The map of the city of Lithia Springs created jointly by the city and Douglas County in the 1990s is the starting point of the analysis for this area.
Based on stakeholder feedback and the logical boundaries offered by existing streets, the project boundary was expanded. This area is contemplated as the “Historic Lithia Springs” Character Area. Recommendations for an expanded “Greater Lithia Springs” Character Area are also contemplated as a part of this study.
At the heart of this assessment is a parcel-by-parcel evaluation of the existing built footprint of the Lithia Springs area. The study area includes approximately 1,919 acres and 2,085 parcels. Douglas County overall is 128,640 acres and 54,553 parcels.
An assessment of greenfield, greyfield and brownfield development opportunities also pointed to the potential for new development.
- Greenfield” development on areas of vacant or undeveloped land is generally the easiest way to change land use.
- “Greyfield” development is something in the middle of a greenfield and a brownfield. Greyfield areas refer to land uses that have faded or deteriorated, often appear abandoned and not maintained. Market conditions may not make it viable to find a new use or tenant for the property. Or a landlord may be satisfied with the existing return on his investment, so he doesn’t feel the need to improve the appearance of the property.
- “Brownfield” development can be the hardest thing to accomplish. Brownfields are generally areas where a past land use – such as a gas station, cleaners, or manufacturing plant – have left contamination in the ground that makes redevelopment of that site potentially harmful, if not properly remediated.
The Lithia Springs area, and the greater Highway 78 corridor, have examples of all of these. And even though greenfield, greyfield, and brownfield parcels may co-exist side-by-side, a development approach needs to be tailored to the unique characteristics of the site.