Document Thomson-Mcduffie_doc_26eccb62e8

rev.04062015 Name(s) of Submitting Government(s): McDuffie County, City of Thomson, Town of Dearing RC: CSRARC Submittal Type: Adopted Comp Plan Update Preparer: RC Local Government Consultant: Specify Cover Letter Date: 2/25/21 Date Submittal Initially Received by RC: 1/20/21 Explain Unusual Time-lags or Other Anomalies, when present: Revisions requested on 2/10/21 Inaccurate/incomplete information, above, and nonconformity with the standards articulated, below, are reportable as performance errors under the terms of the annual DCA/RC contract and may lead to adverse audit findings.  ALL SUBMITTALS MUST BE TRANSMITTED ELECTRONICALLY USING THE DEPARTMENT’S SHAREPOINT SITE.  COMBINE ALL INDIVIDUAL IMAGES, DOCUMENTS AND SPREADSHEETS INTO ONE SINGLE, SEARCHABLE PDF (INCLUDING COVER LETTERS, APPENDICES, ETC.), PUT THIS COMPLETED FORM AS THE FIRST PAGE OF THE PDF AND THEN UPLOAD IT.  REVISED SUBMITTALS MUST INCLUDE THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT, NOT ONLY THE REVISED PORTION.  EMAILED OR HARDCOPY MATERIALS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED.  ALL SUBMITTALS MUST BE CHANNELED THROUGH THE APPROPRIATE REGIONAL COMMISSION. COVER SHEET FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING SUBMITTALS ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2021-2025 McDuffie County McDuffie County, City of Thomson and Town of Dearing ---PAGE BREAK--- This page is intentionally left blank. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 2 McDuffie County 210 Railroad Street Thomson, Georgia Adopted: 02/22/2021 The Town of Dearing 4577 Augusta Hwy Dearing, Georgia Adopted: 02/23/2021 The City of Thomson 210 Railroad Street Thomson, Georgia Adopted: 02/24/2021 This document was prepared jointly with the cooperation of the following local governments: Joint Comprehensive Plan 2021 - 2025 Prepared By: 3626 Walton Way Extension Suite 300 Augusta, Georgia 30909 ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 3 McDuffie County McDuffie County The Central Savannah The Central Savannah River Area Region River Area Region ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 4 ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 6 Table able of of Contents ontents SECTION PAGE # Purpose of the Comprehensive Plan 8 Planning Process and Community Involvement 10 SWOT Analysis 15 Needs and Opportunities 19 Community Goals and Policies 25 Demographic Overview 30 Broadband Services 34 Economic Development 42 Housing 52 Natural and Cultural Resources 66 Community Facilities 78 Land Use 94 Report of Accomplishments 126 Community Work Program 142 Appendix 162 ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 8 Purpose of the Comprehensive Plan The 2021-2025 McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan provides residents, local officials and other stakeholders with a road-map toward achieving their vision of a county where residents and visitors alike experience a better place to live, work, and play. Quality community growth, however, can only begin with a locally generated vision and well- structured plan of implementation that has the ability to unite varied segments of society with, often, competing interests. This comprehensive plan is intended to serve the following functions: • Lay out a desired future; • Guide how that future is to be realized; • Formulate a coordinated, short to medium-term planning program. The plan document also addresses issues regarding housing, economic development, land use, community facilities, and cultural resources in a coordinated manner, and serves as a guide for how: • Land should be developed; • Local housing conditions will be improved; • Existing businesses should be supported and new economic growth achieved. In conjunction with the county’s Service Delivery Strategy, the comprehensive plan document becomes a powerful resource for elected and appointed officials as they deliberate development issues and appropriate policy responses. ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 10 Planning Process & Community Involvement As the objective of the Comprehensive Plan is the realization of the shared vision and goals of a community, public participation in the planning process is of vital importance. This section details the structure of the plan and discusses the ways in which stakeholder input was considered as the plan was created. It also provides a brief overview of the opinions and concerns expressed in the SWOT analysis, needs and opportunities assessment and surveys. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 11 The Comprehensive Plan and Planning Process Many government agencies make plans for their own programs or facilities, but the Comprehensive Plan is one of the few documents that considers the programs and priorities of many agencies with varied objectives, and accounts for the activities on all land in a given area, both public and private. As the Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) minimum standards for local comprehensive planning state, “the highest and best use of comprehensive planning for local governments is to show important relationships between community issues.” Done well, the planning process serves to enhance the efficiency and productivity of coordinated government efforts on all levels. A comprehensive plan should be developed and structured to realize the shared vision, goals and objectives for all communities involved in the process. DCA’s minimum standards for local comprehensive planning require the planning process to follow a standardized set of procedures to ensure that the public has the opportunity to provide input and review the comprehensive plan document as it is created. Consistent public input is a necessary component for the creation of this Plan. Plan Element Required Recommended for Specifics at Community Goals All local governments 110-12-1-.03(1) Needs and Opportunities All local governments 110-12-1-.03(2) Community Work Program All local governments 110-12-1-.03(3) Broadband Services Element All local governments 110-12-1-.03(4) Capital Improvement Element Governments that charge impact fees 110-12-1-.03(5) Economic Development Element Communities included in Georgia Job Tax CreditTier1 Communities seeking improved economic opportunities for their citizens HUD CDBG Entitlement Communities 110-12-1-.03(6) Land Use Element Communities with zoning or equivalent land development regulations that are subject to the Zoning Procedures Law Communities that: Are considering new land development regulations Include Target Area in their comprehensive plan Wish to improvement aesthetics of specific areas or protect the character of specific parts of their community citizen community development regulations that are subject to the Zoning Procedures Law 110-12-1-.03(7) Transportation Element Local governments that have territory included in a Metropolitan Planning Organization Communities that: With automobile congestion problems in selected areas Interested in adding alternative transportation facilities for bicyclists, pedestrians, public transportation users That may have too much or too little parking in specific areas 110-12-1-.03(8) ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 12 Public Participation This section of the Plan focuses on its development at the local level. It details the agencies responsible, the steps taken, and provides documentation of the outcomes of public participation in the process. The public participated in the planning process through the following outreach methods: - Stakeholder meetings - Survey - Public hearings - Social media posts - Public engagement at a local event Stakeholder Committee A Stakeholder Committee comprised of one or more representatives from each jurisdiction was appointed to lead the planning process. The primary purpose of this committee was assuring that CSRA-RC staff reflect the aforementioned shared vision, goals, and objectives of the community. Representatives included mayors, commissioners, administrators, and other municipal staff. Following is a list of members of the Comprehensive Plan Stakeholder Committee: McDuffie County Charlie Newton, Chairman of the McDuffie County Board of Commission David Crawley, County Manager Andy Knox, Sr., Board of Education Mychele Rhodes, Superintendent, McDuffie County School System Neal Tam, Director of Administrative Services, McDuffie County School System Georgia Hobbs, Planning Commission Chase Beggs, Planning and Zoning Director Don Powers, President/CEO Forward McDuffie Town of Dearing Sean Kelley, Mayor of the Town of Dearing City of Thomson Kenneth Usry, Mayor of the City of Thomson Mike Stewart, City Administrator Donald Toms, City Administrator Sam Perren, Archway Professional, UGA Archway Partnership Plan Element Required Recommended for Specifics at Housing Element HUD CDBG Entitlement Communities HUD CDBG Entitlement Communities Communities that: Concentrations of low-quality or dilapidated housing Relatively high housing costs compared to individual/family incomes A jobs-housing imbalance 110-12-1-.03(9) ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 13 Stakeholder Meetings The Stakeholder Committee kickoff meeting was held on October 13, 2020 with topics covering items such as the purpose and goals of comprehensive planning, components of the plan document, the timeline for plan development and submittal, needs and opportunities, community goals, and potential policies. Each representative was provided with The Community Work Program from the previous Comprehensive Plan and asked to provide feedback regarding the status of the projects that were identified as priorities for that five-year period. Representatives were also asked to discuss new projects for the upcoming five-year Work Program period. The second Stakeholder Committee meeting was held on January 6, 2021. At this meeting, the draft comprehensive plan was provided to solicit feedback. Public Hearings A joint public hearing was held September 16, 2020 to formally announce the initiation of the comprehensive planning process at the Thomson Depot. A second public hearing was held on January 15, 2021 at the Thomson McDuffie Government complex to solicit public feedback on the contents of the draft document. Additional Public Outreach Edward Morrow, CSRA RC Regional Planner attended the virtual Thomson-McDuffie Archway Partnership Executive Committee meeting on May 16, 2020. Covering items such as the purpose and goals of comprehensive planning, components of the plan document, the timeline for plan development and submittal, needs and opportunities, community goals, and potential policies. The SWOT analysis, Community Improvement Survey, and Visual Preference Survey was discussed. Nicee Long, CSRA RC Planning and Development Specialist attended the McDuffie County Planning Commission Meeting on September 16, 2020. Covering items such as the purpose and goals of comprehensive planning, components of the plan document, the timeline for plan development and submittal. The SWOT analysis, Community Improvement Survey, and Visual Preference Survey was discussed. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 14 Past Planning Initiatives McDuffie County is establishing a proud legacy of successful planning initiatives. The Joint McDuffie County, City of Thomson, Town of Dearing Comprehensive Plan: 2015-2035 Consistent with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) standards, the plan outlined county and municipal conditions that existed at the time and formulated goals to address those conditions. The McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 2009-2029 was also prepared by the CSRA-RC and adopted in 2008. This plan provided a full community assessment and created long-term goals regarding economic development, housing, natural and cultural resources, community facilities, transportation, and land use. The Thomson Urban Redevelopment Plan II was created by the CSRA-RC and completed in 2013. It designated several areas in the community for redevelopment and included suggestions housing, public green space, and bicycle/pedestrian facilities. The Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) process begin in September 2019. The RSVP plan was developed by the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government in collaboration with the Archway Partnership. Step one of the RSVP process provides a fundamental understanding of current conditions in Thomson. Step two involves creating a rendered illustrative master-plan for downtown Thomson. Step three is an implementation plan and a one year work program. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 15 SWOT Analysis As part of the planning process, the public was asked to complete a ‘SWOT’ Analysis. SWOT stands for weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The information provided the basis for subsequent assessments of needs, opportunities, and, ultimately, formulation of goals and policies. The results of the SWOT Analysis are summarized on the next few pages. Full results of the SWOT Analysis is in the appendix. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 16 » Location on I-20 and proximity to Hwy 17 and Hwy 78. » Strong school system. » Strong local church community. » UGA Archway Partnership. » Hospital and adjacent medical office complex. » Community-minded local officials and government employees. » Strong and growing small business community. » Lake access. » A county that believes in keeping local farmers and land conservation as a priority over sprawling suburbia like other surrounding counties. » There are many outdoor activities that can be accessed by all community residence with little or no charge (camping, hiking, fishing). » County and city police services. » RSVP Downtown Revitalization. » Lots of local history. » Small town living with major amenities nearby while offering some of the basics. » Low average household income. » Drugs and Crime and Poverty. » Lack of diversity in leadership. » Water and sewer infrastructure need improvement. » Stagnant/declining tax base. » People should be encouraged to be involved. » Few amenities to attract young people. » Undereducated workforce. » Lack of broadband access and adoption. » Downtown needs revitalization and event venues. » Lack of retail, dining, entertainment, and Weaknesses » Rental housing stock is in poor condition. » Small animal shelter. » No Internet in rural areas. » Communication with constituents-some are unable to attend meetings. Results should be communicated through media. » Lack of housing stock in $175,000 and up value. ---PAGE BREAK--- » Not having reliable broadband access for businesses is limiting our growth potential. » Overall metrics for McDuffie county for income and education are not positive. » Crime, poverty, lack of pride for the community. » One threat is that leadership in this county will try to be like some of the other surrounding counties in bringing in too much “non-rural” activities, buildings, etc... ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 18 Threats Opportunities » Competition from surrounding jurisdictions for residents. » Economic strength of adjacent jurisdictions (ability to pay police officers, teachers, and other critical workers more). » Public perception. » Diseases/Pandemics. » Digital transformation of economy. » Declining state funding. » Pace of broadband adoption and community investment elsewhere (McDuffie being left behind - Time isn’t on our side). » Not having reliable broadband access for businesses is limiting our growth potential. » Overall metrics for McDuffie county for income and education are not positive. » Crime, poverty, lack of pride for the community. » One threat is that leadership in this county will try to be like some of the other surrounding counties in bringing in too much “non-rural” activities, buildings, etc... » Allowing population growth to outgrow services and infrastructure. » Plethora of cheap and blighted rental property. » Available land for commercial and industrial growth. » Spillover from Columbia County. » Lake real estate. » Expansion of already successful public events. » TIA discretionary funds for streetscapes and pedestrian improvements. » Expansion of local healthcare services. » Historic sites » Expand construction program at Augusta Tech. » Opportunity to take advantage of the growth at Fort Gordon. » Utilization of camping opportunities in the area. » Grow broadband from Columbia County. Augusta Tech. » Many opportunities to make downtown (Thomson) vibrant. » Actively market the Cobbham Road Industrial Park. » Grow broadband from Columbia County. » Exit 169 is undeveloped great area for planned growth. » Downtown (Thomson) has alot of structures which could be utilized for small businesses and appeal to younger people. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 19 Needs Opportunities Broadband » Promote digital literacy to increase broadband adoption among segments of the population that are typically adverse to the use of technology. » Seek opportunities to make broadband more affordable and/or more widely available to McDuffie County residents. » Actively seek opportunities to utilize available broadband infrastructure to improve primary and secondary level educational outcomes. » Actively seek opportunities to utilize available broadband infrastructure to support workforce development, and to promote local economic development. » Actively seek opportunities to utilize available broadband infrastructure to support public employee training and professional development. Needs and Opportunities From the community surveys, a list of relatively short-term needs and opportunities focused around the core planning components was developed. The community will take intentional and coordinated action to address these items in the coming five-year work program. Full results of the Community Surveys is in the appendix. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 20 Needs Opportunities Economic Development » Raise the quality of the McDuffie County workforce. » More business in downtown storefronts. » Decrease inventory of idling brownfield and greyfield sites. » Industrial recruitment and retention. » Agricultural tourism and Heritage and historic tourism. » Broadband service. » Actively seek opportunities to utilize available broadband infrastructure to support workforce development, and to promote local economic development. » Intact historic downtowns. » Proximity to Interstate 20. » Implement the RSVP work program. » Collaborate at a multi-jurisdictional level to promote tourism throughout the county. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 21 Housing » Utilize available technical assistance to seek funding for continued neighborhood revitalization. » Land near Belle Meade is ideal for an active “retirement” community. » Encourage residential use of multi-story commercial buildings in Downtown Thomson. » Infill or redevelopment housing in blighted areas. » To asses the housing conditions throughout the County. » Increase the quantity and quality of affordable housing in McDuffie County. » Housing options that are attractive for younger families. » To address the aging and declining housing stock. » Recruit developer for active “retirement” communities. Needs Opportunities ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 22 » Encourage development of a rational network of commercial nodes to meet the service needs of citizens while avoiding unattractive and inefficient strip development along major roadways. » Encourage mixed-use development to promote a live, work, play concept. » Support increases in residential density in areas where community design standards, environmental constraints and available infrastructure capacities can satisfactorily accommodate the increased density. » Lack of consensus about growth. » Assess the impact of development and industrial activity on environmentally sensitive lands within the County, especially ground water recharge areas. » To establish land use regulation, including for private roads and development standards. Land Use Needs Opportunities ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 23 Community Facilities » Actively seek opportunities for funding for critical infrastructure improvements. » Actively seek opportunities for funding for recreational and trail system improvements. » Implementation of the RSVP for the Music Mile trail and the Railroad Park (playground, splash pad, and dog parks). » Upgrade or repair aging infrastructure (water and sewer pipes). » Upgrade or repair drainage facilities. » Upgrade recreational facilities. » More trial systems installed. » Maintain public safety equipment. » Maintain city and county roads and bridges. Needs Opportunities ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 24 Natural & Cultural Resources » Protect McDuffie County’s critical environmental assets and promote active lifestyles through continued implementation of the McDuffie County Trails Plan. » Historic downtowns and cultural attractions. » A beautiful natural landscape. » Protect local historic assets through design guidelines and other land use regulations. » Assess the impact of development and industrial activity on environmentally sensitive lands within the county, especially ground water recharge areas. Needs Opportunities ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 25 Community Goals &Policies Goals are broad statements of understanding that are intended to provide guidance toward a desired future outcome. Goals put short-term decisions in proper context. Goals are some of the most valuable insights gleaned from the comprehensive planning process, in that they shape the ventures into which the community will invest its limited resources. A community reaches its goals through the establishment of and adherence to supporting policies. The next section details McDuffie County’s goals and policies. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 26 Community Goals & Policies Broadband Goals: • Promote digital literacy among McDuffie County residents of all ages. • Actively support McDuffie County’s integration into the innovation economy. Policies: • Market McDuffie County’s broadband infrastructure in furtherance of economic development efforts. • Support creation of spaces for entrepreneurial engagement and exchange. Economic Development Goals: • Develop an educated, motivated workforce, prepared for the challenges of an evolving global economy. • Minimize the effects of jobs-housing imbalance. • Align economic development efforts with the CSRA’s Regional economic development strategy. Policies: • Support partnerships for the delivery of training programs and other professional development in furtherance of workforce preparedness. • Recruit clean, responsible industry to appropriate sites in McDuffie County and its contained jurisdictions. • Undertake a targeted industry analysis and develop an industry recruitment strategy centered on industries most appropriate for McDuffie County’s workforce and assets. • Explore opportunities to create or improve transit access to local employment centers. • Actively market McDuffie County’s cultural and architectural heritage sites and districts to promote economic development through tourism. • Explore the creation of incentives for the adaptive reuse of existing commercial and industrial buildings. • Strengthen the lines of communication with local employers regarding workforce and infrastructure needs through an improved business retention and expansion program. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 27 Community Facilities Goals: • Maintain all community facilities and capital assets in working order and at capacity to support the needs of McDuffie County residents. • Provide a full range of services that meet the needs of the McDuffie County’s changing demographic base. Policies: • Maintain and improve local wastewater handling systems. • Continually assess, maintain and replace public safety equipment as needed. • Continually assess recreational facilities and programs to improve accessibility and use. • Continually assess solid waste management services and facilities to ensure effective long-term service delivery. Housing Goals: • Create safe, efficient and affordable housing for McDuffie County residents. • Enhance the vibrancy of Downtown Thomson by increasing residential use. • Support the restoration and maintenance of Thomson and Dearing historic housing stock. Policies: • Expand opportunities for home ownership for low-to-moderate income households in McDuffie County. • Ensure housing maintenance initiatives remain a key component of Thomson’s community redevelopment efforts. • Encourage the development of contemporary market-rate housing to diversify the available housing stock. • Encourage maintenance of historically and architecturally relevant homes. • Encourage residential use of the upper floors in downtown commercial buildings. Land Use Goals: • Maintain the rural and historic character of McDuffie County. • Ensure the county’s natural resources and critical environmental assets are protected from unintended consequences of development. Policies: • Make land use and development decisions that are consistent with the policies of the McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 28 Policies: • Designate local transportation funds for system maintenance. • Pursue capacity improvements and improved traffic flow through access management features rather than roadway widening. • Apply character district street standards to more City of Thomson roads, where appropriate. • Prioritize expansion of existing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and pursue development of new bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure when possible. • Pursue development of identified corridors as multi-use paths in accordance with locally-adopted trails and bicycle/pedestrian plans. • Pursue improvement and expansion of local transit options. • Continue investing to maintain critical links to the nation’s air and rail transportation systems. • Continually assess aging services to determine ways in which service delivery can be enhanced. Natural and Cultural Resources Goals: • Ensure the county’s natural resources and critical environmental assets are protected from unintended consequences of development. • Maintain the rural and historic character of McDuffie County. Policies: • Support ongoing development of recommendations from the RSVP Work Program. • Actively market McDuffie County’s cultural and architectural heritage sites and districts to promote tourism. • Improve local historic district regulations and guidelines to better preserve and enhance McDuffie County’s historic heritage, and to encourage private investment in historic properties. • Review and amended land use and development ordinances to ensure the protection of McDuffie County and regional water resources. • Actively participate in regional water resource planning efforts. • Regularly reassess solid waste management facility siting parameters to ensure natural and cultural resources are protected. • Seek development of passive recreation facilities that enable access to McDuffie County’s rural ambiance. ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 30 Demographic Overview The demographic overview aims to provide an understanding of who McDuffie County’s residents are, and how the County is changing. Though the accuracy of data from national sources is often disputed for rural communities, these sources do provide a valuable baseline for understanding rural population dynamics. The Census Bureau and other generators of data and analysis commonly utilize statistical methods to produce projections based on trends. These measures are typically offered with a margin of error or confidence interval, and a disclaimer acknowledging that the measures are samples or projections. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 31 Regional Population Trends and Projections The Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget projects McDuffie County, unlike many other rural CSRA counties, will experience gradual population increase heading into the year 2030. Below is the Residential Population Projections by County 2020-2050. Local Population Trend Source: Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, Series 2020 Source: US Census 2000, 2010, and American Community Survey 2015-2019. McDuffie County has continued to experience slow population incline since 2000 at 1.1% rate. The City of Thomson has declined at a -3.4% since 2000. The town of Dearing has experienced a huge growth of 183 (41.5%) residents since 2000. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 32 Source: US Census 2000, 2010, and American Community Survey 2015-2019. Number of Households The number of households in McDuffie County (17.3%) and the City of Thomson (12.4%) increased over the last 19 years. Neither jurisdiction experience growth like the State of Georgia at 42.5%, However, the Town of Dearing experienced a significant growth in the number of households exceeding the State of Georgia at 48.3% number of new households. Median Household Income Source: US Census 2010, and American Community Survey 2015-2019. Each jurisdiction in McDuffie County has seen an increase in the median household income from 2010. The largest increase was in the City of Thomson at 32.7%. ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 34 Broadband Services Access to high speed Internet (broadband) is an important part of life today. Broadband enables greater connectivity and expands possibilities for individuals and families to improve their quality of life. From students in the classroom and professionals providing telemedicine to patients with no rural hospital or clinic, to county staff streaming online training and residents using library computers, broadband touches the lives of citizens of all ages and backgrounds. This section of the plan provides an overview of broadband and the ACE Act reviews the state of local and regional connectivity. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 35 What is Broadband? Broadband is high speed Internet. The FCC currently defines high speed Internet access as download speeds of at least 25 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps.” Mbps is megabits per second. These minimum upload and download speeds are essential to quality of service for end user customers. Broadband includes several high-speed transmission technologies, such as fiber optic, wireless, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and coax cable. The goal in many communities may be terrestrial service, but mobile or satellite may be the only option. McDuffie County is no exception in many parts of the county. Different technologies: • Fiber optic cable - buried underground and transmits data over light through glass or plastic • Coax Cable - copper-based infrastructure deployed by cable TV and telephone broadband providers; is described as durable and the dominant technology for residential broadband service. It involves wireless devices or systems providing service in fixed locations. • DSL - copper-based and offered over traditional telephone networks. It is not as rapid as other technologies and may degrade over distance. • Wireless is fixed where the wireless systems provide service in fixed locations. Mobile wireless consists of cellular networks that deliver service to mobile end- users. Satellite wireless utilizes geostationary satellites that provide service in low- density locations. Lastly, microwave wireless uses mid-to-high frequency signals to deliver service between line-of-sight locations. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 36 THE ACE ACT In 2018, the Georgia General Assembly passed “Achieving Connectivity Everywhere (ACE) Act” (Senate Bill 402). Provisions in the Act include: • Requires that each local government in the state incorporate a “Broadband Services Element” into its local comprehensive plan. • Enables local governments to take advantage of applying for financial incentives (such as grants) for broadband services, if they meet certain criteria. • Enables the Georgia Department of Transportation to use interstate highway rights-of-way for deployment of broadband services and other emerging communications technologies. • Enables a political subdivision that has a comprehensive plan that includes the promotion of the deployment of broadband services to the Department of Community Affairs for certification as a broadband ready community. • The Georgia Department of Community Affairs - determine and publish which areas in the state are served and unserved; development and deployment of the Broadband Ready certification program. A served area means a census block that is not designated by DCA as an unserved area. An unserved area means a census block in which broadband services are not available to 20 percent or more of the locations as determined by DCA. The map below is provided by DCA to determine served and unserved areas of broadband service, based on service information collected for the locally-provided addresses. This screenshot from DCA’s Broadband Deployment mapping tool indicates that as of June 30, 2020, sections of McDuffie County are considered to be “served” by broadband-speed internet service. 34% of McDuffie County is considered unserved. The map depicts access to broadband, not subscription to broadband. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 37 The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines ‘broadband’ as high-speed internet is always on and faster than traditional dial-up access. The term includes several high-speed transmission technologies such as DSL (digital subscriber line), cable modem, fiber, wireless, and satellite. Regardless of its method of transmission, a connection is considered to be broadband only if its minimum download speed is 25 Mbps, and minimum upload speed is 3 Mbps. Rate of Broadband Adoption Much attention has been paid to the problem of sparse rural broadband infrastructure provision. However, relatively little has been said about how to activate the latent potential that broadband brings to exurban communities. Research on the outcomes of broadband expansion has revealed unexpected trends, among which is the revelation that provision of the infrastructure itself is not typically sufficient to realize the myriad benefits touted. In fact, results suggest that policy makers must broaden their focus to include adoption and efficient use of the technology. More directly, once broadband is available, residents must be willing and able to pay for subscriptions and adequate hardware, and competent to employ the technology for their personal and professional benefit. Research sponsored by the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society developed a four part strategy as being essential to promoting meaningful broadband adoption. The four-part strategy is on the next page. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 38 1. Providing Low-Cost Broadband 2. Connecting digital literacy training with relevant content and services 3. Making Low-Cost Computers Available 4. Operating Public Access Computer Centers Source: American Community Survey 2015-2019 The table above shows the total number of households in Georgia, McDuffie County, the City of Thomson, and the town of Dearing. McDuffie County at 79.10%, the City of Thomson at 76.80%, and the town of Dearing at 75.20% all fall below the state of Georgia with the number of household with a computer at 90.20%. McDuffie County at 64.80%, the City of Thomson at 62.20%, and the town of Dearing at 66.50% all fall below the state of Georgia with the number of household with a computer at 81.30%. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 39 Advancing McDuffie County’s Broadband Infrastructure The potential benefits of this strong, reliable connection are clear for all residents and stakeholders. Among them are improved educational, employment and healthcare options for citizens, increased productivity and more efficient operations for businesses, and the potential for competitive new entrepreneurial ventures. To maximize McDuffie County’s broadband infrastructure, the County must pursue broadband-related projects that advance these key objectives. The coming five-year work program will include projects that seek to: - Increase community access to available high-speed internet through establishment of public wi-fi hotspots and connected community centers; - Overcome impediments to broadband adoption by promoting digital literacy and the benefits of connectedness for residents, businesses and other stakeholders; - Create opportunities for the early exposure of secondary-school students to evolving workplace technologies; - Create an environment for entrepreneurial and startup activity to connect McDuffie County to the innovation economy and the expanding global marketplace. ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 42 Economic Development A community’s employers are one of the key determinants of resident quality of life. This section briefly discusses the firms operating within McDuffie County and the industries in which McDuffie residents are employed throughout the region. This analysis is intended to support local decision-makers in their efforts to facilitate industrial growth and workforce preparedness. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 43 The CSRA economy was built on traditional industries such as manufacturing. Though many firms have departed, the legacy of this critical sector remains. It is still often the largest single generator of jobs in many of the region’s rural communities – McDuffie County included. “Since the Second World War, the foundation of the [regional] economy…has been federal spending, in particular military and defense-related spending.” Fort Gordon, home of the U.S. Army Signal Corps and the U.S. Army Cyber Command, remains the largest employer and driver of the local economy, with an estimated workforce of 26,000 military, civilian and contractor employees, and an estimated economic impact of $2.26 billion. The completion of the Cyber Command Headquarters in 2020 is projected to bring an additional 1,200 military and civilian personnel. Added to this are other federal, state and local government entities, which make government the largest economic sector in the region. Amazon is adding 800 jobs to the Appling distribution center location in 2021. An important distinction must be made, however, between the firms operating and jobs available in a given community, and the jobs performed by that community’s residents. The long-touted imbalance between jobs and housing means that many people com­ mute vast distances each day, crossing multiple municipal boundaries to reach their place of employment. This also underscores the regional nature of employment, accentu­ ating the fact that residents are often constrained by wages and rents to live in one area, while constrained by the availability of suitable jobs to work in another. The CSRA Regional Economy ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 44 Unemployment Rates Source: US Census 2010 and American Community The economic recession of the late 2000s has been devastating to communities across the country. The figure above illustrates the unemployment rate in McDuffie County, Thomson, Dearing, Georgia and the United States. All areas examined experienced decreased unemployment over the study period. The unemployment rates in McDuffie County (3.9 percent)and Thomson (5.2 percent) are higher then the state of Georgia (3.5 percent). However, Dearing’s unemployment rate is significantly lower than the state at with only 3 people unemployed the town is at 0.6% percent unemployment. It is important to note that smaller populations are more vulnerable to economic shifts. Additionally, with nearly half of it’s workforce in other counties, McDuffie County unemployment may experience shifts because of those other places. For example, changes in employment in nearby Richmond and Columbia counties may directly effect a portion of McDuffie county residents. 5.0% 4.9% 6.1% 3.6% 3.9% 5.2% 0.6% 3.5% 0.0% 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% McDuffie County Thomson Dearing Georgia 2010 2019 ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 45 The majority of McDuffie County residents work inside of the county. However, more residents work outside of McDuffie County than in 2000. As Illustrated in the table below, the 2019 ACS indicated that 51.7 percent of residents worked outside of McDuffie County, compared to only 34.3 percent that was reported in the 2010 Census. This increase indicates that residents are increasingly seeking employment outside of the county, perhaps due to reductions in workforce at local businesses. Local officials have indicated that some new jobs will be coming to the county. As mentioned previously, officials believe that individuals are moving into McDuffie County from nearby urban counties. The change in residents working outside of the county may be affected by those individuals relocating to McDuffie from nearby counties. Those residents may continue to work in those other counties but live in McDuffie because of a lower cost of living or desire for a more rural lifestyle. Commuting Patterns Source: US Census 2010 and American Community Survey 2015-2019 ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 46 Employment By Industry An examination of specific economic indicators provides key information vital to helping McDuffie County achieve its economic goals. The figure below illustrates employment by industry from the county from the 2010 Census and 2019 ACS. This data reveals the number of residents employed in McDuffie County decreased from 8,801 in 2010 to 8,481 in 2019, a 4.0 percent decrease. The two industries with the highest employment are the educational, health, and social services (EHSS) industry and the retail trade industry, accounting for a total of 33 percent of all employees. The majority of the remaining industries also experienced a decline. The manufacturing industry lost the largest number of employees with 359. There was huge growth in Retail Trade at 397. Source: US Census 2010 and American Community Survey 2015-2019 223 963 1,153 320 1,030 523 83 322 768 1,787 921 296 412 224 754 1,[PHONE REDACTED] 400 205 250 757 1,425 851 259 373 0 200 400 [PHONE REDACTED] 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting, Mining Construction Manufacturing Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Transportation, warehousing, and utilities Information Finance, Insurance, & Real Estate Prof., Sci., Mgmt, Admin, & Waste Mgmt Services Educational, health and social services Arts, Ent., Rec., Accom. & Food Services Other Services Public Administration 2010 Census 2019 ACS ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 47 RSVP Plan Thomson and the UGA Archway Partnership began working on a Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) in 2019. The RSVP plan was developed by the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government in collaboration with the Archway Partnership. Step one of the RSVP process provides a fundamental understanding of current conditions in Thomson through an extensive public engagement research process. Step two also involves creating a rendered illustrative master-plan showcasing the ideal vision for downtown Thomson. Step three builds momentum while helping to enact the shared community vision in a step-by-step process. Thomson is currently implementing the RSVP work program. Below are some photos of existing buildings and renderings of proposed improvement projects from the Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP). The University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government is responsible for the photos and renderings on pages 47-50. “Formerly Addie’s Hair Care and Beauty Salon, this building on Main Street was identified in public input as needing some improvement.” “This rendering shows a former beauty salon re-purposed as the imaginary “Addie’s Coffee.” A coffee shop was often mentioned as one of the destinations people would like to see downtown. The building’s exterior has been given a “face-lift,” with simple improvements, including painting the awning and adding hand-painted business signage, restoring and painting the wooden storefront black, and installing white exterior shiplap boards to cover the stucco façade above the awning.” ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 48 ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 49 Former Thomson City Hall and Fire Station (RSVP Plan) Rendering of Former Thomson City Hall and Fire Station (RSVP Plan) ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 50 Historic Turner Furniture Company (RSVP Plan) Rendering of Historic Turner Furniture Company (RSVP Plan) ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 52 Housing Housing types and conditions vary across the county. Examining this information is important because housing conditions within a community provide insight into its economic and social health. High vacancy rates, large quantities of deteriorated housing, and lack of new development are indicators of population decline, stagnant growth, and potentially low quality of life. This section of the plan examines the housing mix, occupancy, home values and age of housing stock. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 53 Housing is becoming an increasingly contentious matter for the CSRA region as it anticipates a season of growth and economic expansion. A quick glimpse at median gross rents across counties in the region reveals a varied housing market. This is both a strength and a weakness. Individuals who come to the region for (often well-paid) work, and have the means to do so, can have their choice of urban, suburban, rural or even waterfront lifestyle. On the other hand, varied rents also reflect deep gaps in housing availability and quality from one jurisdiction to the next. This ultimately has implications for those whose choices are more constrained. A key focus and goal of the local comprehensive planning process must be the creation of demographically “whole” communities that serve as the fertile ground for nurturing strong families and a competitive workforce. More directly, it is essential that communities offer housing options for residents a of all socioeconomic levels. The CSRA’s housing stock generally lacks diversity, but it does include both owned and rented units and mix of housing types. The majority of the region’s housing stock is classified as single-family. Substandard housing, whether due to age or lack of maintenance, is also a concern across the region. Existing Housing Stock ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 54 McDuffie County as a whole contains 9,378 housing units according to the 2015-2019 American Community Survey (ACS). This represents a 0.7 percent increase in units since the 2010 Census. Over the same time period, the number of housing units in the town of Dearing grew by 2.7 percent, and the city of Thomson experienced a increase of 2.3 percent. 65.0% 53.4% 42.2% 40.9% 75.3% 55.9% 35.0% 33.8% 57.8% 59.1% 24.7% 44.1% McDuffie County 2010 McDuffie County 2019 Thomson 2010 Thomson 2019 Dearing 2010 Dearing 2010 Owner Renter County-wide there has been a shift in the percentage of owner-occupied and rental housing as illustrated in the table above, whereby the percentage of renters in the county is growing and the percentage of owners is declining. Renters occupied a greater portion of housing in 2019 than in 2010. This change is most reflected in Dearing, where the percent of renters was 24.7 percent in 2010 and 44.1 percent respectively in 2019. The county should consider a housing study to evaluate the condition and availability of the housing stock to meet resident needs. Source: 2010 U.S. Census and 2015-2019 American Community Survey Estimates Number of Housing Units Occupied and Vacant Housing Units ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 55 According to the 2019 ACS, roughly 87 percent of the housing stock in McDuffie County is comprised of either single family detached residences (65 percent) or mobile homes/ trailers (21.5 percent). The development of multifamily housing in McDuffie County has experienced limited growth in small (3-9 unit) and large (20+ unit) developments and contraction in medium sized (10-19 unit) developments. Housing Unit Types Source: American Community Survey 2015-2019 Examples of Multi-units in McDuffie County. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 56 Examples of single units (detached) in Dearing, Thomson, and McDuffie County. Over the last 19 years the number of single units (detached) has increased by 10.1%. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 57 Age of Housing Housing Unit Owner vs Renter McDuffie County’s housing stock is aging. All of McDuffie County had a spike in development in the 1960’s leading to a boom in the decade from 1970 to 1980. Activity continued, though at a less vigorous pace, in the 1980’s. Around 50% of the current housing stock appeared during this 30-year cycle. There has been a less intense burst of growth, which occurred between 1990 and 2019, mostly in the unincorporated County. Since 2010 there has been a very small percentage of new housing construction. McDuffie County had 2.4%, Dearing had 1.5%, and Thomson had 2.3% in new housing construction. The growth is significantly less the state of Georgia at 12% new housing construction. Source: 2010 U.S. Census and 2015-2019 American Community Survey Estimates Source: 2015-2019 American Community Survey Estimates McDuffie County, 33.2% Thomson, 17.0% Dearing, 23.6% Georgia, 44.8% McDuffie County, 50.6% Thomson, 48.1% Dearing, 54.5% Georgia, 43.2% McDuffie County, 16.2% Thomson, 34.8% Dearing, 21.9% Georgia, 12.0% 0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% Older Than 1960 1960-1989 Since 1990 65.0% 53.4% 42.2% 40.9% 75.3% 55.9% 35.0% 33.8% 57.8% 59.1% 24.7% 44.1% McDuffie County 2010 McDuffie County 2019 Thomson 2010 Thomson 2019 Dearing 2010 Dearing 2010 Owner Renter ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 58 The rate of owner occupancy has declined across all areas of the county. The owner occupancy rate stayed steady in McDuffie County. Dearing and Thomson has seen the greatest exodus of owners over the nineteen-year period since 2000. Source: 2010 U.S. Census Owner-Occupied Home Values 17.7% 35.1% 19.2% 10.7% 17.3% Less than $50,000 $50,000 to $99,999 $100,000 to $149,999 $150,000 to $199,999 $200,000 or more 14.3% 31.2% 19.2% 12.3% 23.0% Less than $50,000 $50,000 to $99,999 $100,000 to $149,999 $150,000 to $199,999 $200,000 or more Source: 2015-2019 American Community Survey Estimates The value owner occupancy housing has increased since 2010. The median rent income has also increased since 2010. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 59 The Mayor and City Council of Thomson passed a resolution declaring the necessity to create a Redevelopment Area in cooperation with McDuffie County in February 2005. In 2005, the City and McDuffie County were approved by DCA for a Revitalization Area Strategy. The RAS was reapproved by the DCA in 2011. In 2012, Thomson contracted to with the CSRA Regional Commission to update the Urban Redevelopment Plan and extend the boundaries of the RAS. The RAS expired in April 2016 and the city did not renew the RAS since all the work was completed. The city submitted a new RAS in 2019 for the Sills Branch area. The resolution declares a need for rehabilitation, conservation, or redevelopment or a combination thereof in such area or areas, in the interest of the public health, safety, morals, or welfare of the residents of the City of Thomson and McDuffie County, Georgia. In particular, the resolution identified slum clearance and redevelopment as a primary objective. The resolution identifies the following elements: Acquisition of a slum area or portion thereof; Rehabilitation or demolition and removal of buildings and improvements; Installation, construction, or reconstruction of streets, utilities, parks, playgrounds, and other improvements necessary for carrying out in the area the urban redevelopment plan, and Making the land available for development or redevelopment by private enterprise or public agencies (including sale, initial leasing, or retention by the municipality or county itself) at its fair value for uses in accordance with the urban redevelopment plan. In 2005, it was determined to concentrate efforts in the Strawberry Hill and Pitts Street areas. In order to provide the maximum leverage for starting a Housing Program, the city developed housing program. URP I Pitts Street and Forrest Clary Drive Revitalization Area ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 60 Under the CHIP grants, thirteen homes have been rehabbed or reconstructed and four more property owners have submitted CHIP applications. Of the homes that have been completed, three are in the 2009 CDBG target area, two are in the 2010 target area, and three are in the 2011 target area. In total the city/county have rehabbed 21 houses in the revitalization strategy areas. Also in 2008, the City in conjunction with the county became a Communities of Opportunity. McDuffie County Community Improvement Strategy states: McDuffie County seeks to improve the housing stock in their community by rehabilitating derelict properties and beautifying neighborhoods, with the hope of also reducing crime in those neighborhoods. Also Thomson-McDuffie County became a member of the GICH program in 2010 and graduated in September 2012. As a result attending the GICH work sessions, the city and county have created a Land Bank Authority, have completed a housing action plan for Thomson-McDuffie County, are studying the benefits of a blight tax and are examining ways to deal with blighted rental property. The GICH committee has conducted a housing market study to determine current and future housing needs. The City is also addressed housing with the code enforcement. Before After ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 61 URP I Pitts Street and Forrest Clary Drive Revitalization Area Before After ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 62 URP II: Sills Branch Revitalization Area As a result of the Urban Redevelopment Plan of 2005 (URP the City of Thomson has successfully implemented the Pitts Street Revitalization Area Strategy (RAS). In 2013 the City updated the Urban Redevelopment Plan (URP II). The URP II identified the Sills Branch Area for the next RAS target area. The URP made identified the following problems and recommendations for this area. The Sills Branch Revitalization Area is a priority area for infrastructure improvements. The area in which A, B and C Streets are located is subject to overflow of storm-water drainage causing multiple issues for residents and the Thomson Housing Authority as the property owner. This area will need improvement made to underground infrastructure prior to, or in conjunction with, any housing redevelopment activities taking place. There is a concentration of poverty and low-income housing and lack of housing options in the Sills Branch Revitalization Area. Findings: • Current housing located in the Sills Branch Revitalization Area is not sustainable in terms of providing adequate housing for residents. • The current layout of structures in several areas of the Sills Branch Revitalization Area does not efficiently use the existing acreage. • Property disposition and proximity to adjacent schools provides the opportunity for enhanced motorized and non-motorized transportation connections. • The Georgia Urban Redevelopment Law (Sec. 36-61-10) allows local governments to work directly with private developers for residential (and other) uses rather than require a transfer through a development authority. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 63 URP II: Sills Branch Revitalization Area City activities should focus on creating a mixture of market-rate housing and affordable housing in the Sills Branch Revitalization Area. • Areas within the Sills Branch revitalization area should be rezoned as a (Special) district, or restrictive covenants applied in order to guarantee preferred development design. • The current layout of structures in several areas of the Sills Branch Revitalization Area does not efficiently use the existing acreage. • Property disposition and proximity to adjacent schools provides the opportunity for enhanced motorized and non-motorized transportation connections. • The Georgia Urban Redevelopment Law (Sec. 36-61-10) allows local governments to work directly with private developers for residential (and other) uses rather than require a transfer through a development authority. • City activities should focus on creating a mixture of market-rate housing and affordable housing in the Sills Branch Revitalization Area. Recommendations: • Prepare design standards for the Sills Branch Revitalization Area • Prepare a conceptual site plan based for the Sills Branch Revitalization Area based on the “Governing Principles” presented in Chapter 3 of the URP, that includes an estimate of the cost of infrastructure relocation, improvement and construction. • Develop neighborhood street standards to compliment building designs on flanking properties. • Engage residents during the preparation of the concept plan. • Prepare applications for CDBG funding of infrastructure improvement within the Sills Branch Revitalization Area. • Apply safeguards during property transfer to ensure that a minimum number and percentage of units are made available for participants in the city’s affordable housing programs. The city completed 6 housing rehabilitations in the Sills Branch Revitalization Area. The city is scheduled to complete an additional 6 housing rehabilitation with the 2020 CDBG project. After Before ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 66 Natural & Cultural Resources Natural and cultural resources are often unrecognized community assets that contribute to the vitality and sustainability of the county. They have the potential to draw visitors who value natural beauty or historic character. These assets can be connected to similar resources in other counties for regional tourism. As conditions change, it is important to focus efforts on protecting critical natural features like watersheds, and avoid hazards like floodplains. When development decisions are made, the natural and cultural resources that make McDuffie County unique must be considered. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 67 ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 68 The State of Georgia’s Environmental Planning Criteria recognize the inherent need of balancing human development activity with the protection of the natural environment. This recognition is represented by minimum planning criteria established by the state (and implemented by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources) for the protection of: water supply watersheds, groundwater recharge areas, wetlands, and river corridors. The locations of three of these critical environmental areas in McDuffie county (groundwater recharge areas, wetlands, and river corridors) are illustrated on the maps on the following pages. Environmental Planning Criteria The potable water supply in McDuffie County and its municipalities is primarily supplied by surface lake extraction (further explained in the “Community Facilities” section). In combination with extraction and filtration, these naturally occurring water sources are important components to supplying residents with potable water. Watersheds and Groundwater Recharge Areas are important components to public water supply. Public Water Supply Watersheds are land formations which direct water (primarily rain water) flows in a certain direction and feeds smaller flows and water bodies. Brier Creek Watershed Little River Watershed Middle Savannah Watershed ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 69 Wetlands can be defined as lands which are saturated, either permanently or seasonally, creating an ecosystem that contains characteristic vegetation that has adapted to the unique soil conditions. Wetlands serve as a unique habitat for fish and wildlife, breeding ground, and home for unique plant and animal species that have adapted to these special conditions. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has identified five categories of wetlands which require special protection through ordinances. These include: • Open Water Wetlands • Non- Forested Emergent Wetlands • Scrub/Shrub Wetlands • Forested Wetlands • Altered Wetlands Wetlands Groundwater Recharge Areas Groundwater Recharge Areas are specific surface areas where water passes through the ground to replenish underground water sources. These areas should continue to be protected because contamination of this water supply is a possibility which must be considered when discussing the development or placement of any type of facility in these areas. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 70 Flood Plains Flooding can be defined as a situation in which an overflow of water submerges land which usually is not inundated with water. A floodplain is an area designated to store natural water and conveyance, maintain water quality, and provide groundwater recharge. The map depicts the designated flood zones as determined by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map. Areas located within the 100-year flood plain are in Zone A. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 71 Soil Types The United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has determined that the State of Georgia contains seven different soil profile areas. A soil profile represents an arrangement of soil layers of varying thickness and physical and chemical properties. Two (2 ) of these soil profiles are found in McDuffie County. They are: Southern Piedmont - Characterized by steep to gently rolling thin and well drained red soil with sandy loam surface layers over sandy clay to clay subsoils. This area has fair to good suitability for building foundations and fair to poor suitability for septic tanks. Carolina & Georgia Sand Hills - Consists of a belt of gently sloping to steep, well-drained soils originally derived from marine sands, loams, and clays. The area is largely covered with sparse forest of scrub oaks and pines and has poor to good suitability for residential development and commercial-industry uses. Different types of soils are represented in McDuffie County. These soil types can be differentiated by the multiple types of different mineral particles in a particular sample. The following are the seven types of soils found in McDuffie County: • Cecil-Madison-Pacolet • Wagram-Troup-Norfolk • Madison-Davidson-Pacolet • Vaucluse-Lakeland-Orangeburg • Georgeville-Wedowee-Tocca • Osier-Pelham-Rains • Georgeville-Tocca-Wedowee ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 72 McDuffie County has six historic districts and 11 individual historic resources listed in the National Register of Historic Places that represent a significant number of historic sites, structures, and buildings. • Boneville Historic District • James L. Hardaway House • McNeill House • Bowdre-Rees-Knox House • Hayes Line Historic District • Old Rock House • Thomas Carr District • Hickory Hill • Pine Top Farm • Hillman-Bowden House • Sweetwater Inn • Usry House • John Moore Lazenby House • Thomson Commercial Historic District • Thomas E. Watson House • Historic District • 1810 West Inn (demolished in 2019) Historic and Cultural ---PAGE BREAK--- Thomas E. Watson House ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 74 Other historic resources throughout McDuffie County, Thomson, and Dearing are eligible for National Register listing. Dearing has an intact historic town that would be eligible citywide as a National Register district. Ownership of the Rock House was transferred to McDuffie County with the intent to protect the rural resource and to develop and implement a property management plan. A volunteer restoration committee participates with the McDuffie County Tourism Dept. to plan for restoration of the building and site and interpretation for public education. The Old Rock House is Georgia’s oldest intact stone house built in 1785. Historic District was established to serve as a rural Quaker community before the American Revolution and is noted for being one of the oldest continuously inhabited English colonial settlements. It covers approximately 800 acres and is composed of historic buildings and structures, landscape features, and historic archaeological sites associated with the founding, settlement, and historical development of from 1767 to the 1920s. The Historic Foundation promotes educational programs for its historic properties of a general store, log cabin, rock chimney, and holds programs in an interpretive center. McDuffie County owns the circa 1810 Church and cemetery associated with the Quaker settlement. McDuffie County will develop a property management plan for the Old Rock House and Church and cemetery through grant resources. Rock House Hickory Hill Methodist Church Hillman-Bowden House ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 75 McDuffie County Museum The Thomson Depot is the central focus and historic community landmark of downtown Thomson. One of the most important programs for preserving the architectural environment of a city or county is the Certified Local Government program. McDuffie County and the City of Thomson each have ordinances and historic preservation commissions (HPC) adopted. The active Thomson HPC has a citywide locally designated district for design review where an applicant for a building permit must first apply for a certificate of appropriateness for their plans and appear before the HPC. McDuffie County and Thomson’s historic preservation commissions are seeking to combine their HPCs into a joint commission. Pine Top Farm McDuffie County Museum Thomson Depot McNeil House ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 78 Community Facilities Community facilities and services are a critical component of life in McDuffie County. These facilities and services contribute to the health, safety and welfare of residents, help to improve the overall quality of life, and often foster new business and residential development opportunities. Community facilities include public safety, education, parks and recreation, hospitals, and cultural and historic assets. An effective local government continually assesses and makes efforts to enhance the service operations of the facilities provided in an effort to offer residents and other stakeholders value for their investment in the community. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 79 In order to promote community-wide economic development and improve the quality of life for a community’s residents, the effective maintenance of public facilities and services is crucial. Rural communities like as McDuffie County which have experienced population decline may find it particularly difficult to maintain existing infrastructure in a manner that does not stress the personal finances of the existing population - not to mention searching for resources to fund new infrastructure to attract additional growth. McDuffie County communities collectively provide or support numerous public services which benefit citizens, business owners and property owners. Local public services include standard infrastructure categories such as: water, sewer, streets, public safety, EMS, educational facilities, among other. In addition, the jurisdictions have collaborative arrangements for specialized service categories such as: economic development, community development, code enforcement, and parks and recreation. This section does not provide a detailed inventory, but rather an overview of key community-provided services and facilities. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 80 ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 81 Water The Thomson-McDuffie Water & Sewer Utility is responsible for supplying water and sewer service to residential, commercial and industrial customers throughout the County. To that end, we operate and maintain two filter plants and distribution system components such as chlorination stations, water mains, and meters. The water distribution system consists and estimated 290 miles of underground pipes or water mains in various sizes ranging from 4 inch to 20 inch, and 6 above ground water tanks with a capacity of 1.8 million gallons. The system is spread throughout the County. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 82 Sewerage and Wastewater The Thomson-McDuffie Water & Sewer Utility is responsible for providing sewer service to residential, commercial and industrial customers throughout the County. Operate and maintain one treatment plant, and two Land Application Systems (LAS) along with distribution system components pump stations and sewer mains and manholes. Map below shows the sewer lines in the County. The treatment facility is located off of Central Road, in the southwest area of the City. Its permitted capacity is 2.5 million gallons per day (MGD). The treatment process uses microorganisms to remove solids from the wastewater and chemicals (such as chlorine) to kill bacteria. The chlorine is neutralized prior to returning the treated water to the effluent stream. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 83 Solid Waste The Department of Solid Waste Management provides the customers of McDuffie County with an environmentally responsible and cost-effective system for reduction and disposal of solid waste through quality service, education and public involvement. McDuffie County operates a solid waste transfer station located off Mesena Road. All solid waste generated in McDuffie County is processed through this facility. We not only handle the waste stream produced by the citizens of McDuffie County, but also the waste streams of Glascock and Warren counties and the cities of Thomson, Dearing, Gibson, and Warrenton. Our waste is transferred to the Waste Management owned R&B Landfill in Homer, Ga., for disposal. We operate a transfer station, as well as an inert landfill for trees, branches, bricks and concrete disposal. Our facility is located adjacent Mesena Road, at 514 Tankersley Road, 4.5 miles west of Thomson. We accept all commercial and residential waste (excluding asbestos, biomedical materials, and any regulated prohibited waste), produced in our area. Public Safety The McDuffie County Sheriff’s Department services the unincorporated areas of the county along with the town of Dearing. The department consists of 1 sheriff, 1 chief deputy, 2 criminal investigators, 1 deputy assigned to the courthouse and 14 uniformed patrol officers. The county substation is located in Dearing and is manned part-time. There is one county jail, which is located in Thomson. The City of Thomson operates its own police department and consists of an investigative unit, uniformed patrol unit (UPU) and K-9 unit. The department has 14 officers. The UPU has ten uniformed patrol officers. Two patrol officers are also certified firefighters. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 84 Fire Protection McDuffie County, Thomson, and Dearing all provide fire protection services. The McDuffie County Fire Rescue Service (FRS) has 52 firefighters - five full-time, 10 part-time, and 37 paid per call. Of these, 85 percent are trained as either paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or first responders. The FRS has six fire stations with a split ISO rating of 5/9. 5 is for properties located within 5 road miles of a station and within 1000 ft. of a hydrant or creditable water source. The 9 is for properties within 5 road miles of a station but more than 1000 ft. from a water source. The Dearing Volunteer Fire Department was founded in 1953. All members are volunteer, trained firefighters with medical emergency response capabilities. There are two captains, three lieutenants, one training officer, one safety officer, and 4 firefighters. The town has two fire stations and an ISO rating of 4. Thomson Fire Rescue has 28 firefighters - nine full-time, five part-time and 14 volunteers, many of whom are also trained either paramedics, EMTs or first responders. The city has two stations and an ISO rating of 4. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 85 Educational Facilities The McDuffie County school district consists of six schools providing classes for students in prekindergarten through 12th grade. The schools in the county system are: Dearing Elementary, Maxwell Elementary, Norris Elementary, Thomson Elementary, Thomson- McDuffie Middle, and Thomson High. The McDuffie Achievement Center (MAC) provides alternative school services for high school students who are considered at-risk of not completing the requirements for high school graduation. The major objective of the instructional component is self-paced completion of core requirements for high school students and to provide support which focuses on self-image enhancement, attitude improvement, goal setting and positive behavior to aid in academic success for all students. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 86 Transportation Investment Act (TIA) In 2012, McDuffie County voters, and the voters in the 12 other CSRA counties approved a one cent sales tax increase in a referendum established by the Transportation Investment Act of 2010 (TIA). Approval of the TIA referendum will bring in funds for the construction of three specific projects in McDuffie County, and the allocation of discretionary funds directly to McDuffie County, Dearing and Thomson governments for use on transportation projects of their choosing. TIA was renewed in 2020 and elected officials are currently working on the second round of projects which starts in 2022. Transportation - Transit Residents are currently served by McDuffie County Transit – a direct demand rural transit system largely funded by the federal Rural Transit Assistance Program. The system operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. This van service is available by appointment and can provide customers with access to destinations within McDuffie County. McDuffie County’s rural transit development plan provides a periodic analysis of system efficiency, and should be reviewed in the near future to determine how the system can be modified to meet resident travel needs. Transportation - Railroads McDuffie County is bisected by a CSX Transportation Atlanta to Augusta mainline. CSX is defined by the Federal Surface Transportation Board as a Class 1 railroad, meaning that its average annual operating revenue meets or exceeds 255.9 million dollars. The rail system is used for freight and not passenger rail. It travels through both Thomson and Dearing. There is currently no passenger rail in McDuffie County. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 87 Library and Cultural Facilities McDuffie County also operates one library located at 338 Main Street in Thomson that has served residents since 1937. The Thomson-McDuffie County Library is one of three branches serving the Bartram Trail Regional Library System for northeast Georgia; it joined this library system in 1974. The library operates with two full-time and five part-time staff who oversee a collection of approximately 45,000 items housed within the facility including books and audio/video media. E-books are also available for download, and computers with internet access are available for patron use. Other library offerings include a book mobile service for residents who cannot visit the library on their own. The McDuffie Museum opened in January 2009 and offers a variety of educational programs. McDuffie County has a wealth of cultural facilities, one of them being the Thomson Depot in the Historic Commercial District. The depot has gone through a major renovation and is now used by members of the public for private events. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 88 As illustrated in the Map below, McDuffie County contains 1,066 miles of roadway according to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). This calculation includes city streets, county roads, and state routes and is based on total lane mileage. Total lane mileage is defined as roadway mileage multiplied by the number of lanes. The east-west road system includes Interstate Highway 20 (I-20) which provides roadway access to the cities of Augusta and Atlanta, Georgia. Road System ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 89 Alternative Modes of Transportation McDuffie County does not have an inventory of pedestrian facilities within the county, and the information in this section is based on staff research. Sidewalks are an essential transportation facility because they provide pedestrian connection within and between neighborhoods, parks, shopping areas and other important destinations. The majority of sidewalks in Thomson are concentrated in and around downtown, particularly near Main Street and Railroad Street. As depicted in the photos below, the condition of these facilities varies from poor where signs of age and use are clear, to good where roadway maintenance projects have led to resurfacing. Non-existent and/or poorly-maintained sidewalks are a deterrent to pedestrian transportation, discourage their use, and sometimes forces pedestrians into the roadway with motor vehicle traffic. Although there is still work to be done, the City of Thomson has an on-going sidewalk maintenance program to address issues. The RSVP work program has a downtown walking route that will be a popular amenity with both locals and visitors. The half-mile and mile routes are shown below. It could be further promoted with unique branding that honors Thomson’s rich musical heritage as the home of Blind Willie McTell. A “Music Mile” walking path with attractive signage, pavement stencils, and specialized features like a customized app or playlist could create an exciting new downtown attraction. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 90 Parks and Recreation Public parks and recreation facilities are located throughout McDuffie County, covering over 110 acres. Park properties are maintained by the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services. The county contains 6 parks, 2 campgrounds and two golf courses. Sweetwater Park is a major recreational facility in McDuffie County. The 85-acre complex contains ball fields, a walking track, and playgrounds. Youth recreation programs in the county include baseball, football, cheerleading, hunter education, girls fast-pitch softball, golf, basketball and soccer. Adult athletic programs include softball and flag football. The Raysville Campground located along Clarks Hill Lake, a seasonal campground area comprised of 55 campsites along with water and electrical service. The beautiful Little River Water Trail flows for 20 miles through the 15,000-acre Clarks Hill Lake Wildlife Management Area into Clarks Hill Lake and is truly a sanctuary that is great for bird & wildlife watching. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 91 Downtown Thomson currently does not have outdoor spaces for family recreation. The vacant lot adjacent to the Thomson-McDuffie Government Center (shown below) is a prime location that is currently underutilized. With a parking lot already constructed to the right of the image shown here, this grassy lot has the potential to become a community amenity. The RSVP Proposed “Railroad Park” is below which would include playground equipment, a splash pad, and a dog park. ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 94 Land Use Land use is at the heart of planning for the future of any community. The timing and location of new development, or reuse of existing developed land, depend in large part on factors discussed in previous sections: population change, economic growth, availability of or need for community facilities and infrastructure, housing stock, and natural and historic resources. Each of these components of a community has a direct impact on how land will be used. In essence, land use is the intersection of all other facets of community planning. This section details the tools currently in place to shape development, and provides prescriptive guidance to ensure that future development occurs in a manner that moves McDuffie County toward realizing its desired end. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 95 Existing and Future Land Use The County’s preliminary development scenario is presented in the form of a “character areas” map. Character areas not only identify existing and future land uses that may be appropriate for a particular area, they can highlight a variety of other factors such as: the desired form, function and style new development will take; existing features that should be incorporated into future development scenarios; and, relationships to adjacent development. In short, a character area addresses not only WHAT a piece of land should be used for; but, also HOW that land should be used. Unlike a parcel-specific future land use map, boundaries on a character area map are conceptual and may cross parcel lines. The character area boundaries in this document are intended to represent an approximation. This flexibility allows the governing body charged with implementing the plan to make decisions based on changing conditions while reducing the need to continually update the future land use map. Granted that the Character Areas map is a guide, and the Comprehensive Plan a policy document, generally, tracts should develop according to the parameters established in the specific character area in which it is located. All jurisdictions are strongly encouraged to initiate amendments to their future development map whenever they intend to promote a development pattern in an area that is inconsistent with the adopted map and attending land use policy documents. Changing conditions sometime lead to or require changes in land use. The understanding of established and potential future uses of land in McDuffie County and its contained jurisdictions should be a priority to address changing conditions. Prior to 2015, the town of Dearing did not have zoning. A land development code was adopted in February 2015. An analysis of the prior and current zoning in the county reveals that minor changes in zoning have occurred in recent years. The majority of land in the county has been and remains designated for agricultural and low-density residential uses. The amount of land designated as neighborhood service commercial district decreased significantly when the largest parcel, located just outside of Thomson, was changed to medium-density residential. Additionally, the city of Thomson and the town of Dearing has annexed property since the 2015 Comprehensive Plan. Subsequently, the zoning in some of these areas has changed. In Thomson, the amount of property designated for residential, commercial, and special uses (for example: educational, recreational) has all increased as a result of annexation. The annexation of those properties into Thomson reduced the amount of land designated for heavy industrial and medium-density residential uses in the county. The Thomson Urban Redevelopment Plan II (URP) was completed in 2013. The URP contained recommendations that included: • Creating a mixture of housing types in the same neighborhood • Providing greater access to public green space • Incorporating clear design standards for bike/ped facilities in subdivision and land development regulations Character Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 96 McDuffie County Character Areas 1. 2. Ft. Gordon Buffer 3. Lakeshore 4. Production 5. Three Points Interchange 6. Urban Reserve 7. Suburban Reserve 8. Wrightboro Village 9. McDuffie County Tourism Gateway 10. Usry Pond 11. Medical District 12. Traditional Kaolin Mining City of Thomson Character Areas 1. Commercial Corridor 2. Downtown Thomson 3. Traditional Neighborhood - Stable 4. Regional Commercial 5. Suburban Residential 6. Traditional Neighborhood - Declining 7. Residential Mixed Use 8. Thomson Tourism Gateway Town of Dearing Character Areas 1. Residential 2. Commercial Center 3. Town Center 4. Industrial ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 97 McDuffie County Character Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 98 The character area is predominantly rural, undeveloped land that is used for agriculture or rural residential. Future development in the character area should strive to retain the rural character through the preservation of open spaces. Large lot residential, clustered residential development and agricultural uses should continue to be the preferred development pattern within the area. Clustered development is the grouping of residential properties on a development site in order to use the extra land as open space, recreation or agriculture. Description: Agriculture/Forestry Low Density Residential (Medium-sized) lots with clustered development Passive Recreation Appropriate Land Uses: • Target infrastructure expansion, particularly in eastern areas of the county. • Promote timber harvesting with guidelines for replanting. • Emphasize cluster subdivision design that incorporates a significant amount of open space. • Utilize the recreational trails plan and connect to bike routes whenever possible. Implementation ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 99 Fort Gordon Buffer The Fort Gordon Buffer character area is and should remain a largely undeveloped buffer between Fort Gordon and residential areas of McDuffie County in order to prevent negative impacts of development that encroaches too closely to the Fort. Description: Agriculture Passive Recreation Mining Appropriate Land Uses: • Restrict development in this area • Acquire conservation easements Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 100 Lakeshore The Lakeshore character area is located in the northeastern portion of McDuffie County along Clark’s Hill Lake. This area contains deteriorated housing stock and homeowners who are seasonal visitors. Existing roadways hinder the area from reaching its full recreational potential. Description: Medium-density Residential Passive Recreation Parks/Recreation/Conservation Appropriate Land Uses: • Improve transportation facilities • Develop design guidelines for new development • Buffer stream corridors • Focus on cluster development design to maximize open space • Consider creating a Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning district • Expand sewer service where feasible Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 101 Production The Production character area lies away from major residential population centers, is near transportation facilities within the county and includes manufacturing, warehousing, and plant nurseries. This character area will be the home of most future manufacturing and warehousing uses within the county. Description: Industrial Manufacturing Commercial Appropriate Land Uses: • Create landscape buffers to separate industrial uses from adjacent areas • Provide information regarding these areas to potential supporting commercial businesses • Limit noises, smells, and lighting associated with manufacturing uses • Provide and maintain streets that can accommodate continual large vehicle traffic Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 102 Three Point Interchange The Three Points Interchange character area is currently the location of a undeveloped I-20 interchange. This area remains mostly characterized by agricultural and forestry uses. Development directly around the interchange should be auto oriented and typical of a major highway interchange. Development to the north of the interchange should be primarily industrial, leading towards the airport. Development south of the interchange may include limited commercial with some residential mixed in as you approach the urbanized area of Thomson. Description: Commercial Industrial Manufacturing Appropriate Land Uses: • Provide new/improved infrastructure including water, sewer, and industrial grade streets • Promote industrial and complimentary uses north of I-20 • Promote commercial uses south of I-20 • Incorporate access management standards for new and existing streets • Offer incentives to locate in these areas Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 103 Urban Reserve The Urban Reserve character area surrounds the urbanized area of Thomson. Currently, rural residential and commercial development are the primary uses in this area. Single-family attached, town-homes and condo developments would be appropriate. Description: High-density Residential Appropriate Land Uses: • Encourage pedestrian-oriented street design • Create street interconnectivity • Incorporate bicycle/pedestrian facilities Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 104 Suburban Reserve The Suburban Reserve character area is comprised of developed and undeveloped areas of the county within close proximity to Dearing and Thomson that are intended for low to moderate density residential land uses. The area allows for flexibility in residential building design, but encourages street block and lot arrangements that promote interconnectivity between tracts. Description: Residential Parks And Recreation Passive Recreation Appropriate Land Uses: • Promote a variety of architectural styles and housing types • Create targeted open space and pocket parks in/near neighborhoods • Establish collector street standards for large developments and in targeted areas • Incorporate bicycle and pedestrian features with direct linkages to community facilities • Encourage street linkages between arterials and adjacent development tracts Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 105 Usry Pond Preserve The Usry Pond Preserve character area is an environmentally sensitive area that is unsuitable for most development. This land could be best utilized in the future as open space and utilized in conjunction with other character areas to create a network of trails or greenways that provide residents with recreation and transportation options. Description: Passive Recreation Low-density Residential Appropriate Land Uses: • Create and maintain buffer area • Purchase/acquire properties and/or conservation easements • Limit residential density • Develop bicycle and pedestrian “greenway” corridors while creating linkages to and between adjacent development and properties Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 106 Village The Village character area encompasses the historic Village area. Protection of the historic character of the village should be the guiding principle of all development within the character area. Clustering of low density residential development to protect the view sheds, and open space will be the easiest way to keep the historic feel of the Village character area intact. Description: Low-density Residential Passive Recreation Appropriate Land Uses: • Establish design guidelines to preserve historic character • Place buildings as to protect view shed • Encourage clustering of low-density residential • Encourage more heritage tourism in the area Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 107 Medical District The Medical District character area is focused at the current airport and new hospital and expanding in an east-west direction for 5 miles. Proper development and plane safety in the surrounding area is very important. Concurrently, the expansion of health care and related uses should be in a campus style. Uniform signage with a simple and attractive street and pedestrian network will make way finding simple. Passive Recreation Medical Office Appropriate Land Uses: • Develop restrictions for lighting, cell towers, garbage storage, smoke, utility structures and building height to protect air plane traffic. • Bury utilities near the airport • Create bicycle/pedestrian connectivity options for future residential development near the hospital Implementation Measures: Description: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 108 McDuffie County Tourism Gateway The McDuffie County Tourism Gateway character area is located along Lincolnton Rd/Washington Rd from Clark’s Hill Lake to the city limits of Thomson, where it connects with the Thomson Tourism Gateway. It stretches from the road centerline to 100 feet on either side of the road centerline along the length of the route. Description: Acts as an overlay and should conform to the underlying zoning uses Appropriate Land Uses: • Review sign ordinance and make appropriate changes • Create standards for property and vacant parcel maintenance and code enforcement. • Investigate the adverse impacts of demolition by neglect Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 109 Traditional Kaolin Mining The Traditional Kaolin Mining character area is located in southern McDuffie County, south of Old Milledgeville Rd/ Wire Rd/Augusta Highway. This area is the traditional land where mining of this important natural resource has occurred and is considered, by some, the only area where future mining should occur. There is also a buffer area around the town of Dearing for future expansions of the town to the south. Description: Residential Industrial Appropriate Land Uses: • Create a zoning overlay district for kaolin mining. Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 110 City of Thomson Character Areas Name Commercial Corridor Downtown Thomson Residential Mixed Use Regional Commercial Suburban Residential Thomson Tourism Gateway Traditional Neighborhood Stable Traditional neighborhood Declining ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 111 Commercial Corridor The Commercial Corridor character area is comprised of office and retail areas located along portions of Gordon St and Hill St. This area contains office and retail that focus on local community services located in smaller buildings and development tracts than would be found in the “regional commercial” character area. Future development patterns should focus on on-site access management features, pedestrian enhancements, landscaping and sign standards in order to improve function and aesthetics. Description: Commercial Appropriate Land Uses: • Develop uniform design standards for landscaping and signage • Establish lighting requirements • Encourage bicycle racks at retail locations Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 112 Downtown Thomson The Downtown Thomson character area is defined mostly by a traditional downtown development pattern (buildings to the edge of the sidewalk, dense, multi-story development, etc). New development should build on these positive attributes and others that promote a pedestrian-friendly environment. Description: Public/Institutional Mixed Uses – Residential/Retail Appropriate Land Uses: • Maintain and enhance pedestrian facilities • Incorporate mixed-uses • Define road edges by locating buildings or landscaping at the roadside with parking in the rear • Incorporate design guidelines for new development to preserve historic downtown character and walkable connections. • Investigate options for new traffic patterns Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 113 Residential Mixed Use The Residential Mixed Use character area is located in the area of the former hospital. The YMCA occupies a portion of the former hospital. Development in the area should focus on forming a new identity for the area that encompasses the offices and services that remain as well as residential opportunities. Two- story buildings with retail/residential or office/residential combinations are appropriate mixed uses. Description: Office Mixed use – Retail/Residential and Office/Residential Active and Passive Recreation Appropriate Land Uses: • Re-purpose buildings occupied by the former hospital and offices • Create pedestrian connections between uses and to other areas of the city • Provide incentives to develop in this area and work with developers to create pedestrian-oriented designs • Consider creating a Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning district • Perform landscape and sidewalk improvements Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 114 Regional Commercial The Regional Commercial character area is located in the northeastern portion of Thomson. Development within the Regional Commercial character area should incorporate design and access standards to promote a sense of identity. Increase connections in order to expand bicycle and pedestrian networks. Perimeter buffering should also be incorporated. Description: Large-scale Commercial Appropriate Land Uses: • Develop uniform design standards for buildings, landscaping and signage • Create on-site bicycle and pedestrian facilities • Create bicycle and pedestrian connections to nearby residential areas • Incorporate buffers along the perimeter Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 115 Suburban Residential The Suburban Residential character area is characterized by traditional auto-centric suburban development with little to no pedestrian orientation and no transit. Future development should incorporate bicycle and pedestrian facilities and connections between existing developments. A variety of architectural styles and types of housing should be encouraged in order to begin to establish neighborhood identities. Description: Low to high density Residential Parks and Recreation Appropriate Land Uses: • Promote a variety of architectural styles and housing types • Create targeted open space and pocket parks in/near neighborhoods • Develop collector street standards for large developments in targeted areas • Incorporate bicycle and pedestrian features with connections to greenways and community facilities Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 116 Traditional Neighborhood -Declining The Traditional Neighborhood-Declining character area includes neighborhoods east of Main Street that were once stable and thriving. Currently they contain a concentration of structures/ properties that exhibit characteristics of deterioration. Neighborhood scale retail/commercial and greenspace should be incorporated to serve as focal points and support redevelopment and rehabilitation activities. Description: Medium-density Residential Neighborhood Commercial Parks and Recreation Mixed Use Appropriate Land Uses: • Incorporate ideas from the Thomson Urban Redevelopment Plan II • Take advantage of vacant or blighted parcels to infill with architecturally compatible, mixed income housing and pocket parks • Build a new neighborhood scale retail/commercial center • Utilize the land bank to work with distressed properties Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 117 Traditional Neighborhood-Stable The Traditional Neighborhood-Stable character area of Thomson is located west of downtown and has remained viable over the long term. Comprised of mostly older well-maintained homes, this character area offers its residents a strong neighborhood identity. Description: Residential Appropriate Land Uses: • Strengthen pedestrian connections to community facilities and other destination • Continue support of neighborhood identity • Establish design guidelines for infill development Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 118 Thomson Tourism Gateway The Thomson Tourism Gateway character area begins at city limits where it connects to the McDuffie County Tourism Gateway and extends down to Hill St. This character area is composed of a public street segment that extends 100 feet from the road centerline on either side. It should incorporate elements such as bicycle and pedestrian enhancements, landscaping, property maintenance standards and sign standards in order to improve function and aesthetics and provide community-wide identity. Description: Acts as an overlay and should conform to the underlying zoning uses. Appropriate Land Uses: • Work with the Chamber of Commerce to develop uniform sign standards • Create standards for property and vacant parcel maintenance and stronger code enforcement • Bury utilities • Repair and maintain sidewalks • Incorporate bicycle and pedestrian enhancements Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 119 Town of Dearing Character Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 120 Residential The Residential character area encompasses the majority of town. This area should strive to include housing options for all residents, and increase interconnectivity throughout the community with the addition of pedestrian and bicycle facilities linking community facilities and destinations. Description: Agricultural Residential Institutional Appropriate Land Uses: • Create bicycle and pedestrian features with connections to community facilities • Take advantage of vacant or blighted parcels to infill with architecturally compatible housing and pocket parks • Continue the interconnected street pattern as new parcels are developed • Incorporate greenspace into new developments Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 121 Commercial Center The Commercial Center character area is located to the west of downtown Dearing and provides for a variety of commercial, retail, office, and service activities for the residents of Dearing and surrounding McDuffie County. Description: Commercial Institutional Appropriate Land Uses: • Provide incentives for new businesses to locate here • Add bicycle and pedestrian facilities to create connections to downtown and nearby residential areas Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 122 Town Center The Town Center character area provides for the revitalization and reuse of existing buildings, and new construction of buildings in Dearing’s historic commercial core. Description: Commercial Institutional Residential Appropriate Land Uses: • Promote adaptive reuse of vacant structures • Develop guidelines for and support infill development • Encourage mixed-use residential/ retail developments • Add bicycle and pedestrian facilities to increase access to major destinations Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 123 Industrial The Industrial character area provides an area for limited industrial, manufacturing and warehousing uses. The district should be separated from residential areas due to potential incompatibility. Description: Industrial Appropriate Land Uses: • Provide and maintain necessary infrastructure to these areas • Increase the amount of manufacturing Implementation Measures: ---PAGE BREAK--- Main Street corridor showing neglect Rendering of Proposed Main Street streetscape improvements ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 126 Report of Accomplishments The Report of Accomplishments reviews the current status of activities identified as priorities in the previous five-year work program. The status of each activity is indicated as one of the following four categories: completed, ongoing, postponed, not accomplished. Activities indicated as ‘ongoing’ are carried over to the upcoming five-year work program. For activities indicated as ‘postponed’ or ‘not accomplished’ a supporting rationale is also provided. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 127 McDuffie County Economic Development Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Initiate participation in the Georgia Enterprise Zone Program X Priority has changed since last comprehensive plan was developed. Apply for DCA Opportunity Zone designation for areas previously designated as Enterprise Zones X Work with downtown businesses to apply for funds from the Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DD RLF) for building improvements. X Contact officials at University Hospital McDuffie, GRU and other institutions to begin a conversation about locating a medical/research office in McDuffie County. X No longer a priority for McDuffie County. Review zoning districts and adjust them to suit development patterns in the character areas (e.g. institute R-3 zoning in the Urban Reserve Character Area) and encourage mixed use development. X Zoning Districts were reviewed and no adjustments were needed. Partner with Augusta Tech to examine and develop connections between growing industries in the county and courses offered at the county location. X Designate revitalization areas within the county and focus retail recruitment in those areas. X Zoning Districts were reviewed and no adjustments were needed. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 128 Housing Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Review zoning districts and adjust them to suit development patterns in the character areas (e.g. institute R-3 zoning in the Urban Reserve Character Area) and encourage mixed use development. X Zoning Districts were reviewed and no adjustments were needed. Focus housing in the medical district character area X Multi-family development with 150 units under construction near Interstate 20 and the medical district. Efforts are ongoing. Adopt the International Property Maintenance Code X International Property Maintenance Code adopted June 2020. Create an inventory of housing for persons with physical and mental disabilities and determine whether more is needed X No active inventory, action item proved to infeasible. Natural and Cultural Resources Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Nominate additional significant historic structures for the National Register of Historic Places. X ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 129 McDuffie County Community Facilities Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Purchase additional equipment to enhance the current yard waste recycling program. X Funding is not available at this time. Apply for U.S. Justice Department’s Justice Assistance Grant to support law enforcement services. X Apply for U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants to assist with operating costs of fire protection and EMS. X Transportation Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Amend subdivision regulations to require developers to dedicate additional right- of- way along existing thoroughfares – or for new thoroughfares - that are identified in the Major Thoroughfare Plan. X Low priority for the county. Adopt access management standards to control the amount of curb cuts on high volume streets. X Road frontage requirements designed to combat this issue. McDuffie County follows GDOT guidelines. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 130 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Review the previous McDuffie County Trails Plan and revise as needed prior to adoption. X In the 2021-2025 CWP as “Archway is currently reviewing the previous McDuffie County Trails Plan and revising as needed before adoption.” and “Adopt the revised McDuffie County Trails Plan.” Addition of, at minimum, four foot shoulders to all roadways during local resurfacing projects to assist cyclists. X Not feasible at this time. Land Use Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Create natural resource overlay zoning districts, and amend current cluster subdivision standards. X Low priority for the county. Establish a transfer of development rights program in order to protect rural character of areas identified for the preservation of natural resources. X Low priority for the county. Adopt design guidelines in identified areas. (Downtowns, Lake, etc.) X This activity has been included in the 2021-2025 CWP as “Adopt design guidelines for the Lake District and McDuffie County’s Main Corridors.” ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 131 City of Thomson Economic Development Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Utilize the URP II retail profile to determine what types of businesses to recruit and where to locate them. X Promote the creation of mixed use buildings downtown and in redevelopment areas that serve both retail/office and residential purposes. X Partner with Augusta Tech to examine and develop connections between growing industries in the city and courses offered at the county location. X Review the qualifications for the Georgia Main Street Program and decide whether or not to apply for membership. X City will apply and item is in the 2021- 2025 CWP. Initiate participation in the Georgia Enterprise Zone Program. X Priority has changed since last comprehensive plan was developed. Apply for DCA Opportunity Zone designation for areas in the Urban Redevelopment Plan II. X Work with downtown businesses to apply for funds from the Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DD RLF) for building improvements. X Housing Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Rehabilitate downtown buildings to accommodate mixed use residential where feasible. X ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 132 Housing Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Continue housing rehabilitation and reconstruction in the Pitt Street and Forest Clary Drive areas. X Completed all CDBG housing in that area and completed road and infra­ structure work. Rehabilitate deteriorated housing using CDBG/CHIP funds. X Currently have some projects at the Housing Authority and on Road utilizing funds. Efforts are ongoing. Demolish Dangerous Structures and Assign Property Lien. X Update Nuisance Property List annually. X Accept Public Ownership of Dispersed Dangerous Building Lots Offered in Lieu of Lien Collection & Fees. X Partner with local realtors to do public outreach in redevelopment areas to discuss how redevelopment affects residents and gather resident opinions on what they would like to see. X Archway RSVP did have a Real Estate Focus Group that discussed on housing issues and ways to improve problems. Offer maintenance assistance program to property owners within the redevelopment areas defined in the URP II regardless of income. X Not feasible for the City at this time. Utilize existing neighborhood associations as examples to develop a neighborhood association “tool kit” to provide to interested residents in declining areas. X Develop a rental registration and housing inspection program that ensures rental properties meet minimum building and health codes. X Low priority for the City. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 133 City of Thomson Housing Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Create an inventory of housing for persons with physical and mental disabilities and determine whether more is needed X Low priority for the city. Adopt the International Property Maintenance Code. X Adopted June 2020. Natural and Cultural Resources Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Nominate additional significant historic structures for the National Register of Historic Places. X Community Facilities Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Purchase additional equipment to enhance the current yard waste recycling program. X Funding is not available at this time. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 134 Community Facilities Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Apply for U.S. Justice Department’s Justice Assistance Grant to support law enforcement services. X Apply for U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants to assist with operating costs of fire protection and EMS. X Replace and upgrade existing water lines and sewer lines throughout the city - in, but not limited to, the Sills Branch area. X In the 2021-2025 CWP as “Apply for CDBG Funds for water, sewer, flood and drainage, and roadway infrastructure improvements throughout the city - in, but not limited to, the Sills Branch area. Add flood and drainage improvements (curb and gutter and storm-water infrastructure) throughout the city - in, but not limited to, the Sills Branch area. X In the 2021-2025 CWP as “Apply for Grant Funds for water, sewer, flood and drainage, and roadway infrastructure improvements throughout the city - in, but not limited to, the Sills Branch area. Transportation Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Adopt industrial street standards for areas where future expansion of industry is targeted. X Use D.O.T specs for areas of future industrial growth. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 135 City of Thomson Transportation Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Adopt access management standards to control the amount of curb cuts on high volume streets. X City of Thomson ordinances provide curb cut regulations. Repave streets throughout the city - in, but not limited to, the Sills Branch area. X In the 2021-2025 CWP as “Apply for CDBG Funds for water, sewer, flood and drainage, and roadway infrastructure improvements throughout the city - in, but not limited to, the Sills Branch area. Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Review the previous McDuffie County Trails Plan and revise as needed prior to adoption. X In the 2021-2025 CWP as “Archway Partnership is currently revising the McDuffie County Trails Plan” Invest in pedestrian infrastructure in targeted areas identified in the URP II. X Current sidewalk improvements projects on Gordon Street, Tom Watson Way, Harrison Road, and Main Street in front of the Brickyard. Efforts are ongoing. Addition of, at minimum, four foot shoulders to all roadways during local resurfacing projects to assist cyclists. X Not feasible at this time. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 136 Land Use Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Create natural resource overlay zoning districts, and amend current cluster subdivision standards. X Low priority for the city. Establish a transfer of development rights program in order to protect rural character of areas identified for the preservation of natural resources. X Low priority for the city. Adopt design guidelines in identified areas. (Downtown, etc.) X ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 137 Town of Dearing Economic Development Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Review the qualifications for the Georgia Main Street Program and decide whether or not to apply for membership X Reviewed qualifications and town decided not to apply at this time. Initiate efforts to beautify downtown through the nuisance code X This activity was not accomplished due to lack of staff capacity. Promote revitalization efforts and the creation of mixed use buildings (that serve both retail/office and residential purposes) in the Town Center Character Area X This activity was not accomplished due to lack of staff capacity. Create a façade improvement program. X Low priority for the town. Concentrate retail growth in the Commercial Center Character Area. X Two new retail projects approved. Family Dollar and Dollar General. A new restaurant downtown was also approved. Efforts are ongoing. Partner with Augusta Tech to examine and develop connections between growing industries in the town and courses offered at the county location. X Low priority for the town. Housing Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Rezone areas of town for multi-family and attract one new multi-family development within this district. X Low priority for the town. Develop design guidelines for a variety of housing types. X Low priority for the town. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 138 Housing Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Define areas requiring rehabilitation and redevelopment. X Low priority for the town. Rehabilitate deteriorated housing using CDBG/CHIP funds. X Begin public outreach to gather support for the formation of neighborhood associations X Low priority for the town. Partner with local realtors to do public outreach in redevelopment areas to discuss how redevelopment affects residents and gather resident opinions on what they would like to see. X Low priority for the town. Develop a rental registration and housing inspection program ensure rental properties meet minimum building and health codes. X Low priority for the town. Adopt the International Property Maintenance Code X Adopted June 2020 Create an inventory of housing for persons with physical and mental disabilities and determine whether more is needed X Low priority for the town. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 139 Town of Dearing Natural and Cultural Resources Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Nominate additional significant historic structures for the National Register of Historic Places. X Community Facilities Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Apply for U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants to assist with operating costs of fire protection and EMS. X Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Project Completed Ongoing Postponed Not Accomplished Comments Invest in pedestrian infrastructure in the Town Center and Commercial Center character areas X Utilized TSPLOST funds for a town park with sidewalks and walking track. Will continue sidewalk work in the downtown area as funds allow. Efforts are ongoing. Addition of, at minimum, four foot shoulders to all roadways during local resurfacing projects to assist cyclists. X Not feasible at this time. ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 142 Community Work Program The Work Program consists of the specific activities that McDuffie County and each of its contained jurisdictions will undertake in the five-year period from 2021 through 2025 to meet identified community needs and advance local goals. Although the plan was developed jointly, each jurisdiction has developed its own set of work program activities. Some activities will be completed as joint effort with participation by all local governments. Each work program entry includes: a description of the activity, a timeframe for completion, parties responsible for implementation, a cost estimate, and a funding source. ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 143 McDuffie County Economic Development Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Stone Property Improvements: harvesting all timber ans selectively making ready building sites. X X X X X McDuffie County TBD SPLOST Purchase land for future development. X X X X X McDuffie County, EDA $1.25M SPLOST Increase the Mt. Pleasant Water Line capacity. X X X X X McDuffie County $80,000 SPLOST Thomson Company Redevelopment: effectively stabilize and re-use oldest parts of the building complex. X X X X X McDuffie County TBD SPLOST Commercial area corridor development standards. X X McDuffie County Staff time General Funds Apply for DCA Opportunity Zone designation for areas previously designated as Enterprise Zones X X X X McDuffie Thomson Planning Commissions $1,000 Annually General Funds Work with downtown businesses to apply for funds from the Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DD RLF) for building improvements. X X X DA and CSRA RC Staff time General Funds Partner with Augusta Tech to examine and develop connections between growing industries in the county and courses offered at the county location. X X X X X Augusta Technical College & Development Authority $5,000 Annually General Funds Designate revitalization areas within the county and focus retail recruitment in those areas. X X X X X DA and McDuffie Planning Commission $13,000 Annually General Funds Reactivate the Land Bank. X McDuffie Thomson Planning CSRA RC Staff Time General Funds ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 144 Housing Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Focus on housing developments for retiree and young professionals. X X X X McDuffie County, Archway Staff Time General Funds Pursue an active adult/small lot subdivision in the Belle Meade area. X X X X McDuffie County Staff Time General Funds Focus housing in the medical district character area X X X X McDuffie Planning Staff Time General Funds Rehabilitate deteriorated housing using CDBG/CHIP funds. X X X X X McDuffie County CSRA RC $400,000 to $1.0M Annually General Funds CDBG/ CHIP Funds Natural and Cultural Resources Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Complete CLG grant, Thomson Residential Design Guidelines and McDuffie Historic Resources Property Management Plan X McDuffie Thomson CSRA RC $15,000 DCA/HPD Combine McDuffie-Thomson for joint CLG designation. X X McDuffie Thomson CSRA RC TBD CLG Grant Apply for CLG grant, Thomson Commercial Design Guidelines X X McDuffie Thomson CSRA RC, TBD DCA/HPD Nominate additional significant historic structures for the National Register of Historic Places. X X X X X McDuffie County CSRA RC Staff Time General Funds State and Federal Grants ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 145 Community Facilities Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Cobbham Road Overlay - sewer improvements along Sillis Branch. X X X McDuffie County TBD SPLOST Daniel Place sewer improvements. X X X McDuffie County $390,000 SPLOST Belle Meade sewer improvements. X X X McDuffie County TBD SPLOST Rock House rehab existing structure and site improvements. X X McDuffie County $500,000 SPLOST Big Creek Panel Upgrades and Pre-Treatment Units. X X X X McDuffie County $3.9M SPLOST Grant Augusta Road Water Treatment Plant Improvements. X X X X X McDuffie County $1.23M Grant Loan Airport Infrastructure Improvements X X McDuffie County $425,000 SPLOST Airport Reskinning T-1 Hangar X X X McDuffie County $100,000 SPLOST Apply for Grant Funds for water, sewer, flood and drainage, and roadway improvements. X X X X X McDuffie County CSRA RC $750,000 to $1.0M Annually General Funds/ SPLOST/ State and Federal Grants McDuffie County ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 146 Community Facilities Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Build a Handicap Accessible Playground X X McDuffie County $125,000 SPLOST State and Federal Grants Expansion of existing Sweetwater Gym X X X McDuffie County $1.2M SPLOST State and Federal Grants Reconstruction of press box, bath­ rooms, and concession at Sweetwater Gym X X McDuffie County $325,000 SPLOST State and Federal Grants Rehabilitation of Old Thomson Gym. X X X McDuffie County $750,000 SPLOST State and Federal Grants Build Railroad Park- 12,000 square foot playground facility. Proposed playground, splash pad, and dog park. X X X McDuffie County $1.0M SPLOST State and Federal Grants Apply for U.S. Justice Department’s Justice Assistance Grant to support law enforcement services. X X McDuffie County CSRA RC Staff Time General Funds State and Federal Grants Apply for U.S. Department of Home­ land Security’s Assistance to Firefight­ ers Grants to assist with operating costs of fire protection and EMS. X X McDuffie County CSRA RC Staff Time General Funds State and Federal Grants ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 147 McDuffie County Transportation Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Branding/Way-finding signage X X X X X McDuffie County TBD TSPLOST Resurfacing county roads based on priority and needs list. X X X X X McDuffie County $6.0M SPLOST LMIG I-20 Frontage Road Improvements X X McDuffie County TBD TSPLOST SR150 at Stagecoach Road intersection improvements. X X McDuffie County TBD TSPLOST SR17 Median Improvements X X McDuffie County TBD TSPLOST Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Apply for Outdoor Stewardship DNR grant for The Little River Water Trail - boat ramp landing. X X McDuffie County Archway Staff Time General Funds Grants Archway is currently reviewing the previous McDuffie County Trails Plan and revising as needed before adoption. X X McDuffie Thomson Archway Staff Time General Funds Adopt the revised McDuffie County Trails Plan. X X McDuffie Thomson Staff Time General Funds ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 148 Land Use Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Adopt design guidelines for the Lake District and McDuffie County’s Main Corridors. X X X McDuffie County CSRA RC Staff Time General Funds Grant Consolidate planning boards. There will be 2 members from each jurisdiction. X X McDuffie Thomson Dearing Staff Time General Funds Broadband Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Adopt a resolution that McDuffie County desires to be fully served by Broadband. X X X McDuffie County Staff Time General Funds Identify community buildings that would benefit from enhanced broadband and/or could be considered for Broadband Ready designation. X X X McDuffie County CSRA RC Staff Time DCA, General Funds Apply for Broadband Ready designation for chosen community sites. X X X McDuffie Thomson Dearing CSRA RC Staff Time General Funds Phase I X X X X McDuffie County $2.3M SPLOST Loan Grants Phase II X X X X McDuffie County $605,000 Loan Grants Phase III X X X X McDuffie County $290,000 Loan Grants Radio communication and wireless data system. X X X X McDuffie County $2.8M SPLOST ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 149 City of Thomson Economic Development Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Utilize the URP II retail profile to determine what types of businesses to recruit and where to locate them. X X X X X Thomson Archway Staff time General Funds Promote the creation of mixed use buildings downtown and in redevelopment areas that serve both retail/office and residential purposes. X X X X X Thomson Downtown Development Authority Archway $20,000 Annually Authori­ ty Budget for Devel­ opment Studies and Promotional Activities Partner with Augusta Tech to examine and develop connections between growing industries in the city and courses offered at the county location. X X X Thomson Archway Workforce $5,000 Annually General Funds Apply for the Georgia Main Street Program. X X Thomson DDA Archway Staff time General Funds Improve the appearance of downtown buildings. X X X X X Thomson DDA Archway TBD General Funds DCA Tax Credit Maintain the historical building stock. X X X X X Thomson DDA Archway TBD General Funds DCA Tax Credit Address vacancies in downtown buildings. X X X X X Thomson DDA Archway TBD General Funds DCA Tax Credit Create URP III. X X Thomson CSRA RC $5,000 Staff time General Funds Create and Market a Downtown Incentives Package. X X X Thomson Archway TBD SPLOST Land Bank Authority Work with downtown businesses to apply for funds from the Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DD RLF) for building improvements. X X X X X Thomson DDA $2,000 Annually General Funds ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 150 Economic Development Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Reactivate the Land Bank. X McDuffie Thomson CSRA RC Staff Time General Funds Apply for DCA Opportunity Zone designation for areas in the Urban Redevelopment Plan II. X X Thomson Archway TBD General Funds Housing Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Rehabilitate downtown buildings to accommodate mixed use residential where feasible. X X X X X Thomson Archway $1.0M DCA Georgia Cities Foundation/ Historic Preservation Tax Credit/ State and Federal Funds Rehabilitate deteriorated housing using CDBG/CHIP funds. X X X X X Thomson CSRA RC $400,000 to $1.0M Annually General Funds CDBG/ CHIP Funds Demolish Dangerous Structures and Assign Property Lien. X X X X X Thomson Code Enforcement $50,000 Department Budget Update Nuisance Property List annually. X X X X X Thomson Code Enforcement $1,500 Annually Department Budget Accept Public Ownership of Dispersed Dangerous Building Lots Offered in Lieu of Lien Collection & Fees. X X X X X Thomson- McDuffie Land Bank $10,000 Annually Land Bank Budget ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 151 City of Thomson Housing Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Utilize existing neighborhood associations as examples to develop a neighborhood association “tool kit” to provide to interested residents in declining areas. X X X Planning Commission Staff time Department Budget Create an Infill Rehabilitation Housing Incentive Program. X X X Thomson Staff time Department Budget Apply for CHIP funds for Infill Housing X X X X X Thomson CSRA RC $600,000 CHIP Funds Apply for CDBG funds for acquisition of property for demolition. X X X X X Thomson CSRA RC $100,000 CDBG Funds Utilize existing neighborhood associations as examples to develop a neighborhood association “tool kit” to provide to interested residents in declining areas. X X X Thomson Archway $3,000 Annually General Funds Natural and Cultural Resources Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Complete CLG grant, Thomson Residential Design Guidelines and McDuffie Historic Resources Property Management Plan X Thomson CSRA RC $15,000 DCA/HPD Combine McDuffie-Thomson for joint CLG designation. X X Thomson CSRA RC TBD CLG Grant ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 152 Natural and Cultural Resources Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Apply for CLG grant, Thomson Commercial Design Guidelines X X Thomson CSRA RC TBD DCA/HPD Nominate additional significant historic structures for the National Register of Historic Places. X X X X X Thomson CSRA RC Staff Time General Funds State and Federal Grants Review Historic Preservation Ordinance X X Thomson CSRA RC Staff Time General Funds Community Facilities Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Apply for U.S. Justice Depart­ ment’s Justice Assistance Grant to support law enforcement services. X X Thomson CSRA RC Staff Time General Funds State and Federal Grants Apply for U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants to assist with operating costs of fire protection and EMS. X X Thomson CSRA RC Staff Time General Funds State and Federal Grants Build Railroad Park- 12,000 square foot playground facility. Proposed playground, splash pad, and dog park. X X X McDuffie County Thomson $1.0M SPLOST/ State and Federal Grants ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 153 City of Thomson Community Facilities Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Create a Train-Viewing Platform. X X Thomson DDA TBD General Funds Hotel/Motel Tax, RSVP Funding Build Public Restroom Facilities. Downtown X X X Thomson TBD General Funds SPLOST Apply for Grant Funds for water, sewer, flood and drainage, and roadway improvements. X X X X X Thomson CSRA RC $750,000 to $1.0M Annually General Funds/ SPLOST/State and Federal Grants RSVP Initiative for Downtown Improvements. X X X Thomson Archway $125,000 SPLOST Grants Transportation Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Harrison Road improvements (sidewalks and road improvements). X X Thomson TBD TSPLOST Gordon Street Improvements (sidewalks and road improvements). X X Thomson TBD TSPLOST Main Street and Greenway Street (sidewalks and road improvements) X X Thomson TBD TSPLOST Resurfacing city streets based on priority and needs list. X X X Thomson $600,000 TSPLOST LMIG ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 154 Transportation Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Main Street/US-78 Corridor reduce heavy truck traffic, add landscape bump-outs, crosswalks, and street trees. X X X X X Thomson Archway TBD SPLOST Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Archway is currently reviewing the pre­ vious McDuffie County Trails Plan and revising as needed before adoption. X X McDuffie Thomson Archway Staff Time General Funds Adopt the revised McDuffie County Trails Plan. X X McDuffie Thomson Staff Time General Funds Adopt the revised McDuffie County Trails Plan. X X McDuffie Thomson Staff Time General Funds Invest in pedestrian infrastructure in targeted areas identified in the URP II. X X X X X Thomson Undeter­ mined - project by project basis GDOT, TSPLOST, grant funds Create a Downtown Walking Route “Music Mile” X X X Thomson TBD RSVP Funding Dearing/Thomson Trail System X X X X X Thomson Dearing $250,000 SPLOST ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 155 City of Thomson Land Use Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Adopt design guidelines in identified areas. (Downtown, etc.) X X X Thomson CSRA RC Staff time General Funds Investigate a Downtown Open Container Ordinance. X X X X X Thomson Forward McDuffie Staff time General Funds Consolidate planning boards. There will be 2 members from each jurisdiction. X X McDuffie Thomson Dearing Staff Time General Funds Broadband Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Adopt a resolution that the City of Thomson desires to be fully served by Broadband. X X X Thomson Staff Time General Funds Identify community buildings that would benefit from enhanced broadband and/or could be considered for Broadband Ready designation. X X X Thomson CSRA RC Staff Time DCA General Funds Grants Apply for Broadband Ready designation for chosen community sites. X X X Thomson CSRA RC Staff Time General Funds Grants ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 156 Town of Dearing Economic Development Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Concentrate retail growth in the Commercial Center Character Area. X X X X X Dearing TBD General Funds State and Federal Grants Housing Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Rehabilitate deteriorated housing using CDBG/CHIP funds. X X X X X Dearing CSRA RC $400,000 to $1.0M Annually General Funds CDBG/ CHIP Funds Natural and Cultural Resources Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Nominate additional significant historic structures for the National Register of Historic Places. X X X X X Dearing CSRA RC Staff time General Funds ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 157 Town of Dearing Community Facilities Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Apply for U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants to assist with operating costs of fire protection and EMS. X X X Dearing CSRA RC Staff time General Funds Purchase land for a town cemetery. X X X X X Dearing TBD General Funds Apply for Grant Funds for water, sewer, flood and drainage, and roadway improvements. X X X X X Dearing CSRA RC $750,000 to $1.0M Annually General Funds/ SPLOST/ State and Federal Grants Land Use Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Create a nuisance code in efforts to beautify downtown. X X X X X McDuffie Planning Commission Dearing TBD General Funds Consolidate planning boards. There will be 2 members from each jurisdiction. X X McDuffie Thomson Dearing Staff Time General Funds Land Development Code will be handled by the McDuffie County Planning Commission. (building permits, code enforcement, zoning) X X X X McDuffie Dearing TBD General Funds ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 158 Transportation Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Resurfacing town roads based on priority and needs list. X X X X X Dearing $90,000 SPLOST LMIG Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Invest in pedestrian infrastructure in the Town Center and Commercial Center character areas X X X X X Dearing CSRA RC TBD GDOT, SPLOST, State and Federal Grants TSPLOST Dearing/Thomson Trail System X X X X X Thomson Dearing $250,000 SPLOST Apply for Broadband Ready designation for chosen community sites. X X X Dearing CSRA RC Staff Time General Funds ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 159 Town of Dearing Broadband Project Timeframe Responsible Party Cost Estimate Funding Source(s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Adopt a resolution that the Town of Dearing desires to be fully served by Broadband. X X X Dearing Staff Time General Funds Identify community buildings that would benefit from enhanced broadband and/or could be considered for Broadband Ready designation. X X X Dearing CSRA RC Staff Time DCA General Funds Apply for Broadband Ready designation for chosen community sites. X X X Dearing CSRA RC Staff Time General Funds ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 162 Appendix ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 Edward Morrow From: Samuel BANNISTER Perren <[EMAIL REDACTED]> Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2020 4:29 PM To: Edward Morrow Subject: April Executive Committee Attendance Hi Ed, It was nice talking with you today! Here is the list of participants from the April Thomson-McDuffie Archway Partnership Executive Committee meeting, where we discussed the Comprehensive Plan:  Kelly Evans- Executive Director, East Georgia Housing Authority  Elizabeth Vance- Executive Director, Thomson-McDuffie Tourism  Bea Hart-Moss- Retired  Kenneth Usry- Mayor, City of Thomson  Debbie Jones- Executive Director, Thomson-McDuffie Chamber of Commerce  David Crawley- County Manager, McDuffie County  Mychele Rhodes- Superintendent, McDuffie County Schools  Don Powers- President, Forward McDuffie  Julie Langham- Dean of Off-Site Campuses, Augusta Technical College  Bob Kepshire- CEO, University Hospital McDuffie  Frank Etheridge- City Administrator, City of Thomson  Chase Beggs- Planning and Zoning Administrator, Thomson-McDuffie County  Georgia Hobbs- Retired  Neal Tam- Director of Administrative Services, McDuffie County Schools  Michelle Elliott- Operations Coordinator, UGA Archway Partnership  Sam Perren- Archway Professional, UGA Archway Partnership  Edward Morrow- Regional Planner, CSRA Regional Commission Thanks! Sam Perren, MPA Archway Partnership I Archway Professional 1197 S. Lumpkin Street I Georgia Center, Suite 188 I Athens, GA 30602 [PHONE REDACTED] I [EMAIL REDACTED] I archwaypartnership.uga.edu ---PAGE BREAK--- Good afternoon! My name is Edward Morrow and I’m a regional Planner with the CSRA Regional Commission. The Regional Commission is a public sector, non-profit planning and development agency that serves a 13 county region in the eastern portion of Central Georgia, including McDuffie County. By now, many of you are aware that even in the midst of the pandemic, McDuffie County and its contained jurisdictions are undergoing an update of their Comprehensive Plan, and the regional commission has been contracted to facilitate the process. The comprehensive plan is a document with a long tradition of setting forth the goals and aspirations of a community. It acts as a blueprint, guiding policy and other key decisions for a set period of time. While the goals established in a plan may have a 10, 20 or 30 year horizon, Georgia’s Department of Community Affairs requires that Plans be updated every 5 years to reflect changes in local needs, priorities, and broader economic circumstances. DCA links access to grant funding like CDBG to maintenance of QLG or “Qualified Local Government” status. A well-structured comprehensive plan demonstrates that a community has thoughtfully considered its future. Such a community will be a good steward of taxpayer funds, and will effectively mobilize all of its available resources for maximum return. Simply stated, well- planned communities are competitive communities, attracting both commercial investment and new residents. The Comprehensive Plan is divided into several key areas of consideration or elements. These include: Land Use, Economic Development, Community Facilities, Housing, and Natural and Cultural Resources. This list of required Plan elements was updated in 2018 to include Broadband Services, which focuses specifically on access to broadband-speed internet. Together, these 6 areas encompass the majority of a community’s core systems. The Plan update process represents an opportunity to specify goals and actions that will be taken to reach them with regard to each area. McDuffie County already has a few small area plans like its Urban Redevelopment Plan, and, more recently, the RSVP Plan created in association with UGA’s Archway partnership. The Comprehensive Plan is not intended to replace these plans, but instead encompasses them, ---PAGE BREAK--- and considers where additional targeted policies and projects can help address needs and issues throughout the three jurisdictions. The success of the Plan update process depends heavily on the participation of committed stakeholder committee members and citizens for their input. We can only craft a shared vision for McDuffie County’s future if everyone participates. If you have not already done so, please take a minute to visit the website - mcduffietomorrow.info - and complete the SWOT analysis, Community Improvement Survey, and Visual Preference Survey. Each of these items offers a view into issues experienced locally, and preferences regarding policies to guide future growth. ---PAGE BREAK--- Thomson 1.duffie ceorgIa Thomson-McDuffie Planning Commission 210 Railroad Street, Suite 1544 Thomson, Georgia 30824 AGENDA September 1, 2020 - 6:30 p.m. Government Center Meeting Room WELCOME & CALL TO ORDER Fred Cuerrant IN VOCATION PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE DETERMINATION OF QUOROM APPROVAL OF MINUTES INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS Comprehensive Plan Update — Niece Long, CSRA Regional Commission OLD BUSINESS: Bordeaux Road Names NEW BUSINESS: 1. Conditional Use— Daycare—320 and 322 V. Hill Street 2. Rezone Request — 1096 Boneville Road — (R-1 + R-2) 3. City zoning errors ADJOURNMENT ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Public Hearing 1. Call to order McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan: 2021-2025 September 16, 2020 I 6:30PM Agenda fCityof Thomson McDuffie County, Georgia Thomson uicduffie County, Georgia 2. Purpose of the hearing 3. Information on the comprehensive plan process and public input opportunities 4. Public comment period 5. SWOT Analysis and Community Improvement Survey is available at 6. Adjourn Additional information is available on the back of this agenda. Town of Dearing McDuffie County, Georgia ---PAGE BREAK--- p -1 C 3 C),C D C CD •0 C NJ C 0) C 0)a UI -I CD CD -p C 3 C D C, CD C 00 0) U)0 NJ ---PAGE BREAK--- -1 C 3 U, C D C CDt C N) Ha0 Di C Dia In -3It ID C 3 U, C D CD C Di Ui0 N) c 3 S 0 I t p (4 y p ‘%J-J - - clJ p Lt 5 rFr htt r It ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ZItTJC aflcBUttiC 1ProgrC6 C d u f f I e p r o g r e s s . c o m Thursday, December 31, 2020 world wouldn’t the pherd, and when See ELLA, Lgh room for the we accept Him as our Page 6A Joint Public Hearing Notice 2021) Joint Comprehensive Plan Update lie County, the Tosn of Dearing, and the Cit> of Thomson will hold a Joint Hearing on January 19, 2021 at 5:15 p.m. in Room II 19 of the thomson- lie Government Services Center, 210 Railroad Street. Thomson, Georgia. ?OSC of the joint public hearing ill he to brief the communit’ on the contents of Dntlie Counly Joint Comprehensive Plan and nouI the community of nhen (he II he submitted to the CSRA Regional Commission for reiew. Residents wishing nent or make suggestions or revisions should he in attendance. v of the current plan can he reviewed at the McDuiIie County Hoard of ssioncrs alike. The MeDuflie County Joint Comprehensive l’Jan 2021-2025 is online at the follo’ ing web address: arcgp.go with special needs relating to handicapped accessibility or Ibreign language contact Chase lieutzs at (706) 5’17-7288 prior to January 1 Chase F3eggs can he at (he McDuflie CouTIç Planning (orntnissiln. 210 Railroad Street, Suite 1531 the (bllowing hours; 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Persons v.ith hearing tics can contact the Georgia Relay Service, at (TI)D) 1-[PHONE REDACTED], (Voice) 1- 5-0135, 7-I-I. oq OlE aM 104JE OH 4Etfl ‘Sn uodn awoa susap tuxedo TIE S flOO alE OM UatT (t:gt uqESJ) 5TH pun UN atm AUME o; uoqedma; 1(TIE MOflE v eaq u JTOSJcW epiq “noloATtac siq ‘ssaapoa 8f pia STTSOf ;nq ‘81E04 4011 ifiM OH 4Etfl saswoad OTIt 387 ‘OW 10,4 4J8p ‘sa2n sJt ‘MooN sq SE 1O7 Otfi Ot{4 s Oj4 e Jefferson 1 Cooperatn 1 -877-JEFFERSON www.jec.coop vc aSea ---PAGE BREAK--- SCitYor a Thomso a Town of %Thomson _mcuui i ie Deadng Mebuirpa County. Goomia ‘‘‘fiy, Georgia MCDUIFTQ County Georgia Public Hearing Mcfluffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan: 2021-2025 January 19, 2021, at 5:15 p.m. Agenda • Call to Order • Purpose of the Hearing • Schedule o Upload the Plan to DCA for Review o If approved, each jurisdiction will approve at their February 2021 meeting o DCA will send a letter designating each jurisdiction as a Qualified Local Government • The Comprehensive Plan covers the following: + Purpose of the Comprehensive Plan + Planning Process and Community Involvement > SWOT Analysis > Needs and Opportunities Community Goals > Demographic Overview + Broadband + Economic Development + Housing + Natural and Cultural Resources + Community Facilities + Land Use + Report of Accomplishments + Community Work Program (202 1.2025) • Public Input o Any public input is welcomed at this time and a copy of the McDuffle County Joint Comprehensive Plan 202 1-2025 is available for review. Adjourn ---PAGE BREAK--- n rt n C C a 3 D Li,rt -I Di nt CD Ca D NJ C Di C Dia U, 1 CD CD -1 C 3 Li, C CD C op Di Ui C NJ ---PAGE BREAK--- C 3 U, C :3 nC C CD C) C CD D 3 CD D nC 30 CD ‘C I-aC a) Ca) 0- 1 CD CD -1 C 3 U,0 D C) CD0 aD Di U) C cc 1’a C ---PAGE BREAK--- List of participants for the virtual Stakeholders meeting on January 6, 2021. Kenneth Usry – Mayor of Thomson David Crawley – McDuffie County Administrator Chase Beggs – McDuffie County Planning and Zoning Director Don Powers – Forward McDuffie Sam Perren – UGA Archway Partnership Linda Grijalva – CSRA RC Deputy Director of Government Services Nicee Long – CSRA RC Planning and Development Specialist ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Timestamp What are the greatest of McDuffie County? Consider things that are done well, local advantages, skills, and other resources. 3/20/2020 9:15:56 The people, existing industry, road access, lake access 3/23/2020 11:23:45 People work together well. Archway. Gov cooperation. Citizens want to see community improvement. good industrial base. Close to Augusta and in the CSRA MSA 3/23/2020 11:41:59 Located on the I-20 corridor at Hwy & 17 US Hwy 78 is a great asset. University Hospital and adjacent medical offices provides excellent healthcare for McDuffie and surrounding counties. Thomson-McDuffie serves as a trade center for five counties with total population of approximately 65,000 people.We have strong diverse industrial base with 3/23/2020 11:43:49 good government employees 3/23/2020 14:27:25 Pulling together as a community, city/county combination/ historical sites, close to lake, churches, museum, improved police department 3/23/2020 15:42:56 Excellent small businesses (stores, restaurants), strong churches that are active in community, small-town family-oriented culture. 3/23/2020 15:51:01 3/23/2020 16:16:47 3/23/2020 16:17:00 3/23/2020 16:31:57 Country life 4/12/2020 22:26:12 I20, RSVP downtown revitalization 4/22/2020 11:47:49 Small town, friendly people, integrity 4/22/2020 11:50:28 Community leadership, transportation options, local hospital, 4/22/2020 12:16:14 Lots of local history, access to lake, lots of entrepreneurial spirit (shops, restaurants, etc.) 4/22/2020 12:31:29 LOCATION (proximity to I20, Fort Gordon, the lake, growing economy in Columbia Co) 4/22/2020 13:21:31 It's residents, it's location with plenty of commercial property located near rail and interstate access, along withand a Technical College willing to teach. 4/30/2020 15:31:34 Small town feel - everyone knows everyone. We have access to lots of outdoor resources (Clark Hill lake, GA DNR state ponds, campgrounds). The school system offers several opportunities for students, including the new welding lab. 5/1/2020 8:46:23 There is a large opportunity for economic growth in McDuffie county. We could be the epicenter for industrial and commercial investment due to our location and proximity to I- 20 and other major state thoroughfares. Our current cost of living is also a major strength. 5/12/2020 11:42:41 Proximity to Augusta and the lake; easy access to I-20; friendly people; sense of community,. Augusta TEch provides technical training to help improve the skill of the workforce 5/12/2020 11:46:25 Geographic location. Thurmond Lake. 100 miles from Atlanta, 65 miles from Athens, 150 miles from beaches and the mountains. 30 miles from Augusta's medical center. I-20 5/12/2020 13:50:14 City county government cooperation 5/12/2020 13:50:26 County and city police services 5/12/2020 14:28:51 Good access from downtown to I-20. County has diverse natural resources. Good education resources between school system and Augusta Tech 5/12/2020 15:13:50 The small town community atmosphere and and the ability to come to when necessary is an advantage.The downtown 5/12/2020 15:19:59 There are many outdoor activities that can be accessed by all community residence with little or no charge (camping, hiking, fishing). 5/14/2020 10:09:39 It’s a good place to know your neighbors. We have some great citizens with the skills to make a difference. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5/14/2020 13:27:20 Proximity to larger cities without larger city issues (traffic). Great community/people. Solid workforce and school system. Burgeoning unified vision. Great hospital/healthcare compared to other towns. 6/17/2020 8:29:20 Leadership (not perfect, but willing to get better). Our Emergency Management groups to include Fire, EMS and Law enforcement. 7/6/2020 14:21:08 It’s people, local infrastructure (water/sewer), intergovernmental approach, consolidation where it makes sense, our hospital 7/7/2020 12:29:47 8/13/2020 20:17:17 1) Lower property taxes than other CSRA counties and still close to Augusta, Ft Gordon, SRS, Plant Vogtle. 2) Rural living. 3) Sweetwater Park & YMCA 8/20/2020 11:28:45 Small town living with major amenities nearby while offering some of the basics. 8/20/2020 11:29:03 Small town living with major amenities nearby while offering some of the basics. 8/20/2020 11:29:07 Small town living with major amenities nearby while offering some of the basics. 8/20/2020 17:42:09 None 8/20/2020 21:42:13 Road conditions and maintenance have improved. City Police Department has done a phenomenal job. 8/21/2020 5:26:58 police chief 8/22/2020 21:02:15 Small town sense of Community 8/25/2020 16:56:06 City and county working together. Law enforcement. Proximity to outdoor activities. Accessibility to employees. 8/26/2020 8:48:14 Citizens 8/26/2020 13:59:11 A county that believes in keeping local farmers and land conservation as a priority over sprawling suburbia like other surrounding counties. 10/5/2020 15:43:21 Land is relatively inexpensive. Proximity to Augusta and Fort Gordon. Slower pace of life. Country living is still a reality. Good relationships with neighbors. 11/14/2020 20:05:02 Land to develop Timestamp y g improved upon, and areas that may be lacking. 3/20/2020 9:15:56 Persistent poverty, influence of poor into our community, housing stock (developers and non-profits only want to build more low-very low income housing with tax incentives) 3/23/2020 11:23:45 Leadership needs expanding and diversification. Sometimes hurt by all the growth in Col County. Prevalent perception that local school system is underperforming, even though the reality is likely different. Tax base is stagnant or decreasing. per capita income needs to grow. 3/23/2020 11:41:59 City infrastructure such as water/sewer is in need of maintenance. Future growth will not occur unless proper planning with areas identified for expansion. Lack of housing stock in $175,000 an up value creates environment where median household income restricts ability to recruit and acquire higher quality retail stores. Poverty is very evident in the community. Progress is being shown in the school system, but ratings are not reflected in posted online educational ratings. 3/23/2020 11:43:49 so many needy people. few people care about cultural or educational events ---PAGE BREAK--- 3/23/2020 14:27:25 Communication from city/county officials-many times we hear local news from Augusta outlets rather than McDuffie County. We need to know about schools, law enforcement and what's going on in the city/county. Local schools rank very low on "Great Schools." It's difficult to attract young families with children or new businesses with needy schools. 3/23/2020 15:42:56 Crime/drugs/poverty issues (these are often interrelated). Education issues that relate to home-life of some students. Lack of rural high-speed internet. 3/23/2020 15:51:01 Too rural, lack of quality shops and recreation. 3/23/2020 16:16:47 3/23/2020 16:17:00 3/23/2020 16:31:57 4/12/2020 22:26:12 School System, Large rental housing stock in poor condition 4/22/2020 11:47:49 Few shopping, dining, and entertainment options 4/22/2020 11:50:28 g y p g g enforcement 4/22/2020 12:16:14 Poverty, education/parenting, housing issues (including too much section 8 housing) 4/22/2020 12:31:29 Lack of long term vision. 4/22/2020 13:21:31 A major weakness appears to be one of what's in it for me. We have a nice looking hospital, which unfortunately sends way too many patients out of the county. We don't offer much in the way to attract seniors to remain in the area. 4/30/2020 15:31:34 Sometimes it feels that we make it hard for some small businesses to locate here. There are also times where it feels like we are reluctant to change how things are done. 5/1/2020 8:46:23 Our lack of a well designed and maintained downtown area limits it's growth potential. Other similarly sized towns in Georgia have a city center that allows them to host events that generate revenue for the businesses in that area. Imagine Blind Willie being held downtown. The restaurants and shops would see more traffic in a weekend than they do most of the year. 5/12/2020 11:42:41 Lack of affordable housing stock; empty dilapidated houses and buildings make certain parts of town look run down. There are disparities in the earnings of the workforce - either professional or minimum wage. Increased educational opportunities could enhance the workforce to attract industries that pay better than fast food. 5/12/2020 11:46:25 An apathetic citizenry that prefers to complain AFTER major issues are decided rather than working to keep themselves informed beforehand. The local governments could be more transparent and the local media outlets could be more timely and less intermittent in their due diligence. The people should be encouraged to become involved. The government leaders also talk a lot about improvements but get sidetracked by political turf wars and whose toes they might step on or whose sensitivities they may offend. 5/12/2020 13:50:14 School system 5/12/2020 13:50:26 Public housing, Industries, Retail, recreation, Government leadership, downtown development, more traffic signal, road widening, businesses developed off bypass.Ex 5/12/2020 14:28:51 g y p y g g y county. Lack of unifying identity for the county and it's residents 5/12/2020 15:13:50 p Theand filled. 5/12/2020 15:19:59 There has been little change in economic growth in many years. No place to shop, little variety in dining preferences. Plus a lack of quality in medical care. The takeover by University Hospital did nothing to enhance the quality of care you receive at the local 5/14/2020 10:09:39 Improve and strengthen educational system so young couples will want to live, work and educate their children in McDuffie County. Race relations are not what they should and could be. We don’t work together for the good of all. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5/14/2020 13:27:20 Lack of downtown investment. Not great grocery options. 6/17/2020 8:29:20 One thing that is one of our largest weaknesses, that would benefit ALL, is a build-out of quality broadband across the county. The second biggest weakness is the last of leadership from the community to join the city/county leaders to set goals, promote and make happen industrial development. The third thing is an investment education offerings specifically for our high school youth - ensuring they know what their options are when they graduate. 7/6/2020 14:21:08 y g g small business program, no Main Street program 7/7/2020 12:29:47 School board and Regulating the kaolin mines 8/13/2020 20:17:17 side of the county more folks will be willing to relocate to and still be in commuting distance) GATE 6 will be opening soon. 8/20/2020 11:28:45 Lack of activities for children, your, and young adults 8/20/2020 11:29:03 Lack of activities for children, your, and young adults 8/20/2020 11:29:07 Lack of activities for children, your, and young adults 8/20/2020 17:42:09 p g p Estate Ownersp 8/20/2020 21:42:13 Public school system 8/21/2020 5:26:58 Schools, 8/22/2020 21:02:15 We need a bigger Animal Shelter. A way to make sure folks spay & neuter their dogs & cats . I’m sick to death of folks that are not responsible pet owners Run the idiot walking up & down Main Street out of town . He is trying to create hate . 8/25/2020 16:56:06 Communication with constituents-some are unable to attend meetings. Results should be communicated through media. Tapping industry and revenue producing sources. 8/26/2020 8:48:14 County manager needs to go. He has continuously allowed too many issues to go on in the Human Resources category. It leaves us as citizens liable for his mistakes and the county liable for any issues that may arise. 8/26/2020 13:59:11 Falling behind in keeping up with technological infrastructure. Also, lack of communication to our inhabitants on where to go for resources (including grants) in improving agriculture/land for small farms. 10/5/2020 15:43:21 No internet in rural areas. Lack of primary employers to bring revenue to the county. Hard to keep children from going to big cities when they grow up because of lack of economic opportunity. 11/14/2020 20:05:02 City don't Return phone calls Timestamp What are the greatest OPPORTUNITIES available to McDuffie County? Consider untapped resources, and areas where expansion might be possible. 3/20/2020 9:15:56 Development of lake area, improved school testing, hi-tech and boutique farms, landscaping nurseries, land cost, access to interstate, water and sewer availability, modern hospital, airport 3/23/2020 11:23:45 The work we are doing with Archway. The lake property has potential. Interstate property is ripe for development. Commercial at exit 172, industrial at exit175. Residential potential at exit 175 south of I-20. Additional exit 169 has not been developed at all. Airport expansion. Greater use of first class recreation facilities. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3/23/2020 11:41:59 Exit 169 on I-20 could be next best area for planned growth. Town of Dearing is experiencing growth with new restaurants and shops. Many say this is the new growth opportunity area of McDuffie County. 3/23/2020 11:43:49 overflow of educated persons from Harlem area 3/23/2020 14:27:25 Dine in restaurants that are family friendly. Capitalize on the historic portions of the county. Cleaning up the city streets. Sprucing up around town to make it more eye appealing. Enlist citizens for projects that would enhance the community. Do more projects like Chief Evans did with the Assistant Chief for the Day. High profile of administrators and officials in setting the example of making the county better.The hospital is a great asset. 3/23/2020 15:42:56 Drawing tourists in via the Lake. More sit-down restaurants by the interstate. Drawing new families who are coming to Fort Gordon/overflow from Columbia county. Affordable middle- class housing. 3/23/2020 15:51:01 No shortage of land space. opportunities for new development and redevelopment. Convenient to major highways. 3/23/2020 16:16:47 3/23/2020 16:17:00 3/23/2020 16:31:57 Keep mines off Wisham Rd 4/12/2020 22:26:12 g pp y g Center 4/22/2020 11:47:49 Draw new residents seeking small town and/or rural lifestyle 4/22/2020 11:50:28 p p g g p g African American tourism 4/22/2020 12:16:14 downtown, historical sites, outdoor recreation, we need a good city park 4/22/2020 12:31:29 Opportunity to take advantage of the growth at Fort Gordon 4/22/2020 13:21:31 Some untapped resources are the utilization of camping opportunities in the area. Why can't a plan be drawn up for our high school students and technical students to up date the electrical outlets and camping sites in our area campgrounds? Carpentry work, electrical, plumbing, and horticultural opportunities are there and many local businesses would probably donate a lot of the support, materials, and oversight of student 4/30/2020 15:31:34 Housing growth near Fort Gordon. We also have vacant industrial lots, but it is not clear who recruits businesses for those areas or what is done. Many people in the Appling area were very much against the Club Car expansion and the Amazon construction at the Harlem/Appling exit. That land had to be developed, yet just 8 miles away we had property already developed for industry. 5/1/2020 8:46:23 Currently residents of outlying communities drive right passed Thomson and McDuffie county on their way to Augusta to meet their shopping needs. With the addition of the 3rd exit on I-20 there are even more opportunities to help grow in a controlled manner. Salaries that align better with state averages is also an opportunity. How many residents of McDuffie county drive to Augusta and beyond every day of the week because of the higher pay rates? 5/12/2020 11:42:41 Downtown is pedestrian friendly but there are very few places you would want to walk to. There are places to eat, but there are no shops to browse in or outdoor areas to sit. I-20 access is a great opportunity for businesses to establish here; 5/12/2020 11:46:25 I believe that McDuffie County is ideally located and has the land availability to become a retirement location for middle income and younger retirees, folks not seeking full-time jobs and a certain demographic for school-age children. The Raysville area would be perfect except for the fact that it is buried in blight and a fear of trying to work with the federal government to gain better access to the lake. Rousseau Creek area is an example. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5/12/2020 13:50:14 Specialty shopping I.e. shoes, ladies wear 5/12/2020 13:50:26 Expansion of Washington rd to 5 lanes. Turn lane off Washington rd east to I 20 5/12/2020 14:28:51 With growth in Columbia county coming further east we should actively market the Cobbham road industrial park. Leverage lake access within the county to have a nice park or lake retreat area. Maybe expand park facilities at Raysville campground. 5/12/2020 15:13:50 The greatest opportunities where expansion might be possible is providing more free recreational activities with in the city limits. 5/12/2020 15:19:59 There are so many empty store fronts that can be filled new businesses, and they sit there to rot. There is enough land to attract big business like Amazon, Caterpillar, etc. 5/14/2020 10:09:39 All people working together is the greatest opportunity which would help utilize our resources and expand all areas for improvement. 5/14/2020 13:27:20 Many opportunities to make downtown vibrant/populated. Residential possibilities, green space, etc. 6/17/2020 8:29:20 With the growth in the counties east of us (Columbia, Richmond), we have an opportunity to promote to the CSRA - McDuffie county - to encourage investors to begin building neighborhoods on the east side of McDuffie county and continue moving west. Regarding the west side of the county, with the addition of Exit 169 off I-20, there is 7/6/2020 14:21:08 y p gas access, develop a small business incubator 7/7/2020 12:29:47 8/13/2020 20:17:17 Gordon Hwy corridor (historic) - tourism - scenic rural 8/20/2020 11:28:45 possible activity type business which might appeal to younger people. 8/20/2020 11:29:03 possible activity type business which might appeal to younger people. 8/20/2020 11:29:07 possible activity type business which might appeal to younger people. 8/20/2020 17:42:09 Hwy 277 old Winn Dixie Shopping ctr, vacant property across from Walmart, vacant property across from Advance Warehouse, upgrade Michael Restaurant and those building along hey 278. Invite potential Businesses to explore all of Dearing for housing, gas station services and more 8/20/2020 21:42:13 8/21/2020 5:26:58 more jobs, employee retention in school system 8/22/2020 21:02:15 1 year license for dogs & cats owners . All pets must be spayed or neutered inless they are a purebred and used for breeding. If not spayed or neutered- they get fined. If they don’t pats their yearly License for their pet/pets -they get fined . All of the money goes to the shelter. 8/25/2020 16:56:06 Utilizing Augusta Tech expertise, Tapping sources from industry. Selling our county instead of status quo 8/26/2020 8:48:14 Development along the 17 bypass. Developing near exit 175. More transparency with the citizens of the county. 8/26/2020 13:59:11 I think we can have a county that can enjoy prosperity (in a more rural/Ag setting, without having to cave to suburban sprawl and the headaches that comes with it. 10/5/2020 15:43:21 Proximity to Fort Gordon and the Cyber Center is huge opportunity for economic development. Rail and Freeway access facilitates the possibility of increased manufacturing operations. 11/14/2020 20:05:02 Real estate and recreation ---PAGE BREAK--- Timestamp What are the greatest external THREATS affecting McDuffie County? Consider the kinds of obstacles the County faces and other known impediments to improvement. 3/20/2020 9:15:56 diseases, continued focus on Columbia/Richmond Counties as our direct competitors, reduction of funding support from state as priorities shift 3/23/2020 11:23:45 Reactive leadership as opposed to proactive. Expecting new and better results while doing things the same. 3/23/2020 11:41:59 Apathy. To many residents are not interested in becoming involved in community affairs. We need more emphasis on developing young, bright, future leaders to lead. Rural broadband will determine our ability to compete at all levels of economic development in the future. County officials should seek partnerships and new providers to meet the demand for technology that will be required to meet future needs. 3/23/2020 11:43:49 no young people want to live here 3/23/2020 14:27:25 Crime, loss of jobs, untrained people to fill job openings, aging population, increasing poverty, low rating of school. Weak communication from city and county officials. We don't know what's going on, the needs in the community and what the challenges are for our officials. Lack of communication and transparency breeds mistrust. 3/23/2020 15:42:56 Public perceptions of crime, drugs, poverty, and school system. Columbia County's ability to pay police officers and teachers more money takes away some of our best people. 3/23/2020 15:51:01 Under educated workforce, thereby not being able to attract major companies to the area. 3/23/2020 16:16:47 I hope they never consider mining around the subdivisions off of White Oak and Whisham Roads. 3/23/2020 16:17:00 I hope they never consider mining around the subdivisions off of White Oak and Whisham Roads. 3/23/2020 16:31:57 Keep mines off Wisham Rd I live on Windsor Way 4/12/2020 22:26:12 Columbia County, 4/22/2020 11:47:49 Lack of investment in shopping, dining and entertainment options. 4/22/2020 11:50:28 Lack of broadband options 4/22/2020 12:16:14 crime, poverty, lack of imagination and leadership from longstanding families that tend to control lots of power and property. 4/22/2020 12:31:29 We continue to stay stagnant without growing and investing in our community. this will lead to a poor community that lacks resources to take care of the families that live here. 4/22/2020 13:21:31 Once again, some of the external threats affecting the county seem to fall into the what's in it for me category. There doesn't appear to be a lot of interest in attracting new businesses, other than Washington road. The county airport doesn't have any area set aside to show off local artist work, points of interest and management doesn't seem to appreciate they are running Our county airport, not theirs. 4/30/2020 15:31:34 It is hard for any industry to compete with what is offered in Columbia County. Salary, available activities, parks, infrastructure, etc. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5/1/2020 8:46:23 Not having reliable broadband access for businesses is limiting our growth potential. Implementing a bypass around the town with multiple red lights and no time saving opportunities has not changed the travel patterns of most OTR trucks. They carry various materials and chemicals (some of them highly hazardous) through town. They drive aggressively and speed through the city limits. Hwy 17 heading to Wrens is a virtual racetrack with transfer trucks reaching speeds of 60mph or greater before exiting the city limits. Had the bypass been built with overpasses and not red light it would have given a better option for those trucks. As it is, there are the same number of red lights on the bypass as 5/12/2020 11:42:41 Increasing level of poverty. People who are barely making it have no money to spend. Lack of disposable income halts growth. 5/12/2020 11:46:25 The greatest external threats come from within. This community has created a negative perception of its own public school system and has spread it to their friends and relatives who live elsewhere. The plethora of cheap rental property has made the city a haven for transient living and those with no incentive to demonstrate pride in the community. The owners of tenant housing have overindulged and failed to see the big picture of what they 5/12/2020 13:50:14 Drugs 5/12/2020 13:50:26 Growth in neighboring countries. 5/12/2020 14:28:51 y p groups base decisions on these metrics and will not give McDuffie county a second 5/12/2020 15:13:50 g p g g shopping center. 5/12/2020 15:19:59 The few people who control the land in the county who are afraid outsiders will gain more influence than them if they are allowed to come in. That is why Thomson will never grow as a community. There are so many people I personally know who only live in Thomson, but spend their money in other counties because of lack of variety. 5/14/2020 10:09:39 Don’t know of any external threats. To me, they seem to be internal. Inability to work together, two different agendas, lack of effective, strong and decisive discipline in schools are threats to our county. 5/14/2020 13:27:20 6/17/2020 8:29:20 Our inability to build long-lasting relationships across races. All we have to do is look at Richmond County metro government and NOT make the mistakes they are making. 7/6/2020 14:21:08 The state wide tariff of broadband services allowed the providers to no longer have to negotiate rates with local jurisdictions. We have no recourse. Mental health issues aren’t manifesting themselves in increased calls for service. 7/7/2020 12:29:47 8/13/2020 20:17:17 Mining leases. 8/20/2020 11:28:45 Crime, poverty, lack of pride for the community 8/20/2020 11:29:03 Crime, poverty, lack of pride for the community 8/20/2020 11:29:07 Crime, poverty, lack of pride for the community 8/20/2020 17:42:09 Eliminate drugs, improve or remove abandon houses, and crack down on animal control (dogs not on lease). 8/20/2020 21:42:13 8/21/2020 5:26:58 school system , no community involvement 8/22/2020 21:02:15 Getting kids& drugs off the streets ---PAGE BREAK--- 8/25/2020 16:56:06 School system. Poor ratings are not attractive to industry. Unemployment and large number of people on public assistance. 8/26/2020 8:48:14 One of our threats is allowing our population growth to outgrow our services and infrastructure. Need more public safety. If people feel safe they will come to the county. 8/26/2020 13:59:11 One threat is that leadership in this county will try to be like some of the other surrounding counties in bringing in too much "non-rural" activities, buildings, etc... As much as I am for prosperity, I enjoy the country life and the ability to spread out. Leaders need NOT give in to people (including themselves) and have this county turn into "Columbia county" Yes, there are some good things going on there, do not take me wrong; but Columbia county is 10/5/2020 15:43:21 I'd say the biggest threat to McDuffie County is that it becomes a crowded suburb of Columbia County without any primary economic development. We need businesses in McDuffie County that are building the local economy and tax base. 11/14/2020 20:05:02 Traffic. ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Visual Preference Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK---