Initial evaluation of the potential Scenic Byway study boundary focused on an area that was approximately one mile north and south of the Highway 166 corridor. This extent was identified in part because it captured many of the large, undeveloped tracts of land that have direct access to Highway 166.
Because of the county’s unique topography and the relationship among multiple aspects of critical sites, the boundary was broadened. Though it remains approximately one mile off of the north side of the proposed byway corridor, it was expanded on the south side to the county line to evaluate potential impacts.
For much of this area, the county boundary is the Chattahoochee River. The river has important contributions to the intrinsic qualities of documented resources in the area.
But establishing the county line as the limitation of the study boundary adjacent to Carroll County covers a larger geography. Considerations of this area include the presence of multiple small historic community nodes; existing watershed protection regulations; and expansion of future infrastructure that will enable development with a direct impact to the proposed byway and surrounding area.
Two additional study areas are under evaluation here. At their next meeting, the Steering Committee will be asked to evaluate these alternatives and present feedback. Initially, one segment focused on areas generally east of Capps Ferry Road and south of Highway 166. This area is primarily comprised of two large mixed use development project: Foxhall and The Preserve.
Both projects have received zoning entitlement and are actively working toward build out of their overall concept plans. Central to the viability of these projects is a sewer line expansion in the area. The expanded sewer capacity will serve both Foxhall and The Preserve, as well as connect into an existing, older line that serves the St. Andrews neighborhood.
A second segment focused primarily on the three smaller historic communities – Fairplay, Hannah, and McWhorter. This area is primarily rural residential in nature, with active agricultural operations and a number of institutional uses, such as schools and churches. Commercial development is generally limited to a handful of filling stations with convenience stores.
Within the context of the intrinsic qualities of the scenic byway, what is the best way to evaluate this area? And what solution gives rise to the better policy implications as the public evaluates potential corridor management issues? The area for discussion is highlighted below in the blue cross-hatch. Thoughts or feedback on the best boundaries in this area are welcome.
The next meeting of the Scenic Byway Steering Committee meeting will be held Friday, June 25, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. in the community meeting room at the Dog River Library. This meeting is open to the public.