 515/575 35.90% Scenic views and Natural beauty 78.90% Tourism 1.80% Agri-tourism 3.70% Local School System and Higher Education 9.80% Healthcare system 6.30% Sidewalks 0.80% Sewer and Water Infrastructure availability 4.60% Retail 1.20% Airport 0.80% Public Safety 12.70% Public Services 2.50% Other 7.00% Survey Question #14. What are the weaknesses of where you live? Youth leaving 17.10% Water and Sewer Infrastructure Availability 30.80% Water and Sewer Infrastructure Condition 26.60% Lack of Workforce 24.30% Losing Workforce to Surrounding Counties and Municipalities 24.20% Lack of Housing Options 23.10% Loss of Natural Resources and Agriculture 31.30% Aging Population 16.30% Inadequate Ordinances 10.40% Proximity and Access to Highway 575/515 4.20% Lack of Sidewalks and Bike lanes 13.70% Too Many Tourists 19.60% Not Enough Tourists 6.30% Other 18.60% ---PAGE BREAK--- 47 Future Growth Questions 17 and 18 gauged public interest in types of projects, growth, and housing choices for the future. Projects most needed were Small business development Sewer and water improvement projects Local retail development and Broadband availability The final survey questions, questions 19 through 22, regarded housing preference. The Stakeholder Committee predicted that scenic views and small town atmosphere would be a local strength. The most popular housing options were Owner-occupied homes with large lots (71.8% an asset) and Middle-income housing developments (59.6% an asset). High-end housing development was seen by 26.1% as an asset and 25.8% as a threat. Housing types considered a threat were Small-lot subdivision developments Manufactured or mobile home parks and Multifamily options (apartments, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes) (38.6% and Future Growth and Needed Projects Percent Small Business Development 48.3% Sewer and Water Improvements 43.5% Commercial 11.0% Manufacturing 10.0% Local Retail 41.6% Tourism 10.9% Broadband Availability 30.8% Sidewalk Improvements 14.8% Public Parks 39.1% Government Facilities 3.2% Other 11.0% 0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00% 80.00% Owner-occupied homes with large lots High-end housing Developments Small-lot Subdivision Development Middle-income Housing Planned Unit Development Manufactured or Mobile Homes (one per lot) Manufactured or Mobile Home Parks Apartments Duplexes, Triplexes, Quadplexes Tiny homes Senior/retiree housing Mixed use/retail residential housing Rental housing Other Housing preference by percentage for Pickens County, City of Jasper, City of Nelson, and Talking Rock combined Housing seen as a Threat Housing seen as a asset ---PAGE BREAK--- 48 Broadband Introduction Access to high-speed Internet has become a necessity for businesses and residents. In 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defined high-speed internet, or broadband, at 25 megabits per second for download, and 3 megabits per second for upload (upstream). The State of Georgia used this definition as a benchmark for high-speed Internet service by enacting the “Achieving Connectivity Everywhere (ACE)” Act in the spring of 2018. ACE created the Georgia Broadband Development Initiative (GBDI) to establish high-speed internet service statewide, even to the most rural areas. Pickens County, Jasper, Nelson, and Talking Rock would like to participate in the Broadband Ready Community program because they recognize the need to facilitate better Internet connectivity for all residents. Therefore, this broadband element is included in the comprehensive plan, and work program items have been added for each government. • The first item is a commitment to pass a broadband ordinance covering the process of providing broadband to all residents, and to signal that Pickens County has taken steps to reduce obstacles to broadband infrastructure investment. • The second item is to apply for the Broadband Ready Community Designation. GBDI Mapping Methodology The GBDI model (see map on pg. 40) is location-based. This means that the target broadband service must be available to more than 80% of locations in a census block to be served. Census blocks that did not meet this definition are delineated as 'Unserved'. The map depicts access, not subscription, to broadband. Broadband data is provided by the various Internet Service Providers of Georgia. Location data are from commercially available sources. Current Service Areas According to the GBDI map on page 40, there are a total of 3,482 unserved locations (17%) in Pickens County. There are 16,933 locations that are currently served. Investment in Unserved Areas Broadband infrastructure investment decisions are business-case based. They must provide a sustainable and positive ROI for providers to expand into unserved areas. The GBDI planning team partnered with local governments and providers on a plan to address unserved areas. Recommended strategies or policies must either lower broadband investment costs or provide financial assistance to broadband in unserved areas so that they can be served and become economically self-sustaining. Access to Funding The capital cost to provide broadband services to all unserved areas in Georgia is estimated at more than one billion dollars. The deployment of broadband to unserved areas statewide will require significant access to funding. While a statewide grant program will make an impact on some unserved areas, the widescale change could require a broad spectrum of funding incentives and mechanisms. ---PAGE BREAK--- 49 Public-Private Partnerships Public-private partnerships (P3) could play a critical role in bringing sufficient broadband to unserved areas. The legislation currently includes the use of P3 models on GDOT rights-of-way of Georgia interstates. These partnerships could take a variety of forms, and could include coapplying for funding, working with providers to create carrier-neutral locations and facilities, providing greater access to rights-of-way, providing incentives to providers to lower costs, and/or creating efficiencies to accelerate broadband deployment. Pickens County, Jasper, Nelson, and Talking Rock will appoint a Broadband Committee made up of local leadership, as well as private broadband providers, in order to strategically determine which unserved areas will be eligible and competitive to apply for broadband funding assistance. Broadband Model Ordinance To assist local governments with the process of developing a useful local ordinance to encourage broadband investment and expansion, GBDI worked in collaboration with local governments and providers to develop a model ordinance. The purpose of the model ordinance is to demonstrate that the local government has taken steps to reduce obstacles to broadband deployment. The model ordinance has already been adopted by several communities in Georgia. Pickens County and the municipalities of Jasper, Nelson, and Talking Rock have adopted, or will adopt, the Broadband Model Ordinance as an action step to ensure that broadband deployment is not hindered in the community. Federal Broadband Programs The USDA Community Connect Program exists to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants that will provide, on a “community-oriented connectivity” basis, broadband service that fosters economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care, and public safety benefits. The USDA ReConnect Program is designed to bring internet service to parts of rural America that have been traditionally hard to reach by providing grants, loans, or grant/loan combinations to entities seeking to deploy broadband services in unserved or severely underserved regions. Within the USDA ReConnect funding application, projects can be awarded as many as 20 State Activity Points. The Georgia Broadband Office is offering technical assistance to USDA applicants by providing the Georgia Broadband Development Initiative Plan and a letter of support from the Governor. Both the USDA Community Connect and ReConnect programs base the applicant’s eligibility on several factors including the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) 477 Broadband Map. FCC Mapping Methodology The FCC Form 477 Broadband mapping model is based on census block resolution. This means that if the target broadband service is available to at least ONE location (residential or business) in a census block, the block appears “Served.” Populated census blocks that did not meet this definition are delineated as “Unserved.” Unserved Areas of Focus According to the FCC 477 Broadband Map, the amount of served locations within Pickens County is significantly greater than the GBDI mapping model. A close look at the FCC 477 map shows several significant areas as unserved or no locations. The highest concentration of unserved areas is the entire ---PAGE BREAK--- 50 far western side of the County. There are also notable unserved areas in and around the Town of Talking Rock and the unincorporated area of Marble Hill. The Pickens County Broadband Committee will assess both the FCC 477 and GBDI Broadband maps in order to determine the most effective strategy for funding infrastructural deployments into the unserved areas. Funding assistance will, most certainly, expedite the deployment of broadband infrastructure in the significantly unserved areas. ---PAGE BREAK--- 51 ---PAGE BREAK--- 52 Land Use The predominant land use throughout Pickens County continues to be rural in nature, which is due primarily to the lack of interstate access, mountainous terrain, current agricultural practices, and limited water and wastewater infrastructure. This overall rural character, however, is also the prevailing trait throughout the northwest Georgia region for many of the same reasons. Areas of greater population density throughout the county are mostly centralized within, or surrounding, Pickens’ three municipalities, due to water and wastewater infrastructure availability. These areas of higher population density are also where commercial activity is concentrated. Unincorporated areas within the County were developed as large planned communities- Big Canoe and Bent Tree- both are higher- density residential development with amenities to serve their residents. Moderate population density and commercial land use are fount along the County’s arterial corridors like State Route 515, and Highways 108, 136, and 53. There are several unincorporated communities throughout the County, which display traits of a Crossroad Community- namely, the Tate, Blaine, Marble Hill, and Hinton Communities. Commercial/industrial activity in Pickens County is generally found along the primary corridors such as State Highways 515, 108, 136, and 53. Figure 31: View of Sandy Bottom Farms from the Tate Mansion Figure 33: Vacant store near the City of Nelson Figure 32: Imerys Marble processing plant in the Marble Hill Community ---PAGE BREAK--- 53 Land Use Analysis Methodology This land use analysis relied heavily on GIS to identify and map current conditions, with a base map of the county’s watersheds and ground water recharge areas sourced from Georgia DNR Environmental Criteria. Development of land and provision of services via infrastructure are heavily influenced by the contour of the land which varies greatly throughout Pickens County’s mountainous terrain. Wastewater and drinking water systems optimize downslope flow; land development is less expensive on flat land, a rare commodity in Pickens County; and central travel corridors often follow ridge lines. Arguably, the most significant challenge for Pickens County’s future, not unlike state and global challenges, is the management of its water. As previously stated, access to drinking water will limit the County’s growth; management of wastewater and stormwater can be costly and passing these expenses along to businesses, residents, and tourists increases the cost of living and of conducting business. The land use conversation revealed the need to continue to direct future growth to areas with water and wastewater infrastructure in place, while encouraging future development to be conscious of its impact. By prioritizing new development on vacant lots with water/wastewater access, and prioritizing redevelopment in established residential and commercial centers, the County government and future residents will benefit from cost savings while minimizing impact on natural resources. Unplanned development patterns can exacerbate traffic woes and destroy natural amenities prized by residents. As a result, the following character areas reflect strategies which leverage existing infrastructure and established neighborhoods while accommodating growth in more natural or rural expanses through moderation and character-specific approaches. Figure 34: Panoramic view of Sharp Top Mountain in Pickens County ---PAGE BREAK--- 54 This Land Use Plan supports the Community’s Smart Growth Goals identified previously: • PROTECT AND PRESERVE NATURAL RESOURCES- Protecting the Environment • TARGET GROWTH- Keeping Open Space Open • LEVERAGE AND PROMOTE EXISTING AND NEW ASSETS- Thriving Cities, Suburbs, and Towns • CREATE CONNECTIONS- Better Access, Less Traffic, and Shared Benefits • MAINTAIN FISCAL VIABILITY- Lower Costs, Lower Taxes Overview of Character Area Planning The Comprehensive Plan uses future development maps with character areas to describe and plan land use in the county. Character area planning combines form and function to define distinct areas in a community and move the community toward its vision. The goal is to identify overall patterns of development, not just individual land uses on a lot-by lot basis. A character area has unique traits, holds potential to develop into a unique area through planning and guidance, or must be cared for in special ways because of its particular development issues. Character area planning considers geographical features, like floodplains and existing greenspace, when planning future development. The Comprehensive Plan also follows the Transect Model, where character areas run the gamut from the least developed, most rural area, “Greenspace/Conservation,” to the most developed “Industrial” areas. Future development maps graphically guide managers in planning commercial, industrial, residential, and recreational development with geography and existing land uses in mind. Figure 35: Pickens County High School ---PAGE BREAK--- 55 Pickens County Character Areas ARTERIAL COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR Vision A major transportation corridor, State Highway 515 and its surrounding parcels promote the free and efficient flow of traffic and goods, and serves as an attractive gateway to Pickens County. Narrative Within unincorporated Pickens County, State Highway 515 is the community’s regional commercial corridor, containing a mix of highway oriented businesses, large scale auto dealers, big box retailers, the Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, multifamily residential, the Pickens County Airport, and the Airport Technology Business Park. Future development adjacent to the hospital may include medical facilities, hotels, senior care facilities, retail, and dining services. State Highway 515 provides an easy means of access to the area from surrounding communities whose inhabitants want to shop, dine or enjoy other amenities. The success of this area depends upon the ability of the local governments to cooperate and coordinate in planning its development. The full-service general aviation Pickens County Airport is located near the intersection of Highway 515 and Highway 53. It has a 5,000- foot runway and offers 24-hour fueling, flight planning and hangar storage for private and business aircraft. It provides support for law enforcement, military training, Civil Air Patrol, flight training, aerial photography and surveys. A 17-acre expansion is slated for commercial aircraft hangar development to attract businesses requiring access to airport facilities. The runway accommodates general aviation traffic, including typical business jet aircraft. Local general aviation airports are recognized engines of business and economic development. The airport’s planned expansions include the extension of the runway to 5,500 feet, the leasing of parcels for commercial hangars, Piedmont Mountainside Hospital ---PAGE BREAK--- 56 the adding of T-hangars for private aircraft storage, the expanding of on-field businesses offering aircraft maintenance and related services, and the construction of a new terminal facility. The Pickens County Airport is poised to attract new business and generate enhanced economic activity for the community. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Improve traffic flow and minimize traffic congestion at intersections by promoting inter- parcel access and development of a system of connecting streets and/or frontage roads between major intersections. • Accommodate a mix of uses serving both local and regional markets. • Provide adequate buffers between commercial uses and adjacent residential areas. Primary Land Uses • Primary land uses would include a mixture of retail, restaurants, services, offices, and institutional uses. High-density residential and/or senior residential may be appropriate. Proposals for industrial development would be reviewed on specific proposals presented, not on a speculative basis. Land uses for properties in unincorporated Pickens will include NC or HB land use districts. Implementation Strategies • Review and modify, if necessary, County buffer requirements between commercial and residential areas. • Extend water and wastewater services, where necessary, to growth areas of the corridor. • Explore incentives for existing development to retrofit to updated design standards. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued ➢ Sense of place ➢ Growth preparedness ➢ Regional cooperation ➢ Regional identity ---PAGE BREAK--- 57 BENT TREE AND BIG CANOE Vision Bent Tree and Big Canoe are unique, creative, and imaginative places providing a mix of uses resulting in live, work, play arrangements and lifestyles while preserving the County’s scenic and unique environmental resources. Narrative Bent Tree and Big Canoe are planned, multi-use developments, and are home to permanent, as well as seasonal, residents. These developments include homes and facilities dating from the 1970s to the present, and have not yet been fully built-out. Bent Tree and Big Canoe are recognized throughout Georgia and beyond as quality developments that contribute to the high quality of life of Pickens County. Each community has hundreds of residences, scenic mountain views, and beautiful water features. Although the majority of Big Canoe is in Pickens County, a significant portion is located in Dawson County. Due to the significance of these developments, Bent Tree and Big Canoe may influence the development of nearby areas. An example is a commercial cluster near the north entrance of Big Canoe. There may also be significant conservation areas present, such as the Potts Mountain area on Steve Tate Highway. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Preserve rural character, scenic views and environmentally-sensitive resources. Cluster residential development in a conservation subdivision design that incorporates significant amounts of open space and natural conservation areas. • Preserve natural hydrology and drainage ways. • Limit grading and clearing. Figure 36: Entrance at Bent Tree Figure 37: Scenic View from within Bent Tree Figure 38: Covered Bridge inside Big Canoe ---PAGE BREAK--- 58 • Preserve sufficient tree canopy during project development and building construction. • Carefully design new roadway construction to minimize scenic and environmental impacts. • Utilize natural features for stormwater management. • Provide a mix of housing types to meet the diverse needs of the population. • Incorporate traditional neighborhood design offering a mix of neighborhood commercial, civic, institutional and public gathering places within walking distance of residential areas. Assure that all public facilities and services (roads, utilities, fire protection, recreation, solid waste, etc.) are adequate to accommodate the community’s future needs. • Ensure planning within the gates of Bent Tree and Big is coordinated with applicable covenants and association approvals. Primary Land Uses • Mixed residential uses and densities (dependent upon wastewater services) • Neighborhood commercial. • Civic and institutional uses. • Parks and recreation • Open space and greenways. Implementation Strategies • Review and revise, if necessary, the County’s Suburban Residential Private Community (SRPC) land use (zoning) district. • Review the County’s development regulations related to planned communities, and revise if necessary. • Encourage use of Conservation Subdivision principles. • Utilize Stormwater Better Site Design Standards from the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual to conserve natural areas, reduce impervious surfaces, and integrate innovative stormwater treatment in site planning and design. • Work cooperatively with Bent Tree and Big Canoe representatives to design signage and landscaping to improve gateway corridors to these communities, i.e. along Cove Road and Steve Tate Highway. Figure 39: Example of an entrance at Big Canoe ---PAGE BREAK--- 59 • Work cooperatively with representatives of new developments near these communities, such as new commercial and redeveloped commercial on Steve Tate Highway, to encourage quality design features in architecture and site design. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued • Heritage preservation • Sense of place • Open space and wildlife preservation • Environmental protection ---PAGE BREAK--- 60 CROSSROAD COMMUNITIES Vision Blaine, Hinton, Marble Hill, and Tate will remain low- density crossroads communities, presenting both residential and commercial opportunities. Each community has unique features that will be preserved. Blaine: The clearly defined roadbed of the Old Federal Road, and the site of Fort Newnan, an Indian removal fort, will be preserved, marked, and interpreted as significant Cherokee heritage sites, along with the adjacent cemetery. The old Blaine Store and the Masonic Lodge will remain important community landmarks, and will continue to serve the community. Hinton: Hinton will continue to serve the surrounding area as a rural village center composed of a variety of low-intensity residential, commercial, and agricultural uses while accommodating growth. The agricultural and residential uses define Hinton’s character while the need for a commercial core and the intersection create the location. Marble Hill: This area of Southeast Pickens County will retain its historic significance of marble quarrying and will continue to grow with new development and redevelopment of single-family housing with a variety of price ranges. Tate is a model of the quintessential small southern village. The community includes commercial retail and services; medical facilities; churches; a historic school; and a historic train depot anchored by a crossroads and surrounding traditional neighborhood. Narrative Each community features unique historic landmarks to preserve, as well as potential for growth and development fitting the nature and need of the community. Blaine, near the site of the Cherokee village of Sanderstown, is centered near the dual intersections of Hwy. 136/ Swan Bridge Rd, and Hwy. 136/Antioch Church Road. Low-density development, woods, and fields, and the old Blaine Store are defining features, as is the clearly-defined deep linear roadbed of the Old Federal Road (the Trail of Tears), which runs alongside Hwy. 136. Figure 40. Blaine Store near Hwy 136 and Swan Bridge Road intersection Figure 41: Part of Georgia's Old Federal Road in the Marble Hill area ---PAGE BREAK--- 61 Marble Hill, along with Nelson and Tate, have historic roots in the history of the area’s marble quarries. The area includes roads referencing the community’s heritage related to religious institutions (Four Mile Church Road) and historic routes (Lawson Federal Road). The area’s variable topography and variety of land cover create its picturesque nature. State Highway 53 serves as the main arterial route through the area, and includes industrial, commercial, and other uses. Yellow Creek Road also serves as a major collector route connecting East Pickens with North Cherokee County. Hinton is the center of a rural area at the intersection of Hwy. 53/ Carver’s Mill Rd/ Hwy. 136/ Bradley Rd, and is defined by open spaces and agricultural uses. The commercial uses in Hinton supply farm goods and general merchandise to residents. Aesthetically unique and interesting buildings (primarily the Feed & Seed, and the old store) define its character. Hinton is a model of a rural, agricultural village center. The Hinton fire station, community center, and nearby churches anchor the area. Tate is the historic center of marble production in Georgia and has experienced a resurgence due to projects such as the renovation of the public depot and of privately-owned historic buildings. The Tate community retains a great deal of picturesque charm and historic character. Renovations of older homes and maintenance of an active community group have been vital to maintaining its unique character. The depot and rail line are resources for possible tourism and event promotion. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Preserve historic resources including the Blaine Store, the bed of the Old Federal Road, and the site of Fort Newnan, along with the associated cemetery, as defining features of the area. • Maintain the low-density development pattern, and conserve open space. • Maintain historic building setbacks, low-density residential pattern, and open space characteristics. Figure 42: Historic Tate Methodist Church along Highway 53 ---PAGE BREAK--- 62 Primary Land Uses • Low-density, single-family residential (ER, RR, SR county land use districts) • Agriculture (AG, SA county land use districts) • Neighborhood commercial (NC county land use district) • Commercial along Highway 53, Highway 108 (HB, NC county land use districts) with the possibility of industrial (I county land use district) • Institutional uses (Schools, churches, cemeteries, medical clinic, etc.) Implementation Strategies • Coordinate with property owners to define the parameters of Fort Newnan and the associated cemetery; protect them, along with the roadbed of the Old Federal Road; and, promote them as significant Cherokee heritage sites. • Recognize the location of historic Sanderstown, and recommend that developers acknowledge the possibility of Indian burial sites and significant archaeological remains. • Continually maintain and, when necessary, upgrade county water lines. • Plan new community parks that may include playground equipment, a walking area, and/or other facilities. • Repair existing sidewalks, and install new sidewalks where needed. • Work cooperatively with business representatives and landowners for development and redevelopment. • Support and promote area community events, in coordination with community groups, using facilities such as the renovated Tate Depot. • New commercial development should be agriculture-related and/or neighborhood focused retail or services unless located on Highway 53, where various commercial uses may be acceptable. • Work cooperatively with the Chamber of Commerce to encourage tourism related to its historical marble quarry character. • Maintain standards limiting size and height for new freestanding signs, especially on all local (non-State designated) roads. Figure 43: Historic Tate Gymnasium Figure 44: Yellow Creek Fire Station in the Marble Hill area ---PAGE BREAK--- 63 • Consider new gateway/corridor landscaping, signage, etc. welcoming visitors from Dawson County and Cherokee County. • Assist owners of historic properties (Tate House, etc.) with acquiring grant funding for preservation and enhancement. • Work with Pickens County Fire personnel regarding the possible relocation of the Tate fire station. Quality Community Objectives • Heritage preservation • Sense of place • Open space preservation • Growth preparedness Figure 45: Commercial area near Highway 108 and Highway 53 intersection Figure 46: Historic Tate Mansion along Highway 53 ---PAGE BREAK--- 64 EAST PICKENS CONSERVATION AREA Vision The county’s most significant scenic views and environmentally sensitive area are preserved to maintain the County’s image as the “Gateway to the Mountains.” Narrative This area includes the high mountain ridges, steep slopes and stream valleys of eastern Pickens County. The higher elevations within the area qualify as “Protected Mountains” under the Georgia Mountain Protection Act. Many of the streams and lakes contain endangered fish species, whose habitats can be negatively impacted by development activity. Because of its scenic qualities, this area is an attractive location for second home/retiree developments as well as permanent resident homes. Concerns about development in the area include: Water quality impact due to erosion from home construction and road construction; Loss of trees; Impacts on scenic views; and new commercial retail, which may not be appropriate in this area of low-intensity development. The intent of this character area is to maintain scenic views, tree cover, and water quality that contribute to the community’s character as the “Gateway to the Mountains.” Since 2000, thousands of acres in East Pickens have been saved for conservation green space by nonprofits as well as the county government. Public, private, and nonprofit (open to public) trails are present in the area. Numerous residents have stated that the area’s scenic views, wildlife, and outdoor activities are contributing factors to the community’s quality of life. When asked where residents would take out-of-town visitors, many residents stated that they would show visitors scenic spots on, and adjacent to, Burnt Mountain Road, Cove Road, Grandview Road, and Monument Road. In ---PAGE BREAK--- 65 addition to scenic areas and conservation green space, tourism-related businesses and retreat centers are present. Development Pattern The development pattern should seek to: • Protect steep slopes, scenic views and environmentally sensitive areas by maintaining low-density development. • Encourage conservation subdivision design for new residential development that incorporates significant amounts of open space and natural conservation areas. • Connect new conservation subdivisions to create the opportunity for a countywide network of greenways. • Limit grading and clearing. • Preserve natural hydrology and drainage ways. • Preserve existing trees and sufficient canopy cover during development activity. • Carefully design roadway construction to minimize scenic and environmental impacts. • Utilize natural features for stormwater management Primary Land Uses • Greenway and Conservation Areas (county AG land use district) • Undeveloped land left in a natural state • Low-intensity single-family residential (county SA, ER, RR land use districts) • Trails (ensure hiking, equestrian, non-motorized bike trails uses do not conflict with one another) • Tourism-related businesses, event centers, and other facilities requiring conditional use approval ---PAGE BREAK--- 66 Implementation Strategies • Maintain large lot size requirements for properties that do not use conservation / open space design development. • Provide incentives to encourage use of Conservation Design Subdivision principles. • Utilize Best Management Practices for any land disturbance activities, including tree harvesting and utility construction • Utilize Stormwater Better Site Design Standards from the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual to conserve natural areas, reduce impervious surfaces and better integrate stormwater treatment in site planning and design • Promote the use of conservation easements and conservation tax credits by landowners to preserve environmentally sensitive land. • Utilize the Georgia Land Conservation Program as a source of grants, low interest loans and tax incentives for preservation of open space. • Continually maintain city and county water lines serving the East Pickens area. • Promote the East Pickens area as a senior retirement destination, and work cooperatively with senior development representatives on new development proposals. • Work cooperatively with private and nonprofit groups with proposals for land conservation. • Maintain standards for small freestanding signs – as an example, new freestanding signs on local (non-State) roads in East Pickens should not exceed 10 feet in height and should not exceed 32 square feet in area. • Plan for addition of educational signs in the Burnt Mountain overlook area informing visitors of the area’s historic (original start of the Appalachian Trail), environmental, and scenic significance. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued: • Sense of place • Open space preservation • Environmental protection • Growth preparedness ---PAGE BREAK--- 67 FOOTHILLS CROSSROADS Vision This crossroads area is developed as a village center that provides a variety of commercial services in support of surrounding residential development. Development contributes to the rural scenic and mountain architectural characteristics of the area. Narrative This crossroads community is a commercial area serving residents of the Marble Hill and Big Canoe areas. The population will continue to increase as will the demand for convenience goods and services. The surrounding area is characterized by rural scenic views with foothill mountain characteristics. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Provide a range of businesses to serve the Marble Hill and East Pickens area (retail, restaurants, institutional facilities, offices, services, etc.) • Establish sidewalks and bike paths connecting the commercial center to future residential developments. • Limit the size and height of signs – as an example, freestanding signs over 15 feet tall and over 50 square feet in area may be excessive on the two-lane roads in this area. • Landscape parking lots for new developments to provide shade and reduce impervious surfaces. • Preserve the beautiful rural quality of the surrounding area. • Encourage compatible architectural styles that maintain local characteristics in place. • Reduce driveway cuts on Steve Tate Highway, SR 53, and Yellow Creek Road by promoting inter-parcel access and connecting roads. Primary Land Uses • Mixed land use consisting of commercial retail and services, offices and low density residential off the main roads (county NC and HB districts on main roads such as Steve Tate Highway and Hwy 53; county ER, RR, and SR districts for properties on adjacent smaller roads) Figure 47: Foothills Shopping Center ---PAGE BREAK--- 68 • Public and semi-public institutional uses (Schools, churches, and civic uses.) Implementation Strategies • Develop a neighborhood park for the area to include playground equipment, walking areas, and/or other facilities desired by residents. • Work cooperatively with private and/or nonprofit groups who may wish to add signage in the Foothills area directing visitors to nearby places such as Big Canoe, churches, Gibbs Gardens, etc. • Continually maintain and perform necessary upgrades to county water lines serving the Foothills area. • Encourage new multi-use paths for use by pedestrians, cyclists, golf carts, etc. • Work cooperatively with business representatives to consider tourism-related uses in this scenic mountain area. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued • Sense of place • Open space preservation • Appropriate businesses • Growth preparedness ---PAGE BREAK--- 69 RURAL RESIDENTIAL Vision The Rural Residential area represents “traditional” rural Pickens County. While the rest of Pickens County is growing rapidly, this area should retain its less-developed, rural, open space characteristics, and maintain them for future generations. Narrative The Rural Residential area includes western and northern Pickens County; it consists of predominantly rural, less-developed land suited for agricultural, forestry and large-lot residential uses. Development should respect the county’s farming and forestry tradition and maintain its rural characteristics. This area lacks extensive public water, roads, and other public services necessary for more intense development. If subdivision of land for residential purposes occurs in this area, environmental (floodplain, steep slope, stormwater, etc.) and infrastructure should be carefully reviewed. Development Pattern The development pattern should seek to: • Protect farmland, open space, and environmentally sensitive areas through low- density development. • Preserve the economic viability of agriculture, livestock production and forestry activities. • Limit grading and clearing. • Preserve natural hydrology and drainage ways. • Carefully design roadway alterations and new road construction to minimize scenic and environmental impacts. • Preserve rural character, viewsheds, and natural features/resources. • Utilize natural features for stormwater management. • Accommodate low-intensity uses. Figure 48: Typical agricultural and residential development in Rural Pickens County Figure 49: Antioch Church in Pickens County ---PAGE BREAK--- 70 Primary Land Uses • Agricultural (AG, SA county land use districts) • Forestry (AG county land use district) • Low density single-family residential (ER, RR county land use districts) • Recreational facilities • Convenience goods and service establishments at strategic locations along major collector and arterial roads, especially State routes (NC, HB county land use districts) Implementation Strategies • Utilize Best Management Practices for land disturbance activities, including tree harvesting and utility construction. • Utilize Stormwater Better Site Design Standards from the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual to conserve natural areas, reduce impervious surfaces and better integrate stormwater treatment in site design. • Promote the use of conservation easements and conservation tax credits by landowners to help preserve viable farmland. • Utilize the Georgia Land Conservation Program as a source of grants, low interest loans and tax incentives for preservation of agricultural land. • Support and promote positive community events at community centers such as fire stations area churches, and other facilities. • Work cooperatively with business representatives and landowners for development/ redevelopment to support agri-business and agri-tourism. • Continually maintain and, where necessary, upgrade water lines serving the area. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued • Sense of place • Open space preservation • Environmental protection • Heritage preservation Figure 50: Remnants of a former dwelling along Pleasant Union Road in Pickens County Figure 51: Twin Mountain Lake in Pickens County ---PAGE BREAK--- 71 SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL Vision This area is envisioned to become an extension of the broader Jasper community. Quality of life is enhanced by improved street connectivity, sidewalks, and trails (pedestrian, bike, golf cart, etc.) to provide alternative ways to get to parks, schools, and neighborhood commercial areas. Narrative These are areas around the City of Jasper that have some development and/or potential to develop further. The area can be generally described as west of SR 515 to east of SR 53 (Jasper-Tate section), and north/south from Philadelphia Road to south of SR 108. These areas typically consist of single-family residences, at different price points, served by a system of curvilinear streets and cul-de-sacs. Interspersed throughout the area are schools, a county park, a golf course and scattered commercial uses. Some agricultural uses are also found in the area. The residential areas have typically developed in a leap-frog fashion and tend to lack street connectivity, adding to traffic congestion on collector roads. The area contains significant tracts of vacant land with development potential. Without intervention, these areas are likely to evolve with low pedestrian orientation, larger lot residential areas with scattered civic buildings and various street patterns. This area contains a developed public water system, some wastewater utilities, a good road network and other community services, all of which can be economically utilized and cautiously extended to potential infill areas. Mixed-use, higher-density residential development opportunities should be encouraged and optimized in this area, minimizing low-density sprawl development patterns seen elsewhere in the county. Encouraging infill development would reduce jobs-to-housing travel distances and commute times. Residential development should offer a range of choices related to size, cost, and housing types, in order to increase the Figure 52: A variety of housing options should be available to offer workforce housing ---PAGE BREAK--- 72 availability of attainable housing within the county. Traditional neighborhood development patterns are encouraged including compact development, mixed residential uses within walking distance, and community amenities such as schools, parks and neighborhood commercial centers. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Provide a system of streets to improve connectivity between subdivisions and the existing road network. • Incorporate sidewalks, traffic calming measures, golf cart paths, and biking facilities to provide safe, alternative ways of travel within and between neighborhoods, and to improve connectivity to schools, parks, and neighborhood commercial areas. • Accommodate infill development that compliments the style, scale, and setbacks of existing residential areas. • Preserve existing mature trees during the development process. • Preserve open space and greenway opportunities. • Accommodate a mix of residential uses. • Encourage neighborhood commercial uses at strategic locations along collector roads Main Street/Refuge Road, Camp Road, and State Routes 53 and 108). Primary Land Uses • Mixed residential uses and densities (dependent on wastewater availability). • Parks and passive recreation areas. • Civic and semi-public institutional uses • Neighborhood commercial Implementation Strategies • Develop a plan to improve/expand/extend public water and wastewater systems to potential infill development areas. Continually maintain existing city and county water lines in the area. • Assess the need and location of additional sidewalks, trails and bike route facilities and develop a plan for implementation. • Amend development regulations to require sidewalks in all new developments. Figure 53: Example of preferred street design ---PAGE BREAK--- 73 • Expand/renovate Roper Park, and investigate possible new park properties. • Provide incentives to encourage use of “Conservation Design” principles for new subdivision development. • Revise City of Jasper ordinances to accommodate higher-density and mixed-use residential development in the incorporated areas. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued • Sense of place • Transportation alternatives • Traditional neighborhood development • Infill development • Housing choices • Growth preparedness ---PAGE BREAK--- 74 Jasper Character Areas EAST JASPER GATEWAY CORRIDOR Vision This eastern gateway to the City presents a favorable impression to visitors by maintaining the current mix of uses complemented by improved landscaping and other streetscape amenities. Narrative This section of the Burnt Mountain Road – Cove Road corridor in the city limits of Jasper includes the Appalachian Campus of Chattahoochee Technical College, Jasper City Hall, park facilities, public housing, multi-family housing, a library, and commercial uses. This corridor is the eastern entrance to the city. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Accommodate a variety of activities on the Chattahoochee Technical College campus, including community events and college-specific activities. • Maintain the current mix of existing uses and encourage quality redevelopment of buildings and sites. • Improve sidewalk conditions along the corridor and extend sidewalks to provide better connections between adjoining residential neighborhoods, Peace and Perrow Parks, and library. • Add landscaping on public properties and on rights-of-way (where appropriate and not conflicting with site visibility and utilities) to provide shade and reduce impervious surfaces. Encourage improvement of commercial developments to include added landscaping. Primary Land Uses • Public and institutional uses • Multi-family residential • Neighborhood commercial uses. Figure 54: Chattahoochee Technical College campus in Jasper ---PAGE BREAK--- 75 Implementation Strategies • Expand downtown streetscape improvements along Burnt Mt. Road to the Cove Road intersection. • Determine the feasibility of establishing a roundabout at the intersection of Burnt Mt. Road and Cove Road to replace the current 3- way stop. • Plan for Jasper gateway improvements at the Burnt Mt. Road and Cove Road intersection for added landscaping and possible signage. • Review and, where appropriate, revise the Jasper commercial design standards for contributing quality new and redeveloped commercial structures. • Review and, where appropriate, revise the Jasper development regulations for increased landscaping and sidewalks for new and redeveloped commercial sites. • Continually maintain and upgrade Jasper water and wastewater lines serving the area. • Complete an assessment and evaluation of the current Jasper city park facilities and, where appropriate, redevelop and/or upgrade the area. • Work cooperatively with business representatives on possible new and redeveloped commercial structures and sites. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued • Infill development • Sense of place • Transportation alternatives Figure 55: Example of a roundabout for consideration ---PAGE BREAK--- 76 HISTORIC DOWNTOWN JASPER Vision The Jasper Downtown area retains its strong sense of place and unique historic characteristics, and remains a viable community focal point for both residents and visitors. Narrative Historic downtown Jasper includes the Central Business District as well as surrounding areas on both sides of Hwy. 53; it contains a blend of commercial businesses, professional offices, the Courthouse, and a few historic residential properties. This area has consistent development patterns including traditional building facades, buildings close to the street, and use of sidewalks. Most of the buildings represent historic architecture, giving the downtown a strong sense of place. Public art is displayed at various points highlighting the marble resources mined in the nearby Tate and Marble Hill communities. Maintaining the historic integrity of the downtown will be important to retain its sense of place; signage, exterior changes to buildings and new construction should honor the existing character. Encouraging a strong mix of uses, including commercial (restaurants, services, office, retail), as well as residential (above or behind commercial), will be important for economic vitality. Coordinating downtown events throughout the year helps to make this area dynamic and active. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Retain and enhance existing building stock through maintenance and rehabilitation consistent with historic characteristics. • Maintain a mix of uses that continues to attract both residents and visitors. • Encourage mixed uses within buildings such as residential development of underutilized second floors, and sidewalk dining. Figure 56: View of Jasper's downtown Main Street ---PAGE BREAK--- 77 • Continue to make downtown a focal point for community activities, public art displays, and festivals. • Maintain a strong connection with adjoining neighborhoods via sidewalks and other pedestrian amenities. Primary Land Uses • Mixed commercial including retail, professional offices and services. • Civic/institutional • Residential on upper floors as well as behind and adjacent to commercial structures. • Parks, public gathering places. Implementation Strategies • Investigate the feasibility of establishing a Historic District. • Seek designations such as the Better Home Town and Main Street programs available through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. • Expand downtown streetscape improvements theme to West and East Church Streets, as well as other side streets. • Expand parking opportunities. • Improve gateway landscaping and signage entering downtown from all directions. • Continually maintain and upgrade Jasper water and wastewater lines serving downtown. • Encourage entrepreneurial creativity with uses and facilities downtown. Be flexible in working cooperatively with businesses and others on new ideas for downtown, including new development/redevelopment. Figure 57: View of sidewalks and streetscapes in downtown Jasper Figure 58: View of historic downtown Jasper ---PAGE BREAK--- 78 Quality Community Objectives to be pursued • Heritage preservation • Sense of place • Housing choices Figure 59: Historic Wood Bridge in downtown Jasper ---PAGE BREAK--- 79 JASPER ARTERIAL COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR Vision A major transportation corridor, State Highway 515, and its surrounding parcels, promotes the free and efficient flow of traffic and goods; it serves as an attractive gateway to the City of Jasper. Narrative Within the City Limits of Jasper, State Highway 515 is the community’s regional commercial corridor; it contains a mix of highway-oriented businesses, large scale auto dealers, big box retailers, the Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, multifamily residential, the county airport, and the Airport Technology Business Park. Future development adjacent to the hospital may include medical facilities, one or more hotels, senior care facilities, retail, and dining services. State Highway 515 provides an easy means of access to the area from surrounding communities whose inhabitants want to shop, dine or enjoy other amenities. The success of this area depends upon the ability of the city and county governments to cooperate and coordinate planning for this area. In this corridor, too, is the Pickens County Airport, located west of the intersection of Highway 515 and Highway 53; it has a 5,000- foot runway and is a full-service general aviation airport offering 24-hour fueling and flight planning. It has hangar storage for private and business aircraft, and supports law enforcement, military training, Civil Air Patrol, flight training, aerial photography, and surveys. A 17-acre extension of airport property is designed for commercial aircraft hangar development to attract businesses whose operations rely on access to airport facilities. The runway accommodates general aviation traffic, including typical business jet aircraft. Local general aviation airports are recognized engines of business and economic development. With the extension of its runway to 5,500 feet, construction of commercial hangars, the planned addition of T-hangars for private aircraft storage, expansion of on-field businesses offering aircraft maintenance and other services, and plans to construct a new Piedmont Mountainside Hospital ---PAGE BREAK--- 80 terminal facility, the airport is poised to attract new business and generate enhanced economic activity for the community. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Improve traffic flow, minimize traffic congestion at intersections by promoting inter-parcel access, and develop connecting streets and/or frontage roads between major intersections. • Accommodate a mix of uses that serves both local and regional markets. • Provide adequate buffers between commercial uses and adjacent residential areas. Primary Land Uses • A mixture of primarily retail, restaurants, services, offices, and institutional uses. High-density residential and/or senior residential may be appropriate. Proposals for industrial development would be reviewed based on a specific proposal rather than on a speculative basis (for properties in unincorporated Pickens, NC or HB land use districts) Implementation Strategies • Review and modify, if necessary, City buffer requirements between commercial and residential areas. • Review and modify, if necessary, City standards for new commercial developments, including exterior finish materials, roof pitch, signage, and landscaping. • Prepare a plan to develop a system of connecting streets, frontage roads, and other inter- parcel connectivity along the corridor to minimize excessive driveway cuts directly on the Highway. • Extend water and wastewater services, where necessary, to growth areas of the corridor. • Explore incentives for existing development to retrofit to updated design standards. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued ➢ Sense of place ➢ Growth preparedness ➢ Regional cooperation ➢ Regional identity ---PAGE BREAK--- 81 JASPER TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD Vision Jasper’s traditional neighborhoods provide a variety of housing choices in close proximity to the downtown and other commercial corridors. Accessibility is improved with continual maintenance and additions to the existing network of sidewalks and trails (pedestrian, bike, and/or golf cart). Narrative Jasper’s traditional neighborhoods contain older housing stock and traditional development patterns. These areas consist of moderate to well-maintained single-family and scattered multi-family housing. Density is higher due to the presence of wastewater services. These neighborhoods are typically served with a grid system of streets and have shallower building setbacks. The neighborhoods are thought of as “in-town” due to their proximity and accessibility to the downtown. A few of the closer neighborhoods contain sidewalks, providing accessibility to the downtown. Vacant tracts of land are still available. New development and redevelopment may include cluster detached single-family homes, condos, townhouses, senior housing, and/or apartments. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Maintain existing homes and character defining features such as drives, walls, landscaping, and tree cover. • Promote building rehabilitation that is in keeping with a building’s existing architectural style and scale, and that of neighboring homes. • Accommodate in-fill development complementing the scale, setbacks and style of adjacent homes. • Increase pedestrian connectivity between neighborhoods, downtown, schools, parks, and other activity centers. • Accommodate senior housing, which can be integrated into the existing development pattern and can benefit from close proximity to downtown and other streets’ commercial uses. ---PAGE BREAK--- 82 Primary Land Uses • Mixed residential uses with a variety of densities (cluster detached single-family homes, condos, townhouses, senior housing, and/or apartments. • Civic, institutional uses • Neighborhood commercial on arterial and major collector routes, at significant intersections • Parks, recreational areas Implementation Strategies • Create and adopt new residential architectural design standards to ensure compatibility between old and new development. • Repair existing sidewalks; install new sidewalks where needed. • Add and improve paths and multi-use trails. • Plan for acquisition of new land to increase parks and recreation offerings in Jasper. New park(s) may include playgrounds, ballfields, trails, tennis courts, and/or other facilities. • Pursue Federal and State grants and other programs to rehabilitate and upgrade houses where needed. • Encourage senior housing opportunities in close proximity to daily shopping, health, and recreation needs. • Prepare and adopt senior housing design standards that encourage “aging-in-place;” these address home and site features that are more functional for seniors. • Review and/or revise Jasper’s regulations regarding residential development and redevelopment. • Review and/or revise Jasper’s zoning regulations regarding residential development and redevelopment. • Upgrade Jasper’s water and wastewater infrastructure. Quality Community Objectives • Heritage preservation • Sense of place • Traditional neighborhoods • Infill development • Housing choices Figure 60: Traditional Neighborhood dwellings near downtown Jasper ---PAGE BREAK--- 83 NORTH JASPER CORRIDOR Vision This northern gateway to the city presents a favorable impression to visitors by maintaining this as a viable commercial corridor and industrial area. Narrative This area consists of North Main Street and areas to the east along the railroad, within the city limits of Jasper. A mix of residential, commercial and institutional uses are located along the road approaching the downtown area. The majority of the industrial uses and more intense commercial uses, including Pioneer Industrial Park, are adjacent to the railroad to the east. North Main Street is the primary northern entrance into Jasper. Since Hwy. 515 opened and became the primary north-south corridor through the county, traffic volumes on North Main have diminished. A number of vacant tracts are scattered throughout the corridor. Inconsistent building setbacks, architecture and materials, mixed signage size and height, and a lack of landscaping characterize the corridor. A number of residential subdivisions lie adjacent to the corridor with limited street connectivity to North Main Street. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Preserve the diverse industrial base and fill in vacant tracts within the industrial park. • Provide adequate buffers between industrial areas and adjacent residential areas. Figure 61: View along North Main approaching downtown Jasper. Note poorly defined driveway entrances. ---PAGE BREAK--- 84 • Provide sidewalk connections between North Main Street and adjacent residential areas. • Increase landscaping throughout the area to provide shade, reduce impervious surfaces, buffer parking areas, and improve the appearance of individual sites and the entire corridor. • Clearly define driveway cuts and entrances. • Provide a mix of uses along North Main Street to serve populations north of the City. Primary Land Uses • Industrial • Various commercial (offices, retail, services, etc.) • Public and institutional uses Implementation Strategies • Seek grants to fund desired streetscape improvements such as improved or extended sidewalks, landscaping, lighting and underground utilities. • Improve inter-parcel access and street connectivity to adjoining neighborhoods. • Review and/or revise Jasper’s commercial design standards for contributing quality new and redeveloped commercial structures. • Review and/or revise Jasper’s development regulations requiring sidewalks and increased landscaping for new and redeveloped commercial sites. • Continually maintain and/or upgrade Jasper water and wastewater infrastructure. • Work cooperatively with business representatives to attract new commercial and industrial developments. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued • Infill development • Transportation alternatives Figure 62: Typical industrial Structure located in Pioneer Industrial Park. ---PAGE BREAK--- 85 SOUTH JASPER GATEWAY CORRIDOR Vision This southern gateway to the city presents a favorable impression to visitors by maintaining this as a viable commercial corridor while improving overall streetscape aesthetics. Narrative Jasper’s East Church Street corridor is south of downtown along State Highway 53. This corridor was once the primary commercial highway leading into Jasper from the south; following construction of the four-lane Hwy. 515 west of the city, no significant number of new buildings have been constructed along the corridor. However, there has been some redevelopment and reuse of existing buildings in recent years. The area includes a mix of older commercial establishments, scattered residential uses, the County Administrative Offices, and other public uses. Deep building setbacks, inconsistent building architecture and materials, mixed size and height of signage, and a lack of landscaping characterize the corridor. The railroad borders the eastern side of the corridor. A number of vacant tracts are located to the rear of the commercial uses; these could be developed for multi-family or other higher density residential development. The presence of some sidewalks and proximity to downtown present the potential for pedestrian scale development. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Maintain viability as a commercial corridor, while enhancing overall street appearance through landscaping, sign control, and pedestrian scale lighting. • Improve sidewalk connections along the corridor and with adjoining residential neighborhoods. • Landscape parking lots to provide shade and reduce impervious surfaces. Figure 63: Recommendations for this corridor include vegetative streetscapes, underground utilities, and improved pedestrian infrastructure ---PAGE BREAK--- 86 • Encourage upgrades to the appearance of existing older commercial buildings with façade improvement or new architectural elements. • Encourage shallow setbacks and quality construction for new development. • Accommodate a mix of uses that primarily serves the local market demand versus a regional market demand. • Encourage multi-family or other high density residential development on vacant tracts behind the commercial uses. Primary Land Uses • Retail, offices, restaurants, and other commercial services • Industry • Multi-family or other high density residential • Public and other institutional uses Implementation Strategies • Seek grants to fund desired streetscape improvements such as improved or extended sidewalks, landscaping, lighting and underground utilities. • Improve inter-parcel access and street connectivity to adjoining neighborhoods. • Review and/or revise Jasper’s commercial design standards for contributing quality new/ redeveloped commercial structures. • Review and/or revise Jasper’s development regulations for sidewalks and added landscaping for new and redeveloped commercial sites. • Continually maintain and upgrade Jasper water and wastewater infrastructure. • Work cooperatively with business representatives on possible new commercial and multi- family developments. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued • Infill development • Transportation alternatives • Housing choices ---PAGE BREAK--- 87 WEST JASPER GATEWAY CORRIDOR Vision The Highway 53/ West Church Street corridor connects downtown Jasper to State Highway 515. As the gateway to the City of Jasper, this corridor serves as an extension of downtown, providing a mixture of uses to serve residents and visitors alike. Narrative The Highway 53/ West Church Street corridor between Hwy 515 and historic downtown Jasper is the primary entrance to the city. This corridor is characterized by a mix of uses, numerous curb cuts that impede traffic flow, and a lack of landscaping and other streetscape amenities. A mix of signage size and heights also dominate the landscape. The corridor is also proposed for major widening in the near future. To draw people from Hwy. 515 into downtown, as well as serve surrounding neighborhoods, new development/ redevelopment along this corridor should be inviting, attractive and contain a mix of uses. This can be done by a combination of incentives and requirements to improve landscaping, street lighting, landscaping, signage, and sidewalks. Improved public signage will help direct and inform visitors about downtown businesses and facilities. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Encourage the continued transition of this corridor into a commercial mixed-use link between the core of historic Jasper and the dynamic commercial/retail node on Hwy 515 at the intersection with Hwy 53. • Encourage and/or require new and redeveloped buildings to have masonry exterior finish materials. • Minimize traffic congestion by promoting inter-parcel access and developing a system of connecting streets to link downtown Jasper with areas surrounding the corridor and Hwy. 515. ---PAGE BREAK--- 88 • Limit the size and height of signs– as an example, freestanding signs over 20 feet tall and over 100 square feet in size may be excessive on this two-lane road. • Incorporate streetscape enhancements such as underground utilities, sidewalks, landscaping and decorative streetlights to make it more pedestrian friendly. • Continually maintain and/or upgrade water and wastewater capacity in this area. • Parking lots should be adequately landscaped to provide shade, and reduce impervious surfaces. • Accommodate a mix of institutional, medical, office, restaurant, retail, and service uses. Primary Land Uses • Retail, restaurants, offices, and other services. • Institutional uses • Multi-family residential and senior residential where appropriate Implementation Strategies • Review and/or revise signage at/ near the intersection with Hwy. 515 and along the corridor to direct the traveler to downtown Jasper. • Strategically extend the existing grid network along the corridor to provide new access to and connections between existing roads. • Extend sidewalks on both sides of the road the entire length of the corridor. • Modify Jasper’s sign ordinance to limit height, size and location of freestanding signs. • Revise Jasper’s landscaping regulations to enhance tree installation/ replacement requirements. • Adopt architectural standards requiring masonry facades to improve the quality and aesthetics of commercial development. • Consider parking lot lighting requirements for Jasper with maximum height standards and style requirements that will reduce light pollution. • Plan and sign alternative routes for trucks and other through-vehicles to bypass West Church Street A.W. Lawson Boulevard and Philadelphia Rd.) If the proposed West Church Street ---PAGE BREAK--- 89 widening project is not feasible or will not be completed in the next five years, consider improving the alternate routes with wider shoulders and other road enhancements. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued • Infill development • Sense of place • Transportation alternatives • Growth preparedness ---PAGE BREAK--- 90 Nelson Character Areas INDUSTRIAL Vision This area is envisioned to retain its industrial and manufacturing character for many years to come. Properties within this character area are largely responsible for Nelson’s history, and will continue to be a part of its future, providing job opportunities, tax revenue, and a way of life for the community. Narrative Although most of the industrial properties within Nelson have existed for many decades, they continue to produce their products consistently and on a large scale. The Industrial character area includes sites with higher intensity manufacturing, assembly, and processing activities. Impacts associated with industrial properties may include noise, particulate matter, vibration, smoke, dust, gas, fumes, odors, or radiation, which are not required to be contained on-site. Development Patterns • Encourage buffers between industrial structures/uses and residential areas Primary Land Uses • Industrial • Park/Recreation/Conservation Implementation Strategies More detailed sub-area planning: • Have mix of small and large industry appropriately buffered from residential developments New or revised local development regulations: • Require percentage of open space on site Figure 64: Skilled workforce inside Blue Ridge Marble Co. ---PAGE BREAK--- 91 Incentives: • Tax breaks for incubators and small business for reuse and site cleanup Public Investments: • Install high-speed internet, provide alternative access roads Infrastructure Improvements: • Maintain and upgrade roads and install traffic lights; improve utilities. Quality Community Objectives • Infill development • Sense of place • Transportation alternatives • Regional identity • Heritage preservation • Open space preservation • Environmental protection • Growth preparedness • Appropriate businesses • Employment options ---PAGE BREAK--- 92 NELSON SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL Vision This area is envisioned to become an extension of the more recently developed Nelson community. Quality of life is enhanced by improved street connectivity, sidewalks, and trails (pedestrian, bike, golf cart, etc.) to provide alternative access to parks and neighborhood commercial areas. Narrative These are areas around the City of Nelson that have some development and have the potential to develop further. These areas typically consist of single family residences at different price points served by a system of curvilinear streets and cul-de-sacs. This area contains a developed public water system but no wastewater utilities, and a good road network and other community services that can accommodate infill areas. Encouragement of infill development would reduce jobs-to-housing travel distances and commute times. Residential development should offer a range of housing choices related to size, cost, and housing types in order to increase the availability of affordable housing within the city. Traditional neighborhood development patterns are encouraged, including compact development and mixed residential uses. They should be within walking distance of one another as well as community amenities such as schools, parks and neighborhood commercial centers. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Provide a system of streets to improve connectivity between subdivisions and to the existing road network. • Incorporate sidewalks, traffic calming measures, golf cart paths, and biking facilities. This provides safe, alternative travel within, and between, Figure 65: A variety of housing options should be available to offer workforce housing Figure 66: Example of preferred street design ---PAGE BREAK--- 93 neighborhoods and improves connectivity to schools, parks, and neighborhood commercial areas. • Accommodate infill development that compliments the scale, building setbacks, and the style of existing residential areas. • Preserve existing mature trees during the development process. • Preserve open space and greenway opportunities. • Encourage neighborhood commercial uses at strategic locations along collector roads. Primary Land Uses • Single-family residential uses • Parks and passive recreation areas • Civic and semi-public institutional uses • Neighborhood commercial Implementation Strategies • Develop a water system master plan that includes improvements/ expansion to serve infill development areas. • Develop a plan to assess the feasibility of additional sidewalks, trails and bike route facilities. • Amend regulations to require all new developments to provide sidewalks. • Provide incentives to encourage use of “Conservation Design” principles for new subdivision development. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued • Sense of place • Transportation alternatives • Traditional neighborhood development • Infill development • Housing choices • Growth preparedness Figure 67: Entrance of Laurel Lake community Figure 68: Example of density and design within the Laurel Lake community. Note the lack of pedestrian infrastructure. Figure 69: Cul-de-sac within Laurel Lake Community ---PAGE BREAK--- 94 NELSON TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD Vision Nelson’s traditional neighborhoods include a variety of housing choices in close proximity to the town center and other commercial corridors. Accessibility is improved with additions to the existing network of sidewalk and trails. Narrative Nelson’s traditional neighborhoods contain older housing stock and traditional development patterns. These areas consist of moderate to well-maintained single family housing. Density is low due to the lack of wastewater utilities. These neighborhoods are typically served with a grid system of streets and have shallower building setbacks. The neighborhoods are regarded as “in-town” due to their proximity and accessibility to the town center. Vacant tracts of land are still available. New development and redevelopment may include cluster detached single- family homes; townhouses; and senior housing. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Maintain existing homes and character defining features such as drives, walls, landscaping, and tree cover. • Promote building rehabilitation that is in consistent with a building’s existing architectural style and scale, and that of neighboring homes. • Accommodate in-fill development complementing the scale, setbacks, and style of adjacent homes. • Increase pedestrian connectivity between neighborhoods, the town center, parks, and other activity centers. • Accommodate senior housing, which can be integrated into the existing development pattern, and can benefit from close proximity to the downtown area and other streets containing commercial uses. Figure 70: Historic single family detached residence in Nelson Figure 71: Historic single family detached residence. ---PAGE BREAK--- 95 Primary Land Uses • Mixed residential uses with a variety of densities (cluster detached single-family homes, townhouses, and senior housing). • Civic, institutional uses • Neighborhood commercial on arterial and major collector routes, especially at significant intersections • Parks, recreational areas Implementation Strategies • Repair existing sidewalks and install new sidewalks where needed. • Improve and increase multi-use paths and trails (pedestrian, bike, and/or golf cart). • Pursue federal and state grants and other programs to rehabilitate/ upgrade houses, where needed. • Encourage senior housing opportunities in close proximity to daily shopping, health and recreation needs. • Prepare and adopt senior housing design standards to encourage “aging-in-place” addressing functional home and site features directed toward senior needs. • Review and/or revise Nelson’s regulations regarding new and infill residential development. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued • Heritage preservation • Sense of place • Traditional neighborhoods • Infill development • Housing choices Figure 72: Example of good pedestrian infrastructure serving a traditional style residential neighborhood in Jasper ---PAGE BREAK--- 96 NELSON TOWN CENTER Vision The Nelson Town Center area retains its strong sense of place and unique characteristics, and remains a viable community center for both residents and visitors. Narrative Nelson’s town center includes the Central Business District as well as surrounding areas on both sides of Kennesaw Avenue; it contains a blend of commercial businesses, professional offices, and a few historic residential and industrial properties. This area has a blend of development patterns including non- traditional building facades, and lack of sidewalks. The commercial buildings lack historic architecture. Encouraging a mix of uses, including commercial (restaurants, services, office, retail), and residential, will be important for long range economic vitality and sense of community. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Retain and enhance existing building/housing stock with appropriate maintenance and rehabilitation. • Promote a mix of uses to attract both residents and visitors. • Develop the downtown as a focal point for community activities, public art displays, and festivals. • Create a strong connection with adjoining neighborhoods via sidewalks and other pedestrian amenities. Primary Land Uses • Mixed commercial including retail, professional offices and services. Figure 73: Nelson City Hall along Kennesaw Avenue Figure 74: Example of a commercial structure along Kennesaw Avenue near Nelson’s City Hall ---PAGE BREAK--- 97 • Civic/institutional • Single-family detached residential • Parks, public gathering places. Implementation Strategies • Install streetscape improvements to create a more pedestrian friendly environment. • Improve gateway landscaping and signage entering downtown from all directions. • Encourage entrepreneurial creativity with uses and facilities in the town center. Be flexible in working with businesses and others on new ideas for downtown, including new development and redevelopment and mixed-use. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued • Heritage preservation • Sense of place • Housing choices Figure 75: Example of walkable town center residential development (downtown Jasper) ---PAGE BREAK--- 98 Talking Rock Character Areas TALKING ROCK RURAL RESIDENTIAL Vision The Rural Residential area represents “traditional” rural residential development. While surrounding areas are growing rapidly, this area should retain its less-developed, rural, open space characteristics for future generations. Narrative The Rural Residential area includes an eastern area in Talking Rock which is adjacent to rural residential areas in Pickens County. It consists of predominantly rural, less-developed land suited for agricultural, forestry and large-lot residential uses. Development should respect the farming and forestry tradition, and maintain rural characteristics. This area lacks the advanced infrastructure (public water, roads, public services) needed to support more intense development. If residential subdivision occurs, environmental impacts (floodplain, steep slopes, stormwater, etc.) and infrastructure needs (private wells versus public water lines, septic system considerations, road conditions, etc.) should be carefully reviewed. Development Pattern The development pattern should seek to: • Protect farmland, open space, and environmentally sensitive areas by maintaining low density development. • Preserve the economic viability of agriculture, livestock production and forestry activities. • Limit grading and clearing. • Preserve natural hydrology and drainage ways. • Carefully design roadway alterations and construction to minimize scenic and environmental impacts. • Preserve rural character, viewsheds, and natural features/resources. • Utilize natural features for stormwater management • Accommodate low-intensity uses Figure 76: Rural Residential on Hwy 136 ---PAGE BREAK--- 99 Primary Land Uses • Agricultural (AG, SA county land use districts) • Forestry (AG county land use district) • Low-density, single-family residential (ER, RR county land use districts) • Recreational facilities • Convenience goods and service establishments at strategic locations along major collector and arterial roads, especially state routes (NC, HB county land use districts) Implementation Strategies • Utilize Best Management Practices for land disturbance activities, including tree harvesting and utility construction. • Utilize Stormwater Better Site Design Standards from the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual to conserve natural areas, reduce impervious surfaces and better integrate stormwater treatment in site planning and design. • Promote the use of conservation easements and conservation tax credits to help preserve viable farmland. • Utilize the Georgia Land Conservation Program as a source of grants, low-interest loans, and tax incentives to preserve agricultural land. • Support and promote positive public events at community centers such as fire stations, area churches, and other facilities. • Work cooperatively with businesses and landowners to develop and redevelop agri-business and agri-tourism uses. • Maintain and/or upgrade water lines serving the area as needed. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued • Sense of place • Open space preservation • Environmental protection • Heritage preservation Figure 77: Rural Residential on Old Blairsville Hwy. ---PAGE BREAK--- 100 TALKING ROCK SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL Vision This area is envisioned to become an extension of the more recently developed Talking Rock community. Quality of life is enhanced by improved street connectivity, sidewalks, and trails (pedestrian, bike, golf cart, etc.) to provide alternative ways to get to parks, and neighborhood commercial areas. Narrative These areas around the Town of Talking Rock are sparsely developed with the potential to develop further. They typically consist of single family residences, at different price points, served by a system of county or state roads. Curvilinear streets and cul-de-sacs would be the preferred future design for new residential development in this area. This area contains a developed public water system, a good road network, and other community services that can be extended to potential infill areas; it is not served by wastewater utilities. Encouraging infill development would reduce jobs-to- housing travel distances and commute times. Residential development should offer a range of housing choices related to size, cost, and housing types, in order to increase the availability of affordable housing within the county. Traditional neighborhood development patterns are encouraged; compact development and mixed residential uses should be within walking distances of one another and community amenities such as schools, parks and neighborhood commercial centers. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Provide a system of streets to improve connectivity between subdivisions and to the existing road network. Figure 79: Example of preferred street design Figure 78: Suburban Residential, Talking Rock. ---PAGE BREAK--- 101 • Incorporate sidewalks, multi-purpose paths, and traffic calming measures to provide safe, alternative means of travel within/ between neighborhoods, and improve connectivity to schools, parks, and neighborhood commercial areas. • Accommodate infill development that is complementary to the scale, building setbacks, and the style of existing residential areas. • Preserve existing mature trees during the development process. • Preserve open space and greenway opportunities. • Encourage neighborhood commercial uses at strategic locations along collector roads. Primary Land Uses • Single-family residential uses • Parks and passive recreation areas • Civic and semi-public institutional uses • Neighborhood commercial Implementation Strategies • Develop a plan to improve/expand the water system to potential infill development areas. • Develop a plan to assess placement of additional sidewalks, trails, and multiuse paths to connect residences to the town center. • Consider amending development regulations to require all new developments to provide sidewalks. • Consider providing incentives to encourage use of “Conservation Design” principles for new subdivision development. Figure 80: Example of a modern suburban community entrance Figure 82: Example of density and design within the Suburban character area. Preferably with pedestrian infrastructure (sidewalks, etc). Figure 81: Sidewalks can be extended from downtown to residential areas. ---PAGE BREAK--- 102 Quality Community Objectives to be pursued • Sense of place • Transportation alternatives • Traditional neighborhood development • Infill development • Housing choices • Growth preparedness Figure 83: Cul-de-sac design for the Suburban character area ---PAGE BREAK--- 103 TALKING ROCK TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD Vision Talking Rock’s traditional neighborhoods provide a variety of housing choices in close proximity to the town center and other commercial highway corridors. Accessibility is improved with expansion of the existing network of sidewalks and multi- purpose trails.. Narrative Talking Rock’s traditional neighborhoods contain older housing stock and traditional development patterns. These areas consist of moderate to well-maintained single family housing. Density is low due to the lack of a wastewater utility. These neighborhoods are typically served with a grid system of streets and have shallower building setbacks. The neighborhoods are thought of as “in- town” due to their proximity and access to the historic town center. Vacant tracts of land are still available. New development and redevelopment may include detached single-family homes and townhouses. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Maintain existing homes and historic character with defining features such as drives, walls, landscaping, and tree cover. • Promote building rehabilitation that is in keeping with a building’s existing architectural style and scale and that of the neighborhood, to retain the town’s character. • Accommodate in-fill development that complements the scale, setbacks and style of adjacent homes. • Increase pedestrian connectivity between neighborhoods, the town center, parks, and other activity centers. Figure 84: Single family detached residence along Highway 136 in Talking Rock Figure 85: Traditional residential, Talking Rock ---PAGE BREAK--- 104 Primary Land Uses • Mixed residential uses with a variety of densities (cluster detached single-family homes, and townhouses). • Civic, institutional uses • Neighborhood commercial on arterial and major collector routes, especially at significant intersections • Parks, recreational areas Implementation Strategies • Repair existing sidewalks and install new sidewalks where needed. • Improve and increase multi-purpose paths and trails. • Pursue federal and state CHIP grants and other programs to rehabilitate/upgrade houses where needed. • Consider adopting senior housing design standards to encourage “aging-in-place” that address home and site features that are more functional for senior citizens. • Review and/or revise Talking Rock’s regulations regarding residential development and redevelopment. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued • Heritage preservation • Sense of place • Traditional neighborhoods • Infill development • Housing choices Figure 86: Example of good pedestrian infrastructure serving a traditional style residential neighborhood in Jasper. ---PAGE BREAK--- 105 TALKING ROCK TOWN CENTER Vision The Talking Rock Town Center area retains its strong sense of place and its unique historic characteristics to remain a viable community center for both residents and visitors. Narrative Talking Rock’s town center includes the Central Business District, as well as surrounding areas on both sides of Highway 136; it contains a blend of commercial businesses, professional offices, and a few historic residential properties. This area has a blend of development patterns including traditional building facades, and lack of sidewalks. The commercial buildings display historic architecture. Encouraging a mix of uses, including commercial (restaurants, services, office, retail) and residential will be important for long range economic vitality and sense of a community center. Development Patterns The development pattern should seek to: • Retain and enhance existing building/housing stock with appropriate maintenance and rehabilitation. • Promote a mix of uses to attract both residents and visitors. • Develop the downtown as a focal point for community activities, public art displays, and festivals. • Create a strong connection with adjoining neighborhoods via sidewalks and other pedestrian amenities. Figure 87: Bluegrass band performing during the Town's annual Heritage Days Festival ---PAGE BREAK--- 106 Primary Land Uses • Mixed commercial including retail, professional offices and services. • Civic/institutional • Single Family detached Residential • Parks, public gathering places. Implementation Strategies • Fund streetscape improvements to create a more pedestrian friendly environment. • Improve gateway landscaping and signage entering downtown from all directions. • Encourage entrepreneurial creativity with uses and facilities in the town center. Be flexible in working cooperatively with businesses and others on new ideas for downtown, including new development and redevelopment. Quality Community Objectives to be pursued • Heritage preservation • Sense of place • Housing choices Figure 88: Talking Rock historic caboose. Figure 89. Talking Rock Park. ---PAGE BREAK--- 107 Future Development Maps Included within the Land Use Element are Future Development Maps describing current and expected future development patterns within Pickens County and each municipality. The Future Development Map uses character areas to describe each community’s development pattern as envisioned in the future. These character areas combine development pattern form and land use function to identify the unique features of an area. As described in the Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ Discovering and Planning Your Community Character Guidebook, each area is identifiable based on development intensity and patterns, street design and layout, location, the extent of civic buildings and public spaces, and the location of natural features. Character areas describe the unique traits of the area, while the future development map is the visual representation of all areas for a community. This visual representation allows decision-makers to be consistent in advancing commercial, industrial, and residential growth while promoting recreational opportunities and preserving rural and agricultural lands. The Future Development Map can be consulted to advise officials on appropriate zoning decisions that are consistent with the character of the area. The Future Development Map and accompanying character area descriptions are less specific than zoning district descriptions. Though zoning designation is identified by the district, zoning is still prescribed on a parcel-by-parcel basis. Character areas are more general, describing the overall development type and theme of an area. ---PAGE BREAK--- 108 ---PAGE BREAK--- 109 ---PAGE BREAK--- 110 ---PAGE BREAK--- 111 Talking Rock, GA ---PAGE BREAK--- 112 Implementation Programs Reports of Accomplishments The Reports of Accomplishment show the results of past planning efforts. The status of each work program item can be found here. Since work programs are updated every five years, the items under consideration here are from the 2018-2023 Joint Comprehensive Plan work programs. Pickens County, the City of Jasper, the City of Nelson, and the Town of Talking Rock reviewed their previous work program and noted each work program item as completed, underway, postponed, or dropped. Completed and dropped items were excluded from being carried over to the current work program. Projects that were underway or postponed were carried over to the current work program of the 2023- 2028 Joint Comprehensive Plan. Those projects that were underway were given an estimated date of completion. Since this is a planning document and not a binding legal agreement, there is no penalty for postponing or dropping a project, but an explanation is required. Some items listed in the previous work program were identified as policy statements, if they had begun several years ago and were now a routine function of government. These items were either checked complete or were rewritten and carried over. Those rewritten items are identified in the explanation column for dropped or postponed projects in green font. Joint Needs and Opportunities Stakeholder input is an important component of the comprehensive planning process. Each government appointed a diverse group of citizens and local officials to advise the direction to be taken in the planning process. The first Stakeholder meeting for the Pickens, Jasper, Nelson, and Talking Rock Joint Comprehensive Plan was held on October 18, 2022, at the Pickens County Administrative Building. During this meeting, Stakeholders from each location discussed local needs and completed a Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. SWOT analysis is a brainstorming activity used to understand current conditions while also determining the future direction a community may wish to go. The SWOT analysis was conducted with Stakeholders writing on large poster-size paper weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for the following categories: Economic development, housing, transportation, natural/cultural resources, community facilities and services, and land use. The collective comments were then used to create a public survey. Needs and Opportunities were developed from the SWOT analysis and from the results of the survey. The public survey specified locals’ perceptions of their community. The public participation received through the survey, stakeholder input, and local government direction, informed joint Needs and Opportunities which are coded to connect each Need or Opportunity with a specific project in the community work programs. The joint Figure 90: Article written and published by the Pickens County Progress ---PAGE BREAK--- 113 Needs and Opportunities listed below apply to Pickens County, Jasper, Nelson, and Talking Rock. Each community has specific Needs and Opportunities linked with their individual community work program. Joint Needs and Opportunities Economic Development • Identify and address needs for industrial development and redevelopment, including • Retain existing businesses and industries in both traditional and trending business sectors • Recruit and locate businesses and industries based on assets such as the Airport, logistics, and available skilled workforce • Create more jobs and economic opportunities in our community • Expand/create more industry • Increase commercial activity (retail, dining, etc.) • Improve gateway signage to increase tourism • Implement streetscaping, lighting, signage, and design projects to improve downtown visual appeal and ease of navigation • Improve public access to information and the history of local communities, so to generate tourism and community pride. • Create an environment that attracts tourism commercial retail developers/investors to the historic town center • Improve the lack of adequate, available high-speed internet access in locations where either underserved or unserved by Broadband internet. • Improve access to those traveling by flight into the Pickens County area Housing • Inventory number of houses and conditions to estimate future need • Improve the range of affordable housing options for the county or respective city. • Increase housing diversity appropriate for the county or respective city. • Incentivize multi-family and single-family housing at appropriate densities for a variety of income and age groups • Improve housing conditions for the county or respective city. • Preserve, and rehabilitate where needed, existing housing stock ---PAGE BREAK--- 114 Community Facilities and Services • Improve or repair recreation facilities and parks, and add new parks, open space, and green space • Plan and provide for the extension of existing waterlines and water facilities to help provide public water services to citizens and business owners that currently rely solely on costly onsite wells. • Develop additional local water reserves to increase current capacity. • Plan for and provide emergency shelters for a variety of natural disasters; update and implement Hazard Mitigation Plan • Plan for funding public service facilities, training, and operations, including fire facilities to improve coverage (high ISO rating in areas) • Preserve safe living conditions by fully funding facilities and equipment needed by public services (fire, police, emergency providers) • Increase water storage treatment capacity and infrastructure to serve areas where growth is desired and to meet future demands • Increase wastewater treatment capacity and infrastructure to meet current and future demands for businesses and residents. • Plan and provide for the extension of existing waterlines and water facilities to help provide public water services to citizens and business owners that currently rely solely on costly onsite wells. • Build more trails that are accessible to all users • Ensure streets, sidewalks, trails, and facilities are ADA compliant • Improve both wayfinding and gateway signage visibility and availability, and improve accessibility to local resources for tourism. • Stormwater improvements are needed to prevent damage to streets and housing • Plan and provide for streetscape projects; improving the feel, look, and function of the downtown area • Improve or repair public sites and parks, including landscaping, facilities, parking and access. • Add new parks with open space and green space Transportation • Provide needed road improvements to increase visibility and safety, improve traffic flows and mitigate traffic congestion • Implement streetscape improvements, including sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, median islands, striping, signage, lighting, and landscaping • Mitigate the impact of traffic congestion ---PAGE BREAK--- 115 • Improve walkability and connections from the City Center to other areas of the City; use the Complete Streets approach to add bicycle and pedestrian facilities where possible Natural and Cultural Resources • Protect and preserve greenspace in Pickens County as it is an irreplaceable asset • Promote private parks including Eagle’s Rest, and STPAL Bike Park for citizens and tourists. • Seek out best management practices for both water and environmental issues • Make local history more visible and accessible for guests and residents • Restore the riparian buffer and stabilize the creek bank, while also improving the aesthetics to local resources, such as parks Land Use • Review land development, land use ordinances, and code enforcement in order to ensure all codes/ordinances are not in conflict with that other codes/ordinances • Update and administer local land use and development regulations to improve how the downtown area looks, feels, and functions. • Ensure land use ordinances and maps are in compliance with current State law • Improve public access to the City’s zoning ordinances, maps, and procedures ---PAGE BREAK--- 116 Community Work Program A Community Work Program is a list of specific projects a community plans to undertake over the next 5 years after the adoption of the plan. These listed items are associated with a specific need or opportunity identified from the community survey. The stakeholders, elected officials, and staff review the Needs and Opportunities, and the Community Work Programs. Local government officials have the final say in approving the content. The work program itself is non-binding; there are no legal requirements that any project listed must be completed. Projects fall within the following categories: Economic development, housing, transportation, natural and cultural resources, community facilities and services, land use, and intergovernmental coordination. Those items that are underway or postponed from the previous work program (2018-2028 Joint Comprehensive Plan), as identified in the report of accomplishments, are carried over to the current work program. All projects are given an estimated timeline for completion, a cost estimate, and a potential funding source. The following is a list of potential funding sources referenced in the work programs. Funding Source Agency Funding Sources by Agency Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Multiple funding sources Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Georgia Main Street Program Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) Georgia Fund, Clean Water State Revolving Funds Georgia Reservoir Fund Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Recreational Trail Program (RTP), Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (GOSP) Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Georgia Environmental Protection division (GAEPD) 319 Grant Georgia Historic Preservation District National Registry of Historic Places, Historic Preservation Fund United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program Local Government Funding General Funds, Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) Georgia Environmental Protection division (GAEPD) 319 Grant Other Grants and Loans, General funds ---PAGE BREAK--- 117 Pickens County Implementation Program ---PAGE BREAK--- 118 REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS, 2018-2022 Pickens County WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR STATUS Explanation if postponed or dropped Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Work cooperatively with business representatives for new industrial development and redevelopment in the Marble Hill and southeast Pickens area, including annual efforts to report on the Opportunity Zone in the area. Review and, where appropriate, revise allowed industrial uses in chapter 67 of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances. 2018-2022 X Policy Statement; Ongoing, reoccurring administrative activity of Pickens County Government Conduct and continually evaluate business and industrial retention efforts, whether for traditional uses such as manufacturing or for trending uses such as agri-tourism. Review and revise, where appropriate, newer uses that may not be specifically mentioned in chapter 67 of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances. 2018-2022 X Policy Statement; As an administrative activity Pickens County Government reviews and revise codes. The Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce of Pickens County is the primary responsible part for businesses retention. ---PAGE BREAK--- 119 REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS, 2018-2022 Pickens County WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR STATUS Explanation if postponed or dropped Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Work cooperatively with business representatives for new developments in and around the Pickens County airport. Review and revise, where appropriate, airport-related business and industrial uses in chapter 67 of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances. 2018-2022 X Policy Statement; As an administrative activity Pickens County Government reviews and revise codes. Pickens County and the Development Authority works cooperatively to meet this need Review alcohol ordinances and analyze whether or not changes may be appropriate to encourage and promote legitimate alcohol-related businesses such as restaurants. Review and revise, where appropriate, chapter 6 of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances. 2018-2022 X Promote the county as a less regulated, more conservative, safer alternative to many Metro Atlanta communities. Review and revise, where appropriate, chapter 4, 6, 16, 18, 38, and 67 of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances for better promotion 2018-2022 X Policy Statement; Pickens County Government, as an administrative activity continues to revise and review their local codes. Development Authority of Pickens County serves at the role advocate for promoting the county as a safer alternative to Atlanta. ---PAGE BREAK--- 120 REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS, 2018-2022 Pickens County WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR STATUS Explanation if postponed or dropped Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Review and analyze building permits and business license policies to streamline processes and promote a business-friendly culture. Review and revise, where appropriate, chapters 4, 6, 16, and 18 of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances to help streamline processes. 2018-2022 X Policy Statement; Pickens County Government, as an administrative activity continues to revise and review their local codes. Adopt the GBDI Broadband Ordinance 2021 X Apply for the GBDI Broadband Ready Community Designation 2021 X Identify an unserved area as well as a broadband provider and apply for GBDI funds to extend infrastructure to serve said area 2022 X HOUSING Encourage and promote additional developments of single-family residential with septic systems and larger lots in the county. Review and revise, where appropriate, chapters 38 and 67 of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances for increased promotion of this goal. 2018-2022 X Not an administrative priority ---PAGE BREAK--- 121 REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS, 2018-2022 Pickens County WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR STATUS Explanation if postponed or dropped Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Encourage and promote a variety of housing types in the county for affordability – various sizes; manufactured housing; modular housing; stick/site-built housing; etc. Flexibility in exterior finish material and roof pitch of housing in the county. Review and revise, where appropriate, chapters 38 and 67 of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances for increased promotion of this goal. 2018-2022 X, 2025 Not an administrative priority at the time, carried over to new work program. Rewritten to read: Review, revise and draft appropriate ordinances, as well as other relevant documents, to improve housing type variety and conditions within Pickens County. Variety in housing type may include, but not limited to, manufactured housing; modular housing; stick/site- built housing; etc.… Work cooperatively with citizens for alternative housing options such as building materials; tiny houses; etc. that must be code-compliant as safe, permanent residential structures. Review and revise, where appropriate, chapters 16, 38, and 67 of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances regarding alternative housing definitions, uses, etc. 2018-2022 X, 2026 Not an administrative priority at the time, carried over to new work program. Rewritten to read: Research and promote a variety of code-compliant, alternative housing options that are an appropriate fit for Pickens County. Review may include Pickens County Code of Ordinances. TRANSPORTATION ---PAGE BREAK--- 122 REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS, 2018-2022 Pickens County WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR STATUS Explanation if postponed or dropped Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Continue to encourage and promote highest and best regional commercial uses on the Hwy 515 corridor. Review and revise, where appropriate, chapters 4, 16, 18, 38, and 67 of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances regarding alternative housing definitions, uses, etc. 2018-2022 X Policy Statement, Reoccurring administrative activity Review and analyze East-West roads in the greater Jasper area such as Hwy 53, Philadelphia Rd, AW Lawson Blvd, to work cooperatively with Jasper representatives on transportations options and alternatives for persons seeking to drive East-West smoothly and quickly through and within the county. Improved signage may be one example of many possibilities that should be reviewed to improve traffic flow one side of the county to the other. 2018-2022 X, 2027 Not an administrative priority at the time NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES ---PAGE BREAK--- 123 REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS, 2018-2022 Pickens County WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR STATUS Explanation if postponed or dropped Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Continue to work cooperatively with arts groups such as Pickens Arts and Cultural Alliance (PACA) and support and promote expansion of various arts programs. Examples include an active folk school and greater participation in events such as the Cornbread reunion. Continue and enhance activities related to marble/mining heritage including the Marble festival; Native American heritage; and historic preservation. Continue to support existing historic sites (Tate gym, Tate House, etc.) and identify new sites. 2018-2022 X, 2027 Carried over to new work program Continue to work cooperatively with private and nonprofit groups to conserve greenspace, including sensitive environmental areas such as creeks, floodplain areas, and steep-slope mountainous portions of the county. Review and revise, where appropriate, chapter 38 of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances regarding environmental and land development matters. 2018-2022 X, 2027 Policy Statement. Rewritten and carried over to new work program: Rewritten to read: Review and revise, where appropriate, Pickens County Code of Ordinances regarding environmental and land development matters, so to be responsible toward local natural resources (floodplain, steep slope, creeks and other waterbodies, etc.…). ---PAGE BREAK--- 124 REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS, 2018-2022 Pickens County WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR STATUS Explanation if postponed or dropped Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Continue to encourage, support, and promote private parks such as Eagle’s Rest and the STPAL (Southeastern Trust for Parks and Lands) 2018-2022 X, 2027 Policy Statement. Rewritten and carried over to new work program: Rewritten to read: Work to maintain, promote, and expand Natural Recreational Resources, such as private partnerships with Eagle’s Rest and the STPAL (Southeastern Trust for Parks and Lands) Continue to participate in continuing education sessions each year related to stormwater management; floodplain management; safe dams; best practices in soil erosion & sedimentation control; water quality; etc. Review and revise, where appropriate, chapter 38 of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances regarding stormwater management and related matters. 2018-2022 X Policy Statement, Reoccurring administrative activity ---PAGE BREAK--- 125 REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS, 2018-2022 Pickens County WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR STATUS Explanation if postponed or dropped Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Continue to participate in regional water and environmental groups such as the Coosawattee Regional Water & Sewer Authority; Georgia Rural Water Association; North Georgia Water Resource Partnership; Upper Etowah River Alliance; etc. Review and revise, where appropriate, section of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances related to water based on changing regulations and policies. 2018-2022 X Policy Statement COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES Continue current renovations and expansions of the Roads department and Recycling center headquarters on Camp Road. Continue current county wide sign replacement. Continue replacing all old 6 inch engineered grade street name signs with new signs, size is determined by speed limit, which meet the current reflectivity or size requirements. These include Stop sign, yield sign, stop ahead signs, speed limit signs, etc. 2018-2022 X ---PAGE BREAK--- 126 REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS, 2018-2022 Pickens County WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR STATUS Explanation if postponed or dropped Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Continue renovations to Roper Park on Camp Road, including the pool. Plan for park expansion if nearby property acquisition becomes feasible. Plan for one or more new significant size parks at one or more ends of the county (west, north, or east) 2018-2022 X, 2027 Implement 2006 County Parks and Recreation Plans 2018-2022 X Not an Administrative priority Review feasibility of property acquisitions in various parts of the county (Blaine, Hinton, Ludville, Marble Hill, Tate, etc.) for new small parks and consider partnerships with private and nonprofit park properties) 2018-2022 X, 2026 Policy Statement as written. Rewritten and carried over to new work program: Rewritten to include as Three items: Item 1) Review the feasibility of property acquisition in various parts of the county (Blain, Hinton, Ludville, Marble Hill, Tate, etc.) for a small park, under the consideration of partnerships with private and nonprofit entities; Item 2) Purchase property, at the most appropriate location int Pickens County, for a small park; Item 3) Develop a park on the site of the acquisitioned property. ---PAGE BREAK--- 127 REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS, 2018-2022 Pickens County WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR STATUS Explanation if postponed or dropped Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Continue program of targeted, appropriate line extensions such as the Jones Mountain Rd line extension. Continue program of working with adjacent counties for regional water interconnectivity, including possible future connection with Dawson County (Etowah Water & Sewer Authority) lines. 2018-2022 x Continue current project for Grandview Lake dam reservoir. Continue to work cooperatively with public and private partners on this project. 2018-2022 X Cost feasibility Continue ongoing project for additional temporary emergency shelters for certain natural and/or manmade disasters/situations. Continue to utilize, evaluate, and revise the Pickens Hazard Mitigation Plan where needed. Continue ongoing project to have generator back-up capacity for various county facilities. Continue annual emergency management training and certification. 2018-2022 X Temporary Emergency Shelters, Hazard Mitigation Plan projects were rewritten in new work program as two items: Item 1) Review and Revise Hazard Mitigation Plan. Item 2) Secure funds and purchase temporary emergency shelter for certain natural and/or manmade disaster/situations. Generator Backup Capacity Project completed. Continue annual emergency management training and certification- completed. 2018-2022 x ---PAGE BREAK--- 128 REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS, 2018-2022 Pickens County WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR STATUS Explanation if postponed or dropped Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Continue current project for new Carlan Rd fire station. Continue project to review possibilities for renovated or relocated Tate fire station. Continue to maintain great services and aim for lower ISO rating in various parts of the county. 2018-2022 X Sheriff’s office will renovate and reuse a portion of the former Jasper Middle School building(s) and property for a public safety training facility 2018-2022 X Review feasibility of projects to improve existing sidewalk (especially the less than one mile section of Tate between the depot and elementary school) and add new sidewalk, multi-use paths, and other similar infrastructure. 2018-2022 X Policy Statement as written. Rewritten and carried over to new work program. Rewritten to read: Continue to evaluate sidewalk, multi- path, and other pedestrian infrastructure projects needed throughout Pickens County and make necessary investments to improve walkability and safety. An area of especial interest is the less than one mile section of Tate between the depot and elementary school). LAND USE Review and analyze chapter 38 (land development) and chapter 67 (land use/zoning) sections of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances for possible needed revisions based on the comprehensive plan 2018-2022 X Policy Statement: Pickens County Government, as an administrative activity continues to revise and review their local codes. ---PAGE BREAK--- 129 REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS, 2018-2022 Pickens County WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR STATUS Explanation if postponed or dropped Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Review and evaluate ways to better enforce existing land use rules and regulations in the Pickens County Code of Ordinances. Review and revise, where appropriate, violations sections of various chapters (including 38 and 67) of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances. 2018-2022 X Policy Statement: Pickens County Government, as an administrative activity continues to revise and review their local codes. Encourage and promote commercial development and land use/zoning for commercial on Hwy 515 and Hwy 53, with industrial potential on a parcel-by-parcel basis. Encourage nonresidential development on other state routes to a lesser degree. Review and revise, where appropriate, chapters 38 and 67 of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances regarding this promotional goal. 2018-2022 X Policy Statement: Pickens County Government, as an administrative activity continues to revise and review their local codes. Encourage and promote residential and agricultural uses and land use/zoning on local (non-State) roads. Review and revise, where appropriate, chapters 38 and 67 regarding this promotional goal. 2018-2022 X Policy Statement: Pickens County Government, as an administrative activity continues to revise and review their local codes. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION Continue cooperative agreements for intergovernmental service provision. Continue agreements for back-up service 2018-2022 x Policy Statement, Reoccurring Administrative activity ---PAGE BREAK--- 130 REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS, 2018-2022 Pickens County WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR STATUS Explanation if postponed or dropped Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped provision in worst-case scenarios. Continue day to day communication with various organizations. Coordinate positive efforts between the Chamber, county, and cities to promote economic development efforts for new developments, redevelopment, and existing business retention throughout the community. ---PAGE BREAK--- 131 Pickens County Needs and Opportunities Economic Development ED-1 Expand/create more industry ED-2 Improve the lack of adequate, available high-speed internet access in locations where either underserved or unserved by Broadband internet. Housing H1 Improve the range of affordable housing options. H-2 Increase housing diversity appropriate for Pickens County. Transportation T-1 Provide needed road improvements to increase visibility and safety, improve traffic flows and mitigate traffic congestion T-2 Implement streetscape improvements, including sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, median islands, striping, signage, lighting, and landscaping T3 Improve access to those traveling by flight into the Pickens County area Natural and Cultural Resources NR-1 Make local history more visible and accessible for guests and residents NR-2 Promote public and private parks including Eagle’s Rest, and STPAL Bike Park for citizens and tourists. NR-3 Seek out best management practices for both water and environmental issues Community Facilities and Services CF-1 Improve or repair recreation facilities and parks, and add new parks, open space, and green space CF-2 Plan for and provide emergency shelters for a variety of natural disasters; update and implement Hazard Mitigation Plan CF-3 Plan for funding public service facilities, training, and operations, including fire facilities to improve coverage (high ISO rating in areas) CF-4 Preserve safe living conditions by fully funding facilities and equipment needed by public services (fire, police, emergency providers) CF-5 Develop additional local water reserves to increase current capacity. CF-6 Increase water storage treatment capacity and infrastructure to serve areas where growth is desired and to meet future demands CF-7 Improve both wayfinding and gateway signage visibility and availability, and improve accessibility to local resources for tourism. ---PAGE BREAK--- 132 COMMUNITY WORK PROGRAM, 2023-2027 PICKENS COUNTY Need/ Opportunity Code: Activity Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Cost Estimate Funding Source Responsible Party ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ED2 Adopt a broadband ordinance X X $1,000 Staff time Pickens County Government ED2 Apply for Georgia Department of Community Affairs Broadband Ready designation X X $1,000 Staff time Pickens County Government ED2 Identify an unserved area as well as a broadband provider and apply for funds to extend infrastructure to serve said area X X $1,000 Staff time Pickens County Government ED1 Seek land for the Development of a Business Park X X X $500,000 ARPA, Grants Pickens County Development Authority HOUSING H1, H2 Review, revise, and draft appropriate ordinances, as well as other relevant documents, to improve housing type variety and conditions within Pickens County. A variety of housing types may include, but are not limited to, X X X $5,000/yr Staff Time Pickens County Planning and Development ---PAGE BREAK--- 133 COMMUNITY WORK PROGRAM, 2023-2027 PICKENS COUNTY Need/ Opportunity Code: Activity Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Cost Estimate Funding Source Responsible Party manufactured housing; modular housing; stick/site-built housing; H1, H2 Research and promote a variety of code- compliant, alternative housing options that are an appropriate fit for Pickens County. A review may include the Pickens County Code of Ordinances. X X X X $5,000/yr Staff Time Pickens County Planning and Development TRANSPORTATION T1 Review and analyze East-West roads in the greater Jasper area such as Hwy 53, Philadelphia Rd, AW Lawson Blvd, to work cooperatively with Jasper representatives on transportations options and alternatives for persons seeking to drive East-West smoothly and quickly through and within the county. Improved signage may be one example of many possibilities that should be reviewed to improve traffic flow from one side of the county to the other. X X X X X $5,000/yr Staff Time Chamber of Commerce and Pickens County Planning and Development T2 Continue to evaluate sidewalk, multi- path, and other pedestrian infrastructure projects needed throughout Pickens County and make x x x x x $200,000 Georgia DOT, Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Grants, and other various funding sources Pickens County Planning & Development, Parks ---PAGE BREAK--- 134 COMMUNITY WORK PROGRAM, 2023-2027 PICKENS COUNTY Need/ Opportunity Code: Activity Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Cost Estimate Funding Source Responsible Party necessary investments to improve walkability and safety. An area of special interest is that of less than a one-mile section of Tate between the depot and the elementary school). & Recreation, and Road Department T3 Construct New Airport Terminal X X X $1,200,000 GDOT Grant Pickens County Airport Authority NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES NR1 Continue to work cooperatively with art groups such as Pickens Arts and Cultural Alliance (PACA) and support and promote the expansion of various arts programs. Examples include an active folk school and greater participation in events such as the Cornbread reunion. Continue and enhance activities related to marble/mining heritage including the Marble festival; Native American heritage; and historic preservation. Continue to support existing historic sites (Tate gym, Tate House, etc.) and identify new sites. X X X X X $5,000/yr Staff Time Chamber of Commerce and Pickens County Planning and Development working with PACA ---PAGE BREAK--- 135 COMMUNITY WORK PROGRAM, 2023-2027 PICKENS COUNTY Need/ Opportunity Code: Activity Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Cost Estimate Funding Source Responsible Party NR2 Work to maintain, promote, and expand Natural Recreational Resources, such as private partnerships with Eagle’s Rest and the STPAL (Southeastern Trust for Parks and Lands) X X X X X $5,000/yr Staff Time Chamber of Commerce and Pickens County Planning and Development NR3 Review and revise, where appropriate, Pickens County Code of Ordinances regarding environmental and land development matters, so to be responsible toward local natural resources (floodplain, steep slope, creeks and other waterbodies, etc.…). X X X X X $5,000/yr Staff Time Chamber of Commerce and Pickens County Planning and Development COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES CF1 Continue renovations to Roper Park on Camp Road, including the pool. Plan for park expansion if nearby property acquisition becomes feasible. Plan for one or more new significant size parks at one or more ends of the county (west, north, or east) X X X X X $75,000 Land and Water Conservation Funds (LWCF), Recreational Trails Program (RTP), General funds, and other various funds Pickens County Parks & Recreation Department CF1 Review the feasibility of property acquisition in various parts of the county (Blain, Hinton, Ludville, Marble Hill, Tate, etc.) for a small park, under the X X $50,000 Land and Water Conservation Funds (LWCF), T-Mobile Hometown Grant, General funds, ARPA, SPLOST, grants, Pickens County Parks & Recreation Department ---PAGE BREAK--- 136 COMMUNITY WORK PROGRAM, 2023-2027 PICKENS COUNTY Need/ Opportunity Code: Activity Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Cost Estimate Funding Source Responsible Party consideration of partnerships with private and nonprofit entities loans, and other various funds CF1 Purchase property, at the most appropriate location in Pickens County, for a small park. X X X $55,000 Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (GOSP), Land and Water Conservation Funds (LWCF), Recreational Trails Program (RTP), General funds, ARPA, SPLOST, grants, loans, and other various funds Pickens County Parks & Recreation Department CF1 Develop a park on the site of the new acquisition property. X X X X X $250,000 Land and Water Conservation Funds (LWCF), Recreational Trails Program (RTP), General funds, ARPA, SPLOST, grants, loans, and other various funds Pickens County Parks & Recreation Department CF2 Secure funds and purchase a temporary emergency shelter for certain natural and/or manmade disasters/situations. X X X X X $200,000 (each) Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) other various grants and loans Pickens County Government CF3 In partnership with the Town of Talking Rock, construct a Fire Department in Talking Rock X X X $500,000 United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD), ARPA, Grants Pickens County ---PAGE BREAK--- 137 COMMUNITY WORK PROGRAM, 2023-2027 PICKENS COUNTY Need/ Opportunity Code: Activity Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Cost Estimate Funding Source Responsible Party CF3, CF4 Construct Fire Training Facility X X X $300,000 United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD), SPLOST Pickens County CF5, CF6 Research and secure grant funding to expand the water system and capacity X X $2,000/yr Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), Staff time, General Funds Pickens County Government CF5, CF6 Expand the water system and capacity X X X X X $16,000,000 ARC/Grants Pickens County Government CF7 Complete the Tate Train Depot display and create a tourism destination X X $250,000 ARPA, Grants Pickens County Government CF2 Review and Revise Hazard Mitigation Plan. X X X X X $30,000 General Fund, Grants Pickens County Government CF2 Secure funds and purchase temporary emergency shelter for certain natural and/or manmade disaster/situations X X X X X $300,000 General Fund, Grants Pickens County Government ---PAGE BREAK--- 138 City of Jasper Implementation Program ---PAGE BREAK--- 139 2018-2022 CITY OF JASPER REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Establish Main Street Program for Downtown Development Authority 2018-2022 2028 Sell and/or develop properties previously donated to the city and designate funds and/or properties in order to fully fund the city’s retirement plan with GMA. 2018-2022 X Change in administrative priorities Extend a 10 inch water main from the northernmost 500 gal water tank located at Appalachian Court north to the city limits line located at Antioch Church Road and SR 515. 2018-2022 X, 2027 Project rewritten to extend water main north toward City limit line Add a parallel line of sanitary sewer line and install four pump stations from Philadelphia Road north to Antioch Church Road and 515. 2018-2022 2023 Expected completion day is November of 2022, but at a minimum, project should be completed by early 2023. Paint all poles on Main and directional wayfinding signage. 2018-2022 2024 Pending Rural Downtown Redevelopment grant approval. Search for other funding sources if not approved ---PAGE BREAK--- 140 2018-2022 CITY OF JASPER REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped Lighting for downtown Main Street 2018-2022 X Develop the city property known as the Perrow/Pool/Roper Greenspace. If appropriate, depending on a majority consensus, development could be completed by a consultant. 2018-2022 2027 Pending ARC grant Adopt the GBDI Broadband Ordinance 2021 X Apply for the GBDI Broadband Ready Community Designation 2021 X Other pressing needs took priority but City will seek designation in 2023-2024 HOUSING Housing Authority to build 20 units on Mary Street. 2018-2022 X Lack of funding Review and revise, if majority consensus agrees, City standards to encourage additional condos, townhouses, and apartments. 2018-2022 X TRANSPORTATION Implement streetscape improvements on West Church Street 2018-2022 X, 2028 Lack of funding Implement streetscape improvements on Burnt Mountain Road 2018-2022 X, 2028 Lack of funding ---PAGE BREAK--- 141 2018-2022 CITY OF JASPER REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped Implement streetscape improvements on East Church Street 2018-2022 X, 2028 Lack of funding Implement streetscape improvements and install lighting on SR 515 within city limits 2018-2022 X, 2028 Lack of funding, Pending completion of Georgia DOT projects along 515 Construct four lane road and one-way pair on 53 west from SR515 thru Downtown Jasper 2018-2022 X, 2028 Lack of funding, Georgia DOT project Revise Zoning Ordinance to create Overlay Districts for West Church St., East Church St., and SR 515 to address building setbacks, mixed uses, inter- parcel access, landscaping and lighting 2018-2022 X Zoning ordinance was revised to address all issues. An overlay district was not required Revise and improve Sign Regulations 2018-2022 X Update all street signage to meet MUTCD regulations 2018-2022 X Enhance traffic flow in Central Business District by creating north and south one way traffic if majority consensus occurs 2018-2022 X Change in administration priorities ---PAGE BREAK--- 142 2018-2022 CITY OF JASPER REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped Roundabout construction – Burnt Mtn/ Pioneer Road 2018-2022 X Change in administration priorities Roundabout construction – Burnt Mtn Road/ Cove Road 2018-2022 X, 2028 Lack of funding, seek additional funding sources Roundabout construction – Pioneer Road/ Indian Forest Road 2018-2022 X Change in administrative priorities Adopt Architectural Standards with masonry requirements for commercial uses. 2018-2022 X Resurface all roads in city limits. 2018-2022 X Gateway at SR 515 and Hwy 53 intersection 2018-2022 X, 2028 Lack of funding Gateway at SR 515 and Hwy 108 intersection 2018-2022 X, 2028 Lack of funding Build a deceleration lane in front of middle school on Hwy 53 to Holly Street 2018-2022 X Improve Appalachian Trail to handle excess State Route 53 traffic 2018-2022 X Change in administrative priorities Resurface Main Street 2018-2022 X ---PAGE BREAK--- 143 2018-2022 CITY OF JASPER REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped Repair and replace traffic lights on State Route 53 (replace with mast arms) at Main Street and Sammy McGee Blvd and SR 53 2018-2022 X Construct parking from the wood bridge to Old Federal Road 2018-2022 X Conduct parking study for downtown to determine needs. Build a connection road from Brock Supply on SR 53 to Industrial Blvd at AW Lawson’s pasture 2018-2022 X Change in administrative priorities Extend Pine Street to intersect Burnt Mountain Road and Pioneer Road including a roundabout intersection at Pioneer and Burnt Mountain Roads 2018-2022 X Change in administrative priorities Conduct downtown parking study to determine current and future needs. 2018-2022 X, 2023 Lack of funding Collaborate with GDOT to add a right turn lane at the intersection of Camp Road and Hwy. 53. 2018-2022 X Lack of funding and Policy statement. Project is to be carried over to new work program table. ---PAGE BREAK--- 144 2018-2022 CITY OF JASPER REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES Expand wastewater treatment plant to 1.56 m.g.d. capacity to land application/reuse capability. 2018-2022 2025 Participate in development of Impact Fee program to better account for current and future community needs. 2018-2022 X Policy Statement, no action at this time Construct a water reservoir – land has been purchased, but construction may be nearer to 2035. Conduct strategic planning and development feasibility study identifying needs, resources, and approval strategies. 2018-2022 X, 2028 Lack of funding. Priority need of the City Expand water treatment plant to 3.0 m.g.d. 2018-2022 X Build a fire department station on SR 515 2018-2022 X, 2027 Lack of funding, but the project is a priority need of the City. Acquire an aerial platform firefighting vehicle 2018-2022 X Not needed at this time Refurbish the city-owned cabin on Liberty Lane to hold new Police Precinct 2018-2022 X Develop off-road recreational trails, connecting to central business district 2018-2022 X Change in administrative priorities ---PAGE BREAK--- 145 2018-2022 CITY OF JASPER REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped from Arbor Hills Subd to downtown Jasper (approx. Woodbridge area) Purchase Fire Engine Pumper Truck 2018-2022 X Work with local mining operations (Polycor and Imerys) to obtain raw water locations at Tate, Marble Hill and Whitestone 2018-2022 X Attempted; Was Not Successful. GIS mapping system to map all City infrastructure 2018-2022 X GIS mapping is an ongoing municipal function Build city public restrooms. Identify needs and follow all state-related standards (health, life safety, etc.) during construction 2018-2022 2024 Pending Rural Downtown Redevelopment grant approval. Search for other funding sources if not approved Doris Wigington Park: two sets bathrooms, pavilion, and improve signage. 2018-2022 2023 Moved to Natural Resources Jasper City Park: landscape top of water fall 2018-2022 X Maintain Wood Bridge 2018-2022 X Maintenance of Bridge is an ongoing municipal function. Finances nor any special project is not needed at this time ---PAGE BREAK--- 146 2018-2022 CITY OF JASPER REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped Paint all water tanks 2018-2022 X Maintenance of water tanks is an ongoing municipal function INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION Revise or maintain the Service Delivery Strategy Agreements 2018-2022 X Policy Statement. Ongoing municipal government function Participate in the North Georgia Water Resources Partnership 2018-2022 X Policy Statement. Ongoing municipal government function ---PAGE BREAK--- 147 Jasper Needs and Opportunities Economic Development ED-1 Create an environment that attracts tourism commercial retail developers/investors to the historic town center ED-2 Retain existing businesses and industries in both traditional and trending business sectors ED-3 Identify and address needs for industrial development and redevelopment ED-4 Implement streetscaping, lighting, signage, and design projects to improve downtown visual appeal and ease of navigation ED-5 Improve the lack of adequate, available high-speed internet access in locations where either underserved or unserved by Broadband internet. Transportation T-1 Provide needed road improvements to increase visibility and safety, improve traffic flows and mitigate traffic congestion T-2 Implement streetscape improvements, including sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, median islands, striping, signage, lighting, and landscaping Community Facilities and Services CF-1 Plan for funding public service facilities, training, and operations, including fire facilities to improve coverage (high ISO rating in areas) CF-2 Improve or repair public sites and parks, including landscaping, activities, restrooms, parking and access. CF-3 Increase water storage treatment capacity and infrastructure to serve areas where growth is desired and to meet future demands CF-4 Increase wastewater treatment capacity and infrastructure to meet current and future demands for businesses and residents. Natural and Cultural Resources NR-1 Promote public and private parks for citizens and tourists; improve public parks and add needed amenities, including landscaping, activities, restrooms, parking and access. ---PAGE BREAK--- 148 COMMUNITY WORK PROGRAM, 2023-2027 CITY OF JASPER Need/ Opportunity Code: Activity Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Cost Estimate Funding Source Responsible Party ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ED1 Establish Main Street Program for Downtown Development Authority X $25,000 General Funds City of Jasper ED2, ED3 Extend the city's water main north toward the city limit line at Antioch Church Road and SR 515 from the 500-gal water tank at Appalachian Court X $500,000 GEFA, ARC City of Jasper ED2, ED3 Add a parallel line of sanitary sewer line and install four pump stations from Philadelphia Road north to Antioch Church Road and 515. X $3,000,000 GEFA, ARC City of Jasper ED4 Paint all poles on Main and directional wayfinding signage. X $200,000 General funds City of Jasper ED1, Develop the city property known as the Perrow/Pool/Roper Greenspace – Phase 1 X X X $2,056,096 ARC, General funds City of Jasper ED5 Apply for Georgia Department of Community Affairs Broadband Ready designation X X $1,000 Staff time City of Jasper ---PAGE BREAK--- 149 COMMUNITY WORK PROGRAM, 2023-2027 CITY OF JASPER Need/ Opportunity Code: Activity Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Cost Estimate Funding Source Responsible Party TRANSPORTATION T2 Implement streetscape improvements on West Church Street – SR 53 WIDENING PROJECT – GDOT PROJECT X No Cost to City Georgia DOT Georgia DOT T1, T2 Implement streetscape improvements and other improvements on Burnt Mountain Road X $750,000 TAP, Georgia DOT, Grants City of Jasper, Georgia DOT T2 Implement streetscape improvements on East Church Street X $750,000 TAP, Georgia DOT, Grants City of Jasper, Georgia DOT T2 Implement streetscape improvements and install lighting on SR 515 within city limits – GDOT RESTRICTED X No Cost to City Georgia DOT Georgia DOT T1, T2 Construct four lane road and one-way pair on 53 west from SR515 thru Downtown Jasper- GDOT (May include widening, streetscape and pedestrian safety components of projects listed above) X X X X X No Cost to City GDOT GDOT T1, T2 Roundabout construction – Burnt Mtn Road/ Cove Road X $1,500,000 LMIG, Georgia Dot, Grants City of Jasper ---PAGE BREAK--- 150 COMMUNITY WORK PROGRAM, 2023-2027 CITY OF JASPER Need/ Opportunity Code: Activity Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Cost Estimate Funding Source Responsible Party T1, T2 With the help of GDOT, add a right turn lane at the intersection of Camp Road and Hwy 53. X $2,000,000 LMIG, GDOT, Grants City of Jasper, Georgia DOT T1, T2 Gateway at SR 515 and Hwy 53 intersection X $750,000 GDOT, Grants, GEFA City of Jasper, Georgia DOT T1, T2 Gateway at SR 515 and Hwy 108 intersection X $750,000 GDOT, Grants, GEFA City of Jasper, Georgia DOT T1, T2 Conduct a downtown parking study to determine current and future needs. X $60,000 City, Grants City of Jasper COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES CF4 Expand wastewater treatment plant to 1.56 m.g.d. capacity to land application/reuse capability. X $15,627,000 USDA City of Jasper CF3 Construct a water reservoir – land has been purchased, but construction may be nearer to 2035. Conduct strategic planning and development feasibility study X $50,000,000 GEFA, ARC City of Jasper ---PAGE BREAK--- 151 COMMUNITY WORK PROGRAM, 2023-2027 CITY OF JASPER Need/ Opportunity Code: Activity Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Cost Estimate Funding Source Responsible Party identifying needs, resources, and approval strategies. CF1 Build a fire department station on SR 515 X X X $4,000,000 GEFA, Grants, General Fund City of Jasper CF2 Build city public restrooms. Identify needs and follow all state-related standards (health, life safety, etc.) during construction X $450,000 General Fund City of Jasper NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES NR1, CF 5 Apply for funding for improvements to Doris Wigington Park: Add two sets of bathrooms and a pavilion, and improve signage. PHASE 1 - $200,000; PHASE 2 - $350,000 X X X X X $550,000 Georgia DNR, COJ City of Jasper ---PAGE BREAK--- 152 City of Nelson Implementation Program ---PAGE BREAK--- 153 2018-2022 CITY OF NELSON REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Improve the City’s website provide basic demographic, economic, and historical information about Nelson. 2019 X Meet and cooperate with commercial and industrial property owners to facilitate industrial park site development. (Activity re-written) 2019 X Adopt the GBDI Broadband Ordinance 2021 X Slight delay in adoption, but do intend to adopt the ordinance Apply for the GBDI Broadband Ready Community Designation 2021 X Slight delay in applying, but do intend to apply Identify an unserved area as well as a broadband provider and apply for GBDI funds to extend infrastructure to serve said area 2022 X Have not yet identified an area for a potential project; will coordinate with Pickens County on this effort HOUSING Identify a specific area within the city with a concentration of low-income senior citizen home owners in order to apply for CDBG grant funding to assist with needed home improvements to create safe and decent housing for the 2019 X Change in Administrative Priorities. Senior housing needs are still a priority, but Nelson is focusing on the future housing need throughout the city. A new work program items has been written as: Identify local issues in housing and inventorying ---PAGE BREAK--- 154 2018-2022 CITY OF NELSON REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped City’s aging population and prevent the deterioration of existing housing stock. local resources, so to create a comprehensive approach. Submit a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to find a qualified grant application author and administrator for the City’s CDBG application for existing senior housing preservation and rehabilitation. 2020 X Change in Administrative Priorities. Senior housing needs are a priority Nelson plans to address. The RFQ is a part of the process this item is one piece of a more comprehensive process. The line items has been combined with the line item below and rewritten as: Determine areas of need where there is a concentration of low-income or blighted housing; apply for grant funds and/or technical assistance to address housing needs.. Hire a qualified grant application author to apply for the City’s CDBG application for existing senior housing stock preservation and rehabilitation. 2021 X Change in Administrative Priorities. Senior housing needs are a priority Nelson plans to address. The RFQ is a part of the process this item is one piece of a more comprehensive process. The line items has been combined with the line item above and rewritten as: Determine areas of need where there is a concentration of low-income or blighted housing; apply for grant ---PAGE BREAK--- 155 2018-2022 CITY OF NELSON REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped funds and/or technical assistance to address housing needs. TRANSPORTATION Improve pedestrian walkability from City Hall to other areas within the City. (Phase 1) Kennesaw Avenue starting at Blue Ridge Avenue to School Street. 2020 X Connect the City center to other City areas. (Phase 2) School Street from Kennesaw Avenue to Dogwood Pass. 2021 X, 2026 Connect the community center to other City areas. (Phase 3) Dogwood Pass from School Street back to Blue Ridge Avenue. 2022 X,2027 Rewritten to read “Connect City Center to other City Areas.” Create a turning lane at the intersection of Kennesaw Avenue and Blue Ridge Avenue which will be safer for residents and allow for truck traffic to better enter the Marble Plant. 2019 X NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Partner with a Historical/Heritage Society that will assist in managing and promoting the City’s local history museum. 2022 X, 2025 ---PAGE BREAK--- 156 2018-2022 CITY OF NELSON REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped Create a comprehensive inventory of the contents of the Marble Museum which can be maintained and updated as items are needed. 2021 X, 2025 Create a project plan to organize, display, and preserve items housed in the Marble Museum. 2022 X, 2026 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES Construct a retention wall at the North end of the city hall parking lot, with attractive and low maintenance materials. 2020 X Develop a feasibility study and preliminary architectural report to develop a community building/senior center. 2018 X Lack of Funding and Change in Administration Priorities Design and construct a community building/senior center. 2022 X Develop a feasibility study and preliminary architect ---PAGE BREAK--- 157 2018-2022 CITY OF NELSON REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped Create a large "Welcome to Nelson” gateway sign at the main corridor entrance of the City representing the City's history and heritage. 2019 X 2024 Storm water Improvement Project (Phase 1) Cherokee Avenue 2018 X 2024 Rewritten as Phase 3 Storm water Improvement Project (Phase 2) Kennesaw Ave. between School St. and Spring St. 2019 X Identify and relocate to semi-permanent location, (adjacent to City Maintenance building) the current recycling containers. Create a recycling facility that is safe, attractive and easily accessible to the public. 2022 X LAND USE Review and amend the City’s zoning ordinances, procedures, and standards to make sure they are compliant with current State Law. 2020 X, 2024 ---PAGE BREAK--- 158 2018-2022 CITY OF NELSON REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped Partner with to update and digitize the City’s zoning map. 2018 X, 2024 Make zoning map, ordinances, and procedures available digitally via the City’s website. 2022 X, 2025 INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION Enter into an intergovernmental agreement with a County to carry out zoning and code enforcement for the City. 2022 X, 2024 ---PAGE BREAK--- 159 Nelson Needs and Opportunities Economic Development ED-1 Identify and address needs for industrial development and redevelopment ED-2 Retain existing businesses and industries in both traditional and trending business sectors ED-3 Improve the lack of adequate, available high-speed internet access in locations where either underserved or unserved by Broadband internet. Housing H-1 Inventory number of houses and conditions to estimate future need H-2 Improve housing conditions in Nelson H-3 Preserve, and rehabilitate where needed, existing housing stock Transportation T-1 Implement streetscape improvements, including sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, median islands, striping, signage, lighting, and landscaping T-2 Improve walkability and connections from the City Center to other areas of the City; use the Complete Streets approach to add bicycle and pedestrian facilities where possible Community Facilities and Services CF-1 Improve both wayfinding and gateway signage visibility and availability, and improve accessibility to local resources for tourism. CF-2 Stormwater improvements are needed to prevent damage to streets and housing Natural and Cultural Resources NR-1 Make local history more visible and accessible for guests and residents Land Use LU-1 Review land development, land use ordinances, and code enforcement in order to ensure all codes/ordinances are not in conflict with other codes/ordinances LU-2 Ensure land use ordinances and maps are in compliance with current State law; partner with neighboring governments for enforcement of codes and ordinances LU-3 Improve public access to the City’s zoning ordinances, maps, and procedures ---PAGE BREAK--- 160 2023 - 2027 City of Nelson Community Work Program Code Activity Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Cost Estimate Funding Source Responsible Party ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ED1 Purchase and develop a light industrial park facility X X X X X $750,000 SPLOST City of Nelson, Development Authority ED1, ED2 Identify and make any necessary improvements to public infrastructure to respond to both current businesses and new industries. X X X X X $750,000 GEFA, ARC, SPLOST City of Nelson ED3 Adopt the GBDI Broadband Ordinance X X $1,000 Staff time City of Nelson ED3 Apply for Georgia Department of Community Affairs Broadband Ready designation X X $1,000 Staff time City of Nelson ED3 Identify an unserved area as well as a broadband provider and apply for funds to extend infrastructure to serve said area in coordination with Pickens County. X X $1,000 Staff time City of Nelson HOUSING H1 Identify local issues in housing and inventory local resources, so to create a comprehensive approach. X X X X $8,000 GICH, CHIP, other funding sources City of Nelson H2, H3 Determine areas of need where there is a concentration of low-income or blighted housing; apply for grant funds and/or technical assistance to address housing needs. X X X X X $2,500 GICH, CHIP, other funding sources City of Nelson TRANSPORTATION ---PAGE BREAK--- 161 2023 - 2027 City of Nelson Community Work Program Code Activity Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Cost Estimate Funding Source Responsible Party T1, T2 Connect the City center to other City areas. (Phase 2) School Street from Kennesaw Avenue to Dogwood Pass. X X X X $60,000 SPLOST, GDOT Grant City of Nelson T1, T2 Connect the City Center to other City areas. (Phase 3) Dogwood Pass from School Street back to Blue Ridge Avenue. X X X X X $75,000 SPLOST, GDOT Grant City of Nelson COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES CF1 Create a large “Welcome to Nelson” gateway sign at the main corridor entrance of the City representing the City’s history and heritage. X $25,000 SPLOST, ARC City of Nelson CF2 Stormwater Improvement Project (Phase 3) Hillside area X X $100,000 SPLOST, LMIG, GEFA, ARC City of Nelson LAND USE LU1, LU2 Review and amend the City’s zoning ordinances, procedures, and standards to make sure they are compliant with current State Law. X X X $7,500 General Funds, Staff time City of Nelson LU1, LU2 Partner with to update and digitize the City’s zoning map. X X X $1,000 General Funds City of Nelson LU3 Make zoning map, ordinances, and procedures available digitally via the City’s website. X X X $5,000- $10,000 General Funds City of Nelson ---PAGE BREAK--- 162 2023 - 2027 City of Nelson Community Work Program Code Activity Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Cost Estimate Funding Source Responsible Party LU2 Enter into an intergovernmental agreement with a County to carry out zoning and code enforcement for the City. X X X $1,000/ Staff time General Funds City of Nelson NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES NR1 Assist the Historical/Heritage Society in managing and promoting the city’s local history museum. Assistance may be provided in the form of creating a comprehensive inventory, organizing, and helping with the display of museum items X X X $1,000/ Staff time General Funds City of Nelson NR1 Create a comprehensive inventory of the contents of the Marble Museum which can be maintained and updated as items are needed. X X X $3,000/ Staff time General Funds City of Nelson NR1 Create a project plan to organize, display, and preserve items housed in the Marble Museum. X X X $1,000/ Staff time General Funds City of Nelson ---PAGE BREAK--- 163 Town of Talking Rock Implementation Program ---PAGE BREAK--- 164 2018-2022 CITY OF TALKING ROCK REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Restore railroad cars for use as tourist attractions and festival events. 2021 X Adopt the GDBI Broadband Ordinance 2021 X New administration, postponed to 2024 Apply for the GDBI Broadband Ready Community Designation 2021 X New administration, postponed to 2024 Identify an unserved area as well as a broadband provider and apply for GBDI funds to extend infrastructure to serve said area 2022 X New administration, postponed to 2024 NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Establish a citizen committee to assemble historic facts that are worthy of publication and dedicated to making the Town of Talking Rock a tourism destination. 2020 X Change in Administration Priority Apply for grant funding to assist with restoring the riparian buffer along the Talking Rock Creek bank travelling through Talking Rock’s town park with assistance from environmental planners. 2019 X Policy Statement ---PAGE BREAK--- 165 2018-2022 CITY OF TALKING ROCK REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped Restore creek bank vegetative buffer along Talking Rock Creek bank travelling through Talking Rock’s town park with assistance from environmental planners. 2021 X Lack of Funding, Carried over to the new work program. Reads as “ Restore and install a riparian buffer along Talking Rock Creek at the local park and in town Commercial area” COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES Build handicapped accessible trails in the town park (one-half length is now complete). 2019 X Complete streetscape plan for downtown street, parking areas, and Festival area. 2020 X Lack of Funding, Rewritten for new work program, “Purchase and install new streetlights that are historic in appearance” Increase parking at Park Pavilion on the railroad side to assist ingress and egress. 2020 X Create a plan for a joint on-site septic system to serve the town center commercial retail area of town. 2018-2023 X Lack of Funding, Carried over to the new work program. Reads as “Create a plan for and install a joint on-site septic system to serve the town center and commercial retail in town” ---PAGE BREAK--- 166 2018-2022 CITY OF TALKING ROCK REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS STATUS WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITY YEAR Complete Underway; Projected Completion Date Postponed Dropped Explanation if postponed or dropped LAND USE Review and revise Zoning Ordinance. 2020 X Policy Statement INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION Review and revise Service Delivery Agreements, if necessary. 2018 X ---PAGE BREAK--- 167 Talking Rock Needs and Opportunities Economic Development ED-1 Identify and address needs for industrial development and redevelopment ED-2 Retain existing businesses and industries in both traditional and trending business sectors ED-3 Improve the lack of adequate, available high-speed internet access in locations where either underserved or unserved by Broadband internet. Community Facilities and Services CF-1 Increase wastewater treatment capacity and infrastructure to meet current and future demands for businesses and residents. CF-2 Plan and provide for streetscape projects; improving the feel, look, and function of the downtown area Transportation T-1 Provide needed road improvements to increase visibility and safety, improve traffic flows and mitigate traffic congestion T-2 Implement streetscape improvements, including sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, median islands, striping, signage, lighting, and landscaping T-3 Mitigate the impact of traffic congestion T-4 Improve walkability and connections from the City Center to other areas of the City; use the Complete Streets approach to add bicycle and pedestrian facilities where possible T5 Improve access to those traveling by flight into the Pickens County area Natural and Cultural Resources NR-1 Make local history more visible and accessible for guests and residents NR-2 Restore the riparian buffer and stabilize the creek bank, while also improving the aesthetics to local resources, such as parks ---PAGE BREAK--- 168 2023 - 2027 Town of Talking Rock Community Work Program Code Activity Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Cost Estimate Funding Source Responsible Party ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ED1, 2 Create a plan for a joint on-site septic system to serve the town center and commercial retail in town (This is both an Economic Development project and a Community Facility project for Town of Talking Rock) X $30,000 USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program Town of Talking Rock ED3 Adopt a broadband ordinance X X $1,000 Staff Time General Fund Town of Talking Rock ED3 Apply for Georgia Department of Community Affairs Broadband Ready designation X X $1,000 Staff Time General Fund Town of Talking Rock ED3 Work with Pickens County to Identify an unserved area as well as a broadband provider and apply for funds to extend infrastructure to serve said area X X X X X $1,000 Staff Time General Fund Town of Talking Rock, Pickens County COMMUNITY FACILITIES CF2 Purchase and install new streetlights that are historic in appearance. X $50,000 General Fund, SPLOST? Town of Talking Rock CF1, ED1, 2 Install a joint on-site septic system to serve the town center and commercial retail in X X $500,000 USDA Rural Development Water and Town of Talking Rock ---PAGE BREAK--- 169 2023 - 2027 Town of Talking Rock Community Work Program Code Activity Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Cost Estimate Funding Source Responsible Party town. (This would be considered both a Community Facility project and an Economic Development project for Town of Talking Rock) Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES NR2 Restore and install a riparian buffer along Talking Rock Creek at the local park and in town Commercial area X $50,000 Georgia Environmental Planning Department (GAEPD) 319 Grant. Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Town of Talking Rock NR1 Historic School House National Registry Assessment X General Fund, Grants, Technical Assistance Town of Talking Rock NR1 Restore Historic School House X General Fund, Grants, Technical Assistance Town of Talking Rock ---PAGE BREAK--- 170 ---PAGE BREAK--- 171 Appendix A: Public Hearing and Participation ---PAGE BREAK--- 172 Initial Public Hearing advertisement in July 7, 2022 edition of the Pickens Progress. ---PAGE BREAK--- 173 Public hearing on draft joint comprehensive plan update advertised in March 16, 2023 Pickens Progress. ---PAGE BREAK--- 174 Article on Community Survey Results in Pickens Progress. ---PAGE BREAK--- 175 SWOT Worksheets. ---PAGE BREAK--- 176 ---PAGE BREAK--- 177 ---PAGE BREAK--- 178 ---PAGE BREAK--- 179 ---PAGE BREAK--- 180 ---PAGE BREAK--- 181 Appendix B: Community Survey Results Report for Pickens Progress: A Joint Comprehensive Plan Survey Pickens Progress: A Joint Comprehensive Plan Survey 1.What is your connection to Unincorporated Pickens County or the City of Jasper, Nelson, and the Town of Talking Rock? (Select ONLY one) I live in Pickens County 73% I live in the City of Jasper 15% I live in the City of Nelson 1% I live in the Town of Talking Rock 5% I live elsewhere 6% ---PAGE BREAK--- 182 2.How do you rate Unincorporated Pickens County overall? (Select ONLY one) Value Percent Count Excellent 13.8% 134 Good 51.2% 496 Okay 26.3% 255 Fair 6.1% 59 Poor 2.6% 25 Totals 969 Excellent 14% Good 51% Okay 26% Fair 6% Poor 3% ---PAGE BREAK--- 183 3. How do you rate City of Jasper overall? (Select ONLY one) Value Percent Count Excellent 9.8% 19 Good 53.1% 103 Okay 29.4% 57 Fair 4.1% 8 Poor 3.6% 7 Totals 194 Excellent 10% Good 53% Okay 29% Fair 4% Poor 4% ---PAGE BREAK--- 184 4.How do you rate City of Nelson overall? (Select ONLY one) Value Percent Count Excellent 13.3% 2 Good 40.0% 6 Okay 33.3% 5 Poor 13.3% 2 Totals 15 Excellent 13% Good 40% Okay 34% Poor 13% ---PAGE BREAK--- 185 5.How do you rate Town of Talking Rock overall? (Select ONLY one) Value Percent Count Excellent 28.9% 22 Good 48.7% 37 Okay 17.1% 13 Fair 1.3% 1 Poor 3.9% 3 Totals 76 Excellent 29% Good 49% Okay 17% Fair 1% Poor 4% ---PAGE BREAK--- 186 6.What age group do you represent? Value Percent Count 17 or Under 0.3% 4 18-34 18.1% 241 35-54 38.2% 507 55-69 30.6% 406 70 or Older 12.8% 170 Totals 1,328 17 or Under 0% 18-34 18% 35-54 38% 55-69 31% 70 or Older 13% ---PAGE BREAK--- 187 7.Which would best describe your current status? Value Percent Count Employed 58.4% 776 Unemployed 1.7% 22 Self-employed 10.2% 136 Student and Employed 1.6% 21 Student and Unemployed 0.5% 6 Retired 23.0% 306 Stay at Home Parent or Caregiver 4.6% 61 Totals 1,328 Employed 58% Unemployed 2% Self-employed 10% Student and Employed 2% Student and Unemployed Retired 23% Stay at Home Parent or Caregiver 5% ---PAGE BREAK--- 188 8.If employed, where is your primary location of employment? Value Percent Count Unincorporated Pickens County 31.6% 324 City of Jasper 28.9% 297 City of Nelson 0.6% 6 Town of Talking Rock 1.6% 16 Outside of Unincorporated Pickens County 37.3% 383 Totals 1,026 Unincorporated Pickens County 32% City of Jasper 29% City of Nelson 0% Town of Talking Rock 2% Outside of Unincorporated Pickens County 37% ---PAGE BREAK--- 189 9.Do you own a business? Value Percent Count Yes 17.4% 230 No 82.6% 1,089 Totals 1,319 Yes 17% No 83% ---PAGE BREAK--- 190 10.Where is the location of your Business? (Select the one that best applies) Value Percent Count Unincorporated Pickens County 52.2% 118 City of Jasper 19.9% 45 City of Nelson 0.4% 1 Town of Talking Rock 4.9% 11 Outside of Unincorporated Pickens 22.6% 51 Totals 226 Unincorporated Pickens County 52% City of Jasper 20% City of Nelson 0% Town of Talking Rock 5% Outside of Unincorporated Pickens 23% ---PAGE BREAK--- 191 11.Do you have internet access and adequate internet speed at your business? Value Percent Count Yes, and the speed is adequate 63.9% 140 Yes, but the speed is slow 33.8% 74 No internet available 2.3% 5 Totals 219 Yes, and the speed is adequate 64% Yes, but the speed is slow 34% No internet available 2% ---PAGE BREAK--- 192 12.Do you have internet access and adequate internet speed at your home? Value Percent Count Yes, and the speed is adequate 63.8% 832 Yes, but the speed is slow 34.0% 443 No internet available 2.2% 29 Totals 1,304 Yes, and the speed is adequate 64% Yes, but the speed is slow 34% No internet available 2% ---PAGE BREAK--- 193 13.What are the of where you live (Unincorporated Pickens County, Jasper, Nelson, Talking Rock)? (Select ONLY 3) 75.1% 9.9% 21.5% 35.7% 78.8% 1.8% 3.7% 9.9% 6.3% 0.8% 4.6% 1.2% 0.8% 12.7% 2.5% 7% 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 Percent ---PAGE BREAK--- 194 14.If other is selected for strength, please explain or hit next. Response the mountains nothing The strength of the meth and such addicts and their driving recklessly without insurance or vehicles that would pass any inspection along with their free reign, unobstructed by law enforcement. Abundance of wildlife I feel like there is none. Pickens County has lost its sense of home. No live in the east end with nothing beneficial You misspelled strength, and this county has none! Strong community service organizations Locally owned businesses Strength is spelled wrong Away from major population Proximity to Atlanta It's not to crowded, for now! Space, not crowded Quiet, serene locations ---PAGE BREAK--- 195 Lots of woodlands and wilderness road safety Less population, farming, livestock Small neighborhood with friendly people Vacation I don't want no more subdivision built Possibility of growth Quality of life Low population density Peaceful country living. I didn't agree with any of the other statements Only been here for four months. Sense of security Pickens has zero Family area Close to attractions I could only pick 3 but many factors we take for granted also add to the strength. ---PAGE BREAK--- 196 I live in Cherokee County I do not live in any of these cities. None I live outside of PIckens County but work in Pickens County. Live outside of Pickens County Land Finding a community that has golf and the beauty that surrounds us. Great place to The list does not list any assets. Parks and rec is a joke, there aren't sidewalks, we don't have our own water, retirees don't qualify for a break on property taxes ever, the school system is bad with no alternative options, and there's nothing for us or our kids to do here. PLEASE HELP!!! Nothing to do, no sidewalks, to much new home construction 501-C's within the county Less crowded compared to cities further North or South Agriculture ---PAGE BREAK--- 197 15.What do you feel are weaknesses or threats to where you live (Unincorporated Pickens County, Jasper, Nelson, Talking Rock)? (Select ONLY 3) 30.7% 26.7% 24.4% 24.2% 23.2% 31.4% 16.2% 10.5% 4.2% 13.8% 19.6% 6.3% 18.5% 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Percent ---PAGE BREAK--- 198 16.If other is selected for weakness or threat, please explain or hit next. Response the political environment is hateful and useless to the citizenry of the city Parks- places to walk/run Parks and Rec Highway speeds on Hwy 53 west are too fast for how close it is to a large number of homes Poor law enforcement Lack of restaurants and shopping to many people moving here Roads and traffic. Too many houses being built without roads, water, sewer and business to support it Too many people moving into area. Lack of business/manufacturing base. None of any of them Need significant investment in public safety. There are very few ambulances int he county, and they have very long response times. Fire engines are understaffed, and if there is any fire, most ambulances go out of service to fight fire. To much new housing ---PAGE BREAK--- 199 Having seniors continue to pay the school portion of their homeowners tax. Over building in a community known for its natural beauty Too many people moving to Pickens, no housing for locals threat of big corporations taking over farm and timber land No parks or recreation All of the above! This county is podunk! AFFORDABLE housing Not proper planning by officials for growth Road conditions and adequate or appropriate repairs Building a lot, people selling farms and stuff and moving I'm concerned with our local school system. One, because of the lack of consistent leadership, and two, for the threat of losing tax revenue through a school tax exemption for residents of a certain age. That works great for a county like Cherokee with a good mix of ages, but if we exempt all older residents, even those with higher income, from school taxes, the community will die. Lack of decent places to eat Entertainment venues for school age children: bowling, movie theater, skate park, etc. Local government and BOE corruption Too much development destroying the landscape Not enough businesses/points of interest for families with children ---PAGE BREAK--- 200 Too many neighborhoods being built Unplanned and wrong kind of growth. Destruction of beautiful views. Need more dining options/variety, need Publix, traffic control Traffic jams Overpopulation Influx of people trying to change Pickens County to meet big city convenience instead of appreciating the small town we are. Too many people moving in because of the subdivisions being built. Outsiders are trying to change the culture of the area Poor public safety in jasper Slow internet and no park with hiking/running trail Lack of preparation for inevitable growth, county leadership is myopic Out of control building Overdevelopment Too much growth and too quickly. No longer feeling small town. People moving in and taking roles in county government making changes to be like where they came from. Billboards trash the highways- get the down!! roads are dangerous and not marked correctly for travel down 53 west ! Lack of retail ---PAGE BREAK--- 201 Parks and recreation Not enough retail places Development of housing that we DON'T need Not a lot of things for teens to do. No movies or skating rink. Too many fast food restaurants Bad internet service that effects ability to work. We need a water source so we don't depend upon other counties to provide the majority of our water. Still have dirt roads in Pickens county where I live. When both ends of my road are paved and the center of it is not as much county taxes we pay. It needs to me paved or at least tar and gravel. No accessibility for disabled! Drugs and weak judicial system Poor Maintenance of the roads Too much low income housing. Losing the small town feel. Public safety in entire county Outsiders moving in Stop the building, traffics a nightmare as it is. Plus losing prime farm land and the beauty of this area. No break in school taxes for senior citizens. Fiber internet availability ---PAGE BREAK--- 202 Lack of infrastructure due to growing population. Roads, highways, redlights etc. More retail Buliding useless buildings all over the place Too much high density housing. School system is going down hill. Inadequate thought given to asthetics on new development. New residents arriving and wanting area to become a large town, tourist area ie Canton, Woodstock, Blue ridge Truck Traffic on Local Roads and Litter Road repair needed The town is not up to date with the rest county's near by. Dawson is built up. Cherokee is built up. That's what people are looking for Parks and rec Roads are ineed of repair Ones moving in verbalize that they are more important than the residents who have always lived here. Poor planning for developments and zoning Approving businesses that we already have. No need to have 5 Mexican restaurants, 5 pizza places, etc. put in a chick fil Big city encroachment Poor internet connectivity outside of city, increased traffic without proper road development (ex: need for turning lanes, traffic lights and widened roads) ---PAGE BREAK--- 203 Lack of businesses Lack of parks and recs facilities Need to keep small town feel by limiting over expanding our community Lack of education culture—more emphasis on demanding that "our" tax-payer funded technical college provide more programs for the community and more educational opportunities at this campus. Lack of accessible & strong internet Our hospital system is not large enough/well equipped enough to handle the massive growth in population. Especially the growth of assisted living communities/nursing homes. Getting gravel roads paved. Lack of quality recreational spaces/facilities. (Aquatic center) Parks being build over the years but not maintained. Too much development! Development limited to number of units per square mile High density urbanization New housing developments, loss of small town community feel, urban sprawl, people moving in from elsewhere and trying to change things, people pushing for growth and change where its not wanted Fire protection. Internet speed. Concerns about growth - managing it responsibly to preserve what we all love about this area. Political extremism ---PAGE BREAK--- 204 Bad schools & healthcare systems Property taxes Pickens is in dire need of an overall zoning plan, business conditions to operate in pickens, and sign ordinance. For example, there is a business less than a mile from Hwy 53's Foothills center with handmade spray paint signage and a parking lot full of broken down vehicles. How is this possible? No growth for popular businesses. Example: Canton/Ellijay restaurants blow Jasper out of the water. We need more business like shopping stores (for clothing, restaurants,) I know just that all options which were selectable or those which would require increased "Atlanta- like" expansion. More human inflow, more development, bringing in more taxes, to be spent on providing for the influx. I know it is impossible to hold back the "system" forever but I pray that there will be a strong enough vision of the simple good life, to resist the "progress" and the profits! New developments taking over once beautiful scenery and land Housing developments Not a lot of shopping availability having to go out of town to spend money for things Too high of taxes and school taxes for people that don't have children in schools Airport expansion not welcome Development and slow internet for people who work from home Road conditions - lack of pavement Lack of new businesses to provide entertainment and dining, as well as job oppourtunites. A lot of drug activity and lack of emphasis on education. ---PAGE BREAK--- 205 Places to eat/shop Individuals moving into Jasper that are from here. Expanding town and population Losing our small town, to outside people moving in. lack of decent internet Destroying open land to develop housing with no job developments to support them Drugs Lines on the road need repainted in more areas. There should be a better location for physical exercise such as biking and running paths that are safe. Too many houses being built without road conditions being considered. Growth too fast for the rest of the county. Housing prices too high for a starter family There isn't a variety of job opportunities within the county. Most seem to be in retail or service industries. inadequate internet options. TDS is awful and ETC will not come to my area. I'm in the Tate district and we need a grocery store, even a Dollar General would help the older citizens to not have to drive to Ball Ground or Jasper for Milk or Bread. Too many people moving to this area. too much new housing Pay for county employees inadequate, especially for those in school system. Paraprofessionals deserve more.. ---PAGE BREAK--- 206 Traffic/Traffic lights on 515 Lack of good grocery/retail Too much development and growth is occurring too rapidly without a solid plan in place to manage growth More red lights are needed on 515 to protect our youth. One should be at Harmony School Road and the Racetrac. Lack of activities within the community Lack of businesses and inadequate tax base The need for ordinances to not mix residential property with retail/business and to have ordinances that even residential property had to limit "junk" in the yards. Parks/Playgrounds Lack of retail stores High property taxes on elderly Lack of affordable housing options Lack of excellent schools no senior discount on property taxes ALL OF THE ABOVE. Reckless housing growth lack of law enforcement ---PAGE BREAK--- 207 lack of things to do and limited dining Lat of diverse retail/commercial opportunities Lack of parks worst parks and rec options in the region High speed internet Too much growth Uncontrolled housing development and loss of rural landscapes important for biodiversity Need for more schools for the growing population Developement Overdevelopment. Also our roads are not adequate for the traffic growth. Lack of regulation concerning building above a certain elevation County law enforcement presence Tripled home ins cost due to lack of adequate fire services Lack of AFFORDABLE housing, schools not able to handle additional students Too much building of homes that the road infrastructure and water/power cannot support. Lack of off leash dog parks Traffic ---PAGE BREAK--- 208 Too much housing development. The small town atmosphere is being lost. Our streets are becoming crowded with too much traffic. Too much development changing the county. City of Jasper arrogance as to city council lack of input in decision making. Houses being built too close together, not enough land with houses, or affordable housing Cost of living too high gravel roads Issuance of building permits and land development. We do not want developments and small lot neighborhoods. We do not want development like cobb, cherokee or Stop developers and do not issue permits for homes on less than five acre tracts. Do not permit industrial or commercial in East Pickens. Speed limit needs to be reduced. Most fly by at 15 mph over listed speed. According to paper many police stops but not nearly enough tickets given. Lack of accountability in government poor development planning INCREASING TRAFFIC CONGESTION Weak and very limited parks and rec department. too many houses being built Inadequate planning for growth Recreation dept far behind other counties ---PAGE BREAK--- 209 The sudden increase in high density yet still unaffordable housing. Traffic light needed at 515 and Worley Crossroad. It's extremely dangerous Corruption. Over Development. Growing to much with house and people but that's it nothing else Lack of good paying jobs Too much building with limited natural resources and too much destruction of farmland Public safety Too much growth and development Over Building Our hometown community Increasing number of event venues 515 needs improvement at the intersection of Worley Crossroads and lower dowda mill rd. With so much traffic now it takes either side to get onto 515 sometimes we sit there up to 20 minutes waiting to go north on 515 . And crossing over from Worley Crossroads and Lower Dowda Mill is getting so dangerous because you have to wait for a long time to get into 515 Too much new construction and not enough resources. Traffic light needed on Hwy 515 at subdivision entrance High taxes and no tax breaks for seniors Highway safety. Too many people. Water and sewer We need to limit the growth and destruction of the small town life ---PAGE BREAK--- 210 Too much nonlocal "investors" The parks are mostly single use (dont keep you coming back again and again) and/or in major disrepair Litter along highways, side roads—very Detracts from natural beauty! Zoning anything other than 3 acre homes and farms Too much destruction of land & nature to build more housing and businesses we do not need! Our small town is on its way to being every other city with crime, too many people, too many unnecessary businesses, traffic & no more small town feel. There is nothing wrong with driving to the next town for something we don't need here . If it's not here it's 10-15 minutes away, STOP DESTROYING THE LITTLE BEAUTY WE HAVE LEFT EHICH IS WHAT MADE THIS TOWN SPECIAL ---PAGE BREAK--- 211 17.What type of projects or growth are you interested in seeing within your community? (Check Only 3) 48.3% 43.5% 11% 10% 41.6% 10.9% 30.8% 14.8% 39.1% 3.2% 11% 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Small Business Development Sewer and Water Improvements Commercial Manufacturing Local Retail Tourism Broadband Availability Sidewalk Improvements Public Parks Government Facilities Other Percent ---PAGE BREAK--- 212 18.If other is selected for projects, please explain or hit next. Response Affordable housing Aquatic Center Less development A cap on growth and development to protect large parcels of ag and undeveloped land Road infrastructure. Highway 515 needs to be an interstate with exit ramps. No more growth Too much development already. Bigger businesses that actually open nights, weekends , and don't close every other day for nonsense More business of any kind that brings good paying jobs None More things that will keep our youth out of trouble, I.e. after school programs. Local things to do Keep the community small and local A sheriff and county commissioner that does there jobs and stops putting the little people in danger for just __and giggles Doesn't need any development. I like the small town. More farm land, less housing and sub divisions ---PAGE BREAK--- 213 Projects and development are ruining Pickens County Too much growth. All of the above. Bring in some tourism so the county can spend money on the residents that pay land taxes til they die. A parks and rec overhaul would also be nice. Nothing happens here. No wonder the youth want to leave. We spend all our time and money save for land taxes, outside of Pickens. Not interested in seeing any more growth Would like to see better ordinances for pet owners Try to make it so young people can stay and it doesn't turn into a big city Better Schools Keep Pickens rural. Better choices for restaurants Ordinances to protect rural property from big development A complete overhaul of local government, police, and BOE Parks and recreation Youth activities for free Better roads Affordable housing None ---PAGE BREAK--- 214 road safety ! roads are not mated with double lines after hintin milling to have safety to get into our roads , they have passing lanes when we try to turn left ! Lack of care for youth (Better recreations and sports) More restaurants Agriculture More agriculture Bringing our infrastructure to meet our citizens needs that already live here. If it's not able to take care of it's residents that already live here then you can't build or bring in more people Sidewalks exist, but that doesn't mean things are accessible. Disabled people exist. Stop building cluster subdivisions and retirement homes More places to eat Manufacturing meaning eco friendly established companies. Agriculture, dairy, tourism - so that they come and go More availability for pickleball for active adults which would bring in more revenue and visitors. Fix the roads to decrease congestion Small business restaurant Cellular service Technology-based companies - a recruitment effort aimed at technology companies. ---PAGE BREAK--- 215 Aquatic center Less development More restaurants like surrounding towns have. A Publix store too. Improving current parks, make bathrooms available again. Agriculture. We need more cows, chicken houses and farms, NOT low income housing developments and subdivisions Available housing Fire protection. Less fast food restaurants and more real food. Publix. TJMaxx Roads need repairs and widened independent restaurants Pickens needs an overarching plan for the way businesses and residential develop looks (signage, lighting, and landscape ordinances) and improved enforcement of conditions. Historic preservation Restaurant or market off Hwy 53 West No more development. We can drive to anything we want. Last thing we need is a bunch of traffic An aquatic center None ---PAGE BREAK--- 216 better business choices Restaurants We need to make a plan to improve roads and get gravel roads paved and safe. Outside activates readily available to kids and convenient for parents dealing with transportation issues Other than the Rec department, more inexpensive facilities with indoor rooms and plumbing are needed for families to gather and for parties with something to do besides sit in a big room. The county does not offer incentives for things that young teens, adults can do in our city. They go to other counties for food, entertainment and work. Roads are not ready for all this new traffic. We have to have additional traffic lights for schools and buses, especially at Harmony Sxhoolr Places for our youth to attend other than sports. Ex: Theatre, Bowling, Skating, activities for them to enjoy. None of the above Restaurants We need to attract better Restaurants and ones that are opened for dinner. a comeback of farm land and hunting land Affordable Housing DISC GOLF COURSES Publix ---PAGE BREAK--- 217 Restaurants More development and restaurants All of the above. Pickens needs HELP! Bring in tourism, beef up parks and rec, create some things up here so residents and guests WANT to spend their money here. We all leave the county to spend because no one is welcome to set up businesses here. They're not welcome, so we spend elsewhere. Pickens is incredibly backward! I hope there's an overhaul. We hate it here!! Restaurants Police and fire: better pay and more staff Better options for restaurants & grocery stores Saving current businesses who need better sewer and infrastructure Gov't programs to assist ALL of the community's pooulation Food policy council to support small farms and give consumers incentives to purchase locally. As Pickens county becomes the recycling hub of North Georgia, we could also be more proactive in building a local food economy. Appalachian sustainable agricultural project (ASAP) even includes Pickens County in the North Georgia region. But, most importantly, we do need to limit large housing developments as turning into Cherokee county is not appealing. None Work to protect what we have through designation as green space, protected habitate, historical preservation, or whatever else we need to do to stop development unless it is to preserve what we have. Jasper could use a big city sight like ballground has if you have to build something. A little leniency with changing rural plots Improved fire services in Talking Rock. ---PAGE BREAK--- 218 An adequate fire department with local fire fighters Recreation department sports areas available Reduced school taxes for seniors Tate Elementary is not suitable for the numbers of students and if we keep building/bringing in more families, where will be put them school wise? Higher paying jobs Development of avenues of input by local business owners and getting away from 3 people deciding the fate of our community. Homeless shelter, domestic violence shelter, etc Better Restaurant Chains pave roads Restaurants. Light industry MANAGE TRAFFIC BETTER SO WE CAN ATTRACT HIGHER END JOBS, SAY TECH JOBS OR ECO FRIENDLY MANUFACTORING WHILE INCREASING OUR WATER RESOURCES, THEN INCREASE FIRST RESPONDERS THAT WILL BE NEEDED, NOT BIG CITY ALPHARETTA TYPE OF GROWTH,QUALITY OF LIFE TYPE OF GROWTH More developed parks and rec facilities, sports, and activities for kids/families More restaurants with something different. A Chick-fil-A would be nice! ---PAGE BREAK--- 219 More preservation of greenspace for State or natural parks, for hiking, picnicking, & camping. Too much natural beauty here to destroy it all. Nothing A YMCA would be great. Better parks and recreation I would be glad to see a storage of growth. We love the peace & quiet, the natural beauty. affordable housing, 1200 a month Enertainment and decent hotels are severely lacking Grocery store with gas station (food city, kroger, etc) Beautification—-litter of roadways cleaned up on a routine basis Stop zoning, stop growth NONE!!! Leave this town alone! We have enough crap we don't need here! We don't need to draw in more people, crime & traffic! ---PAGE BREAK--- 220 19.What type of new residential developments do you most consider as a threat? (Select Only 3) 4.6 25.7% 4.7% 50.1% 22.6% 19.1% 40% 38.8% 34.6% 5.4% 9.3% 12.9% 3.7% 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Percent ---PAGE BREAK--- 221 20.If other housing development is selected, please explain or hit next. Response Chicken houses I don't consider any of them a threat if the planning is on point and infrastructure can handle it. Townhouse I'd say all of the above; I can't choose just three Too many people potentially moving here Subsidized housing Storage facilities trashing highways Town houses Single family, with about 1acre Anything that takes away large amounts of land like the cow fields on Philadelphia Low income housing/apartments Low income housing Government subsidized housing Air B&Bs Water prices are a huge threat! ---PAGE BREAK--- 222 Habitat Housing I would say any large developments that do not encourage long-term occupancy. More affordable housing None No of these are a threat I don't see any threats other than people thinking there's nothing out here so there's no reason to move out this way. Lack of county ordinances, too many redneck shacks Ones that destroy or block the beautiful views for those who already live here. Sprawling development rather than smart growth I live off Twin Oaks trace and hood rd , since the industrial building and Chem building went up across the street I have barely enough water pressure to shower . Any clear cutting, new homes being built on previously primitive land, especially as second homes Affordable housing for existing homes. Rich retirees running out families Housing without proper planning. Low income/Section 8 APARTMENTS, DUPLEXS ETC WILL BECOME A DRAIN ON FIRST RESPONDER SERVICES WHICH YOU NEITHER HAVE OR ARE PLANNING FOR THAT INCREASE, TO MY KNOWLEDGE, Nursing homes ---PAGE BREAK--- 223 Too many of any type without the infrastructure to support them. Camping Facilities ---PAGE BREAK--- 224 21.What type of residential development do you consider as assets? (Select ONLY 3) 71.9% 26.1% 7% 59.4% 6.4% 7.2% 1% 8.2% 3.1% 12.3% 21.3% 20.9% 12.7% 2.9% 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Percent ---PAGE BREAK--- 225 22.If other housing development is selected, please explain in 10 words or less. Response tent cities Farmland and undeveloped timber Large subdivision with high end homes Agriculture land Agriculture developments. Farm centered, horse centered, etc Townhouse Farm Rentals More people equals more issues. No. Subsidized housing Don't need more homes or traffic Had no other choice Agriculture ---PAGE BREAK--- 226 Farms and such Homeless Veterans Housing With aesthetics ,landscaping and green spaces,trails conducive to nature Need to attract people who can pay taxes and contribute to tax base Air B&Bs No more. More=higher prices and more traffic None Habitat for Humanity Housing I would say any large developments that do not encourage long-term occupancy. Slow down growrh none N/A To many moving here. Will not keep small town vibe They are bringing to much from city life All of this applies Less development and keeping the natural environment Too much traffic in our area with no way out! ---PAGE BREAK--- 227 Need zoning rules and enforcement Leave the farms, parks undeveloped mountain lands alone! Too much development is happening in this county. Keep it rural Leave the woods alone! To many houses No housing developments Farms Responsible and sustainable building Already too many housing developments. They need to stop. Don't kill the green space with multiple housing units Low income/Section 8 Arbor Hills is a prime example of a successful housing dev, two apt complexes here are trashed, hospital and hood rd examples Nursing homes I don't want any more people to come to Jasper. I came here 10 years ago to get away from people A place to park campers ---PAGE BREAK--- 228 Expensive homes few can afford No more building No more new housing